Exeley Inc.

Deverell, B.Ed., Grad.Dip. O&M, M.Ed., Lil

O&amp;M Environmental Complexity Scale

Yeung, Ph.D., Polly

La Grow, Ed.D., Steven

Towers, Ph.D., Andrew

Alpass, Ph.D., Fiona

Stephens, Ph.D., Christine

The Centrality of O&amp;M in Rehabilitation Programs Designed to Enhance Quality of Life: A Structural Equation Modelling Analysis

Hoefer, Steve

International Journal of Orientation & Mobility • Volume 4, Number 1, 201192
Developing an Open Source Sonar 
Navigation Device
Steve Hoefer
Commercial assistive devices tend to be expensive and diffi cult for the user 
to customise to their specifi c needs.  We have developed a hand mounted sonar 
navigation device designed specifi cally to be vastly more affordable, while being 
easy for individuals to both make and customise. This paper covers the process of 
developing the device, publishing complete details of the device, and the results of 
having interested individuals make their own version.
Background
Comparatively few companies pursue 
assistive technology because the market 
is small and highly regulated. This makes 
the devices offered limited in function and 
expensive, as well as out of reach for many 
people who need them.
Recently the ability for individuals to 
create sophisticated custom electronic 
devices has expanded dramatically. In 
the last several years the cost of complex 
electronic components have dropped, 
become easier to use, and well documented 
making it possible for people with a hobbyist 
level of skill to build unique and useful 
projects.  These factors combine to make it 
straightforward for people without special 
training to connect sensors, motors, and 
other electromechanical devices together 
with sophisticated logic and programming 
to create complex devices.
With the increasing availability of these 
technologies has risen the concept of Open 
Source Hardware, which makes the full 
design for a device available for anyone to 
make, improve and modify it to their own 
use (OSHW Committee, 2011). 
The combination of these two concepts, 
allowing the average person to make 
advanced devices and the open sharing 
of complete device designs has positive 
implications for assistive technology. 
Starting from free instructions, a hobbyist 
would be able build a sophisticated assistive 
device that can be customised to serve 
an individual’s specifi c needs, while still 
costing less than more general commercial 
offerings.  
This project explores the process fi rst by 
developing a hand mounted sonar navigation 
device, then offering the complete plans and 
instructions to the community and fi nally 
observing the results of those who chose to 
build, modify, and use the device.
Concept
Through working on a virtual navigation 
project for people with vision impairment 
we found that ultrasonic sensors provided 
excellent navigation cues. After investigating 
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility • Volume 4, Number 1, 2011 93
the current state of ultrasonic navigation 
aids we decided to create our own. 
We looked at many of the ultrasonic 
devices on the market including hand-held 
devices and ultrasonic canes.  Most devices 
were expensive, costing more than $US1000. 
A majority of the devices investigated also 
relied on audio feedback, despite research 
showing that audio feedback interferes 
with other audio cues (Calder, 2009) and 
many of those with vision impairment also 
having hearing impairment.  One of our 
testers also believed that audio cues were 
socially stigmatising, unnecessarily drawing 
attention to the user.
From examination of the design and 
function it was clear that we could make a 
device with off-the-shelf components that 
would not only be at least as effective as 
those we investigated, but would also be 
more affordable while still being buildable 
by an electronics hobbyist.
Design and development
Design went through a number of 
iterations. The haptic feedback mode was 
chosen in order to avoid the aforementioned 
diffi culties with audio feedback. For 
the initial test we created a headband 
with ultrasonic range fi nders paired with 
vibration motors around the circumference. 
The vibration motors, similar to that which 
