Visionary is changing

Transcription

1 Edition 26 August 2015 vi sion ar y (vizh n-eri -erri) adj. 1. Characterised by vision or foresight One Mans Dream Success For Many A Brilliant Future For The Blind Celebrating New Beginnings Starting Ceremony for our graduates Visionary is changing more details inside...

2 IGDF UK First and foremost, membership of the IGDF enables Guide Dog Schools around the world to join a community dedicated to serving the visually impaired. That community needs and wants to share its knowledge and the IGDF facilitates that. The map below outlines the contributing countries for this edition of Visionary.

3 Registered in England Company No Registered Charity No The Seeing Eye Inc USA Message from the Chair Contents 3 Message from the Chair James G. Kutsch 4 IGDF Assessments 4 Visionary is changing... Communications Committee 5 Supporting Guide Dog Users Traveling Internationally Brian Francis 5 Leader Dogs Earn Accreditation for O&M Service Offerings Rachelle Kniffen 6 Guide dogs in Hungary dr. Alexandra Rédei 7 Guide dogs in Hungary, cont. 7 Technology talks in Brisbane Matthew Barwick & Kamania Quig IGDF Seminar Seminar Planning Committee 9 One Mans Dream Claudia Tannus 10 Thanks... Anonymous (Father of Autistic Boy) 11 Celebrating New Beginnings Kyoko Yamaki 12 3rd Breeders Workshop Anthony Morin 13 3rd Breeders Workshop, cont. 13 Announcing the IGDF Wiki Wiki Steering Group James G. Kutsch - President and CEO The Seeing Eye Inc, USA Hello everyone and welcome to the latest edition of Visionary. We are a little late in publishing Visionary this time around but that is because your Board Members have been working on several exciting tasks and we wanted to share the latest news in the Visionary. The planning for the May 2016 Seminar in Croatia is well under way with many people helping in both the planning of the venue and also the Seminar programme. We want to make sure the programme covers as many issues as possible and so I would urge you and your teams to consider making submissions and also suggesting topics for the proposed panel discussions. We will be sending out registration details later this year and, as always, we look forward to seeing you at the Seminar. Following an invitation from the World Blind Union (WBU) and a subsequent Board discussion, I am pleased to announce that the IGDF is now an international member of the WBU. Although the WBU s mission is not the same as the IGDF s mission, it will be beneficial for both organisations to work together on issues important to all of us, such as international travel regulations and access for guide dog users. Finally, you will see that we are planning some changes to Visionary. For one, Visionary will be published more frequently with each issue being slightly shorter in length. This will open up opportunities for you to become more involved in communication with your fellow IGDF Members. Please do consider writing an article or putting your name forward to edit one of our upcoming special features. Best wishes to our northern hemisphere members for the end of the summer and to our southern hemisphere members as you move from winter into spring. James G. Kutsch IGDF Chair Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading Berkshire RG7 3YG 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 26 August 15 3

4 IGDF Assessments Congratulations to our newest members of the IGDF: Dogs as Assistants for Disabled People, Russia Congratulations to the following organisations which passed their fiveyear assessment: BMS Blindenführhundschule Maik Schubert, Germany Guide and Assistance Dog Training School, Slovakia Guide Dogs Grünberger, Germany Huikuang Guide Dog Foundation, Taiwan Norges Blindeforbunds Forerhundskole, Norway Royal Guide Dog Association of Tasmania, Australia Stiftung Deutsche Schule für Blindenführhunde, Germany Stiftung Ostschweizerische Blindenführhundeschule, Switzerland Vision Australia, Australia The following organisation has been accepted as an Affiliate Organisation: Fondation VISIO, France Please note there are additional organisations being processed. Visionary is changing Communications Committee, IGDF Visionary has now been in circulation since the early 2000 s and has, since that time, seen a number of changes. In response to growing interest and feedback, we re announcing a number of new changes to ensure visionary continues to meet the needs of all its readers and contributors. The key changes are: An increased number of editions per year from 2 to 4; Visionary will be distributed in February, May, August and November The number of pages per edition will reduce from 16 to 12 (this still represents an additional 16 pages per year) The introduction of a special feature to each edition Our aim is for Visionary to take the following format: x4 pages of regular items o Front page o Contributors Map o Contents & Message from the Chair o Back page x4 pages of general submissions: o each item will be selected from the submissions received o each submission should be accompanied by the appropriate form and should be no more than 750 words o this section will also include the new assessments and DC updates Communications Committe IGDF o space will be limited and preference will be given to items around new / innovative subjects the more interesting to the wider guide dog field, the more your article will stand out! x4 pages of special feature submissions o in each Visionary, we will announce the special feature for the next edition o submissions will be invited relating to that topic with, once again, a word limit of 750 words o individuals wishing to guest-edit the special feature pages will be welcomed. This will offer opportunity to share information on you and your role and also require work on selecting submissions relating to the special feature and some editing to prepare them for publication. We believe, from feedback received, that Visionary is important to our field and that these changes will provide greater opportunity for sharing information and exciting developments with friends and colleagues around the world please help by making visionary available to all who support our efforts. The next edition of Visionary, due in February 2016, will have the following special feature : Volunteering for Guide Dogs If you have an article relating to this topic, please send it to the IGDF office by January 15 If you would like to guest edit the special feature, please contact the IGDF Office as soon as possible. 4 the Visionary IGDF

