BVA Guide Dog User Group
2020/09/15 Committee Meeting
W. Rae Hail (Board Committee Chair and Co- Founder) opened the conference call meeting at 11:03 am PT and turned the forum over to Paul Mimms (Founder and Moderator). Paul, in turn, took roll call, introduced himself and asked each person in turn to share with the group.
Committee Members Present:
Rae Hail, BVA Chair, DD4, GD Handler
Paul Mimms, BVA Co-Chair, Founder, Moderator, GD Handler
Patti Hail, BVAA
Irena Howard, BVA, GD Handler
Annie Chiappetta, BVAA, GD Handler
Other BVA Board Members and Interested Participants:
Kevin Jackson, DD6
Dennis O’Connell, DD1, GD Handler
Eileen Vasquez, BVA RG Pres
Jerry Hogan, BVA, GD Handler
As each individual shared, many ideas were brought forward and hopes for the committee. Paul told an abbreviated history of the CVGSDH (Council of Veteran Guide and Service Dog Handlers) Special Interest Group of the BVA and the “coming of age” of the group to now be a recognized committee of the BVA. Many Thanks to those who made that happen.
This first meeting was a forum format so that ideas, thoughts, and more could be shared. Below each topic will be the notes put forth throughout the meeting that refer to the topic, regardless of where in the meeting they were shared.
Values of a Guide (and Service) Dog:
• Trained to meet ADI or IGDF standards
• Independence
o Dog is a ‘low tech prosthetic’
• Committee is working with BVAA to share the values of having a guide/service dog
CVGSDHBVA Guide Dog Users Group:
• Currently a website at https://cvgsdh.net Webmaster of CVGSDH and BVA working to blend both websites; accessible also from BVA website under Guide Dog Users Group.
• Mission
• Purpose
Education, Advocacy, and Support:
• Annie already has several workshops built, including an initial one called “Service Dog Workshop” which is an introduction to guide and service dogs.
o Since the BVA is looking for continuing education webinars on zoom, it was suggested that we look into having it come up on the zoom platform sooner, rather than later. Consensus of group was favorable.
• Resource of information to Veterans and their families about guide/service dogs.
o Schools
 Offerings and selection
 Application to
 Veteran advocate – all phases and topics
o VA involvement
 Dog of Record
• Must be ADI/IGDF trained
• PTSD Dogs must have two people trained and with the dog at all working times. Some VAs (or schools?) are requiring that PTSD Dogs and handlers be retrained annually.
• Proper VA process and paperwork through Primary Care or VIST
 Service Dog Champions – Need training, etc.
 Reimbursement for Veteran Training expenses
 Dogs on VA Property (Public Law 112-154) and enforcement. Spouses with guide or service dogs may or may not need proof of dog training. Case of ADA vs. 508. VA Law regarding guide/service dogs is 38 CFR 17.148.
 VIST (controlled by local VA) does not have the same rules as BRC (nationally controlled).
 How can we get local VAs and national (VA Central) on the same page? Or can we?
• Enforcement – Remember that Education must come first.
o Law Enforcement – Including VA
o County/State/Federal Health Departments and Food Service people
o Don’t forget first responders
• Self-Advocate
o Know how to report problems/grievances – start locally (and keep records); as of 2011, may go to DOJ if local/state doesn’t work.
o In VAs, the VA Police are the go-tos. If that doesn’t work, try the Patient Advocate.
o Knowing the laws helps you help others – and yourself.
o We must advocate for ourselves! Remember – we are an advocacy organization.
Multipurpose Dogs:
• Reasons for need/use
• Live healthy
Laws:
• University of Michigan has compiled a table of basic guide/service dog laws from every state. This is on their website.
• Important to know the dog laws in the state where you live and in states where you travel. Go to specific state laws to expand your knowledge from the U of M website.
• Assistance Dogs International used to have a handbook with all of the state laws. Too many changes to keep up with. ADI now focuses more on Training Standards for guide and service dogs and Certification of Trainers.
• Law Enforcement in all venues is minimal, at best. Most don’t know – or seem to care about – dog laws or the blind or disabled.
o An education/awareness idea: When you have a good working knowledge about the laws, put them together and ask to meet with your local law enforcement or other community entity for an education session.
Connections:
• Need to re-establish connections with VA Central. Several people are working on this. VA Access Laws differ from Public Access.
• Seem to be problems with certification process of dogs of record in different VAs. Some short-cutting through prosthetics without proper paperwork (and training).
Other Support Resources:
• NFB  NAGU
• ACB
• AFB
• Other Veterans Service Organizations
• Other websites (share when you know them).
(Y)our Responsibilities:
• Learn and know the laws, etc.
• Do what you can in your own communities
Opportunities:
• White Cane Day
• VA Education Table
• Spokane VAMC  Walla Walla Veterans need BROS. Rae Hail is working with local VIST and VA Central – and support from BVA National
Very productive meeting. Lots of ideas and agenda topics to use from here.
Next meeting:
The third Tuesday (of each month). Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm ET, 1:00 pm CT, 12:00 noon MT, and 11:00 am PT.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:40 pm PT.

Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Hail, BVAA, BVA Committee Member

BLINDED VETEREANS HANDLERS COMMITTEE
2020/10/13 – Committee Meeting – BVA
W. Rae Hail (Board Committee Chair. and Co-Funder) opened the regular monthly meeting of the Blinded Veterans Dog Handlers Committee at: 11:09 am PT (2:00 pm ET)
Committee Members Present: Quorum Met
Rae Hail, BVA Chair, DD4, GD Handler Paul Mimms, BVA Co-Chair, Founder, Moderator, GD Handler Wade Davis, BVA BRC Chair, GD Handler Annie Chiappetta, BVAA, GD Handler Jerry Hogan, BVA, GD Handler Patti Hail, BVAA Tracy Ferro, Biloxi BRC Staff Verna Richmond, BVA (First Meeting) Irena Howard, BVA GD Handler
Minutes of the previous meeting were sent to committee members to read and make comments. Rae asked Paul Mimms to review last week’s special meeting:
Paul updated what we’re aiming to see if they have a proclamation for a Template for Champion.
A discussion was made to change from a Special Interest group to a Committee Board of Director, establishing a core group.
It was suggested, as we pick new members and representation with VA, we need to send a memo to let them know what our group has done, what we need to do, and our goals. Veterans need to know what is available for them, should they decide to receive a Guide Dog. There is no existing training. Collaboration with Chief of Prosthetic to advocate Service Dog, Guide Dog with a resolution to submit VA and develop a council (PVA/DVA). There is no BVA in handler of Guide Dog and
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Paul Mimms (BVA Co-Chair, Founder, Moderator, GD Handler Opened the regular monthly meeting of the Blinded Veteran Dog Handlers Committee at: 1:02 pm PST
Committee Members Present: Quorum M
Rae Hail, BVA Chair, DD4, GD Handle
Paul Mims, BVA Co-Chair, Founder, Moderator, GD Handler
Wade Davis, BVA BRC Chair, GD Handler
Annie Chiappetta, BVAA, GD Handler
Jerry Hogan, BVA GD Handler
Patti Hail, BVAA
Tracy Ferro, Biloxi BRC Staff
Verna Richmond, BVA
Ed Raes
Irena Howard, BVA GD Handler
Paul Mimms commented on Tracy Ferro, a volunteer at the Biloxi BRC Staff at the VA Medical Center is one of the 2 facilities that have CATS and DOGS Program. They have computer access training, with a trainer and guide dog. It’s basically the same training as you would have in guide dog school, but in a BRC facility.
Paul introduced Beth who came to the BRC two years ago, from working with the homeless veterans in Mississippi. Within a year, they were told that the grant supporting the program was redistributed. Working there, she met many people and connections and now is working with BRC, a great opportunity and happy that so many veterans are appreciative of all the help they are receiving.
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Discussion on the goals or plans of this committee:
• to provide education, advocacy, information and support to service/guide dog handlers.
• we can also learn from veterans who use service dogs. We need to support our veterans “brothers with harness”.
• as a committee, we were not getting the support from Boards of Directors, and Paul Mimms made a decision to talk with several people in the national offices on becoming a Special Interest Group.
• There are 2 groups of Special Interest Group –Women Veterans group, and Guide Dog User group, and trying to move that status to a committee.
Rae Hail is a member of the Board of Directors for District 4, appointed Chair of the Blind Veterans Dog Handlers Committee explained the dynamics of getting more support.
• With the support of the National President and our directors, it gets us more in line where we can have a voice with the VA
• Paul Mimms is our voice for the committee and goals are in our website. We are still developing the mechanics.
