Edition 43 | November 2020

vi•sion•ar•y (vizh’n-eri || -erri) adj. 1. Characterised by vision or foresight

John Byfield A Lifetime Of Service

Expanding Research At Guide Dogs UK A Focus On Human Behavioural Sciences Registered in England Company No 2376162 IGDF UK Registered Charity No 1062441 Contents

First and foremost, membership of the IGDF 3 Message from the Chair Bill Thornton enables Guide Dog Schools around the world 4 IGDF Assessments to join a community dedicated to serving the 4 Tribute To A Visionary visually impaired. That community needs Israel Guide Dog 5 John Byfield: A Lifetime Of and wants to share its knowledge and the Service IGDF

IGDF facilitates that. 6 Expanding Research At Guide Dogs UK ; A Focus On Human Behavioural Sciences The map below outlines the contributing Guide Dog’ Research Team countries for this edition of Visionary. 7 From “No Dogs Allowed” To A Warm Welcome Bracha Ben-Avraham

8 We Believe In Travel Independence For All Rachelle Kniffen

9 New Resource On Early Socialization Dani Prebensen, Zita Penrose, Elizabeth Rote, Jane Russenberger

9 Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association And Ocean Park Signed A MOU.... Naptin To

10 Creating Connected Communities Gemma Hills

11 From Kaliningrad To Magadan On Horse Sleigh Dogs as Assistants for Disabled People

Cover Photo: Front cover picture - Cute puppies having fun with a food bowl.

Flags displayed for this edition are: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, UK, USA, Russia

Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading Berkshire RG7 3YG United Kingdom www.igdf.org.uk

2 | the Visionary | IGDF Canada | BC & Alberta Guide Dogs

has just completed the first phase Message from in the project. Under the guidance of NEN, (The Royal Netherlands Standardization Institute), the the Chair committee has completed ISO Form 1. Essentially, this is the application to start the process of creating a new international standard. Our application will be reviewed by the ISO reviewing Bill Thornton - Chief Executive Officer committee in Geneva. If approved, BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, Canada the application will then be sent to the 187 ISO member countries to be Greetings IGDF Friends, voted on. If the vote succeeds, then This is the first edition of Visionary we start the process of establishing since our recent AGM and as your standards. The whole process newly minted Chair, I would like to will take 3-4 years. There will be a thank our immediate past Chair, standards committee, various working Paul Metcalf for his eight years of groups (6-8) and mirror committees in as many countries as possible that outstanding service to the IGDF. Paul New IGDF Chair, Bill Thornton showing off a served as Chair for the last four years. have a Guide Dog Program. There cute fluffy puppy. He has left the organization in great needs to be a minimum of 8 national shape and has set the bar high for my mirror committees. Early in 2021 we are endless and in the words of tenure. Many thanks to Paul and we will host a webinar explaining the ISO Winston Churchill, “We make a living all look forward to working with him process, content and advantages of ISO from what we get – We make a life by as he continues to volunteer for the Standards to our members. what we give” – thank you all. IGDF as Chair of the ISO process. My As you can see, the Board and In these COVID-19 times, I wish congratulations to Karen Hayes on her committees, are running at full steam you all good health and may your election to the Board. Karen’s strong and we have a very large volume of organizations continue to prosper and corporate background and service in work ahead of us. I would like to thank, grow. the not-for-profit sector will serve us David Maynard, our quarterback in the all well. Lastly, once again my thanks UK Office, my colleagues on the Board Bill Thornton to the members that stood for election, and the huge number of members IGDF Chair giving us a healthy competitive that volunteer on our committees and election process. You are our IGDF working groups. The pay is zero, the stars of the future – thank you. hours are long, however, the rewards The Board has agreed unanimously to establish a new Education Committee, which will be Co-Chaired by Christine Baroni-Pretsch and Tim Stafford. Our Co-Chairs are in the process of completing the terms of reference and recruiting committee members, and we will keep you informed of progress. The goal is to broaden education opportunities for our members, first through technical education of GDMIs and Guide Dog Trainers. This will all tie in with ISO down the road. We Vice-Chair: Christine Turc Treasurer: Wells Jones Christine Baroni-Precsh will host a webinar in due course to France USA Switzerland keep everyone informed. This is an exciting venture which will add value to membership. The Board has started developing a new IGDF Strategic Plan and Karen Hayes is leading the project, supported by Tim Stafford. We have engaged consultants to take us through the process. We are starting with the Board and then plan to have a membership survey in mid- January.

