President: Sarah Calhoun
Editor: Andrea Giudice
Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder
Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972
Toll-Free: 866.799.8436
From the editor: Hello fellow GDUISters
Happy HowlyDays!!! Even with the hustle bustle of December, this is one of my favorite times of year. While I don’t much enjoy the emphasis on commercialism I cherish my family’s traditions! One thing that does frustrate me about this time of year is the exaggerated focus on being kind, everyone makes a big deal about appreciating people and performing acts of kindness. Please- do not misunderstand me- I am a devotee of both, however, as an all-year thing not a seasonal event. I encourage thoughts to be turned to the months when the vast majority of folks are not donating to food banks, shelters (human and animal), and similar organizations. Our contributions are needed, perhaps even more, during those non-holiday months!
Well, enough of that soap boxing! Toto and I hope you, your dogs, along with all your other family members- furry and otherwise- have a wonderful final few weeks of 2023! Here’s hoping 2024 is full of laughter, high-value treats, adventures, simple pleasures, fun surprises, and time spent with people- and animals, that make the world a better place!
I encourage everyone to remember how easy it is to get involved in publishing this newsletter! – share a favorite podcast; an interesting, silly, absurd, or touching tidbit from your local paper; something you wrote yourself or written by someone else; a helpful app or other resource; even a yummy recipe. Remember, submissions about guide dogs, or blindness/visual impairment are not the only topics of interest to we GDUISters!
Sending cyber hugs and wags,
Andrea and Super T
From the President- Greetings and Happy Holidays!
GDUI has had another remarkable and productive year, we could not have done this without the fantastic support, work, suggestions and concerns from the membership! I am proud to be a member of such a creative and forward moving organization surrounded by guide dog handlers and supporters.
Thank you to everyone who voted in the GDUI 2023 elections. The membership elected Liz Bottner, Vickie Kennedy and Kay Malmquist to fill three director positions. Three of the four proposed Bylaw amendments passed. GDUI will begin the 2024 New Year with a terrific board of directors.
Membership renewal is open! You can renew your membership by visiting our website www.gdui.org or call our office manager, Lynn Merrill at 866.799.8436. Your support is greatly appreciated, we value your loyalty.
From our house to yours, wishing you, your guide dog, family and friends a Blessed and enjoyable holiday season!
Sarah Calhoun & retired Lakota
For your Calendar
(many of the items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue)
12/7/2023, 6PM ET Unidentified Canine Respiratory Illness:
What You Need to Know to Protect Your Dog (Webinar)
(free, online-only event hosted via Zoom. )
12/13/23, 11AM (PT)- AT Guys’ free webinar, Discover the Hable One
12/26/2023, 7:00PM (CT)- Tech It Out- Monthly Hadley Discussion Group
Announcement- Unidentified Canine Respiratory Illness:
What You Need to Know to Protect Your Dog
Webinar on Thursday,12/7/2023 at 6PM ET
Join us as AMC’s Dr. Ann Hohenhaus leads an informative session on the unidentified canine infectious respiratory disease complex. Tune in for the latest developments and to discover steps you can take to protect your canine companion. Please submit your questions in advance upon registering for this event.
This is a free, online-only event hosted via Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to all registered participants the day of the event. Please email UsdanInstitute@amcny.org with any questions.
Register for Unidentified Canine Respiratory Illness Webinar
https://app.glueup.com/event/94471/
The Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is the leading provider of pet health information. If you have a question about pet health, we have the answer.
Questions about the Usdan Institute?
Email: usdaninstitute@amcny.org
Visit: www.amcny.org/usdaninstitute
Call: 212-329-8524
Announcement- Titer test sites for travel to Hawaii
If you wish to travel to Hawaii, now your veterinarian has three choices to send your guide’s titer test to. Originally, all of the titer tests were sent to Kansas State University, but with an increase in demand, it started to become overloaded. So now, there are two other processing centers. Many veterinarians are not yet aware of this. Your veterinarian can now send the titer test to any of those listed below. Of course, they should call or email them first to be sure they have a processing account there.
