November2025 Paws for GDUI News You Can Use!
dawg...@gmail.com
Welcome to Paws for GDUI News You Can Use!
•VOL. V, •NO. 5, •November 2025
This publication includes announcements, as well as articles, columns, and opinion pieces of interest to guide dog users, Specifically, and to people who are blind and visually impaired in general. Find the link introducing this issue near the bottom of the page, here-
Read the entire issue here-
Additionally, the entire issue is attached, and pasted below.
Thank you for your friendship and support.
Smiles,
The Paws Peeps and Pups
Welcome to Paws for GDUI News You Can Use! – VOL. V, NO. 5, November 2025 – A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.
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
The holidays are hurdling toward us, and it seems impossible that THIS time could be upon us again! To deal with this situation, WE ARE INCLUDING a guide to unique gifts in this issue. As usual you will also find articles, announcements, upcoming dates of interest, lots of yummy recipes (to feed all those holiday guests), and other delights!
Not to spoil the wonders of the gift guide, but one important item on that list is the GDUI Sherwood Forest Farms Holiday fundraiser! So, just saying, this Editor gave gifts from the Sherwood Forest Farms Holiday fundraiser last year and they were a major hit with everyone who received them!!!
Instead of a message from our esteemed president, this month, her spot has been bumped TEMPORARILY by a new column. It is called “Canine Contemplations!” The canine columnist who are accepting the challenge of a bimonthly column are none other than Mr. Toto, himself and his best guide dog friend, Winnie! We thank them for sharing, not only their canine contemplations, but some pretty impressive doggerel, as well!
We encourage everyone to remember how easy it is to get involved with the production of “Paws…:” Share a favorite podcast; blog; webinar ;an interesting, silly, absurd, or touching tidbit from your local paper; something you wrote yourself or something 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 us GDUISters!
hugs and wags,
Andrea and Super T
Canine Contemplations
Hi, welcome to Canine Contemplations. It is exciting to have our column picked up by Paws. Let us introduce ourselves.
I am Toto, guide of Editor, Andrea. I can’t wait to share things I have overheard her talk about. No, not secrets, more like tricks and tips!
Hi, My name is Winnie. I am a Seeing Eye Dog and will be sharing similar pearls of wisdom from my Mom! Toto and I are great pals, always talking amongst ourselves about our Mom’s and all the cool, and crazy, stuff they say!!
We are a couple of guides with a lot to say, however, we don’t want to be the only ones, so we welcome all you guides out there to send in tips and tricks you may of over heard from your humans. We can’t promise that everything will get published, (After all, we don’t get the last word on such things. That’s way above our pay grade!) However, we promise to give our attention to all submissions!
Now, here you go- our first set of Tips and Tricks-
Toto’sTreasures-
My Mom keeps telling people this. I really can’t imagine why, couldn’t be because of anything I did, could it?
In class, during follow-up and, it seems like all the time, we hear about how guides have such good house behavior. Recently a very experienced instructor pointed out to me that the term should be “Home Behavior.” The reality is that the way our guide dog behaves in our own home is not necessarily what we should expect from them at other homes. When away from home guides, being dogs, are likely to encounter new and different attractive distractions and test boundaries. Quite simply, she said, it is unreasonable and unfair, and we set our guide dogs up for failure if we expect the same behavior from our dogs when we’re away from home as we demand at home. (this is not to say that many of us don’t do just fine and just as well when we’re in other homes as we do in our own).
Winnie’s Wisdom-
When my Mom was leading her low vision/blindness support group recently I heard her share the following, it sounded smart to me.
When buttering a piece of toast, a waffle, or the like- instead of taking the traditional approach, melt the butter on a plate that is the size of the item you want to butter; then simply put it face down on the plate with the melted butter. Tada! You have an evenly buttered piece of toast, waffle or whatever, and much less mess!
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For Your Calendar-
(Some of the items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue, others may be a ways off)
11/14/25- Only 1 day left to place your Sherwood Forest Farms orders- HURRY!!
11/15/25- Final day to place orders in the Sherwood Forest Farms Holiday fundraiser
11/15/25- Final day to place orders in the Pampered Chef Party
11/27/25- Last day to link to Lukas Franck traffic presentation
11/28 & 11/29/25- Sneak a Peek Appetizer Auctions
11/30/25, 5:00 PM, ET, - 14th annual ACB Media Holiday Auction
1/2/26- Registration Deadline for ACBDA Nutrition 101 Basics Workshop
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Announcement: Limited-time Link for the Lukas Franck Perkins Library Without Walls August 2025 presentation!
For those who were not able to attend this informative event hosting Lukas Franck discussing traffic, please see below for the recording!
Here is the link to the presentation with Lukas Franck on 08/19/25: https://perkins-org.zoom.us/rec/share/-1KQB7KOK1_c1E1D3D2ZbBLCBCv9daotO5VfJRqLc8AtC07BdnAPyBe7t2wpspLq.vKpuPkby9218knGq.
You must use the Passcode: 1UVeyN!% to access the link.
NOTE: The link will only be valid for 90 days, so it expires on 11/27/25.
And, the video cannot be downloaded.
If you would like to be added to our Email announcement list for information on our future programs, please send a message to
Best regards,
Gina Russo, Outreach and Newsline Specialist, Perkins library
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Announcement: Nutrition 101!
Kick Off 2026 with Nutrition 101: Building a Healthier You
Submitted by Tammy Robbins & Becky Dunkerson
This 10-week series is designed to encourage a happier, healthier lifestyle for all participants. Whether you are living with diabetes, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for new ways to eat and feel better, this workshop is for you.
The program will be on Thursday evenings beginning January 8 and runs through April 2. Each session will last no more than 90 minutes and will focus on a different area of nutrition and wellness. The full lineup includes-
• Week 1 (Jan. 8): A Fresh Start – Introduction to Nutrition Basics
• Week 2 (Jan. 15): Rise & Shine – Building a Better Breakfast
• Week 3 (Jan. 29): Midday Magic – Lunch That Lasts
• Week 4 (Feb. 5): Dinnertime Done Right – Balanced Evening Meals
• Week 5 (Feb. 12): Sweet Balance – Desserts Without the Guilt
• Week 6 (Feb. 19): Smart Bites – Snacks That Satisfy
• Week 7 (Mar. 5): Move to Improve – Activity & Movement
• Week 8 (Mar. 12): Mindful Moments – Eating with Awareness
• Week 9 (Mar. 19): Tech Tools – Accessible Apps & Nutrition Facts
• Week 10 (April 2): Cheers to Health – Celebration & Wrap-Up
Membership in ACBDA is required to participate. Annual membership is just $10, which also includes access to our quarterly newsletter and other resources. Once your 2026 membership is active, you can register for the workshop for a one-time fee of $15 per participant, covering all 10 sessions.
Registration is easy: simply complete the Nutrition 101 registration form on our website, acbda.org, or reach out for assistance if you need help signing up. The deadline to register is January 2, 2026.
We invite you to join us for this exciting workshop series — an opportunity to gain experience, share, and grow alongside others in our community. Let’s start the year by investing in our health and building habits that can last well beyond the season of resolutions.
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Announcement: ACB Media Holiday Auction (Right after Thanksgiving!)
It is time to get ready for the 14th annual ACB Media Holiday Auction! The Holiday Auction will be held on Sunday, November 30 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
To boost the fun... there will be Sneak a Peek Appetizer Auctions on Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29.
We look forward to everyone participating in the ACB Media Holiday Auction this year. Let’s celebrate ACB and the holidays in style!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Leslie Spoone at leslie...@cfl.rr.com, or call (407) 929-9837. Happy bidding!
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Announcement: GDUI is a Major player in the Holiday Auction!
Speaking of The Holiday Auction...
Holiday Treasure Trove of Doggie Goodies donated by GDUI
Dear Santa,
I noticed my “human” checking out the list of items in this year’s ACB Holiday Auction and the GDUI Holiday Treasure Trove is a real stand out! The first item is a Park Life Designs Naples cotton rope dog toy basket which measures 12 inches by 12 inches and Its tricolor white at the top, light gray in the middle and dark gray on the bottom and there is a patch in the shape of a dog bone that says “toys”. The toys included are: Extra-large red Kong toy, Nerf Dog combination Chew and Tug set which includes a three-ring tug toy and a chew bone, Barrett Tough Tornado toy and you can add treats to challenge your pup, PetLou Plush Carrot Squeaky Toy which is 29 inches long and it is really adorable! Self-cleaning slicker brush, Green Life is Good microfiber drying towel which measures 44 inches by 27.5 inches. There is a patch in one corner of the towel with a yellow dog and red backpack that says Life is Good. Santa, I’ve been such a very, very good dog. My holiday wish is that my “person” wins the bid on this GDUI Holiday Treasure Trove!
*****
Understanding Canine Bloat (GDVA) A Medical Emergency!
Bloat happens, which dogs are most at risk, and what you can do to help prevent it.
Gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) is one of the most serious emergencies a dog can face, but being prepared can save your dog’s life. Knowing your dog’s risk factors and recognizing the early signs of trouble are essential. This guide explains how bloat happens, which dogs are most at risk, and what you can do to help prevent it – starting today.
Published Sep 19, 2025
By Britt Kascjak
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, commonly known as bloat or GDV, is an emergency condition that strikes fear into the hearts of most pet parents, and for good reason. It can escalate from seemingly mild discomfort to a life-threatening crisis in mere moments, requiring immediate veterinary care for any chance of survival. The following sections will explain the key details every pet parent needs to know about canine bloat, including how to recognize its warning signs (both subtle and more overt), the immediate actions you should take, which dog breeds are most at risk, and the crucial prevention strategies you can take to keep your dog safe.
What is Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Canine Bloat)?