The ISO (International Organization Karen Hayes Kazumasa Oda Tim Stafford for Standardization) project committee Australia Japan United Kingdom

Disclaimer Whilst the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) retains editorial right to all articles presented within the Visionary, accuracy of specific detail and figures quoted are as provided by the author and their supporting organisation. The IGDF, whilst welcoming feedback on content, will not enter into any dialogue relating to perceived inaccuracies in these areas.

Issue 43 | November 20 | 3

IGDF | UK Israel | Israel Guide Dog IGDF Tribute To A Visionary Assessments

Due to the continuing restrictions on international We are saddened by the death of An amazing part of Leventhal’s legacy travel, assessment visits are still Norman Leventhal, Co-Founder of is that he had no connection to the suspended. There are therefore Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind, world of the blind or even of dogs prior no new members or assessments on February 23, 2020, at the age of 90. to 1986. Braun says, “What Norman to report. The Accreditation had was the stubborn determination Born in Utica, New York, USA, Norman Committee (AC) is currently to break down barriers. The word was later recruited into the Army’s ‘no’ was not in his lexicon. Norman working on proposals to make Special Weapons Development believed that everything is possible. increased use of technology in Program. Following, military service, assessments, so that these can he earned a degree from Northeastern Norman wasn’t just a dreamer. He was a visionary.” resume as soon as possible. University in Boston, Massachusetts. That led to a job at General Electric. He Jane Thornton, C.O.O. and Co-Founder Several applications for IGDF was also a businessperson, turning a of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, modest family business, a motor lodge membership have been received and a past Chair of the IGDF says, and restaurant, into a neighbourhood in recent months, which is very “Norman was such a nice man. He landmark. He was involved with encouraging in these challenging talked to everyone at the seminars, charities, and even delved into times. The Board and AC will municipal politics. was always smiling and kind, and will prioritise scheduling assessments be remembered by many as the man for these organisations once A diplomat from the Israeli consulate who always had a camera and took in New York introduced Noach Braun, assessments resume. many photos, eager to share them with CEO & Co-Founder of Israel Guide everyone. Many in our industry will The AC has also been working to Dog Center for the Blind, to Leventhal miss him very much.” in 1986. Braun’s pipe dream was to revise the IGDF Standards, and open a guide dog training center to Braun adds, “He (Norman) was kind, will circulate the proposed new aid Israel’s blind population. Braun gracious, giving, and but most of all Standards to all members. AC had almost given up his dream before loving. His charm could break down Chair Susan Armstrong will also meeting Leventhal. “It all succeeded barriers. His smile and laughter could present the new Standards during because Norman worked very, very light up the darkest rooms. And his a Webinar. There will then be hard to get the guide dog schools in boldness would achieve results.” America to open the door for me”, a period of consultation, during says Braun, who wasn’t getting much Leventhal had a major influence on the which members can comment on support from the Israeli government guide dog industry. He left us with his the new draft. These comments and travelled to the United States to legacy at the Israel Guide Dog Center will then be considered by the AC learn guide dog training. This was and his inspiration everywhere else. and Board and a new Standards before the establishment of the IGDF. document will be published.

Our best wishes go to the following organisation which has left the IGDF:

• Malta Guide Dogs Foundation (Malta)