- Kansas State University,
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
PH: 785-532-5650 or,
866-512-5650
Email: clientcare@vet.k-state.edu
- Auburn University,
Serology-Virology Lab
PH: 334-844-2659
Email: virology@vetmed.auburn.edu
- University of Missouri,
One Health-Rabies Lab
PH: 573-882-3646
Email: muvmdlrabies@missouri.edu
If you or your veterinarian have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Respectfully submitted by,
Vickie Kennedy
PH: 808-222-8862
Email: vreikok@gmail.com
Announcement- Seeing Eye webinar about air travel with guide dogs
On September 22 2023, The Seeing Eye presented a webinar about air travel with a guide dog. The webinar was recorded and is now available to the general public through The Seeing Eye website on the Rights & Legal Information page, under Airlines & Cruise Ships.
To access the webinar directly, go to: https://tinyurl.com/34sur8v6
Seeking gifting ideas? Still haven’t gotten your holiday cards? Check out the following-
From- National Braille Press
2023 Holiday Cards (Merry and Bright)
10 print/braille cards with envelopes, $20.00
New print/braille magnet “You make me happy when skies are gray.” $6.00
2024 Peanuts Happiness Is Calendar- $17.00
Favorite Christmas Carols, $12.00
Contact NBP to learn more about these items, and so much more at
888-965-8965
From APH- InSights Art Calendar: Large Print-Braille, 2024 $9.00
Catalog Number: 5-18971-24
This beautiful full-color calendar features the artwork of visually impaired artists. Suitable for low vision or blind students and adults or anyone who enjoys unique artwork.
Months, days, holidays, and moon phases appear in both braille and large print.
https://www.aph.org/product/aph-insights-art-calendar-large-print-braille-single-copy-2024/
Editor’s note- I love giving sighted children and adults print/braille calendars, and sending braille/print cards. It’s a great way to spread the beauty of braille!
Contributed by Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)
Holiday Giving Guide for Dog Lovers, December 2023
Trusted, tail-wagging favorites to make the most of everyone’s holiday season.
L.L. Bean Yellow Lab Diner Mug- 16 ounces, $16.00.
Add a touch of whimsy to your coffee time with this fun, vintage-style diner mug featuring a yellow Lab puppy chewing on an iconic L.L. Bean boot. Made of thick, durable stoneware, this glossy off-white mug makes a great gift for the holidays or any day of the year. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Measures 4.75″L X 3.5″W X 4.5″H.
Deluxe Fleece Nonskid Dog Mat- Available in three sizes, starting at $29.00
Soft, thick and comfy! Give your favorite pup a cozy warm place to curl up with this durable, nonskid fleece dog mat. Custom milled in the US, the mat’s high-density polyester fiber is non-allergenic, non-toxic and resistant to staining. The rubberized ribs on the backing help to prevent the mat from slipping on smooth surfaces. Makes an excellent car seat cover or furniture protector for the pampered pet. Machine wash and tumble dry.
https://www.cleanrun.com/product/deluxe_fleece_nonskid_dog_mats/index.cfm
Wild Maine Blueberry Dog Treats- Three one-ounce bags, $10.00
Lab tested and approved. Bella’s all-natural wild Maine blueberry bite-sized morsels are perfect for clicker training — or anytime you want to spoil your favorite canine fur babies. Bella’s Blueberry Bites are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and other wholesome ingredients including whole wheat flour, oatmeal, Wyman’s dried wild Maine blueberries, molasses, vegetable oil, flaxseed, and cinnamon.
https://www.bellaboosblues.com/products/bella-bites
Waterproof Phone Pouch- $10.00
Whether you’re paddling Maine’s scenic Allagash Wilderness Waterway, or exploring new territories during inclement weather, ensure that your cell phone stays dry with this waterproof pouch made with a crystal-clear transparent material. The pouch offers complete protection against rain, snow, and other water hazards, while still providing excellent touch screen response sensitivity when using the phone for outdoor activities, such as taking pics of your pup and launching Be My Eyes or Aira. Available in a variety of colors with an adjustable lanyard that can also be detached. Fits most cell phones with or without a case. Measures 8.27 x 4.33 x 0.05 inches.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079HV3TC9/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=A3DJTZRS1C5A82&th=1
Sea Bags Black Lab Bucket Bag- $50.00
All paws on deck! Handcrafted from recycled sail cloth on the working waterfront in Portland, Maine, this adorable little bucket bag with a hemp rope handle stands upright and open, ready to be filled with puppy outing essentials or other go-bag gear. The design on this unique and durable bag features a black Lab wearing a blue bandanna while carrying a red ball in its mouth. Measures 9″h x 7″w. Machine wash, line dry.
