January 2010 Visionary - International Guide Dog Federation

IGDF | UKFirst and foremost, membership of the IGDFenables Guide Dog Schools around the world tojoin a community dedicated to serving the visuallyimpaired. That community needs and wants toshare its knowledge and the IGDF facilitates that.The map below outlines the contributingcountries for this edition of Visionary.2 | the Visionary | IGDF

IGDF | UKBridget War, Chair of the IGDF, UKJohn Gosling (GDS Victoria), to definehow best to structure the assistanceneeded, ensuring consistent standardsbetween countries and continents anddrawing on the wealth of expertisewithin the IGDF membership.In parallel, a new Applicant Status isalso being introduced for thoseorganisations needing assistance indeveloping their guide dog service, asthey strive towards their ultimate goal –that of gaining full membership of theIGDF and the respect and recognitionthis brings for their work andorganisation.Two other Task Forces have been setup, with the aim of raising andimplementing standards andexchanging best practice betweenmembers around the world. Boardmember Christine Baroni Pretsch ischairing one of these groups, workingon implementing IGDF standards,spurred on by a particular challenge inGermany. Currently, health insurancecompanies in Germany frequently seekto purchase the cheapest guide dogs asmobility aids for people with sight loss.Unfortunately, in some cases, theemphasis on stretching the budgetmeans that the cheapest guide dog isn’talways trained to the high standardsexpected by the IGDF. This puts theperson with sight loss at adisadvantage, having an unreliableguide dog which potentially puts themin danger. At EU level, our partnerorganisation – the European Guide DogFederation (EGDF) – is making aninvaluable contribution in this area,campaigning to have a definition of a‘recognised’ guide dog (one trained torecognised IGDF standards by an IGDFmember) included in all new lawsA third Task Force is looking atways of recognising andexchanging best practicearound the worldcoming out of Brussels.We’re already making big strides inhaving an impact on legislators at theEuropean Parliament, one high profileexample being Petra’s Law, which youwill have read about in the July editionof ‘Visionary’. Backed by the EGDF, thisvisually-impaired Romanian youngsterappealed to MEPs, urging them toharmonise the rules which preventguide dog owners from travelling easilyin and between Member States of theEuropean Union.A third Task Force is looking at waysof recognising and exchanging bestpractice around the world. How muchwe can learn from each other’sorganisations! This is how we areimplementing our second strategicpriority; promoting quality.Finally for the third strategic priority:working together. The ability to bringabout change has more chance ofsuccess if individuals and organisationscollaborate – including internationalorganisations, and this is somethingI’ve encouraged during my time asChair. There have been some notablesuccesses, such as closer working withthe World Blind Union (WBU) and ADI(Assistance Dogs International). Thesetwo partners bring considerablestrength and recognition to ourcampaigning activities and helppromote our standards to a globalaudience. We should never forget thatguide dogs are trained for a workingrole, guiding a blind or partially-sightedperson, transforming their freedom andindependence; the wonderful work ofthe WBU helps us remember why theguide dog movement is so important.We are also building our relationshipwith the Lions Club International,which has blindness as one of its statedareas of concern.Sharing best practice and trainingtechniques with other assistance dogorganisations can only be a good thing,helping us to raise the bar and ensuringinnovatory training procedures arepromoted around the globe. In the UK,collaboration between Guide Dogs andother assistance dog charities, underthe ‘umbrella’ body Assistance Dogs UK(ADUK), is already delivering in termsof both campaigning and clients, forexample the first dual-purpose guidedog and Canine Partner, trained toguide a visually-impaired electricwheelchair user. Guide Dogs andHearing Dogs for the Deaf People havealso worked together to train twelvedogs to guide and assist deaf blindpeople.The Pet Passport scheme now allowsmany guide dog and other assistancedog owners an international freedomthey could only have dreamed of a fewyears ago. IGDF expects high standardsbecause we are committed to providingfreedom and independence to blindand partially-sighted people.Discrimination, red tape or restrictivepractices, which undermine mobility,are unacceptable, but thanks to theassistance dog movement workingtogether for a common cause, ourclients – guide dog owners – nowbenefit from a campaign which hasopened up air, ferry and internationalrail travel to them.4 | the Visionary | IGDF

Australia | Guide Dogs NSW/ACTThe IGDF is committed to improvingstandards, raising expectations,removing barriers and giving allblind and partially-sighted people –regardless of nationality, gender,race or religion – the opportunity tobenefit from guide dog ownership.As reported in last March’s‘Visionary’, thanks to dialogue withthe Muslim Council of Britain, theIslamic Shari’ah Council recentlyestablished a religious precedent,called a ‘fatwa’, which allowed avisually-impaired teenager the rightto worship independently,accompanied by his guide dog, at amosque in Leicester, in the EnglishMidlands.The ‘fatwa’ opens up thepossibility of guide dog ownershipthroughout the Muslim world. It’s agreat success story for me to sign-offwith. So significant, because if theteam liaising with the MuslimCouncil of Britain hadn’t been ableto demonstrate high standards oftraining, carried out by professionalinstructors, members of the IGDF,it’s unlikely that this young manwould be benefiting from a guidedog.The feel-good story is just oneexample of why the IGDF standardsare so important, and why if theyare achieved consistently, manymore blind and partially-sightedpeople across the globe will benefitfrom a guide dog. Indeed, the IGDFcan take pride in achieving so muchwith minimal staffing – through thetime and energy given by the Board,the ADC and the Assessors. TheIGDF has a worldwide vision; thanksto everyone’s hard work this canbecome a global reality. I extend mythanks to these people, togetherwith those of all memberorganisations. I wish you all welland will watch the IGDF’sdevelopment with interest.Thank you for your support andfriendship over the years andparticularly for your unfailingcommitment to improving the livesof blind and partially-sighted peopleacross the world. I hope we will beable to keep in touch so that I canhear about your future successes.Bart listens to Wayfinder Access on a busy sidewalk with Winslow 2Mobile phoneswith talking GPScomplementingguide dog mobilityNatasha Webb - Media Co-ordinatorGuide Dogs NSW/ACT, AustraliaIn 2008 Guide Dogs NSW/ACTbecame the first organisationin Australia to provide trainingin the use of a new tool thatcomplements a guide dog as amobility aid.It is a mobile phone with a talkingGlobal Positioning System (GPS) thatclients are using in order to determinestreet names and importantlandmarks, particularly when visitingnew places for the first time.The GPS application, named WayfinderAccess was developed by WayfinderSystems AB, a software developmentcompany based in Sweden specialisingin GPS applications for mobile phones.The application works in conjunctionwith TALKS (screen reading softwarefor mobile phones which reads out texton the screen so that a person withimpaired vision can operate theirphone).Since Guide Dogs NSW/ACTintroduced this new technology topeople with impaired vision, more than100 people have been provided with theapplication, and demand for itcontinues to be strong.Guide Dogs NSW/ACT continuallystrives to research and trial newtechnologies that may benefit peoplewith impaired vision during navigationand travel, so that they may get aroundmore safely and independently.Bart Bunting is a Sydney residentwith impaired vision who began usingWayfinder Access in 2008. He says:“Although I have a guide dog, thisadvance in technology means that Ican now travel even moreindependently to places I amunfamiliar with without having to askanyone where I am.“I can now travel from A to B anddiscover specific landmarks or points ofinterest along the way that I neverrealised existed before; such as an ATM(cash machine) or a café. I can nowconsult the GPS to discover what isaround me.”Guide Dogs’ Client Services ManagerJohn Black says: “Using WayfinderAccess can allow people with impairedvision to have even greaterindependence, when they are travellingto a place they are unfamiliar with.“People who participated in theMarch trial commented that it wasextremely useful to be able to operate asmall device, like Wayfinder Access, ona mobile phone when simultaneouslyusing a long cane or travelling with aguide dog.”Issue 15 | January 10 | 5

