Policy on Personal Devices & AI-Enabled Visual Aids
1. Purpose
To promote a safe and respectful learning environment and to limit distractions, this Policy of The Seeing Eye (“TSE”) outlines the acceptable use of personal electronic devices, including smartphones, smart glasses, and other devices with recording and artificial intelligence capabilities.
2. Definitions
“AI”: Tools or systems that use artificial intelligence to create new text, images, or other content.
“Instructors”: TSE staff members responsible for training Students.
“Personal Devices”: Smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, and other electronic devices capable of communication, recording, or internet connectivity.
“Recording Features”: Any function that captures audio, video, images, or screen activity.
“Smart Glasses”: Wearable devices (such as Meta Smart Glasses) with AI capabilities, cameras, microphones, speakers, and internet connectivity that may be able to:
- Record video and audio
- Stream live content
- Translate languages
- Provide real-time AI assistance
“Students”: TSE students participating in training with a TSE dog.
3. Policy Scope
In Scope: This Policy applies to Students and Instructors during training activities at TSE facilities in Morristown and other TSE locations in New Jersey.
Out of Scope:
- Activities other than training.
- Use of Personal Devices outside of TSE facilities in New Jersey, including TSE training at off-site locations.
Note: Laws outside of the State of New Jersey may have different requirements, including regarding recording or processing of voices, images, or other information. Before using Personal Devices for any training or other activity sponsored by TSE in an off-campus location, Instructors and Students should request further advice on any applicable guidelines or restrictions.
4. Use of Personal Devices During Training
Students are expected to remain focused on working with their dogs and participating in training activities.
Personal Devices may be used only:
- During scheduled breaks
- In emergencies
- For accessibility purposes
- When explicitly authorized by an Instructor
Students are not permitted to:
- Use smartphones or other Personal Devices during active instruction without approval
- Text, browse, or use apps while working with a TSE dog
- Engage in any use that distracts from training or creates safety risks
Unless otherwise permitted, Personal Devices should be silenced and stored securely during training.
5. Approval for Use of Smart Glasses During Training Classes with TSE Dogs
Students may use Smart Glasses during class only with prior approval from the director or senior manager.
In general, the expectation is that Students will focus on working with their dogs and may only use Smart Glasses if such use enhances or assists them with the training process.
6. Permitted Subject Matter for Recording
Students using Personal Devices with Recording Features are permitted to record only:
- Themselves
- Their dogs
- Their Instructors
Students are not permitted to record, and are required to avoid inadvertently recording, other Students or staff members other than Instructors.
This approach is designed to protect the privacy of other Students.
7. Notification of Recording
If recording is permitted:
- Recording must be visible and transparent.
- Indicator lights (if applicable) must always be on and visible and should not be blocked by hair, hats, or similar items.
- Each Student should verbally inform the Instructor before recording.
8. No Recording in Private Areas
Students are not permitted to use the recording features of Personal Devices in any area where privacy is expected, such as bathrooms and changing areas.
9. Use of AI Features
AI-enabled features may be used only if such use:
- Supports training activities or accessibility
- Does not interfere with instruction or safety
- Does not compromise the privacy of others
10. Retention of Recordings
Recordings may be retained for future reference if they are useful for the Student and otherwise should be deleted after use.
11. Limitations on Sharing of Recordings
- Students may share recordings captured on Personal Devices with their Instructors.
- Students may, at their option, agree to allow TSE to use recordings to promote public awareness of TSE’s mission and services and for other purposes.
12. Limitations on Uploading Recordings to Social Media or Other Third-Party Systems
- With prior approval of the director or a senior manager, Students may upload their own recordings to social media sites, websites, or third-party systems.
- Before requesting approval and uploading any recordings, Students must ensure the recording includes only the Student, the Student’s dog, and the Student’s Instructor.
- Any other recordings should be stored only on an individual Student’s secure system supporting use of the Personal Device.
13. Emergencies
In emergencies, Students may use Personal Devices as needed to contact emergency services or communicate urgent safety concerns.
Safety always takes precedence over general restrictions.
14. Integrity and Discipline
All Students and Instructors are expected to act ethically and responsibly at all times during TSE training.
- Unauthorized use of Personal Devices or Smart Glasses during training, and/or failure to adhere to this Policy, may result in immediate restriction of device use.
- A Student may be required to secure the device or temporarily surrender it to an Instructor for the remainder of the training session or day.
- Devices will be returned promptly at the conclusion of the applicable period.
- TSE will not access or search the contents of any Personal Device.
- TSE may take additional disciplinary action, including possible termination from the training program.
