Sunday, July 27

Mosque hopes for guide dog rule

Greetings. I received the following from an email list. Here's an interesting story. Please excuse any formatting errors and enjoy.

Mosque hopes for guide dog rule

A guide dog from Leicester could soon be the first in Britain permitted to
enter a mosque, imams say.

Seventeen-year-old Mahomed Khatria lost his sight in 2005 and uses his dog,
Vargo, to get around but cannot take her into the Al Falah Mosque.

In Islam dogs are regarded as unclean but after a request from Mr Khatria,
local imams agreed to review the rules.

Now Vargo is expected to be admitted to a special room and the imams hope
this will set a national example.

We are consulting scholars in the UK and abroad to get as wide support as we
can Ibrahim Mogra, Muslim Council of Britain Ibrahim Mogra, a senior imam at
the Muslim Council of Britain, emphasised that Vargo would not be allowed
into the mosque's prayer hall and Mr Kharia would be expected to wash before
praying.

"We are hoping this mosque will not be the only one," said Mr Mogra.

"In fact, had

it been a one-off case Mahomed would probably already have been attending.

"But what we are hoping to achieve is that should be almost a blanket rule
for every mosque in the United Kingdom."

He admitted that some Muslims may find the idea difficult to accept.

Careful progress

"Which is why we are taking our time and not rushing it through. We are
consulting scholars in the UK and abroad to get as wide support as we can
and get something in writing as well.

"So if there is any individual who feels uneasy about it, we can provide
them with the rulings of these very eminent and prominent scholars so they
can be assured."

Mr Khatria said: "I think other mosques will follow but it may take a little
longer."

Puppies with a Future

Puppies with a future
4-H youngsters train them to be Seeing Eye dogs
By Ellen S. Wilkowe

Daily Record
July 25, 2008

Dorothy recently rode shotgun in a shopping cart at Target and Wal-Mart.
Meanwhile, Paco got to sniff around the Livingston Mall and was welcomed at
Applebee's
Neighborhood Grill. And the harness on his mouth is not a muzzle.
"It's a gentle leader," said handler Sharon Carey of Boonton.
Paco, a 10-month-old black Lab, and Dorothy, a 16-month-old German Shepherd,
were
two of more than a dozen puppies and their human handlers taking over Martha
Bardin's
backyard in Madison at their weekly meeting of the Four Footed Leaders.
For some youth members, this is the last meeting before their appearance at
Morris
County's 38th annual 4-H Fair starting July 25.
They are ordinary in terms of playful nips, sloppy kisses and wagging tails
with
energy-harnessing potential, but extraordinary in terms of their future
mission:
training at the Seeing Eye in Morris Township to assist the blind. It's a
mission
that starts at the hands of their first families, who raise them from as
young as
seven weeks to about 15 months.
Launched in 1942, the puppy-raising program is a joint effort of The Seeing
Eye and
the 4-H Youth Development Program. The Seeing Eye breeds its own German
shepherds,
Labrador and golden retrievers, and Lab/golden crosses. Puppies are placed
with families
when they are about 7 weeks old and raised in homes for just over a year.
A poster for the dog days of summer, the weekly meeting of the Four Footed
Leaders
allows puppies and humans to work on their socialization skills and
obedience exercises.
"OK, let's do figure eights," said Nicole MeyerKopf, a trainer at The Seeing
Eye
and former president of the Rutgers University Seeing Eye Puppy Raising
Club.
(Her puppy Garcia attended her graduation and has since graduated from The
Seeing
Eye himself.)
The training techniques teach the dog to follow the handler and dodge
distractions,
MeyerKopf said.
July 25-27, kids and puppies will show off their skills at the 38th annual
Morris
County 4-H Fair at Chubb Park in Chester Township.
The Seeing Eye Puppy Demonstrations and Bowl, where dog raisers field
questions,
are just one aspect of the fair that captures the agricultural spirit of
Morris County.
The fair kicks off today at 9:30 a.m. and runs through Sunday. Admission is
free
except for a $5 per car parking fee.
"It's a nice inexpensive event for families," said Kathy Murarik, Morris
County 4-H
program associate.
In addition to animal showmanship and interaction, the fair comes fully
equipped
with spruced-up rides, live entertainment and hands-on activities including
cake
decorating and a watermelon eating contest.
Clinging to its rural roots, the fair affords participants the opportunity
to experience
Morris County's past through the Farmer for a Day event located in the
Petting Barn.
After digging for spuds or picking apples, fairgoers can get up close and
personal
with a cold-blooded creature at the herpetology exhibit -- think reptiles
and amphibians
-- also located in the Petting Barn, and feast at the 4-H Chicken Barbecue.
Thumb losing its green luster? Master Gardeners from Rutgers Cooperative
Extension
will be at hand to provide an assist.
With 300 to 400 members, the Morris County 4-H Club is holding its own,
Murarik said.
The club is open to members in first grade through age 19.
"The first- through third-graders are never judged," she said. "The older
they get,
the more responsibilities they take on."
For example, the more than 100 members/volunteers who make the fair happen
may take
charge of running a show or raising an animal for showmanship.
Such is the case with the Seeing Eye puppy raisers.
"It's a big responsibility for the kids," Bardin said. "Watching some of the
shy
kids get this puppy and just open up and tell everyone what they're doing
..."
There are currently 729 puppies placed with families throughout New Jersey,
Pennsylvania,
Delaware and Maryland, said Jill Jaycox, area coordinator for puppy
placement at
The Seeing Eye.
Puppy raisers fill out an application and are then placed on a waiting list,
she
said. When the puppies are 7 weeks old, they are assigned to a family until
they
are 15-16 months old. Then they are returned to The Seeing Eye, where they
begin
formal training and are matched to a blind person to help him or her lead a
more
independent life.
The pain of returning a puppy often transforms a first-timer into a repeat
family,
she said. Such is the case with the Kaye family of Madison.
"It was so hard to part with her and say goodbye, but to open someone else's
world
and help the blind," Marilee Kaye said.
Paisley is the third four-footed family member.
The Kayes learned about the program seven years ago, courtesy of their
oldest daughter,
who came home from a Girl Scout meeting where a Seeing Eye trainer spoke at
a career
day.
Then along came Paul, a black Lab and golden mix, and then Narda, who became
the
family pet after not making the program.
Dogs can be rejected for a variety of reasons, such as physical and medical
conditions
or behavioral issues, as was the case with the easily distracted yet
loveable Narda.
"We have high hopes for Paisley," Kaye said.
Attending weekly or monthly meetings, depending on the club, is a mandatory
qualification
for raising a puppy. The meetings allow the trainers to work out the
training kinks
and, most important, allow the dogs to socialize with people and other
four-legged
friends.
In addition, puppy raisers are responsible for basic training and commands,
plus
exposing the animals to as many scenarios as possible.
With socialization at the forefront of training, this is also the one time a
stranger
can pet one of the pooches before they go into full-fledged training.
"Just ask," Bardin said.

proposed guidelines for service animals

Greetings. The following note was sent to several guide dog related email lists and is posted here for your convenience and information. Links are provided where appropriate. Please consider submitting your comments on the following proposed changes. Enjoy.

***
New ADA Service Animal Definition Proposed in USA

Deadline for Public Comments: August 18, 2008!

Dear Friends,

You can make a difference! The Department of Justice (DOJ) has just
released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) having major implications
for those of us working with guide, hearing and service dogs. Your
comments and opinions need to be heard by DOJ before it finalizes the new
and expanded definition of service animal.

IAADP has sent its comments on several issues to DOJ and that document
follows this letter. It's important for you to respond to DOJ's
recommendations since our future access rights depend on the federal
government's rules implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In DOJ's new definition of service animal, input is requested on three
major issues. These are the possibility of setting a size and weight
limit on service animals, retaining the phrase minimal protection in the
new definition and excluding a wide variety of species.

IAADP has responded as an organization, but your personal letters will
cary great weight. IAADP opposes any size and weight limitations on
service animals, requests eliminating the minimal protection phrase and
recommends the same behavior and training standards developed for
assistance dogs apply to all service animals. These positions are
detailed in the enclosed

In order for your voice to be heard, please write your own opinion piece
and follow the directions for submission given below. The Department of
Justice has made it easy to submit your comment by e-mail.

Please join IAADP in this campaign. Your opinions need to be
heard! Thanks for your help.

