John Byfield A Lifetime Of Service - Expanding Research At Guide Dogs UK
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Edition 43 | November 2020
vi•sion•ar•y (vizh’n-eri || -erri) adj. 1. Characterised by vision or foresight
John Byfield
A Lifetime Of Service
Expanding Research
At Guide Dogs UK
A Focus On Human Behavioural Sciences
Registered in England Company No 2376162
IGDF UK
Registered Charity No 1062441
Contents
First and foremost, membership of the IGDF 3 Message from the Chair
Bill Thornton
enables Guide Dog Schools around the world
4 IGDF Assessments
to join a community dedicated to serving the 4 Tribute To A Visionary
visually impaired. That community needs Israel Guide Dog
5 John Byfield: A Lifetime Of
and wants to share its knowledge and the Service
IGDF
IGDF facilitates that. 6 Expanding Research At Guide
Dogs UK ; A Focus On Human
Behavioural Sciences
The map below outlines the contributing Guide Dog’ Research Team
countries for this edition of Visionary. 7 From “No Dogs Allowed” To A
Warm Welcome
Bracha Ben-Avraham
8 We Believe In Travel
Independence For All
Rachelle Kniffen
9 New Resource On Early
Socialization
Dani Prebensen, Zita Penrose,
Elizabeth Rote, Jane Russenberger
9 Hong Kong Guide Dogs
Association And Ocean Park
Signed A MOU....
Naptin To
10 Creating Connected
Communities
Gemma Hills
11 From Kaliningrad To Magadan
On Horse Sleigh
Dogs as Assistants for Disabled
People
Cover Photo:
Front cover picture - Cute puppies having fun with a food bowl.
Flags displayed for this edition are:
Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, UK, USA, Russia
Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading
Berkshire RG7 3YG United Kingdom
www.igdf.org.uk
2 | the Visionary | IGDF
Canada | BC & Alberta Guide Dogs
Message from has just completed the first phase
in the project. Under the guidance
of NEN, (The Royal Netherlands
the Chair Standardization Institute),
committee has completed ISO Form
the
1. Essentially, this is the application
to start the process of creating a new
international standard. Our application
will be reviewed by the ISO reviewing
Bill Thornton - Chief Executive Officer
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, Canada
committee in Geneva. If approved,
the application will then be sent to
the 187 ISO member countries to be
Greetings IGDF Friends, voted on. If the vote succeeds, then
This is the first edition of Visionary we start the process of establishing
since our recent AGM and as your standards. The whole process
newly minted Chair, I would like to will take 3-4 years. There will be a
thank our immediate past Chair, standards committee, various working
Paul Metcalf for his eight years of groups (6-8) and mirror committees
outstanding service to the IGDF. Paul in as many countries as possible that
New IGDF Chair, Bill Thornton showing off a
served as Chair for the last four years. have a Guide Dog Program. There cute fluffy puppy.
He has left the organization in great needs to be a minimum of 8 national
shape and has set the bar high for my mirror committees. Early in 2021 we are endless and in the words of
tenure. Many thanks to Paul and we will host a webinar explaining the ISO Winston Churchill, “We make a living
all look forward to working with him process, content and advantages of ISO from what we get – We make a life by
as he continues to volunteer for the Standards to our members. what we give” – thank you all.
IGDF as Chair of the ISO process. My As you can see, the Board and In these COVID-19 times, I wish
congratulations to Karen Hayes on her committees, are running at full steam you all good health and may your
election to the Board. Karen’s strong and we have a very large volume of organizations continue to prosper and
corporate background and service in work ahead of us. I would like to thank, grow.
the not-for-profit sector will serve us David Maynard, our quarterback in the
all well. Lastly, once again my thanks UK Office, my colleagues on the Board Bill Thornton
to the members that stood for election, and the huge number of members IGDF Chair
giving us a healthy competitive that volunteer on our committees and
election process. You are our IGDF working groups. The pay is zero, the
stars of the future – thank you. hours are long, however, the rewards
The Board has agreed unanimously to
establish a new Education Committee,
which will be Co-Chaired by Christine
Baroni-Pretsch and Tim Stafford.
Our Co-Chairs are in the process of
completing the terms of reference and
recruiting committee members, and
we will keep you informed of progress.
The goal is to broaden education
opportunities for our members, first
through technical education of GDMIs
and Guide Dog Trainers. This will all
tie in with ISO down the road. We Vice-Chair: Christine Turc Treasurer: Wells Jones Christine Baroni-Precsh
will host a webinar in due course to France USA Switzerland
keep everyone informed. This is an
exciting venture which will add value
to membership.
