Malverne, NY — February 23, 2016, a new chapter of the ACB of New York was granted a charter. Guide Dog Users of the Empire State (GDUES) numbering twenty three members, becomes the ninth regional special interest chapter of the American Council of the Blind of New York. GDUES is the first guide dog user’s chapter in New York to be chartered since another group separated from the State affiliate many years ago.

“This is an exciting time for us. GDUES will fill a much needed voice at the State level,” says Annie Chiappetta, the chapter president.

Chiappetta hopes the new chapter can work on recent imposter service dog issues and legislation and become a support for guide dog users throughout the State. Guide dog users often face access issues and other barriers despite Federal laws protecting them from such discrimination.

Chiappetta says that a website will be launched in late April and the group’s Facebook page is already active.

To find out more about the American Council of the Blind of New York, go to: www.acbny.org

To view the GDUES Facebook page, click here!