Norman having cuddles with a litter of puppies

4 | the Visionary | IGDF UK | IGDF John Byfield: A Lifetime Of Service

When asked about hidden gems, Lancashire Training Center, where he one’s mind usually turns to quiet worked for three additional years. beaches, tranquil forests, and even quaint restaurants, but there is also a In 1964 John emigrated to the United hidden gem in the worldwide guide dog States with wife Pam and two young community. sons to join Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown, New York. He began his John Byfield is known around the globe tenure there as a Trainer/Instructor for his years of experience as a guide and was appointed Training Director in dog Trainer/Instructor. He has worked 1966, aiding in their mission to provide for many schools, with many breeds, guide dogs and training to those in varying capacities, and has shared who needed them at no charge, and his endless knowledge as a speaker at developing their training program. conferences in various countries, many Robbie and Charlie Kaman were times over. An old black and white photo of John Byfield beginning Fidelco Guide Dog training at Guide Dogs, UK John’s career began in June of 1958 Foundation in Connecticut in the early when he was hired as an Apprentice 1980s and hired John as their first dogs and instruct people. John has done Trainer for The Guide Dogs for the Blind employee and Training Director in 1981. work for the International Guide Dog Association (GDBA) at their Leamington He stayed with Fidelco for 28 years and Federation and was a charter member of their Development Committee. In Spa Training Center in Warwickshire, had the opportunity to develop their that capacity he evaluated guide dog England. GDBA provides guide dogs, In-Community Placement program, programs in Australia, Japan, Spain, mobility and other rehabilitation allowing recipients to train with their Germany, France, and Canada, and services to those who need them across new guide dogs at home, where they live once spent two weeks in Poland working the United Kingdom. In 1961 John and work, instead of going to classes on with a new program. was transferred to their new Bolton, the school’s campus. John has trained Dalmatians, John joined Freedom Guide Dogs for Weimaraners and mixed breed dogs the Blind, Inc., in April of 1999 as the as guides, although the mainstay Director of Training. Interestingly, is Labradors, Golden Retrievers and he was hired by Freedom Executive German Shepherds. Walking is not as Director Eric Loori, who previously had easy as in the early days, but he is still been hired by John at both Guide Dog able and has never lost interest. “I’m Foundation and Fidelco! After working always stimulated by instructing and at Freedom’s upstate New York campus training, and I still have some mileage for a few years, John moved to Florida in me!” he laughs. “It’s a great feeling in 2003 and commuted regularly to every time a pair qualifies, and it takes New York. Since Freedom’s Hometown many people working together to come TrainingTM program allows for placing to the end result. The trainer is visible, guide dogs with clients at their home, but puppy raisers, volunteers and staff he trained guide dogs in New York and members all have a part in what we Florida and helped with placements do.” And his wife, Pam, has remained along the entire east coast of the United supportive through all the traveling. States while commuting back and forth. Already based mainly in Florida, John John’s retirement in the late spring became Freedom’s Director of Southern of 2020 doesn’t mean that Byfield is a Operations about six years ago and name missing from the guide dog world. now oversees guide dog placements in Grandson Nick Byfield is a Trainer at Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The Seeing Eye, Inc. in New Jersey. He has been there for several years and is Throughout John’s career he trained very enthusiastic. John said, “We are guide dogs and coordinated their very proud of him and what he’s doing.” placement with approximately 1200 blind and visually impaired clients. He Celebrating 62 years as a guide dog has been uniquely active throughout Trainer/Instructor, John is looking the years with no lapses, and was sure to forward to the whatever his next John Byfield training a poodle in Florida find positions where he could both train chapter will bring!

Issue 43 | November 20 | 5 Guide Dogs | UK Expanding Research At Guide Dogs UK ; A Focus On Human Behavioural Sciences