We have the Blinded Veterans Day March 28th., a month-long program to coincide with International Guide Dog Federation Day. Donna has offered the opportunity to develop some scholarship or money to use for scholarship to work with our veterans. Our format for our meetings is to stay on track with our projects, and have open forum for questions or grievances.
We also have concerns for those who use guide dogs.
• one is the lack of consistency within the VA on policies. The difference between “pet” and “guide/service dogs”.
• Wade’s knowledge and working with BRC will get
input from BRC on what would be needed on a template.
• A template that would help and assist the BRC staff and work as a one unit for VA to use.
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o Wade has agreed to work with us on a template,
o Annie on scholarships.
o We need to get our committee to be noticed and we should be presenting our ideas, work and goals.
o Rae gives the reports and submits our minutes, that gives them a heads up of what we do.
o Paul Mimms is our spokes person to represent the BVA to VA and Don Overton will work with Paul Mimms.
• There are several different guide dog schools with different rules and might not be sensitive to veterans.
o An issue could be that a veteran is not comfortable discussing a grievance with the trainer for fear that if you say something, you might not be getting your dog.
o How can we help a veteran with advocacy and to communicate with the school? We would like to provide the veteran a voice that we could help express their concerns to the school.
Discussions:
✓ Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of these programs and getting our families orientations. Letting families realize not to turn your guide dog into a pet.
✓ Paul mentioned the schools with that program is American Vet Dogs or Guide Dog Foundation in New York.
✓ Annie was on a conference with VIVA and spoked with Stephanie in the program and stated that they have scheduled preliminary funding for 2 programs in 2 states. Still in the works. Annie is working on getting the new VIVA president to join one of our meetings.
✓ Annie received and reviewed the outline sent by Patti and Ray re: outline of an application form for a veteran applying for a guide dog and trainer in training. It’s a great start.
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✓ Tracy – We have done family training and have the authorization, but have not done CATS and DOGS and family at one time. He will check if there is a possibility.
✓ Beth doesn’t see a problem either, they have used Fisher house for families to stay. They will also pay a certain amount for a hotel.
✓ Patti asked what kind of an agreement is there with the program and Paul mentioned he didn’t know how far the American Vet Dog, BVA or BRC are willing to go with the program. He explained when the VA was centralized primary management of the BRC was over Blind Rehab Services. When they decentralized, the primary responsibilities and supervision of BRC fell to the original Parent VA Medical center. They are trying to service Blind Service Deliveries under Medical Service Deliveries. It doesn’t seem to cross over.
✓ Patti also asked if there is some kind of an outline for the dogs’ part of the program. Tracy explained the process on how a guide dog gets his handler and what is expected of the veteran. Training with BRC is beneficial and needed to complete the process. An honest and upfront assessment of the veteran is crucial.
✓ Job description for Service Dog Champions is necessary and will be accomplished.
Meeting adjourned by Paul Mimms.
Next scheduled meeting, December 15, 2020
Respectfully submitted by Irena Howard.