Ed Eames, Ph.D., President

Please click on the following link in order to submit your opinion piece
to the Department of Justice:

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=090000648062a604


International Association of Assistance Dog Partners
Ed Eames Ph.D., President

* 3376 North Wishon Ave. * Fresno, CA 93704 *

* (559) 224-0544 * (559) 224-5851 Fax *
http://www.iaadp.org/

eeames@csufresno.edu

* www.IAADP.org

Board of Directors:

Toni Eames, Tanya Eversole, Jill Exposito, Joan Froling, Wendy Morrell,
Devon Wilkins


IAADP's Public Comment on the Department of Justice 2008 NPRM
Re: Revision of the ADA Service Animal Definition
Docket ID: DOJ-CRT-2008-0015

The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) is a
cross-disability consumer advocacy organization with more than 2,000
members working with guide, hearing and service dogs. Its mission is to
foster the assistance dog movement through education, advocacy and peer
support.

We commend the Department of Justice for including in its revised proposed
definition of service animal a number of new and essential elements,
particularly emphasis on maintaining control of the service animal in
public settings and the requirement of housebreaking. As an organization
committed to fostering the assistance dog movement, IAADP appreciates the
Department of Justice's attempt to clarify the definition of service
animal for the general population, public accommodation representatives
and those working with service animals. However, IAADP believes certain
issues need further clarification before being established as final rules.

In response to the NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 17th,
IAADP, based on the rationale discussed below, encourages the Department
of Justice to:
* Eliminate the phrase "providing minimal protection" from the
definition of service animal;
* Eliminate the phrase "do work" from the definition because it is
redundant and the example of work given in the NPRM,
grounding, undermines the Department's goal of maintaining a clear
distinction between specially trained service animals and those animals
whose mere presence can provide emotional support, companionship or
therapeutic benefits.
* Limit the use of other species only to animals which can be trained
to meet the same standards for behavior and training that assistance dogs
must meet to qualify for public access.
* Avoid placing a size or weight limit on common domestic animals such
as assistance dogs.

According to the NPRM, widespread misinterpretation of the minimal
protection language has been a problem for the last 15 years. The DOJ
notes "Despite the Department's best efforts, the minimal protection
language appears to have been misinterpreted."

By continuing the use of this language, nothing will change.

Since the mission of the new rules is to clarify and avoid confusion,
maintenance of this phrase undermines this goal.

Minimal protection has been used by some trainers and disabled partners to
justify attack and aggression training for what are claimed to be service
animals. Although the Department does not agree with this interpretation,
continuing to use the minimal protection phrase does nothing to curtail
the idea that attack and aggressive behavior are acceptable tasks
performed by assistance dogs.

The justification for including minimal protection in the original
definition was to guarantee the rights of those with seizure disorders to
train their service dogs for seizure response and alert tasks. Since the
new definition proposed by the Department includes assisting an individual
during a seizure, the minimal protection language is redundant and not
needed.

Therefore, in response to Question Nine, IAADP believes that maintaining
the "providing minimal protection" clause is counterproductive to the goal
of the current NPRM.

IAADP applauds DOJ's categorical statement: "Animals whose sole function
is to provide emotional support, comfort, therapy, companionship,
therapeutic benefits, or to promote emotional well-being are not service
animals."

IAADP believes it is imperative to make it clear that individuals with
disabilities whose pets or companion animals have not been trained to
perform tasks directly related to their disability do not qualify as
service animals. These are usually referred to as emotional support or
comfort dogs when associated with a person with a psychiatric, cognitive
or mental disability. Since individuals with psychiatric disabilities
constitute the largest single category of Americans with disabilities, the
distinction between task training to mitigate the effects of an
individual’s disability on the one hand, and mere presence on the other
should be clear and consistently supported by the Department.

IAADP'S concern is with the section in the NPRM that reads:

"In contrast, the phrase 'do work' is slightly broader than ’perform
tasks', and adds meaning to the definition." By definition all work is
task defined thus to say "do work" is redundant and not needed.

Another concern is the example given of a psychiatric service dog helping
some individuals with dissociative identity disorder to remain grounded in
time or place. By including grounding as work performed by a psychiatric
service dog, the Department is providing the basis for an individual with
a psychiatric disability to claim the mere presence of a dog, which helps
ground him/her, meets the DOJ definition of a service animal.

This reference contradicts the strong and clear statement that emotional
support, companion or comfort animals do not meet the Department's
definition of a service animal. It also contradicts the basic premise that
a service animal performs a task to mitigate the effects of an
individual’s disability. If included, this section will continue to be a
source of confusion to the public, businesses and assistance dog
partners. IAADP believes the reference to grounding should be eliminated,
as well as the phrase "do work".

In response to Question Ten, IAADP commends the Department for recognizing
the concerns expressed by many of our constituents about the use of
reptiles and other species that cannot be reliably housebroken, task
trained or, which by their very nature, pose a threat to public
safety. Our goal is to promote the responsible use of access rights and
prevent the erosion of societal tolerance for service animal teams in
places of public accommodation.

In response to Question 11 concerning the size and weight of common
domestic animals, IAADP endorses the current Department policy. We
believe it is not the role of the government to limit disabled people's
choice of what would be an effective assistance dog for them.

The size of a common domestic animal like an assistance dog is a matter of
individual choice/necessity and may be related to the nature of the
disability. Limiting size and weight would discriminate against disabled
individuals who because of their height or weight and/or the severity of
their mobility impairment need to work with very large powerful assistance
dogs on strenuous tasks such as providing stability while walking, helping
transfer in and out of chairs, getting up after a fall or pulling a
wheelchair. IAADP recommends not placing limits on the size or weight of a
common domestic animal like an assistance dog.

With the incorporation of IAADP's recommendations in the new definitions,
we feel that the current confusion and misinterpretations will be greatly
mitigated to everyone's benefit.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the NPRM.

Ed Eames, Ph.D., President
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners


***
Excerpts from ADA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

New Proposed Service Animal Definition

PART 36-NONDISCRIMINATIO
N ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY BY PUBLIC
ACCOMMODATIONS AND IN COMMERCIAL FACILITIES

Subpart A-General

PROPOSED DEFINITION

Service animal means any dog or other common domestic animal individually
trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with
a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals who are
blind or have low vision, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of
hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing minimal protection
or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, fetching items, assisting an
individual during a seizure, retrieving medicine or the telephone,
providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to
individuals with mobility disabilities, and assisting individuals,
including those with cognitive disabilities, with navigation. The term
service animal includes

Service animals.

The Department wishes to clarify the obligations of public accommodations
to accommodate individuals with disabilities who use service animals. The
Department continues to receive a large number of complaints from
individuals with service animals. It appears that many covered entities
are confused regarding their obligations under the ADA with regard to
individuals with disabilities who use service animals. At the same time,
some individuals with impairments-
-who would not be covered as individuals
with disabilities--are claiming that their animals are legitimate service
animals, whether fraudulently or sincerely (albeit mistakenly), to gain
access to hotels, restaurants, and other places of public accommodatio
Minimal protection.

In the Department’s ADA Business Brief on Service Animals,
which was published in 2002, the Department interpreted the minimal
protection language within the context of a seizure (i.e., alerting and
protecting a person who is having a seizure). Although the Department
received comments urging it to eliminate the minimal protection language,
the Department continues to believe that it should retain the "providing
minimal protection" language and interpret the language to exclude
so-called "attack dogs" that pose a direct threat to others.

Guidance on permissible service animals.

In the original regulation implementing title III, "service animal" was
defined as "any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal," and the
Department believed, at the time, that leaving the species selection up to
the discretion of the person with a disability was the best course of
action. Due to the proliferation of animals used by individuals,
including wild animals, the Department believes that this area needs some
parameters. Therefore, the Department is proposing to eliminate certain
species from coverage even if the other elements of the definition are
satisfied.

Comfort animals vs. psychiatric service animals.

Under the Department’s present regulatory language, some individuals and
entities have assumed that the requirement that service animals must be
individually trained to do work or perform tasks excluded all individuals
with mental disabilities from having service animals. Others have assumed
that any person with a psychiatric condition whose pet provided comfort to
them was covered by the ADA. The Department believes that psychiatric
service animals that are trained to do work or perform a task (e.g.,
reminding its owner to take medicine) for individuals whose disability is
covered by the ADA are protected by the Department’s present regulatory
approach.

Psychiatric service animals can be trained to perform a variety of tasks
that assist individuals with disabilities to detect the onset of
psychiatric episodes and ameliorate their effects. Tasks performed by
psychiatric service animals may include reminding the handler to take
medicine; providing safety checks, or room searches, or turning on lights
for persons with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; interrupting
self-mutilation by persons with dissociative identity disorders; and
keeping disoriented individuals from danger.