causes mobile phones to vibrate, increased in 
frequency the closer it sensed an obstacle in 
its sensor’s direction. This version allowed 
navigation through unknown buildings and 
proved the concept viable, but it was not a 
practical success. Applying vibration motors 
to the head proved disturbing when worn for 
any length of time, and the head mounting 
was unable to reliably detect objects below 
waist level, leading to regular impacts with 
furniture and other low obstacles. It was also 
unsightly and awkward to wear.
We chose to move the device from the head 
to the back of the hand. We have experience 
developing hand-mounted electronics and 
understood the diffi culties of making the 
device light, secure, and ‘ruggedised’ to 
allow for hand movement and impacts. 
Moving the sensors to the back of the hand 
allowed the user to point it in any direction 
they were curious about without impeding 
hand function. The necessarily smaller 
device reduced the number of sensors 
from four to two, but vastly increased the 
fi eld of coverage and the versatility. The 
rangefi nders were each mounted at 20 
degrees on either side of the main axis of the 
hand. When holding the hand horizontally 
they detected objects to the right and left of 
the wearer. When holding the hand vertically 
they detect objects near and far.  The back of 
the hand also allowed it to function similarly 
to ultrasonic cane devices while still being 
able to be used separately. Testers who were 
blind almost immediately began using the 
device where canes would be impractical, 
for example, when fi nding glassware on the 
table.
We found research indicating that even 
small vibrations could, over time, cause 
sensitivity and even nerve damage (Lundborg 
et al., 1990).  One tester also found the 
constant vibration distracting. Because 
of these considerations we decided to use 
pressure rather than vibration to register 
distance. Where the original version tied 
vibration frequency to distance, the revised 
version would use press rubber pads fi rmly 
on the wrist when something was near and 
gently when it detected far objects.  Placing 
a sensor and rubber pad pair on the right and 
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility •Volume 4, Number 1, 201194
left side of the wrist allowed a correlation 
of location and pressure, while keeping the 
pads separate enough to keep the sensations 
separate.  We researched a number of 
approaches for this physical feedback and 
found that common microservos used in 
remote control cars and airplanes were 
the best choice. They gave the quickest 
feedback, and used relatively little power, 
and are durable. The opportunity cost of 
going from vibration motors to servos was 
that the device was going to be larger and 
more complex.
During the component testing phase 
we also evaluated other kinds of distance 
sensors, for example, lasers and infrared 
refl ection. We decided to continue using 
ultrasonic sensors because they worked well 
in all environments, were easily available, 
and while making up most of the cost of the 
device were still comparatively affordable. 
However, they are not as precise as other, 
more expensive solutions, such as lasers. 
The rangefi nders create pulses of 40 kHz 
sound which is well above human hearing 
but within the hearing range of many dogs 
including guide dogs. Our informal testing 
found no measurable response from dogs 
exposed to the working sensors. Subsequent 
research confi rmed this (Moxon, Allison, & 
England, 2010).
The part of the device that comfortably 
mounted the electronics on the back of 
the hand (the “gauntlet” as we call it) 
was developed to meet a number of use 
considerations.  It was placed behind the 
knuckles and forward of the wrist to keep 
as much freedom in hand movement as 
possible.  We used a minimum amount of 
material on the fi ngers and palm in order to 
keep the sense of touch as free as possible. 
The gauntlet used Velcro closures to make it 
adjustable to many different sizes of hand, 
and to work as well on the right or left hand. 
Finally we chose Neoprene as our base 
material for the gauntlet. Although it can 
be diffi cult to work with, it is incredibly 
durable, looks nice, and provides cushioning 