BLINDED VETERAN HANDLERS COMMITTEE

JANUARY 19, 2021 – Minutes

Paul Mimms (BVA Co-Chair, Founder, Moderator, GD Handler
Opened the regular monthly meeting of the Blinded Veteran Dog

Handlers Committee at: 11:00 am PST

Committee Members Present:
Rae Hail – BVA Chair, DD4, GD Handler
Paul Mimms – BVA Co-chair, Founder, Moderator GD Handler
Annie Chiappetta – BVAA, GD Handler
Don Overton – Executive Director, Gov Relations, Legislative Committee
Patti Hail – BVAA
Ray Tober – VCS, Executive Director
Scott Quinlan – GD Handler
Wade Davis – Pres. GHRGTX
Irena Howard – GD Handler

DISCUSSIONS:
Wade Davis – produced a recommendation guideline for the BRC guide dog program when in the class. A document of information was compiled with other BRC schools. It gives the VA guidelines explaining what is expected of us. The veteran is responsible for his dog, and for what is expected of his dog, not the BRC. A standardized policy that should come from BRC. Wade to send information to Don Overton and to the group (CVGSDH)
Ray Tober – added that in 2020 he initiated variety of education programs base on survey tool with Champion in the field. It was based on policies interpretation and changes to the policies. Service animals’ vs emotional support animals and non-service animals on site.

We need to purse these issues:
• Write a job description for program manager to provide overall essential office policies and procedures, consultation and clarifications on animals on VA properties.
• VHA central office point of contact whose primary role help write policies, act as a national consultant on policies involving service animals or animals on VA property.
• Secure feedback with organization like BVDHC on some of the challenges that we are having and collaborate with different offices in VHA that have some part in managing or engaging in animals/dogs.
• Policies now should be revised to bring them out to standards and contemporary issues that we have experienced in the past 2 yrs.
• What will take care of these issues, is to have a central point of contact, it can include prosthetics, or have one person to represent our central office policies, addressing issues on animals on VA properties.
• We need to get a Champion to represent the field with consistency and how to refine the policy. Make it more transparent, be accountable and making it easier for veterans to understand.
• To rewrite the policy, getting it up to date that involves all the active players and re-address these issues. We need a hard charge to force these issues, to get a policy, to get a person to represent a central office policy on animals. The person will have all the marketing materials, educations updates, drafts, ideas, national survey, and talks with Champions. As he is retiring, he will share all the information he has, and is on board
on helping us in any way.
We need to connect with Dr. Stone and the director in charge of Operations of VHA. We need to centralize and make this a national policy, with security and police included. Issues are not only in VHA, but in all the VA.

Ray Tober was close to finishing the process, but with Covid-19 prevented completing the project.
Paul Mimms – mentioned that we did address a policy for service animals in previous years, to no avail.
Don Overton – Will work with Dr. Stone and Ray Tober. He will work with legislature priorities and the government relations team to elevate these policies, especially now with the new “carrier act”. We need this completed this year withing the VA.
Rae Hail – We need to get Champion to be educated, trained and be in agreement, with a policy region wide and not for one specific area.
Ray Tober – Many turnover Champion job. Champion is responsible and should be able to liaison with the central office on issues or liaison with problems in the field directly or with the VA police. With many opinions’ and questions, it caused confusions – what to do with people who have service dog or emotional support dogs on VA properties or VA clinics.
To eliminate problems Ray Tober was recreating an introduction 101 role of the Champion, a job description, on how to handle their job, and a role for the clinic on who should control a situation happening now. Issues should not be handled by a GS5 or GS6, but a figure of authoriy This is an educations issues on all levels.
Part of the re-drafting and revisions, were to get a centralized share point reporting system, managed by the VA police on reporting all the incidents involving all the animals in the field. As of now, we don’t have a centralized system.
In a survey, 90% of incidents, reported were by the VA police, and none from Champion.
In a Dec. meeting, with the VA, VHA that handled animals, to include the general counsel, and they agreed on a concept and principle to go forward proposing policy changes which included education and reporting mechanism. Now, as the committee, we need to regroup, figures out, evaluate and go forward.
Paul Mimms – he co-authored a resolution from BVA that was submitted to VA, to create an advisory committee that would be composed of those who have vested interest in issues related to dogs. A counsel was formed, but we were not included. As guide dog handles, we depend on our dogs to guide us to safety and more. We have a higher standard of training and handling our guide dogs. We are also more liable for damages from our dogs.
At some point, we want to establish ourselves to be considered knowledgeable enough on this subject matter “experts” and be
part of the input process. We tried on several occasions, and today’s meeting, is giving us the first opportunity to have an invitation. We Thank You.