research programme provides the individual needs of the dog. Over the Guide Dogs’ Research Team Guide Dogs, UK evidence we need to enable people past couple of years Guide Dogs have with sight loss to live actively, live worked on projects including designing independently, and live well. a standardised socialisation program Guide Dogs’ research programme for puppies and understanding factors underpins the key objective of Research projects are commissioned affecting dystocia, stillbirth and providing life-changing services to the in response to both internal and neonatal survival. two million people in the UK living external requests. All projects undergo with sight loss. Guide Dogs’ research a robust review process, as well as Over the next few years our canine in canine science has been a primary ethical review where appropriate, to science focus will be to: focus for many years and has achieved ensure the work is scientifically valid, • Develop a new system to measure worldwide recognition and status. ethically sound and offers tangible behaviour throughout the lifetime of Guide Dogs launched a new research benefits to the organisation and our the dog strategy in 2020, and we are excited stakeholders. Our work draws on a to introduce our human behavioural range of qualitative and quantitative • Create a database of the full genome sciences stream. methods and relies on engagement sequence of 3,000 dogs, enabling us to with a range of stakeholders; including breed dogs that are better suited for the Guide Dogs’ research programme customers, volunteers and staff. The guiding role and continue to support The Guide Dogs’ Research Team is research team are keen to share the our dogs’ health and wellbeing. based at the National Breeding Centre knowledge gained and, where relevant, in Warwickshire. Research Associates aims to publish the results to the • Explore the impact of neutering conduct internal research projects and benefit of the wider community. We female dogs before or after puberty collaborate with external organisations are always happy to share our work, on growth, behavioural development, and academics undertaking research please just get in touch. health and progression through on our behalf or using our data. The training. Canine science research programme helps Guide Human behavioural sciences Dogs understand the needs of our The focus of our well-established service users, as well as maximising canine science programme is to In 2020 we launched a new area the care provided to our dogs. Our support the behaviour, health and of research, human behavioural goal is to undertake quality research wellbeing of all our dogs. We aim to sciences, with the aim of supporting that provides a sound evidence base ensure that our breeding, training the emotional wellbeing of our service to support policies, operational and welfare practices are grounded users, their family and friends. This procedures, and campaigns. Our in scientific evidence and consider the builds on previous work including the development of a mobility- related quality-of-life measure for people with vision impairment and exploring how a dog attack affects the wellbeing of the guide dog owner. Human behavioural sciences comprise a range of disciplines that explore psychological and social processes; including people’s interactions with the environment and other species. Our human behavioural sciences programme will provide evidence to support service development, service quality and enhance our customer reach. Over the coming years, our research will prioritise: identifying barriers to service access; supporting wellbeing; improving engagement with support networks; understanding our impact; identifying areas for improvement; and providing an evidence base for initiating human behaviour change. Initial focus will be on projects centred around wellbeing A woman with vision impairment, holding a white cane, stands with a Guide Dogs UK Orientation and and enhancing service outcomes. Mobility Specialist at a pedestrian crossing. Earlier this year Guide Dogs, in

6 | the Visionary | IGDF Israel Guide Dog Center | Israel UK | Guide Dogs conjunction with the University increase knowledge around the The research programme has of Nottingham, commissioned an emotional wellbeing of children with a been fortunate to work with a online survey to assess the impact of vision impairment. large number of universities, COVID19 restrictions on people with • Improve our understanding of organisations and assistance dog vision impairment. the impact of vision impairment on schools. The team are always keen to establish new collaborations and Future human behavioural sciences peoples’ lives. We aim to develop welcome contact from external projects will: outcome measures that reflect what people living with sight loss identify organisations, institutions, and IGDF • Aid the ongoing evaluation and as the most important facets of living schools regarding proposed research development of the buddy dogs service active and independent lives. Outputs projects. You can contact us on for children. Outputs from this work will help Guide Dogs understand [email protected] for more will increase our understanding our impact and future service information and to explore potential of customer wants and needs; and improvement. opportunities for collaboration.

