From shannonldillon at gmail.com  Sat Feb  3 09:27:06 2024
From: shannonldillon at gmail.com (Shannon Dillon)
Date: Sat, 3 Feb 2024 09:27:06 -0800
Subject: [Cagdu] Fwd: The Seeing Eye Advocacy App -- Android Version is Here!
References: <8e03840b3ddd4d929f9e29a7ab098a52@seeingeye.org>
Message-ID: <B0BA92E2-668A-4FEA-9C3F-31D0479972A3@gmail.com>

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From shannonldillon at gmail.com  Tue Feb  6 06:18:37 2024
From: shannonldillon at gmail.com (Shannon Dillon)
Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2024 06:18:37 -0800
Subject: [Cagdu] CAGDU Meeting February 6 at 7:30 pm
Message-ID: <CA+JLRL82QO403SNjJzQOef74hticEg5mu7SH0u9NbhQX2hMH_Q@mail.gmail.com>

Hey guide dog users and anyone interested in becoming a guide dog

user, or anyone who just wants to hang out with guide dog users,

This is a reminder that the California Association of Guide Dog Users

is meeting Tuesday February 6 at 7:30 pm.

The Zoom information is below.



Join Zoom Meeting



https://zoom.us/j/99232903318?pwd=VVFkNGhOaDRQK1hTTUNBS1ZhTVFXUT09



Meeting ID: 992 3290 3318



Passcode: 038600



One tap mobile



+14086380968,,99232903318# US (San Jose)



+16699006833,,99232903318# US (San Jose)



Dial by your location



        +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)



        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)



        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)



        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)



        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)



        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)



        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)



Meeting ID: 992 3290 3318



Find your local number:

https://zoom.us/u/afHc4msBy



Join by Skype for Business



https://zoom.us/skype/99232903318

-- 
SHANNON L. DILLON
Legislative Coordinator and
President of the California Association of Guide Dog Users,
A Division of the National Federation of the Blind of California

Find your local chapter at www.nfbcal.org
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From joeotoolejr at gmail.com  Wed Feb  7 11:53:51 2024
From: joeotoolejr at gmail.com (JOE JR OTOOLE)
Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2024 11:53:51 -0800
Subject: [Cagdu] FW: NFB of California State Convention CAGDU Auction Gift
	Basket 2024
In-Reply-To: <001c01da5983$140e4bc0$3c2ae340$@gmail.com>
References: <001c01da5983$140e4bc0$3c2ae340$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <002401da59ff$60385cd0$20a91670$@gmail.com>

Hi All, just resending email from last night. 

 

From: JOE JR OTOOLE <joeotoolejr at gmail.com> 
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 9:04 PM
To: 'NFB of California List' <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Cc: 'Shannon Dillon' <shannonldillon at gmail.com>
Subject: NFB of California State Convention CAGDU Auction Gift Basket 2024 

 

Hi All, during tonight's CAGDU meeting  we voted that the theme for  our
Auction Gift Basket at this years State Convention in Sacramento(March 14th
to 17th)  would be  a cool coffee mug with gift cards from a myriad of
stores.  We are asking members to donate a gift card (minimum $10)that would
go in this years auction basket.

 

Please email me back with your name and gift card name and amount you are
willing to donate by February 20, 2024.

 

If you have any questions feel free to call my cell at (626) 297-2212. 

 

Best.

Joe    

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From rstigile at gmail.com  Fri Feb  9 08:55:16 2024
From: rstigile at gmail.com (robert stigile)
Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2024 08:55:16 -0800
Subject: [Cagdu] Fwd: [NFBC-Info] Book your room before 02/21/2024 to get
	our special rate at this year's NFB of California Convention!
References: <202402091651.419Gpxrb016105@nfbcal.org>
Message-ID: <F2FD555E-43B1-4ECD-9342-080713A21B88@gmail.com>


Robert Stigile, Second Vice-President
National Federation of the Blind of California
President San Fernando Valley Chapter
818-381-9568
Kn6uvd