Paul Mimms and Don Overton – will work together in reviewing all the information received from Ray Tober. Don will combine all the information into a formal strategy with government relations for high level legislation priorities. There is enough media attention, with the airlines service/emotional support dogs, that this will get talking points with Dr. Stone. Information will go across to all points of contact. Paul Mimms, Don Overton and Ray Tober will steer a small team, making sure all information is correct, complete and ready to bring out to Dr. Stone. This will go across the VA and all points of contact – our form of advocacy.
Rae Hail – with the guideline information given by Wade Davis,
we need to get the information out to BRC and the VA system.
Guide Dogs of the Dessert will now let us know when a veteran will be attending for training, and giving them any information we have to the veteran.
Scot Quinlan – contact with GDB and can help, he will also have a person for our newsletter.
Ann Chiappetta – contacts with Guiding Eye of the Blind

Paul Mimms – contact with Guide dog Foundation
Wade Davis – contact with Guide Dogs of America
Don Overton – He has an initial authorization for his son to help and take over the Webmaster. He will be reporting to Stewart since he is a minor. His son has dual accreditation from IBM program, earning his software engineering college degree with his high school diploma. He is sponsored by IBM. A central e-mail will be set up for him for anything that will come from this committee. He will check the website daily with any updates and information.
Patti Hail – would like the committee to submit 2 or 3 ideas or suggestions with training needs to the following questions:
• What we like to see the Champion be doing?
• What resources to they need?
• Who do you think should experience training?
Request also will be put on the e-mail list. All your ideas to be submitted as soon as possible, so that it all could be submitted to Paull Mimms and Don Overton. She will compile, a rough draft of all the information for them.
Patti also started a proposed training guideline to

• How does a veteran apply for a guide/service dog?
• Emotions support animal?

All these information Champion should have the knowledge of all that is available to veterans.
Ann Chiappetta has all this information in a pyramid form on a
guide dog and down. She will send the information to Patti.

Rae Hail – We’re getting the BRC and Champion proposal to the field, and these will be our 2 major accomplishments from our committee. This will start getting the word out and conversations with the training facilities. Rae will get a contact list.
Meeting minutes were discussed. Irena will send the minutes to the group (CVGSDH), and the staff is responsible to read them, approve/or not and bring that to the next meeting. She will also send out an agenda form (which can be revised or changed) to meet the needs of the group. Agenda attached.
Task – We need to get ready for March. We need ideas to put on our website to make March more interesting.
March 28 – April 28 we’re doing Guide Dog recognition month. It will be centered by our BVA website and a copy of with a proclamation to give to your local mayor.
• March 28 is Blinded Veteran’s Day
• April 28 is International Guide Dog Federation Day
We’ll be able to use that time frame to share stories, information and communicate with out training schools and all veterans.
It was asked of the committee if they would be interested in having an online auction to raise money for scholarships. This will be included in our agenda for discussion February 16 th meeting.
Our website also includes information you need to know when traveling to get you guide dog and forms for you to complete.
Getting dog of record form, travel vouchers, and if an aide is needing to travel with you.
Patti is involved with the auxiliary for the convention in August and he will be working with the District Directors on the agenda format.
Ann will set up an informal casual “Facebook” as an auxiliary to promote guide dogs. Scott and Wade volunteer to help.

Wade suggested if we could have Sharon Giovinazzo, CEO/Pres of World Services for the Blind on the committee.

Meeting Adjourn: January 16, 2021 at 12:30 pm Standard Time.

