A DeafBlind Student and His Service Dog Blog Their Ireland Experience

Jason Corning, who has been legally deafblind since birth, enjoys traveling with his service dog, Spencer. Along with 32 of Jason's classmates, they journeyed to Ireland, the site of a three-week course on Irish culture. The faculty-led program through the University of Wisconsin included classes in Communications, International Marketing, and Business Law at the University College Dublin. Jason's blog includes photos of his adventures and observations in Ireland. Many of his entries comment on Ireland's accessibility to people with disabilities.

"People in Ireland really respect guide dogs. I noticed there is disability parking, but the buildings are very old and not accessible for wheelchairs. They are very friendly people and are willing to help when needed."

In regards to what it was like to travel with a service dog, Jason wrote:

"I really enjoyed this trip and Spencer was a very good boy. He didn’t get a day off except the day we went to the beach. He enjoyed this trip too and didn’t seem to have any problems."

Spencer even has his own blog, which includes information about his expenses, care, and his "impressions" of Ireland's acceptance of service animals.

Jason has made several achievements following his study abroad experience in Ireland. Besides earning his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, he and four other accomplished youth who are deafblind traveled to the White House and met President Obama. Jason also plans to pursue a master's degree at George Washington University.  

Read more on Jason's Ireland Journey Journal and Spencer's Page.