both to the wearer and the device allowing 
the device to be handled roughly in all 
weather.
Testing and revision
While testing took place throughout the 
development phase, most of the early testing 
was undertaken by blindfolded developers. 
Two adult test volunteers who were blind 
were found to help with the fi ne tuning. One 
subject was blind from birth while the other 
lost his sight as a teenager.  Both volunteers 
had experience with canes, guide dogs, and 
human assistants. One had tried a sonic cane 
and found the audio feedback not worth the 
trouble.  Both users were given less than a 
minute of instruction on use before fi rst using 
the device and were comfortable with it after a 
minute’s orientation. Both wearers were able 
to get useful feedback almost immediately 
and gained profi ciency with practice.
Feedback from the volunteers was mostly 
positive. Most of the changes involved 
programming of the microcontroller to 
interpret the sensor data in more intuitive 
ways.  The sensors could occasionally give 
erratic and momentarily incorrect readings. 
A number of techniques were applied to 
smooth the data while still providing timely 
feedback to the wearer. Changes were also 
made to prevent the occasional twitching of 
the pressure servos, which all wearers found 
unhelpful (Figure 1).
The original version of the gauntlet did 
not support the electronics well enough 
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility • Volume 4, Number 1, 2011 95
Rotate cushioned 
extensions into contact 
with the wrist.
Servomotors
Microcontroller
9vƤ-
ing to sense the distance to 
objects from 1 inch to 10 
feet.   (2 cm to 3.5m) 
Ultrasonic Sensors
Reads the distance and 
Ƥ
the result.
Figure 1. The tacit haptic glove.
causing them to fl op and catch on things. 
The thumb loop was replaced with a loop 
on the ring fi nger which provided better 
anchoring of the forward portion reducing 
slip. The loop was also reported to be more 
comfortable.
Other changes included swapping the 
types of Velcro from hook to loop to prevent 
snags and skin scrapes, and using a lighter 
weight Neoprene to keep the hand cooler. 
It was also decided to make the electronics 
easily removable from the Neoprene so that 
the gauntlet could be easily laundered or 
changed. Again Velcro was chosen for its 
strength and fl exibility.
The resultant device could be built for 
around $US80 and could be built in a 
weekend by anyone with soldering iron 
skills (Figure 2).
Response
After completing the initial design we 
published on our web site full plans for the 
device including a demonstration video, 
development notes, full plans, schematics, 
illustration, parts list, programming code, 
and a pattern for the gauntlet.  These were 
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility •Volume 4, Number 1, 201196
released under a license that allowed free 
copying, redistribution, modifi cation, and 
also allowed individuals to make their own.
Response was strong and immediate. 
Within 24 hours more than 10,000 people 
had visited the page, and it received coverage 
by national and international media. We 
also received a large volume of email from 
people who were blind as well as sighted 
individuals who were interested in helping 
family, friends, and community members 
with vision impairment. The nature and 
volume of the feedback clearly showed 
the demand for affordable and accessible 
assistive technology.
Not all feedback was positive, however. 
The most common complaint was that the 
individual did not know someone who had 
the skills to construct the device. Another 
common complaint was that it was diffi cult 
or impossible for a person with vision 
impairment to make one for himself.
In the months following its release a 
number of people built Tacit devices based 
on our original plans.  Several people freely 
contributed improvements in the design 
and function. Others have reported making 
custom versions for their individual needs, 
such as an illuminated pointer to help an 
assistant identify objects that they sense, 
and adding a switch for shorter range fi nding 
to help location objects on a table.  Other 
builders simplifi ed the design to have only a 
