Welcome to the NAGDU Discussion Group.

The NAGDU Discussion Group is an email list owned by the National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU), a proud division of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).

The purpose of this group is to provide guide dog users and other interested people with an easy way to access information about guide dogs and to assist people in dealing with issues related to working with a guide dog. Everyone is welcome to join the group whether you are an individual guide dog user, cane user, a professional in the guide dog field, a training program representative, a puppy raiser, or are merely interested in learning about the pros and cons of using a guide dog for mobility. While we would love for you to become a member of NAGDU and the NFB, membership is not required to participate in the group. NAGDU is neutral when it comes to the various guide dog training programs and schools, and whether someone owner-trains their own dog. We understand that there are individual loyalties to certain guide dog training programs, and to whether someone should train their own dog. To keep it simple, we feel that the best approach is for individuals to have informed choice when deciding on obtaining a guide dog. Although this group is for the discussion of guide dog user topics, there will be occasional posts concerning issues of major importance to the blind, as well as announcements concerning activities of the national Association of Guide dog Users and The National Federation of the Blind.

Topics in the group can include but are not limited to the benefits and disadvantages of using a guide dog, guide dog training programs, care, equipment, puppy raising, training, public access issues, legislation as it affects guide dog users, and public attitudes about guide dogs and their use by the blind as well as the activities of the National association of guide Dog Users. To keep the group traffic at a manageable level, we ask that you try to limit your posts to no more than 5 per day. Only topics pertaining to guide dog users are allowed. Off-topic messages should be sent privately or to another appropriate group or list. We welcome any and all questions and debates about guide dogs and their use, but this discussion group is not for unfair comparisons between the use of guide dogs and canes, personal attacks about which is a better form of mobility or which training program is better, and who should and should not be a guide dog user. We feel that at the end of the day, it is up to each individual to decide for themselves which form of mobility is best for them. While it is okay to disagree with others about something they have said in this group, it is never okay to attack them. Disagreements can and should be done respectfully without the use of inappropriate language. Everyone in this group is expected to abide by the NFB code of conduct, found at www.nfb.org/codeofconduct.

This discussion group is moderated by Steve Cook and Shannon Cook. They will handle questions and problems concerning the group content. You can reach them at discuss+moderator@nagdu.org. To reach the NAGDU board of directors, send an email to board@nagdu.org. Yu can also call or text 346-439-7444.

Lisa Belville