5 Guide Dog Association Hong Kong Supporting Guide Dog Users Traveling Internationally Brian Francis - Director of Business Development and Training Guide Dogs Association, Hong Kong As we have noted through previous articles in the Visionary magazine, despite some costs and entry restrictions, international travel for guide dog users and their guides is now common and gives graduates the opportunity of maintaining their independent travel in foreign countries. Among these travelers are those who participate in sporting events including marathons. Here at Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association we have two graduates who participate in marathons internationally and will take their guides with them whenever possible. The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon will be held in February 2016 and Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association would like to offer support to any guide dog users traveling from abroad who are participants in this event or who may travel to Hong Kong for any reason. This includes the provision of suitable care for the dog while the graduate participates in their event and also advising on import requirements for dogs, local access laws and local travel options. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any guide dog teams traveling to Hong Kong. Other Member schools of the IGDF usually offer similar services for guide dog teams visiting their country thereby providing a truly international reference option for all of our graduate teams. USA Leader Dogs for the Blind Leader Dogs Earn Accreditation for O&M Service Offerings Rachelle Kniffen - Director of Communications & Marketing Leader Dogs for the Blind, USA Leader Dogs for the Blind has been accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC) for applying best practices and delivering services that focus on positive outcomes for its clients. Leader Dogs are the first guide dog organisation to achieve accreditation by NAC, which is the only international accrediting body devoted to serving organisations that provide programmes for people who are blind and those with low vision. Upon evaluation, the NAC found Leader Dogs Accelerated Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Training and Summer Experience Camp programmes met or exceeded industry standards for the administration and service provision. Accelerated O&M Training is a sevenday residential training programme, empowering people who are blind with the skills needed to travel safely using a white cane. The one-on-one instruction is tailored to the client s capabilities allowing for individual needs to be met. Summer Experience Camp is a unique summer camp for boys and girls aged 16 and 17 who are legally blind that combines summer fun, an introduction to guide dogs and the opportunity to spend time with peers who are facing similar challenges. Issue 26 August 15 5