The Department is proposing new regulatory text in § 36.104 to formalize
its position on emotional support/comfort animals, which is that
"[a]nimals whose sole function is to provide emotional support, comfort,
therapy, companionship, therapeutic benefits, or promote emotional
well-being are not service animals." The Department wishes to state,
however, that the exclusion of emotional support animals from ADA coverage
does not mean that individuals with psychiatric, cognitive, or mental
disabilities cannot use service animals. The Department proposes specific
regulatory text in § 36.104 to make this clear: "The term service animal
includes individually trained animals that do work or perform tasks for
the benefit of individuals with disabilities, including psychiatric,
cognitive, and mental disabilities." This language simply clarifies the
Departmen

The Department’s rule is based on the assumption that the title II and
title III regulations govern a wider range of public settings than the
settings that allow for emotional support animals. The Department
recognizes, however, that there are situations not governed exclusively by
the title II and title III regulations, particularly in the context of
residential settings and employment, where there may be compelling reasons
to permit the use of animals whose presence provides emotional support to
a person with a disability. Accordingly, other federal agency regulations
governing those situations may appropriately provide for increased access
for animals other than service animals.

Modification in policies, practices, or procedures.

The preamble to § 36.302 of the current title III regulation states that
the regulatory language was intended to provide the "broadest feasible
access" to individuals with service animals while acknowledging that, in
rare circumstances, accommodating service animals may not be required if
it would result in a fundamental alteration of the nature of the goods or
services the public accommodation provides or the safe operation of the
public accommodation. 56 FR 35544, 35565 (July 26, 1991). In order to
clarify this provision, the Department is incorporating into the proposed
regulation guidance that it has provided previously through technical
assistance.

Proposed training standards.

The Department has always required that service animals be individually
trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with
a disability, but has never imposed any type of formal training
requirements or certification process. While some groups have urged the
Department to modify this position, the Department does not believe such a
modification would serve the array of individuals with disabilities who
use service animals.

Detailed regulatory text changes and the Department’s response to public
comments on these issues and others are discussed below in the definition
section, § 36.104, and the section on modifications in policies,
practices, and procedures, § 36.302(c).

Section 36.302 Modifications in policies, practices, or procedures

Section 36.302(c) Service animals

The Department’s regulation now states that "[g]enerally, a public
accommodation shall modify policies, practices, or procedures to permit
the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability." 28 CFR
36.302(c)(1). In general, the Department is proposing to retain the scope
of the current regulation while clarifying its longstanding policies and
interpretations.

The Department is proposing to revise § 36.302(c) by adding the following
sections as exceptions to the general rule on access. Proposed § 36.302
would:

* Expressly incorporate the Department’s policy interpretations as
outlined in published technical assistance Commonly Asked Questions about
Service Animals (1996)
(http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm
) and ADA
Business Brief: Service Animals (2002)
(http://www.ada.gov/svcanimb.htm
) and
add that a public accommodation may ask an individual with a disability
to remove a service animal from the premises if: (1) the animal is out
of control and the animal’s owner does not take effective action to
control it; (2) the animal is not housebroken or the animal’s presence or
behavior fundamentally alters the nature of the service the public
accommodation provides (e.g., repeated barking during a live
performance); or (3) the animal poses a direct threat to the heal
* Add that if a place of public accommodation properly excludes a
service animal, the public accommodation must give the individual with a
disability the opportunity to obtain goods, services, or accommodations
without having the service animal on the premises;
* Add requirements that the work or tasks performed by a service
animal must be directly related to the handler’s disability; that a
service animal that accompanies an individual with a disability into a
place of public accommodation must be individually trained to do work or
perform a task, be housebroken, and be under the control of its owner;
and that a service animal must have a harness, leash, or other tether;
* Modify the language in § 36.302(c)(2), which currently states,
"[n]othing in this part requires a public accommodation to supervise or
care for a service animal," to read, "[a] public accommodation is not
responsible for caring for or supervising a service animal," and relocate
this provision to proposed § 36.302(c)(5). (This proposed language does
not require that the person with a disability care for his or her service
animal if care can be provided by a family member, friend, attendant,
volunteer, or anyone acting on behalf of the person with a disability.);
* Expressly incorporate the Department’s policy interpretations as
outlined in published technical assistance Commonly Asked Questions about
Service Animals
(1996) (
http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm
)
and ADA Business Brief: Service Animals
(2002)
(http://www.ada.gov/svcanimb.htm
) that a
public accommodation must not ask about the nature or extent of a
person’s disability, nor require proof of service animal certification or
licensing, but that a public accommodation may ask: (i) if the animal is
required because of a disability; and (ii) what work or tasks the animal
has been trained to perform;
* Add that individuals with disabilities who are accompanied by
service animals may access all areas of a public accommodation where
members of the public are allowed to go; and
* Expressly incorporate the Department’s policy interpretations as
outlined in published technical assistance Commonly Asked Questions about
Service Animals
(1996) (
http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm
)
and ADA Business Brief: Service Animals
(2002)
(
http://www.ada.gov/svcanimb.htm
) and
add that a public accommodation must not require an individual with a
disability to pay a fee or surcharge, post a deposit, or comply with
requirements not generally applicable to other patrons as a condition of
permitting a service animal to accompany its handler in a place of public
accommodation, even if such deposits are required for pets, and that if a
public accommodation normally charges its clients or customers for damage
that they cause, a customer with a disability may

These changes will respond to the following concerns raised by individuals
and organizations that commented in response to the ANPRM.


Proposed behavior or training standards.

Some commenters proposed behavior or training standards for the Department
to adopt in its revised regulation, not only to remain in keeping with the
requirement for individual training, but also on the basis that without
training standards the public has no way to differentiate between
untrained pets and service animals. Because of the variety of individual
training that a service animal can receive--from formal licensing at an
academy to individual training on how to respond to the onset of medical
conditions, such as seizures--the Department is not inclined to establish
a standard that all service animals must meet. While the Department does
not plan to change the current policy of no formal training or certifi
Hospital and healthcare settings.

Public accommodations, including hospitals, must modify policies,
practices, or procedures to permit the use of a service animal by an
individual with a disability. 28 CFR 36.302(c)(1). The exception to this
requirement is if making the modification would fundamentally alter the
nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or
accommodations. Id. at 36.302(a). The Department generally follows the
guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the
use of service animals in a hospital setting.

As required by the ADA, a healthcare facility must permit a person with a
disability to be accompanied by his or her service animal in all areas of
the facility in which that person would otherwise be allowed, with some
exceptions. Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to humans through trauma
(bites, scratches, direct contact, arthropod vectors, or
aerosols). Although there is no evidence that most service animals pose a
significant risk of transmitting infectious agents to humans, animals can
serve as a reservoir for a significant number of diseases that could
potentially be transmitted to humans in the healthcare setting. A service
animal may accompany its owner to such areas as admissions and discharge
offices, the emergency room, inpatient and outpatient rooms, examining and
diagnostic rooms, clinics, rehabilitation therapy areas, the cafeteria and
vending area

Under the ADA, the only circumstances under which a person with a
disability may not be entitled to be accompanied by his or her service
animal are those rare circumstances in which it has been determined that
the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. A
direct threat is defined as a significant risk to the health or safety of
others that cannot be eliminated or mitigated by a modification of
polices, practices, or procedures. Based on CDC guidance, it is generally
appropriate to exclude a service animal from areas that require a
protected environment, including operating rooms, holding and recovery
areas, labor and delivery suites, newborn intensive care nurseries, and
sterile processing departments. See Centers for Disease Control,
Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care
Facilities: Recommendations of CDC and t


NOTE from Joan about this separate section:

QUESTIONS The DOJ is asking the public to comment on, will follow the
explanations given.

"Service animal"

The Department is proposing to amend the definition of "service animal" in
§ 36.104 of the current regulation, which is defined as, "any guide dog,
signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform
tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but
not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting
individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing
minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching
dropped items." Proposed § 36.104 would:

* Remove "guide" or "signal" as descriptions of types of service dogs
and add "other common domestic" animal to the Department’s current
definition;
* Remove "individuals with impaired vision" and replace it with
"individuals who are blind or have low vision";
* Change "individuals with hearing impairments" to "individuals who
are deaf or hard of hearing";
* Replace the term "intruders" with the phrase "the presence of
people" in the section on alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of
hearing;
* Add the following to the list of work and task examples: assisting
an individual during a seizure, retrieving medicine or the telephone,
providing physical support to assist with balance and stability to
individuals with mobility disabilities, and assisting individuals,
including those with cognitive disabilities, with navigation;
* Add that "service animal" includes individually trained animals that
do work or perform tasks for the benefit of individuals with
disabilities, including psychiatric, cognitive, or mental disabilities;
* Add that "service animal" does not include wild animals (including
nonhuman primates born in captivity), reptiles, rabbits, farm animals
(including horses, miniature horses, ponies, pigs, and goats), ferrets,
amphibians, and rodents; and
* Add that animals whose sole function is to provide emotional
support, comfort, therapy, companionship, therapeutic benefits, or
promote emotional well-being are not "service animals."