For canine GDV to be explained, it’s essential to move beyond the common understanding of a simple “bloated” feeling as humans understand it. This condition is not merely feeling an uncomfortable fullness; it’s a medical crisis that can claim a dog’s life in a matter of hours if not minutes. To learn how to recognize and respond to bloat in your dog, you must first understand what is happening during the critical stages of dilation and volvulus, each contributing to the urgency this condition creates.
Initially, the “dilatation” phase occurs when the stomach quickly fills with an abnormal accumulation of gas, fluid, or even undigested food. This gas is often the result of swallowed air, particularly during eating or stress, or the fermentation of food within the digestive tract. The stomach distends and swells, putting immense pressure on surrounding organs. This pressure can impede the diaphragm, making breathing difficult, and compress major blood vessels, triggering severe consequences.
Volvulus is the more immediate life-threatening aspect, which describes the stomach twisting upon itself. This twisting effectively blocks the esophagus, preventing gas and fluid from escaping through burping or vomiting, and the exit to the small intestine, trapping the stomach’s contents. This rotation also often twists the spleen, which is anatomically connected to the stomach, and compresses or entirely cuts off the blood vessels supplying the stomach and spleen. This loss of blood supply to these key organs leads to a rapid process of tissue death.
The combined effects of dilatation and volvulus trigger a devastating systemic response. The twisted stomach’s compression of the blood vessels severely reduces blood flow back to the heart. This leads to a drop in blood pressure and the onset of shock. As the condition progresses, vital organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys become compromised due to the overall reduction in blood flow and oxygen delivery through the body.
GDV progresses very quickly, making it a race against time where every minute counts. Without immediate veterinary intervention, the systemic effects of shock, organ damage, and tissue necrosis can become irreversible and fatal. This condition cannot be resolved on its own, nor is there any effective home treatment. Quick recognition of the problem and an immediate rush to an emergency veterinary facility are critical to a dog’s survival.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Bloat? Recognizing the Signs
Recognizing the warning signs of GDV is critical, as early intervention dramatically improves the chances of survival. GDV often presents initial subtle cues that can be easily overlooked or mistaken for less serious conditions. However, these quickly progress to more obvious and alarming symptoms.
Initial, Subtle Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs
The earliest warning signs of GDV can be vague, but paying close attention to these can make all the difference. Look for changes in your dog’s usual behavior and demeanor, especially after meals. Subtle signs to watch out for include:
Restlessness, Pacing, and Anxiety: Your dog might seem unable to settle, constantly pacing around, shifting positions, or displaying signs that they are generally uneasy.
Drooling or Excessive Salivation: An unusual amount of drooling can be a subtle sign of nausea or discomfort. Knowing your dog’s “normal” is critical to recognizing when that changes.
Unproductive Retching or Attempts to Vomit: This is one of the most obvious early signs of trouble. Your dog will try to vomit, often gagging or heaving, but little to no actual vomit will be produced (because it is trapped in the stomach). They may bring up some foamy saliva.
Looking at Their Abdominal Area: Dogs often turn their heads to look at the area of discomfort when experiencing trouble. For GDV, this means looking at their side or flank area.
Symptoms as the Condition Progresses
As GDV progresses, the signs of trouble become more pronounced and indicative of a severe medical emergency. These symptoms demand immediate action if your dog is to have a chance of survival.
Distended Abdomen: This is perhaps the most recognizable sign. Your dog’s abdomen will appear noticeably swollen, often more prominent on the side just behind the rib cage. The stomach may feel tight when gently tapped.
Signs of Severe Pain: Dogs in the advanced stages of GDV are in intense pain. This can manifest in signs of pain, such as whining, groaning, panting heavily, or being reluctant to lie down, preferring to stand with an arched back or in a hunched position.
Weakness and Collapse: As shock sets in due to compromised blood circulation, your dog may become weak, stumble, and collapse.
Pale Gums: Your dog’s gums may appear pale or even blue-tinged, indicating poor oxygenation.
Rapid Heart Rate: The body’s attempt to compensate for decreased blood flow will result in a significantly elevated heart rate.
Short, Shallow Breaths: The distended stomach puts immense pressure on the diaphragm, which makes it difficult for the lungs to fully expand. This often leads to rapid, shallow breathing.
The Importance of a Quick Response to a Dog Bloat Emergency
Some of these signs, particularly the initial ones, can mimic other less severe gastrointestinal problems, such as simple indigestion or an upset stomach. However, any suspicion of GDV, especially if your dog is an at-risk breed or showing multiple signs, warrants immediate veterinary attention. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and have your veterinarian rule out GDV than to wait and lose precious time.
Pet parents are uniquely positioned to notice subtle changes in a dog’s behavior. Being familiar with your dog’s usual demeanor and highly observant of any changes, particularly after meals or during periods of activity, is key to early detection and a higher likelihood of survival. Trust your instincts! If something feels wrong, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What Breeds are Most at Risk for GDV?
While GDV can theoretically affect any dog, there are factors that can significantly increase your dog’s risk. This includes not only your dog’s breed, but also other lifestyle factors and behaviors. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for ensuring you take the steps necessary to prevent an emergency.
Breed Predisposition
The most prominent risk factor for GDV is your dog’s breed. Those most at risk are deep-chested, large, and giant breeds. Their anatomical structure provides more space within the abdominal cavity for the stomach to distend and rotate. Additionally, a key ligament that helps anchor their stomach, the gastro-hepatic ligament, is longer, allowing for more movement of the stomach, including the dangerous twisting motion. Breeds that are considered high-risk include, but are not limited to, Great Danes, Standard Poodles, German Shepherds, Weimaraners, Setters (Irish and Gordon), Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, and Saint Bernards.
Other Contributing Factors
Beyond breed, several other factors can contribute to a higher risk for bloat. This includes:
Age: While GDV can occur at any age, it’s more commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs, typically 7 years old and older.
Genetics: There is a recognized genetic component to GDV. Dogs with a direct family history of the condition are at a higher risk.
Temperament: Anxious, stressed, or highly excitable dogs may be more prone to GDV, possibly due to increased air swallowing during periods of high stress.
Eating Habits: Specific eating patterns can increase your dog’s risk. Eating too quickly and eating only one large meal per day are potential risk factors.
Post-Meal Activity: High levels of exercise, intense play, or stress immediately following a meal can increase the risk by encouraging stomach movement and gas accumulation.
Diet: While research is ongoing and a definitive connection is still being explored, some studies have shown potential links between certain diets or ingredients and GDV risk.
It is often a combination of these factors that creates a “perfect storm” for canine bloat to occur. For instance, a deep-chested breed with an anxious temperament that eats far too quickly and then engages in strenuous activity immediately after a large meal may face a significantly higher level of risk than a dog with only one predisposing factor.
Any Dog Could Be at Risk of GDV
Despite these clear risk factors, it is critical to understand that any dog, regardless of breed or size, can experience GDV. While the level of risk is significantly lower in smaller breeds and those with different meal-time behaviors, no dog is entirely immune. This is why ALL pet parents should be familiar with the warning signs and the necessity for immediate veterinary intervention.
How to Prevent Bloat in Dogs
Given the life-threatening risk of GDV, taking steps to prevent an emergency is the best approach, especially for at-risk dogs. While no method guarantees complete immunity, there are several steps you can take to significantly reduce the likelihood of this emergency.
Gastropexy
For breeds identified as high-risk, the most effective preventative measure is a surgical procedure known as gastropexy. This operation involves surgically attaching a section of the stomach wall to the inner abdominal wall. While gastropexy does not prevent the stomach from dilation, it permanently prevents the stomach from twisting. This eliminates the most dangerous aspect of GDV. Gastropexy is often recommended when high-risk dogs undergo other routine procedures, like spaying or neutering. However, it can also be performed as a standalone procedure at any age.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s risk of canine bloat, discuss the option of gastropexy with your AAHA-accredited veterinarian. Together, you can weigh the benefits against the risks of surgery.
Dietary Management and Feeding Routines
Careful management of your dog’s diet and feeding habits can significantly reduce the risk of GDV. Instead of offering one large meal daily, divide your dog’s total food allowance into two or more smaller meals spread throughout the day. This will help reduce the amount of food and gas in the stomach at any time, minimizing distension.
For dogs prone to “gobbling” their food, implementing strategies to slow their eating is highly beneficial. This can involve using specialized slow-feeder bowls, engaging them with food puzzle feeders, or even simply spreading their kibble across a large, flat surface like a baking sheet, which naturally encourages slower eating and reduces the amount of air swallowed.
Avoid rigorous exercise, strenuous play, and highly exciting activities for at least one hour before eating and at least two hours after meals. This resting period allows the stomach to settle and digest without excessive movement, which could encourage movement of the stomach, causing it to twist.
Lastly, while ensuring your dog always has access to fresh water is essential for their overall health and well-being, try to discourage them from drinking large quantities of water immediately before or after meals, as this can contribute to stomach distension.
Stress Reduction
Minimizing stress around feeding times and generally in your dog’s environment can also contribute to the prevention of canine bloat. Provide a calm, quiet, and predictable environment for meals. Avoid feeding your dog in high-traffic areas of your home, like hallways, entryways, or busy living spaces. Consistent routines can help reduce anxiety, which in turn may lessen the likelihood of gulping air.
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Finally, regular check-ups with your AAHA-accredited veterinarian are fundamental to your prevention strategy. Your veterinarian is the best resource for assessing your dog’s individual risk factors, discussing the latest research on GDV prevention, and recommending the best proactive measures, including whether gastropexy is right for your specific situation. Their guidance is invaluable in ensuring long-term health and safety for your dog.
Keeping Your Dog Safe from Canine Bloat
GDV is a severe, life-threatening condition demanding immediate veterinary attention. While the idea of bloat can be frightening, understanding its nature, recognizing its signs early, and knowing how to best respond empowers you as a pet parent to keep your dog safe. This knowledge helps you transform fear into preparedness, giving your dog the best possible chance of survival.