The Board has started developing a new
IGDF Strategic Plan and Karen Hayes is
leading the project, supported by Tim
Stafford. We have engaged consultants
to take us through the process. We are
starting with the Board and then plan
to have a membership survey in mid-
January.
The ISO (International Organization Karen Hayes Kazumasa Oda Tim Stafford
for Standardization) project committee Australia Japan United Kingdom
Disclaimer
Whilst the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) retains editorial right to all articles presented within the Visionary, accuracy of specific
detail and figures quoted are as provided by the author and their supporting organisation.
The IGDF, whilst welcoming feedback on content, will not enter into any dialogue relating to perceived inaccuracies in these areas.
Issue 43 | November 20 | 3
IGDF | UK Israel | Israel Guide Dog
IGDF Tribute To A Visionary
Assessments
Due to the continuing
restrictions on international
We are saddened by the death of An amazing part of Leventhal’s legacy
travel, assessment visits are still
Norman Leventhal, Co-Founder of is that he had no connection to the
suspended. There are therefore Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind, world of the blind or even of dogs prior
no new members or assessments on February 23, 2020, at the age of 90. to 1986. Braun says, “What Norman
to report. The Accreditation had was the stubborn determination
Born in Utica, New York, USA, Norman
Committee (AC) is currently to break down barriers. The word
was later recruited into the Army’s
working on proposals to make ‘no’ was not in his lexicon. Norman
Special Weapons Development
increased use of technology in believed that everything is possible.
Program. Following, military service,
assessments, so that these can he earned a degree from Northeastern Norman wasn’t just a dreamer. He was
University in Boston, Massachusetts. a visionary.”
resume as soon as possible.
That led to a job at General Electric. He
Jane Thornton, C.O.O. and Co-Founder
Several applications for IGDF was also a businessperson, turning a
of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind,
membership have been received modest family business, a motor lodge
and a past Chair of the IGDF says,
in recent months, which is very and restaurant, into a neighbourhood
“Norman was such a nice man. He
landmark. He was involved with
encouraging in these challenging talked to everyone at the seminars,
charities, and even delved into
times. The Board and AC will municipal politics. was always smiling and kind, and will
prioritise scheduling assessments be remembered by many as the man
for these organisations once A diplomat from the Israeli consulate who always had a camera and took
in New York introduced Noach Braun, many photos, eager to share them with
assessments resume.
CEO & Co-Founder of Israel Guide everyone. Many in our industry will
The AC has also been working to Dog Center for the Blind, to Leventhal miss him very much.”
in 1986. Braun’s pipe dream was to
revise the IGDF Standards, and Braun adds, “He (Norman) was kind,
open a guide dog training center to
will circulate the proposed new aid Israel’s blind population. Braun gracious, giving, and but most of all
Standards to all members. AC had almost given up his dream before loving. His charm could break down
Chair Susan Armstrong will also meeting Leventhal. “It all succeeded barriers. His smile and laughter could
present the new Standards during because Norman worked very, very light up the darkest rooms. And his
a Webinar. There will then be hard to get the guide dog schools in boldness would achieve results.”
America to open the door for me”,
a period of consultation, during Leventhal had a major influence on the
says Braun, who wasn’t getting much
which members can comment on support from the Israeli government guide dog industry. He left us with his
the new draft. These comments and travelled to the United States to legacy at the Israel Guide Dog Center
will then be considered by the AC learn guide dog training. This was and his inspiration everywhere else.
and Board and a new Standards before the establishment of the IGDF.
document will be published.
Our best wishes go to the
following organisation
which has left the IGDF:
• Malta Guide Dogs Foundation
(Malta)
Norman having cuddles with a litter of puppies
4 | the Visionary | IGDF
UK | IGDF
John Byfield:
A Lifetime Of Service
When asked about hidden gems, Lancashire Training Center, where he
one’s mind usually turns to quiet worked for three additional years.
beaches, tranquil forests, and even
quaint restaurants, but there is also a In 1964 John emigrated to the United
hidden gem in the worldwide guide dog States with wife Pam and two young
community. sons to join Guide Dog Foundation in
Smithtown, New York. He began his
John Byfield is known around the globe tenure there as a Trainer/Instructor
for his years of experience as a guide and was appointed Training Director in
dog Trainer/Instructor. He has worked 1966, aiding in their mission to provide
for many schools, with many breeds, guide dogs and training to those
in varying capacities, and has shared who needed them at no charge, and
his endless knowledge as a speaker at developing their training program.