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Brian Buhrow via NFBC-Info <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
> Date: February 9, 2024 at 8:53:04?AM PST
> To: nfbc-info at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Brian Buhrow <buhrow at nfbcal.org>
> Subject: [NFBC-Info] Book your room before 02/21/2024 to get our special rate at this year's NFB of California Convention!
> Reply-To: NFB of California List <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
> 
> ?From: President Tim Elder <president at nfbcal.org>
> 
> 
> It is officially time to register and start making your travel plans for the
> 2024 State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of California,
> to be held March 14-17 2024 at the  Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova.
> 
> Circulate this announcement to all who may be interested in the
> largest meeting of blind people in the state!
> 
> 
> 
> We will gather at the Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova on March 14-17,
> 2024.  We are excited to showcase: driverless cars, advancements in video
> game accessibility, tactile art/design techniques, updates from our national
> leadership, an exhibit hall,  and many other resources for the blindness
> community. 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Book your room now to ensure you get our special convention hotel rate -- this offer expires on
> February 21, 2024 and we expect rooms to sell out quickly!
> Note that there is no group code and you simply need to reference the
> National Federation of the Blind of California with the dates and location
> when booking over the phone to get the discount rate.  Also note that there
> are some unfortunate access issues with the Marriott website.  While it is
> possible for some experienced users to book with the web interface given
> enough patience, others may find it easier to book over the telephone at
> (916) 638-1100 or 800-228-9290.  
> 
> Or, visit our convention registration page at:
> https://www.nfbcal.org/2024-state-convention/
> 
> 
> 
> Also please share our scholarship application far and wide, applications due
> Feb 18, though you shouldn't wait that long.
> 
> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17wAYk_dh-8gClYCIWTF1gOr5CAyb7zBFnPk_CaSyZrg
> /viewform?edit_requested=true
> 
> 
> 
> Any exhibitors or partners who would like to sponsor the convention or join
> us to showcase a product, service or survey are much appreciated.  Please
> use the following form.
> 
> https://ulwxastpyh.formstack.com/forms/exhibitor_application
> 
> 
> 
> Please reach out to Cheryl Thurston 
> (cthurston74 at gmail.com )
> for exhibitor registration questions.  Please contact Tim Elder at 
> president at nfbcal.org  
> for sponsorship questions.  We depend on the generous donations of our
> sponsors to fund the cost of these conventions, provide captioning to our
> DeafBlind
> members, Spanish language translation and fund our Braille child literacy,
> as well as  other advocacy projects throughout the year.  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Tim Elder
> 
> President
> 
> National Federation of the Blind of California 
> 
> <mailto:president at nfbcal.org> president at nfbcal.org 
> 
> (916) 382-0372 
> 
> <http://www.nfbcal.org/> http://www.nfbcal.org/
> 
> 
> 
> Did you know that blind Californians are holding monthly meetings in your
> region over Zoom and telephone?  Check out our virtual local chapter and
> division meetings.  All are welcome to attend.
> 
> <http://www.nfbcal.org/chapters-and-divisions/>
> http://www.nfbcal.org/chapters-and-divisions/
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFBC-Info mailing list
> NFBC-Info at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbc-info_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBC-Info:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbc-info_nfbnet.org/rstigile%40gmail.com
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From rstigile at gmail.com  Thu Feb 15 08:13:01 2024
From: rstigile at gmail.com (robert stigile)
Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:13:01 -0800
Subject: [Cagdu] Fwd: [NAGDU] [NFB-NAGDU] Announcing the next Yappy Hour on
	Saturday, February 17 2024
References: <4937E829-6C0F-4566-875F-CCD58E8A9CAC@nagdu.org>
Message-ID: <F343A282-6128-4212-B467-033D48252439@gmail.com>


Robert Stigile, Second Vice-President
National Federation of the Blind of California
President San Fernando Valley Chapter
818-381-9568
Kn6uvd

