Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc.
| GENERAL INFORMATION | |
| Address | 371 East Jericho Turnpike Smithtown, NY 11787 |
| Phone | 1-866-282-8047 (631) 930-9000 |
| Fax | (631) 930-9075 |
| info@GuideDog.org | |
| Website | www.GuideDog.org |
| MEMBERSHIPS | |
| International Federation of Guide Dog Schools | YES |
| Council of United States Dog Guide Schools | YES |
| PROGRAM OPTIONS, FACILITIES AND SPECIAL SERVICES | |
| How many teams, on average, does the program graduate annually? | 78 |
| What is the instructor to student ratio for most classes? | 1 instructor to 2 students |
| What is the duration (days/weeks) of your school's training program for first-time guide dog handlers? | 14 DAYS (12 DAYS OF TRAINING WITH A TRAVEL DAY AT EACH END) |
| For how many days/weeks must previous graduates of your program re-train to receive successor dogs? | 14 DAYS (12 DAYS OF TRAINING WITH A TRAVEL DAY AT EACH END) |
| How many days/weeks must handlers who are new to your program, but who are previous graduates of other schools, train with you to receive a successor guide? | 14 DAYS (12 DAYS OF TRAINING WITH A TRAVEL DAY AT EACH END) |
| Training program offers in-home training for any student who requests it | NO |
| Training program offers in-home training for re-train students ONLY | YES |
| Training program offers facility-based training | YES |
| Training program offers a combination of facility-based and home-based training | YES |
| Training program offers a combination of facility-based and home-based training for re-train students only | NO |
| Policy for students requiring transportation | PROVIDES SCHOOL-SUBSIDIZED TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM TRAINING |
| Can the program accommodate non-English Speakers? | NO |
| Provides some on-site medical services for students in training, including a school nurse | YES |
| Residential facility provides meals for students with special dietary considerations | YES, FOR MEDICAL NEEDS & FOR VEGETARIANS |
| Amenities for students on campus include private rooms | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include phones in student rooms | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include computers adapted with accessible technology | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include wireless internet access in student rooms | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include wireless internet access in common areas | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include laundry facilities | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include microwave and/or coffee maker in a common area | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include non-smoking public areas (such as dining & lounge facilities) | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include Amenities for students on campus include non-smoking student rooms | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include special areas designated for smoking | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include musical instruments | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include library of materials in accessible formats | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include TV/stereo in common areas | YES |
| Amenities for students on campus include exercise equipment | YES |
| A photo or video tour of the facility is available online | YES |
| APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS/APPLICATION PROCESS | |
| Are application, contracts and other materials in an accessible format? | BRAILLE/LARGE PRINT/AUDIO/DIGITAL/ONLINE |
| Can forms be completely filled in online? | YES |
| For a first-time handler, how long is the average wait for a dog (including the time from your receipt of the application, to acceptance, to the student's class date)? | 3 MONTHS TO A YEAR (UNLESS THEY ARE WHEELCHAIR USERS OR HAVE ALLERGIES REQUIRING A POODLE) |
| What is the average wait for returning students seeking a successor dog (from submission of the re-train application to a class date)? | 3 TO 6 MONTHS. THEY ARE GIVEN PRIORITY. |
| Qualified applicants include people who are “legally blind” | YES |
| Qualified applicants include only blind/visually impaired people with little or no functional vision | YES |
| Qualified applicants include blind/visually impaired people who require a dog to work on their right side | YES |
| Qualified applicants include visually impaired people who are hard of hearing or deaf | YES |
| Qualified applicants include people with little or no functional vision who are hard of hearing or deaf | YES |
| Qualified applicants include blind/visually impaired people who walk with a support cane | YES |
| Qualified applicants include blind/visually impaired people who use motorized wheelchairs | YES |
| Qualified applicants include blind/visually impaired people who use manual wheelchairs | NO |
| Upper or lower age limits? | 16 YEARS OF AGE MINIMUM, NO MAXIMUM |
| Require applicants to demonstrate O&M proficiency before training with a dog | YES, O&M SKILLS ARE REQUIRED AND WE ASSESS THIS IN OUR ADMISSION PROCESS |
| Is pre-class O&M training offered to fulfill your O&M requirements | NO |
| As part of the assessment process, home interviews are required | YES |
| As part of the assessment process, phone interviews are used | YES |
