help find a few answers for hearing impaired‏

[dobesign]

I have a friend that came to watch a show with me (obedience, rally, conformation and will watch agility)
He is interested in showing his new puppy in performance events, and I'm sure he'll love it. He was watching obedience, he asked me how the handlers knew when to do what. It was only at that moment that I remembered that he is Deaf.

Deaf culturally and stone deaf, too. He has a lab puppy, and would love to do someof these events, but he is not a conformation kind of guy. I don't mind interpreting for him, or finding someone who will, but it raised questions about akc policy. Some recalled the many blind participants, but my friend would really hate to do the touch thing (holding the person's arm and squeezing once for forward, that crap). He's Deaf, not disbled.

I'm having a hard time finding anything about Deaf human participants in events. Found lots on deaf dogs, and deaf judges, but nothing on Deaf participants. I'd like to find the info BEFORE he attends a class...help???

[Elaine]

:)Physically Challenged Handlers‏
From: Pamela Manaton (PCM@akc.org)


It was wonderful speaking with you this morning. Below is the information we discussed from Chapter 4 of the Obedience Judges Guidelines.

"Hearing Deficiency. When faced with the situation where a handler is hard of hearing, a judge should position him or herself so that the handler may continuously observe the judge during the performance of the individual exercises. If such a handler desires, the judge may use prearranged signals to the handler in lieu of verbal commands."

Additionally, if the exhibitor needs further assistance than what is provided for in the above guideline, they may ask for an accommodation to the AKC rules and regulations for reasonable allowances to accommodate the handler or exhibitor based on their individual situation. Such requests should be made in writing to:

Michael Swick
VP General Counsel
260 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10016-2408

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Pamela

Pamela Manaton

Manager, Companion Events

[dobesign]

I'm researching this topic in depth. The idea of inventing a couple of signs minutes before you go in the ring is ludicrous. They need to have a line on the entry asking if the handler or judge needs accomodation. I'm developing a book and sign language dvd on signs for all of the akc events. I can't imagine the pressure of trying to q in obedience, in a new place and all those pressures, then realize that you have no way of proper communication. In a sport where two steps can be the difference between winning and losing, communication is IMPERATIVE. Things like this shouldn't happen in this day and age. Shame on AKC!