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Stacie Gallegos via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Date: February 15, 2024 at 8:09:22?AM PST
> To: NAGDU List <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Stacie Gallegos <sgallegos at nagdu.org>, nfb-nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [NAGDU] [NFB-NAGDU] Announcing the next Yappy Hour on Saturday, February 17 2024
> Reply-To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> 
> ?                        Hello from the National Association of Guide Dog Users,
> 
> It?s hard to believe that we are almost through the month of February. Time is definitely passing, and for some of us, Spring is making its early debut. Please come join us for the next Yappy Hour.  
> 
> As always, everyone is welcome whether you are a current or former guide dog user, thinking about becoming a guide dog user, are a puppy raiser or trainer, are friends with other guide dog users, puppy raisers, or trainers, or simply think that guide dog users are cool.
> 
> Discussions can center around guide dogs, food, treats, travel, and anything else even if it?s not guide dog related.
> 
> Two things to keep in mind. We will not be holding any NAGDU or NFB business during this meeting, and we will abide by the NFB code of conduct. The meeting information is as follows. 
> 
> Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024.
> 
> Time: 3 PM Eastern. (This calculates as 2 PM Central, 1 PM Mountain, 12 noon Pacific, and 11 AM Alaska.)
> 
> Where: Zoom.
> 
> 
> Direct-Connect Information:
> 
>    * Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82310852263?pwd=ZFpwN1lBdFYwWXc4blM4K05pZnVVUT09
> 
>    * Meeting ID: 823 1085 2263
> 
>    * Passcode: 632
> 
> 
> One-Tap Mobile Connection Information:
> 
>    * +13462487799,,82310852263# US (Houston)
> 
>    * +16699009128,,82310852263# US (San Jose)
> 
> 
> Land Line Dial-in Information:
> 
>    * (346) 248-7799 US (Houston)
> 
>    * (669) 900-9128 US (San Jose)
> 
>    * Meeting ID: 823 1085 2263
> 
> Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdh36WDD1y
> 
> 
> To be recognized as a valid participant, we ask that you use your real name when connecting. Otherwise, you might not be admitted.
> 
> 
> The information for this meeting, along with other NAGDU events is available in the NAGDU Public Calendar, which you can subscribe to by following this link:
> 
> https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/nagdu.org_7eopjofhnd4968m46rcmgrck0s%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics <https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/nagdu.org_7eopjofhnd4968m46rcmgrck0s at group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics>
> If you have any questions about Yappy Hour or anything else concerning NAGDU, please contact the NAGDU board of directors, board at nagdu.org <mailto:board at nagdu.org>, 346-439-7444.
> 
> 
> Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you this Saturday.
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org <https://www.nagdu.org/>
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:SGallegos at nagdu.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org <https://www.nfbtx.org/>
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org <mailto:SGallegos at nfbtx.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org <https://www.nagdu.org/>
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:SGallegos at nagdu.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org <https://www.nagdu.org/>
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:SGallegos at nagdu.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org <https://www.nfbtx.org/>
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org <mailto:SGallegos at nfbtx.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org <https://www.nagdu.org/>
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:SGallegos at nagdu.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos
> (832) 779-7477  |  StacieAndCash at gmail.com <mailto:StacieAndCash at gmail.com>
> "In every guide dog, there beats the heart of a puppy raiser.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org <https://www.nagdu.org/>
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:SGallegos at nagdu.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org <https://www.nfbtx.org/>
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org <mailto:SGallegos at nfbtx.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org <https://www.nagdu.org/>
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:SGallegos at nagdu.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org <https://www.nfbtx.org/>
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org <mailto:SGallegos at nfbtx.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org <https://www.nagdu.org/>
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:SGallegos at nagdu.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org <https://www.nagdu.org/>
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:SGallegos at nagdu.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org <https://www.nfbtx.org/>
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org <mailto:SGallegos at nfbtx.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos
> (832) 779-7477  |  StacieAndCash at gmail.com <mailto:StacieAndCash at gmail.com>
> "In every guide dog, there beats the heart of a puppy raiser.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos
> (832) 779-7477  |  StacieAndCash at gmail.com
> "In every guide dog, there beats the heart of a puppy raiser?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFB-NAGDU mailing list
> NFB-NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org/sgallegos%40nfbtx.org
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFB-NAGDU mailing list
> NFB-NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org/sgallegos%40nfbtx.org
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFB-NAGDU mailing list
> NFB-NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org/sgallegos%40nfbtx.org
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFB-NAGDU mailing list
> NFB-NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org/sgallegos%40nfbtx.org
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NAGDU mailing list
> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/rstigile%40gmail.com
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From rstigile at gmail.com  Sat Feb 17 12:25:18 2024
From: rstigile at gmail.com (robert stigile)
Date: Sat, 17 Feb 2024 12:25:18 -0800
Subject: [Cagdu] Fwd: [NAGDU] Announcing NFB-NAGDU ] Come Join us for the
	Next Guide Dog Matters On Sunday, February 18, 2024
References: <78152F49-A97C-4CD0-B935-4395990742D4@nagdu.org>
Message-ID: <CFA1975F-C231-4D8F-8840-89BC5C7F6AC3@gmail.com>


Robert Stigile, Second Vice-President
National Federation of the Blind of California
President San Fernando Valley Chapter
818-381-9568
Kn6uvd