revolutionary legislation for guide dog From “No Dogs users everywhere. Allowed” To A The British Friends Organization of the Israel Guide Dog Center was eager Warm Welcome to host a guide dog team from Israel, and in February of 2013 my guide dog Dinka and I had the honor of Bracha Ben-Avraham being the first guide dog team from Israel Guide Dog Center Israel (and possibly from any non- European country) to enter the United José Feliciano In the late 1960s the well-known singer- Kingdom. The Director of our Resource with Dinka the previous year, and in songwriter José Feliciano wrote a Development Department Dennis many ways our meeting marked the protest song called “No Dogs Allowed”. Allon and I made the trip together. I closure of a circle. The important issue The song recounted how he attempted meticulously completed the strict entry of unlimited international travel for to enter the British Isles with his guide requirements of obtaining veterinary guide dog users that Feliciano raised in dog and was refused entry by an airport treatments for Dinka and filling out the his song “No Dogs Allowed” had finally necessary forms. When we were issued official, who told him: “You can sing been resolved! and work and play for the crowd, but a permit to enter the City of London by I’m sorry, sir, no dogs allowed.” the Heathrow Animal Reception Center Dinka is a Labrador - golden retriever official and walked through passport cross who was born at the Israel Guide The British Isles had long-standing control with Dinka in harness I sensed Dog Center in October, 2010. She and quarantine laws which were established that we were living a historic moment. I were paired when she was two years to keep the country rabies-free, and old, and our partnership lasted for During that landmark trip we were no dogs were allowed to enter Great over 7 wonderful years. During the warmly received by many people, Britain without first being quarantined course of our partnership we traveled including former M.P. David Blunkett, for six months. However, in January to the United States, Canada, and of 2012 - more than 40 years after Amos Miller who was then head of the Great Britain several times to engage Feliciano wrote his song - Great Britain British Guide Dog Users’ Association, in fundraising and publicity work for eliminated its entry restrictions for dogs Anthony Krais who is the former Chief the center, and we even flew as far and other mammals and changed the Executive of the Jewish Blind Society as Hawaii to visit my family. During regulations to fit those of the European in England and Lifelong President of those trips my fabulous guide dog Community. The elimination of the the British Friends of the Israel Guide led me effortlessly along the crowded centuries-old quarantine laws was a Dog Center, as well as Rabbi Ephraim sidewalks of Manhattan, through the Mervis, who had recently become House of Commons and Westminster the Head Rabbi of London. The trip Abby in London, accompanied me to opened the door for other graduates of the Canadian Parliament and Niagara the Israel Guide Dog Center to visit the Falls, and hiked along the trails on British Isles and strengthened the ties Maui’s volcano at an altitude of more between the center, Great Britain, and than 4,000 feet. She did her job its Jewish community in London and beautifully wherever we went and was Manchester. loved and admired by everyone we met. José Feliciano no longer uses a Dinka is now retired and has been guide dog, but has retained a close adopted by a loving family who raised relationship with the Israel Guide Dog one of Dinka’s litter-mates and was Center for many years. A year and a eager to care for her when she retired. half after my groundbreaking trip to In February of 2020 I was partnered Great Britain Feliciano traveled to Israel with Bardot – a lovely female black to give a benefit concert for the Israel Labrador retriever. Parting with Dinka Guide Dog Center. When I met José – the dog who made history with me - before the concert he was delighted to was difficult, but Bardot is proving to Dinka in Hawaii wearing a traditional Lei learn that I had entered Great Britain be a faithful and loving companion.

Issue 43 | November 20 | 7 Leader Dogs for the Blind | USA

The program uses time away from We Believe home distractions to solidify skills In Travel and the understanding of orientation concepts. In 2020, we expanded our Independence For O&M program to include multiple All training options. Client offerings include Introduction to O&M if they’ve had little to no O&M training, O&M Rachelle Kniffen-Director of Communications and Marketing Brush-Up after a recent change in Leader Dogs for the Blind, USA vision, Guide Dog Readiness to learn more about guide dog travel, and The Leader Dogs for the Blind (LDB) Advanced O&M to increase confidence vision statement “…is that every person in complex environments. who is blind or visually impaired travels To date, our COMS have trained over safely and independently.” To reach this 900 people to travel using a white cane. vision, we diverted from strictly offering About half of these clients return to guide dog training almost 20 years ago. LDB to train with a guide dog. Nutmeg and Victor Reader Trek, GPS training If you include our participation in a Sonic-aid testing program (a device GPS Training with leadership-building exercises and using lasers to identify objects) our Leader Dog-exclusive activities—GPS reach beyond guide dog training goes Leader Dog began offering GPS training training and spending time with our back to 1968. in 2005 as a standalone program open guide dog mobility instructors and dogs to cane users and guide dog users in training. This combination increases Orientation & Mobility Training (O&M) (Leader Dogs or otherwise). Over the independent travel skills, interpersonal years we provided input to several skills and leadership skills. We began our O&M Training program GPS manufacturers to help make the after noticing that many people devices more user friendly, so today In 2020, we took Summer Experience applying for a guide dog did not have GPS is incorporated in our Guide Dog Camp virtual and were able to include the required baseline O&M skills. This Training and Summer Experience more teenagers from a wider age was often a result of these individuals Camp programs. range (14-17 years old). Camp included not having access to O&M training in lessons in leadership, a mentor panel, their community. Our program packs Our continued commitment to GPS a Q&A on traveling with a guide dog, learning that can take weeks or even technology is based on the positive a trivia night, a craft, an in-home months with the standard delivery results reported from our clients. scavenger hunt and a closed Facebook method into just seven days, working They describe how GPS helps them group for socializing with fellow camp one-on-one with a certified O&M establish, maintain or re-establish participants. specialist (COMS). orientation, plan a travel route in an unfamiliar area, and find destinations Returning to our vision of “every person along unfamiliar routes. … travels safely and independently,” we invite you to contact us if you are Summer Experience Camp interested in learning more about any of the programs we offer. Contact us at Since 2007 we have been supplying [email protected]. teenagers (16-17 years old) a week of fun, friendship and skill building through our Summer Experience Camp. The program combines activities like rock wall climbing and tandem biking