Guide Dogs for the Blind | USAEmily Simone, field Manager for Central CA and ColoradoWhen Instructorsare Dually Qualified,Clients Benefit!Emily Simone, Senior Field Manager, GDOMIGuide Dogs for the Blind, USAGuide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)headquartered in San Rafael,California, with a secondcampus in Oregon, has 15 staffmembers who are dualqualified as GDOMI (Guide DogOrientation and MobilityInstructors).They are credentialed both as licensedGuide Dog Mobility Instructors (GDMI)and certified orientation and mobilityspecialists (O&M). This is the largestnumber of dual qualified instructors forany organization in the United States.The biggest benefit clients receivefrom working with a dual qualifiedinstructor is client-centered service. AtGuide Dogs for the Blind, the clientprovides direct input regarding theirgoals, needs and challenges withmobility, specifically as it relates toqualifying for, and working with, aguide dog.Since training takes place in theclient’s home area, skills may belearned and applied in an environmentthat is uniquely relevant. Additionally,programs are customized for clients’specific needs and challenges. Trainingis focused on skills that will enhancethe clients’ ability to qualify for trainingat guide dog programs of their choice,and on their ultimate success as guidedog users. The dual qualified instructorcan assist clients who already haveguide dogs by providing training thatwill help keep the teams safe andeffective in the field.Many regular orientation andmobility programs focus on generalsafety, and may not emphasize masteryof the skills that are mandatory tosuccess as a guide dog handler. Theseskills may include advanced spatialconcepts and the use of auditory,proprioceptive and thermal cues in theenvironment. While desire and theopportunity to learn these skills is oftennot enough to ensure a client’s successas a guide dog user, dual qualifiedinstructors have the experience andknowledge to assist clients toward theirgoals.Regardless of the client’s choice ofmobility aid, the dual qualifiedinstructor is able to communicate withthe client in a meaningful andintelligent manner, allowing for apositive, trusting relationship todevelop. Dual qualified instructors havethe added advantage of communicatingto the client using the ‘orientation andmobility language’ as well as the ‘guidedog language’.A final but obvious benefit for theclient who works with a dual qualifiedinstructor is the ability to work withone instructor for all his/her mobilityneeds, whether the work involvesorienting to a new environment, oraddressing control issues during guidework. Dual qualified instructors areequally competent in orientation andmobility training and dogbehavior/training issues.Candidates for dual certification arerequired to complete two separateprograms, one following the other: athree-year apprenticeship through anaccredited guide dog school to qualifyas a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor anda master’s orientation and mobilityprogram at a certified university suchas San Francisco State University,Western Michigan University orCalifornia State University, Los Angeles.There can be no doubt that a personwho has a dual qualification inorientation and mobility and guide doginstruction can ‘wear many hats’ andmay be utilized in various ways withinguide dog organizations as well asagencies for the blind. And theirexpertise is certainly valued highly byclients in the field, as well.6 | the Visionary | IGDF

Korea | IGDFSwizterland | Stiftung Ostschweizerische BlindenführhundeschuleGuide dog in training learning to find the door with clicker trainingKaspar, a guide dogLearning clickertraining inSouth KoreaJessie Chung / Guide Dog ApprenticeIGDF School –Taiwan Guide Dog AssociationClicker training is the totallynew technique to train guidedogs in Asia. Samsung GuideDog School in South Korea is apioneer in adopting clickertraining while other Asianguide dog schools still usetraditional training.It was a great honor for me torepresent Taiwan Guide DogAssociation in participating in a sixmonthtraining program at SamsungGuide Dog School.Around a year and half ago,Samsung Guide Dog School added theclicker to their training program afterconducting a traditional way oftraining for a decade. Mr. S J Lee, themanager of the training department atSamsung Guide Dog School, isextremely satisfied with the outcomesof using clicker training on qualifiedguide dogs. Accordingly, he andSamsung Guide Dog School activelysupport and assist other Asian guidedogs schools in adopting clickertraining. Compared with thetraditional training I have learned frommy school, I have discovered severalbenefits of clicker training to guide dogtraining after acquiring this newtechnique myself. First of all, mostpotential guide dogs have a hugemotivation to learn all guiding skills.Secondly, learning becomes the easiestand happiest thing because the clickerhelps dogs catch exactly what peoplewant them to do. Consequently, anyproblem that happens in training issolved quickly since dogs are activeand fast learners. Dogs enjoy walkingin daily training classes due to muchless confusion and stress.However, there are some side effectsfrom using clicker training. Forinstance, dogs tend to walk across ordo a side stop at kerbs if a reward,‘treat’, is constantly given from theright side of a trainer. In order to earna big prize rapidly, dogs might walk asfast as possible to reach targets, suchas doors, chairs, stairs and so on. Inmy opinion, however, these technicalproblems are much easier to overcomethan mental problems that dogs mayhave when using traditional training.Undoubtedly, clicker training is apowerful positive technique for dogtraining. Being a guide dog trainer,what I would like to do is make mydog students enjoy learning andworking every day. Luckily, I havelearned both traditional and clickertraining. And I deeply believe thatthere will be more and more qualityguide dogs if we put both ways togood use.The AppenzellerSennenhund – TheSwiss Cattle DogMaya Uhland, puppy raiser trainerStiftung OstschweizerischeBlindenführhundeschuleThe Appenzeller dog, originallycreated as a watch dog forcattle, has a veryundemanding, lively characterand is very willing to work.Since the Appenzeller dog is quitesmall, only the male is suitable as aguide dog for the blind. The toughconditions of the mountains make thisdog very robust, weatherproof, notsusceptible to sickness at all and veryeasy to bring up.Because of his excellent dispositionto protect and relate to human beings,the Appenzeller dog is an idealcompanion for visually-impairedpeople. Motivated in a playful way, theAppenzeller dog shows intelligence, aquick grasp and enthusiasm for work.If too much pressure is put on the dog,it tends to react in an obstinate way. Itstendency to bark, which is a desirablecharacteristic as a watch dog but notso much as a guide dog, has to beconditioned in the right way at a veryearly age.A new challenge - a new typeof guide dog?Issue 15 | January 10 | 7

