Hello! I'm still out here!
I've been quiet lately, well for quite a while! Right now, I'm dealing with
remodeling half of our house and not by choice! A little leak underneath a
refrigerator can cause major damage, I learned. I woke up to find floating
kitchen floor tiles and destroyed drywall. This would be much more fun if it
was a decision I had made to remodel! LOL!
But something is bothering me, although it does not directly affect me at the
current time.
Because my vision continues to decline and I most likely will eventually apply
to a guide dog program after my current owner-trained guide dog
(program-trained hearing dog and owner-trained guide dog) retires I am keeping
up with requirements and information on the guide dog training programs in the
United States.
I was very bothered when I began reading information about applying to
Southeastern Guide Dogs. It was of interest to me as my parents both once lived
miles from the campus and I have family very close to the program itself.
But I found that I am not even eligible to apply no matter what my future
degree of vision because I have Bipolar Disorder. It is fully controlled with
medication. I have had it since my early twenties. I find it hard to fathom why
SEGD would deny me even the ability to apply.
When I was in my final year of law school I had to go through an ethics and
fitness exam with a panel of experienced and respected attornies with the local
Bar Association before being permitted to apply to take the Bar Exam. One of
the topics that was addressed was my Bipolar Disorder. I passed that
examination with flying colors and enthusiastically endorsed as a candidate for
the Bar Exam.
I cannot understand why, if I am a fit candidate for practice of law, I am not
a fit candidate for application for a guide dog at SEGD based solely on the
fact that I have a mental illness which is controlled by medication.
I am wondering what your opinion on this topic is. Is this an issue at other
guide dog programs and is this a long-standing policy of SEGD? Does it make
sense to you? I emailed SEGD and received no reply. I find it rather insulting
that I would be judged by this one facet of myself.
I'd love to know what you guys think about this topic.
Sincerely,
Lisie (and her sunshine dog)