Client Brooke during O&M Training Summer Experience Camp-riding conference bike Summer Experience Camp-riding a tandem bike

8 | the Visionary | IGDF

Australia / USA | Guide Dogs Queensland, Southern Guide Dogs, Guiding Eyes for the Blind

expose puppies to many stimuli, but skills, increase adaptability to change, New Resource there has not been any centralized foster responsiveness working with resource where people new to the people and to develop basic skills On Early field could learn about some of that enhance a smoother transition the socialization techniques that of each puppy to its puppy raiser’s work in various parts of the world. home. The content was created by Socialization To make some information more experts from Guide Dogs Queensland, generally available, a small group of Southeastern Guide Dogs, and Guiding Dani Prebensen, Zita Penrose Guide Dogs Queensland four experienced individuals from Eyes for the Blind, based on practical Elizabeth Rote IGDF member organizations with a protocols as well as reference material Southeastern Guide Dogs combined total of over 50 years of from other respected and reliable Jane Russenberger experience raising puppies worked industry resources. The guidelines are Guiding Eyes for the Blind together to create an information organized in a week-by-week format, website, complete with video and providing age-appropriate, progressive From birth to 8 or 10 weeks of age, pictures explaining what they have guidance including goals, suggestions the brains of puppies develop rapidly. found to work successfully across for environmental enrichment, During this early puppyhood, there is 3 guide dog organizations. All IGDF techniques for interactive activities, tremendous opportunity to shape and members (and the public) are invited and approaches for solving problems. mould that development by exposing to use this website (https://www.iwdr. The goal of this project is to expose puppies to novel stimuli. Research has org/early-socialization-home/), which staff and volunteers to techniques that shown that puppies who pass through is hosted by the International Working have proven to work at these 3 cutting- this early development stage in novel Dog Registry (IWDR). edge guide dog organizations. The and stimulating environments that website also supports all organizations change from day to day during these The Early Socialization resource within the working dog community weeks will more often develop into provides age appropriate guidelines for by encouraging the adoption of confident, capable adult dogs suited for introducing puppies to various stimuli approaches that produce emotionally training as guides for those with vision and learning opportunities. The steps stable puppies that understand the loss or visual impairments. described by this resource have proven concept of learning and working with Many guide dog organizations have to help puppies build confidence to people. We hope you will find this developed amazing programs that novelty and noise, develop motor resource useful.

Hong Kong Guide working guide dogs in the city and the programme for dolphins in its care. demand for guide dog service clearly In collaboration with The Hong Kong Dogs Association And exceeds supply. The collaboration Polytechnic University and SeaWorld Ocean Park Signed will also enable HKGDA to exchange in the United States, the Park achieved reproductive material with other guide the world’s first successful conception A MOU To Enhance dog schools. of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Breeding And Ocean Park has long championed an using artificial insemination. Increase Local Guide extensive array of local biodiversity With the Park’s advanced facilities conservation and wildlife protection and experts, this collaboration shall Dog Supply initiatives. The Park’s veterinary team be able to enhance HKGDA’s breeding conducts wildlife rescue operations capability and capacity. HKGDA is Naptin To - Executive Director and rehabilitation, helps train delighted to join forces with Ocean Hong Kong Guide Dog Association, Hong Kong veterinary medicine and life sciences Park to strengthen local guide dog students, and promotes conservation On the 9th of July 2020, the Hong breeding in the hope of boosting the awareness among the general public Kong Guide Dogs Association (HKGDA) number of successfully trained guide on a regular basis. and Ocean Park (the Park), Hong dogs in the city, who will go on to help Kong’s unique home-grown theme Ocean Park has established a empower their human partners to live park, signed a Memorandum of scientifically controlled breedinga more fulfilling life. Understanding (MOU), whereby the Park will provide technical assistance in the processing and storage of local guide dog semen for a period of five years up to June 2025. The collaboration aims to alleviate the long-existing shortage of guide dogs in Hong Kong by increasing the number of locally bred guide dogs for the needs of the visually impaired. There are around 175,000 people with visual impairments in Hong Kong; however, there are currently only about 45 Group photo for the ceremony

