GDUI
GDUI Guide Dog Schools Survey 2006 - Guide Dogs of America
The name of your organization: Guide Dogs of America
Phone: 818-362-5834, 800-459-4843
E-mail address: mail@guidedogsofamerica.org
Web address: www.guidedogsofamerica.org
Please check here if your program is a member of the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools (IGDF). checked
Please check here if your program is a member of the Council of United States Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS). checked
PROGRAM OPTIONS, FACILITIES AND SPECIAL SERVICES
(Please fill in your responses.)
1. How many teams, on average, does the program graduate annually? 50
2. What is the instructor to student ratio for most classes? 10 student maximum, 3 instructors
3. What is the duration (days/weeks) of your school's training program for first-time guide dog handlers? (If the time varies, please indicate the range.)
4. For how many days/weeks must previous graduates of your program re-train to receive successor dogs? (If the time varies, please indicate the range.)
3-4 weeks depending on the needs of individual student, we also offer one accelerated
2-week retrain class each year
5. 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? (If this varies, please indicate the range.)
3-4 weeks, depending on the needs of the individual student, they may also be eligible for the 2 week retrain class
(Please mark all that apply.)
6. “Our training program offers”:
in-home training for any student who requests it
in-home training for re-train students ONLY checked
facility-based training checked
a combination of facility-based and home-based training
a combination of facility-based and home-based training for re-train students only. checked
7. Please indicate the statement that describes your program’s policies for applicants who are considering the location of your school.
Your program provides school-subsidized transportation to and from training. checked
Your program can offer limited or “case by case” school-subsidized transportation to and from training.
The program cannot provide transportation to and from training.
8. The program can accommodate non-English speakers.
No, our training is offered only in English. checked
Yes*, we offer either bilingual training or interpreters for certain languages.
*Please specify the language(s) (other than English) in which your program offers guide dog training.
9. If your program is a strictly home-based training program, please check here
and skip to APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS/APPLICATION PROCESS.
10. Your organization provides some on-site medical services for students in training, including a school nurse.
yes checked
no
11. Your residential facility provides meals for students with special dietary considerations. (Please mark all that apply.)
Not applicable/We do not provide meals.
No. We provide meals but cannot accommodate special diets.
Yes, for medical needs. checked
Yes, for vegetarians checked
Yes, for religious considerations (Please specify) checked
If we get specific guidelines from the student, we will accomodate
12. Amenities for students on campus include (please mark all that apply):
private rooms checked
phones in student rooms
computers adapted with accessible technology checked
internet connection in student rooms
laundry facilities checked
microwave and/or coffee maker in a common area checked
vending machines from which students may purchase snacks checked
non-smoking public areas (such as dining and lounge facilities) checked
non-smoking student rooms checked
special areas designated for smoking checked
musical instruments checked
library of materials in accessible formats checked
TV/stereo checked
exercise equipment
other (Please list any other special services or facilities your school provides during training.)
The snacks and drinks in our dorm are provided at no charge to the student. Each room is furnished with a double bed, desk, easy chair and refrigerator. In addition to our library, we offer an array of games for students to play. We have an outdoor grooming area set up with grooming tables, and a 3000 sq. ft. off-leash enclosed play area for each team (1 dog, 1 person at a time) to use. The relieving area is off each individual room.
APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS/APPLICATION PROCESS
1. 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)?
2-6 months depending on the individual, although for those with special needs it could be up to a year. . The dog match is our #1 priority.
2. What is the average wait for returning students, seeking a successor dog (from submission of the re-train application to a class date)?
2-6 months, with dog match and need being the major considerations.
3. Qualified applicants for your program include(please mark all that apply):
people who are “legally blind” checked
only blind/visually impaired people with little or no functional vision checked
blind/visually impaired people who require a dog to work on their right side checked
visually impaired people who are hard of hearing or deaf checked
people with little or no functional vision who are hard of hearing or deaf checked
blind/visually impaired people who walk with a support cane checked
blind/visually impaired people who use motorized wheelchairs
blind/visually impaired people who use manual wheelchairs
other (Please provide more information.)