The most critical takeaway is the importance of building a strong relationship with your trusted AAHA-accredited veterinarian. They are your primary partner in ongoing preventative care, risk assessment, and, most importantly, emergency preparedness. By working closely with them, you can take meaningful steps to protect your dog’s health and well-being against this serious threat.
Article: Why I Hate the Words “Fur Baby”
By, Graham Buck
[This article appeared as a Facebook posting, attributed to the Kenora & District Dog Club. It was shared as a list posting on the Capital Area Guide Dog Users e-mail discussion list, ca...@groups.io]
I’ve lived and worked with dogs my entire life — from guide dogs to service dogs to family pets — and I’ve seen firsthand how language shapes how we treat them.
One phrase that consistently makes me cringe is “fur baby.”
On the surface, it sounds affectionate. It signals that we love our dogs deeply. But the truth is, calling dogs fur babies does them a disservice. It blurs an essential boundary — the one that defines what makes dogs, dogs.
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The Words We Use Matter
The words we use shape our expectations. When we call dogs “babies,” we start to expect them to think and behave like humans — and that’s where frustration, miscommunication, and behavior issues often begin.
When we remember that they’re dogs, we communicate in ways that actually make sense to them. We stop confusing emotional comfort with leadership, and we start giving them what they really need: clarity, guidance, and consistency.
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Dogs Are Animals, Not Children
Your dog is an animal first. A well-loved, deeply bonded, emotionally rich animal — but still an animal.
Dogs are predators. They read the world through scent, sound, body language, and energy. They are hardwired to respond to structure, to thrive within clear leadership, and to find safety in routine and predictability.
When we start to see them as “babies,” we unconsciously treat them as fragile or dependent. We comfort when we should guide. We explain when we should show. We excuse behaviors that are actually stress signals, unmet needs, or confusion.
Dogs don’t need to be treated like infants. They need to be treated like intelligent beings who crave understanding, direction, and clarity.
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Minimizing an Intelligent Species
Calling a dog a “fur baby” minimizes the incredible complexity of their species.
Dogs are one of the most emotionally attuned animals on the planet. They read micro-expressions, regulate to our tone, anticipate our routines, and learn through association faster than we can imagine.
That isn’t baby-like. That’s brilliant.
They have instincts that go back thousands of years — instincts that tell them how to resolve conflict, find balance in social hierarchies, and communicate through movement and stillness. When we overlook that in favor of treating them like perpetual toddlers, we take away their dignity and their natural intelligence.
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The Beauty of the Bond
Our love for dogs runs deep — sometimes deeper than we expect. They are family, companions, and emotional anchors. That bond is sacred.
But honoring that bond doesn’t mean pretending they’re human. It means respecting what makes them different — and meeting them where they are.
Dogs don’t need to be human to hold a central place in our hearts. They just need us to see them clearly.
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A Real Example
I’ve seen so many good dogs struggle because their people tried to “reassure” them the way you might comfort a child — soft voice, endless petting, constant soothing.
To a dog, that often sounds like, “Yes, stay anxious.”
The moment the handler learned to offer calm direction instead of emotional rescue, the dog relaxed. The energy shifted. That’s leadership. That’s love that speaks their language.
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Love Them — But Respect Their Nature
Loving your dog deeply is a gift. But true love is understanding who they really are, not who we wish they were.
Dogs don’t need coddling or overprotection. They need boundaries, predictability, and confidence from the humans in their lives.
They don’t need to be our children — they need to be our dogs.
When we honor that, everything changes.
Training becomes communication.
Behavior problems become opportunities for clarity.
The relationship becomes balanced — respectful, grounded, and real.
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The Bottom Line
If you want to honor your dog, stop calling them a “fur baby.”
See them for what they truly are: intelligent, emotional, instinctual animals who share their lives with us not because we’ve domesticated them, but because they’ve chosen to connect with us.
Dogs don’t need us to make them more human.
They need us to be more understanding humans.
That’s where real connection — and true respect — begin.
] dog article
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Article: Live Translation on AirPods: Conversations Without Borders
by Anthony Corona
[From: The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV, November-December 2025 , No. 4]
I have been playing with Apple’s new live translation feature using my AirPods Pro 2 and let me tell you, it is one of those things that feels futuristic but also takes a little getting used to. Think of it as the cousin of Siri, Translate, and your AirPods all rolled into one, helping you bridge the gap in those moments when you and the person in front of you do not share a common language.
How It Works
At its simplest, live translation listens to what someone is saying in one language, translates it on the iPhone in real time, and then plays the translated version into your ear. You hear it in your preferred language and you also see a transcript on the screen. When you respond, your words are translated back into their language and can be read on the screen or spoken out loud through the iPhone’s speaker.
The important thing to know is that translation is not word by word, it happens in little chunks. That means there is a pause while the person speaks, then a moment later you hear the translation. When you are just trying to understand something being said, this feels pretty seamless. The challenge comes when you want to have a full back and forth conversation because then you are juggling earbuds, the iPhone, and making sure the other person can see and hear their side of the translation.
Everything stays on device for privacy. Apple supports Live Translation with AirPods Pro 2 and newer, and AirPods with active noise cancellation when you have iOS 26 or later with Apple Intelligence turned on.
My Uber Ride Experiment
Picture this: You hop into an Uber in Miami and realize quickly that your driver speaks only Spanish. You need to tell him to drop you at a very specific side driveway entrance of your building. This is the perfect chance to put live translation to the test.
I set the languages in the Translate app, pressed and held the stems of my AirPods to start the feature, and told my driver in English exactly where I needed to go. My phone spoke out in Spanish a few moments later, and the driver nodded. He replied in Spanish, and soon enough my AirPods whispered in my ear. He asked if I wanted him to pull into the driveway. Success.
Tips and Best Practices
Here is where things get interesting. If you just want to listen to someone else and understand them, it really is as easy as putting in your AirPods and letting the system do the work. But if you want to be part of the conversation, there are some tricks worth knowing.
Ask the person you are speaking with to slow down a little at least at the beginning. This gives the system time to capture, translate, and relay before you both fall into a rhythm. Memorize a few key phrases in the other language such as can you repeat that and can you repeat that a little more slowly. These become handy shortcuts when the translation stalls. It can also be helpful to keep a running Notes file or document of phrases you pick up as you go. Add new ones when they come up in real conversation and practice them later so they start to become second nature.
Download the languages ahead of time so you are not fumbling in the moment. Speak clearly and pause when the other person finishes so the app can catch up. Practice by yourself or with a friend so you can get used to the pace and latency before you really need it.
If you are blind like me, turn off your screen curtain temporarily so the other person can read the translated text. Hold your phone in a steady way that lets the microphone pick up their voice without you accidentally tapping the screen and disrupting the translation. Think about placement so the phone is close enough to capture their words and angled so they can glance at the screen when you respond.
One more tip: after you have completed your conversation, it can be helpful to review the translated text and practice a few of the phrases. A quick three finger quadruple tap over a chunk of text will copy it to the iPhone’s clipboard history. From there you can paste it into Notes or another document to refer back to and use as practice.
Latency and Noisy Environments
Live translation does a lot in just a couple of seconds, but latency is part of the experience. The system needs a small pause to collect the spoken phrase, run the translation, and play it back. That can feel like a beat or two of silence before you hear the other language in your ear.
Noise can also throw it off. Busy airports, train stations, or those big raucous family dinners where you are just trying to get someone to pass the paella can all be tricky. The microphones may grab background chatter or clatter instead of the person speaking. In these cases, holding the phone closer to the speaker and politely asking them to repeat more slowly can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Live translation is not magic. There will be moments of delay, misheard words, and a little juggling act as you hand your phone back and forth or tilt it just right. But there is something genuinely exciting about being able to have a conversation that would have been impossible before. With AirPods in and a little patience, you can turn that language barrier into nothing more than a small pause in the conversation. And that feels pretty incredible.
(Author’s Note: To receive daily reflections, think pieces, editorials and tips like this subscribe to Anthony’s Substack.)
Literacy by Any Other Name
by Cheree Heppe
From The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV, November-December 2025, No. 4]
There is a staggering drop in literacy for braille reading in the blindness community. Could that have to do with the fact that it is very difficult to get braille?
Braille books take up three times as much space as printed books occupy. They also weigh more; it’s like carrying around huge, old tomes for just part of a book.
Small, portable braille devices already exist with braille teaching materials and interesting books with note-taking capabilities. That access would improve interest in use of braille in practical, actionable ways by giving very portable, powerful, modern tools that interface with computers and iPhones and use a writing system that blind people read and use.
Is it that we blind people have to realize that we don't have economic leverage and be grateful for any crumbs sighted people send us, even when it isn't modern and won't really do the full, competitive job? Or is it actually the case that blind individuals are not being trained to teach the blind, and sighted people sent to teach the blind don't know braille themselves and don't want to bother?
I call BS. How literate would most able-bodied, sighted people be if they could not get access to pen and paper and, instead, carried around a notebook-sized slate board and chalk for any written communication?
If kids in India and other places make braille displays and braille devices and get them to market, how is it that the United States of America keeps putting out the vibe that braille displays and notetakers that blind people already use effectively and readily in very small form factors, that offer braille in all sorts of written, mainstream access to articles and printed materials with them whenever we need it, remain out of reach? And those blind people have to be so, so, so deserving.
No. No. And no.
Braille devices are not like buying a candy bar at the convenience store, but they are available, and we should not be discouraged and prevented from getting them.
Service groups should help us to obtain braille notetakers and displays.
Use recordings, yes, use whatever works because we have to use all the tools we can get to achieve parity. Just try hearing your audio device blabbering in the middle of a professional meeting. Try listening to travel directions in really loud ambient settings, like train stations and subway platforms, where tactile contact with a braille display would give directions and information silently and effectively.