| As part of the assessment process, applicant-submitted videos are reviewed to assess qualification | YES |
| As part of the assessment process, character references are required to be submitted on the applicant's behalf | YES |
| As part of the assessment process, documentation of a disability & a physician's exam are required | YES |
| As part of the assessment process, an ophthalmologist report is required | YES |
| As part of the assessment process, a mobility report is required | YES |
| as part of the assessment process, a student must sign the code of conduct | YES |
| what can a student expect to be covered during an in-home interview | LIFESTYLE, ACTIVITY LEVEL, PACE AND PULL, NEEDS AND PREFERENCES |
| Are there any physical or psychological conditions which would make an applicant’s acceptance unlikely | CONVICTED OF A SEXUAL CRIME, OTHER ISSUES REVIEWED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS |
| Upon acceptance to the program, what informational materials do applicants receive prior to class? (i.e., training lecture notes, information on what to bring, contact information, etc.) | LIST OF COMMANDS, WHAT TO BRING, DAILY SCHEDULE |
| At what point in the application process is the contract between school and student provided? | PRIOR TO TRAINING, "WORKING WITH US & OUR DOGS" AGREEMENT. AT THE CONCLUSION OF TRAINING, "OWNERSHIP/CUSTODY" CONTRACT |
| Is the contract provided to the student in an accessible format prior to signing? | IT IS READ OUT LOUD. COPIES MAY BE PROVIDED IN ACCESSIBLE FORMATS UPON REQUEST |
| APPLICATION DENIALS | |
| If an applicant is denied, is detailed rationale for the decision provided to the applicant? | NO |
| Is there an appeal process available to the applicant denied acceptance? | YES |
| Is there an in-person meeting with the applicant to discuss the reasons pertaining to denial? | NO |
| Is there an opportunity for a review of the application, if issues are rectified? | YES |
| INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS & DUTIES | |
| To become qualified as an instructor for our school, a candidate must complete an in-house apprenticeship program | 3 YEARS |
| To become qualified as an instructor for our school, a candidate must meet governmentally mandated requirements for licensure | YES |
| To become qualified as an instructor for our school, a candidate must have prior work experience as a guide dog instructor | YES |
| To become qualified as an instructor for our school, a candidate must have prior dog training experience | YES |
| To become qualified as an instructor for our school, a candidate must have experience or a degree in orientation and mobility instruction | NOT MANDATORY, BUT PREFERRED |
| The testing used in the instructor training process complies with standards specific to the program | YES |
| The testing used in the instructor training process complies with state mandated standards | YES |
| The testing used in the instructor training process complies with standards set by the international federation of guide dog schools | YES |
| All instructors undergo a blindfold-living experience | YES |
| All instructors do some work in the field with graduates in the home environment | YES |
| Field instructors are permanently assigned to specific regions | YES |
| BREEDING & SELECTION | |
| Breeds trained for guide work | LABRADOR RETRIEVERS (INCLUDING LAB/GOLDEN CROSSES) - 75% |
| GOLDEN RETRIEVERS - 15% | |
| OTHER BREEDS INCLUDING HERDING BREEDS & STANDARD POODLES - 10% | |
| Dogs are obtained for training as guides by in-house breeding | YES |
| Dogs are obtained for training as guides by purchase from commercial breeders | NO |
| Dogs are obtained for training as guides by donation | NO |
| Dogs are obtained for training as guides by exchange with other guide dog schools | YES |
| Donated dogs are obtained from other guide dog training programs | YES |
| Donated dogs are obtained from cryogenics/artificial insemination or other high-tech means | YES |
| Donated dogs are obtained from commercial breeders | NO |
| Donated dogs are obtained from private parties | NO |
| Is a licensed veterinarian on staff? | YES |
| Is there a degreed geneticist on staff or used for cusultation in the breeding department? | NO, BUT THE PROGRAM UTILIZES GENETICISTS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS |
| PUPPY SOCIALIZATION/ASSESSMENT | |
| Contact between puppy raiser and graduate | WE ENCOURAGE CONTACT BETWEEN THE RAISER AND GRADUATE AND FACILITATE SUCH CONTACT |
| Some puppy raiser-provided information about the dog is passed along to the handler during training | YES |
| Communications between graduates & puppy raisers can be passed along by request | YES |
| Contact between puppy raiser and graduate is discouraged for a prescribed period of time after graduation | YES |
| Puppy socialization/assessment program includes school-organized raiser groups | NO |
| Puppy socialization/assessment program includes 4H club members | NO |
| Puppy socialization/assessment program includes adult volunteers | YES |
| Puppy socialization/assessment program includes youth volunteers | YES |
| Puppy socialization/assessment program includes school-screened applicants | NO |
| Puppy socialization/assessment program includes selected residents of correctional facilities who are part of an organized program | YES |
