Guide Dog Luke Protesting Personal Ride?

Luke, featured on the ABOUT SERVICE ANIMALS page, was born and trained at Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind. He is very large but is still on the lean side and weighs 85 pounds. He has very serious concentration when working and most people who know him accuse him of being anal with his work. He is totally laid back and in no rush to go anywhere. People who interact with Luke say that his expressions clearly express what he wants to say with no mistake.

A couple of days ago, a colleague came to my medical clinic to pick us up for a meeting. Knowing our ride was on the lot, we stepped out into the parkway to make sure she saw us. She saw us and honked her horn to signal me. When Luke saw who was there, he began side stepping away from me but still keeping his intent glare on my colleague. My colleague yells from her car, "Yes, that's right... You are riding with me and you have nowhere else to go. So get your bloody (blurb) in here." I proceed to the car with my partner grudgingly along side. As we get to the vehicle door, he tries one last attempt to suggest that we not go in the car by stepping away and tugging at his lead to persuade me to follow. I told him to get over it and get into the car. He gets in and sits up straight glaring at my colleague. She snaps "Alright, I will turn on the A/C just for you. So go lie down and stop staring at me." He settles down and waits for the A/C to turn on before sinking into sleep and snore!

Will U.S. Currency Be Accessible For The Blind In The Future?

Bureau of Engraving and Printing Seeks Comment on Making Currency Accessible

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing seeks public comment on efforts to make U.S. currency accessible to people with vision impairments. In a notice published in the Federal Registery on May 20, the Bureau outlined potential actions to be undertaken and posed specific questions to the public. The Bureau is proposing to add a raised tactile feature to indicate currency denomination and to improve visual access through larger numbers, higher contrast, and more distinct color schemes. In addition, the agency is also considering a supplemental program to provide currency readers free to those who need them and to explore emerging technological solutions to further improve accessibility. These actions are based on a study of the issue previously commissioned by the Bureau and stem from a ruling in a court case filed by the American Council of the Blind.

The notice specifically seeks public input on criteria for tactile and visual features, including the type and location of tactile features, the size and contrast of the numerals, impacts on cash handling industries and equipment, the currency reader program, and other topics. The notice, which includes instructions on submitting comment, is available through the online edition of the Federal Registery at www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html. Comments are due by August 18. For further information, contact Ellen Gano of the Bureau at (202) 874-1200.

Note from Guide Dog Ambassador: Don't imagine that your comment may be little or nonsense. All comments, ideas, suggestions and even examples about other currencies will go a long way toward finding the ideal way to produce accessible currency!

We like to believe that "Individually, we can make a difference. Together, we can make a change".

National ADA 2010 By 2010 Campaign Update For Hawaii

Eye of the Pacific Guide Dogs Foundation sincerely thanks the following listed for taking the time to go online and submit their proclamation supporting the ideals and goals of the ADA for full inclusion for Americans with disabilities in every day American life.
The National ADA symposium is asking that states reach a goal of at least 40 proclamations. This is not hard considering that it only takes 5 minutes to do this online and it is not only the right thing – it is the aloha way – demonstrating that Hawaii cares about her people.
If you have not submitted your proclamation, please take a few minutes. Make Hawaii proud! Go to our NATIONAL ADA SYMPOSIUM: LEARN MORE ABOUT HAWAII'S 2010 ABLE EVENT link.

Hawaii State Senate- Honolulu, Signee: Senator William C. Espero
Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii- Honolulu, Signee: Margaret Levy-Dohanos, Council Member
Eye of the Pacific Guide Dogs Foundation- Honolulu, Signee: Dave Palomares, President
Dolphin Press- Hilo, Signee: Elizabeth Whitney, President/Owner
Full Life- Pahoa, Signee: Jan Stickney, Program Director
Integrated Energy Balancing- Pahoa, Signee: Margaret Martin, Owner
Hawaii Community College- Hilo, Signee: Karen Kane, Counselor for Students with Disabilities
Hawaii Centers for Independent Living- Honolulu, Signee: Gordon Fuller, Executive Director
Hawaii Centers for Independent Living- Kaunakakai, Kealoha Laemoa, Independent Living Specialist
Hawaii Center for Independent Living- Pahoa, Signee: Edel Hanoa, Independent Living Specialist
Hawaii Center for Independent Living- Hauula, Signee: Danford Campbell, IL Specialist
Maui Wheelers- Wailuku, Signee: Heather Proud Harmony, Peer Counselor/ Facilitator
Easter Seals Hawaii- Honolulu, Signee: John Howell, President & CEO
Individuals/Advocates- Signees: (Hilo) Paige Delima, Parent

HAPPY 1ST ANNIVERSARY!

Congratulations Guide Dog Arika and Guide Dog Zoe for completing their first year as guide dogs. Guide Dog Arika is featured on the Electronic Aids page and Guide Dog Zoe is featured on the Donations page. Our young ladies were trained by Guide Dogs Victoria of Australia and have demonstrated exceptional professional manners and skill. We at Eye of the Pacific are proud of our ladies for making their first year a great success in providing exceptional guide dog mobility for their handlers. WAY TO GO, GIRLS! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

EOTP SPEARHEADS 2010 ADA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

On May 4, 2010 the board of directors committed to spearhead the ADA Anniversary Celebration. Hawaii residents and businesses are invited to join us as we celebrate 20 years of

INTERNATIONAL GUIDE DOG DAY – April 29, 2010

On Wednesday, April 29, 2010, join us in recognizing the important role guide dogs play in helping blind and visually impaired attain safe and independent mobility.

Guide dog handlers walk freely and feel confident knowing their Guide Dog will not only recognize obstacles but guide safely around them.

Most people are generous in providing access to Guide Dogs, however not everyone understands just how essential the Guide Dog is for their handler, or aren’t fully aware of the laws entitling public access for Guide Dog.

Guide Dog handlers worldwide continue to experience frustration and discrimination of refusing them access into a restaurant, store or taxi etc because of their guide dog.

You can support Guide Dogs by remembering that Guide Dogs are legally allowed access into all public places such as airplanes, taxis, trains, buses, grocery stores, banks, hotels, restaurants, doctors offices, theatres, amusement parks and shopping malls. It is a case of discrimination if a Guide Dog and its handler are denied access to any public place.

Guide Dogs are specially bred and trained to guide their handler safely in any environment. Guide Dogs have undergone rigorous training to ensure they focus on the task. They are quiet, well behaved, non-aggressive and completely clean at all times.

Welcome Guide Dog Luke!

Guide Dog Luke commenced his career on February 19, 2010. Born and trained by Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, Luke is a conscientious worker who wants to please his partner with perfection. He is laid back and fits in nicely with the family and community. Congratulations Luke!

Luke is featured on our ABOUT SERVICE ANIMALS page.