We carefully evaluate applicants who have some hearing loss to determine whether there might be any limitations to the communication between us. Other considerations are whether the hearing impaired applicant is an experienced guide dog handler, or a first time handler. We refer applicants who are deaf to schools that offer specific deaf/blind programs.
4. Are there upper or lower age limits for acceptance into your program?
No, we have no age restrictions at all.
Yes. *(Please specify details.) checked An individual may apply after age 16, but generally students are out of high school when they come in. We have no upper age limit.
5. Your program requires applicants to demonstrate O&M proficiency before training with a dog.
Yes, O&M skill is required and we assess this in our admission process. checked
Only a basic level of O&M proficiency is required for training with our program.
We have no O&M requirement for applicants.
6. To satisfy our O&M requirement we offer pre-class O&M training.
Yes.
No. checked
We do not offer pre-class O&M training, but will supplement the training experience with some O&M work, if needed, during class. checked
7. As part of the applicant assessment process(please mark all that apply):
The school requires home interviews. checked
The school uses phone interviews. checked
Applicant-submitted videos are reviewed to assess qualification. checked
Character references are required to be submitted on the applicant’s behalf. checked
Documentation of disability and a doctor’s exam are required. checked
8. Please list any additional admission requirements, if any. To be accepted, applicants must be experienced, independent travelers, and be able to provide the leadership needed for a successful guide dog team.
9. If there are any physical or psychological conditions which would make an applicant’s acceptance to your program unlikely, please list them here.
An applicant must be physically and psychologically capable of handling a dog during the training course and in the home environment. Individuals with some physical challenges and mild cognitive conditions are assessed and considered on a case by case basis.
10. 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.)
Our application materials include fairly extensive information about the class experience, how a guide dog team works, state and federal laws and other general information. The Admissions and Training Departments discuss in detail with each applicant the many aspects of training and living with a guide dog. Prior to arriving for class, each student receives a letter suggesting what to bring, confirmation of travel arrangements, maps and other pertinent contact information.
INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES
1. To become qualified as an instructor, a candidate must (mark all that apply):
complete an in-house apprenticeship program of (a minimum of 3) years duration. (Fill in number of years.) checked
meet governmentally mandated requirements for licensure. checked
have prior work experience as a guide dog instructor.
have prior dog-training experience. checked
have experience or a degree in orientation and mobility instruction.
other (please explain)
2. The testing used in the instructor training process complies with (mark all that apply):
standards specific to your program. checked
state mandated standards. checked
standards set by the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools checked
other (please explain)
3. Please mark all that apply.
All instructors undergo a blindfold-living experience. checked
All instructors do some work in the field with graduates in the home environment. checked
The program has field-instructors permanently assigned to specific regions.
BREEDING AND SELECTION
1. Please indicate the breed(s) that your program trains for guide work and fill in the approximate percentage of your total dogs that the specified breed represents.
German Shepherd ( )% of total dogs.
Golden Retriever ( )% of total dogs.
Labrador Retriever (70)% of total dogs.
Labrador-Golden Cross ( )% of total dogs.
Labrador-Poodle Cross ( )% of total dogs.
Standard Poodle ( )% of total dogs.
Other (please specifyPercentages for other breeds vary. Cross breeds alternative breeds are new to GDA, however we are having good success with them) ( )% of total dogs.
2. How does your program obtain dogs for training as guides? (Mark all that apply.)
in-house breeding checked
purchase from commercial breeders checked
donation checked
exchange with other guide dog schools checked
other sources not listed above (please explain)
3. Donated dogs are obtained from: (Mark all that apply.)
not applicable (No donated dogs are part of our program.)
other guide dog training programs checked
cryogenics/artificial insemination or other high-tech means checked
commercial breeders checked
private parties
rescue shelters
other sources (please specify)
4 Do you have a licensed veterinarian on staff?
yes checked
no
5. Does your program consult with or have on-staff a degreed geneticist in its breeding department?
yes checked
no
PUPPY SOCIALIZATION/ASSESSMENT
1. Your school’s policies regarding puppy raisers are best described as: (Mark all that apply.)
We encourage contact between the raiser and graduate and facilitate such contact. checked
We do not encourage contact between graduates and puppy raisers.