| Puppy socialization/assessment program includes school staff members | YES |
| Puppy socialization/assessment program includes other: | STUDENTS AT THE COLLEGE LEVEL |
| Participants in the puppy raising program are not subject to formal guidelines from the school. | NO |
| The puppy raising program is formally organized with a puppy raising manual that sets out specific guidelines for raisers to follow | YES |
| Participants in the school's puppy raising/socialization program must attend regular meetings | YES |
| Periodic assessment takes place to insure that participants in the program regularly and strictly adhere to established procedures for puppy raising/socialization | YES |
| Raisers are responsible for teaching basic obedience to the puppies. | YES |
| Raisers are responsible for making sure puppies learn appropriate house behaviors | YES |
| How frequently are puppies evaluated by school approved staff or volunteers? | ALL OF OUR PUPPIES MUST BE SEEN BY APPROVED STAFF OR VOLUNTEERS AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH – MORE IF NEEDED |
| Dog aggression may cause a puppy to be dropped from training | YES |
| Aggression toward people may cause a puppy to be dropped from training | YES |
| Regular relieving accidents may cause a puppy to be dropped from training | YES |
| Fear of loud noises may cause a puppy to be dropped from training | YES |
| Pronounced fear reactions to environmental stimuli may cause a puppy to be dropped from training | YES |
| Fear of a jacket or harness may cause a puppy to be dropped from training | YES |
| Health screening for puppies includes a complete physical exam performed by a veterinarian | YES |
| Health screening for puppies includes screening for skeletal problems including hip and elbow dysplasia | YES |
| Health screening for puppies includes screening for common chronic conditions that could necessitate ongoing treatment or medication for the dog | YES |
| Average length of time that a puppy is placed with a puppy raiser | 14 MONTHS |
| Average age of a puppy when formal guide training is begun | 16-18 MONTHS |
| How are dogs housed during formal guide training? | KENNELED AT FACILITY |
| In what type of kenneling are the dogs housed during the training period | INDOOR KENNELS |
| TRAINING AND STANDARDS FOR GUIDE WORK | |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be house broken | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will have been trained to behave well in public, e.g. no barking or stealing food. | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will exhibit no aggression toward people or other animals | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will respond to basic obedience commands | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will disobey the handler's commands when it would be unsafe to comply (intelligent disobedience) | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to work safely in traffic | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to safely negotiate “traffic checks” | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to work in a variety of street crossing settings | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to stop reliably at changes in elevation, i.e. steps, curbs and drop-offs | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to avoid or indicate obstacles reliably | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to avoid or indicate overhead obstacles reliably | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to reliably turn left, right or to move forward on the hand signal from the handler | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to reliably turn left, right or to move forward on the verbal command of the handler | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to ride escalators | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to safely navigate revolving doors with its handler | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to follow members of the public when commanded to do so by the handler | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to enter, exit and ride quietly in passenger cars or other vehicles | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to enter, exit and ride quietly on buses | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to enter, exit and ride quietly on subways, light rail systems or passenger trains and to safely navigate elevated platforms | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will have been exposed to security checkpoints such as those found in airports | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will have been trained in urban environments | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will have been trained in small towns or suburbia | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will have been trained in rural environments | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will have been trained to guide safely along roads with no sidewalks or footpaths | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will have been trained to work in environments such as university campuses or shopping malls where there are multiple locations which must be accessed via nonlinear pathways | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to reliably retrieve dropped items for the handler | NO |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to locate some specific objects/landmarks on command | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to reliably come when called while off leash | YES |
| Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog will be trained to formally guide on leash | YES |
| How long (number of hours of actual training) is formal guide work training for dogs? | APPROX. 60 HOURS |
| What is the average age of the dog at the time it is assigned to a handler? | 1.5 TO 2 YEARS |
| We use treats with the dogs to reinforce desired behaviors | YES |
| We use clickers with the dogs to reinforce desired behaviors | YES |
| We use verbal encouragement with the dogs to reinforce desired behaviors | YES |
| We use traditional correction-based training methods | YES |
| Are the dogs tested by instructors under blindfold | YES, ALL DOGS ARE TESTED BY INSTRUCTORS UNDER BLINDFOLD |
| Information gathered from our application process is used to match a student with a dog | YES |
| Instructors contact the incoming student by telephone prior to class to discuss issues relating to the match | YES |
| Instructors assess a student for a suitable match when that student arrives in class | YES |
| When a student begins class, our instructors continue to assess that student for a suitable match | YES |
| Students test walk a few dogs prior to the match to assist in the matching process | NO |
| The class instructors meet to discuss and formalize dog matches prior to issuing dogs to students | YES |
| The student and instructors periodically meet during training to discuss the viability of the match | YES |
| Are guide dogs trained to do tasks other than guide work for individuals with multiple disabilities? | YES |
| What types of tasks can be included in a dog's training? | HEARING ALERTS FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING, BRACING AND STABILITY FOR PHYSICAL NEEDS, SEIZURE RESPONSE, RETRIEVAL COMMANDS, DOOR OPENING/CLOSING COMMANDS, WHEELCHAIR GUIDE. SERVICE DOGS OTHER THAN GUIDE DOGS CAN BE TRAINED IN PTSD TRIGGER SKILLS |
| In the past two years, what was the percentage of dogs that were returned within a year of being placed with a handler? | NO COMMENT |
| What types of traffic checks are used in classes? | COMBINATION OF STAGED AND NATURALLY OCCURRING |
| Are quiet cars included in traffic check training? | NO, BUT WE TURN OFF THE CAR'S ENGINE AND DO A SILENT ROLL BACK |
| View on GPS Products for Students | WE DON’T ENCOURAGE OR DISCOURAGE THE USE OF A GPS BUT IF A STUDENT USES ONE, WE WILL WORK WITH THEM |
| GRADUATE SERVICES | |
| Policy on home-based instructional follow-up | IN-HOME INSTRUCTIONAL FOLLOW-UP IS AVAILABLE FOR OUR GRADUATES THROUGHT THE US AND CANADA, INCLUDING CALIFORNIA |
| At-home instructional follow-up upon graduate request is provided within | A FEW WEEKS OF THE REQUEST |
| instructors are available during office hours to answer graduates’ questions immediately | YES. NOTE: THIS IS NOT LIMITED TO INSTRUCTORS – OUR CANINE CARE TEAM, CONSUMER SERVICES OFFICE STAFF, AND ALUMNI COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS |
| An instructor returns a graduate's phone call for advice/assistance on a same-day basis | NO |
| An instructor returns a graduate's phone call for advice/assistance within a few days | YES |
| Are vet staff available during business hours to speak with graduates regarding health concerns they have about their guides? | YES |
| School veterinarians available to consult with a graduate’s local vet as necessary | YES |
| Counseling staff are available to speak with graduates regarding stressful or difficult issues concerning their handler-dog partnership | YES. THIS IS THE MAJOR ROLE OF THE ALUMNI COUNCIL AND ALSO CONSUMER SERVICES OFFICE STAFF |
| There is a program for placing retired guides with screened volunteers | NO |
| A dog is first offered back to its raiser and then to screened applicants from our waiting list, if necessary | YES |
| Assistance is offered for help finding a home for a retired guide if a graduate has no other option | YES |
| If a graduate requests, can the school offer kennel services for a guide? | YES |
| Other than the harness, collar and leash, are graduates sent home with other supplies? | YES, DOG BOWL, BRUSH, NYLABONE, TAGS, TIE DOWN, 2 ID CARDS, AND COUPON OR SMALL BAG OF DOG FOOD |
| Does the school have dog supplies available for purchase by the students? | YES |
| Are the dogs chipped and registered by the school? | YES |
| POST-TRAINING POLICIES | |
| Upon completion of training, ownership consists of | THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE COMPLETING TRAINING WILL RECEIVE FULL OWNERSHIP UPON COMPLETION. SOME PEOPLE HOWEVER WILL RECEIVE CUSTODY WITH THE OPTION TO APPLY FOR FULL OWNERSHIP AFTER A DESIGNATED PERIOD. THE DECISION TO GRANT CUSTODY VERSUS OWNERSHIP IS EXTREMELY INDIVIDUAL AND IS BASED ON GIVING THOSE WITH A PREVIOUS HISTORY OF RISK THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE SUCCESSFUL WITH A GUIDE DOG WHILE PROTECTING THE SCHOOL'S INVESTMENT IN THE TEAM |
| In cases of proven dog-abuse, the school retains the right to remove the dog from a graduate’s home | NO |