6 Baráthegyi Guide Dog School Foundation Hungary Guide dogs in Hungary dr. Alexandra Rédei- legal expert on equality and disability rights Baráthegyi Guide Dog School Foundation, Hungary There are 123 guide dogs in Hungary, their official certificates are available on the website of the Federation of Hungarian Assistance Dog Associations ( Approximately 80,000 visually impaired and 20,000 blind people live in our country, so less than 0.1% of them are assisted by guide dogs. Despite of the small number of these four-legged assistants, guide dog training and use have a long history. János Rithnovszky, a disabled soldier, did pioneer work in this field by organising the first guide dog training course in The first guide dog school of Csepel, founded by Rithnovszky, has been operated by the Hungarian Blind and Partially Sighted Association since From that time, about guide dogs have been handed over by this School and the annual capacity of the institution is dogs. After the fall of the communist regime, the civil society joined the work for this good cause. At present, besides the state supported Csepel Guide Dog School, two foundations (the Baráthegyi Guide Dog School Foundation established in 2006, and the Hajdúsági Guide Dog and Assistance Dog Foundation, 2008) are dealing with guide dogs. Up to now the Baráthegyi Guide Dog School has trained and delivered 50 guide dogs. Its annual capacity is already 15 dogs. The Hajdúsági Guide Dog and Assistance Dog Foundation deals not only with the training of guide dogs but also with therapy dogs. Because of the lack of state aid, the private sector input has outstanding importance in the field. Donations and the allocation of private persons 1 % of personal income tax make the smooth and high quality operation possible. Hungarian legislation is up-to-date and complies with the international and EU requirements. Hungary was among the first countries to ratify the United Nations Convention on Rights of the People with Disabilities, and also its Optional Protocol. The cornerstone of the national legislation is Act no. XXVI of 1998 on the Rights and Equal Opportunities of Persons with Disabilities. In Hungary every guide dog user has the right to access all places open to public, such as public transport, shops, restaurants, cultural, health and social institutions etc.). Guide Dog Owners also have the right to use the operating, but stopped, escalators. Guide dogs can be used everywhere without muzzle, even on board public transport. On international or national longdistance journeys blind and partially sighted passengers enjoy 90% discount on ordinary fares and their guide dog can travel free of charge by bus or train, while both can use the local public transport free of charge. Taxi services and accommodation are also accessible, but they need to be informed about the presence of a guide dog in advance. In public places guide dogs can be led only on a leash, except on designated dog-tracks. 6 the Visionary IGDF

7 Baráthegyi Guide Dog School Foundation Hungary Guide dogs in Hungary, Cont. Australia Guide Dogs Queensland Technology talks in Brisbane Referring to the importation and exportation of dogs, EU legislation shall be applied. When a dog is imported to Hungary an animal passport, issued by a veterinary, is needed. No quarantine is necessary, but anti-rabies vaccination and the existence of a transponder chip are required. In Hungary, assistance dogs shall be trained and clients can be prepared for dogs use and care by organisations whose foundation documents include the task of training assistance dogs and their delivery to disabled people. Furthermore the training shall be carried out only by qualified habilitation dog trainers. The dog training and user/guide dog team preparation procedure finishes with an exam. A Guide Dog certificate is issued on completion of these conditions. The exam, carried out by an independent examining body comprising delegates from other GD training schools, ensures a high level of independent orientation and mobility. This process also ensures the provision of a rehabilitation service by each school and that each organisation works in collaboration. On the whole it can be stated that, in Hungary, both the related legislation and daily practice is favourable for guide dog users. In order to have a significant increase in the number of guide dogs, however, the transfer of Western-European fund-raising experiences will be necessary. Matthew Barwick & Kamania Quig Media & Communications Manager / Officer Guide Dogs Queensland, Australia In an Australian first, Guide Dogs Queensland has partnered with the Queensland Government to trial a new generation audible information system on the bus network to improve accessibility for vision impaired persons in Brisbane. The new talking signs have been fitted to the King George Square bus station in central Brisbane as part of a $50,000 trial to measure the effectiveness of the easy-to-use technology in a busy public transport environment. This central station is one of the busiest in Brisbane, accommodating hundreds of thousands of commuters each year. The Step-Hear system provides blind and vision impaired persons with audible messages outlining bus station facilities, bus stop locations and details of which routes leave from any given stop. Users of the system are alerted to the location of speakers through the Step- Hear app, or by a dedicated wrist band which vibrates when in close proximity, and they can then activate the audio message using either of these devices. King George Square bus station has had 30 speakers installed throughout the building, including the entrance and at each bus stop, which provide information on specific stop services. Guide Dogs Queensland CEO Barb Tasker said the addition of Step-Hear technology in the busway would make it easier for blind and vision impaired people both living in and visiting Brisbane to navigate the city and the public transport on offer. Travelling to the city with low or no vision can be quite a daunting task for commuters and visitors alike, but technology like this is a great step to providing the confidence and support many need to go it alone and not have to rely on others for help, she said. This is the sort of independence we want to achieve. Vision impaired users of the bus station can now have reliable points of information to help guide their way to transport links with certainty that they re on the right track. Users can also navigate from the station and connect with the Step-Hear system in the adjoining Queen Street Mall, providing them greater freedom and access to shopping and cafes. I applaud the Queensland Government for their involvement in our campaign to make Brisbane the most accessible city in Australia. Guide Dogs Queensland is conducting trials with blind and vision impaired clients through to the end of the year, with group trials occurring on a regular basis and individuals also having the opportunity to test it out on their own to familiarise themselves with the technology. Issue 26 August 15 7