https://seabags.com/black-lab-bucket-bag/S001589.html
Kuranda Platform Dog Bed- Prices start at $80.00
Elevate the everyday with Kuranda’s cot-style dog beds. A favorite among many puppy raisers, these platform beds are comfortable, chew proof and easy to clean. The beds are specially engineered to evenly distribute your dog’s weight to provide greater joint relief. The edges of the base fabric are secured inside a special channel in the frame making it totally inaccessible to dogs that chew. Unlike pillow beds that hold onto dirt, odors and pet hair, the bed can just be wiped down or rinsed off with a hose to clean. Kuranda Bed Pads and other accessories are all machine washable. Available in a variety of colors, sizes, styles, and materials.
Duffel Poop Bag Holder- $10.00
Sparkle and shimmer this holiday season with a stylish glittery gold or shiny red duffel bag specially made for storing doggy waste bags. Flashy and festive dog couture not your style? Dial it back a bit and choose from an array of solid colors, patterns, faux leather, and even a highly visible, silvery gray reflective model. The soft fabric holder includes a roll of 12 large easy tie handle bags with side gussets, a zipper for refilling rolls, and an opening in the bottom for dispensing bags. Fits both tie handle and standard refill rolls. The duffel attaches to any leash, belt, purse or pack using the hook-and-loop strap or metal carabiner clip. After picking up, simply clip the filled bag to the carabiner and continue on your way — hands free. Measures 3.25″ L x 1.5″ W x 1.5″ H.
https://dogbag.com/faux-leather-waste-bag-duffel-holder/
KoKoLati Hand-Crafted Leather Dog Collar- Prices start at $110.00
Go ahead, splurge! Choose from an array of luxurious hand-crafted leather dog collars with intricate designs ranging from sea turtles to mythical dragons and more. Or work with owner Mary Esposito, a legally blind artist and leather crafter to bring your very own design to life. The artistry on these unique leather collars is showcased on beautiful, natural vegetable tanned European leather. Some designs even have a hint of sparkle with embedded Swarovski crystals. Collars come in a variety of colors, sizes, and widths. Matching bracelets for humans are also available.
Packable Rain Dog Poncho- Pricing for larger sizes starts at $16.00
Gear up for your dog’s next outdoor adventure with the RC Pet rain poncho. It easily tucks away into a small convenient carrying pouch, making it a snap to toss into your purse or pack so you’ll be prepared to cover up your best canine companion on the next rainy day. The lightweight pet poncho is made of a water-resistant Taffeta shell with a hood and an adjustable Velcro waist band. Available in several fun colors and designs including rubber duckies, paper planes, raindrops and more. Comes in seven different sizes.
https://rcpets.com/packable-rain-poncho/
KONG Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy-
Spin, roll, and wobble for action-packed fun! KONG’s rugged, multi-functional treat dispensing toy provides entertaining, interactive fun by engaging your dog in a mind-bending game of get the treats. To load the toy, just unscrew the top and fill it with your dog’s treats or food. The toy sits upright until pushed by a dog’s paw or nose and then periodically dispenses tasty rewards as it bops about in unpredictable movements. The Wobbler can also be used as an alternative to a dog bowl to help slow and extend your dog’s mealtime. Made in the USA using globally sourced materials.
From- 64 Ounce Games
We’ve just created a new site on
where we have put some blind themed shirts and other things like mugs, phone cases and more.
Shirts Available in multiple colors and sizes, designs include…
Blind not Deaf – Shows a stick figure yelling at a blind stick figure
Do I look like a know sign? – A shirt celebrating the question that blind people are asked all the time
WARNING! Don’t touch me – A shirt showing a blind stick figure smacking someone who touched without permission with their cane
A black circle that says “I read in the dark” in print and braille
A picture with a blind stick figure saying “I don’t speak braille”
From Access Information News for Monday, November 27, 2023
Low Vision Resources on a Dime, Future In Sight
Remember the five and dime stores, when items were literally priced 5-10 cents each? Nowadays we enjoy our local dollar store, which used to mean $1.00 but now means $1.25. Regardless, there are still great deals! Did you know that your local dollar store has amazing low-vision products for a fraction of the cost? Here are a few of our favorites!