The Department is proposing these changes in response to concerns
expressed by commenters who responded to the Department’s ANPRM. Issues
raised by the commenters include:

"Minimal protection."

There were many comments by service dog users urging the Department to
remove from the definition "providing minimal protection." The commenters
set forth the following reasons: (1) the current phrase can be
interpreted to allow "protection dogs" that are trained to be aggressive
and to provide protection to be covered under the ADA, so long as they are
paired with a person with a disability; and (2) since some view the
minimal protection language to mean that a dog’s very presence can act as
a crime deterrent, the language allows any untrained pet dog to provide
this minimal protection by its mere presence. These interpretations were
not contemplated by the ADA or the title III regulation.

In the Department’s ADA Business Brief on Service Animals, which was
published in 2002, the Department interpreted the minimal protection
language within the context of a seizure (i.e., alerting and protecting a
person who is having a seizure). Despite the Department’s best efforts,
the minimal protection language appears to have been
misinterpreted. Nonetheless, the Department continues to believe that it
should retain the "providing minimal protection" language and interpret
the language to exclude so-called "attack dogs" that pose a direct threat
to others.

Question 9: Should the Department clarify the phrase "providing minimal
protection" in the definition or remove it?

"Alerting to intruders."

Some commenters argued that the phrase "alerting to intruders" in the
current text has been misinterpreted by some people to apply to a special
line of protection dogs that are trained to be aggressive. People have
asserted, incorrectly, that use of such animals is protected under the
ADA. The Department reiterates that public accommodations are not required
to admit any animal that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of
others. The Department has proposed removing "intruders" and replacing it
with "the presence of people."

"Task" emphasis.

Many commenters followed the lead of an umbrella service dog organization
in suggesting that "performing tasks" should form the basis of the service
animal definition, that "do work" should be eliminated from the
definition, and that "physical" should be added to describe tasks. Tasks
by their nature are physical, so the Department does not believe that such
a change is warranted. In contrast, the phrase "do work" is slightly
broader than "perform tasks," and adds meaning to the definition. For
example, a psychiatric service dog can help some individuals with
dissociative identity disorder to remain grounded in time or place. As
one service dog user stated, in some cases "critical forms of assistance
can’t be construed as phys Define "task."

One commenter suggested defining the term "task," presumably so that there
would be a better understanding of what type of service performed by an
animal would qualify for coverage. The Department feels that the common
definition of task is sufficiently clear and that it is not necessary to
add to the definitions section. However, the Department has proposed
additional examples of work or tasks to help illustrate this requirement
in the definition.

Define "animal" or what qualifies certain species as "service animals."

When the regulations were promulgated in the early 1990s, the Department
did not define the parameters of acceptable animal species, and few
anticipated the variety of animals that would be used in the future,
ranging from pigs and miniature horses to snakes and iguanas. One
commenter suggested defining "animal" (in the context of service animals)
or the parameters of species to reduce the confusion over whether a
particular service animal is covered. One service dog organization
commented that other species would be acceptable if those animals could
meet the behavioral standards of trained service dogs. Other commenters
asserted that there are certain animals (e.g., reptiles) t

To establish a practical and reasonable species parameter, the Department
proposes to narrow the definition of acceptable animal species to "dog or
other common domestic animal" by excluding the following
animals: reptiles, rabbits, farm animals (including horses, miniature
horses, ponies, pigs, or goats), ferrets, amphibians, and rodents. Many
commenters asserted that limiting the number of allowable species would
help stop erosion of the public’s trust, which results in reduced access
for many individuals with disabilities, despite the fact that they use
trained service animals that adhere to high behavioral standards. The
Department is compelled to take into account practical considerations of
certain animals and contemplate their suitability in a variety of public
contexts, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and performing arts venues.

In addition, the Department believes that it is necessary to eliminate
from coverage all wild animals, whether born or bred in captivity or the
wild. Some animals, such as nonhuman primates, pose a direct threat to
safety based on behavior that can be aggressive and violent without notice
or provocation. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued
a position statement against the use of monkeys as service animals,
stating, "[t]he AVMA does not support the use of nonhuman primates as
assistance animals because of animal welfare concerns, the potential for
serious injury and zoonotic (animal to human disease transmission)
risks." See AVMA position statement, Nonhuman Primates as Assistance
Animals (2005), available at
http://www.avma.org/issues/pol

Although unusual species make up a very small percentage of service
animals as a collective group, their use has engendered broad public
debate and, therefore, the Department seeks comment on this issue.

Question 10: Should the Department eliminate certain species from the
definition of "service animal"? If so, please provide comment on the
Department’s use of the phrase "common domestic animal" and on its choice
of which types of animals to exclude.

Question 11: Should the Department impose a size or weight limitation for
common domestic animals, even if the animal satisfies the "common domestic
animal" prong of the proposed definition?

Comfort animals.

It is important to address the concept of comfort animals or emotional
support animals, which have become increasingly popular, primarily with
individuals with mental or psychiatric impairments, many of which do not
rise to the level of disability. Comfort animals are also used by
individuals without any type of impairment who claim the need for such
animals in order to bring their pets into places of public accommodation.

The difference between an emotional support animal and a legitimate
psychiatric service animal is the service that is provided (i.e., the
actual work or task performed by the service animal). Another critical
factor rests on the severity of the individual’s impairment. For example,
only individuals with conditions that substantially limit them in a major
life activity currently qualify for coverage under the ADA, and only those
individuals will qualify to use a service animal. See 42 U.S.C. 12102(2)
(defining disability); 28 CFR 36.104 (same). Major life activities
include functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks,
walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and
working. Many Americans have some type of physical or mental impairment
(e.g., arthritis, anxiety, back pain, imperfect vision, etc.), but
establishing a p Change "service animal" to "assistance animal."

Some commenters asserted that "assistance animal" is a term of art and
should replace "service animal." While some agencies, like the Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), use the term "assistance animal,"
that term is used to denote a broader category of animals than is covered
by the ADA. The Department believes that changing the term used under the
ADA would create confusion, particularly in view of the broader parameters
for coverage under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) cf., HUD Handbook No. 4350.3
Rev-1, Chg-2, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing
Programs (June 2007), available at
http://www.hudclips.org

ANOTHER SECTION, DEFINING SPECIFICS


6. Amend § 36.302 as follows:

a. Revise paragraph (c)(2);

b. Add paragraphs (c)(3) through (c)(8) and paragraphs (e) and (f) to read
as follows:

§ 36.302 Modifications in policies, practices, or procedures.

* * * * *

(c)(2) Exceptions. A public accommodation may ask an individual with a
disability to remove a service animal from the premises if:

(i) The animal is out of control and the animal’s handler does not take
effective action to control it;

(ii) The animal is not housebroken or the animal’s presence or behavior
fundamentally alters the nature of the service the public accommodation
provides (e.g., repeated barking during a live performance); or

(iii) The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others
that cannot be eliminated by reasonable modifications.

(3) If an animal is properly excluded. If a place of accommodation
properly excludes a service animal, it shall give the individual with a
disability the opportunity to obtain goods, services, and accommodations
without having the service animal on the premises.

(4) General requirements. The work or tasks performed by a service animal
shall be directly related to the handler’s disability. A service animal
that accompanies an individual with a disability into a place of public
accommodation shall be individually trained to do work or perform a task,
housebroken, and under the control of its handler. A service animal shall
have a harness, leash, or other tether.

(5) Care or supervision of service animals. A public accommodation is not
responsible for caring for or supervising a service animal.

(6) Inquiries. A public accommodation shall not ask about the nature or
extent of a person’s disability, but can determine whether an animal
qualifies as a service animal. For example, a public accommodation may ask
if the animal is required because of a disability; and what work or task
the animal has been trained to perform. A public accommodation shall not
require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified or
licensed as a service animal.

(7) Access to areas open to the public, program participants, and
invitees. Individuals with disabilities who are accompanied by service
animals may access all areas of a place of public accommodation where
members of the public, program participants, and invitees are allowed to
go.