8 Seminar Planning Committee IGDF 2016 IGDF Seminar Seminar Planning Committee - IGDF Our hosts for the 2016 IGDF Seminar will be the Croatian Guide Dog and Mobility Association who will also be celebrating their 25th anniversary of providing guide dogs to the people of Croatia. The seminar will take place at the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort, on the beautiful Croatian island of Hvar - located in the Adriatic sea, Hvar is the sunniest of the Croatian islands. The hotel, a short walk from Hvar town and harbour, sits in a prime beach-front location. Reduced hotel rates for seminar delegates will be available for a limited time pre and post the seminar so why not extend your stay and enjoy the beauty of the island?! The seminar will begin with an evening welcome reception on Thursday 19th May 2016 at a venue overlooking the stunning Hvar harbour. The seminar will then run all day on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st May, concluding early afternoon on Sunday the 22nd May In the coming weeks we will be constructing the seminar programme covering the usual large plenary sessions and smaller workshops and also introducing panel discussions. This is a unique opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with a global audience. If you have a topic that you believe would be interesting, informative and inspiring to other IGDF members please do submit an abstract for consideration. For further information on the requirements and deadlines please contact Jen Burford (enquiries@igdf.org.uk) Extensive work is ongoing in preparing for the seminar covering a raft of areas. Two of these key areas for delegates are travel information and registration. Detailed travel information is being prepared for delegates showing the various transport options available for travelling from Split airport (the closest airport) to the venue on the island. Full information will be circulated at the time registration opens so delegates can pick how they wish to travel to the island and make their travel bookings. Registration will open later in the year and, for the first time, will involve a three stage process for delegates. Firstly, you will need to register and pay a seminar fee to attend the actual seminar (this covers your attendance at the seminar, the welcome reception and gala dinner and provides all of your meals throughout the seminar). You will, when you register, be given a registration number that you will then use for your hotel booking. Secondly, you will book your accommodation directly with the hotel, using a special code you were given when you registered. This code will give you access to the preferential conference rates, which are significantly reduced on the usual price. With this you can book your accommodation for the duration of the conference as well as any time before or after the seminar you may wish to book. Thirdly, with registration complete and hotel accommodation booked you will need to decide how you wish to travel to the island and book your preferred options. There will be a registration closing date. After this time you will not be able to register and preferential hotel rates will no longer be available so you must register and book your accommodation within the registration period. It is also highly recommended that you book your travel within this period to guarantee availability. We look forward to seeing you in Hvar! 8 the Visionary IGDF