Croatian Guide Dog and Mobility Association | CroatiaCenter Silver –an opportunityfor ExcellenceWith the opening of theRehabilitation Center Silver,Croatia acquired its first multidisciplinarycenter for guidedog training, as well as trainingof service dogs for childrenwith developmental difficultiesand people in wheelchairs.Mira Katalenic - President of Croatian GuideDog and Mobility AssociationCroatian Guide Dog and Mobility AssociationCenter Silver was built through the firstpublic-private partnership between theCroatian Guide Dog and MobilityAssociation (NGO), the Government ofCroatia and the City of Zagreb. Thecooperation of the partners will bemaintained through the managementof the institution.By setting up this center, Croatia hasintoduced a new dimension in the roleof dogs in the lives of people withdisabilities.The center provides a modern andpleasantly equipped environment forusers and employees, qualityaccommodation for dogs in trainingand breeding bitches, and a wellequippedveterinary clinic. In such anenvironment, the creative andprofessional team will be able toimprove the quality of life of peoplewith disabilities by introducing dogsinto their lives, as ‘man’s best friend’.An environment that is wellequippedand comfortable is aprerequisite for the development of aprofessional and human approach toserve the specific needs of users inCenter Silver. Only by including both ofthese components can we speakabout professional and qualityservice for users.By providing the basic human rightsto independent mobility, freedom andchoice, Center Silver provides completeintegration to people with disabilities asits service users. The positive impact ofguide dogs, as well as service dogs, isrecognized worldwide, and in the lasttwo decades, we have validated that inour own country.Rehabilitation Center Silver (from left to right) – multi sensory park,isolation house and outside kennels for dogs in training.Within the rehabilitation programsin Center Silver, we have serviceusers who are:• visually impaired – white canetraining program• visually impaired – the assignmentof trained guide dogs• in wheelchairs – the assignment oftrained service dogs• children with developmentaldifficulties, elderly or withintellectual difficulties – trainedservice dogs• families of the above – educationalprograms about accepting andcoping with each disability andimpairment• children of pre-school and schoolage, local population, touristgroups – educational andpromotional programs and thedevelopment of voluntary supportThrough the above mentionededucational/promotional activities weaim to raise public awareness andincrease sensitivity towards the needsof these marginalized groups in society.In this way, well-created programscontribute to the development ofpartner cooperation with new sponsors.The regional position of Center Silvergives it a special role; there are no suchprograms and services in neighboringcountries which have similar languages(Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro,Serbia, and Macedonia) and thereforethere are no barriers to understanding.It is also important not to omit theemphasis on the quality of life for thedogs in the center, because this has anequally important impact on thequality of life for the people withdisabilities.The center faces numerouschallenges as the first public-privatepartnership between the CroatianGovernment, the City of Zagreb and theCroation Guide Dog and MobilityAssociation. Recognition of the rolesand responsibilities of all three partnersas founders of the center is importantfor the future. The Association, whichplays its part in financing the centerthrough the development of a model ofsocially responsible business, has a keyrole in that.That implies sponsorship must comefrom companies that promote therights, needs and possibilities of peoplewith disabilities. Making visible brightexamples of previous sponsors anddonors such as Coca-Cola Croatia, theJapanese Embassy in Croatia, RotaryClub Kaptol, Croatia Lloyd, VB Leasing,the Lions International ClubsFoundation and the solidarity ofCroatian Kennel Club, is as importantfor their own credibility as for thedifference that is made by theircontribution.The global responsibility for theevolution of our society, including thosevulnerable groups within it, really is inthe hands of all of us!8 | the Visionary | IGDF

Australia | Guide Dogs VictoriaArtist impression of kennel redevelopmentThe building ofour vision forthe futureDr. Graeme WhiteGuide Dogs Victoria - AustraliaGuide dog organisationsaround the world understandthat the demand for guidedogs never slows.At Guide Dogs Victoria we have hadrapid growth in our programs in recentyears, holding our largest ever class ofnine students in December 2008. As theprovider of approximately 85 per centof the state’s guide dog population, weneed to be prepared for this everincreasing need within our community.We are excited to share with ourinternational friends our plans for anAUS$3.7 million redevelopment andexpansion of our outgrown kennelfacility and veterinary clinic. While thecurrent complex has served us well, thetime has come to invest in our futureand much has been learned about thewelfare, training and socialisation ofguide dogs since construction of ourkennel facility some forty years ago.This landmark facility, to be built inthree stages, has been developed withinput from staff knowledge developedover our 52-year history, currentresearch in canine welfare and thelatest in global kennel design. It willmaximise the welfare of staff, clients,the environment and our dogs intraining – giving each dog the bestopportunity to succeed as a life longpartner to a person with visionimpairment.Once complete, the facility willenable Guide Dogs Victoria to morethan double its training and boardingkennel facilities from a current capacityof 55 dogs at any one time, to 145. Withaccess to this level of dogaccommodation, Guide Dogs Victoriawill be able to embark confidently uponan expansion of its breeding program inorder to meet the anticipated increasein demand for our guide dog servicesover the coming decades.Dogs will remain in a social housingenvironment with good visualinteraction with their surrounds,improved staff observation facilitiesand a design sensitive to maximisingtheir physical and behaviouralwellbeing.Our supporters’ needs have alsobeen taken into consideration. Newviewing platforms and observationdecks will enable visitors to get aninsider’s look into Guide Dogs Victoria’soperations, with minimal disruption tothe dogs living on site.With Australia currently in a severedrought, the new facility will house anew, state-of-the-art water filtrationsystem to allow recycling of 75 per centFundraising hasbegun on theseprojects, withover $1 millionraised so far.of the water currently used formaintaining kennel hygiene, storingthousands of litres of water.The redevelopment will also see asignificant expansion of our current vetclinic facilities, allowing us to managethe health of our dogs from birth toretirement and offer free first classveterinary care from specialists whounderstand the unique responsibilitiesof our guide dogs. Current outsourcedprocedures such as neutering and x-rays will be brought in-house and astate-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool willprovide critical rehabilitation as well asexercise and play on hot days.Fundraising has begun on theseprojects, with over $1 million raised sofar. The first stage of kennelredevelopment is expected tocommence within the next six months.We are hoping that over the nexttwelve months we will have raisedenough to complete the boardingkennels and training facilities, with thevet clinic scheduled to commence aspart of stage two.Issue 15 | January 10 | 9

National School of Guide Dogs for the Blind of Scandicci | ItalyGroup photo – celebrating the 80th anniversary of The National School of Guide DogsThe NationalSchool of GuideDogs celebrates80 yearsMassimo BaragliNational School of Guide Dogs for theBlind of Scandicci - ItalyOn 30 and 31 October 2009the National School of GuideDogs for the Blind of Scandicci,Italy, celebrated 80 years sinceits foundation.In September 1929 the first guide dog,Weminne, was assigned to its blindowner, making the School one of theoldest in the world.2009 has been very important for theSchool as well as the celebration of its80th anniversary. Last spring the Schoolsuccessfully passed the assessmentfrom the International Guide DogFederation. The report is very gratifying,particularly for the research andscientific activities of the School, whichlooks at new approaches to trainingmanagement, customer care andsatisfaction.In 2009 the implementation phase ofthe Melampo project was started. Fourteams, consisting of four paraplegicswith their dogs, were presented inpublic in October, after a year ofpreparation and training, at Villa IlSorriso a State Health AuthorityInstitute. On that occasion the dogs, inaccordance with international protocolsfor assistance dogs, demonstrated skillssuch as seeking help, fetching phones,switching on and off lights, openingand closing doors, collecting andreturning items marked with laserpointers, and so on.In October a second advancedtraining course in English wasconducted for instructors and studentsby Mr. Duncan Edwards. He comesfrom the Dogs for Disabledorganization, which belongs to DEU, acertification body for the European aidfor dogs and he has offered his help forfree. The School had already had itsfirst educational event run by Mr. RinoPittavino, a famous Italian trainer. Thethird and last formation event willprobably take place at the Dogs for theDisabled organization in England inJanuary 2010.Since some blind people haveindicated that they would find an audioguide useful to help them identifychanges in the health of theirassistance dogs, we have launched theproject audio book “Sounds like a dog”.Certain sounds (or lack of them) help ablind person to understand whethertheir dog might need a veterinaryexamination and they can also getuseful information about the well-beingof their dog. The idea is to create amultilingual audio book that explainsin a narrative form the relevant soundsthat a dog makes. The aim is to presentthe audio book at the InternationalGuide Dog Federation conference inJune 2010 in Canada.10 | the Visionary | IGDF