Federal- and state-funded rehab services meant to bring blind people into mainstream work and living fail to provide necessary equipment and services. The gatekeeper mentality needs to go. There are blind individuals using these devices who have enough knowledge of what they do and how they work to keep devices clean, free of grit and in order, as that old expression goes. Blind people should have braille displays.
Why not give blind people special equipment that directly benefits the blind? Where, in fact, are all those dollars going, if not directly to blind consumer services?
****
Article: Thanksgiving: A Respite From Workplace Rage
by Charles D. Goldman
[From The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV, November-December 2025, No. 4]
(Editor’s note included with article: This article was originally printed in "Horizons," November 1998. We reprinted it with permission in the November 1998 issue of “The Braille Forum,” and are sharing it again now. Those of you who have been with ACB awhile will remember Chuck Goldman as the lawyer who leased space in the ACB national office. He has since retired, and has a new title: grandpa.)
Thanksgiving is the truly American holiday. In the tradition which flows from the Pilgrims, we take time out to appreciate family, friends, and a sumptuous turkey dinner.
Thanksgiving at the end of the 20th century means taking a few days off work and driving to visit our loved ones who are dispersed in different cities. Along the way we encounter monster traffic jams, which sadly have evolved to encompass the phenomenon of the angry driver, "road rage."
Let me suggest that "road rage" is not the only element of anger in our midst. There is growing evidence of similar feelings in the workplace, what I call "workplace rage."
Do you recall the horrific instances of disgruntled postal service workers literally shooting co-workers? The situation led to the expression "going postal," to mean a worker who freaked out and took violent, even lethal revenge on a supervisor and co-workers. "Going postal" is the most extreme example of workplace rage.
In the context of employer-employee relations, a new visceral anger is emerging. The new rage at work is not the Internet but anger.
Workplace rage manifests itself not only in the lack of warm, friendly jobs but also in cases where employees challenge discrimination.
The September 1998 cover of "Workforce" magazine, "Why Employees Are So Angry," with headlines reading "Griping, lawsuits and even violence are on the rise because there's a gap between expectations and reality." There are, according to author Gillian Flynn, "mountains of unmet expectations."
That is certainly true for people with disabilities. Nolan Crabb, editor of "The Braille Forum," unequivocally states that "the day of being grateful to just have a job is past."
He's right. It's been past for many years. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act have promoted a sea change in attitudes and expectations.
Along with equal employment opportunity and reasonable accommodation should have come such basics as adaptive technology, such as a talking computer for a person with carpal tunnel syndrome or a vision impairment, and accessible communications, e.g. readers and interpreters, for people with communication-related disabilities. The expectation was that unemployment rates for people with disabilities would go down. For people who are legally blind or have other significant vision impairments it is still, conservatively, almost 75 percent! No disability advocacy group is hailing the ADA as a law which has led to full employment for its members who can and want to work.
The rising of expectations in the context of our litigious society is visible in the process of redressing employment discrimination. A recent study conducted by Barry Goldman (no relation, never met him) of the University of Maryland, "I'll See You In Court! Why Employees File Discrimination Claims," documented the anger expressed by people filing discrimination charges at offices of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). EEOC is the administrative agency at which to file charges of employment discrimination under the ADA and other federal civil rights laws.
Professor Goldman observes that 71 percent of the people who filed with EEOC felt "angry, mad, or vengeful." He observes, "When an employee perceives that he or she is treated unfairly, this may send a signal to the employee that the organization (or its agents) do not view him or her as 'just like them,' sending a signal of exclusion." He recalls for us the vivid scene in the movie "Network," in which the fired newsman screams out, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!"
Barbara Veldhuizen, deputy director of the EEOC Baltimore District Office, confirms much of what is in the study. EEOC gets calls from people in crisis, financial and/or emotional, to whom something bad has happened at work. That something bad can be a firing, not being promoted, or even not being able to take a planned vacation. The something may have happened just recently or may have been festering for some time. Often by the time the person calls or comes to EEOC, the person is anguished and frustrated at having been unsuccessful in trying to resolve the matter with their employer, as Professor Goldman observes.
But remember EEOC is not an omnipotent workplace ombudsperson. It can only address statutorily based discrimination, such as race, sex, religion, national origin, or disability, not plain unfairness or even gross mismanagement. Also, EEOC's trained staff have large caseloads, commonly exceeding 90 cases, which does not bode well for the individual who wants and needs his/her one situation addressed NOW!
The anger which Professor Goldman notes in a person in crisis who gets no relief from his employer and then comes to EEOC but who gets no relief from EEOC will not be dissipated. In fact, it may become rage.
Before disability advocates run out to embrace this study, they should be aware of the statement by Goldman that says "... the ADA is unusually vague in several key areas including such key terms as what exactly constitutes a 'disability' and 'reasonable accommodation' ... These definitional vagaries may force employers to endure unusual amounts of uncertainty for years until the courts resolve many of these issues ..."
Here the professor is clearly wrong. When the ADA was enacted, it built on almost two decades of history and evolution under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act related to those key terms.
To reiterate such a biased criticism is totally inappropriate at best.
There is constant learning, constant evolution in the workplace, as managers and employees cope with new dynamics, including people with impairments who, especially as a result of laws enacted in the 1970s, namely the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as well as the ADA, are actively striving to be taxpaying members of society. The increasing service orientation and white collar/computer-based nature of the workplace does not make reasonable accommodation impossible to provide or disability incapable of definition.
As a society we need to take a good hard look at what these articles are highlighting. We dare not let Professor Goldman's error lead us to disregard his study or cause us not to discuss the issue. The worst thing we could do would be to continue to silently rage. Clearly, as "Workforce" notes, more must be done to bring reality — not illusions — to the workplace.
As we pause for Thanksgiving, let us take some time for introspection, to reflect at the holiday. We need to grasp what is truly happening, what we each bring to the work (as well as dining) table, what each of our responsibilities are, what is realistic to expect from ourselves, our co-workers, our employers. How can each of us, in the true Judeo-Christian ethic, make the workplace better?
Reality with humanism would be my motto as an employer. It is a creed which I think is consistent with the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
Postscript, 2025
As we move forward in the 2lst century, the reality with humanism spirit of Thanksgiving is even more important. That spirit embodies good will toward friends, family and co-workers. The opportunity to cocoon around a table filled with good food and enjoy good conversation is a respite from the daily grind and attacks on the workplace. Those attacks have included job cuts, especially to Federal employees and those working under Federally funded (grants) programs. Working at home as a reasonable accommodation, a well-established concept under disability discrimination law, is also under serious siege.
As we celebrate and share the holiday, in addition to giving thanks, now more than ever remember, as Edmund Burke said years ago, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men [(sic) and women] to be silent." Let us all make the Thanksgiving holiday a catalyst to not be silent and to act to preserve and protect all that has been good (including in the workplace).
Grandpa Chuck
****
Article: Remembering St. Kateri Tekakwitha
by Peter Heide
[From: The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV, November-December 2025, No. 4]
November is Native American history month, and, as we approach Thanksgiving Day, we drag out the old stories of the Pilgrims and the two Natives, Samoset and Squanto. We recall that the Indians were the ones who taught the Pilgrims agricultural practices in the “New World.” We revisit documents like the Mayflower Compact and rhapsodize over the Puritan Work Ethic. It’s on the news. It’s in our schools. It even creeps into our worship spaces: The Great Thanksgiving banquet. Yet, as we acknowledge the part Native Americans played, the focus is on “How the White settlers survived the elements and made this Great America possible.”
The story told tends to forget that this new nation was already an old nation of nations for the Native Americans who lived here. We gloss over the diseases brought by the Europeans that then ravaged the native population, who had no immunity. We remain ignorant of many of the atrocities inflicted on Native Americans. We even forget that Native American people had a major presence in the Eastern states before they were pushed West. Many of these Eastern native nations played a significant role in European warfare as France and England fought over control of what is now the United States and Canada, and later when the colonists fought the English.
When I started looking for a Native American person who was of significance and blind, I discovered Kateri Tekakwitha (pronounced gaderi geda’gwidah). Tekakwitha means “she who bumps into things.” She was born into the Mohawk tribe in 1656. Her parents and siblings died in the smallpox epidemic of 1660, which was when she lost most of her eyesight; hence her name Tekakwitha. Smallpox left her face so badly scarred that she covered her face to hide the unsightliness.
In reaction to the violence of her time, Tekakwitha turned from the pain and suffering experienced among the Mohawks to a more hopeful faith life as a Christian after she met three members of the Society of Jesus when she was 11. Even among the Christians she advocated against flagellation and other forms of mortification of the flesh as a means of penance. When Tekakwitha was baptized, she was renamed Catherine, Kateri in Mohawk.
As a child, Kateri had witnessed a brutal rape of a captive girl, and, in part because of this, she made a vow of chastity. She worked among the sick and the poor and found peace among a group of women whom she met during her life.
Her work and devotion were so obvious to others that they named her “The Lily of the Mohawks.” She died on Maundy Thursday 1680; when she died, it is reported that her face changed from being terribly scarred to a beautiful, clear complexion. (The lily is a symbol of purity.)
She was beatified in 1980 by Pope John Paul II. After a young Native American boy prayed to her in 1981 and experienced remission of a flesh-eating bacterial infection that had temporarily made him blind. She was granted sainthood in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI, the first Native American woman of North America to be canonized by the Catholic Church. Today churches and community centers are named after her. She is not the only blind Native American of note, but she set the bar high for those who came after her.
As we honor November’s Native American history month, let us consider the major contributions Native Americans have made in our lives and remember St. Kateri Tekakwitha stood against the violence of her time and made a place of peace and healing for others.
An historical fiction account of her life can be found on BARD, “Lily of the Mohawks,” by Jack Casey, DB22440, read by Madelyn Buzzard, time 12:56. This book contains graphic violence, but it is consistent with enemy treatment of the time.
My Country
My country ‘tis of thee,
This too we sing.
Sweet land of liberty!
Land where our fathers died,
Victims of Pilgrims’ pride.
