[CCCNFBW] Guide Dogs

[Vaughn Brown]

Hello,

Lately Marion has been attacking guide dog training centers as
president of the guide dog users branch of NFB. He noted that no guide
dog program has endorsed the so-called "bill of rights". And rightly
so for the bill of rights are without input from any of these centers.
He also sent out an email several weeks ago with stories about
trainers grabbing dogs from their handlers and taking them away or
forceably removing harnasses.

As a legal studies student I find his unfounded attacks on guide dog
centers severely disappointing. I received guide dogs from two
separate centers and never read in their policies the need to snatch
dogs or harnasses from handlers. Nor did Marion cite any cases in
which this occurred. Legal cases are published by courts or are
available in other forms. And I am disappointed that this chapter and
the Washington chapter endorsed his attacks on the centers by not
addressing this matter.

I was planning on paying my $5 fee and join you but since Marion's
hostile emails and unfounded attitudes has gone out publically I
withdraw my decision. I also withdraw my decision because this chapter
endorses blindness discrimination against employees by taking up
meetings at WSSB. Many of your on the board are employees of WSSB and
are perfectly aware of Scott's and Sean's discriminatory policies. I
will remain friends with the members but I, until this chapter changes
its location and addresses Marion's hostile emails regarding guide dog
training centers, will not and cannot, in good faith, support NFB as
an organization.

I will, instead, be joining the American Council of the Blind.

You are welcome to contact me to share your thoughts. Thank you.

Vaughn Brown