Guide Dog Preparedness -How to know when, why and which students are ready-

Learning Objectives Required O&M skills How to prepare a student Guide dog Pros and Cons (Lifestyle impact) IGDF Standards Leader Dog Standards Researching guide dog organizations

Questions to ask yourself Is the student an independent cane traveler? Does the student have good orientation skills? Is the student able to analyze traffic patterns at a variety of intersections and cross safely? Does the student have functional residual vision? Does the student willingly travel in adverse weather? Is the student emotionally mature and psychologically stable?  Is the student capable of exercising good problem solving skills when faced with an unusual situation? Is the student cognitively and physically capable of handling and walking with a guide dog? Why does the student want a guide dog? Is the family and/or school supportive? Does the student have independent daily living skills?

Required O&M Skills •Confidence in independent travel •Good orientation & problem-solving skills •Ability to travel without relying solely on tactile feedback •Understanding of time/distance/rate •Ability to detect flat/blended curbs •Ability to analyze intersections and cross safely

How to prepare your student Practice human guide/Juno walks  Emphasize time/distance/rate Focus on non-tactile feedback (auditory cues and non-tactile landmarks ) Encourage building stamina Assist with developing routes  Refer to other professionals regarding balance/strength concerns Assist with advocating/educating the school body

Video description: Juno walk, student making correct walking right turn.

Video description: Juno walk, student making incorrect walking right turn.

Video description: Juno walk, correct curb detection

Video description: Juno walk, curb detection, stopping too early

Video description: Juno walk, street crossing

Lifestyle Impact Pros: Companionship Social interaction Navigates around obstacles Faster paced Traffic safety Cons: “Parking a dog:” Grooming Unwanted social interaction Costs associated Care Retirement/passing Long term commitment

Researching guide dog organizations What type of post-graduation home support is offered? Will the organization offer field visits to your school or college? What is the ownership policy? Is any vet care assistance provided? Is contact with puppy raisers allowed? Is there any charge for the client? What are the facilities like? Where is the organization located? What is the organization's reputation? Is the organization IGDF accredited? What other programs does the organization offer? What service models are offered? Which breeds of dogs are used?

IGDF Standards Motivation Leadership role Physical ability Functional orientation Sufficient work Vision loss that causes dependency on guide dog Hearing Positive home environment Financial capabilities

Leader Dog Additional Standards Independent self-care skills Socially appropriate behavior Solid work ethic 16 years or older Seizure free for at least 6 months Deaf/blind must know ASL

Are these students guide dog ready? Skills Analysis Are these students guide dog ready?

Video description: student approaches intersection and asks for assistance

Video description: confusion regarding orientation, requires prompts.

Video description: student unaware of location, requires prompts.

Video description: Student crossing lighted intersection

Video description: Student crossing 2 way stop intersection.

Myths or Truths? A guide dog will compensate for veering A guide dog knows when the light is green and therefore can determine when to cross at an intersection Guide dogs are perfect dogs Guide dogs don’t chase squirrels or small animals Some guide dogs are specially bred to be hypoallergenic Guide dogs protect their client There are guide dogs that fit every lifestyle

Myths or Truths? A friend can submit an application as a gift for a Leader Dog candidate All AOM clients want a guide dog Find the lasagna is a command Client must be between the ages of 16 & 85 Clients with 20/20 vision can receive a Leader Dog A client can order a home delivery online Clients receive free ownership of Leader Dog when they leave

Myths or Truths? Leader Dogs are trained to recognize Spanish commands. Clients can use Leader Dogs and wheelchairs at the same time. Each instructor trains six teams of students and dogs at one time. Autonomous robots will eventually replace Leader Dogs and canes. A Leader Dog has access to all public accommodations. Females make better Leader Dogs.

Questions?

Contact Information Christie Bane, COMS, GDMI cbane@leaderdog.org Margaret Winn, COMS margaret.winn@leaderdog.org Leslie Hoskins, COMS leslie.hoskins@leaderdog.org