Update from GDUI on Guide Dog Schools

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI), the largest organization of guide dog consumers in the United States, supports and appreciates the guide dog programs that train our guides and we are invested in their future success. This is why we, officers of GDUI, are writing on behalf of our concerned members to a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Braille forum 2013-07, Vol.52 (1), p.50
Main Authors: Mehta, Laurie, Randall, Mary Beth, Crawford, Charles, Calhoun, Sarah, Metzger, Mary Beth, Phelps, Dianne B, Barton, Paula
Format: Magazinearticle
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal training
Employment security
Guide dogs
Quality of service
Trainers
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Summary:Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI), the largest organization of guide dog consumers in the United States, supports and appreciates the guide dog programs that train our guides and we are invested in their future success. This is why we, officers of GDUI, are writing on behalf of our concerned members to ask U.S. guide dog training programs to give the highest priority to recognizing and retaining the service of committed, professional guide dog trainers. We are deeply concerned by recent, apparent, large cuts in experienced staff at some major guide dog training programs. The expertise of committed, professional guide dog trainers is essential to both guide dog handler-consumers and the schools that exist to provide high-quality guide dog training. We believe that it is in the best interest of the schools to recruit, as well as retain and reward the expert trainers who have made a career commitment to this profession. Please share our letter widely among your staff and directors. GDUI supports the women and men who have devoted their lives and talents to guide dog training because they contribute significantly and uniquely to the quality of our lives. The future of guide dog training programs depends on the expertise of these specialized trainers and the expertise that the next generation of trainers can gain through working with these trainers. Experienced guide dog trainers play a vital role in the reputation and very existence of each and every guide dog training program. This matter is of utmost importance to all of us - guide dog schools and consumers alike. GDUI urges guide dog schools to take tangible action to retain the service of these specialized professionals and to safeguard their employment.
ISSN:0006-8772