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Stacie Gallegos via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Date: February 17, 2024 at 12:16:38?PM PST
> To: NAGDU List <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Stacie Gallegos <sgallegos at nagdu.org>, nfb-nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [NAGDU] Announcing NFB-NAGDU ] Come Join us for the Next Guide Dog Matters On Sunday, February 18, 2024
> Reply-To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> 
> ?Hello from the National Association of Guide Dog Users,
> 
> 
> 
> We are excited to announce the return of  Guide Dog Matters. 
> 
> Please share this announcement wherever appropriate. The National Association of Guide Dog Users would like to invite you to our next Guide Dog Matters seminar. This will be a one-hour presentation on a specific topic related to guide dog users. The seminar typically takes place on the third Sunday of every month unless otherwise noted. For those who are not able to attend, the presentation will be recorded and shared on the list as well as the NAGDU Facebook page.
> 
> Topic: Choosing the Perfect Vet for your Guide Dog
> In this edition of Guide Dog Matters, we will have an interactive discussion focusing on things to consider when trying to choose the perfect vet for your guide dog.   
> Date: Sunday, February 18, 2024.
> Time: 3 PM Eastern / 5 PM Pacific. Please consult the NAGDU calendar or your favorite time zone conversion method to find the correct time for your location.
> 
> Where: Zoom.
> 
> 
> Direct-Connect Information:
> 
>    * Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85450651290?pwd=RXRCQ0tteW1xd3JSR3dWY2pVM3crdz09
> 
>    * Meeting ID: 854 5065 1290
> 
>    * Passcode: 632
> 
> 
> One-Tap Mobile Connection Information:
> 
>    * +13462487799,,85450651290# US (Houston)
> 
>    * +16699009128,,85450651290# US (San Jose)
> 
> 
> Land Line Dial-in Information:
> 
>    * (346) 248-7799 US (Houston)
> 
>    * (669) 900-9128 US (San Jose)
> 
>    * Meeting ID: 854 5065 1290
> 
> Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdh36WDD1y
> 
> 
> To be recognized as a valid participant, we ask that you use your real name when connecting. Otherwise, you might not be admitted.
> 
> 
> The information for this meeting, along with other NAGDU events is available in the NAGDU Public Calendar, which you can subscribe to by following this link:
> 
> https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/nagdu.org_7eopjofhnd4968m46rcmgrck0s%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics <https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/nagdu.org_7eopjofhnd4968m46rcmgrck0s at group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics>
> If you have any questions about this seminar or if you would like to submit a topic for future discussion, please email Stacie Gallegos directly at sgallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:sgallegos at nagdu.org>.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org <https://www.nagdu.org/>
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:SGallegos at nagdu.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / President
> National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
> Https://www.nfbtx.org <https://www.nfbtx.org/>
> (346) 704-0190  |  SGallegos at nfbtx.org <mailto:SGallegos at nfbtx.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos
> (832) 779-7477  |  StacieAndCash at gmail.com <mailto:StacieAndCash at gmail.com>
> "In every guide dog, there beats the heart of a puppy raiser.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org <https://www.nagdu.org/>
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:SGallegos at nagdu.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org <https://www.nagdu.org/>
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org <mailto:SGallegos at nagdu.org>
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFB-NAGDU mailing list
> NFB-NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org/sgallegos%40nfbtx.org
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFB-NAGDU mailing list
> NFB-NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org/sgallegos%40nfbtx.org
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFB-NAGDU mailing list
> NFB-NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-nagdu_nfbnet.org/sgallegos%40nfbtx.org
> 
> ?
> Stacie Gallegos / Secretary
> National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Https://www.nagdu.org
> (346) 439-7444  |  SGallegos at nagdu.org
> ?You can live the life you want. Blindness is not what holds you back.?
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NAGDU mailing list
> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/rstigile%40gmail.com
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From rstigile at gmail.com  Thu Feb 22 13:56:09 2024
From: rstigile at gmail.com (robert stigile)
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:56:09 -0800
Subject: [Cagdu] Fwd: Correction: Join us for the latest updates: February
	29 at 8:00 p.m. eastern
References: <_-pcfboAT0CsydU8oZaS1A@geopod-ismtpd-9>
Message-ID: <0C788F7F-1811-443A-8BE8-A46E576974F4@gmail.com>

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From shannonldillon at gmail.com  Mon Feb 26 07:29:25 2024
From: shannonldillon at gmail.com (Shannon Dillon)
Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2024 07:29:25 -0800
Subject: [Cagdu] =?utf-8?q?Fwd=3A_=5BNAGDU=5D_URGENT_=E2=80=93_reminder_to?=
 =?utf-8?q?_file_comments_in_support_of_NFB=27s_petition_to_exempt_blind_g?=
 =?utf-8?q?uide-dog_users_from_ACAA_transportation_forms_requirements?=
References: <D6EA3C2B-800D-446E-AFAD-80ECF0685C02@aol.com>
Message-ID: <E93DB89F-2542-4E18-942F-198623C1E340@gmail.com>


Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Al Elia via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Date: February 26, 2024 at 7:27:21?AM PST
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Al Elia <al.elia at aol.com>, NAGDU Board <board at nagdu.org>
> Subject: [NAGDU] URGENT ? reminder to file comments in support of NFB's petition to exempt blind guide-dog users from ACAA transportation forms requirements
> Reply-To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> 
> ?Dear listmates,
> 
> As I previously wrote,  the NFB filed a petition with the FAA  to exempt blind passengers from any requirements to complete attestation forms to travel by air with their guide dogs on January 29, 2024. Shortly thereafter, the Office of the Secretary of Transportation asserted authority over that petition, and its docket was moved from the FAA to [Docket DOT-OST-2024-0014](https://www.regulations.gov/docket/DOT-OST-2024-0014) in that office.
> 
> Presumably due to confusion over the change of location, our petition has only received eight comments so far. While they have all been comments in support of the petition, we urge all guide dog users, organizations, and training programs to file comments in support as soon as possible. While there is currently no deadline for comments, we are not aware of any rule preventing the Office of the Secretary from cutting off the comment period at any time. Also, the more comments there are, the more likely the Secretary is to grant the petition. Comments mnay be filed on the comment page for the new docket at   https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/DOT-OST-2024-0014-0001
> 
> Again, the text of the petition is included below for your convenience. The petition and supporting appendices can also  be downloaded [here](https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2024-0014-0001).
> 
> Thank you all very much for your support.
> 
> /?
> 
> January 29, 2024
> 
> U.S. Department of Transportation
> Docket Operations
> West Building Ground Floor
> Room W12-140
> 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.
> Washington, D.C. 20590
> 
> Re: Petition for exemption from 14 C.F.R. ?? 382.27(b)(3), 75, and 79
> Submitted By: Elizabeth Schoen, Sherry Gomes, and Will Simpson, blind individuals; and the National Federation of the Blind (?NFB?), on behalf of its members, including Elizabeth Schoen, Sherry Gomes, and Will Simpson, representing a class of all blind individuals traveling in the United States.
> 
>  Pursuant to 49 C.F.R. ? 5.3(a)(2) and 49 U.S.C. ? 44701(f), Elizabeth Schoen, Sherry Gomes, and Will Simpson, who are all blind guide dog users, and the National Federation of the Blind, on behalf of its members, including Elizabeth Schoen, Sherry Gomes, and Will Simpson, petition the Federal Aviation Administration, through the Department of Transportation (?DOT?), for the following exemption on behalf of a class of all blind individuals on flights within, departing from, or arriving in the United States:
> 
> Beginning one hundred and twenty days from the date of this petition and continuing indefinitely, all blind passengers seeking to travel by air with a guide dog service animal shall be exempt from the provisions of 14 C.F.R. ?? 382.27(b)(3), 75, and 79(a)(4).
> This exemption is necessary as a reasonable modification, pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. ? 794, to ensure meaningful access to DOT-funded and regulated air travel by blind passengers who use guide dogs. Blind passengers who are unable to independently access the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form identified in 14 C.F.R. ? 382.75(a) or the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form identified in 14 C.F.R. ? 382.75(b) (collectively "DOT Forms"), either in print or electronic form, are being dissuaded from air travel and are even being denied passage on flights for which they have purchased tickets. They are suffering that discrimination because they are unable to complete and submit the DOT Forms independently in advance, and because the current regulations do not require air carriers to assist passengers like them in completing and submitting DOT forms in advance.
> Elizabeth Schoen, a blind college student, was not permitted to fly from Minneapolis to Boston in April 2023 because she was unable to complete and submit DOT Forms online. Ms. Schoen was obviously blind, and her guide dog was performing an obvious service of guiding her, but airline staff did not allow her to fly because she had not submitted DOT Forms in advance of her flight.
> Sherry Gomes has attempted to complete the DOT Forms, but was unable to do so without the assistance of a sighted person. Because she cannot independently complete the DOT Forms now required by airlines, she is afraid of being turned away or being otherwise mistreated at the airport because she uses a guide dog. She therefore no longer travels by air despite a desire to do so in order to visit friends and attend conferences.
> Will Simpson booked travel online in advance for Thanksgiving 2023. During the reservation process, he was not informed as to how to indicate he would be traveling with his guide dog. After speaking with the air carrier?s staff by online chat, he was informed that his guide dog was known to the airline, and he would be able to travel. Instead, he was denied at the airport because he had not previously completed the DOT Form, and was only able to travel after arguing with the air carrier?s airport staff for over an hour.
> Reasons for and benefits of exemption