conferences in various countries, many
times over. Robbie and Charlie Kaman were
An old black and white photo of John Byfield
beginning Fidelco Guide Dog training at Guide Dogs, UK
John’s career began in June of 1958 Foundation in Connecticut in the early
when he was hired as an Apprentice 1980s and hired John as their first dogs and instruct people. John has done
Trainer for The Guide Dogs for the Blind employee and Training Director in 1981. work for the International Guide Dog
Association (GDBA) at their Leamington He stayed with Fidelco for 28 years and Federation and was a charter member
had the opportunity to develop their of their Development Committee. In
Spa Training Center in Warwickshire,
that capacity he evaluated guide dog
England. GDBA provides guide dogs, In-Community Placement program,
programs in Australia, Japan, Spain,
mobility and other rehabilitation allowing recipients to train with their
Germany, France, and Canada, and
services to those who need them across new guide dogs at home, where they live
once spent two weeks in Poland working
the United Kingdom. In 1961 John and work, instead of going to classes on
with a new program.
was transferred to their new Bolton, the school’s campus.
John has trained Dalmatians,
John joined Freedom Guide Dogs for
Weimaraners and mixed breed dogs
the Blind, Inc., in April of 1999 as the
as guides, although the mainstay
Director of Training. Interestingly,
is Labradors, Golden Retrievers and
he was hired by Freedom Executive
German Shepherds. Walking is not as
Director Eric Loori, who previously had
easy as in the early days, but he is still
been hired by John at both Guide Dog
able and has never lost interest. “I’m
Foundation and Fidelco! After working
always stimulated by instructing and
at Freedom’s upstate New York campus
training, and I still have some mileage
for a few years, John moved to Florida
in me!” he laughs. “It’s a great feeling
in 2003 and commuted regularly to
every time a pair qualifies, and it takes
New York. Since Freedom’s Hometown
many people working together to come
TrainingTM program allows for placing
to the end result. The trainer is visible,
guide dogs with clients at their home,
but puppy raisers, volunteers and staff
he trained guide dogs in New York and
members all have a part in what we
Florida and helped with placements
do.” And his wife, Pam, has remained
along the entire east coast of the United
supportive through all the traveling.
States while commuting back and forth.
Already based mainly in Florida, John John’s retirement in the late spring
became Freedom’s Director of Southern of 2020 doesn’t mean that Byfield is a
Operations about six years ago and name missing from the guide dog world.
now oversees guide dog placements in Grandson Nick Byfield is a Trainer at
Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The Seeing Eye, Inc. in New Jersey. He
has been there for several years and is
Throughout John’s career he trained very enthusiastic. John said, “We are
guide dogs and coordinated their very proud of him and what he’s doing.”
placement with approximately 1200
blind and visually impaired clients. He Celebrating 62 years as a guide dog
has been uniquely active throughout Trainer/Instructor, John is looking
the years with no lapses, and was sure to forward to the whatever his next
John Byfield training a poodle in Florida find positions where he could both train chapter will bring!
Issue 43 | November 20 | 5
Guide Dogs | UK
Expanding Research At Guide Dogs UK ; A Focus
On Human Behavioural Sciences
research programme provides the individual needs of the dog. Over the
Guide Dogs’ Research Team
Guide Dogs, UK evidence we need to enable people past couple of years Guide Dogs have
with sight loss to live actively, live worked on projects including designing
independently, and live well. a standardised socialisation program
Guide Dogs’ research programme
Research projects are commissioned for puppies and understanding factors
underpins the key objective of
in response to both internal and affecting dystocia, stillbirth and
providing life-changing services to the
external requests. All projects undergo neonatal survival.
two million people in the UK living
with sight loss. Guide Dogs’ research a robust review process, as well as Over the next few years our canine
in canine science has been a primary ethical review where appropriate, to science focus will be to:
focus for many years and has achieved ensure the work is scientifically valid,
ethically sound and offers tangible • Develop a new system to measure
worldwide recognition and status.