South Korea | Samsung Guide Dog SchoolTaiwan | Taiwan Guide Dog AssociationBruce Shin, the kennel manager, explains how to care for a guidedog to blind students attending the career development campThe mounted police officer experiences ablindfold walk with the guide dog instructorSamsung Guide DogSchool holds careerdevelopment campfor blind studentsLina YoonSamsung Guide Dog SchoolThis December SamsungGuide Dog School (SGDS)held a two-day careerdevelopment camp for blindstudents entering universityin spring 2010.During the course of the two-day event,students were provided withinformation about what to expect fromuniversity, not just academically butalso facility- and campus-wise. Adviceand consultation on career andcurriculum options was also provided.In addition to this, a seminar on guidedogs, as well as photo sessions withthem, was held to raise awareness ofguide dogs.Unfortunately, at most schools forthe blind in Korea, instruction on eventhe most basic of mobility work is notprovided to the students. Thereforemost blind students are dependent onfamily members to help them go abouttheir daily lives.SGDS has several programs for blindstudents like the career developmentcamp with this reality in mind. One ofthese programs, an open day for middleschool blind students, is held everywinter. Students visit SGDS for threedays with their parents, and the eventis organized to give a head start tointroducing the work of guide dogs toyoung students who would potentiallybe able to use a guide dog upongraduating from high school. The threedayevent is set up for the students toget first hand experience in walkingwith a white cane, masteringunfamiliar territory and walking with aguide dog.At the open day guide dog schoolstaff highlight the importance ofmobility work if these students aregoing to opt for a more independentlifestyle; and as an option for thisindependent lifestyle, they introducethe work of guide dogs.On the first day, students andparents learn the basics of mobilitywork separately and have time in theafternoon to put into practice whatthey learnt in the morning. On thesecond day, guide dog schoolinstructors take the students to anearby town to have the studentsnavigate on their own, moving fromone point to another. With theinstructors and parents followingbehind, the students make their way tothe final meeting point, which is acoffee shop in town. Parents can getthe idea of how to teach their childrento be independent travelers. Allstudents make it to the coffee shop inone piece and all at about the sametime. They have to stop and ask peoplequestions a few times, and that act initself is a challenge, but something thatmakes them feel they haveaccomplished something well and trulyon their own. Parents will be watchingevery step of the way as they maketheir first foray into the real worldwithout a family member to assistthem. On the last day, students andparents alike have the opportunity tolearn more about guide dogs. For theparents, it will be a real opportunity toexperience something their children gothrough every day.SGDS continues to try to improve theorientation and mobility abilities ofblind and partially-sighted people andraise awareness of guide dogs throughvarious useful programs.When guide dogsmeet the mountedpolice at Dream Mallin KaohsiungGloria Tsai - Administration departmentTaiwan Guide Dog AssociationIn the late autumn, althoughthe sun in Kaohsiung isextremely hot, you can stillfeel cool in the air.October 31 2009 was a very specialday for Taiwan Guide Dog Association(TGDA); it was the second time thatwe came to the Dream Mall topublicize the guide dog program.However, as well as having guide dogswith us, we were also joined by fourtall and handsome mounted policeofficers!TGDA has been promoting theguide dog program in southernTaiwan since our southern office wasestablished in May 2008. Even thoughwe have the Act to protect qualifiedguide dogs and their users with theright to access public places, guidedog users are still often denied accesshere. When the KCGPB (KaohsiungCity Government Police Bureau)Mounted Police knew we would havean event at the Dream Mall, theyimmediately agreed to join us.It is rare to see guide dogs and themounted police show up at the sametime for the public. Can you imaginehow impressive it was when guidedogs met the KCGPB's horses for thefirst time? At the end of the event, weinvited one of the mounted policeofficers to experience a blindfold walkwith a guide dog and that madeeveryone on the scene feel so touchedby the skills of our guide dogs.Issue 15 | January 10 | 11