Respectfully submitted by Irena Howard

BLINDED VETERANS DOG HANDLERS COMMITTEE

March 16, 2021 – Minutes

Paul Mimms (BVA Co-Chair, Founder, Moderator, GD Handler
Opened the regular monthly meeting of the Blinded Veteran Dog

Handlers Committee at: 11:10 am PST

Minutes of February 16, 2021 have been approved as written.

Committee Members Present:
Rae Hail – BVA Chair, DD4, GD Handler
Paul Mimms – BVA Co-chair, Founder, Moderator GD Handler
Ann Chiappetta – BVAA-NY,GH
Patti Hail – BVAA
Vernon Richmond
Darrel Goldsmith – DD5
Wade Davis

DISCUSSIONS: VA CHAMPIONS
Patti Hail – The “Champions’’ is in name only. We need to educate the VA on what the main purpose of “Champions” is with directions, and support. Also, to provide them an outline back-up
support from BVA and ADA.

VA needs to implement a policy for Champions. We have samples for them to use as reference, directives and laws. We need to give the VA, for considerations, guidelines with directives, so that they can implement a policy for “Champions”. With a good set of guidance, from our committee, they will be able to clearly see the problems.

POLICING – All report of unruly dogs, should go up the chain of command and to National. The VA police needs to be accountable for filing report and sending them to the appropriate
office.
In the past, Paul Mimms mentioned that he did propose a written resolution policy for review, from Wichita office, and nothing happened. He will get the file/policy and forwarded it to Patti Hail. She will incorporate some of the information in our proposals.
Anni suggested that we need to know our rights, by educating the veteran and the handler, when Champion’s policy is approved. Some information on our website will need to be tweaked, when new updated information has been approved.
In the proposal, there should be a definition between program dogs, service dogs and guide dogs. Attendees for training – VIST, BROS, VISOR, Mental Health Mgr., Cafeteria Mgr., Patient Advocates, identified Personnel and Volunteers should be included in the training.
What we do as a committee, is to get this proposal to Don Overton and the Board, so that the organization carries out our mission forward. We will, also be able to make recommendations,
suggestions, and review the final proposal. They will keep us informed with updates with any revisions they make.
On another topic, Paul had some concerns and called Don Overton and Joe McNeil and is waiting for a response.

1. How can employees better interact with visually
   impaired/blinded veteran patient.
2. When a blinded veteran patient goes to an appt. with
   spouse/partner/or caregiver, with Covid-19 rules,
   they need to be 6ft. could there be some allowance

VA has removed the orientation to “blindness as a patient” from their mandated training. BRC wants to include this orientation, only the Central Office can mandate this training.
Our Main job and goal, is defining Service Dog Champions- what is expected, and the behavior of a service dog.

Our next meeting is schedules on: April 13, 2021
March 16th , 2021 meeting adjourned at: 12:10 pm
Respectfully submitted by: Irena Howard

BLINDED VETERANS DOG HANDLERS COMMITTEE

April 21, 2021 – Minutes

Paul Mimms (BVA Co-Chair, Founder, Moderator, GD Handler
Opened the regular monthly meeting of the Blinded Veteran Dog

Handlers Committee at: 11:40 am PST.

Committee Members Present:

Paul Mimms – BVA Co-chair, Founder, Moderator GD Handler
Don Overton – Executive Director, Gov Relations, Legislative Committee
Scott Quinlan – GD Handler
Tracy Ferro – Biloxi BRC Staff LA/MSRG
Eileen Vasquez
Irena Howard – GD Handler
Absent: Rae Hail, Patti Hail, Ann Chiappetta

DISCUSSIONS: VA CHAMPIONS
Committee reviewed draft of VA Champions proposal by Patti Hail
and Ann Chiappetta.