benefits to the organisation and our behaviour throughout the lifetime of
Guide Dogs launched a new research
stakeholders. Our work draws on a the dog
strategy in 2020, and we are excited
to introduce our human behavioural range of qualitative and quantitative • Create a database of the full genome
sciences stream. methods and relies on engagement sequence of 3,000 dogs, enabling us to
with a range of stakeholders; including breed dogs that are better suited for the
Guide Dogs’ research programme
customers, volunteers and staff. The guiding role and continue to support
The Guide Dogs’ Research Team is research team are keen to share the our dogs’ health and wellbeing.
based at the National Breeding Centre knowledge gained and, where relevant,
in Warwickshire. Research Associates aims to publish the results to the • Explore the impact of neutering
conduct internal research projects and benefit of the wider community. We female dogs before or after puberty
collaborate with external organisations are always happy to share our work, on growth, behavioural development,
and academics undertaking research please just get in touch. health and progression through
on our behalf or using our data. The training.
Canine science
research programme helps Guide Human behavioural sciences
Dogs understand the needs of our The focus of our well-established
service users, as well as maximising canine science programme is to In 2020 we launched a new area
the care provided to our dogs. Our support the behaviour, health and of research, human behavioural
goal is to undertake quality research wellbeing of all our dogs. We aim to sciences, with the aim of supporting
that provides a sound evidence base ensure that our breeding, training the emotional wellbeing of our service
to support policies, operational and welfare practices are grounded users, their family and friends. This
procedures, and campaigns. Our in scientific evidence and consider the builds on previous work including
the development of a mobility-
related quality-of-life measure for
people with vision impairment and
exploring how a dog attack affects
the wellbeing of the guide dog owner.
Human behavioural sciences comprise
a range of disciplines that explore
psychological and social processes;
including people’s interactions with
the environment and other species.
Our human behavioural sciences
programme will provide evidence to
support service development, service
quality and enhance our customer
reach. Over the coming years, our
research will prioritise: identifying
barriers to service access; supporting
wellbeing; improving engagement
with support networks; understanding
our impact; identifying areas for
improvement; and providing an
evidence base for initiating human
behaviour change. Initial focus will be
on projects centred around wellbeing
A woman with vision impairment, holding a white cane, stands with a Guide Dogs UK Orientation and and enhancing service outcomes.
Mobility Specialist at a pedestrian crossing. Earlier this year Guide Dogs, in
6 | the Visionary | IGDF
Israel Guide Dog Center | Israel UK | Guide Dogs
conjunction with the University increase knowledge around the The research programme has
of Nottingham, commissioned an emotional wellbeing of children with a been fortunate to work with a
online survey to assess the impact of vision impairment. large number of universities,
COVID19 restrictions on people with • Improve our understanding of organisations and assistance dog
vision impairment. the impact of vision impairment on schools. The team are always keen
peoples’ lives. We aim to develop to establish new collaborations and
Future human behavioural sciences
outcome measures that reflect what welcome contact from external
projects will:
people living with sight loss identify organisations, institutions, and IGDF
• Aid the ongoing evaluation and as the most important facets of living schools regarding proposed research
development of the buddy dogs service active and independent lives. Outputs projects. You can contact us on
for children. Outputs from this work will help Guide Dogs understand research@guidedogs.org.uk for more
will increase our understanding our impact and future service information and to explore potential
of customer wants and needs; and improvement. opportunities for collaboration.
From “No Dogs revolutionary legislation for guide dog
users everywhere.
Allowed” To A The British Friends Organization of
the Israel Guide Dog Center was eager
Warm Welcome to host a guide dog team from Israel,
and in February of 2013 my guide
dog Dinka and I had the honor of
Bracha Ben-Avraham being the first guide dog team from
Israel Guide Dog Center Israel (and possibly from any non-
European country) to enter the United José Feliciano
In the late 1960s the well-known singer- Kingdom. The Director of our Resource
Development Department Dennis with Dinka the previous year, and in
songwriter José Feliciano wrote a
Allon and I made the trip together. I many ways our meeting marked the
protest song called “No Dogs Allowed”.
meticulously completed the strict entry closure of a circle. The important issue
The song recounted how he attempted
of unlimited international travel for
to enter the British Isles with his guide requirements of obtaining veterinary
guide dog users that Feliciano raised in
dog and was refused entry by an airport treatments for Dinka and filling out the
his song “No Dogs Allowed” had finally
official, who told him: “You can sing necessary forms. When we were issued
been resolved!
