Take this person out onto an area where there are no reference points such as mountains or rivers etc. At high noon would be the best. Have him drive and take around about way. Standing in the middle of this field ask him to point to north, south, east and west. Of course you would have to know the answers.
The reason for this test to see if he is directionally impaired. If he is impaired, then the job he is working for is not for him. A poor job match.
If he can identify the four directions, then he should be given all the help he needs. Call your local chapter of Dyslexia Association of America. Do a search on Google.
Since he loves working with dogs, maybe there will be a better job working with the animals.
If he cannot be trained, if you can, set him up with a job that includes working with the dogs. Dumping him would be a disaster and a waste of his abilities.
Take care and thank you for asking for our help. It shows that you are a very caring person. This is appreciated.
Date Posted:00:55:20 06/28/09 Sun
Would it be possible to have, say retired persons, volunteer as map readers and navigators by satellite phone? If the department would wear the cost, staff navigators could do the support job, or even the radio room.
Physical manoeuvres supplied by the handler, navigation by support of whatever kind.