9 Uruguay FUNDAPPS ONE MANS DREAM - SUCCESS FOR MANY: A BRILLIANT FUTURE FOR THE BLIND Claudia Tannus - Communication Consultant FUNDAPPAS, Uruguay After ten years, one man s dream has finally become a reality. The Foundation for the Support and Promotion of Assistance Dogs (FUNDAPPAS), achieved the most important goal in its history this year by laying the foundations for going forward with their vision for the future. Alberto A Calcagno, president of the foundation, took the first steps on his journey several years ago when he decided to look for a way that would benefit other visually impaired people in Uruguay. After losing all of his sight, and coping with the many challenges that this entailed, he looked at ways a guide dog would help with his personal mobility. After much perseverance his dream came true not only for himself, but now for many others as well. Of major importance, FUNDAPPAS has been given the location for the first purpose built Guide Dogs for the Blind and Assistance Dogs training school by the government. Using the model taken from the Helen Keller School, Camboriu, Brazil, fundraising projects were undertaken as a result of obtaining financial resources from the Uruguayan social security. This has been an incredible accomplishment for FUNDAPPAS. We are also very pleased that, owing to the Government implementation of local laws, access rights will be given to authorized users of guide dogs allowing them to take their dogs with them in public places such as malls and on public transport. This is a marvellous development for FUNDAPPAS. National authorities, through the Comisión Honoraria del Bien Estar Animal, CONAHOBA (National Honorary Committee for the Animal Well Being) have recognised that the school has full authority to train guide dogs in Uruguay. At the moment, while there are still only a small amount of people using guide dogs and assistance dogs in public, it is imperative that we raise our visibility and increase public awareness. Introducing a Guide Dog School into a society that is not yet accustomed to seeing this type of mobility assistance requires acceptance and unity. It also requires the development of the skills needed to be able to reach recognized international standards. FUNDAPPAS has recently become a member candidate of the International Guide Dog Federation, having achieved the required standards for raising, educating and training guide dogs for the blind. FUNDAPPAS started breeding in 2014 with three broods; one from a local breeder and two imported from Brazil. All three breeders met the IGDF breeding standard. This was accomplished by the work of a group of dedicated volunteers who attended seminars and conferences and received help and guidance from other international guide dog schools. Another very important project for FUNDAPPAS has been initiated; the Godparents Club was designed to provide support, social and cultural information for our cause here in Uruguay. FUNDAPPAS, while very appreciative of the help given by the government, remains convinced that the foundation should find resources from within our society itself. The Godparents Club is a group of people and families who are strong supporters of FUNDAPPAS, and freely give their help in several ways. The Godparents Club meets monthly with one purpose being to find volunteers to help support the foundation, but it also encompasses Fundraising programs and organising fundraising events Finding families to socialise the puppies and organising seminars and meetings to educate the families. Virtual Communication (WEB page) and Social Web visibility Other media visibility programs Administration and other office work support Visits to schools and public places to educate and raise the visibility of the foundation with a range of people These are just some areas where FUNDAPPAS is encouraging the public to be involved in an ongoing way. It is important that these programs have independent resources to sustain them. FUNDAPPAS believes that working towards economic autonomy is the best possible way to help and support the blind, in a way that is both responsible and fair. The dream of one blind person has resulted in a wider vision for a whole country through the use and abilities of working dogs. As a result of this the foundation message is reaching a whole new audience, which will ensure the successful future of FUNDAPPAS and the mobility and independence of blind people through the Godparents Club. Issue 26 August 15 9

10 Israel Guide Dog Centre for the Blind Israel Thanks... Anonymous (Father of Autistic Boy) Israel Guide Dog Centre for the Blind, Israel I am a father, married with four children and live in northern Israel. A year and a half ago my son D, who was then two and a half years old, was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. The news was difficult for us, but not surprising. We always knew that our child was special, but we refused to come to terms with the obvious. We could no longer deny the reality that D was autistic. D is an amazing child who is truly a gem. He is physically attractive and possesses an inner beauty. D's main problem is communication with people who are close to him. He is four years old but does not speak. He has been integrated into a special education framework for children on the autism spectrum. His greatest fears are meeting strangers and visiting places that he is not familiar with. He is also extremely sensitive to noise. For these reasons he is introverted and does not communicate with his surroundings. At kindergarten he does not make contact with any of the other children. He has built walls around himself, isolating himself from others around him. Several months ago I read about the possibility of acquiring a dog from the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind on an internet forum for parents of autistic children. The person on the forum explained that some dogs are not qualified to become guide dogs and are eliminated from the training program. These dogs are placed in families with children with special needs. After consulting with my wife and with professionals who are acquainted with D, we decided to approach the Israel Guide Dog Center at Beit Oved, and we were placed on the waiting list. During the waiting period we learned a lot about integrating dogs into the lives of special children by watching films on the internet. The films were exciting, and we began to believe, hope and wish that the same would happen for us. One day we received the long-awaited telephone call - we were told that we could come to the center and choose a dog for our son. We were extremely excited, and our first encounter was an experience in itself. We were received, given a tour of the campus and introduced to the professional staff. We felt their warmth and dedication at every step we took. We then met our wonderful dog C, for the first time. This was undoubtedly love at first sight. We could not have asked for anything better. C is a charming dog with unending love. She is well-behaved, welltrained, has been spayed and has had all her vaccinations. What more could we ask for? C loves to play, but she does not force others to do so. She merely shows she is interested whenever you are ready. The first meeting between our children and C was very exciting. Our three daughters aged 8, 7, and 2 were charmed by her. Only D refused to acknowledge her. It appeared that even C would not be able to break down the walls that D had built around himself. The first night after C arrived in our home, we put her bed on the floor next to D's bed. He still did not respond to her presence, and they both fell asleep. The next morning we woke to find a surprise. D was sitting on C's bed, with his head resting on her back. We were unable to hold back our tears of excitement. Since that moment, the friendship between D and C has grown stronger. D is happy to be with her. C goes to kindergarten and back with D. They share a room and are together. We, D's parents, want to express our heartfelt thanks to the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind at Beit Oved for their dedication, love, and professionalism. We want to thank you for giving us C who has come into our home and given our family warmth, love, and a reason to smile. We wish you success in all your work, and hope to serve as emissaries of the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind. We hope that the walls that stand before you will be broken down, just as you helped dismantle the walls that stood around our son D. It is very important for people to know about the wonderful work that you do for "special people" like our son D. It is important for the center to grow so that you can provide an answer to all those in need. Thanks to the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind 10 the Visionary IGDF

