2536) Guide Dogs for the Visually impaired/Blind persons, French Federation of Guide Dog Associations (FFAC), France: La Poste France (French Post) has issued a Postage Stamp of 1.16 Euro highlighting the role of Guide Dogs and their rigorous training in assisting the visually impaired/Blind persons: Date of Stamp release: 26.09.2022:
For other interesting posts on honouring the work done for the blind/visually impaired persons please visit the following links:
1) A tour of Pune's Blind School and interaction with the students - a short story
2) A two-Rupee coin issued by the Indian Mints honouring Louis Braille on the occasion of his 200th Birth Anniversary in 2009 and a brief report on the Braille system
3) Canadian Institute for the Blind (CNIB): 100th Anniversary: A set of a Silver Coin of $30 and a Medallion issued by the Royal Canadian Mint on 21st March 2018
About Guide Dogs for the Visually Impaired/Blind persons:
The French Federation of Guide Dog Associations (FFAC) FFAC is a charity gathering guide dogs schools in France.
The initiators:
Paul Corteville trained the first guide dog in France in 1952 for a blind friend.
Paul Corteville was also responsible for the creation of the first School in France near Lille whilst another School was created near Nice, in the South of France, by Joseph Micoud.
The two men initiated the French Federation of Guide Dog Associations (F.F.A.C.), created in 1972.
Guide dog services delivery:
All guide dogs pass the same qualification all over France.
After a comprehensive training of 6 months or more (sometimes even two years), guide dogs are considered adequately trained to assist the visually impaired persons.
An ID card is delivered for the guide dog, allowing access everywhere.
Instructors provide an aftercare during the active life of the guide dog (between 8 and 10 years), prepare owners to retirement and allocation of a new guide dog.
Guide Dog Mobility Instructors' training in France:
Students are sent to training by the Guide Dog Schools who employ them and ensure their practical training. Each student is followed by a tutor in his School. An A-level is necessary prior to training.
The training lasts four years (2 years to become a trainer and 2 more years to become an instructor).
10 to 16 students (for all Member Schools) are currently trained per annum.
Theoretical modules take place in several specialised training centres - a dog-specialised university and the O&M Training Centre.
The curriculum includes Knowledge of Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility techniques, Canine biology and behaviour, Veterinary Care, breeding, guide dog training, social sciences, information technologies, English...
The primary aim is to provide the visually impaired persons with guide dogs as a mean for a safe independence and a better integration in society.
The French Federation of Guide Dog Associations (FFAC):
FFAC is a charity for supporting Guide Dogs Schools in France.
FFAC helps and coordinates:
- 9 main Regional Schools managing 16 training centres;
- 1 National Guide Dog Users Association (ANMCGA);
- 1 school for children and teen-agers (Fondation Frédéric GAILLANNE);
- 1 Breeding network for puppies:
- 1 National Breeding Centre (CESECAH) at Lezoux (63),
- The Puppy House at Angers (49),
- The breeding and training centre Jacques Bouniol at Buc (78).
- the Aliénor Sud-Ouest guide dog school, is currently on probation.
FFAC and FFAC members are also IGDF members. They follow a code of good practice. They exclusively live on donations and legacies.
The main objectives include:
- Help schools in their actions
- Communicate on the benefits of guide dogs
- Bring financial support to members
- Organise and pay for the vocational training of guide dog mobility instructors (state-approved since 2002)
- Organise national campaigns on guide dogs access rights
- Organise meetings with members on goods practices on different topics like accounting and social rules, fundraising, technical questions, communication, veterinary researches.
Guide dogs in France in approximate numbers:
In 2016, 222 guide dogs were trained and given to users (as opposed to 204 in 2015).
Now around 1500 qualified Guide dogs are currently working to assist the visually impaired persons.
It is estimated that around 5000 guide dogs were given since 1967.
The average age for getting a first guide dog is 52. Dogs are generally 2 years old when they are matched.
Breeding, training and matching a guide dog means a significant cost for the schools but guide dogs are given for free to the visually impaired persons.
ANMCGA and FFAC organize national lobbying to promote access for guide dogs and legal measures:
Since the 1980s ANMCGA & FFAC have been lobbying for free access in shops and public transport.
In 2002, the Federation’s training for guide dog instructors was state-certified.
In 2004-2005, the Federation took part in the preparation of the Handicap Act, which resulted in an official recognition of guide dogs and the creation of a label for guide dog schools.
In 2012-2013, FFAC carried out the first survey into guide dog accessibility and continues campaign for access for all.
In 2015, the Observatory of Guide Dogs Access (OBAC) was created to inform professionals and promote good practice.
Access rights for guide dog users:
Where can one go with his/her guide dog in France? Can he/she use public transports?
The Law of 11.02.2005 guarantees free access for guide dog users to all places and facilities open to the general public - public buildings and transports, shops, hotels, restaurants, museums, etc.
Sanitary restrictions limit access to rooms and care units in hospitals, kitchens in catering facilities, etc.
It may also be requested that guide dogs be muzzled in air transports.
The Guide Dog user can be required to show his/her disability card and carry a document identifying your dog as guide dog.
The French Federation can deliver a temporary card in French to guide dogs from IGDF Members upon request. Puppy walkers and instructors enjoy the same rights, but the legislation is relatively recent.
Free access does not mean absence of rules. One could be denied access if the Guide dog does not behave for example, runs all over the place in restaurants or on the beach, jump on the seats in taxis or sleep on one's bed in hotels. Of Course Guide Dogs are trained not to indulge in this kind of behaviour.
Sometimes, it may happen that the interlocutors are unaware of guide dogs access rights.
The best attitude is to inform them, a smile being your best advocate. Guide dogs are usually very welcome and much admired.
If negotiation with the interlocutors proves unfruitful, the Guide Dog user can also call for the police, so the infringement of his/her rights is recorded and can also report the case to the French Association of Guide Dog Users.
Refusing access to a place open to the public can also attract a fine.
The Stamp:
The Philatelic Document (PD) provides information in French about Guide Dogs and bears a cancelled stamp issued by La Poste, France.
Technical details:
Issue Date: 26.09.2022
Designer: Sophie Beaujard
Illustrator: Sophie Beaujard
Process: Heliogravure
For other interesting posts on honouring the work done for the blind/visually impaired persons please visit the following links:
1) A tour of Pune's Blind School and interaction with the students - a short story
2) A two-Rupee coin issued by the Indian Mints honouring Louis Braille on the occasion of his 200th Birth Anniversary in 2009 and a brief report on the Braille system
6) Honouring Louis Braille on the Bicentenary of his birth in 2009
Links to other posts in Metropolis Tiffany Art Coin Series:
Rajan Trikha has commented:
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DeleteRaj Kumar Srivastava has commented:
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Thank you, Raj.
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