and work and play for the crowd, but a permit to enter the City of London by
I’m sorry, sir, no dogs allowed.” the Heathrow Animal Reception Center Dinka is a Labrador - golden retriever
official and walked through passport cross who was born at the Israel Guide
The British Isles had long-standing control with Dinka in harness I sensed Dog Center in October, 2010. She and
quarantine laws which were established that we were living a historic moment. I were paired when she was two years
to keep the country rabies-free, and old, and our partnership lasted for
no dogs were allowed to enter Great During that landmark trip we were
over 7 wonderful years. During the
Britain without first being quarantined warmly received by many people,
course of our partnership we traveled
for six months. However, in January including former M.P. David Blunkett,
to the United States, Canada, and
of 2012 - more than 40 years after Amos Miller who was then head of the Great Britain several times to engage
Feliciano wrote his song - Great Britain British Guide Dog Users’ Association, in fundraising and publicity work for
eliminated its entry restrictions for dogs Anthony Krais who is the former Chief the center, and we even flew as far
and other mammals and changed the Executive of the Jewish Blind Society as Hawaii to visit my family. During
regulations to fit those of the European in England and Lifelong President of those trips my fabulous guide dog
Community. The elimination of the the British Friends of the Israel Guide led me effortlessly along the crowded
centuries-old quarantine laws was a Dog Center, as well as Rabbi Ephraim sidewalks of Manhattan, through the
Mervis, who had recently become House of Commons and Westminster
the Head Rabbi of London. The trip Abby in London, accompanied me to
opened the door for other graduates of the Canadian Parliament and Niagara
the Israel Guide Dog Center to visit the Falls, and hiked along the trails on
British Isles and strengthened the ties Maui’s volcano at an altitude of more
between the center, Great Britain, and than 4,000 feet. She did her job
its Jewish community in London and beautifully wherever we went and was
Manchester. loved and admired by everyone we met.
José Feliciano no longer uses a Dinka is now retired and has been
guide dog, but has retained a close adopted by a loving family who raised
relationship with the Israel Guide Dog one of Dinka’s litter-mates and was
Center for many years. A year and a eager to care for her when she retired.
half after my groundbreaking trip to In February of 2020 I was partnered
Great Britain Feliciano traveled to Israel with Bardot – a lovely female black
to give a benefit concert for the Israel Labrador retriever. Parting with Dinka
Guide Dog Center. When I met José – the dog who made history with me -
before the concert he was delighted to was difficult, but Bardot is proving to
Dinka in Hawaii wearing a traditional Lei learn that I had entered Great Britain be a faithful and loving companion.
Issue 43 | November 20 | 7
Leader Dogs for the Blind | USA
We Believe The program uses time away from
home distractions to solidify skills
In Travel and the understanding of orientation
concepts. In 2020, we expanded our
Independence For O&M program to include multiple
All training options. Client offerings
include Introduction to O&M if they’ve
had little to no O&M training, O&M
Rachelle Kniffen-Director of
Communications and Marketing Brush-Up after a recent change in
Leader Dogs for the Blind, USA vision, Guide Dog Readiness to learn
more about guide dog travel, and
The Leader Dogs for the Blind (LDB) Advanced O&M to increase confidence
vision statement “…is that every person in complex environments.
who is blind or visually impaired travels
To date, our COMS have trained over
safely and independently.” To reach this
900 people to travel using a white cane.
vision, we diverted from strictly offering
About half of these clients return to
guide dog training almost 20 years ago.
LDB to train with a guide dog. Nutmeg and Victor Reader Trek, GPS training
If you include our participation in a
Sonic-aid testing program (a device GPS Training with leadership-building exercises and
using lasers to identify objects) our Leader Dog-exclusive activities—GPS
reach beyond guide dog training goes Leader Dog began offering GPS training training and spending time with our
back to 1968. in 2005 as a standalone program open guide dog mobility instructors and dogs
to cane users and guide dog users in training. This combination increases
Orientation & Mobility Training (O&M) (Leader Dogs or otherwise). Over the independent travel skills, interpersonal
years we provided input to several skills and leadership skills.