• A great proposal with a good deal of information, but too
  extensive for VA to implement. This will also add additional
  duties for a VA staff. We may consider working with VA staff,
  giving them basic information and migrating this into a TMS
  web base training module for Champions
• All this information will be the internal layout outline for us to
  implement the proposal. Don Overton will submit this information and talking point to Ray Tober, who is very familiar
  and worked on this project, to move forward and will be
  presented to the Secretary level. This will be an internal blue
  print for us to present to the Secretary level to ensure the VA
  is moving in the right direction.

Paul Mimms mentioned that the VA may not consider us as the “subject matter expert” but we are. We are guide dog users/handlers. We need to find a way to take our “subject matter expertise” and transfer this information to VA by Ray
Tober.
Don Overton is working on 2 pieces of legislations and 2 pieces both in the House and with Companions Bill in the Senate. At this time, one of the House versions has 312 co-sponsors and the House has placed it on the consent calendar.
Don mentioned, that the VA did a study, to create a “service dog” for veterans with PTSD. The group’s objective was to validate the service dog for PTSD. There is a bond between a human and animal, and is therapeutical. But, putting the dog on a leash and on to society, is not a good idea. No matter how well behaved, the dog could get aggressive. With a dog
handler, once you get involved in a negative environment with another dog, the handler becomes self-isolating and starts
avoiding public settings and travels, and the dog gets “dog reactive”. Anxiety gets transferred from leash to harness, and in time the dog becomes anxious.
Don Overton will go public with the advocacy group that is driving the legislation. Don had a telephone conversation with the military coalition. Don stated that he will not endorse and he will be the primary opponent.

The discussion of the study, validating these dogs as “service dogs” clearly states that the human and animal is very therapeutic, but not validating these dogs for PTSD.
The study was handpicked, sterile and controlled.
There are many challenges and problems that the legislation will need to review and address all of these issues with the compliance acts.
Don is also working with trainers, breeders and Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation to look at the proposed training. Also, to identify some of the concern that we already know in the guide dog community that anxiety is a concern for service/guide dogs. Question is also how can the legislative operate a pilot program, with $25,000 per dog going to an unsubstantiated program and never provide the funding to the guide dog community.
Don will also be talking with the Senate of Veterans Affairs committee chairman and staff, that we will need to take control of the legislation and incorporate, that the legislation is applicable for Guide Dog Schools. Which will mean, that Guide Dog Schools will qualify for the $25,000 grant fund, and that we will be supportive of “service dog” dog aspect, as soon as they can approve accreditation under the ADA, Assistance Dog International Act and Service Dog Public Access.

Paul Mimms – we need help from the administration to provide rules and regulations for service/guide dogs. Dog handlers accept standards and create standards for the behavior of their dogs, to be acceptable in all situations. Other dogs, who have not been trained and are “just there”, should not have the same privileges as trained and accredited service/guide dogs.

Tracy Ferro – They will re-opened for business next month, with no restrictions, except only automobile travel. If you are not vaccinated, you will not be able to go to town, and no going home on weekends.

Scott Quinlan – Long Beach has been opened for approx. 4 months. Some restrictions apply.
Kudos for Don Overton for doing a great job, working diligently to get support and getting us back on the game.
For the Convention it will be on ZOOM and keeping it simple, more information TBD.
Don is also working shifting to the BVA platform. He will start building it out and it will be easier to use for all with consistency. Paul will talk to Rae.
Also, look forward to a policy “ACTION” to oppose the PAWS ACT that will be going out. It will come from the Committee Chairs., with messuages from Paul Mimms and Rae Hail. It will be simple to use with one click of the button, putting in your name, address, and the system will automatically generate the letter to your Congress and Senate persons. There will be a big campaign opposing the PAWS ACT that will be coming soon.

Upcoming – A renewable “auto grant” will start up end of this week. This is to encourage our representative to support the “auto grant” to renew the VA Auto Grant every 10 years.

GOALS – In a local and/or regional way, we need to spread the word and develop support for your Guide and Service handles.

Our next meeting is schedules on: May 18, 2021
April 18, 2021 meeting adjourned at: 12:45 PST

Respectfully submitted by: Irena Howard