Guide Dogs and Independence

Guide Dogs Don't Lead Blind People. We Wander as One.

• Opening Scenario:

  • Haben Girma describes an interaction with her guide dog, Mylo, as they navigate an unknown street.
  • Mylo exhibits autonomy; he responds to Girma's commands but also interprets the environment around them, demonstrating that guide dogs do not merely lead—they work as partners.

• Common Misunderstanding:

  • Many people perceive guide dogs as leaders for blind individuals, including Girma during her high school years.
  • A friend challenges this perception, emphasizing that one should not rely on a dog for confidence, indicating the need for personal empowerment through skills.

• Training Experience:

  • Instead of getting a guide dog right away, Girma chose to enhance her nonvisual skills at the Louisiana Center for the Blind.
  • Skills learned included navigating busy streets and practical activities such as baking and using tools, enhancing her independence.

• Transition to Partnership:

  • Girma reflects on her strong confidence based on acquired orientation and mobility skills, and how her approach to traveling shifted when she began working with Maxine, a guide dog.
  • The dynamics of working with a guide dog introduced a new layer of interaction and communication, enhancing her experiences on campus and during travels.

• Impact of a Guide Dog:

  • The companionship of a guide dog like Maxine significantly reduced experiences of harassment and opened new opportunities for social engagement.
  • The emotional bond she shared with Maxine illustrates the profound impact of having a travel partner.

• Loss and Resilience:

  • After Maxine's death, Girma emphasizes her refusal to return to solely relying on a cane, showcasing her independence and determination to keep moving forward.
  • She undergoes re-training with Mylo, highlighting the growth from gentle corrections and teamwork, ultimately creating a seamless bond in their navigation efforts.

• Life with Mylo:

  • Their partnership is established through shared experiences, navigating challenges together, and developing a sense of direction as a team.
  • Girma shares a narrative of a morning in Park City, Utah, illustrating how they communicate and work as a duo to navigate their environment.

• Recognition of Independence:

  • Girma expresses the desire for societal recognition of the capabilities of Deafblind individuals, affirming that she charts her own course, not defined by her disability.
  • Mylo’s role serves as both a facilitator of her journey and a partner who responds to her lead, showcasing the theme of autonomy and teamwork in navigating life.