We began our O&M Training program
GPS manufacturers to help make the
after noticing that many people In 2020, we took Summer Experience
devices more user friendly, so today
applying for a guide dog did not have Camp virtual and were able to include
GPS is incorporated in our Guide Dog
the required baseline O&M skills. This more teenagers from a wider age
Training and Summer Experience
was often a result of these individuals range (14-17 years old). Camp included
Camp programs.
not having access to O&M training in lessons in leadership, a mentor panel,
their community. Our program packs Our continued commitment to GPS a Q&A on traveling with a guide dog,
learning that can take weeks or even technology is based on the positive a trivia night, a craft, an in-home
months with the standard delivery results reported from our clients. scavenger hunt and a closed Facebook
method into just seven days, working They describe how GPS helps them group for socializing with fellow camp
one-on-one with a certified O&M establish, maintain or re-establish participants.
specialist (COMS). orientation, plan a travel route in an
unfamiliar area, and find destinations Returning to our vision of “every person
along unfamiliar routes. … travels safely and independently,”
we invite you to contact us if you are
Summer Experience Camp interested in learning more about any
of the programs we offer. Contact us at
Since 2007 we have been supplying LeaderDog@LeaderDog.org.
teenagers (16-17 years old) a week
of fun, friendship and skill building
through our Summer Experience Camp.
The program combines activities like
rock wall climbing and tandem biking
Client Brooke during O&M Training Summer Experience Camp-riding conference bike Summer Experience Camp-riding a tandem bike
8 | the Visionary | IGDF
Australia / USA | Guide Dogs Queensland, Southern Guide Dogs, Guiding Eyes for the Blind
New Resource expose puppies to many stimuli, but
there has not been any centralized
skills, increase adaptability to change,
foster responsiveness working with
resource where people new to the people and to develop basic skills
On Early field could learn about some of
the socialization techniques that
that enhance a smoother transition
of each puppy to its puppy raiser’s
Socialization work in various parts of the world.
To make some information more
home. The content was created by
experts from Guide Dogs Queensland,
generally available, a small group of Southeastern Guide Dogs, and Guiding
Dani Prebensen, Zita Penrose
Guide Dogs Queensland four experienced individuals from Eyes for the Blind, based on practical
Elizabeth Rote IGDF member organizations with a protocols as well as reference material
Southeastern Guide Dogs combined total of over 50 years of from other respected and reliable
Jane Russenberger experience raising puppies worked industry resources. The guidelines are
Guiding Eyes for the Blind organized in a week-by-week format,
together to create an information
website, complete with video and providing age-appropriate, progressive
From birth to 8 or 10 weeks of age,
pictures explaining what they have guidance including goals, suggestions
the brains of puppies develop rapidly.
found to work successfully across for environmental enrichment,
During this early puppyhood, there is
3 guide dog organizations. All IGDF techniques for interactive activities,
tremendous opportunity to shape and
members (and the public) are invited and approaches for solving problems.
mould that development by exposing
to use this website (https://www.iwdr. The goal of this project is to expose
puppies to novel stimuli. Research has
org/early-socialization-home/), which staff and volunteers to techniques that
shown that puppies who pass through
is hosted by the International Working have proven to work at these 3 cutting-
this early development stage in novel
Dog Registry (IWDR). edge guide dog organizations. The
and stimulating environments that
website also supports all organizations
change from day to day during these
The Early Socialization resource within the working dog community
weeks will more often develop into
provides age appropriate guidelines for by encouraging the adoption of
confident, capable adult dogs suited for
introducing puppies to various stimuli approaches that produce emotionally
training as guides for those with vision
and learning opportunities. The steps stable puppies that understand the
loss or visual impairments.
described by this resource have proven concept of learning and working with
Many guide dog organizations have to help puppies build confidence to people. We hope you will find this
developed amazing programs that novelty and noise, develop motor resource useful.
Hong Kong Guide working guide dogs in the city and the
demand for guide dog service clearly
programme for dolphins in its care.
In collaboration with The Hong Kong
Dogs Association And exceeds supply. The collaboration Polytechnic University and SeaWorld
Ocean Park Signed will also enable HKGDA to exchange
reproductive material with other guide
in the United States, the Park achieved
the world’s first successful conception
A MOU To Enhance dog schools. of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins
Breeding And Ocean Park has long championed an using artificial insemination.
Increase Local Guide extensive array of local biodiversity
conservation and wildlife protection
With the Park’s advanced facilities
and experts, this collaboration shall
Dog Supply initiatives. The Park’s veterinary team be able to enhance HKGDA’s breeding
conducts wildlife rescue operations capability and capacity. HKGDA is
Naptin To - Executive Director and rehabilitation, helps train delighted to join forces with Ocean
Hong Kong Guide Dog Association, Hong Kong veterinary medicine and life sciences Park to strengthen local guide dog
students, and promotes conservation breeding in the hope of boosting the
On the 9th of July 2020, the Hong
awareness among the general public
Kong Guide Dogs Association (HKGDA) number of successfully trained guide
on a regular basis.
and Ocean Park (the Park), Hong dogs in the city, who will go on to help
Kong’s unique home-grown theme Ocean Park has established a empower their human partners to live
park, signed a Memorandum of scientifically controlled breeding a more fulfilling life.