Issue 43 | November 20 | 9 Guide Dogs Victoria | Australia

are not made accessible for people with Creating disabilities. Overcoming these barriers would be Connected crucial for ensuring people with low vision or blindness were able to participate fully Communities in society, especially during COVID-19, when physical access to these resources and connections was increasingly limited. Gemma Hills The hub sought to address these issues Screenshot of ‘My Community, My Way’ website Guide Dogs Victoria, Australia by enabling members of this growing community to gain access to reliable, of. Something we knew we could be even high-quality information and participate more proud of the more people we could When we first embarked on our ambitious in events, activities and social gatherings, reach. online community hub project, we could all from the comfort and safety of their never have foreseen just how vital it would It was time to join forces, so we reached own homes. be, with the online hub acquiring a whole out and quickly formed a collaboration new level of importance as the COVID-19 During the early weeks of COVID-19, with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Guide Dogs situation took hold. It was suddenly more our Client Reference Group participants QLD and Guide Dogs SA/NT, enlisting crucial than ever that a safe, accessible also made it clear. They wanted online, ‘content finders’ and accessibility testers space be created to support the whole accessible community-led support from all six states/territories. The non- Guide Dogs community through this groups that enabled discussions on profit division of tech giant Salesforce unprecedented global crisis, and so, the areas of interest to them. They expressed came through and donated pro bono time Guide Dogs online hub “My Community, an urgent need for reliable, current, of an architect and developer. Within two My Way” (the hub) was launched almost accessible information about issues that short months the hub was ready to test. an entire 12 months earlier than originally would affect them during COVID-19 After a comprehensive testing period, and planned. restrictions. valuable feedback from a test group of Clients, the hub was launched nationally Background We needed to create a place with on Monday, 24 August 2020. more accessible information, social In 2019 we had conducted a major connections, and links to more services. To date, the hub has 403 registered users piece of research and co-design work The answer was already in the pipeline; across Victoria, NSW, Queensland, the with Swinburne University and DXC now we just needed to complete the build ACT, the NT, and South Australia. Almost Technology, that established people with and accelerate its launch significantly. 55% of users have identified as a person low vision or blindness face persistent With almost a whole 12 months less than with blindness or low vision, while almost challenges in accessibility of digital originally planned, we needed help. 22% are professionals working with information, and overcoming isolation someone who has blindness or low vision, and managing social connections. Making a big difference with a little 14% are supporters of Guide Dogs and a help from our friends We knew that digital inclusion and social further 6% are parents, carers or friends inclusion are intimately connected. We At the heart of every Guide Dog of someone with low vision or blindness also recognised that as societies move organisation is the Client and the shared (remaining 3% unidentified). toward a situation of “digital by default” belief that everyone should have access Looking ahead where information, services and social to the support and tools required to live interaction are increasingly accessed a free and independent life. We’re here With the backing of the Guide Dogs first or even primarily online, exclusion to help Clients live their lives, their way Australia Board of Directors, we are now will only be deepened if those channels – and that’s something we can be proud looking ahead to phase two of our hub rollout. This phase will include improving the hub’s accessibility from an AA rating to AAA, further work to enrich the user journey and interface, and enabling live posting and chat forums to help create more connected communities. Each of these elements has been scoped and costed, and we are currently awaiting the outcome of a grant application which, if successful, will help us roll this next phase out over the coming months. Guide Dogs Victoria CEO, Karen Hayes, said about the hub: “As with every project we undertake with our interstate and international Guide Dog partners, we learn the power of collaboration for mutual benefit. As Guide Dog organisations, we are one big team, with a single focus on the Clients we serve. We are more the same than we are different and there is much to learn if we have the courage to open our minds to Client accessing ‘My Community, My Way’ website via a loptop computer. new ways of working together.”

