This is a tragedy on many, many levels. When I was working at the Lighthouse, I had a very good relationship with Bonnie McClusky at the museum and even had a special tour which included my Seeing Eye dog. They have every kind of auditory and tactile accommodation for blind people, but won't let in our dogs. HM! Sorry, I wasn't there to protest with you, even though I don't have a dog right now. I'm in North Carolina participating in the personal presentation to Dave Loux of a Tribute Stone that was installed on September 30 at the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends in Louisville, KY. Ironically, the stone says, "Voice and Face of the Seeing Eye for 38 years!" Lynda _____ From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Sila Miller Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2014 8:04 PM To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Cc: fcb-l@xxxxxxx; gduf@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [tabi] Gathering planned at the Museum of Florida History 10/10/14 from 2 - 4 to protest denial of lady and guide dog access Hello Everyone, Today I learned of some very disturbing news. Tiffany Wilson, DBS employee and long-time guide dog user went to view the Braille Quilt located at the Museum of Florida History last week and was quite forcefully removed from the museum. Ms. Wilson and her guide dog, Orlando were on their lunch hour and decided to make a quick visit as she works in the downtown area. Ms. Wilson attempted to explain the laws regarding guide dog access and that by law, she isn't required to show identification. However, museum officials weren't hearing it and would not cooperate. Things escalated and it ended with security guards surrounding Tiffany and Orlando and actually putting their hands on both lady and dog. Tiffany returned the next day, armed with printed copies of the guide dog access legislation, ADA, and her dog's school identification. Museum personnel were still uncooperative and unwilling to allow her access. To date, numerous emails protesting this intolerable denial of access have gone unanswered. A protest/gathering is planned for Friday, 10/10/14 at the museum, locate at 500 South Bronough Street from 2:00 - 4:00. DBS officials, members of the Florida and National Association of Guide Dog Users, guide dog teams and other concerned citizens from the community will be on hand to demonstrate their concern. All are welcome to join us. What a story the "Braille Is." by Jeanine Kane quilt will now have to tell. What a shame we're still having to overcome this backwards way of thinking. "Braille is the key to open the door." What is the key to open the door for professional dog guides who give their lives to lead their handlers? Below is a recent article about the Braille Quilt made by a lady who lives here in Tallahassee and who works at the Lighthouse of the Big Bend. Feel the Words Brittany Lesser 1:36 a.m. EDT September 21, 2014 Quilt with Braille on it (Photo: Special to the Chronicle ) Quilts often tell a story, sometimes of love, or memory, or a unique tradition. But, few convey that message in braille. On display at the 33rd Annual Capital City Quilt Show at the Museum of Florida History is a work titled, "Braille Is." by Jeanine Kane. The work is among more than 100 fiber artworks available for viewing through Oct. 19. The piece features a key between the symbol for braille and a door. The quilt reads, "Braille is the key to open the door." Kane, a vision rehabilitation therapist at the Lighthouse of the Big Bend, said she made the quilt to increase the awareness of the importance of braille as a form of communication. "Braille is just as essential for communication as print is," said Kane. "I love working with students who learn braille and getting to see the expression on their faces when they discover they can read again." This is the second braille quilt that Kane has made. It was made two years ago. The letters on either side of the key are made with rope and the quilt itself is cotton. The braille print is made using fabric puff paint. The quilt was chosen by Quilters Unlimited of Tallahassee for inclusion in the annual show. "To my knowledge we have never had a quilt with braille in the show before," said Museum Director Dr. Jeana Brunson. It is a unique and original submission. The partnership between the Museum of Florida History and Quilters Unlimited of Tallahassee has a long history. This is the 33rd year they have collaborated to produce the show. This year's theme is "Starry, Starry Night" and features a quilt made by Linda O'Sullivan and members of the Friday Frayed Edges Sit and Stitch group. The show offers a Visitor's Choice Award selected by public vote, and a silent auction that funds charitable initiatives of the guild. There is a scavenger hunt and drawing activity for young visitors. To see the braille quilt or any of the other beautiful quilts on display, come to the Museum of Florida History at 500 South Bronough Street through Oct. 19. The Museum is open Monday-Friday 9-4:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sunday noon-4:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Museum's website at museumoffloridahistory.com or see all of the quilts on their Pinterest page at pinterest.com/museumFLhistory.