Understanding (MOU), whereby the
Park will provide technical assistance
in the processing and storage of
local guide dog semen for a period
of five years up to June 2025. The
collaboration aims to alleviate the
long-existing shortage of guide dogs in
Hong Kong by increasing the number
of locally bred guide dogs for the needs
of the visually impaired. There are
around 175,000 people with visual
impairments in Hong Kong; however,
there are currently only about 45 Group photo for the ceremony
Issue 43 | November 20 | 9
Guide Dogs Victoria | Australia
Creating are not made accessible for people with
disabilities.
Connected Overcoming these barriers would be
crucial for ensuring people with low vision
or blindness were able to participate fully
Communities in society, especially during COVID-19,
when physical access to these resources
and connections was increasingly limited.
Gemma Hills The hub sought to address these issues
Screenshot of ‘My Community, My Way’ website
Guide Dogs Victoria, Australia by enabling members of this growing
community to gain access to reliable, of. Something we knew we could be even
high-quality information and participate more proud of the more people we could
When we first embarked on our ambitious
in events, activities and social gatherings, reach.
online community hub project, we could
all from the comfort and safety of their It was time to join forces, so we reached
never have foreseen just how vital it would
own homes. out and quickly formed a collaboration
be, with the online hub acquiring a whole
new level of importance as the COVID-19 During the early weeks of COVID-19, with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Guide Dogs
situation took hold. It was suddenly more our Client Reference Group participants QLD and Guide Dogs SA/NT, enlisting
crucial than ever that a safe, accessible also made it clear. They wanted online, ‘content finders’ and accessibility testers
space be created to support the whole accessible community-led support from all six states/territories. The non-
Guide Dogs community through this groups that enabled discussions on profit division of tech giant Salesforce
unprecedented global crisis, and so, the areas of interest to them. They expressed came through and donated pro bono time
Guide Dogs online hub “My Community, an urgent need for reliable, current, of an architect and developer. Within two
My Way” (the hub) was launched almost accessible information about issues that short months the hub was ready to test.
an entire 12 months earlier than originally would affect them during COVID-19 After a comprehensive testing period, and
planned. restrictions. valuable feedback from a test group of
Clients, the hub was launched nationally
Background We needed to create a place with
on Monday, 24 August 2020.
more accessible information, social
In 2019 we had conducted a major
connections, and links to more services. To date, the hub has 403 registered users
piece of research and co-design work
The answer was already in the pipeline; across Victoria, NSW, Queensland, the
with Swinburne University and DXC
now we just needed to complete the build ACT, the NT, and South Australia. Almost
Technology, that established people with
and accelerate its launch significantly. 55% of users have identified as a person
low vision or blindness face persistent
With almost a whole 12 months less than with blindness or low vision, while almost
challenges in accessibility of digital
originally planned, we needed help. 22% are professionals working with
information, and overcoming isolation
someone who has blindness or low vision,
and managing social connections. Making a big difference with a little
14% are supporters of Guide Dogs and a
We knew that digital inclusion and social help from our friends
further 6% are parents, carers or friends
inclusion are intimately connected. We At the heart of every Guide Dog of someone with low vision or blindness
also recognised that as societies move organisation is the Client and the shared (remaining 3% unidentified).
toward a situation of “digital by default” belief that everyone should have access
Looking ahead
where information, services and social to the support and tools required to live
interaction are increasingly accessed a free and independent life. We’re here With the backing of the Guide Dogs
first or even primarily online, exclusion to help Clients live their lives, their way Australia Board of Directors, we are now
will only be deepened if those channels – and that’s something we can be proud looking ahead to phase two of our hub
rollout. This phase will include improving
the hub’s accessibility from an AA rating
to AAA, further work to enrich the user
journey and interface, and enabling live
posting and chat forums to help create
more connected communities. Each of
these elements has been scoped and
costed, and we are currently awaiting the
outcome of a grant application which,
if successful, will help us roll this next
phase out over the coming months.