10 | the Visionary | IGDF Russia | Dogs as Assistants for Disabled People From Kaliningrad To Magadan On Horse Sleigh

up difficulties. In farther perspective, of different organizations, tell them Dogs as Assistants for Disabled People, Russia if the couple works well, the tutor about the actual laws and how to act if schedules regular follow up support, a blind person with a guide dog came when the blind person provides Russia is the biggest country in the to their organization. veterinary documents on the guide world. It is more than 6500 kilometers dog`s health and the photo and video Sometimes an aftercare tutor can or more than nine hours by plane from report of their work. notice some small details, which will Kaliningrad to Magadan, but there are significantly influence the life of a no straight flights. If the alumni of our Because the aftercare support has been blind person. For example, a tutor can dog training center «Dogs as Assistants working only for three years, many recommend some convenient delivery alumni and people who are on the for Disabled People» decided to go to service of the food for the guide dog to waiting list get surprised, that we will each other`s homes, they would have a farther city. Through such help, the to make a transfer in Moscow, and it really come to their home to provide keepers of the guide dogs can save the would take them more than one day help and to assess their work with the third part of their money every month and one night! guide dog. “Are you really going to fly and improve their level of life. five hours by plane, then go ten hours The staff members of our center have by train and then half of the next day During the past three years, we always understood how important it is by horse sleigh?” – they ask in surprise. observed positive changes in the to provide an aftercare support for our quality of the work with our alumni alumni. Before 2017 this option was You can get to most parts of Russia all over the country. But our center available only through the internet with significant comfort, however, or telephone. Then we had a financial there are farthest regions in the north, has money funds for aftercare support opportunity to employ and teach a where you can get only when the lakes only until January 2021. However, we tutor, who would visit the alumni all and the seas are covered with ice, and believe and hope that in some time we over Russia. air-cushion crafts work. Therefore, one will get financial opportunities both way to a small settlement in Siberia for continuing, and for broadening During the last three years, two can take a couple of days and you will the aftercare program, and also for aftercare tutors have made more than have to use several kinds of transport. opening the new guide dog schools in one hundred visits to the alumni, and different regions of Russia. Then the 45 visits to the people from our waiting Now we are very inspired with blind people will be able to get to our list for getting a guide dog, in sixty what happens, and with the kinds classes faster and more conveniently. cities and thirty regions of Russia. of help, which we can provide. We work on the city routes and domestic And after coming back home, our Besides the visit, the tutors coordinate obedience and improve accessibility alumni will feel reliable support and the people from the waiting list, match in transport and to the objects of the confidence through quick, immediate guide dogs to these people, organize city environment. We conduct events and relevant help, both in the most the trips for the blind students to and trainings for the staff members difficult and in the happiest moments! get their guide dog and to learn how to work with this dog, take a part in the blind students’ training, and give orientation and mobility classes. When our blind students and their dogs graduate, the aftercare tutor is already aware of their peculiarities and experience, which lets them work with the blind students and their guide dogs more effectively at their home. During the first year after giving the dog to the person, the aftercare tutor regularly contacts them via telephone or internet to investigate and to control their collaborative work, and to answer their questions. Then the tutors come to their home to observe the couple’s work and, if necessary, to correct its details, and to help the couple solve the coming Map of Russia, showing just how large it is

Issue 43 | November 20 | 11 EditionEdition 4422 | JuJullyy 22020020 The next deadline for Visionary

vi•sion•ar•yvi i•siion•ar•y (vizh’n-((v i izh’h’n-eriri ||||| --erri)erri) addjjj.. 1.1. submissions is ChChhaaracterisedactterisedd byby vvisioniis i ion oorr ffoforresighht 1st February 2021

Special Feature: Educating Guide Dogs During Covid.

Please supplyyour articles as a word le with original images sent separatelyas jpeg images. Remember to include the completed submission form, Finding New W ays To Connect along with your article and During The Pandemic any pictures you would like Keep Connections Strong While to include Keeping People Off Campus For the index, please include a one-sentence description of your article. How T o Meet Covid-19 Challenge

An image showing the front cover of the last edition of ‘The Visionary’.

Hill elds, Burgh eld Common, Reading,Berkshire,RG7 3YG, United Kingdom. t +44 (0)118 983 8356 f +44 (0)118 983 8197 e [email protected] www.igdf.org.uk

Registered in England Company No 2376162 Registered Charity No 1062441