futureinsight.org/blog-lowvisionresources/
Announcement- NLS launches listserv for patrons
Want to learn how to make the most of the services NLS provides? The NLS Patron Engagement Section now hosts an announce-only listserv that will include information and updates about NLS programs, services, and products that might be of interest to patrons. New posts will be added to the list a few times a week. If you are interested in signing up for this listserv, please send your name and email address to the Patron Engagement Section at nlspes@loc.gov. You will be able to unsubscribe yourself from the list at any time
Book Review- By Ann Chiappetta
Forward Together
An Inside Look at Guide Dog Training
Author- Christie Bane
Copyright- 2020, 662 pp
NLS BARD catalog # DB100008, Narrated by Kristin Allison
Also Available in print and eBook formats from Amazon
ide-Training/dp/B089729GJL
Christie Bane, the author of Forward Together An Inside Look at Guide Dog Training, is candid, direct, and this reader found it refreshing and gratifying. She simplified the nomenclature, acronyms and jargon used by instructors and program staff, explaining myths like corrections, food rewards, and many other aspects of canine behavior. Bane also explained how behavior is developed and how instructors identify and test a dog’s temperament, drive, and a desire to assert intelligent disobedience.
Bane is thorough in explaining many of the lesser-known aspects of the service dog industry, including the frequently used acronym GDMI, which stands for a guide dog mobility instructor. She explained how the various guide dog training programs train dogs and each program is an independent, nonprofit organization and not affiliated with the other programs in the United States. It struck me that the various training programs are like colleges, each with an established identity and philosophy and style related to raising and training guide dogs and training the people being matched with them. She also reviewed the history of guide dog training and how it reached the United States first with the Seeing Eye ™ and so forth.
I downloaded this book from the National Library Service BARD website after hearing positive feedback about it from another guide dog handler. This Book was powerful to this reader because of being a guide dog handler. It provided an in-depth and complementary perspective of training a guide dog. Bane is also a technically astute author and the book flows well. Her talent kept me reading which is another reason for liking this book; it kept my interest even when it became a bit more technical at times.
I enjoyed the way Bane described the equipment and surroundings a blind person might miss in the scenes as well as the body language a dog displays during the training and matching process. Bane’s passion for dogs and the people matched with them is clearly defined in this book, as is her professional experience and compassion and deep empathy and respect for people with vision loss.
The shift in training methods, i.e., from compulsion and negative reinforcement to positive reward-based training methods was fascinating and I came away with a better understanding of why my dog does what it does based on her explanation in this book. The message of this book is thoughtful and practical while also suggesting that above all else, a GDMI must be humble and possess not just confidence and organizational skills, but know how to communicate with both dogs and people. This reader especially likes the ending for it shows the author’s genuine connection with dogs and the passion to train, match, and understand them.
This is a must read for guide and service dog trainers, staff members, puppy raisers, perspective handlers, family members, and trainers/ apprentices and individuals interested in disability studies.
Rating: Five stars
Note from Editor- This book sounds like a good bet for gifting to puppy raisers, trainers, and anyone who loves our guides for the work they do and the independence they give us!
From the editor- My Grandmother always said, “a penny saved is a penny saved.” Becoming more informed about all things financial is always a good idea, however, at this time of year, it seems more pressing. I want to learn more about the following organization and am delighted to share their mission and website information here.
Penny Forward is a nonprofit organization founded and led by blind people. Through education, mentoring, and mutual support, we help each other learn to confidently navigate the complicated landscape of personal finance.
Penny Forward- Website: https://www.pennyforward.com/
Membership Specials- https://www.pennyforward.com/membership/
Until 12/31/2023, a monthly membership is $6.66 a month for the first year and a yearly membership is $66 for the first year. After the first year, membership goes up to $9.99 monthly and $99 yearly.
Opinion from Toto’s “uncle” Cosmo (beloved pet dog of this Editor’s mom and Stepdad
Why it is great to be a dog!!(Dogthor unknown)
1) No one expects you to take a bath every day.
2) If it itches, you can scratch it.
3) There’s no such thing as bad food.
4) A bone can entertain you for hours.
5) If you grow hair in weird places, no one notices.
6) You can lie around all day without worrying about being fired.
7) You don’t get in trouble for putting your head in a stranger’s lap.
8) You’re always excited to see the same people.
9) Having big feet is considered an asset.
10) Puppy love can last.
Announcement- Accessible Advent calendar!