(8) Fees or surcharges. A public accommodation shall not ask or require
an individual with a disability to post a deposit, pay a fee or surcharge,
or comply with other requirements not generally applicable to other
patrons as a condition of permitting a service animal to accompany its
handler in a place of public accommodation, even if people accompanied by
pets are required to do so. If a public accommodation normally charges
its clients or customers for damage that they cause, a customer with a
disability may be charged for damage caused by his or her service animal.

* * * * *

Please contact Ed Eames by email
at
eeames@csufresno.edu
with questions or comments.

Saturday, July 26

Official word

Greetings. I wanted to drop you a note and let you know that I received my email from The Seeing Eye yesterday saying that I'm officially scheduled for the August 30 class. I've known for several months now that I was going to be in that class, or was "penciled in" for it anyway, but getting the notice via email just makes it that much more real to me.

I had requested to be notified via email when my acceptance was mailed out and I'm glad I did since there are several attachments that are exciting to read on one's own. This is something that I wasn't able to do (read the enclosed materials) on my own when I received notice of class scheduling for my first dog way back in 1995. It wasn't until I was halfway through the memorandum to students attachment that it dawned on me and I started calling friends and family.

So, now its time for me to prepare for the upcoming dog, organize my apartment, and so forth. I say, "Bring it on!" And, to those that are keeping track, August 30 is exactly 35 days from now, :)

I'm going to try and update my blog during training on my progress, thoughts, experiences, and other related information. They keep students pretty busy in class, but this will be my goal when I have some down time. I can't guarantee that it will be updated every day, but I'll definitely make a point to put new material up on a regular basis. This is one way that this trip to the Seeing Eye is different. With this newer technology, I can connect more readily with you the reader on my progress in class. I'm also looking forward to taking a picture of the new dog with my camera cell phone, and then emailing that to people so they can see what the dog looks like. Anyway, the next few weeks, class, and even the period shortly after class should be fun.

As they say on the news, "Stay tuned for more updates."

Tuesday, July 22

Seminar on Word plug-in

Greetings. I received the following information through email regarding the VR Stream and Daisy output from Word. Enjoy.

Dear Victor Reader Stream Friends:

Some of you have contacted HumanWare regarding the new plug-in for Microsoft Word that allows you to save MS Word documents in DAISY DTBook XML format. This XML output can be played on the Stream or converted to a full DAISY book using additional tools. For those interested, the following is an announcement of an EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) online wbeinar on this topic.

Thursday August 7 at 2 PM Eastern, 7pm UTC
Presenter: George Kerscher from the DAISY Consortium

The new "Save as DAISY XML" add-in, designed for Microsoft Office Word 2007, Word 2003 and Word XP, will allow users to save Open XML-based text files into DAISY XML navigable books. It can be download by Office Word users for free at http://www.openxmlcommunity.org/daisy

This XML output can then be processed through the DAISY Pipeline, a free downloadable transformation suite that supports the seamless conversion of DAISY XML into DAISY Digital Talking Book (DTB) format. Together these technologies provide a comprehensive solution for converting text documents into accessible formats for people with print disabilities. Users can download the DAISY Pipeline from the DAISY Project page at
http://www.daisy.org/projects/pipeline/

** you can read more about this Webinar and register at:
http://easi.cc/clinic.htm

To learn more about EASI webinars visit
www.easi.cc

Thank you,
The HumanWare Team

Monday, July 21

Google accessibility user study

Greetings. I received the following note from an email list. Though this study is set to take place in a limited number of locations, it is notable that Google is willing to put the word out. Enjoy, and excuse any formatting errors.

Google Accessibility User Study:

Google is working on new technology to assist visually impaired
computer users using Gmail, Google's email application. JAWS users
are needed for user testing. If selected you will be asked to give
feedback and reactions to some new Gmail accessibility features. Some
studies will be conducted at The Google campus in Mountain View, and
others at the LightHouse for the Blind in San Francisco. The San
Francisco dates will be July 31 and August 5.

If you are interested in participating, are a visually impaired or
fully blind user, use JAWS, and have never used the web version of
Gmail, before, or have questions please respond to Joshua Hailpern at
jmhailpern@google.com
Remuneration will be provided for participants, as a thank-you for your time. For more information about Google consumer testing visit their Usability FAQ site at
http://www.google.com/forms/user_faq.html

Conference call for guide dog users

Greetings. I received the following post from the national Association of Guide Dog Users, a division of the NFB, email list regarding a conference call that is to take place this Sunday, July 27. One need not be a member of either group to participate. If interested, read below for details. Enjoy.

***
Please distribute the following message as widely as possible.

The National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU) is a
strong and proud division of the national Federation of the Blind. On
June 29, 2008, members of NAGDU elected a new Board of Directors. In
an effort to be responsive to our membership, the Board would like to
hear from you. Whether you are a NAGDU member or not, we want to know
what you expect from us and the direction in which you would like the
division to move.

On Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 8:00 pm EDT (7:00 Central,
6:00 Mountain, 5:00 Pacific) the Board of Directors of the National
Association of Guide Dog Users will host a round table
teleconference. This will be your opportunity to offer your input and
suggestions on the future projects of the Association and to ask
questions of its leadership. Some of the topics on which we would
like your input and comments are:

1.. a nationwide toll-free advocacy hotline;
2.. Local & national legislative initiatives;
3.. creating & strengthening affiliate divisions
4.. Website development;
5.. The relationship between NAGDU & guide dog schools
6.. Grant projects & other fund raising programs;

To participate in this round table teleconference, simply follow the
call-in instructions pasted below. Anyone who is a guide dog user or
is interested in issues of guide dog handling is welcome to take part
in this teleconference. If you have any questions or need more
information about the round table or the National Association of
Guide Dog Users, please feel free to get in touch with me. My contact
information is below my signature. The NAGDU Board is looking forward
to a lively, dynamic, and informative discussion.

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users
National Federation of the Blind
contact Marian

Conference Participant Instructions

1.. At the specified time, call (641) 715-3300
2.. When prompted, enter your participant code: 560908#

During the conference call, participants may use the following commands:
*3 exits the conference and puts you in the lobby.
*6 mutes the participant. Pressing the command again unmutes the participant.

Student scholarships available

Greetings. I received the following note from the National Federation of the Blind's Texas affiliate email list regarding scholarships for students. Those interested should apply soon since the deadline is near. Enjoy.

***
Hello everyone,

Please help get the word out about the National Federation of the Blind of Texas Scholarship program. Four students receive awards. Students are entering or attending community colleges or universities and have excellent academic records, and demonstrate service to the community/campus. Winners also get all expenses covered to attend the state convention of the NFB of Texas.

The deadline for applications is August 15. Please encourage friends to circulate this information and apply soon.

I am available to answer any questions. My email is
Kimberly.aguillard@gmail.com

Thanks,
Kimberly Aguillard

http://www.nfb-texas.org/scholarship_2008/index.html

Monday, July 14

Guide dog health survey

Greetings. I received the following from a guide dogs email list. I wouldn't normally post something like this since there's always the question of accuracy. However, since one of the senders is the current president of Guide Dog Users Inc., an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, I thought it worthy of passing along. Enjoy, and as always, please excuse any formatting errors. Also, consider filling out the survey if you feel that you could offer something benefitial.

***

Please distribute to any and all guide dog lists as well as handlers you
know who are not subscribed to any lists. This survey has been created,
tested and approved by handlers, veterinarians, scientists and reputable
training programs and will, as a result of your participation, go far in
helping to direct valuable research efforts which will lead to better canine
health in our guide dogs.
Read on, and then please do take the time to complete this important guide
dog health survey.

Thank you

Dear Guide Dog Handler:

Morris Animal Foundation, the world's largest nonprofit foundation dedicated
to funding research studies to protect treat and cure animals, has received
a grant from the Laura J. Niles Foundation to address health and injury
issues that may lead to early retirement of a guide dog team or prevent the
team from optimally performing. We are requesting your help by asking you to
complete an on-line survey. The goal of the survey is to provide a
statistical snapshot by breed, sex and age of types of health conditions and
injuries that affect working guide dogs. INDIVIDUAL AND SCHOOL IDENTITIES
WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS. The results of the survey will be used by the
foundation to prioritize research funding for advancing guide dog health.
Morris Animal Foundation will be calling for proposals from scientists
worldwide to address one or more health or injury issues of high
significance. We anticipate that submission of proposals, review by
scientific advisors and contracting of the successful grant will be
completed by the end of this calendar year. One hundred percent of the
grant will be awarded to the successful investigative team. Based on
matching funds, we anticipate awarding $100,000/year for three years.