single sensor and servo, making the design 
more compact.
Because we are only publishing plans for 
the device, this project has not gone through 
governmental approval common for most 
assistive devices. This makes it incumbent 
on the developer and builder to make sure 
the device is safe and effective. We have 
done our best to design something that 
maximises safety and effectiveness, and we 
believe that even in the worst case the chance 
for personal danger is virtually nonexistent. 
However, with the Open Source Hardware 
model we have no control over those who 
build the device, or the changes they make 
Figure 2. The tacit haptic glove.
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility • Volume 4, Number 1, 2011 97
in the design. A number of the custom 
versions made changes that disregarded our 
research. A common change was to simply 
attach the device to a glove rather than build 
a gauntlet. While not dangerous the change 
somewhat compromises the sense of touch 
on the worn hand. Another, common, but 
more serious change was to use vibration 
motors even though research showed the 
possibility of numbness and nerve damage 
from doing so.
From the perspective of the individual 
builders these changes made sense since 
they simplify the construction. However, we 
were surprised that makers would so easily 
disregard the research and benefi ts of the 
design. 
While it is impossible to know exactly 
how many people have chosen to build or 
use the device we collected feedback from 
the 23 builders who contacted us to share 
their product. 
• Total devices built: 23
• Devices changed from the design: 23 
(100%)
• Device changes contraindicated by 
research:  6 (26%)
• Builders who shared improvements: 7 
(30%)
• Users who found the device useful: 20 
(87%)
Results
In general we consider the project a 
success. We produced plans for a device that 
when properly built is a small fraction of the 
price of similar devices.  In sharing the plans 
we found that many people were introduced 
to a new class of accessibility devices that 
they were unable to have before. Finally 
by incorporating improvements from the 
community a higher quality device was the 
result. Unique, custom devices were created 
to serve the needs of the individual.
The main drawback of the project is that 
the devices can be built in ways that might 
endanger the user.  While we went to lengths 
to explain the safety of certain features there 
is no way to prevent someone from ignoring 
them when they build their own device. 
We are now working on a second version 
of the project that will possibly be produced 
as a kit. The kit will be much easier to build, 
allowing the devices to get ‘on the hands of’ 
more people who need them, discouraging 
those who would take possibly troublesome 
short cuts, but allowing those who want to 
customise the design to do so.
While the results are not exclusively 
positive, we think Open Hardware assistive 
devices, if carefully designed, provide much 
more help than harm and we will continue to 
develop the concept further. 
References
Calder, D. J. (2009). Assistive technology 
interfaces for the blind. 2009 3rd IEEE 
International Conference on Digital 
Ecosystems and Technologies, 318-323. 
Ieee. Retrieved from http://ieeexplore.
i e e e . o rg / l p d o c s / e p i c 0 3 / w r a p p e r.
htm?arnumber=5276752
Lundborg, G., Dahlin, L. B., Hansson, H. 
A., Kanje, M., & Necking, L. E. (1990). 
Vibration exposure and peripheral nerve 
fi ber damage. The Journal of Hand 
Surgery, 15(2), 346-351.
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility •Volume 4, Number 1, 201198
Moxon, R., Allison, A., & England, G. C. 
W. (2010). Effect of ultrasonic devices 
on the distraction behavior of guide dogs. 
International Journal of Orientation & 
Mobility, 3(1), 27-31. 
OSHW Defi nition Committee. (2011). Open 
Source Hardware (OSHW) Defi nition 1.0. 
Retrieved from http://freedomdefi ned.
o r g / O S H W # O p e n _ S o u r c e _
Hardware_.28OSHW.29_Defi nition_1.0
Steve Hoefer is a technologist and founder of Grathio 
Labs.: 21611 Killdeer Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401, 
USA; web: http://grathio.com/tacit ; e-mail: < steve@
grathio.com>.