Yes, we still sing!
— DeAnna Quietwater Noriega
*****
Thanksgiving
by Anthony Corona
[From The ACB Braille Forum- Volume LXIV, November-December 2025, No. 4]
[Reprinted from The ACB Braille Forum, November 2023]
I can almost smell the pies baking, feel the heat of the oven radiating through the kitchen and wafting through the house. I can see the beautifully appointed table in my mind, and of course I can taste the dark and white meat. I can hear the cheering of the big game from the family room and kiddos playing with the dogs and counting the minutes until they get their pie and ice cream.
Thanksgiving has always been a holiday for gathering and sharing, a time to reflect and give thanks for bounty and life. It’s a holiday that can bring us all together in love and celebration.
This year, as I ponder my thankful list, I remember those days past and those gone to a better place. I peruse my mind and feelings to lift and celebrate all the blessings I have been given. I remember my parents and other loved ones who made Thanksgivings past so memorable. I list the many ways my partner and our doggy family have changed me for better. I celebrate friends who make me smile, think and even drive me a little crazy, LOL.
I also charge myself to remember I am blessed and some may not be so. I charge myself to reach out to those in my life who may not have the memories of bounty, who may not have a celebration to attend. I charge myself this season to reach out and share my love with the people in my life, both on the personal and the global.
As we all give thanks this season, let us remember we are all blessed to have each other and the opportunity to carve another bird and slice another pie. This year along with giving thanks I charge my ACB brothers, sisters and non-binary siblings to not only give thanks and share the bounty around your tables, but to share the blessings with those around you who may not be as fortunate. I implore each of us to remember the spirit of this season and spread it around. The more love in this world, the better off we all will be!! And please indulge me as I thank each and every one who is reading this for your commitment to our organization and community. I am thankful for you all!! Happy Thanksgiving!!
***
Hello to all our GDUI members and friends, A Reminder from Tammy Robbins and the DAPP Committee
The Guide dog users Incorporated Disaster Assistance and Preparedness Program (DAPP) Committee would like to remind everyone that in the event of an emergency—such as floods, fires, hurricanes, or other natural disasters—we are here to help!
DAPP offers a $200 stipend to guide dog handlers who are in need of disaster-related assistance for their guide dog.
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact us via phone at 1.866.799.8436 or via email at in...@GuideDogUsersInc.org, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
As storm season roars down the tracks, if we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Together, we stand ready to support you and your guide dogs during difficult times.
Sincerely, Tammy Robbins,
DAPP committee chair
****
A Guide to Unique Gifts
•GDUI Sherwood Forest Farms fundraiser
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
It’s that time of the year again … time to think about what nice holiday decorations to get, and give to your loved ones and dear friends.
We are very excited to share that GDUI is again participating in the Sherwood Forest Farms fundraiser, and we want to tell you all about it!
This year there are seven beautiful items that you may choose among, of course you can opt to get all of them if choosing proves too difficult!*smile* Online ordering is easy and each of the lovely decorations is listed below, with descriptions and prices.
*Item W4M: A 22” inch mixed evergreen wreath, with a red burlap snowflake bow. Price: $50
*Item G3M: A set of two 10’ western cedar garlands. Price: $62
*Item C5M: A 12” centerpiece with a 10” LED taper candle. Price: $50
*Item W3M: A 28” mixed evergreen wreath with red burlap snowflake bow. Price $58
*Item N7M: An assorted pine cone gift basket with complementing red and white berries. Price: $48
*Item S4M: A Noble Fir door swag decoration, approximately 30” x 20”, with snowy cones and a burlap snowflake bow. Price: $52
*Item EGM: An evergreen gift set including two 10’ garlands and a 22” wreath. Price: $89
The final order due date is November 15th, and the orders will be delivered between November 25 and December 6. Orders can only be delivered to addresses within the continental United States. (Sorry, not to Alaska or Hawaii)
To go online to review the beautiful items and order,-visit
Please, we encourage you to share this information with your friends and family, as well as to post is near and far on your social media accounts. The more folks that learn of this fundraiser, and participate, the more beautiful winter decorations are spread across the land… and the better it is for GDUI!!! Remember, proceeds from this year’s Sherwood Forest Farms Holiday fundraiser will benefit GDUI’s Disaster Assistance and Preparedness Program (DAPP)!
If you have any questions, please contact Vickie Kennedy at vre...@gmail.com, or Sarah Calhoun at sc-...@att.net
GDUI thanks you so very much for supporting our organization with this fundraising effort. Have a wonderful Holiday season!
- Meet Jen, your Pampered Chef Consultant.
She has a current party going on, open until Saturday November 15. There is a wide range of items available. Not just cookwear, but also things to eat! Speaking of eating, Kai, her Seeing Eye Dog says the best, and most important gift you'll purchase, is the Homemade Dog Treats Gift Set! He assures you that this gift exemplifies pure love and adoration- and he should know, he is a Labrador after all!!!
Find Jen's party here-
- The Homemade Dog Treats Gift Set is here-
SPREAD CHEER WITH HOMEMADE DOG TREATS! Make the holidays extra special with the Homemade Dog Treats Gift Set. Packaged in a beautiful box that’s all ready to gift, this dog treat baking kit has everything needed to make tail-wagging commence. From a dual-purpose Mason Jar to a delicious dog treat mix that’s made with 100% human-grade ingredients, this set makes it easy to whip up homemade pumpkin pie dog treats that support healthy digestion and are packed with flavor dogs love.
Mix up the dough, use the Dog Bone Biscuit Cutter to stamp out 2'' (5-cm) dog treats, bake, and place them in the Mason Jar for easy storage! The Mason Jar has a wide-mouth opening, so it’s easy to retrieve biscuits when it's treat time. After you use up the Pumpkin Pie Dog Treat Mix, check out the included recipe card. It has just what you need to make your next batch from scratch.
This is the perfect gift for all the dog lovers in your life, so share it with your friends, family, puppy raiser, your own guide, all the neighbors dogs, and coworkers.Heck, eat them yourself- they sound that good! With this set, anyone can whip up un-fur-gettable pumpkin pie treats and fill the holiday season with happy tail wags.
•Blind Design Woodworking
Guide dog handler Kati, owner
Text or Call for more information or to place orders
Phone: 949.333.9443
Make this holiday season unforgettable with Blind Design Woodworking! Choose from a wide selection of custom-made pieces —charcuterie boards, lazy Susans, cutting boards, noodle boards, coasters, and more. Every item is skillfully crafted and may be personalized with a laser-engraved image of a faithful guide dog, inspirational quote, or any design you choose. Pieces start at $25 and up. Order early to ensure delivery by Christmas.
•Innosearch has 2 updates just in time for the holiday rush!
The InnoSearch AI App is LIVE!
Take the full power of accessible shopping and booking with you wherever you go. Everything you love about the InnoSearch AI website, from voice shopping to flight booking, is now available in our official mobile app.
Download today for the best mobile experience! App Store or Google Play
InnoSearch is now Live for Everyone!
We are thrilled to launch a brand-new feature built with and for our community: InnoSearch Stores. This new section is dedicated to supporting blind and low-vision sellers, as well as products designed to assist the blind and low-vision communities.
You can explore all the new stores at: https://www.innosearch.ai/stores
Featured Stores Now Live
Discover products and services from these inspiring creators and accessibility-focused brands:
*Brava: Discover the world's most accessible oven.
*Donna J. Jodhan: Services by the world-renowned blind advocate, accessibility champion, and change maker.
*Blindly Brilliant: Beautiful pottery products created by Donna J. Jodhan.
*Bold Blind Beauty: An advocacy platform demystifying blindness through lived experiences.
*Double Tap: Recommended accessibility products specifically selected by the Double Tap team.
*Geek Store and Glam Store: Accessibility products selected by Shawn Keen and Mindy.
•Bees Boards LLC
[Editor’s note- I purchased a gift for a friend from their booth at a fair recently. I spent much enjoyable time exploring the wonders of their booth as it was delightfully tactile!]
33 Victoria Lane
Templeton, MA 01468
Handcrafted game boards and wooden crafts
Welcome to Bees Boards, where family game night meets craftsmanship! Explore our handcrafted wooden classic game boards, made with love by Bee and Paul in our cozy garage studio.
"How hard can it be?"
We say this a lot, in our house. We get curious about something, and we want to learn more. So we fire up YouTube, and start googling, because it can’t be that hard, right?
We had a 17-year-old Boos Block in our kitchen. It had lived on our counter from at least two houses ago, and it was tired. We decided it would be a good idea to restore it – and that's how we discovered the world of edge grain and end grain and charcuterie boards made from live edge slabs, planers and jointers and sanders and other tools.
We were hooked.
We converted a garage bay into a wood shop. We went tool shopping. We went wood shopping. We found family and friends who loved what we made. We found strangers who loved what we made – so we kept on making. From our garage and from our kitchen.
We still haven’t restored that Boos Block …
•Loving Touch Connection®
[Editor’s note- While I haven’t personally purchased, yet, from Kathy I have already created an extremely long wish list. Oh, yes, I also have a long list of gifts I am planning to give, to others- of course! *smile*]
Kathy Keck
Phone: 610.657.9869
Email: ka...@touchedbyfantasy.com
All my life I have been dabbling in painting and crafts of one sort or another. In 2001, I started my company, Touched by Fantasy Designs, painting terra cotta pots and selling them at a local consignment shop. As pieces sold, my confidence grew and the excitement of people actually buying pieces I created gave me a new passion to try new things.
I started painting wine glasses with artistic designs and found they were very popular! Then mailboxes, then slates, and taking custom orders. During this time, I was employed full-time as an Executive Assistant. When the economy affected the business where I worked, I was suddenly unemployed and decided to take a leap of faith and pursue painting.
Loving Touch Connection - (Braille and art on glassware and ceramic mugs) was an inspired gift from God and the universe- directing me to do something even more impactful with my artwork. I am truly blessed and grateful for all the guidance and success I've received through the years with these special pieces.