> This petition seeks an exemption from those sections of 14 C.F.R. Part 382 which allow air carriers to condition a passenger?s travel with a service animal on completion and submission of DOT Forms. The exemption is needed because, although certain blind travelers may not be able to complete the forms, or submit them in advance, the regulation does not require airlines to accommodate their disability. In fact, airlines are expressly permitted to refuse to provide such accommodations, as 14 C.F.R. ?79(a)(4) specifically states that an airline ?may deny transport to a service animal ? [if t]he passenger with a disability seeking to travel with a service animal in the cabin of the aircraft does not provide completed current [DOT Forms] to the carrier when requested to do so.? Id. Petitioner Schoen was denied permission to fly, by the private airline relying on that regulation, because she did not complete the form on-line 48 hours prior to her flight, and the airline did not allow her to submit alternative verification that her service animal is a trained guide dog. This discriminatory denial of access is expressly permitted by the regulation, but it violates Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
> Other sections of the ACAA regulations demonstrate DOT?s awareness that individuals with disabilities may need air carriers to provide them with assistance to ensure meaningful access to air carrier services offered through electronic technology. For example, air carriers ?must assist prospective passengers who indicate that they are unable to use [the air carrier?s] Web site due to a disability and contact [the air carrier] through other channels (e.g., by telephone or at the ticket counter).? 14 C.F.R. ? 382.43(c)(4). That requirement is in addition to a separate requirement that air carriers? websites must be accessible. 14 C.F.R. ?? 382.43(c)(1)-(3). It goes on to require air carriers to disclose and allow booking of web-based discount fares through those other channels, and to waive any fees normally associated with use of those other channels. 14 C.F.R. ?? 382.43(c)(4)(i)-(ii).
> The carrier requirements for provision and acceptance of the DOT Forms also demonstrate DOT?s understanding that some passengers with disabilities and service animals may not be able to use the electronic DOT Forms, notwithstanding their accessibility to other passengers. DOT?s regulations require carriers to make accessible electronic DOT Forms available on their websites, but also require them to provide paper copies of the forms upon request. 14 C.F.R. ? 382.75(e). Those regulations similarly require airlines who demand advance submission of DOT Forms to not only accept them electronically, but also by hard copy. 14 C.F.R. ? 382.75(f). The requirement for paper copies to be sent and accepted by mail demonstrates DOT?s recognition that some persons with disabilities who use service animals may not have access to and the skills necessary to use technology to obtain and submit electronic DOT Forms. Despite this demonstrated awareness, and the understanding shown by the telephone-ticketing requirement that accessible technology is not a panacea, the DOT failed to require non-technological alternative access for blind passengers unable to complete the DOT Forms. That failure is inexcusable considering that guide dogs are the prototypical service animal.
> As discussed below, many blind guide-dog users cannot independently complete DOT Forms. Because air carriers are not required to assist such passengers in completing and submitting those forms, those blind passengers face significant obstacle that impede their access to air travel. The exemption sought herein will eliminate airlines? ability to condition travel on submitting DOT Forms that those blind passengers cannot independently complete due to their blindness. By removing that obstacle, the exemption will ensure that all blind passengers who use guide dogs will have meaningful access to air travel.
> The exemption is necessary because the DOT cannot provide any other immediate remedy to address the barriers to air travel posed by the DOT Forms. The DOT is responsible for remedying those barriers because it alone bears responsibility for the DOT Forms and their shortcomings; and for failing to ensure air carriers? provision of assistance to blind passengers in completing and submitting those forms where such assistance is necessary due to their disability.
> The public benefits when people with disabilities have meaningful access to air travel, and when the government does not impose barriers to such meaningful access for specific groups of persons with disabilities. The public also benefits when government agencies do not violate laws such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The exemption is consistent with the Congressional charge that the ?Federal Government play[] a leadership role in promoting ? and in assisting States and providers of services in fulfilling the aspirations of such individuals with disabilities for ? independent living?? 29 U.S.C. ? 701. Without the exemption, the regulation violates 29 U.S.C. ? 794?s mandate that ?[n]o otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 705(20) of this title, shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance or under any program or activity conducted by any Executive agency?? (Id. Emphasis added.) The DOT actively regulates and provides funding to the airlines. By promulgating the regulation, DOT created and bears direct responsibility for its adverse impact on blind people who rely on guide dogs.