The Seeing Eye | USA2010 IGDF SeminarThe posters arecoming; the postersare coming!Lukas FranckThe Seeing EyeA new addition to the IGDF Seminarin Ottawa is a ‘poster session’.Although there was one poster – onthe German post World War dogguide programs – at the Londonconference in 2008, we are hoping formany more in Ottawa!Poster sessions are quite commonat North American conferences inevery imaginable field. They allow agreat exchange of information on avariety of topics in relatively shortperiods of time; thereby expanding therange of topics that can be explored ata conference. Poster sessions areparticularly well suited to technicaldiscussions, of which we seem to havea great many, usually accompanied bya beverage in the bar! In a welldesignedposter session, thedescriptions of the equipment andtechniques that characterize thosediscussions can be supplemented byphotographs and even video; makingthe later discussions in the bar evenmore fruitful.Any idea that you think has merit:a training technique you havedeveloped that deserves to be betterknown. A new concept for teaching.Your harness design or other piece ofequipment. A problem that needssolving. Your unique environmentalissues and how your students/clientsdeal with them. Your school’s history.Anything that you would like to sharewith colleagues …. you name it!What you provide:• A maximum of 4 posters perpresentation; each 22 x 28 inches(55.9 cm x 71.1 cm).• Handouts you would like todistribute.What IGDF will provide:• A poster backing, i.e. something toattach your poster to.• A table in front of the backing thatyou can use for handouts.When this will happen:IGDF 2010 Seminar in OttawaSubmit your ideas as soon as possible toLukas Franck at lfranck@seeingeye.org.For further information, phone973-539-4425 x 1755.International Guide DogFederation Derek FreemanScholarshipGuidelines and application procedureIn a career with the United Kingdom’s Guide Dogs for the BlindAssociation spanning 30 years, Derek Freeman was responsiblefor the breeding, rearing and training of some 20,000 puppies,raising the Association’s level of success to unprecedentedheights. His achievements, which were recognized through hisinduction as a Member of the British Empire (MBE), arelegendary both within and outside the guide dog movement.William S. ThorntonBC Guide Dog ServicesDerek was a great friend and an advisorto both Bill Thornton (British ColumbiaGuide Dog Services) and Paul Keymer(Minnesota Guide Dog Breeding Center).In recognition of Derek’s extraordinarycontribution to the guide dogmovement, Bill and Paul establishedthe Derek Freeman Scholarship toremember his kindness, generosity andenormous talent in the discipline ofguide dog breeding and puppy raising.In 2006, the Guide Dogs for the BlindAssociation were generous financialsupporters of the Derek FreemanScholarship and also hosted the firstscholarship recipient organization, theSouth African Guide Association, atTollgate House Breeding Centre.Granting guidelines: The DerekFreeman Scholarship supports new orestablished breeding and puppy raisingprograms undertaken by accreditedmember organizations of theInternational Guide Dog Federation.Grants from the scholarship will be inthe range of £2,000. The scholarshipencourages cost-sharing or matchingfunds from the applicant or third partysources. Funding from the scholarshipwill be provided to support travel,accommodation and study at hostorganizations, which assist with theapplicant’s continued education in thefield of guide dog breeding and puppyraising. The Derek Freeman Scholarshipis awarded bi-annually and thesuccessful candidate will be announcedat the International Guide DogFederation’s bi-annual seminar.BC Guide Dog Services | CanadaApplication procedure: Applicationsmust be in the form of a writtenproposal. If you believe your project fitswithin the guidelines of the DerekFreeman Scholarship, we invite you toapply as follows:Project description: A two-pagesummary that describes the projectand amount of funds requested. A cleardescription of the project, justificationfor the need, an outline of the specificobjectives and activities planned tomeet the project goals, a project timeline,and specific methods ofevaluation. Biographies of thepersonnel involved in the project.A copy of the letter of support from theproposed host organization.Project budget: Please provide a budgetthat details how the scholarship’sfunds will be used, anticipatedmatching grants (if any – not arequirement).Final report: The scholarship recipientwill be asked to submit a brief reporton completion of the project. TheScholarship Selection Committeereserves the right to keep reasons fortheir final decision confidential.Application deadline: May 14 2010.The application must be sent via emailto Bill Thornton, Chair Derek FreemanScholarship at guidedog@telus.net.Notification of receipt of an applicationwill be sent.If you would like to contributefinancially to the Scholarship, pleasecontact the Secretary or the Chair ofthe International Guide DogFederation.12 | the Visionary | IGDF

USA | Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind, IncFreedom Guide Dogs – Training Center & KennelThe Journeyfor FreedomThe expansion of Freedom Guide Dogsand its plans for future growthNicole White – Director of Development &John Byfield – Director of TrainingFreedom Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., USAIn 1992, Freedom Guide Dogsfor the Blind was born and adream was realized; a differentapproach to guide dog trainingthat delivered services right tothe blind person’s home.Founders, Eric and SharonLoori, called it ‘HometownTraining’ and it customizedtraining to the client’s personalneeds while making guide dogservices more accessible tothose in need.Through the years, Freedom has grownfrom its humble beginnings as a singlebuilding facility with five dogs, into alarge kennel, housing 20 dogs, and apuppy enrichment center completewith puppy maze and training tools. In2004, Freedom became an accreditedmember of the International Guide DogFederation. We currently have morethan 140 clients throughout theNortheastern United States and in 2008we placed 18 guide dogs with newclients. Freedom’s costs to produce aguide dog team are also some of thelowest in the US guide dog industry.In April of 2009, as part of itscommitment to expansion, Freedomwelcomed John Byfield, worldrenowned guide dog trainer and longtimefriend of Eric Loori. John began hiscareer 51 years ago when heapprenticed with the Guide Dogs forthe Blind Association in England. In1964, he came to the United States,where he developed and managedtraining programs for the Guide DogFoundation in New York and the fidelcoGuide Dog Foundation in Connecticut,respectively.John’s many years of experienceboast a long list of credentials whichinclude the training and supervision ofmore than 1,000 guide dog teams andthe development of the first ‘incommunity’training program in theU.S. John is also an assessor for theInternational Guide Dog Federation. InJune 2008, John received the prestigiousKen Lord award from the InternationalGuide Dog Federation, whichacknowledged his contributions to thedomestic and international guide dogcommunities. John is recognized asbeing the longest serving, active guidedog instructor in the world.In addition to hiring John, Freedomplans to expand in all other aspects ofthe organization. Two apprentices havebeen hired to work under John and tostudy the intricacies of guide dogtraining as well as working with theblind and visually impaired.In 2009 Freedom expected to place25 guide dogs with steady increases inguide dog production for future years.In pushing forward with growth inplacements, Freedom has also decidedto offer its services to qualifying blindteenagers.In focusing on the future of FreedomGuide Dogs, Sharon Loori, head of thebreeding program, will increase thenumber of puppies produced each yearas well as the number of puppy raiservolunteers. Two potential smoothcoated collie breeders have beenacquired in order to produce moreguides of that particular breed.Labradors will continue to account formost of the trained guides.Eric Loori, Executive Director/Trainer,will focus on providing guide dogs toblind and visually impaired people withspecial needs. Recently, he had greatsuccess placing a guide dog with JamesFair, a wounded Iraq War veteran whois blind and missing part of both hisarms. Eric has also worked with blindclients who have additional disabilitiesincluding Cerebral Palsy, Down’ssyndrome and deafness.For more information aboutFreedom Guide Dogs and its servicesplease visit our website:www.freedomguidedogs.org.Issue 15 | January 10 | 13

French Federation of Guide Dog Associations | FranceFrom left to right : Daniel Hertault (Assistant Treasurer), Marcel Lanier (Treasurer), Jean-Claude Ranquet (Assistant General Secretary),Michel Rossetti (first Vice-President) and his guide dog Sixtine, Paul Charles(Chairman), Jacques Bouniol (Second Vice-President), MichèleNedelcot (General Secretary) and Claude Raux (Third Vice-President)A new ExecutiveCommittee and anambitious aim forthe FrenchFederation ofGuide DogAssociationsHélène Bajard – Assistant CEOFrench Federation of Guide Dog AssociationsThe French Federation ofGuide Dog Associations (FFAC)Council elected a newExecutive Committee on 14February 2009.The first mission of the new team willbe the implementation of the ‘Plan forthe future’ initiated by the previousteam, with the ambition of doublingthe activity of the Member Schools soas to provide one guide dog a day tovisually impaired persons by 2012.According to FFAC MissionStatements, all the new Members ofthe Executive Committee are alsoChairpersons or Council Members ofMember Associations. Our newChairman is Paul Charles, who hasbeen FFAC Treasurer since 2004 and isalso the Chairman of CESECAH (thefederal Breeding Centre).Paul Charles succeeds Jack Perrin,whose nine years’ chairmanship ofthe French Federation was marked by:• The recognition by the State in 2002of the Guide Dog Instructor diplomaand the creation of a new dedicatedtraining association so as to obtainpublic subventions;• The recognition of guide dogs as‘animal aid’ through the 2005-102Law from 11 February, 2005 and thesubsequent decrees, giving ownersthe right to financial help andcreating a label for guide dog schools;• The affiliation in 2007 of a tenth guidedog school, allowing a closer serviceto clients in the Eastern part ofFrance.The new team’s priority will be tosubmit to Council the means to realisethe federal plan for 2012, answeringtwo major objectives:• Provide one guide dog a day in threeyears’ time, which represents morethan twice the current activity;• Reduce the delay between applicationand matching to a maximum of sixmonths anywhere in France.All about the FFAC:The French Federation of Guide DogAssociations is a charity created in1972 and currently consisting of 12Members:• Ten guide dog schools ;• A selection and breeding centre(CESECAH);• A guide dog users’ association whichpromotes the rights of guide dogs andtheir owners (ANMCGA).The mission of the FFAC:• Co-ordinate the Member Associationsin their work, subscribing to a federalCode of Practise (which includes:guide dogs given for free, no door-todoorfundraising, State-certifiedtraining of guide dog instructors andequal treatment of clients over Frenchterritory);• Provide financial help to Members,thanks to public generosity (theFrench Federation relies almosttotally on donations and legacies);• Represent Members before nationalauthorities and media; raise a betterawareness of guide dog servicesamong visually-impaired persons,potential puppy-raising families anddonors; and work with policy makerswho can have a positive influence onthe lives of visually-impaired clients.More than 160 guide dogs are currentlyprovided every year thanks to anetwork of about 600 volunteer puppyraisers and 60 guide dog instructorsholding the diploma. For further detailsvisit www.chiensguides.fr14 | the Visionary | IGDF