An accessible version of the survey will be available online at
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=RiNJEVZAjSvFT7J_2fFIxTGw_3d_3d
from July 14 to August 14. This comprehensive survey has been designed to be
as complete as possible for the purpose of collecting all the information
necessary to identify which health issues to fund and study. Although it may
take longer than 30 minutes to complete, your careful responses are the
first important step in the process of researching how to more successfully
breed and maintain healthier guide dogs with longer working lives.

Sincerely,

Patricia N. Olson, DVM, PhD
President/CEO
Morris Animal Foundation

Stream 2.0 re-released

Greetings. I received the following post from HumanWare through the Stream News Wire. Enjoy.

Dear Victor Reader Customer:

This is to announce that the re-release of Stream 2.0 is now
available for download. The new version is 2.0.6 and can be downloaded from:
http://www.humanware.com/en-canada/support/vr_stream_software

There you will find 3 choices for the English version 2.0 with
Samantha, Tom, or Daniel text-to-speech voices. The Release Notes for
2.0.6 are the same as for the original version 2.0.3 and are also
available on the above page. The Release Notes explain how to install
the software and list in detail all new features and improvements.
Briefly,to install follow these steps:

- Download the software zip file from the above link

- Unzip the single UPG upgrade file from the zip file. You do not
need special unzip software. Simply press Enter to open the zip file
and you can then select the UPG file.

- Copy this UPG file to the root of your Stream SD card.

- Disconnect the Stream from the computer, connect it to AC power and
turn it on.

- The Stream will automatically start the update process which takes
about 1 minute during which time it will announce intermittent
"please Wait" messages. The Stream will power off when the new
software is installed.

- You may then remove the UPG file from the SD card.

After the new software is installed, the Release Notes document will
also be available in a HumanWare sub-folder of your Text Bookshelf so
you may read the Release Notes with your Stream. It is in html
format on the Stream so you can navigate it by any of heading levels
1, 2, or 3.

This version corrects the issues with NISO e-text talking book
formats where Fast Forward was causing the Stream to shutdown and
where page navigation was not working. Examples of NISO e-text books
are the Stream built-in User Guide, NFB newspapers, and Bookshare.org books.

Following are important points regarding this new version 2.0.6 release.

1. Audible Bookmarks
For future improvements, Audible has changed their playback engine
and this new engine is included in Version 2.0. It does not affect
how you listen or navigate in Audible books but it required a change
to the way Stream identifies Audible books in the Stream's bookmark
database. This will result in the loss of reading position and
bookmarks saved in version 1.2. Prior to installing you may wish to
note the elapsed reading time position in your Audible books so after
installing you can then use the Go To Time function to quickly return
to your reading position. Subsequent Audible book reading positions
and bookmarks will be maintained.

2. INFO key Announcement of SD Space Remaining
After the original 2.0.3 release , we received reports that SD space
remaining does not report correctly on all cards. We investigated
this and found that some cards have incorrect value for total space
usage but it is not clear why. It is related to Windows and/or Linux
not updating this value after adding or removing files. We left the
feature in as it seems to report accurately in most cases. It is not
specific to any brand of card or size of card. We were able to
correct one card by reformatting and re-transferring the files but it
is not clear this is always the solution. Also, if the space used
has an incorrect value it does not appear there is any other problem
with the data on the card. We will investigate an alternative method
to reporting SD space for a future release.

3. Recording Audio Bookmarks
In Stream 2.0 there is a bug whereby audio bookmarks can only be
recorded by pressing and holding the Record key while you voice your
recording. The single press at start of recording and second press at
end of recording does not work. . This will be corrected on the next
version. For recording audio notes, both methods still work.

We appreciate your patience over the past two weeks while we
addressed the NISO text book playback issues and we hope you will
enjoy the many new features and improvements in version 2.0.6.

Thank you,
The HumanWare Team

Saturday, July 12

The Guilty Pleasures Of Guide Dogs

Greetings. The following is a glimpse into the often secret mind of a bunch of guide dogs. I received this from an email list for guide dog users. Read and enjoy.

The Guilty Pleasures Of Guide Dogs
by Alysia Wells

Here we are in our doggie group therapy. Today we're really just going to roll over, kick back, stretch out, with no taboos. It's a beautiful day in the doggie neighborhood, and it's time to reveal some secrets! We are joined by a very cute goldador, Molly. She's a dickens and kind of an instigator, helping us relax and unleash some inhibitions. Molly's so little and cute and sneaky that no one suspects her of straying from a rule-abiding course.

Some people are moved to tears by our abilities, good judgment and loyalty, and some people idolize guide dogs and imbue us with superpowers. Now I'm not saying that a few of us haven't been responsible for some miracles that saved lives, but most of us just do a good job most of the time. We're gifted but not perfect! We're not lovely statues or robots that conform neatly to every circumstance we're confronted with, and we develop differently in our careers. We have faults. Needless to say, some of us backslide, forget things, misjudge, fail, act irresponsibly, have a bad moment, a bad day!

Despite our training and glorification, we're still dogs with canine interests, and that's the topic today. We sometimes consider other things besides guiding you people. Sometimes a random incident which maybe has no comparable human significance thrills us and makes our day! We have chosen to remain anonymous today for you readers because what happens is only for us to know about, so maybe you can hold tight to your ideals and think, "no, no, not my wonderful, innocent doggie!"

"A box of Honey Nut Cheerios fell off the closet shelf upside down, and out tumbled many tidbits of delight. My person hadn't noticed the spill yet, and I became the vacuum cleaner, sucking the sweet morsels down my throat like there was no tomorrow!

"Yes, I love to eat forbidden things! Once, my buddy and I consumed a pound of butter left out on the table. And how about a paper towel soaked in bacon grease! Sometimes the TV is on so loud in the other room, I can get in the trash without being caught and extract some real goodies. Yum!" We all lick our lips in unanimous agreement, remembering shameful forays in places we shouldn't have been exploring.

"I noticed a cookie under this long table where many people were convening for a church potluck. The people were blabbing away, and I started inching, inching like an inchworm, stretching my neck, sticking out my tongue, oh, just a little more, carefully straining my leash as far as it would go -- ever so slowly -- laughter and banter above -- this is so cool -- I'm getting away with it! Is she putting her hand down here to check on me? Oh, no! She's just fingering the napkin! Now I resume my quest, concentrate, reach, got it!! Fantastic victory! This was a major accomplishment and as rewarding as any praise for my good deeds!"

"You all and your food cravings! I just like mischief sometimes! If I'm left alone, even when I know better, it's anybody's guess what I might do, maybe nothing, or maybe get all the stuffing out of a big couch pillow and watch the stuffing expand so I can spread it all around everywhere and have some fun! Yes, I have proper dog toys, but this is more challenging and gratifying!"

"My goodness, you're brave! I don't like getting in trouble and would rather do something less obvious like jump up on the sofa at night to sleep. No one will know about that because I hear footsteps and jump down!"

"Well, that's just silly and boring! Your fur stays there on that sofa, and the truth will come out soon enough. I love water and can't resist leading my person through a big puddle once in a while!"

"Oh, that's mean!" Even little Molly is shocked at this point. But we proceed forward with another admission.

"I love the ocean, speaking of water, don't you all?"

(Heidi, the prissy German shepherd, lowers her magnificent head in mild disgust.)

"Anyway, I love to swim, and I plunged into the ocean, snuffling, reveling, and unfortunately, drinking! As I shook off, my person was happy for me at first, enjoying my glee, but then later, that balmy salt water went right through me, and it wasn't pretty! My person had to pay an extra fee for cleanup in that hotel room, where they'd been so nice to me, too. Oh well, it wasn't my money, and I still love the ocean. I just won't drink it!"

Heidi is gloating. How embarrassing! I'm glad we aren't naming names today!

As dogs, we have random, disconnected thoughts and dreams -" I just want to roll in the grass all day! I NEVER need a bath! I don't like your sister's perfume. I smell chicken all the time! I dream about dog parks where I'm completely free and meet my doggie soul mate! If that cat comes any closer, it's dead! I want to dig a hole and rest in cool moist dirt! Please rub my belly, and then scratch under my chin! Make me happy!" Words aren't as important as actions. I can unwrap a Hershey bar faster than you can. I can open a gate latch which is doggie-proof!

Anyway, sit up straight, stand at attention, confession time is over! Woof! Woof! Reporting for duty!

Senate Legislative Branch Funding for Talking Books-Action Needed

Greetings. Those who use the NLS digital download service for reading books on the Stream or other players will find this message of particular interest. Below is a note I received on an NFB email list about actions you can take to ensure the appropriations of the full $34.5 million for the conversion of talking books from casette to digital form. Please consider taking action on this important issue.