> There is no evidence to suggest that this exemption will negatively affect public safety. Guide dogs have a long record of safe travel, having been trained and used in the U.s. for more than ninety-five years. ?History of Guide Dogs,? International Guide Dog Federation (available at https://www.igdf.org.uk/guide-dogs/history-of-guide-dogs/ (last accessed Jan 24, 2024)). The NPRM supporting the regulation acknowledges that ?dogs are the most common animal species used to assist individuals with their disabilities, both on and off aircraft, and that dogs have both the temperament and ability to do work and perform tasks while behaving appropriately in a public setting and while being surrounded by a large group of people.? (Traveling by Air With Service Animals, 85 FR 79742-01). Guide dogs receive structured socialization and behavior training not only by professional trainers as part of their several months of guide training (See ?Standard 5: Dog Training and Behaviour,? Standards, International Guide Dog Federation, October 5, 2023 (available on request from enquiries at igdf.org.uk)), but also by their volunteer puppy-raisers during the year leading up to that training. See, E.g., ?Puppy Raising Manual,? Guide Dogs for the Blind (available at https://www.guidedogs.com/uploads/files/Puppy-Raising-Manual/Puppy-Raising-Manual-COMBINED.pdf).
> Likewise, concerns about ?fake? service animals don?t apply to guide dogs. The DOT has never received a complaint that a passenger fraudulently represented themself as a blind person using a guide dog, nor has it received an assertion by any airline that a passenger has fraudulently completed DOT Forms indicating as Such. An individual is unlikely to attempt to pass off a pet or emotional support animal as a guide dog, as opposed to passing it off as another type of service animal for a less-obvious disability. Were they to make such an attempt, it would be readily apparent that the dog is not actually guiding the passenger, or that the passenger is not blind, or both.
> Finally, there are an estimated 500,000 working service animals of any type in the United States. See https://share.america.gov/service-dogs-save-lives/. According to the International Guide Dog Federation, a member organization of guide dog training programs, there are only between 20,000 and 23,000 guide dogs in service worldwide at any given time. See https://www.igdf.org.uk/about-us/facts-and-figures/. Of those, only an estimated 10,000 are in use as working guide dogs in the United States. See, https://www.guidingeyes.org/guide-dogs-101/. As those estimated 10,000 guide dogs represent a mere two percent (2%) of the service animals in the United States, the regulatory requirements related to DOT Forms will still apply to ninety-eight percent of service animals and their users once this exemption is granted.
> Fundamental barriers to the DOT Forms
> The DOT Forms were intended to be accessible to passengers with disabilities, including blind passengers. However, as a practical matter the DOT Forms are only accessible to blind passengers who have access to and skills to use both necessary technology and the internet. This is because, the regulations only require carriers to make accessible electronic DOT Forms available on their websites and to accept completed forms electronically. Since paper is inaccessible to blind passengers absent the assistance of carrier staff, and since there is no provision requiring airlines to provide such assistance in person or by telephone, only the website offers them the possibility of access to the forms, and only electronic submission offers them the opportunity to access and submit forms in advance. These both require internet access, and both require access to and the skills to use the technology necessary to read and complete the DOT Forms. That technology is not available to all blind passengers.
> ?Fillable? PDF forms such as the DOT Forms can only be completed with the aid of screen reading software on personal computers running Microsoft?s Windows or Apple?s macOS operating systems. See Declaration of Karl Belanger, attached as Appendix A. While it is possible for a blind person to read accessible PDF documents ? including the DOT Forms ? on other types of devices using screen reading software, it is not possible for a blind person to independently enter information on PDF documents and forms using screen reading software on mobile devices, tablets, or ChromeBooks, whether those devices are made by Apple, Google, Samsung, Amazon, or another manufacturer. Id. This is because manufacturers and developers have not yet built the capability to enter information on PDFs non-visually using screen reading software when using those devices. This is true even if the fillable PDF forms are otherwise accessible and can be completed non-visually using a personal computer running Windows or macOS. Id. Obviously, a blind person cannot independently obtain electronic DOT Forms from DOT or carrier websites without internet access. They can neither independently mark up a PDF using visual marking tools, nor independently complete paper DOT Forms by manually writing on them. As previously explained, the only technology that currently offers them the possibility to independently complete and submit DOT Forms is a personal computer. Courts have held that being able to access a governmental program or service independently is essential to meaningful access under the Rehabilitation Act. Nat?l Fed. Of the Blind v. Lamone, 813 F.3d 494 (4th Cir. 2016). According to data from the latest American Community Survey (?ACS?) by the U.S. Census, only 56.1% of blind Americans have access to both a computer and the internet at home. See Declaration of Marlie Elia, attached as Appendix C. Accordingly, at least 43.9% of blind Americans entirely lack meaningful access to the DOT Forms. Id.
> This is not a speculative concern. As the following data shows, a large percentage of blind guide dog users currently experience barriers to using the DOT Forms, even if they have access to the internet. This data demonstrates the need for the exemption sought in this petition.
> Survey of Blind Guide Dog Users, and Extrapolation to Total U.S. Guide Dog-Using Population
