Bucharest April 23-24

An opportunity for large, small and fledgling organisations to share experiences, problems and solutions

Programme of Events:

Meetings and accommodation at Athenee Palace Hilton Hotel.

Thursday, 23 April
 

15.00  - 17.00  AGM and members meeeting  (coffee, tea and snack provided)

18.30  Gala dinner organised by our conference hosts, Light into Europe for us and their  VIP guests,  4-course meal, wine, drinks and entertainment included

Friday, 24 April

09:30 – 09:35         David Adams, President, EGDF:  Welcome and opening remarks                         

09:35 – 09:45         Dr Simon Adderley, Facilitator, Birmingham University:  Intriduction to the day's programme    

09:45 – 10:15         Mark Van Gelder, President, Assistance Dogs Belgium: European identity cards for all assistance dogs

10:15 – 10:45         Dr Bob Proesmans, member IGDF Development Committee:  Current membership requirements of IGDF and the                                   work of their development committee in Europe

10:45 – 11:10         Coffee break

11:10 – 11:55         Dr Simon Adderley:  Results of survey on guide dog problems, successes, legislation and access

11:55 – 12:30         Mike Holt, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association UK:  Cities Unlocked; How Microsoft and guide dogs are using                                      sound technology to unlock cities for blind or visually impaired people

12:30 – 14:00         Lunch and dog relief

14:00 – 14:45         Dr. Anna Lawson, Professor of Law and Director of the Centre for Disability Studies:  Dismantling the barriers to                                      access -- a report on disability legislation throughout Europe

14:45 – 15:10         Alan Brooks, leading consultant on guide dog trainning: The future of blind mobility -- how large and small schools                                  can meet the challenges ahead

15:10 – 15:15         Werner Bellstedt, leading manufacturer for guide dog equipment in Germany:  Equipment for guide dogs

15:15 – 15:40         Coffee break

15:40 – 16:00         Karine Garnier, secretary, French Guide Dog User Association:  A European Charter of Rights of Assistance Dog                                    Users

16:00 – 16.20         Judith Jones, Executive Director, EGDF, and Dr Simon Adderley: EGDF research projects and programmes for 2015                              and beyond and how members  can participate

16.20 – 16.30         David Adams:  Closing remarks

Delegates free to leave or are welcome to extend their stay to explore Bucharest.  Dinner can be organised for those staying over

Saturday, 25 April

9.30 Meeting of members of EGDF Board of Directors