We pass along some puppy raiser-provided information about the dog to the handler during training. checked
We pass along communications between graduates and puppy raisers upon request. checked
We discourage contact between graduates and puppy raisers for a prescribed period of time after graduation.
2. Your school’s puppy socialization/assessment program includes: (Mark all that apply.)
members of school-organized raiser groups checked
4H club members
adult volunteers checked
youth volunteers checked
school-screened applicants checked
selected residents of correctional facilities who are part of an organized program
school staff members checked
3. Please mark all statements that describe your puppy socialization/assessment program.
Participants in the puppy raising program are not subject to formal guidelines from the school.
The puppy raising program is formally organized with a puppy raising manual that sets out specific guidelines for raisers to follow. checked
Participants in the school's puppy raising/socialization program must attend regular meetings. checked
Periodic assessment takes place to insure that participants in the program regularly and strictly adhere to established procedures for puppy raising/socialization. checked
Raisers are responsible for teaching basic obedience to the puppies. checked
Raisers are responsible for making sure puppies learn appropriate house behaviors. checked
4. How frequently are puppies evaluated by school approved staff or volunteers? (Please indicate.) All puppies come to the school at 8 months of age for a formal evaluation and of course also when they are turned in for training. Puppies are observed and assessed at monthly meetings by GDA staff members or area leaders. Those who require extra attention are seen as often as needed to resolve any problems.
5. Behaviors that may cause a puppy to be dropped from training include: (Please mark all that apply.)
dog aggression checked
aggression toward people checked
regular relieving accidents checked
fear of loud noises checked
pronounced fear-reactions to environmental stimuli checked
6. Your program’s health screening for puppies includes: (Indicate all that apply.)
a complete physical exam performed by a veterinarian checked
screening for skeletal problems including hip and elbow dysplasia checked
screening for common chronic conditions that could necessitate ongoing treatment or medication for the dog checked
TRAINING AND STANDARDS FOR GUIDE WORK
1. Upon completion of team training, clients can be assured that a dog from
your program (check all that apply):
will be house broken checked
will have been trained to behave well in public, eg. no barking or stealing food. checked
will exhibit no aggression toward people or other animals. checked
will respond to basic obedience commands checked
will disobey the handler's commands when it would be unsafe to comply (intelligent disobedience) checked
will be trained to work safely in traffic checked
will be trained to safely negotiate “traffic checks” checked
will be trained to work in a variety of street crossing settings checked
will be trained to reliably stop at changes in elevation, i.e. steps, curbs and drop-offs checked
will be trained to reliably avoid or indicate obstacles checked
will be trained to reliably avoid or indicate overhead obstacles checked
will be trained to reliably turn left, right or to move forward on the hand signal from the handler checked
will be trained to reliably turn left, right or to move forward on the verbal command of the handler. checked
will be trained to ride escalators. checked
will be trained to safely navigate revolving doors with its handler checked
will be trained to follow members of the public when commanded to do so by the handler.
will be trained to enter, exit and ride quietly in passenger cars or other vehicles checked
will be trained to enter, exit and ride quietly on buses checked
will be trained to enter, exit and ride quietly on subways, light rail systems or passenger trains and to safely navigate elevated platforms checked
will have been exposed to security checkpoints such as those found in airports
will have been trained in urban environments checked
will have been trained in small towns or suburbia checked
will have been trained in rural environments checked
will have been trained to guide safely along roads with no sidewalks or footpaths checked
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 checked
will be trained to reliably retrieve dropped items for the handler
will be trained to locate some specific objects/landmarks on command checked
will be trained to reliably come when called while off leash checked
will be trained to formally guide on leash
other (please list)Regarding escalators - most, but not all will work on escalators. A dog that does not work escalators is discussed with a student prior to a match being made.