> The National Association of guide Dog Users ("NAGDU"), a division of the NFB dedicated to advocacy regarding the rights and responsibilities of guide dog use, conducted an online survey from June through August 2023. See, Declaration of Raul Gallegos, attached hereto as Appendix B. That survey, in which 103 respondents participated, provides insight into how blind guide dog users experience air travel and what technology and comfort level they possess for finding and attempting to complete the DOT Forms. Id.
> It must be said at the outset that the survey undercounts blind persons who do not use technology to access the internet, as nearly all respondents said they did. This makes sense given that the survey was conducted online. Nevertheless, nearly four percent of respondents do not use technology to access electronic documents such as PDFs at all. This and other survey data reflect that even blind individuals, like Mr. Simpson and Mses. Schoen and Gomes, who might otherwise use the internet, nonetheless face technology barriers that prevent them from accessing the kind of electronic documents currently required to fly with their guide dogs.
> Despite its small sample size, the NAGDU survey comports with the estimates of the much larger ACS. The ACS data indicates that approximately 73.5% of blind people have access to the internet. Appendix C, Exh. 1. The NAGDU survey data indicates that, of those who do use the internet to access electronic documents like the DOT Forms, approximately 77.6% use a macOS or MS-Windows computer to access PDFs. Appendix B, Exh. 1. Combining those two indications yields an estimated 57% of blind people who have access to both the internet and a personal computer, which comports with the ACS 56.1% estimate of the same. The NAGDU data shows that 22.4% of blind people who use the internet to access electronic documents can only
> do so using technology that currently affords them no way to independently complete fillable PDF forms such as the DOT Forms. Id.
> Beyond the absolute barriers currently presented by mobile and other non-macOS/MS-Windows technology, respondents encountered additional barriers regarding the DOT Forms that demonstrate the need for an alternative such as carrier assistance. For example, 29.4% were unable to identify what information the forms require a passenger to provide, 52% were unable to independently complete them, and 5.9% were unable to open them at all. Id. In fact, only 42.2% of respondents were able to independently fill out DOT Forms. Id.
> 
>  As to their air travel experiences, 34.3% of respondents have actually ?experienced difficulty flying with a guide dog, such as being harassed by airline staff or being denied a flight due to not following airline pre-flight procedures for bringing a service animal," and 4.9% of respondents, Have never used a guide dog and are hesitant to do so due to the requirements for flying with a guide dog. Id.
>  As discussed above, there are approximately 10,000 working guide dogs in use in the United States. See, https://www.guidingeyes.org/guide-dogs-101/. Based on the ACS, only 73.5% have internet access. The NAGDU survey indicates that of those, only 42.2% are able to independently complete DOT Forms. That means that 69% of guide dog users in the U.S. are currently unable to independently access the DOT Forms; or six thousand nine hundred American guide dog users who lack meaningful access to the DOT Forms, and to air travel, because of their disability. DOT failed to ensure that blind passengers who use guide dogs would have such meaningful access, despite having demonstrated elsewhere that it understood the need and means to so ensure. As shown above, the petition should be granted.
> 
> Jurisdiction of exemption
> This exemption will only apply within the jurisdiction of the United States. It will therefore only apply outside of the United States where a flight departs from or arrives in the United States.
> Summary for federal register
> The provisions of 14 C.F.R. ?? 382.27(b)(3), 75, and 79(a)(4) shall not apply to any blind passenger seeking to travel by air with a guide dog service animal. This means that no air carrier may require such a blind passenger to complete or provide forms as set forth in 14 C.F.R. ? 382.75(a) or (b), nor may an air carrier condition transport of such a guide dog service animal on the provision of any such forms.
> 
> Respectfully submitted,
> 
> s/ Albert Elia
> Albert Elia D.C. Bar No. 1032028
> Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center
> 1245 East Colfax Avenue
> Suite 400
> Denver, CO 80218
> 303-757-7901
> aelia at creeclaw.org
> 
> s/ Cynthia L. Rice
> Cynthia L. Rice
> Civil Rights Education and
> Enforcement Center
> 131 Stuart Street
> Suite 400
> San Francisco, CA 94105
> 303-551-9389
> crice at creeclaw.org
> Attorneys for Elizabeth Schoen, Sherry Gomes, Will Simpson, and NFB
> 
> CERTIFICATION
> I, Mark Riccobono, in my individual capacity and as the President and authorized representative of National Federation of the Blind, have not in any manner knowingly and willfully falsified, concealed or failed to disclose any material fact or made any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or knowingly used any documents which contain such statements in connection with the preparation, filing or prosecution of this petition. I understand that an individual who is found to have violated the provisions of 18 U.S.C. section 1001 shall be fined or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
> 
>  MARK RICCOBONO
> _______________________________________________
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From rstigile at gmail.com  Thu Feb 29 07:13:08 2024
From: rstigile at gmail.com (robert stigile)
Date: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 07:13:08 -0800
Subject: [Cagdu] Fwd: Tonight: Join Us to stay Informed
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