Guide Dogs Victoria CEO, Karen Hayes,
said about the hub:
“As with every project we undertake
with our interstate and international
Guide Dog partners, we learn the power
of collaboration for mutual benefit. As
Guide Dog organisations, we are one big
team, with a single focus on the Clients
we serve. We are more the same than we
are different and there is much to learn if
we have the courage to open our minds to
Client accessing ‘My Community, My Way’ website via a loptop computer. new ways of working together.”
10 | the Visionary | IGDFRussia | Dogs as Assistants for Disabled People
From Kaliningrad To Magadan On Horse Sleigh
up difficulties. In farther perspective, of different organizations, tell them
Dogs as Assistants for Disabled People,
Russia if the couple works well, the tutor about the actual laws and how to act if
schedules regular follow up support, a blind person with a guide dog came
when the blind person provides to their organization.
Russia is the biggest country in the
veterinary documents on the guide
world. It is more than 6500 kilometers Sometimes an aftercare tutor can
dog`s health and the photo and video
or more than nine hours by plane from notice some small details, which will
report of their work.
Kaliningrad to Magadan, but there are significantly influence the life of a
no straight flights. If the alumni of our Because the aftercare support has been blind person. For example, a tutor can
dog training center «Dogs as Assistants working only for three years, many recommend some convenient delivery
for Disabled People» decided to go to alumni and people who are on the
service of the food for the guide dog to
each other`s homes, they would have waiting list get surprised, that we will
a farther city. Through such help, the
to make a transfer in Moscow, and it really come to their home to provide
keepers of the guide dogs can save the
would take them more than one day help and to assess their work with the
third part of their money every month
and one night! guide dog. “Are you really going to fly
and improve their level of life.
five hours by plane, then go ten hours
The staff members of our center have
by train and then half of the next day During the past three years, we
always understood how important it is
by horse sleigh?” – they ask in surprise. observed positive changes in the
to provide an aftercare support for our
You can get to most parts of Russia quality of the work with our alumni
alumni. Before 2017 this option was
with significant comfort, however, all over the country. But our center
available only through the internet
or telephone. Then we had a financial there are farthest regions in the north, has money funds for aftercare support
opportunity to employ and teach a where you can get only when the lakes only until January 2021. However, we
tutor, who would visit the alumni all and the seas are covered with ice, and believe and hope that in some time we
over Russia. air-cushion crafts work. Therefore, one will get financial opportunities both
way to a small settlement in Siberia for continuing, and for broadening
During the last three years, two can take a couple of days and you will the aftercare program, and also for
aftercare tutors have made more than have to use several kinds of transport. opening the new guide dog schools in
one hundred visits to the alumni, and
Now we are very inspired with different regions of Russia. Then the
45 visits to the people from our waiting
what happens, and with the kinds blind people will be able to get to our
list for getting a guide dog, in sixty
of help, which we can provide. We classes faster and more conveniently.
cities and thirty regions of Russia.
work on the city routes and domestic And after coming back home, our
Besides the visit, the tutors coordinate obedience and improve accessibility alumni will feel reliable support and
the people from the waiting list, match in transport and to the objects of the confidence through quick, immediate
guide dogs to these people, organize city environment. We conduct events and relevant help, both in the most
the trips for the blind students to and trainings for the staff members difficult and in the happiest moments!
get their guide dog and to learn how
to work with this dog, take a part in
the blind students’ training, and give
orientation and mobility classes.
When our blind students and their
dogs graduate, the aftercare tutor is
already aware of their peculiarities
and experience, which lets them work
with the blind students and their guide
dogs more effectively at their home.
During the first year after giving the
dog to the person, the aftercare tutor
regularly contacts them via telephone
or internet to investigate and to control
their collaborative work, and to answer
their questions.
Then the tutors come to their home
to observe the couple’s work and, if
necessary, to correct its details, and
to help the couple solve the coming Map of Russia, showing just how large it is
Issue 43 | November 20 | 11Edition 42 | July
l 2020
The next deadline
for Visionary
submissions is vi•
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dj 1.
1. Chara
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1st February 2021
Special Feature:
Educating Guide
Dogs During
Covid.
Please supply your articles as a
word file with original images
sent separately as jpeg images.
Remember to include the
completed submission form, Finding New Ways To Connect
along with your article and During The Pandemic
any pictures you would like Keep Connections Strong While
to include Keeping People Off Campus
For the index, please include a
one-sentence description of
your article.
How To Meet
Covid-19 Challenge
An image showing the front cover of the last
edition of ‘The Visionary’.
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