Developing an Open Source Sonar Navigation Device

Ward, B.Sc., M.Spec.Ed., Katherine

Peirce, Grad.Dip., M.HSc., O&M, Kerry

International Journal of Orientation & Mobility • Volume 3, Number 1, 201036
A Client Driven Information 
Resource for Second Time Guide 
Dog Applicants
Katherine Ward and Kerry Peirce
A need was identifi ed to enhance the service to clients of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT who 
were in the transition from their fi rst 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 fi rst 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.
Introduction
The transition from one guide dog to 
another has long been acknowledged as 
a challenging process (Gosling, 2009; 
Schneider, 2005). Nicholson, Kemp-
Wheeler, and Griffi ths (1995) extensively 
examined the grief associated with the 
loss and the impact on subsequent training 
following the end of a guide dog partnership. 
Lloyd, Budge, Stafford, and La Grow (2009) 
went further in identifying the phenomenon 
of “Second Dog Syndrome”. Second Dog 
Syndrome relates to the transition from 
the fi rst to second guide dog as having 
the greatest impact on guide dog users in 
comparison to subsequent transitions. In 
fact, according to those authors, handlers 
had inferior relationships with their second 
dogs. Following this, and based on the 
experience of instructors at Guide Dogs 
NSW/ACT, it was believed that there was 
a need for better support for guide dogs 
users throughout the transition to the second 
guide dog. While it has been the practice of 
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to prepare clients 
for this transition throughout the assessment 
process, it was believed that guide dog users 
did not necessarily grasp the full emotional 
and practical implications inherent in 
the process. Guide dog users who have 
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility • Volume 3, Number 1, 2010 37
undergone this transition in the previous 
three years were identifi ed and surveyed in a 
range of areas. This project then, produced a 
resource for clients to assist in the transition 
from fi rst to second guide dog based on the 
feedback obtained in the survey. 
The study’s aim was to produce a resource 
package audio format via a CD resource 
for people making the transition from their 
fi rst to second guide dog. The content of 
the resource refl ected a combination of 
guide dog users’ feedback obtained from the 
survey and from instructor experience. By 
including audio interviews from individuals 
who recently trained with their second guide 
dog, it was anticipated that those listening 
to the CD would make a greater connection 
with the information it contained. Clients 
of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT who are 
contemplating retirement of their fi rst guide 
dog or who are applying for their second are 
to be issued with the CD resource.
Methodology 
A questionnaire was designed and 
circulated to professional staff at Guide 
Dogs NSW/ACT and to a Consultant 
Bereavement Counsellor for feedback. 
Participants included 16 Orientation and 
Mobility (O&M) (Guide Dog) instructors 
and 53 O&M instructors. Feedback from 
these groups was incorporated into the fi nal 
questionnaire.
From the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT 
database, eligible participants were identifi ed 
based on the following criteria. Individuals 
who were: (i) currently working their second 
guide dog and (ii) trained with a second dog 
in the three years ending 30 June 2009.
Twenty clients were identifi ed and 
invited to participate in the study. Seventeen 
participated, comprising seven males 
and 10 females. It was believed that 
earlier training may not have provided 
an accurate recollection of the transition 
and subsequent training experience. The 
survey was conducted by experienced
O&M (Guide Dog) instructors by telephone. 
Verbal consent was obtained at the time of 
the interview, written consent was then 
obtained from all participants prior to 
inclusion of data. Participants were also 
given the opportunity to provide additional 
(qualitative) information about their 
experiences.   
Data were analysed and a draft resource 
was developed. Feedback was provided by 
the Consultant Bereavement Counsellor and 
professional staff at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. 
Ten of the 17 guide dog users interviewed 
were invited to contribute audio interviews 
for inclusion in the CD resource. Their 
selection was based on the qualitative 
feedback given during initial interviews. All 
10 participated and all 10 interviews were 
incorporated in the resource. 
The CD resource was professionally 
recorded and guide dog users’ audio 
contributions were interspersed throughout 
to further support and enhance the 
information.
Results and Discussion
Review of the survey response identifi ed 
a number of issues that respondents found 
diffi cult or challenging about the retirement, 
transition, and subsequent training process. 
All participants expressed having had either 
a good or excellent experience with their fi rst 