Raised dot Braille words and messages on ceramic and glass pieces with tactile Artistic designs for people with low vision or blindness
Unique raised dot braille gifts and products you'll love to give! -- Or keep!
Loving Touch Connection® products are daily life essential pieces that seamlessly blend functionality with artistic flair. Elevate your daily life experience with our uniquely crafted coffee mugs, wine glasses, and spice jars, magnets, beer glasses, beverage glasses, soap and lotion dispensers, and more.
Using my own proprietary technique, I hand apply the raised dots for the braille words, and painted designs. Each piece is designed to delight both visually and tactually. Messages in raised dot braille are meticulously applied to the surface of each piece. Grade 1 is the default, and Grade 2 is available on request. The message words are also hand-painted in a lovely, easy to read script below the raised dot braille word or message.
Key Features-
- Hand-Painted Elegance: Every piece is individually hand-painted, ensuring a one-of-a-kind work of art that adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen, dining and living spaces.
- Raised Dot Braille: My unique designs feature raised dot Braille messages or words. These tactile elements not only cater to those with visual impairments but also add a distinctive texture for a multisensory experience.
- Artistic Designs: The main focus of Loving Touch Connection is connecting the world of art for people with low vision or blindness with thoughtfully curated designs on objects they will use daily. From vibrant florals to contemporary abstract patterns, each piece tells a unique story, turning your everyday essentials into functional pieces of art. Custom orders are welcome!
- Raised Outlining: My attention to detail extends to applying raised outlining on the design, adding depth and texture to the artistic designs. The user can feel the contours of the design, enhancing the overall aesthetic and tactile appeal of the piece.
- Durable Craftsmanship: Crafted with care, these pieces are not just visually appealing but also are durable enough to withstand daily use, making them perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. Microwave and top rack dishwasher safe.
- Versatile Functionality: Whether you're enjoying a cozy cup of coffee, savoring your favorite wine, or adding a pinch of spice to your culinary creations, my collection seamlessly blends artistic expression with practical functionality.
The Loving Touch Connection was created to help connect people of all ages with low vision or blindness to the world of art-- on glassware.
•Blind Girl Designs- where white canes and tactile braille meets whimsy!
CALL TO SHOP: 862.448.1011
Hours of Operation- 9 am - 4 pm CST Monday -Friday
Blind Girl Designs founder, Tricia Waechter, who has Retinitis Pigmentosa personally creates each design!
Tricia started Blind Girl Designs after losing her job in the fashion industry in New York due to her vision loss.
She believes the more sight she loses the more creative she becomes.
Just one glance at Tricia's original designs will have you falling in Love with Blind Girl Designs!
We proudly design blind centric prints in
tactile inks on T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Hoodies and Zip Hoodies in sizes ranging from youth Small to Large; Adult Sizes Small to 5 X-Large, and Tall Sizes Large to 3 X-Large!
Drop in and browse our fabulous creative prints!
You will love our designs created with the Blind In Mind!
Blind Girl Designs Ships Free to all U.S. addresses!
Departments- (included here to wet your shopping apatite!)
New Blind Girl Designs
T-Shirts
Crewneck Sweatshirts
Pullover Hoodies
Zippered Hoodies
Aprons
Tote Bags
America * America 3D Tactile Design Products
American Eagle 3D Tactile Design Products
American Flag 3D Tactile Design Products
Braille Alphabet Heart Design Products
Colorful Flower Garden of White Canes Design Products
Colorful Flower Heart Cane Design Products
Explosion Of Colorful Stars Cane Design Products
Home Is Where My Dog Is Design Products
I Love My Cat Design Products
I Love My Guide Dog Design Products
Irish Blessing Glow-in-the-Dark 3D Tactual Design Products
Love Tactile 3D Design Products
Monarch Butterfly Design Products
Mr Sun! 3D Tacttile Design Products
Pretty Daisies Tactile Design Products
Seahorse 3D Design Products
Sunflower 3D Tactile Design Products
Teach Love Inspire Tactile 3D Design Products
We See With Our Hearts 3D Tactile Design Products
Christmas Tree of Gifts Design Products
Colorful CaneChristmas Tree Design Products
Dancing Skeletons Happy Halloween Glow-in-the-Dark Design Products
Dancing Snowmen With Canes Design Products
Happy Dancing Ghosts Halloween Glow-in-the-Dark Design Products
Jolly Snowman Design Products
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice Design Products
Three Sweet Angels 3D Tactile Design Products
White Cane Snowflake 3D Tactile Design Products
Winter Tree White Cane 3D Tactile Design Products
Owned By: Tricia Waechter, Manager: Blind Mice Inc
•NBP: Get ready for the holidays!
Classic print/braille cards!
10 print/braille cards with envelopes: $20.00
Back in stock! This year, we’ve brought back another classic, favorite holiday card! Wish your colleagues, friends, and family peace and goodwill with our unique print/braille holiday cards The front has the word "peace" in dark blue and in braille as an elegant dove with an olive branch in its beak glides above. Inside reads: "Peace on Earth and goodwill toward all." Sending cards where print and braille stand side by side, as equals, conveys a powerful message. Don't miss out on the occasion — spread some joy this season and let special people in your life know you're thinking of them.
2026 Peanuts "Happiness Is" Calendar
$17.00
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
$20.00
(Print/braille picture book)
By Dr. Seuss
Get in on the Christmas cheer with Dr. Seuss’s iconic holiday classic starring the Grinch, Max, and Cindy-Lou Who—guaranteed to grow your heart three sizes! This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will warm even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay
Eight Sweet Nights: A Festival of Lights
$16.00
(Print/braille picture book in UEB., Reading age: 3 - 7 years)
A warm and yummy Hanukkah-themed picture book about the joys of coming together to celebrate with family and food.
It's time to start counting sleeps—Hanukkah is coming! Shimmering, shining, sparkling. Eight sweet nights, a festival of lights.
Set in a cozy house full of latkes, applesauce, sufganiyot, and other Hanukkah holiday treats, this warm and emotional story highlights the importance and joy of passing along traditions from one generation to the next, and making new traditions too.
Children also learn about the meaning of the holiday, with informative side notes on each page to give a brief explanation of words found at Hanukkah, such as Maccabees, hanukkiyah, shamash, and gelt. An afterword from the author provides even more historical background to the holiday, making this a book to take from the shelves year after year.
Favorite Christmas Carols
$15.00
(Braille, 1 vol., or BRF)
Popular Christmas Songs
$18.00
(Braille, 1 vol., or BRF)
Compiled by National Braille Press
As the holiday season approaches each year, certain songs are bound to be on the radio or included in themed playlists. They can give us a pep in our step or a chance to reflect as we sing along. This book includes lyrics to 35 songs, including some you may already be quite familiar with and a few new-to-you tunes that just might be your next favorite. Happy singing!
Braille Fidgets
$16.00
By Unicorn Soda Reviews
These braille and print letter fidget toys from Unicorn Soda are addictive!
Each fidget has 26 connected pieces that link together to form a chain. Each link has a braille character on one side (a through z) and the corresponding raised, large print capital letter on the reverse. One extra link contains a lobster-style keychain clip, which does not have any braille or print on it.
These letter links can be joined together in any order to form a chain, with movement similar to a bike chain. Joints between links provide a satisfying, auditory click when moved. This braille fidget can be taken apart and puzzled back together, and fits in your palm or pocket. Endless sensory and tactile discrimination possibilities!
Fidgets are made from a durable material (TPU) that is heat-resistant.
Dimensions: .5 inch by .5 inch by 15 inches (Warning: choking hazard - not for children under 3 years.)
Limited quantity!
Braille Magnets
$6.00
Some of the most original gift ideas show up at the checkout counters of book and gift stores, like these "Quotables" refrigerator magnets with memorable quotes. We selected different magnets and simply placed transparent braille over the print quotes, so all can read. Each artful magnet is a 3.5" square that can be used to decorate any refrigerator door or hold up a photo or note.
“The road to my heart is paved with paw prints.” — Unknown
"Be the person your dog thinks you are.” — Unknown
Holiday Cocktails & Mocktails
$14.00
(Braille, 1 vol., or BRF)
Featuring 27 elegant cocktail and mocktail recipes (and 3 simple syrup recipes) for the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you’re expecting a big crew of people at the annual holiday gathering or looking for something to enjoy as you quietly sit and appreciate the lit tree, you’ll find simple recipes for Spiced Apple Cider, Espresso Martinis, and Hot Caramel Spicy Rum. This is the perfect book to pull off the shelf year after year when you want to make any occasion a little more festive.
•Beat the holiday rush and order your guide dog statue now!
Memorialize the guide dog that means or meant so much to you with Danny’s Guide dogs labrador retriever or German shepherd complete with harness! This
beautiful crafted led free pewter even simulates the dog’s fur.
The statue is made with fine led free pewter and is produced by master craftsman George Kysor, owner of the renowned “Baker Art Foundry”, Placerville California.
Guide dog handlers, puppy raisers, guide dog trainers and family alike will cherish this remarkable statue weighing one pound and standing 4.5 inches tall,
2 inches wide and 5.5 inches long and is of a shiny led free pewter polish.
The dog is in a sitting position looking slightly up and is sporting a guide dog harness and the dog’s tail is laying on the base pointing to the lower
right corner of the pedestal where the dog is mounted.
For further inquiries or to order, contact Dan Kysor at 916.706.1431
Or email dank...@comcast.net
****
Be My Eyes for Business - Monday, October 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM
[From the Tech-VI Announcement List]
Be My Eyes Announce Launch of Service AI as a Standalone Product The AI-powered tool provides businesses with scalable and consistent 24/7 accessible customer service, plus instant access to 900,000+ potential blind and low vision customers
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – 6th October, 2025 – Be My Eyes, the Accessibility Management platform for people who are blind or have low vision, today announced the availability of its Service AI solution as a standalone product. Previously provided as part of larger scale implementations of Be My Eyes Customer Accessibility Suite, the product is now available to smaller businesses looking to deliver accessible, scalable and consistent customer service to the blind and low vision community.