***

Fellow Federationists:

As many of you know, on June 23, 2008, the Federation achieved a great victory when the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch held its markup of the fiscal year 2009 Legislative Branch bill. We had worked tirelessly to increase funding in this bill for the Talking Books program conversion from analog cassette technology to the new digital format. When the President's budget was originally presented to Congress in February, only $12.5 million was included for this transition; this was the same amount provided in the fiscal year 2008 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. Funding this conversion program at $12.5 million per year would mean that it would take six years to complete. We learned that a six-year plan would cause a drastic reduction in service, and together, we Federationists worked to educate members of the House of Representatives on the dangers of a six-year plan. Because of the work of the National Federation of the Blind, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch included an appropriation of $34.5 million. Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Ranking Member Tom Latham of Iowa pledged to complete the funding for the digital conversion in three years, rather than the original four-year plan or the devastating six-year plan proposed at the beginning of this year. While this was a great victory, there is still a great deal of work to do.



The Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch will markup their version of this bill in the next week or two. This subcommittee is chaired by Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and is the Senate counterpart of Debbie Wasserman Schultz's subcommittee in the House. All of us need to contact Senator Landrieu's office at (202) 224-5824, and ask her to retain the $34.5 million for the digital Talking Book program that is in the House bill. Tell her how important the Talking Book program is to you and to all blind Americans. Senators Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Dick Durban of Illinois, and Wayne Allard of Colorado are also members of this subcommittee, so those of you who live in their states should call their offices with the same request. Their telephone numbers are listed below. You can, of course, always call the Capital switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to any senate office.



I am asking that all NFB members contact Senator Landrieu's office and that the members in Illinois, Tennessee, Colorado, and Nebraska contact their respective senators serving on the subcommittee, by noon on Tuesday, July 15. Be sure to ask the senator to "maintain the $34.5 million funding level included in the House Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill for the digital Talking Book conversion in the Senate Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill." Please let me know if you have any questions about this critically important matter. I know that if we all work together, we will secure funding for the digital Talking Book program in the Senate and insure that an appropriation in the amount of $34.5 million goes to the President.



Thank you for all of your outstanding work so far and for your continued assistance in securing the future of the Talking Book program.



Sincerely,

Jesse M. Hartle
Government Programs Specialist
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND


Democratic Subcommittee Members:

Senator Mary Landrieu (LA) (Chair)
Phone: (202) 224-5824

Senator Richard Durbin (IL)
Phone: (202) 224-2152

Senator Ben Nelson (NE)
Phone: (202) 224-6551


Republican Subcommittee Members:

Senator Lamar Alexander (TN) (Ranking Member)
Phone: (202) 224-4944

Senator Wayne Allard (CO)
Phone: (202) 224-5941

Friday, July 11

Preview of Metallica song

Greetings. In my current state of insomnia, I thought I'd post this blurb here, and yes, I know, this has nothing to do with blindness. Consider it a glimpse into one of my other sides. I'm a big Metallica fan, having much of their musical material over the last 20 some odd years and even a few DVD's that they've done. A 1 minute preview of their upcoming song, "Remember Tomorrow," is availlable on the official
Metallica's MySpace page.
Its not clear if this is on the upcoming new album or their tribute album to Iron Maiden. Whatever the case, it sounds killer. If you're afan of the mighty Met, check it out. After the 1 minute preview, there are various Metallica songs in full which are taken from some live performances. I'm sure that the page lists the locations and dates of these songs, but honestly, I was too caught up in listening to scan it. Now that I'm using Windows Vista at home, the ability to adjust individual volume controls for that particular page in Vista came in very handy.

Metallica's new album should be out in a couple of months. From what I've heard from this short preview, assuming that the song is actually on the album and not on the tribute album, it sounds really cool. Looks like I'll be stopping by a CD shop up in New Jersey when I go there in September for my new dog to pick it up. The ironic thing is that I won't have a CD player to play it on since my music is all digital these days. Ah well. The trials of fandom. Enjoy.

Monday, July 7

Hybrids Pose Silent Threat to the Blind

Greetings. Here's an article from the Associated Press on the dangers of hybrid cars to the blind. Please excuse any formatting errors and enjoy.

Hybrid vehicles pose silent threat to the blind
By Associated Press | June 24, 2008

WASHINGTON - Advocates for the blind want the government to set minimum
sound standards for new cars and trucks, pointing to potential safety
hazards for blind pedestrians who can't hear silent gas-electric hybrid
vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration held a daylong hearing
yesterday to discuss the issue, which has been raised by organizations
that
represent about 1.1 million legally blind Americans. "For us, these cars
are
invisible," said Deborah Kent Stein of the National Federation of the
Blind.

Stein and representatives of other organizations for the blind said hybrid
vehicles are difficult for blind pedestrians to detect, since they use
traffic sounds to determine when it's safe to cross the street. They asked
the government to conduct more research into the issue and require cars to
emit minimum decibel levels.

Industry officials said they hoped to begin preliminary testing later this
year to quantify typical noise emissions from vehicles. But they said the
issue is complicated because so many things contribute to traffic sounds:
engines, tires hitting the road, wind resistance, and background noise.

"There are a lot of things that we simply don't know at this point," said
Chris Tinto, a Toyota Motor Corp. vice president who is leading an
industry
panel reviewing the issue.

During the meeting, researchers played audio tapes comparing the sounds of
hybrids with vehicles that have conventional engines. In one experiment,
blindfolded listeners couldn't hear a 2006 Toyota Prius until it was about
11 feet away, compared with a 2004 Honda Accord, which the listeners
detected from a distance of about 36 feet.

Some lawmakers are taking notice. US Representatives Ed Towns, a Democrat
from New York, and Cliff Stearns, a Republican from Florida, introduced
legislation in April that would require a two-year study of the issue by
NHTSA.

Hybrid vehicles operate on battery-powered electric motors at low speeds
and
when idling, reducing the amount of sound from the vehicle compared with
conventional cars and trucks.

Issues with Stream version 2

Greetings. This note was originally sent out on July 2nd. Since I was away last week at convention, I'm just now getting to posting it here. If you read BookShare on the Stream, then you might want to pay attention to the following note. If not, you can still apparently install version 2 from the appropriate Stream page on the HumanWare site. I'll pass along any information I receive on a fix for the following problem. Enjoy.

Dear Victor Reader Stream Customer:

We are receiving reports of navigation issues in Bookshare.org books using the new Stream 2.0 software. The page navigation is not working and the Fast Forward/Rewind is causing the player to shut off. The Victor Team is working on these issues now and we will advise as soon as we have further information. In the meantime, we have restored the links to English version 1.2 so you may return to that version if you wish. The version 1.2 is available on the support page at:
http://www.humanware.com/en-canada/support/vr_stream_software


We are sorry for the inconvenience and will do our best to address the issue as soon as possible.

Thank you,
The HumanWare Team

Sunday, July 6

Stream version 2 press release

Greetings. Here's the official press release on version 2 of the VR Stream. Enjoy.

VICTOR READER STREAM THE PROVEN SUCCESS STORY, IS NOW EVEN BETTER WITH A FREE VERSION 2.0 SOFTWARE UPGRADE

Longueuil, Canada, June 30, 2008 -- Victor Reader Stream, the pocket-sized portable MP3 player designed for blind and low-vision people has swept the world wide market place since its launch in September 2007. Heralded by its users as the most significant assistive technology in recent years, the Stream has already enhanced the life style of thousands of blind and low vision people world wide. In addition to the variety of audio formats (MP3, DAISY, and NISO books and music) supported by Victor Reader Stream, the new version 2 software will add even more media and text formats.

Victor Reader Stream version 2 will now play electronic Braille files with its built-in text-to-speech including multiple formats of English Braille encoded files, Unified English Braille, and non-English Braille formats. Version 2.0 also adds playback of Windows Media Audio (WMA) and Rich Text Format (RTF) files. , Further, the bookshelf feature has been extended to enhance the access and playback of all media types with special new features for Audible books, Podcast files, and music.

With the addition of the new media types of version 2.0 the Stream now provides a pocket size device that can play an impressive list of alternate format books and documents available to the print-disabled. IT will play the special navigable DAISY and NISO digital talking books produced by most libraries for the blind in the world. It can be authorized to play the AudioPlus digital books from Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) in the United States. It can play Bookshare.org digital books. It can be authorized to play the popular commercial audio books, newspapers, and magazines from Audible.com. It is optimized to integrate with Serotek.com who provide an extensive repository of digital multi-media content for blind and low vision people. It also plays MP3,, OGG Vorbis, WMA, Wav, AMR-WB+, SPX, and FLAC audio files. The built-in text-to-speech can play electronic text formats including BRF (Braille), HTML, RTF, TXT, and XML. In addition to its extensive digital player capabilities, it has a voice recording functionality for recording of voice notes, meetings, and lectures.