guide dog. Participants were asked about 
the reasons for retiring their fi rst dog. The 
majority of dogs were retired for age-related 
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility • Volume 3, Number 1, 201038
poor health (59%). The remainder had 
become too slow in their work (41%) and 
24% of respondents believed in conjunction 
with these reasons, that the dog had reached 
the end of its working life.
Nicholson et al. (1995) asserted that 
guide dog users believe that the retirement 
and retraining process had an impact on the 
progress and subsequent bonding during 
training with their second guide dog. 
This assertion is supported by instructor 
experience. A majority of participants 
reported being “really sad” (76%) about the 
decision to retire their fi rst dog. Participants 
were able to select from a number of 
feelings, 41% were “resigned”, 41%
were “accepting”, and 29% felt “guilty” 
about the retirement.
Of the participants interviewed, a 
majority kept the retired guide dog as a pet 
(65%) and the remainder completed their 
retirement with family and friends (24%), 
or were otherwise re-homed (11%). All 
participants reported being comfortable 
with the arrangements that had been made 
for the dogs’ retirement. Guide Dogs
NSW/ACT strongly encourages that 
decision to be made by the guide dog
user. Understandably, of those who kept 
the retired guide dog as a pet, half of the 
participants reported they had felt guilty 
about leaving the retired dog at home
while out working with their second dog.
The authors, based on their experience 
as instructors, were aware that guide dog 
users often delay the decision to retire their 
guide dog for as long as possible. However, 
the majority of participants surveyed (82%) 
were happy with the timing of retirement 
once the decision had been made. Further, 
94% were happy with the timing of training 
for their second dog.
In an attempt to discover participants’ 
expectations and insights, questions about 
training with the second dog were asked 
(retrospectively). More than half (65%) had 
different expectations of their second dog 
in comparison to their fi rst, and 53% found 
training with their second dog emotionally 
diffi cult. However, 59% did not fi nd the 
technical aspects of training challenging. All 
participants reported understanding the ways 
that training with their second dog would 
impact on their day to day life. Respondents 
were aware of the initial restrictions in travel 
and the need to devote time to their young 
dog. 
All those surveyed had worked their 
fi rst dog for a minimum of four years with 
the majority working their dogs for 8-10 
years. Self-perceived changes in levels of 
fi tness since training with their fi rst guide 
dog was an issue for about half of the 
participants (53%). For some participants, 
their self-perceived fi tness had improved as 
a result of consistently walking with their 
fi rst dog. A minority of respondents (29%) 
found training with their second dog more 
physically demanding and 35% found it 
required greater concentration.
During the period of time since training 
with their fi rst guide dog, 59% of participants 
reported a change in their vision. Of these 
participants 50% reported that they were 
less able to visually support their second 
dog and 80% believed that this had impacted 
the progress of their training. For many 
participants this issue meant a change from 
travelling visually to travelling tactually and 
highlighted the importance of providing 
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility • Volume 3, Number 1, 2010 39
additional support and training to applicants 
in this position. 
Throughout the questionnaire, 
participants were given opportunities to 
provide comments. Following the analysis 
of the data some unexpected results were 
obtained. Many participants reported 
being surprised at just how different the 
second dog was from the fi rst with regard 
to its temperament. Participants reported an 
expectation that the dogs would have greater 
similarities for example, “after all, the fi rst 
dog was a Labrador and so is the second”. 
Other attributes such as size, speed, and gait 
were mentioned as obvious differences that 
may not have been anticipated. 
This outcome was somewhat unexpected 
by instructors and highlighted the need 
to include more detailed dog-specifi c 
information to broaden knowledge. 
Challenges specifi c to young and 
inexperienced dogs, temperamental 
differences and management of displacement 
behaviours were also highlighted by 
respondents. While it is recognised that 
second time guide dog users have valuable 
dog handling experience, the results highlight 
the need for handlers to remain fl exible to 
learning new skills and possibly to learning 
a variety of approaches to accommodate the 
dog’s sensitivities. 
Changes in vision were overwhelmingly 
reported by respondents, with 80% reporting 
that the change in vision impacted upon 
their ability to support the new dog. A 
more effective way of communicating the 