2. How long (number of hours of actual training) is formal guide work training for dogs in your program? This depends on each individual dog to complete the qualifications set forth by GDA
3. Are the dogs tested by instructors under blindfold?
Yes, all dogs are tested by instructors under blindfold. checked
Yes, many of our dogs are tested by instructors under blindfold.
Yes, a dog may be tested by an instructor under blindfold.
No, our instructors do not generally test the dogs by working them under blindfold.
4. Please mark all statements that describe the components of your program’s matching process.
Information gathered from our application process is used to match a student with a dog. checked
Instructors contact the incoming student by telephone prior to class to discuss issues relating to the match. checked
Instructors assess a student for a suitable match when that student arrives in class. checked
When a student begins class, our instructors continue to assess that student for a suitable match. checked
Students test walk a few dogs prior to the match to assist in the matching process.
The class instructors meet to discuss and formalize dog matches prior to issuing dogs to students. checked
The student and instructors periodically meet during training to discuss the viability of the match. checked
An alternative match is available to a student if the need arises. checked
An alternative match for a student is sometimes possible. checked
Our focus is on training the student with the dog selected for him/her and not really on arranging alternative matches.
5. In the past two years, what percentage of dogs were returned to the school within a year of being placed with a handler? (Please indicate percentage of dogs returned here.) We don't have an exact figure, but it is a very low percentage.
GRADUATE SERVICES
1. The program’s policy on home-based instructional follow-up is best described as (choose one):
Our program cannot currently provide in home instructional follow-up to graduates.
In-home instructional follow-up is available for our graduates throughout the U.S. and Canada. checked
In-home instructional follow-up is available to graduates within a specific area. (Please indicate the area where in-home follow-up is provided.)
*For programs that offer home-based follow-up:
2. The school can provide at home instructional follow-up upon graduate request within:
a few days of the request checked
a few weeks of the request checked
3. Telephone-based support for graduates is best described as:
The program has instructors available during office hours to immediately answer graduates’ questions.
An instructor returns a graduate's phone call for advice/assistance on a same-day basis. checked
An instructor returns a graduate's phone call for advice/assistance within a few days.
4. The school has vet staff available during business hours to speak with graduates regarding health-concerns they have about their guides.
Yes. checked
No.
5. School veterinarians are available to consult with a graduate’s local vet as necessary.
Yes. checked
No.
6. The school has counseling staff available to speak with graduates regarding stressful or difficult issues concerning their handler-dog partnership.
Yes.
No. checked
7. The school offers graduates assistance in placing retired guides if they request it. (Please choose the most accurate reply.)
Yes, we have a program for placing retired guides with screened volunteers.
Yes, we first offer the dog back to its raiser and then to screened applicants from our waiting list, if necessary. checked
Yes, we’ll help find a home for a retired guide if a graduate has no other option. checked
We are not able to place retired guides in adoptive homes.
8. The school can offer kennel services for a guide, if a graduate requests that.
Yes. checked
No.
POST-TRAINING POLICIES
1. Upon completion of training with your program: (please select one.)
The school retains some form of ownership of the dog.
The graduate owns the dog. checked
The school retains ownership of the dog, but a graduate may apply for ownership after a specified period of successful partnership with the dog. Please indicate this amount of required time here. On occasion, we discover during training that we may have questions about whether a student is suitable to use a guide dog (such as lack of leadership issues). We may choose to continue with this team and offer a 1 year conditional contract, along with follow-up visits. After the initial year, the graduate may apply for full ownership.
2. Your program’s response to cases of proven abuse would be best represented as:
The school retains the right to remove a dog from a graduate’s home in cases of proven abuse.
