Editorial

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<italic>The study’s aim was to identify the degree to which dog distraction, as reported by users, has impacted on the working behaviour of guide dogs, and their user’s mobility. The data used were drawn from the self-reporting of problem behaviours as experienced by users of guide dogs that had been provided by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT over a nine year period (2000 to 2008).</italic>
<italic>The study is in three parts. Part 1 identifies the frequency of dog distraction aftercare referrals associated with guide dogs in their initial year of placement. Part 2 identifies the frequency of dog distraction as an aftercare issue compared with other aftercare behavioural issues during the initial year of placement. Part 3 examines a range of factors, including dog, user, and training variables associated with guide dog mobility that may identify areas of possible intervention in addressing dog distraction.</italic>
</abstract>

Dog Distraction Quantified

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<italic>In order to investigate whether or not devices that emit ultrasound at a frequency audible to dogs could potentially affect the behaviour of guide dogs, two ultrasonic devices were tested. Twenty-nine dogs were exposed to a pest-repeller and 24 dogs were exposed to a young person deterrent in a random order cross-over study. Results indicated that while both devices were noticed by the dogs, they did not have an adverse effect on dog behaviour. It therefore seems unlikely that the two ultrasonic devices would impact the working ability of a guide dog.</italic>

</abstract>

Effect of Ultrasonic Devices on the Distraction Behaviour of Guide Dogs

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<italic>The authors explore whether or not experienced judges can predict the success or failure of puppies to complete guide dog training. Three judges made predictions on 50 puppies at three, four, six, and nine months of age. Judges were required to give a Yes or No on whether or not the pup would be successful. Results indicate the judges performed no better than chance in picking winners and losers. The findings have important implications for practices in Guide Dog organisations as well as for research directions.</italic>

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Predicting Winners and Losers in Puppies

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<italic>A need was identified to enhance the service to clients of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT who were in the transition from their first to their second guide dog. A questionnaire was devised to obtain feedback from clients who had trained with their second dog in the three years ending 30 June 2009. The data were analysed and formed the basis for an audio CD. Topics covered included: the decision to retire your guide dog; grief associated with this decision; where your dog will retire; the unique relationship with your first guide dog; consideration of your second dog’s temperament and experience; emphasis on the skills a handler already has; illustration of just how different two dogs can be; changes in vision and the implications on mobility; importance of consistent handling; possibility of displacement behaviours in dogs and management of these behaviours; initially restricting travel routes to allow the second dog to settle in; format of training to suit handler’s needs; and changes in teaching styles and training techniques. A script was written incorporating the results of the survey and the audio CD was professionally produced. The CD includes the personal stories of 10 people who share their experience of the transition to their second dog. The CD is available to clients who are about to make the transition.</italic>

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A Client Driven Information Resource for Second Time Guide Dog Applicants

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<italic>The profession of Orientation &amp; Mobility (O&amp;M) in Australia has grown considerably in recent years. The introduction of graduate and postgraduate courses in O&amp;M has to some extent focused on increasing services for rural areas. However, the majority of O&amp;M specialists are still concentrated in the larger capital and regional cities around Australia. This paper will examine the challenges and opportunities a consultancy model of O&amp;M can offer communities that are geographically isolated from the larger cities.</italic>

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O&amp;M Consultancy: Challenges and Opportunities in Isolated Regions

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<italic>The Royal Society for the Blind Guide Dog Service (RSBGDS) provide an annual ‘come and try a guide dog’ weekend camp for young people with vision impairment. The purpose of the camp is to provide participants with a range of guide dog handler-related experiences from which they might consider a guide dog as a mobility aid. The article describes other organisations involved in the camp and activities in which participants engage.</italic>

</abstract>

K94U2C – It’s GR8 M8!

Foundations of Orientation and Mobility

AHEAD OF PRINT

Volume 14 (2023): Issue 1 (December 2023)

Volume 13 (2022): Issue 1 (December 2022)

Volume 12 (2021): Issue 1 (January 2021)

Volume 11 (2020): Issue 1 (January 2020)

Volume 10 (2019): Issue 1 (January 2019)

Volume 9 (2020): Issue 1 (January 2020)

Volume 8 (2017): Issue 1 (January 2017)

Volume 7 (2017): Issue 1 (January 2017)

Volume 6 (2013): Issue 1 (January 2013)

Volume 5 (2012): Issue 1 (January 2012)

Volume 4 (2011): Issue 1 (January 2011)

Volume 3 (2010): Issue 1 (January 2010)

Volume 2 (2009): Issue 1 (January 2009)

Volume 1 (2008): Issue 1 (January 2008)

Vision Rehabilitation International

Vision Re/habilitation International is a journal intended to provide a forum for scholarly exchange among people dedicated to and involved any work relating to vision habilitation and rehabilitation of people who are blind or vision impaired. Articles considered for publication include:   original research, with practical relevance to the O&amp;M of people who are blind or vision impaired,  critical reviews of substantive areas,  theoretical position papers,  descriptions, reviews, or evaluations of innovative instructional approaches,  conceptual papers, comprehensive reviews, case studies, and policy analyses.  The editors also aim at providing a forum for discourse, debate, and critical analyses on any aspect of O&amp;M, for example, existing philosophies, policy, or practice.  Open Access Policy  This journal provides immediate open access to its content under the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. Under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license users are free to share the work (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format), if the contribution is properly attributed and used for non-commercial purposes. The material published in the journal may not be altered or build upon.  ABOUT SOCIETY  Vision Re/habilitation International is supported by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.  Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is the leading provider of Guide Dogs and orientation and mobility services that enable people with vision impairment to travel safely and independently. Each year university trained Orientation and Mobility specialists work with around 4,000 people of all ages to help them achieve their mobility goals.  Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is a Registered Provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).  Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process.