You can access this Web-based Advent calendar by visiting the following link.
https://games.tactiletimes.org/advent
Announcement- More from Usdan Institute
Sharing Hanukkah with our furry family members makes it even more special, but some traditions can be dangerous. Hanukkah starts this week, and with eight nights of festivities, it’s important to take precautions to keep pets safe.
For more ways to keep pets safe during the holidays, watch Dr. Carly Fox’s presentation at the link below!
Holiday Pet Safety- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0JzlkmbSMA
For access to pet health articles, upcoming events, video tutorials, and other pet parent educational resources, Explore the Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education at- www.amcny.org/usdaninstitute
Announcement- Discover the Hable One- AT Guys’ free webinar!
Wednesday December 13, 2023- 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT
Learn About The Hable One, AT Guys’ newest product that allows you to remotely control your smart phone with an easy-to-use interface. Use the Hable one as if you were using braille screen input in screen away mode. No need for a table to quickly enter text and control your phone. You can even wake your phone up with it still in your pocket! This webinar highlights its simplified text entry, app navigation, and call management. Reserve your spot here:
https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=24
From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!
Beef, Pork, and Black Bean Chili
Seeing Eye Students look forward to a steaming hot bowl of this thick and meaty chili after training in Morristown on a cold winter’s morning.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 lb. ground pork
1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. chuck steak, fat trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup water
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
3 large roma tomatoes, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 large red bell pepper, diced
2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed & drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 cup beef broth or less, if desired
Grated cheddar cheese for garnish
Heat oil in heavy stock pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and pork and cook until brown, about 5 minutes. Add cubed beef and garlic and cook 5 minutes more. Add water and bring to a boil. Add cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, tomato paste, and sugar. Reduce heat and simmer covered for about 15 minutes. Add tomatoes, onions, and peppers and simmer about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add black beans and cilantro. Stir in beef broth, 1/2 cup at a time until chili is desired consistency. Bring to a boil and simmer about 3 minutes. Ladle chili into bowls and top with grated cheddar cheese.
Cooking Tip: Brown ground beef for a few minutes on each side before breaking apart into smaller pieces.
Snippets from Access Information News for Monday, November 27, 2023
From Wish Lists to Checkouts: Making Holiday Shopping Accessible for Everyone
AccessibilitySpark.com, November 19, 2023
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and giving. It’s a time when people come together to exchange gifts, express gratitude, and create cherished memories. For businesses, it’s also a time of increased sales, where shoppers look for the perfect gifts for their loved ones. In this digital realm, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of making the shopping experience accessible to everyone. While the convenience of online shopping is undeniable, it also presents challenges for individuals with disabilities. Navigating online stores, selecting products, and completing purchases can be cumbersome or even impossible without proper accessibility features. Let’s explore the concept of accessibility and holiday shopping and its profound impact on individuals with disabilities:
The 8 Best Grocery Delivery Services in 2023- CNet.com
According to some reports, as much as half of the US population participates in some form of online grocery shopping. There are now dozens of places online to buy your weekly provisions and have them shipped directly to your home. Much like meal kits and meal delivery services, these companies provide lightning-fast shipping, competitive prices and major convenience in hopes of earning a slice of your weekly food budget. To save yourself time and hassle, an easy grocery delivery service can take one of your big weekly tasks off your hands and allow you to carefully curate your grocery haul from the comfort of home. To help you pick the right one, we’ve set out to test all the top players to find the best grocery delivery service for 2023:
https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-grocery-delivery-service/
OrCam Technologies Unveils OrCam Read 3-First AI-Driven All-In-One Solution For People With Low Vision And Visual Impairments
This groundbreaking, all-in-one solution was unveiled on November 14, 2023 by OrCam Technologies, a global leader in personal, AI-driven assistive tech innovations. OrCam Read 3 will change the way individuals with vision loss and reading difficulties interact with visual materials. Just point the device at a book, computer screen, product packaging or any text, and the AI technology will loudly and clearly read the text aloud or through earphones. It even supports 17 different languages:
Board Game Playing Tips for People with Vision Issues
Board games are an exciting pastime that people of all ages and walks of life can enjoy. Though many think these are a little outdated compared to gaming in the digital world, innovative board games are coming out and are highly anticipated. However, not everyone can play at their fullest potential; board games rely heavily on visuals and careful observation, which is difficult for those with vision issues. Millions of people struggle with vision impairment and blindness in America. Though people with vision issues can enjoy board games, it’s much more challenging and can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are ways to make playing more comfortable and accessible so more people can join the fun. Here are some board game-playing tips for people with vision issues:
sequentialplanet.com/board-game-playing-tips-for-people-with-vision-issues
Study Finds Brain Area That Can Assist Blind People In Face Recognition
Researchers have identified a specific brain region that helps vision-impaired people recognize basic faces. They have also created an experimental gadget that assists blind people in recognizing basic facial expressions. Georgetown University Medical Center neuroscientists revealed that the fusiform face area, a vital region for face processing in sighted people, plays an important role in helping blind people recognize faces:
interestingengineering.com/science/brain-assist-blind-face-recognition
Podcasts and blogs- Check these out!