What Stream customers are saying:
"I love my Victor Reader Stream and it travels with me wherever I go."
"This is one of the best products I have seen come along in a long time. It is well made, works right out of the box, and reads just about any kind of book you need read."
"It's one of the most impressive and well-planned and well-working pieces of equipment I have seen for a long time."

"We appreciate the overwhelming enthusiasm of our customers and are pleased that we have been able to incorporate many of their suggested new features and improvements in the enhanced version 2 of the Stream", says Gerry Chevalier, HumanWare Victor Reader Product Manager. "And the best news is that the latest version 2 software can be installed for free on all existing Victor Reader Streams."

The Stream has extensive navigation features for moving through audio books and text files, including functions that allow you to move to the next chapter, section or page, or to set bookmarks. For all audio book and media formats the Stream provides a variable speed control with digital pitch correction which allows the reader to accurately listen at higher than normal playback speed.

The player is completely accessible by blind and low-vision users. All keys and messages are provided through audio feedback. The player has a built-in User Guide and a Key Describer mode.

Besides playing electronic text, the integrated text-to-speech voice announces the track names of music files. It uses an SD memory card to store books and music transferred from a computer.

Victor Reader Stream can be purchased online at
www.humanware.com
(in USA). Current Victor Reader Stream users can upgrade their player to software version 2.0 online at the same website.

About HumanWare

HumanWare (
www.humanware.com) is the global leader in assistive technologies for the print disabled. HumanWare provides products to people who are blind and have low vision and students with learning disabilities. HumanWare offers a collection of innovative products include BrailleNote, the leading productivity device for the blind in education, business and for personal use; the Victor Reader product line, the world's leading digital audiobook players, and SmartView Xtend, the first fully modular and upgradeable CCTV-based video magnifier.

For more information:

HumanWare
Nicolas Lagace
Tel.: (450) 463-1717
E-mail:
nicolas.lagace@humanware.com

Stream companion software version 2

Greetings. With the release of Stream version 2 comes the updated Stream companion software. Enjoy.

Dear Victor Reader Stream Customer:

HumanWare has released a new Windows Stream Companion software version 2.0.4. This is a free Windows software that can be downloaded and installed on your Windows XP or Vista computer. To download the software visit:

http://www.humanware.com/en-canada/support/vr_stream_software

To install the software, download the zip file for the Stream Companion and unzip the embedded executable (EXE) install file. Then run this exe file. You do not need to uninstall the previous version of Stream Companion. The Windows Install Shield program will run and ask you to read and accept the license. It will ask if you want a complete or custom install. Select 'complete'.

The Stream Companion is optional software to support the Stream. There is no need to install this software unless you need its functionality. There are extensive new features and usability improvements in version 2.

New Features

- In addition to the Talking Books Tab version 2.0 offers five new TABS to transfer files to the Stream's Other Books, Audible, Music, Podcasts, and Text bookshelves. The Music and Podcast Tabs have a button to allow you to transfer by folder or individual file.
- The Music Tab has a button to allow you to create playlists in the root of the Music bookshelf. Simply move to the list of Music files on your SD card and select the files or folders that you want for your playlist and then activate the Create Playlist button. You will be asked to enter a name for the playlist. The playlist will then be created on your music bookshelf. When you browse the music bookshelf with your Stream each playlist will be announced as a separate music book. The actual music files will be announced as the "All Music" book.
- There is a new Tab to convert the recorded 3gp audio files of Audio Bookmarks to wav files on your computer.


Usability Improvements
- In the Talking Books TAB the user may activate a check box to allow books contained in zip files on the computer to display in the PC list. If this checkbox is checked you will be able to transfer zip books (e.g. NLS books in the USA) to the Stream without first having to unzip the book.
- The PC Path can now be edited in the textbox.
- Support for transferring a talking book contained on Multiple CD's.

The Companion User Guide can be read by activating the Help button in any of the program Tabs. The User Guide can also be downloaded from the Stream documentation page at:

http://www.humanware.com/en-canada/support/vr_stream_documentation


HumanWare hopes you enjoy the new Stream Companion 2.0


Thank you,
The HumanWare Team

Stream version 2 released

Greetings. This announcement was made last Monday, June 30, but since I was at the NFB convention in Dallas I'm just now getting to putting it here. By the way, with the addition of BRF file support on the Stream, this means that Web Braille files can now be read on the Stream, among others. Enjoy.

Dear Victor Reader Stream Customer:

HumanWare has released the latest Stream software version 2.0.3. This is a free software upgrade that can be downloaded and installed on your Stream. To download the software visit:

http://www.humanware.com/en-canada/support/vr_stream_software

Select the link to download the new software version 2.0. On the same page, you will also find a Release Notes document describing in detail what's new and the installation instructions. Briefly,to install follow these steps:

- Download the software zip file

- Unzip the single UPG upgrade file from the zip file. You do not need special unzip software. Simply press Enter to open the zip file and you can then select the UPG file.

- Copy this UPG file to the root of your Stream SD card.

- Disconnect the Stream from the computer, connect it to AC power and turn it on.

- The Stream will automatically start the update process which takes about 1 minute during which time it will announce intermittent "please Wait" messages. The Stream will power off when the new software is installed.

- You may then remove the UPG file from the SD card.

After the new software is installed, the Release Notes document will also be available in a HumanWare sub-folder of your Text Bookshelf so you may read the Release Notes with your Stream. Highlights of the new version 2.0 include:

- New dedicated bookshelf to save downloaded podcast audio files

- Audible books will now be announced on its own bookshelf instead of Other Books bookshelf

- Support of electronic Braille (BRF) files placed on the text bookshelf

- Support for Rich Text Format (RTF) files on the text bookshelf

- Support for unprotected Windows Media Audio (WMA version 9)

- Spell mode for text files

- Ability to disable key beeps and sleep messages

and much more. See the Release Notes document on the Stream page for a complete description of all new features and improvements. A copy of the version 2.0 User Guide as well as an updated FAQ document (frequently asked questions) can also be found on the web page. The FAQ provides answers to frequently asked questions about battery, important information on different book and media formats, voice recording, and SD cards.

With this announcement, version 2.0 is available in English only. As other version 2.0 languages become available they will be posted on the same download page.

We also are releasing a new version of Stream Companion which will be described in a second email.

HumanWare values your continued support of the Victor Reader Stream. We remain committed to existing and future customers to make the Stream the most powerful, flexible, and enjoyable product used for listening to digital talking books, computer files, and music.

Thank you,

The HumanWare Team

New Braille Coin Announced and Shown

Greetings. I received the following post via an email list. This will likely be but one of several posts that I'll put here since I just got back from Dallas yesterday. I was at the NFB convention this past week, though I wasn't at the Braille coin unveiling. Enjoy.

1st U.S. Braille Coin Is Unveiled
The Associated Press
Published: July 3, 2008

DALLAS - DALLAS - Officials unveiled the prototype of the first U.S. coin
with readable Braille characters on Wednesday - a silver dollar
commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, the
creator of the alphabet for the blind.

The coin's display opened the National Federation of the Blind's annual
convention in Dallas.

"This is going to put Braille in front of people in a very dramatic way,"
said Chris Danielson, an NFB spokesman.

U.S. Mint director Ed Moy, federation president Marc Maurer and U.S. Rep.
Pete Sessions revealed the design of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial
Silver Dollar in front of about 1,000 people at an outdoor plaza.

The heads side of the silver dollar depicts Louis Braille with the word
"Liberty" above it.

On the back of the coin, the Braille code for the word Braille - or "Brl" -
is inscribed, above a depiction of a school-age boy reading a Braille book
with a cane resting on his arm.

Behind him is a bookshelf bearing the word "Independence."

"It really expresses the hopes, the dreams and the independent spirit," NFB
executive director Mark Riccobono said of the design.

Although all coins distributed by the U.S. Mint are distinguishable to the
blind by their size and weight, the Braille silver dollar is the first to
have Braille characters that can be read, Moy said.

The commemorative 1-ounce coin will be available in spring 2009, the 200th
anniversary of Louis Braille's birth. The U.S. Mint will produce 400,000 of
the coins. Braille was born in France in 1809.

A $10 surcharge will be added to each coin, with money from the coin sales
going to support programs to help the blind.

The group is launching one of the largest campaigns to boost Braille
literacy by doubling the number of young Braille readers by 2015. Fewer than
10 percent of blind children are learning Braille, NFB officials said.

©2008 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company.