Service AI is an AI-powered virtual service agent built on the Be My Eyes platform, and accessible by over 900,000 blind and low vision consumers worldwide through the Be My Eyes app. It is a modern AI-driven customer service function that enables blind and low vision consumers to get the service support they want, when they need it.
Acting as a virtual agent, Service AI can be trained on a business’s products and services as well as how to identify certain problems and suggest solutions to solve them. The advanced AI interprets images, and chats with customers to provide consistent support, in various languages, and to solve their requests fast. In addition, Service AI can provide optional escalation to a human agent if and when needed.
Mike Buckley, CEO at Be My Eyes commented on the launch…
“Service AI can be absolutely transformative. You don’t necessarily even need dedicated service agents or a contact center. With Service AI, any business can now offer 24/7 support that is fully accessible, AI-powered, and most importantly focused on providing that support to blind and low vision customers”.
Unlike other customer service solutions, licensing Service AI includes automatic listing in the Be My Eyes Service Directory, a searchable support directory accessed by over 900,000 blind and low vision users worldwide. This provides immediate brand exposure to an engaged, loyal customer base that actively seeks out accessible businesses.
This not only makes Service AI a simple to implement and valuable support tool, but for those organizations that prioritize customer experience across all abilities and disabilities, it is also a clear brand differentiator and potential competitive advantage.
With the “virtual agent” and the automated customer service bot market now exploding, Service AI represents a refreshing alternative to many other systems that typically require complex integrations and set up work. Service AI is designed to be up and running almost instantly, which is particularly useful for organizations with little time on their hands, or small or medium sized business that may not yet be ready for large service desks and support staff.
Jesper Knutell, CRO at Be My Eyes had this to say…
“This launch levels the playing field for small and medium businesses in particular. Service AI combines two things SMEs rarely get at once; enterprise-grade technology and immediate access to a highly engaged global community. It’s a simple, affordable way to stand out and serve customers better.”
Service AI is available immediately for businesses wanting to provide fast, accessible, reliable support to build stronger customer relationships and advocates.
Learn more or request a free demo at: https://www.bemyeyes.com/business/bme-service-ai/
_____
About Be My Eyes
Launched in 2015, Be My Eyes is a globally recognized and award-winning access technology provider for people who are blind or have low vision. With a global community of 900,000+ users, and 9.3 million volunteers, Be My Eyes connects blind and low-vision users with sighted volunteers and companies, through live video and AI to tackle inaccessible parts of everyday life, whether at home or at work; all for free to the end user.
Be My Eyes is available in more than 150 countries worldwide and its volunteers speak more than 180 languages.
To learn more, please visit bemyeyes.com or join us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Threads and TikTok.
***
Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars- Check these out!
Hadley Presents- Cooking After Vision Loss
In this episode, we chat with and learn from members of the Hadley community. Dia Kraft and Don Pojman share their own tips and tricks for continuing to cook despite having lost some vision.
To Listen- https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/cooking-after-vision-loss
In case you missed these other episodes-
Everyday Choices That Can Influence the Course of Eye Disease
Ever wonder if there's more you could be doing to support your eye health? Dr. Sophie Bakri, retinal surgeon and chair of ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, joins us to discuss everyday choices that can influence the course of eye conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
Monitoring Macular Degeneration from Home: Notal Vision
We talk with the CEO of Notal Vision about a home-based monitoring tool that alerts your eyecare provider to potential disease progression. This device can help you stay on top of your eye health between doctor visits.
(Bonus: Stay tuned! One of the most popular episodes from our sister podcast, Insights & Sound Bites, will automatically play after this interview.)
Vision Loss and Depression
Ophthalmologist Dr. John Shepherd joins us to talk about the connection between vision loss and depression, what signs to look for, and how to get the support you need.
Find All Episodes here-
***
From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!
- Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
[From The Seeing Eye]
Yield: 8 – 10 pancakes
Celebrate autumn with these delicious pumpkin and spice pancakes topped with warm maple syrup and a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
2 cups pancake mix of choice
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk (or more as needed)
3/4 cup pure pumpkin puree
Whipped cream and pure maple syrup for topping
In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well blended. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and pumpkin puree. Slowly add milk mixture to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Batter should be thick and lumpy.
Lightly grease griddle with oil and heat on medium-high. Drop 1/3 cup batter onto griddle and cook about 90 seconds until pancakes are golden on the bottom and bubbly on top. Flip pancakes and cook about 90 seconds more until bottoms are browned. Serve with warmed maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream.
•No-Bake Peppermint Pie
[Reprinted from Princess Pinky Girl]
You’ll need:
One Oreo pie crust
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 8-oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
10 drops red food coloring
2 tsps. vanilla extract
1 tsp. peppermint extract
½ cup peppermint candy or mints, crushed
1 tub Cool Whip
Crushed peppermint candy for decoration
Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Cream together the powdered sugar and cream cheese. Add the food coloring and vanilla & peppermint extract to the cream cheese/powdered sugar bowl and mix.
Mix in the peppermint candy bits with the cream cheese/powdered sugar. Then, add the powdered sugar/cream cheese mixture to the bowl of heavy whipping cream and mix together on low speed until combined.
Pour into crust. Top pie with Cool Whip and crushed peppermint.
Chill for 1-2 hours or until ready to serve.
•Turtle Cheesecake Dip
[The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV, November-December 2025, No. 4]
Submitted by Nancy Christine Feela
Prep 15 min.
Total 1 hour 15 min. (including refrigerating)
Makes 26 servings, 2 Tbsp. each
Ingredients- 30 Kraft caramels
2 1/4 cups (about 3/4 of 8 oz. tub) thawed Cool Whip, divided
2 oz. Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate, chopped
2 packages (8 oz. each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups chopped Planters pecans
Microwave caramels and 1/2 cup Cool Whip in medium microwavable bowl on high 1 minute 40 seconds, stirring after 1 minute. Stir until caramels are completely melted and sauce is well blended. Cool 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, microwave chocolate and 3/4 cup of the remaining Cool Whip in small microwavable bowl for 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and sauce is well blended.
Beat cream cheese in separate medium bowl with mixer until creamy. Add 2/3 cup caramel sauce; beat until blended. Gently stir in remaining 1 cup Cool Whip. Spread cream cheese mixture onto serving plate; drizzle with chocolate sauce and remaining caramel sauce. Sprinkle with nuts. Refrigerate 1 hour. Serve with pretzel twists.
•Corn Casserole
From The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV, November-December 2025, No. 4]
Submitted by Scott Thornhill
1 can cream-style corn
1 can whole corn, undrained
1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin mix
8 oz. sour cream
1 stick butter or margarine, melted
2 eggs, slightly beaten
Mix all together, pour into 13” x 9” pan, and bake at 350°F for 45 to 55 minutes (325° if using a glass pan).
(You can add sugar to taste, as well as cayenne pepper. )
(If you have a big crowd coming, double the recipe.)
•Chickpea Salad
[From The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV, November-December 2025, No. 4]1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 green/red/yellow pepper chopped (or a mix of the three)
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 can (16 oz.) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
1/3 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (I use a small can of diced tomatoes instead, drained, any flavor)
2-3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley or tarragon
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Bring a small sauce pan of water to a boil. Add the onion, and cook 30 seconds. Drain, and toss with white wine vinegar.
Mix together the red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper and gradually whisk in the oil.
Toss the chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and onion with the dressing and let marinade 1 hour.
Add the chopped parsley or tarragon and lemon juice, toss to mix, and serve at room temperature.
•Cherry Jell-O Salad
[From The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV, November-December 2025, No. 4]
1 large pkg. (6 ounces) cherry Jell-O
2 cups boiling water
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling
Mix all together and refrigerate several hours to let it set. Cut into squares.
•Vegetable Salad
[From The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV, November-December 2025, No. 4]
5 cups chopped broccoli florets
5 cups chopped cauliflower florets
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
2/3 cup minced onion
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar or raspberry vinegar
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, or 1/2 cup bacon bits
1/4 cup shelled, toasted sunflower seeds
Chop broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, add vegetables, cheese, raisins, minced onions and mix well. In another bowl, combine sugar, vinegar and mayonnaise.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all vegetables are coated well. Sprinkle the bacon and sunflower seeds over the top.
(This recipe could be cut in half if you are serving a smaller group of people.)
Tip: This salad can be made ahead; add the bacon and sunflower seeds just before serving
•3-Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts
[Reprinted From Simplistically Living-by Brittanie Pyper]
Servings 20 Donuts
You’ll need- Piping bags
Domino powdered confectioners sugar
Pure Vermont maple syrup
Canned organic pumpkin puree
Betty Crocker Super Moist Spice Cake Mix
Wilton non-stick 6-cavity donut baking pans
Cooking spray
For The Pumpkin Donuts- 1 box spice cake mix, 15.25 oz.
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup heavy cream
For The Maple Glaze- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
4-6 Tablespoons heavy cream
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a doughnut pan with cooking spray.
Mix together the cake mix, pumpkin puree, and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl with a hand or stand mixer until combined. The batter will be thick.
Using a piping bag, pipe batter into each donut well, filling it about 1/2 full of batter.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top of the donuts bounce back if gently tapped.
Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool for 3-5 minutes before turning them out onto a cooling rack.
Allow the donuts to cool completely, and then make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and maple syrup in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thick, spreadable consistency.
Spread frosting onto the top of each donut. Serve and enjoy.
(If making mini donuts, bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes.)
***
Tom Brady reveals his dog is a clone of a family pet who died in 2023
[From: The Washington Post, November 4, 2025,
[Editors’ Note: No comment!]