Ask the Vet Podcast
https://www.amcny.org/ask-the-vet-podcast/
Insights & Sound Bites- Hadley audio podcast: Listen in as people facing vision loss share their insights about what has helped them cope and adjust.
hadley.edu/podcasts/insights-and-sound-bites
AppleVis Unleashed November 2023: Liar, Liar Pants on Fire
Listen to “AppleVis Unleashed November 2023: Liar, Liar Pants on Fire”
Digital Accessibility Podcasts- Ricky Onsman, TPGi- November 14, 2023
You’ve subscribed to the newsletters and RSS feeds, you’ve expanded your library, but what about digital accessibility podcasts? Podcasts have been one of the great enablers for exploring digital accessibility issues and for giving voice to people with disabilities in general. There are literally thousands of podcasts out there, and there are hundreds that have at least some relevance to digital accessibility. In this article, I’ve concentrated on three groups of podcasts:
www.tpgi.com/digital-accessibility-podcasts/
Accessible Insights Blog
Happy Holidays! Let’s Go Shopping Attendees! As promised, below is a link that will take you to my blog, on which you will find the audio recording of the recent LGS event. There are a total of 4 files, day one, parts 1 and 2, and day two, parts 1 and 2. Each part is separated by a header identifying the part, along with the names of the businesses you’ll hear in that part. Listen here:
https://accessibleinsights.info/blog/2023/11/22/the-lets-go-shopping-2023-audio-recordings-are-here/
Story- News Flash!! 🦮Big Yellow Dog Retires
By Ann Chiappetta
Bailey, my second Guiding Eyes dog guide, has hung up the harness. He is now the senior adopted dog of house Chiappetta and for him, at least the change is good. It’s a push and pull of relief and regret for the humans, though. But hey, he’s almost eleven, has bounced back from lung cancer and enjoys napping in the sun in his new backyard.
We met in 2015 and during the second week of class I returned home with a serious case of RSV. A month later, when we reunited, he flew into my lap and nibbled my cheek as if to say, “Finally, we’re together again!”
Our first year was exciting and focused. His energy and love of working became infectious. He approached it all with curiosity and confidence. This is his best trait. The most difficult one to control is his scavenging and I hope his successor is not as intense in this category.
He is a great swimmer, doesn’t play fetch, drools profusely waiting for his meals and tolerates our cats with quiet dignity. He loves learning new tricks and learned to roll over, spin and balance a treat on his nose.
Amusing quirks:
- When he barks, which isn’t often, he scares himself.
- When exiting a vehicle in a new location he needs a moment to scent the air before moving on.
- Loves to sleep under my desk
- Expresses impatience by sighing like a person
- Walks on the tips of his toes and spreads out his toes when excited.
- Air licks if he can’t get to your face.
The most significant saves while working were clearing us from a dangling wire hanging from the ceiling in an office building and a utility wire laying on a sidewalk. Avoiding e-scooters more than once while crossing a street. Plus, numerous traffic checks on the block leading to my former office building .
As with the retirement of my first dog, Verona, I am posting my call for a new canine partner. My needs have changed over the past ten years yet the drive to be independent has become stronger as I age. I am cognizant the next dog will most likely be the last guide dog for me. Here’s to the next potential partnership and adventure.
Situation Wanted
A sixty-something white female who just happens to be blind is seeking a highly motivated working dog. If you are a Labrador retriever and are willing to work with me, please read the job requirements. Only serious applicants need apply.
Males preferred but will consider a female if all other character and personality traits are met.
- Height: over 20 inches; weight: 75 lbs. Color: no preference.