11 Japan Guide Dog Association Celebrating New Beginnings Kyoko Yamaki - Media and Public Communications Manager Japan Guide Dog Association Once a year at Japan Guide Dog Association, we gather together for a celebration called, Starting Ceremony for our graduates from the previous year. Our graduates are required to arrive at the venue independently. This includes prior research and asking someone for directions on the way, as the event is intended to both celebrate new beginnings for the graduates, and also assess the effectiveness of their independent travel and teamwork. Before and after the ceremony, each client will spend time with the instructors for consultation and follow-up sessions. For some clients, this event will be their very first long trip and a night away from home with their guide dog. Many of them feel a sense of accomplishment when they arrive at the venue safely, and gain confidence in traveling alone. At the ceremony, each graduate gives a speech about their first year and receives a special gift from our President. I want to enjoy my second life with my guide dog, stated a graduate as he shared his dream with a big smile. My guide dog brought me back to my old self, another graduate expressed as she showed her gratitude with tears in her eyes. The ceremony is followed by a banquet, and our instructors share their stories with the graduates. Many of our volunteers and supporting corporate members also join us for the ceremony and banquet to celebrate with the new graduates. It is a special occasion for everyone to see the fruit of the guide dog movement. The Starting Ceremony is held annually at all four of our training centers, Sendai, Kanagawa, Fujinomiya and Shimane. Last year, at Fuji Harness, there was a client who had his 2nd guide dog after 40 years. During his speech, he said that he was truly amazed at the progress of training skills and the solid client services system. It is such a rewarding moment for all of us involved in the process of raising guide dogs at Japan Guide Dog Association, and we feel responsible to strive for better service together as a team. Issue 26 August 15 11

12 CESECAH France 3rd Breeders Workshop Anthony Morin - Breeding Manager CESECAH, France The success of the 2nd Breeders Workshop, held at Fujinomya, Japan in May 2014 created the idea to hold a similar workshop in Europe for French guide dog organisations with breeding programmes that didn t have the opportunity to attend the workshop in Japan. It would also be an important basis for successful collaboration amongst French schools. After contacting the IGDF Development Committee (DC), the original plan was extended and supported, to provide an invitation to Breeding Staff of other European Guide Dog Schools to attend come to the Workshop in France. All IGDF recognised European Guide Dogs Schools were invited by the organising committee. A survey was sent out to determine which subjects were of greatest interest for this workshop, and also to ask for potential topics for the following, 4th Breeders Workshop. CESECAH, the French National Breeding Centre, hosted 14 countries, represented by 35 participants from 22 associations. On Friday 27th, Paul Charles, Président of the FFAC, welcomed everyone to CESECAH, where participants were given a guided tour of CESECAH s facility and were able to view some of their dogs. In the evening, the group moved to the Conference location, where they enjoyed wonderful French hospitality and the local cuisine. This was the perfect informal opportunity for everyone to become acquainted. On Saturday morning, Dr Eldin Leighton and Jane Russenberger began the morning session by explaining the principles of selection. After each 40 minute session and break, participants met in 2 smaller groups: one in English, one in French for questions and discussion. This allowed participants to better absorb the information. In the afternoon, 2 concurrent lectures on reproduction were presented. In the first lecture, Dr Bob Proesmans provided basic but practical information on new developments to optimize breeding schemes, techniques for improving the timing of matings, and tips for how best to deal with problems among the young puppies. The second lecture, presented by Dr Samuel Buff, provided advanced information on many aspects of reproduction, including the latest techniques for timing oestrus, and upto-date information on internationally-accepted methods for collecting, freezing and shipping semen. On Sunday, behaviour was the main topic. Jane Russenberger began the morning by describing techniques for observing and scoring behaviour in a standardised way using a behaviour checklist. (BCL). Jane led participants through the theoretical background of the BCL, explaining and emphasising the huge opportunities available to guide dog organisations who can now increase the effectiveness of working with each other by sharing data, dogs, puppies and semen when everyone uses the common scoring system embodied in the BCL. In the afternoon, a practical session helped reinforce these ideas by evaluating 6 dogs. This was the perfect way to test the dogs, using the information received in the morning and, more importantly, it provided an opportunity to test ourselves, as we all had differences in opinion about what we saw, what we thought, and what we concluded. Understanding and sharing these differences was very important in standardising the information, and getting the most out of our answers using the BCL. We tested the dogs with a new adult dog assessment test - Guide Dog Behaviour Assessment Response Test (GDBart). Originally developed by Paul Adrian and staff at New South Wales Guide Dogs and Guide Dogs Victoria (both Australia), and through international collaboration, GDBart has been modified to meet needs outlined by the international task workers who met in Tokyo in May the Visionary IGDF