Tom Brady revealed Tuesday that a young dog of his is actually a clone created from a family pet who died almost two years ago.
In a statement shared by Colossal Biosciences, a company that says it specializes in “species restoration,” Brady thanked it for giving him and his family
“a second chance with a clone of our beloved dog.” Brady is an investor in the company.
The original dog, Lua,
Died in December 2023, according to Brady’s ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen. On Tuesday, Brady said he “worked with Colossal and leveraged their noninvasive cloning
technology through a simple blood draw of our family’s elderly dog before she passed.” He credited the company with taking just “a few short months” to
provide him with the clone, reportedly named Junie.
Brady’s comments emerged in conjunction with Colossal’s announcement Tuesday that it had acquired Viagen Pets and Equine, said to be “the global leader
and expert in animal cloning.” Viagen previously helped celebrities such as
Barbra Streisand and Paris Hilton obtain clones of their pet dogs. Hilton, also an investor in Colossal, had two clones
and Streisand got three, one of which went to the daughter of a friend.
Viagen says it
Charges $50,000 to clone a cat or a dog and $85,000 for a duplicate horse. The company also
Touts its “key role in preserving and reviving the genetics” of exotic, and in some cases endangered, species such as white and black rhinos, the Florida bonneted
bat and the Grévy’s zebra.
Colossal’s “de-extinction” efforts have included, per the company, bringing forth
the first dire wolves in approximately 10,000 years.
Brady said in his statement Tuesday that he was “excited” at the prospect that the two companies, now under the same umbrella, could “help both families
losing their beloved pets while helping to save endangered species.”
****
AI Beats Humans at Picking Future Service Dogs
ByJheremia Macatiag
New study finds machine learning can spot future guide dogs with 80% accuracy
When it comes to choosing a puppy who could grow up to become a dependable guide dog, even the most experienced trainers admit it’s more of an art than
a science. But what if a computer could do better?
That’s exactly what a team of researchers from the U.S. and U.K. set out to test—by teaching an artificial intelligence (AI) model how to identify the
makings of a perfect service dog. Their findings, recently published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, suggest that AI may now be better at predicting
future guide dog success than seasoned human professionals.
block quote
“This could be a real game-changer for organizations training assistance animals,” said Dr. Mohammad Amirhosseini, Associate Professor at the University
of East London, who co-authored the study. “Not only could it save time and money, but it also reduces the emotional burden on dogs and trainers when a
dog doesn’t make the cut.”
Trainers tracked behavior traits like energy, focus, and temperament to train the AI.
The researchers partnered with The Seeing Eye, Inc.—the oldest guide dog school in the world—and several universities, including the University of Pennsylvania
and the University of Nottingham. Trainers meticulously logged details about each dog’s temperament, energy, focus, and other traits throughout their development.
The AI model was trained using this data to recognize patterns that correlated with dogs who eventually graduated the program. When tested, the AI predicted
successful service dogs with up to 80% accuracy—significantly outperforming trained humans.
Dr. James Serpell, a co-author from the University of Pennsylvania, noted: “We’re not replacing trainers. What we’re doing is giving them a very powerful
new tool to help them make better decisions early on.”
Reducing Training Failures and Saving Resources
Training a service dog is costly, often exceeding $50,000 per animal. When a dog doesn’t make the cut, it’s not just a financial burden—it’s emotionally
taxing for trainers and disappointing for families awaiting a match.
As TechRadar reports, the use of AI in early-stage selection could mean fewer heartbreaks and better outcomes. By identifying traits linked to future success, the
system helps trainers focus their energy and resources where they matter most—potentially saving time, money, and sparing dogs from being removed from
training and rehomed after developing strong bonds and routines.
If AI can catch patterns even experienced trainers overlook, it won’t replace human judgment—but it could become an invaluable partner in the world of
animal training.
The project was a collaboration between institutions across two continents, including the University of Arizona and Canine Companions. It shows how emerging
technology can work hand-in-hand with human expertise to improve animal welfare and training “This isn’t about replacing intuition—it’s about enhancing it,” Amirhosseini added.
***
Announcement, We are proud to announce that all recordings from the 2025 ACB Conference and Convention are now available in podcast format.
By Rick Morin, ACB Media and IT Manager
A total of 133 podcasts have been published, organized into 12 distinct podcast feeds. Each feed features podcasts grouped by similar topic areas, allowing you to more easily find content that matches your interests and needs.
Each podcast feed is accompanied by a dedicated website that lists all the podcasts published within that feed. On these websites, you will find Show Notes for every episode, offering detailed descriptions and context. Additionally, each site provides direct links to listen to or download individual podcasts, making it convenient for you to enjoy content on your preferred device or platform.
We will soon release a comprehensive directory of each individual podcast, complete with direct links organized in the order they occurred during the conference. Until that directory is available, you may access the podcasts through each feed’s website.
Below are the links to each feed’s website, along with the RSS Feed URL for those who wish to subscribe and receive updates directly.
Feed Website | RSS Feed |
Stay tuned for the Master Directory of all podcasts coming soon!
***
It is never to soon to plan for next Convention! A Look at the Hyatt St. Louis Arch
by Janet Dickelman
[From The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV, November-December 2025, No. 4]
Submitted by Nancy Christine Feela
As you read this, the ACB board will be holding their fall board meeting. The convention committee will also be in St. Louis, wandering the hotel, visiting potential tour venues, meeting with organizations for possible volunteer sources, and meeting with the local host committee.
The dates for our 2026 convention are July 24-31.
Hotel Details:
Room rates at the Hyatt are $104 single or double, $129 triple or $154 quad, plus applicable state and local taxes (currently 17.92%). Reservation details will be available shortly.
Here is some information regarding the convention hotel.
Hotel Restaurants- The Hyatt Regency Arch features five restaurants:
Starbucks: Open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Brewhouse (Lunch and Dinner): Open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily
Red Kitchen (Breakfast): Open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Red Bar: Open 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily
Ruth’s Chris: Open Monday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday, 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sunday, 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Room Amenities- All sleeping rooms have safes, ironing boards, refrigerators and K-cup coffee makers. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center. It does not have a pool. There are no guest washers and dryers; there is a dry-cleaning service.
In the January issue, we will have a rundown of our 2026 tours.
Staying in Touch- The conference and convention announce list will be filled with information. If you received updates for the 2025 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe. If you are not subscribed to the list, send a blank email to acbconventi...@acblists.org.
For any convention-related questions, please contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, at (651) 428-5059, or via email, janet.d...@gmail.com.
May you have the best holiday ever, whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another celebration. Wishing you a season of joy, love, good food, and time with friends and family.
*****
IMPORTANT Editor’s note: Content for GDUI News You Can Use is culled from a variety of sources; Hence inclusion herein does not imply GDUI endorses, supports or verifies said 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
Paws for GDUI News You Can Use
Visit our website: https://www.guidedogusersinc.org/
Call us, toll-free, at 866.799.8436
Access our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GDUInc/.
Access our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/GDUINC/.
Access our Twitter timeline at https://twitter.com/gduinc.
To subscribe to the GDUI Chat list, visit this link: chat+su...@guidedogusersinc.org.
To subscribe to the (members only) GDUI Business list, visit this link:
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Sarah Calhoun
Thank you to Andrea Giudice, editor of PAWS and Penny Reed for a fantastic, informative and fun November 2025 Issue of PAWS!
I fell in love with Canine Contemplations and look forward to more!
I learned so much reading the article on bloating. I sent the article to one of my sister’s as her daughter had a dog that passed from bloating at the age of 11 years.
Looking forward to more PAWS!
Best,
Sarah
1. Hand-Painted Elegance: Every piece is individually hand-painted, ensuring a one-of-a-kind work of art that adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen, dining and living spaces.
2. Raised Dot Braille: My unique designs feature raised dot Braille messages or words. These tactile elements not only cater to those with visual impairments but also add a distinctive texture for a multisensory experience.
3. Artistic Designs: The main focus of Loving Touch Connection is connecting the world of art for people with low vision or blindness with thoughtfully curated designs on objects they will use daily. From vibrant florals to contemporary abstract patterns, each piece tells a unique story, turning your everyday essentials into functional pieces of art. Custom orders are welcome!
4. Raised Outlining: My attention to detail extends to applying raised outlining on the design, adding depth and texture to the artistic designs. The user can feel the contours of the design, enhancing the overall aesthetic and tactile appeal of the piece.
5. Durable Craftsmanship: Crafted with care, these pieces are not just visually appealing but also are durable enough to withstand daily use, making them perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. Microwave and top rack dishwasher safe.
6. Versatile Functionality: Whether you're enjoying a cozy cup of coffee, savoring your favorite wine, or adding a pinch of spice to your culinary creations, my collection seamlessly blends artistic expression with practical functionality.
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dawg...@gmail.com
Sarah,
Thanks for the compliments!!! So happy you enjoyed it!!!
Andrea
- Hand-Painted Elegance: Every piece is individually hand-painted, ensuring a one-of-a-kind work of art that adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen, dining and living spaces.
- Raised Dot Braille: My unique designs feature raised dot Braille messages or words. These tactile elements not only cater to those with visual impairments but also add a distinctive texture for a multisensory experience.
- Artistic Designs: The main focus of Loving Touch Connection is connecting the world of art for people with low vision or blindness with thoughtfully curated designs on objects they will use daily. From vibrant florals to contemporary abstract patterns, each piece tells a unique story, turning your everyday essentials into functional pieces of art. Custom orders are welcome!
- Raised Outlining: My attention to detail extends to applying raised outlining on the design, adding depth and texture to the artistic designs. The user can feel the contours of the design, enhancing the overall aesthetic and tactile appeal of the piece.
- Durable Craftsmanship: Crafted with care, these pieces are not just visually appealing but also are durable enough to withstand daily use, making them perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. Microwave and top rack dishwasher safe.