GPS goesto the dogsUSA | Leader Dogs for the BlindRachelle Kniffen – Marketing SpecialistLeader Dogs for the Blind, USA“I love my Breeze. I use itconstantly at home,” says GaryThompson of Springfield,Missouri. “The Breeze hasmade my life a lot easier,especially when traveling innew areas.”Gary is a new Trekker Breeze GPS user,and has been a dog guide user since1988. “The Breeze and a Leader Dog gotogether like peanut butter and jelly.For instance, the Breeze announceswhen I’m nearing a cross street; sowhen my dog slows down then stops atthe curb, I’m completely aware of mysituation.”The Breeze is an audible GPS devicethat gives step-by-step directions for aprogrammed route and notifies theuser of upcoming streets andlandmarks, among other functions.Leader Dog students are trained in theuse of the device during their 26-daydog guide training. In April 2009, LeaderDog graduated its first class to receivefree Breeze GPS units along with theirdog guide. “I’m looking forward to usingmy Breeze and my Leader Dog ‘LindyLou’ in my home environment,” saysDean Swanson, a member of the April2009 class. “Using them together willincrease my independence and allowme to get out more often by myself orwith my daughter.”“We strongly believe that thistechnology is an effective tool forindependent travelers,” says GregGrabowski, president and ChiefExecutive Officer of Leader Dogs for theBlind. “Preliminary research suggeststhat people using the device expandtheir travel environments andexperience less travel anxiety,especially in new or unfamiliar areas.”Since November 2008, Leader Dogstudents have been using Breeze GPSunits during their dog guide training.Now, U.S. and Canadian students whomeet eligibility criteria will be able totake the Breeze home with them – forfree.A student trains in Rochester, Michigan with his Leader Dog and Breeze“Leader Dog has revolutionized theart of dog guide travel by including atalking navigational device in trainingand providing this state-of-the arttechnology for free to students alongwith their Leader Dog,” addedGrabowski. “We are so confident in thebenefits of using a Breeze GPS that weare making the units available at areduced cost to all active dog guideusers regardless of which dog guideschool they attended.” Leader Dog isselling the Breeze GPS unit to active dogguide users for $825. This is a $70saving over the manufacturer’ssuggested price. Leader Dog is able tooffer this reduced rate throughcontributions made to the Breeze GPSprogram. For more information on thisprogram, visitwww.leaderdog.org/programs/breeze.To complete their Breeze program,Leader Dog will offer training fororientation and mobility instructors aswell as dog guide mobility instructorsinterested in learning how to trainpeople to use the Breeze. The dates forthis training will be available on theLeader Dog website in the near future.For more information on Leader Dogsfor the Blind programs, call (888) 777-5332 or visit www.leaderdog.orgIssue 15 | January 10 | 15

BC Guide Dog Services | CanadaThe InternationalGuide DogFederation’s KenLord AwardWilliam S. ThorntonBC Guide Dog ServicesThe Ken Lord Award was establishedby the IGDF Board in 2001 torecognize the lifetime commitmentof an individual to the guide dogmovement, as exemplified by KenLord. Ken Lord was one of the cofoundersof the International GuideDog Federation and served as Chairof the IGDF. He rose to the positionof Chief Executive Officer with theSouth African Guide Dog Associationand dedicated more than 40 years ofservice to the guide dog movement.Nomination eligibilityNominees must have been workingwithin the guide dog movement forat least 25 years, in order to beeligible for the award.Nomination ProcedureApplication is made in the form of awritten nomination. If you believethat you know of a person who fitsthe criteria for the Ken Lord Awardand has served the guide dogmovement in an exemplary manner,we invite you to submit a short twopagenomination letter, whichshould clearly describe the reasonsfor this individual’s nomination.All nominations are to besubmitted in confidence to theSelection Committee and thenominee should not be advised oftheir nomination. The Ken LordAward will be presented at the IGDFconference 2010, in Ottawa, Canada.The Selection Committee reservesthe right to keep reasons for theirfinal decision confidential.Previous Ken Lord Awardrecipients:2002: Ken Lord – South Africa2004: Keith Holdsworth – Australia2006: William Thornton – Canada2008: John Byfield – USANomination deadline: May 14, 2010.Nominations must be sent via emailat c.baroni-pretsch@chienguide.chNotification of receipt of anomination will be sent.50 yearsof serviceIn 2010, the Fidelco Guide DogFoundation will celebrateits 50th anniversary.Jack HaywardFidelco Guide Dog FoundationWhen Charles and Roberta Kamanstarted what would become Fidelco,neither of them envisioned the impactit would have on the lives of peoplewith visual disabilities.Beginning in their backyard, thecouple’s love and respect for Germanshepherds grew into a passion to servepeople with limited or no vision. And,as with so many things the Kamanstouched, Fidelco has grown to be a truesuccess story.In the process, it has touched manylives; not only the 1,200+ clients whohave loved and partnered with theirincredible Fidelco guide dogs, but alsothe thousands of family members whohave seen firsthand the freedom andindependence that their loved onescome to treasure and rely on becauseof their guide dogs.Today, as we near our goldenanniversary, the Fidelco tradition ofexcellence lives on; in the guide dogswe breed and train, in our pioneeringin-community placement process andin the clients who thrive with the helpof their four-legged partners.Clients like Janet LaBreck, who isCommissioner of the MassachusettsCommission for the Blind (MCB).Osbourne is the Fidelco guide dog withwhom she was partnered last summer.Given that the first MCB Commissionerwas Helen Keller, Janet fills some bigshoes. And perhaps because she walksin Helen Keller’s footsteps, it’s notsurprising that she looks to her forinspiration. A favorite quote is: “Onecannot consent to creep when one feelsthe impulse to soar.” The Keller quote isappropriate to describe Janet LaBreckas well. She has never consented tocreep. And with Osbourne beside her,she is soaring.Then there’s Missy Kochuga, whorecently received Grady, her firstFidelco guide dog. As Missy says: “Ialways had a vision of who I wanted tobe. And I believe that Grady willFidelco Guide Dog FoundationJanet LaBreck and her Fidelco guide dog Osbournecomplete me.” These words are at theheart of what we do.We help our clients completethemselves; whether it’s a mother whowants to go out after dark to her son’sBoy Scout meetings; a business personwhose success depends on their abilityto travel to far-away places, or ateacher, like Missy, whose classroomrepresents her life’s achievements.Fidelco guide dogs provide theseclients, and so many others, with theability to live their lives as completelyas possible.As we ready ourselves for our 50thanniversary celebration, you’ll hear andread more about Fidelco and ourposition as an industry leader. We’llcelebrate with the publication of “Trustthe Dog”, a book by author GerriHirshey (published by Viking). Inaddition to being a source of pride forus, the book will share the Fidelco storywith readers throughout the world.There will also be an audio bookversion that will be available uponpublication of the hardcover edition.Fidelco has been a labor of love fornearly half a century. Recently, Ms.Kaman shared her thoughts with theFidelco family: “For me,I am truly blessed by the peoplewhose love of Fidelco fulfills them. I amtouched by those who benefit from thework we do on their behalf. And I amgraced by our magnificent Fidelcoshepherds; each of whom has a part ofme beating in their strong andcourageous hearts.“It seems such a short time ago thatMr. Kaman and I started Fidelco. As weenter our 50th year of service, ourmission to provide the finest guide dogspossible to people with visualdisabilities remains unchanged. I canonly imagine what the future will bringbut with the love and support of theFidelco family, tomorrow will be evenbrighter than today.”16 | the Visionary | IGDF