13 CESECAH France 3rd Breeders Workshop, Cont. IGDF Wiki Steering Group Announcing the IGDF Wiki At the end of the day, Dr Eldin Leighton gave us an extended demonstration of an international database called International Working Dog Registry (IWDR), which is being created by Kevin Keymer, Eldin Leighton and Jane Russenberger. IWDR will be provided through a nonprofit organisation, the International Working Dog Breeding Association (IWDBA). IWDR database can be accessed in many languages and is web-based, which makes it very useful for collaboration. Currently the IWDR database is being intensively tested with plans to have it available by next year. This 3rd Breeders Workshop took place in a wonderful atmosphere, and I am convinced that this is another start for International exchange of information among participants. I want to give my appreciation to the 4 speakers for the high quality of their presentations and for their accessibility, the CESECAH staff members for their continuous help in organising the event, and last but far from least, I express my thanks to Royal Canin for all their help and support because, if not for their generous sponsorship for this event, we would have been unable to organise this high quality workshop for so many people at such a low price. Wiki Steering Group, IGDF It s been a long process from the initial idea to reaching the point we now find ourselves; it s involved many people from creating and progressing the concept to designing and testing the pages on the website and, for that, the IGDF Board is extremely grateful. That being said, we are very pleased to be able to announce that the IGDF Wiki pages are about to go live. There will be a link to the IGDF Wiki on the website home page ( and the pages can be accessed through a login process. The purpose of the IGDF Wiki is to provide opportunity for IGDF Members, Affiliates Applicants and Enquirers to share suggestions of best practice, innovations and new ideas with colleagues and peers around the world and for others to comment on the articles shared. A similar approach to the more famous Wikipedia! The Wiki has been designed around the following 11 key elements of providing a guide dog service: Governance and management Administration & record keeping Fund raising and Public relations Staff training and development Source of dogs breeding Puppy raising Kennel services Guide Dog assessment and training Client services Veterinary care Adoption-career change Some example articles have been already been posted and we re looking forward to receiving many more. If you have an article that you would like to share through the IGDF Wiki, a link is available on the Main Page. We do have a Wiki steering group, reporting directly to the IGDF Board, and our aim is to develop a small group of Subject Matter Experts for each of the 11 key elements their role will be to review articles submitted to ensure relevance and appropriateness before it is published on the IGDF Wiki. If you would like to support this process by joining one of these groups (spaces will be limited), please contact the IGDF office to let us know. All feedback (structure, ease of use, etc.) will be welcomed by the IGDF Wiki steering group in order that we can continue to maintain and further develop the facility such that it best meets the ongoing needs of everyone associated with the production, development and support of guide dog mobility around the world. Issue 26 August 15 13

14 The next deadline for Visionary submissions is January 15th Please supply your articles as a word file with original images sent separately as jpeg images. Remember to include the completed submission form, along with your article and any pictures you would like to include For the index, please include a one-sentence description of your article. Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3YG, United Kingdom. t +44 (0) f +44 (0) e enquiries@igdf.org.uk Registered in England Company No Registered Charity No