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Advocate For The Blind Champions Training, Education

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By LAURA FRAZIER

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: December 31, 2008

PALM RIVER - Marion Gwizdala, 53, has keen insight into the day-to-day challenges faced by the blind.

Gwizdala - a Palm River resident who at age 17 lost his sight due to a hereditary condition - is an outspoken advocate for the blind. As president of the East Hillsborough chapters of the National Association of Guide Dogs and National Federation of the Blind, he champions training, education and opportunities for the visually impaired.

The guide dog group assists people such as Gwizdala who use canine companions as mobility tools. He said there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to use his 12-year-old collie shepherd, Louiza, or his white cane to navigate public places.

"A guide dog can see an obstacle in front of you and maneuver around it, while obviously with a cane you have to come in contact with the object," he said.

There are some places, however, that clearly call for a cane.

"If I'm going to a crowded concert, I'd rather leave my dog home for six hours," he said. "I don't want to take a chance that someone might step on her and break her foot."

Many blind people avoid bringing their guide dog when dining out and instead opt for the cane, Gwizdala said. Although Florida law allows service animals to accompany their handlers virtually anywhere, he said a surprising number of public places - particularly restaurants - proclaim "no dogs allowed."

"Some establishments think they're an exception to the law," he said.

Confrontations about service animals in public places occur less frequently each year, Gwizdala said. He believes that's because organizations such as his make public awareness and education a focus.

"We'd rather educate than litigate," he said. "But if we have to litigate, we will."

The most serious mobility problem for the blind, whether they use a canine or a cane, is motorists who refuse to yield to blind pedestrians, he said.

About two years ago while he was attempting to cross 78th Street in Palm River, an impatient driver sped past Gwizdala so close it ran over and broke his cane.

"There unfortunately is an all-too-common lack of respect for pedestrians in general."

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 657-4523.

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