potential for challenges during the transition 
period is integral to successful retraining 
outcomes. 
Instructor experience suggested that 
people making the transition from the fi rst 
to second guide dog did not have a thorough 
understanding of the retraining process. 
However, all respondents reported they 
understood the practical limitations with 
regard to travel routes and the time required 
to support the new dog during initial training. 
These factors supported a conclusion that the 
transition process is inherently challenging.
CD Resource Development
From results of the questionnaire, 
instructor experience, and a review of 
relevant literature, a resource was developed 
and issued to people either considering 
retirement of their fi rst guide dog or who 
had applied for a second dog. Comment 
from other professionals was sought and 
feedback was included in the fi nal resource 
package. This resource took the form of an 
audio CD and comprises a narrated script 
interspersed with interviews of 10 guide dog 
users talking about their experiences. By 
including the guide dog users, the producer’s 
aim was to have users speak to users rather 
than instructors telling users what to expect. 
This strategy will hopefully connect with 
the target audience on a more effective and 
personal level.
Topics covered in the CD include: the 
decision to retire your guide dog, the grief 
associated with this decision, where your 
dog will retire, the unique relationship with 
your fi rst guide dog, consideration of the 
second dog’s temperament and experience, 
emphasis of the skills a handler already has, 
illustration of just how different two dogs can 
be, changes in vision and the implications 
this has on mobility, importance of consistent 
handling, possibility of displacement 
behaviours in dogs and management of 
some of these behaviours, restricting travel 
International Journal of Orientation & Mobility • Volume 3, Number 1, 201040
routes initially to allow the second dog to 
settle in, format of training to suit handler’s 
needs, and changes in teaching styles and 
training techniques. 
Following the production of the CD 
resource, all eligible clients will be issued 
with the resource and included in a further 
study to determine its effectiveness in 
preparing guide dog users for the challenges 
faced during the transition period. It is 
anticipated that the questionnaire will be re-
administered in two years’ time.
Despite a thorough feedback process 
prior to commencing the survey, some of the 
questions did not elicit the type of feedback 
intended. The questions were misunderstood 
or answered with multiple answers. Prior to 
the follow-up survey, the questionnaire will 
undergo a review process including test 
questions with the aim of improving the 
clarity of the questionnaire.
Conclusion
As a result of this study and subsequent 
production of the CD resource it is 
anticipated that people undertaking the 
transition from their fi rst to second guide 
dog will be better informed of the potential 
challenges. In addition, recipients of the CD 
can feel supported by the knowledge that 
instructors at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT are 
empathetic to the emotional and practical 
challenges facing them.   
References
Gosling, J. (2009, July). Guide dog handler 
bereavement. The Visionary, 14, 12-13.
Lloyd, J. K. F., Budge, R. C., Stafford, K. 
J., & La Grow, S. J. (2009). The end 
of the partnership with a guide dog: 
Emotional response and relationships 
with subsequent dogs. Proceedings of 
the International Mobility Conference, 
Marburg, Germany.
Nicholson, J., Kemp-Wheeler, S., & Griffi ths, 
D. (1995). Distress arising from the end of 
a guide dog partnership. Anthrozoös, 8(2), 
100-110.
Schneider, K. S. (2005). The winding valley 
of grief: When a dog guide retires or 
dies. Journal of Visual Impairment & 
Blindness, 99(6), 368-370.
Acknowledgement
In order of importance:
* Beth, Dean, Don, Donna, Graeme, 
Jill, Kathryn, Leonie, Martin, and Moira; 
Larri Hayhurst, Consultant Bereavement 
Counsellor; Bruce Barnett, Audio Producer 
and Editor; Dr. John Black, Client Services 
Manager, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT; Matthew 
Walker, Orientation and Mobility (Guide 
Dog) Instructor, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT; 
Peter McKenzie, Orientation and Mobility 
(Guide Dog) Instructor, Guide Dogs NSW/
ACT; John Payne, Regional Manager and 
Orientation and Mobility (Guide Dog) 
Instructor, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
* First name only provided for privacy reasons
Katherine Ward, B.Sc., M.Spec.Ed., (Sensory 
Disability), O&M (Guide Dog) Instructor, Guide 
Dogs NSW/ACT, 2-4 Thomas Street, Chatswood, NSW 
2067, Australia; email: <kward@guidedogs.com.
au>. Kerry Peirce, Grad.Dip., (Vision Impairment), 
M.HSc., (Gerontology), O&M (Guide Dog) 
Instructor, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, 2-4 Thomas Street, 
Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia; email: <kpeirce@
guidedogs.com.au>.


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