Australia | Association for the Blind of Western AustraliaDay in the life of a travellingGuide Dog InstructorI’m woken by the sun streaming through the bedroom window. Another clear, bright blue sky. It’s sunriseand I have a morning cup of tea while reading another chapter of Bill Bryson’s excellent book ‘Down Under’– very appropriate while I am here working with the Association for the Blind of Western Australia.Marina Re – Chief Operating OfficerAssociation for the Blind of Western AustraliaIt was in response to an email from ex-UK colleague Phil Stanley, that I camehere. “Would you like to work here?Mediterranean climate, friendly staff,enjoy local wine in restaurantsoverlooking the Indian Ocean”. Howcould I refuse? It took a second to emailmy husband with the question “I will, ifyou will?” and the answer was yes andyes. I am now working my secondcontract in Perth, carrying out anotherfull training cycle of dogs and clients.Driving to my first appointment, I jointhe daily traffic snaking along thehighway. The views are to die for: theexpanse of the Indian Ocean as far asthe eye can see and a ribbon of whitesurf. I can see the docks of Freemantlein the distance where the early settlersarrived by sea. It’s a long way from theLondon rush hour.Today starts with a visit to client Tony,70, who is training with his first guidedog Lloyd. We have been working on along block route and it is time for me tostep back and allow the team to workwithout supervision. I phone Tony withthe signal to set off and I observe froma distance while he carries out all theinstruction we have worked on over theprevious weeks. Half way along thewalk we have taught Lloyd to find abench in a bus shelter so they can havea rest before setting off again. Until aweek ago we were unable to do thiswalk as the dog was being attacked bybirds. The honeyeaters nesting in the figtree lined road were very aggressiveand going for Lloyd’s eyes. I would walkbeside Lloyd, covering his head with mybush hat, until the coast was clear. Allcredit to Lloyd that he plodded onregardless of the ambush around us.Training clients in Perth is a flexibleprocess. There are no specific trainingfacilities for guide dogs at theAssociation so the instructors tend touse the office as a daily base throughthe initial training if the client liveslocally, or use a motel if clients need tocome in from other areas. Most of thetraining of the client is then carried outon a domiciliary basis. TheAssociation’s location in Victoria Park isexcellent for training walks, being in aresidential area leading to a shoppingcentre and high street and also next toa train station and bus stops with easyaccess to the city centre.The Association offers a wide range ofservices to their clients, from akindergarten for young children to arange of learning opportunities forseniors. There is support for furthereduction in computer training as wellas a state-of-the-art library and a gymand sports centre. A team of mobilityofficers, occupational therapists andsocial workers support clients in theirhomes. A telesales team worksalongside fundraising and publicrelations. All the supportingdepartments to run an organisation arealso housed in the one building and soas we train our dogs in and around thegrounds there is a lot of interest in ourwork from staff and visitors alike.Over morning coffee, Tony and I discussthe walk and agree what improvementsare needed as we plan tomorrow’ssession. I then leave him to collect mydogs in training from the puppy raisers’homes. These dogs then come into theoffice for the day for their training andare returned later. Staff who have thedogs beside their desk enjoy theircompany and the dogs soon settle intothe routine. Today I take each dog towork on routes into the city, bus in andtrain back. Inevitably people willapproach us and a public relationsexercise takes place as many questionsare asked and people are keen to knowwhat we are doing. This is especially sowhen stopping for lunch at the foodhall in Perth city centre – acosmopolitan mix of foods on offer,communal tables and a good test forany Labrador.I’m then back in the office to checkemails and messages; and I confirmarrangements for Tony and Lloyd’sgraduation ceremony. Theseceremonies have been named“Babbingur”, a word meaning “loyal anddevoted friendship”, used by theNyoongar people of Western Australia.This celebration event involves all thosethat have supported the dog’s training,from sponsors to puppy raisers andlocal fund raisers. A clay plaque withclient handprint and dog pawprint, sideby side, is presented to the newpartnership.The guide dog team here is a smallgroup from difference backgrounds.Phil (Senior Instructor), originally fromZimbabwe, and I worked together inthe UK early in our guide dog careers.Anne Sophie (Instructor) is from France, Deanne (Instructor) from the US, andConor (Puppy Supervisor) from Ireland.We have a common aim and differentstyles so there are some livelydiscussions and new ideas to try. Allaspects of the program are joint effortswith all of us involved in dog care,puppy eduction, training of dogs fromearly to advanced stages and thesupport of client services.After a second walk the dogs arereturned home to their carers. I thengo back to see Tony for another trainingsession with Lloyd. It’s not too hottoday but later in the summer thetemperature will be in the high thirtiesand by the afternoon the pavementswill be very hot. Earlier starts are thenthe order of the day.On my return drive home I allow thelure of the ocean to tempt me. A quickchange in the car and I run bare footalong the white sand and dive into theclear blue water.Jean Eastland qualified as a Guide DogMobility Instructor in 1978 at the GuideDogs for the Blind AssociationLeamington Spa training centre inEngland. During her career in the UKshe has worked as Guide Dog TrainingManager at the London Centre and asNational Quality Assurance Manager.Now working freelance, in betweencontracts Jean can be found sailingwith her husband Stuart along theFrench coast on their yacht “Shamu”.Issue 15 | January 10 | 17