- I am a moderate walker, use a support cane and travel in all modes of transportation. This includes paratransit vans and public buses. I also fly at least once a year and ride passenger trains. I stay in hotels and motels. I visit cities and live in the suburbs. I shop and attend social gatherings and meetings.
- My new partner must be experienced in offering a kind and gentle nose to other furry critters including cats and guinea pigs and other dogs as well as children. You will be filling the paws of my current partner, who is retired. He has been an amazing worker, friend, and part of our family for over ten years.
If you have read these requirements and feel that you have the right combination of breed, personality, manners, strength, adaptability, affection, drive, and possess intelligent disobedience skills, and wish to work with a human who will trust and love you the best she can, please send your contact information to Ann Chiappetta, Care of: Guiding Eyes for the Blind 611 Granite springs Road, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
Article- Department of Justice Focused on Advancing Web Accessibility
By Michael Caprara, Chief Information Officer
(The Viscardi Center, 8/9/ 23- https://das.viscardicenter.org/department-of-justice-focused-on-advancing-web-accessibility/)
In a continued effort to promote equal access and inclusivity, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Biden-Harris Administration have joined forces to advance a proposed rule that aims to strengthen web and mobile app accessibility for people with disabilities. With the ever-increasing reliance on digital platforms, ensuring that public services are accessible to all is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive society. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed over 30 years ago, many people with disabilities still cannot access services that are web or mobile-based. The pandemic brought to light the unequal access and the inability for the disabled to conduct vital online transactions, such as filing taxes, enrolling in health and human services, signing up for COVID vaccines and conducting banking activities, that those without disabilities simply take for granted.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key points of the DOJ’s proposed rule and how it seeks to bridge the accessibility gap in the digital realm.
Promoting Inclusive Innovation: In recognition of the 33rd anniversary of the passing of the ADA, the Biden-Harris administration made clear its commitment to making public services accessible to all and underscores the significance of inclusive innovation. By taking a proactive approach to address digital inequalities, the administration sets an example for other institutions to follow. Implementing universal design principles and prioritizing accessibility can lead to technological advancements that benefit everyone.
Clearer Guidelines for Online Accessibility: One of the most notable aspects of the proposed DOJ rule is its emphasis on clear accessibility guidelines. It suggests that digital content should be presented in a way that accommodates individuals with various disabilities, such as visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive. By providing specific, standardized criteria, state and local government agencies can take actionable steps to remove digital barriers and create a more inclusive online environment.
Prioritizing Inclusive Digital Spaces: By setting new accessibility standards, the Department of Justice aims to encourage businesses and organizations to prioritize accessibility during the development of digital services. This shift towards inclusivity has the potential to create a more diverse and representative online landscape that benefits not only individuals with disabilities but also a broader audience.
Broader Impact: The proposed rule has the potential to significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities by removing digital barriers. By enhancing online accessibility, it naturally promotes independence and self-sufficiency. Moreover, the initiative sets a precedent for private businesses and organizations to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the public sector.
Digital accessibility is a fundamental right that ensures equal opportunities for everyone. The proposed rule by the DOJ and the ongoing efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration showcase actionable support for the disability community and the importance of accessibility. Read more on the proposed DOJ rule and the administration’s efforts to make it easier for people with disabilities to access public services online.
Poem- Doggone Good
By Ann Chiappetta
Good dog
Guide dog
Love what you do
Cool dog
Goofy boy
So much respect for you
Yellow dog
Poochie-poo
with a big brown nose
Steps out,
Nostrils flared
Catching
Air-scented code.
Guide dog
Good dog
There’s so much we do
In you
There is acceptance
loyalty
My moods don’t have you fooled
Big dog
Bigger heart
Grateful to be a pair
Stepping out
I want to shout
I trust in your care.
Good Dog
Guide dog
My heart is full
Love you
To the moon and back.
Glad to be matched with you.
Editor’s note- announcements and articles, for GDUI- News You Can Use, are culled from a variety of sources; Hence inclusion herein does not imply GDUI endorses, supports or verifies their contents. Information, ideas, or expressed opinions are not advice, therefore should not be treated as such. Factual errors are the responsibility of the listed source.
Sincerely,
Sarah Calhoun, President
Guide Dog Users, Inc.
Andrea Giudice, Editor
Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder
Paws for GDUI News You Can Use
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