The school works with Animal Control or other appropriate agencies
to remove a dog in cases of proven abuse. checked
The school expects that civil authorities will deal directly with the handler to resolve situations of proven dog-abuse.
3. The school retains the right to remove a dog from a graduate in cases where (mark any that apply):
The training staff deems the working team to be unsafe.
The school determines the handler’s home environment to be unsafe.
Once a dog is issued, the school does not involve itself in attempting to remove a dog under any circumstances.
4. The program’s policy concerning guide-related equipment is (please mark all that apply):
The graduate owns the dog's work-related equipment upon graduation.
The school retains ownership of the dog's work-related equipment. checked
The school reserves the right to remove the harness in cases where
the training staff deems the team to be unsafe. checked
The school requests that the harness be returned to them upon retirement of the guide. checked
5. If replacement equipment is needed by a graduate of your program: (Indicate any that apply.)
The graduate will be referred to vendors from which they can purchase the needed equipment.
The school provides replacement equipment free of charge to its graduates. checked
6. The school’s policy regarding veterinary costs related to the dogs they provide is (please mark any that apply):
Graduates are offered an annual stipend for veterinary care
throughout the working career of the dog.
Graduates who keep their retired guides are offered an annual veterinary care stipend to use throughout that dog’s entire life.
The school covers the cost of veterinary care for a specified period of time. checked *Indicate this amount of time here: (Graduates with significant veterinary costs may apply to GDA for assistance. We consider each request on a case by case basis. )
Heartworm and flea and tick preventative medications are offered to graduates free of charge (or the cost is reimbursed).
Heartworm and flea and tick preventative medications are offered to graduates
at reduced cost. checked
The dog’s food is offered to graduates at reduced cost through the school.
The school offers loans or grants to assist graduates with vet costs if need be.
The school assists graduates experiencing financial difficulties in finding organizations that might offer them funding for veterinary costs.
7. Upon completion of training ( indicate all that apply):
The school has a graduation ceremony. checked
First-time graduates are treated to a dinner to celebrate completion of the program. checked
Graduates receive a packet of materials about their dog, their training, and about their access rights. checked
Exit interviews are conducted during which graduates are encouraged to comment on their in-class experience. checked
8. If a graduate wishes to share feedback about the program with the school (Indicate all that apply.)
There is a process in place to allow graduates to comment on school programs and policies. checked
The school has a Graduate Council.
The school sponsors an email list for graduates and those interested in the school.
The school keeps ongoing communication with its graduates, informing them of program news and/or innovations, using its website as well as school newsletters. checked
9. Regarding access awareness (indicate all that apply):
Our program provides a booklet containing access laws for the U.S. and Canada. checked
we provide graduates with a card that is printed with the access laws for their home region. checked
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. checked
The school has videos and written materials available to educate the public about the guide dog handlers’ civil rights. checked
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). checked
10. If any of the following school policies apply, please indicate.
Qualified graduates serve on the school's Board of Directors. checked
Qualified graduates are employed at the school. checked
Graduates of your program volunteer on behalf of your program. checked
The school has a program that offers graduates opportunities to speak about the school and their guide dog related experiences in their local areas. checked
Graduates are offered the opportunity to actively raise funds for the school by participating in school-sponsored activities or programs. checked
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
**Please list any policies, programs or services available to graduates from your school that you want prospective applicants to be aware of but which are not described in the above survey.
All grads are treated to a dinner to celebrate completion of the program.
GDA also offers emergency boarding for graduates of other schools.
RE: POST TRAINING POLICIES, Question 3. "...remove a dog..."
If the training staff deems the working team to be unsafe, we will retire the dog, not remove it.
Other than the Labrador, the number of breeds trained by GDA varies from class to class. Crossbreeds (Poodle crosses, Lab/Golden crosses) are new to GDA and they are proving to be very successful.
Thank you very much for completing the GDUI Guide Dog Schools Survey!
Your participation will benefit current and prospective guide dog handlers
and it will increase your program’s visibility among consumers.