Royal Dutch Guide Dog Association (KNGF Geleidehonden) | The NetherlandsBillboard at Dutch train stationAdopt a pup:the joy withoutthe bother!KNGF GeleidehondenRoyal Dutch Guide Dog Association (KNGFGeleidehonden)-The NetherlandsThere are many reasons whyyou might want a dog butwould be unable to care for it.You could have a full-time job, a familymember might be allergic to dogs oryou might be hesitant to make the timecommitment, since a dog is with youfor around 12 years. The Royal DutchGuide Dog Fund (KNGF Geleidehonden)set up an on-line project called ‘Adopt apup’, which immediately became aresounding success among many doglovers.Pleasurable and informative Moniquede Jonge, Director of Communicationsat KNGF Geleidehonden explains: “InJuly 2005, we introduced theopportunity to adopt a puppysymbolically. A set monthly fee of €7.50 helps to finance a scholarship for atrainee guide dog. We developed thewebsite www.adopteereenpup.nl andhere people can chose between one ofthree puppies that are just startingtheir training. You choose the puppyyou would like to follow during itstraining to become a guide dog. As anadoptive parent, you receive monthlyinformation about how ‘your’ puppy isdoing and you receive electronicnewsletters that chronicle the dog’snew experiences and developments.You can also view an on-line photoalbum and send e-cards. The digitalnews service starts as soon as thepuppy leaves the litter to live at itspuppy foster home. The last report isreceived when the dog graduates and isplaced as a guide dog with its blindboss. The entire process takes abouttwo years. In short: it is a pleasurableand informative way to becomeinvolved in the life of one of our guidedogs.”Low budget The ‘Adopt a pup’campaign was promoted using a radio,TV, outdoor and print campaign.Boomerang cards, flyers and stickerswere also used. Everything was done atthe lowest possible cost. An existing TVcommercial was adapted and the webdesign and advertising agency donatedits services. The concept itself is simpleand inexpensive since it is fully digital.Involvement The ‘Adopt a pup’ conceptproved to be a popular way to supportthe guide dog school and to learn moreabout the training process for guidedogs. The annual target was reachedwithin just a month! Monique says:“We noticed that monthly involvementmade people feel as though they had adog, while also supporting a goodcause. The newsletters are informativeand educational, making it fun for aThe concept itselfis simple andinexpensive sinceit is fully digitalbroad target group to follow a puppyduring its training. Dog lovers, schoolclasses, young and old are allenthusiastic. People gain insight intowhat is involved in training a guide dog;they empathize with exciting ordifficult moments and can join in thelaughter when the trainee guide dogdoes something typically dog-like.”Give a puppy as a gift Two thirds ofadoptive parents immediately adopt anew dog after graduation, which atteststo people’s close involvement with theorganization. Six thousand people nowsupport the training of Dutch guidedogs in this way. “The ‘Adopt a pup’concept provides us with a significantshare of our annual fundraising,”Monique says. Each year we try newpublicity campaigns and so far we havebeen very satisfied. We even have giftadoptions, enabling people to giveadoption puppies as a present. Ofcourse it’s not only a wonderful gift forthe recipient, but also for the visuallyimpairedperson who later receives thedog as a helper.”18 | the Visionary | IGDF

USA | Guide Dogs Foundation for the Blind, Incdisabled veterans will teamwith a service dog to helpthem regain the independencethey once knewThe new training methods and skillsour trainers have developed for thespecial tasks required of service dogshave had a positive impact on ourguide dog training. Our work withbalance and stability, for example, willbecome increasingly important asguide dog users age and developadditional age-related health issues.Our guide dogs will not only be able toguide their handlers, they will be ableto provide stability for someone whohas grown unsteady on his feet.Veterans listen intently to instruction before working with their dogs.ExpandingOur Horizonsto ServeWilliam Krol, Communications ManagerGuide Dogs Foundation for the Blind, Inc., USAThe Guide Dog Foundation forthe Blind achieves dualcertification from theInternational Guide DogFederation and AssistanceDogs International, enabling itto expand the way it servespeople with disabilities.It is committed to being an innovatorand leader in the field of assistancedogs for people with disabilities.We have moved steadily forward inour goal to be recognized as acomprehensive provider of services thatenhance the independence andmobility of people who are blind,visually impaired, or who havedisabilities other than blindness. Oneaspect of our strategic plan calls for theGuide Dog Foundation to activelycollaborate with the InternationalGuide Dog Federation and AssistanceDogs International.Membership in the IGDF is importantto us because it gives us the chance tobe part of the global communitydedicated to serving the visuallyimpaired, to learn from our colleagues,share our knowledge, cooperate toimprove breeding standards for guidedogs, and join forces on issues that facepeople with disabilities.Service dog programsIn 2003, the Guide Dog Foundationcreated America’s VetDogs to provideguide and service dogs to disabled U.S.veterans of all eras, and CapableCanines, which teams service dogs andpeople with disabilities other thanblindness.Our entry into the service dog fieldwas prompted by the need we sawfrom wounded soldiers returning fromthe global war on terrorism.Thanks to advances in battlefieldmedicine, more service members thanever survive their injuries. However,these injuries are often more severethan those suffered by soldiers ofearlier conflicts, in part due to thenature of the weapons used today.By adding our service and therapydog programs, we ensure that disabledveterans will team with a service dog tohelp them regain the independencethey once knew.In addition, the expansion of ourprograms means there are more careeropportunities for the dogs we breed.Once pups return to us for their formaltraining, we evaluate them todetermine where they will best serve –whether as a guide dog for someonewho is blind, a service dog for someonewho has lost a limb or suffered atraumatic brain injury, or a therapy dogto work in hospitals or nursing homes.Dual accreditationAssistance Dogs Internationalrecognizes IGDF certification of guidedog schools, but as we developedAmerica’s VetDogs and CapableCanines, we pursued ADI accreditationin addition to our IGDF certification. Weare committed to providing the highestquality dogs and training for peoplewith disabilities, and we wanted toassure our consumers and donors thatthe Guide Dog Foundation meets thehighest standards for our innovativework with assistance dogs.In October 2008, IGDF assessor DanEnglish from Guide Dogs Tasmaniaexamined our programs and servicesfor our IGDF accreditation. A few daysafter English completed hisassessment, the ADI assessor, ClarkPappas from Canine Companions, Inc.,arrived to evaluate the Guide DogFoundation for ADI.In early 2009, we receivednotification that we passed ouraccreditation for our third five-yearterm, and also that we had passedADI’s requirements for its five-yearaccreditation.This represents a significantmilestone for the Guide DogFoundation: we are the first and onlyschool in the world to be accredited byboth the IGDF and ADI.Our dual accreditation allows thepeople we serve to be confident thatthe Guide Dog Foundation for the Blindmeets the highest standards foroperation and training set by the IGDFand ADI, and that the Foundation is aleader in the guide and service dogmovements.Issue 15 | January 10 | 19

The deadlines forVisionary submissionsare May 31st andNov 30thPlease supply your articles as a word file withoriginal images sent separately as jpeg images.Remember to include your country of origin,school name, name of the author of thearticle, their position within your organisationand any captions for photos.For the index, please include a one-sentencedescription of your article.Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3YG, United Kingdom.t +44 (0)118 983 1990 f +44 (0)118 9833572 e info@igdf.org.uk www.igdf.org.ukRegistered in England Company No 2376162 Registered Charity No 1062441