[Cagdu] FW: Important Changes to Reglations - State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind - Section 2260, 2266, 2282, 2282.1

[Shannon L. Dillon]

SHANNON L. DILLON


 


From: Guidedogboard at dca.ca.gov
Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:08:36 -0700
Subject: Important Changes to Reglations - State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind - Section 2260, 2266, 2282, 2282.1
To: 






Dear Guide Stakeholders:
 
The Office of Administrative Law has approved the regulatory package concerning completion of requirements as instructor, apprentice standards, required training, and assignment of dogs.  The regulatory action will become effective on Saturday, April 16, 2011.  Illustrated below are explanations on how these changes may affect you.
 
Schools/Instructors/Guide Dog Users
CCR Section 2260 – Completion of Requirements for License as Instructor

Section (b) clarifies that an apprentice or instructor qualifying for an instructor’s license must be employed full time.  Full time is defined as an average of 32 hours per week for three years.  
Section (c) has been added to require that verification of such experience as required by subsection (a) and (b) be submitted to the Board.  The verification is required to come from an individual in a supervisory position from the guide dog school where the experience was obtained.  The verification must state that the applicant has met the requirements as specified in section 2260.    
 
CCR Section 2266 – Apprentice Standards; Minimum Instruction

Section (2) eliminates the requirement that apprentices have at least one years’ actual experience in working with the training of dogs.
Subsection (c) eliminates the term “train” and exchanged it with “instruct.”  Also added is the word “team” to guide dog.  Last, supervision has been revised to eliminate a requirement that it be direct and immediate and that it be completed not less than twenty hours a week for a period of not less than one year.
 
CCR Section 2282 – Required Training
·         Section (a) adds a requirement that guide dogs not only be trained, but also tested for competencies.  
·         Section (1) amended to require acknowledgement of the beginning and end of a block, regardless of curb type.
·         Section (2) amended to require a guide dog stop or pause at notable changes of elevation in walking surfaces.
·         Section (3) amended to required appropriate response to basic directional guide work and obedience commands.
·         Section (4) amended to require working sidewalk less and rounded corner areas and appropriately acknowledge intersection streets.
·         Section (5) amended to require guide dog move handler away from obstacles or stop when there is insufficient room for clearance.
·         Section (6) amended to require maintenance of a safe distance or buffer from potentially threatening vehicles and target appropriate up curb locations.
·         Section (7) amended to require guide dog refocus when directed on its working task when distracted by certain stimulants such as persons, animals, or food.
·         Section (8) amended to require guide dogs negotiate public transportation, under the direction of a handler, and ride appropriately.
·         Section (9) adds requirement guide dogs work at a consistent steady pace, providing safe, effective and fluid movement appropriate to its handler and travel conditions.
·         Section (10) adds requirement that guide dogs behave appropriately in all locations both in and out of harness.
·         Section (11) adds requirement that guide dogs effectively work in buildings, find doors on command, and negotiate stairs, ramps, and elevators as need.
·         Section (12) adds requirement that guide dogs display suitable house manners: free of destructive habits, excessive barking and indiscriminate relieving; be handled easily by client for general care and management; demonstrate the ability to behave properly when left alone for a period of time.
·         Section (13) adds requirement that guide dogs be tested by a qualified handler under blindfold.   A verification of successful completion of the required training and testing shall be maintained by the school in its records.  
 
CCR Section 2282.1 – Assignment of Dogs
·          Amended to require a guide dog instructor verify that a guide dog meets the requirements of section 2282 within 60 days prior to being paired with a guide dog user.
 
2260
http://weblinks.westlaw.com/result/default.aspx?cite=16CAADCS2260&db=1000937&findtype=L&fn=%5Ftop&pbc=DA010192&rlt=CLID%5FFQRLT4219843215303&rp=%2FSearch%2Fdefault%2Ewl&rs=WEBL11%2E01&service=Find&spa=CCR%2D1000&sr=TC&vr=2%2E0 
 
2266
http://weblinks.westlaw.com/result/default.aspx?cite=16CAADCS2266&db=1000937&findtype=L&fn=%5Ftop&pbc=DA010192&rlt=CLID%5FFQRLT8970815315303&rp=%2FSearch%2Fdefault%2Ewl&rs=WEBL11%2E01&service=Find&spa=CCR%2D1000&sr=TC&vr=2%2E0 
 
2282
http://weblinks.westlaw.com/result/default.aspx?cite=16CAADCS2282&db=1000937&findtype=L&fn=%5Ftop&pbc=DA010192&rlt=CLID%5FFQRLT7830543315303&rp=%2FSearch%2Fdefault%2Ewl&rs=WEBL11%2E01&service=Find&spa=CCR%2D1000&sr=TC&vr=2%2E0 
 
2282.1
http://weblinks.westlaw.com/result/default.aspx?cite=16CAADCS2282%2E1&db=1000937&findtype=L&fn=%5Ftop&pbc=DA010192&rlt=CLID%5FFQRLT5913412415303&rp=%2FSearch%2Fdefault%2Ewl&rs=WEBL11%2E01&service=Find&spa=CCR%2D1000&sr=TC&vr=2%2E0 
 
The aforementioned regulatory changes were the result of a collaborative dialogue between the Board, consumers, and licensees.  We look forward to a continued effort to update the Board’s statutes and regulations to give consumers choice, ensure competent and ethical guide dog instruction, and encourage a fair marketplace for guide dog schools to compete.  
 
ERIC HOLM
Board President, State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind
1625 N. Market Blvd., S-202
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 574-7825 - Local and Out-of-State calls
(866) 512-9103 - Toll Free for In-State calls
www.guidedogboard.ca.gov 
guidedogboard at dca.ca.gov 
Mission: To ensure the quality of the guide dog industry by protecting, promoting, and educating guide dog users, instructors, schools, and the public in order to enhance the lives of blind or visually impaired individuals.
 
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