The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, established in 1946, has a straightforward mission: providing guide dogs and comprehensive training without charge to individuals who are blind or have low vision. For over 75 years, the Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing independence and mobility for those with visual impairments and other disabilities through expertly trained guide and service dogs.
Once an individual decides to apply for a guide dog, they enter an inclusive community supported by certified trainers and a rigorous curriculum. The profound bond formed between a student and their matched dog transforms everyday moments. Simple acts like crossing the street independently become empowering experiences, while solo travel turns into exciting adventures.
Why Choose the Guide Dog Foundation?
The Guide Dog Foundation distinguishes itself through small class sizes and personalized instruction. Their training programs are adept at accommodating individuals with unique needs, including those who are deaf or hearing-impaired in addition to being blind, as well as individuals with other physical challenges.
While the cost to breed, raise, train, and place a single assistance dog exceeds $50,000, the Guide Dog Foundation offers all its services free of charge to recipients. This is made possible through generous donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and community organizations.
This commitment to providing guide dogs without cost relies heavily on the support of donors. The Guide Dog Foundation emphasizes fiscal responsibility, ensuring that donations are used effectively to advance its core mission. The impact of a guide or assistance dog is significant, granting individuals with disabilities newfound independence and dignity, allowing them to live without limitations. The true cost for a guide dog is priceless.
The services that the Guide Dog Foundation provides are entirely free to the blind or visually impaired person. The Foundation covers all costs, including the initial breeding, raising, extensive training, and placement of the dog with its handler.
This includes the initial training period where the individual and their guide dog learn to work together as a team. The Foundation provides ongoing support and resources to ensure the partnership remains successful over the dog’s working life.
This financial support comes entirely from donations made by individuals, corporations, foundations, and community organizations. The Guide Dog Foundation does not receive any government funding. Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to their ability to continue providing these life-changing services free of charge.
The impact of a guide dog on a blind or visually impaired person’s life cannot be overstated. They provide increased independence, mobility, and companionship, enabling individuals to live fuller and more active lives.
For those interested in learning more about the Guide Dog Foundation’s history, you can CLICK HERE.