| In cases of proven dog-abuse, the school works with Animal Control or other appropriate agencies to remove the dog from the home | YES |
| The school expects that civil authorities will deal directly with the handler to resolve situations of proven dog-abuse | NO |
| The school retains the right to remove a dog from a graduate in cases where the training staff deems the working team to be unsafe | YES |
| The school retains the right to remove a dog from a graduate in cases where the school determines the handler’s home environment to be unsafe | YES |
| Once a dog is issued, the school does not involve itself in attempting to remove a dog under any circumstances | NO |
| The graduate owns the dog's work-related equipment upon graduation | NO |
| The school retains ownership of the dog's work-related equipment | YES |
| The school reserves the right to remove the harness in cases where the training staff deems the team to be unsafe | YES |
| The school requests that the harness be returned to them upon retirement of the guide | YES |
| If replacement equipment is needed by a graduate of the program, the graduate will be referred to vendors from whom they can purchase the needed equipment | NO |
| If replacement equipment is needed by a graduate of the program, the school provides replacement equipment free of charge to its graduates | YES |
| Graduates are offered an annual stipend for veterinary care throughout the working career of the dog. | NO. BUT GRADUATES ARE OFFERED A ONE-TIME STIPEND. |
| Graduates who keep their retired guides are offered an annual veterinary care stipend to use throughout that dog’s entire life. | NO |
| The school covers the cost of veterinary care for a specified period of time | NO |
| The School does not offer the graduate financial assistance for veterinary care | NO |
| Heartworm and flea and tick preventative medications are offered to graduates free of charge (or the cost is reimbursed) | YES. CURRENTLY FLEA AND TICK PREVENTATIVE MEDICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE NOTE: FREE MEDICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO DONATION AND MAY NOT ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE |
| Heartworm and flea and tick preventative medications are offered to graduates at reduced cost | YES. |
| The dog’s food is offered to graduates at reduced cost through the school | NO |
| The school offers loans or grants to assist graduates with vet costs if need be | YES |
| The school assists graduates experiencing financial difficulties in finding organizations that might offer them funding for veterinary costs | NO |
| Upon completion of training the school has a graduation ceremony | YES |
| Upon completion of training first-time graduates are treated to a dinner to celebrate completion of the program | NO |
| Upon completion of training graduates receive a packet of materials about their dog, their training, and about their access rights | YES |
| Upon completion of training exit interviews are conducted during which graduates are encouraged to comment on their in-class experience | YES |
| If a graduate wishes to share feedback about the program with the school, there is a process in place to allow graduates to comment on school programs and policies | YES |
| The school has a Graduate Council | YES |
| The school sponsors an email list for graduates and those interested in the school | YES |
| The school keeps ongoing communication with its graduates, informing them of program news and/or innovations, using its website as well as school newsletters | YES |
| A booklet containing access laws for the U.S. and Canada is provided | YES |
| A card that is printed with the access laws for their home region is provided | NO |
| The school has staff available to assist graduates in advocating for their access rights and to help them educate the public about the working dog-handler team | YES |
| The school has videos and written materials available to educate the public about the guide dog handlers’ civil rights | YES |
| The school shares information with students about advocacy organizations, such as Guide Dog Users, Inc. (an advocacy organization which assists handlers in advocating for their access rights, and in educating the public about the guide dog-handler team) | YES |
| Is there a person on staff who is a blind or visually impaired graduate of your program available to offer support to those in class as well as those already out in the field? | YES |
| Is bereavement and retirement support offered? | YES |
| Are any self-guided online or telephonic post-graduation learning opportunities provided? | YES. WE HAVE A QUARTERLY CONFERENCE CALL TO INFORM AND EDUCATE OUR GRADUATES ABOUT TOPICS OF INTEREST |
| Qualified graduates serve on the school's Board of Directors | YES |
| Qualified graduates are employed at the school | YES |
| Graduates of your program volunteer on behalf of your program | YES |
| The school has a program that offers graduates opportunities to speak about the school and their guide dog related experiences in their local areas | YES |
| The school has an alumnus council or association | YES |
| The school has a mentoring or buddy program, matching an experienced student with a new student. | YES |
| Graduates are offered the opportunity to raise funds for the school by participating in school-sponsored activities or programs | YES |
