[NAGDU] Formal O&M and Guide Dog Schools

[Lisa Belville]

Hi, Piper.


Most schools do require that you have proficiency with basic O&M 
skills.?? While the larger schools will send a trainer to your area to do 
an evaluation, many still require some official proof of basic skill 
level and/or a video tape.?? Some of the smaller skills may not have the 
staff or funds to send out trainers for evaluations even though they 
will accept long distance applicants.?? In most instances, the video, 
written information, and phone interview will give them the information 
they need to make a decision regarding acceptance.


I had this situation occur four years ago when I was applying at GDA for 
my third dog.?? Even though I had been a dog handler for nearly twenty 
years, it was my first time dealing with that school.?? They had no idea 
about me or my skills, so there was no getting around the requirement.


I hadn't had any official O&M from a certified instructor in over ten 
years and at that time, our state Division of Blind Services was so 
underfunded and understaffed that opening a case and getting the 
evaluation would have taken several months.?? I didn't want to go through 
that process just for an O&M evaluation when I knew my skills were sound.


I asked on this list and got information about a blindness center that 
has O&M instructors on staff.?? I was able to arrange for one of them to 
do the tape and evaluation on a free lance basis.


I live in a rural community in Illinois, and there isn't a Lighthouse or 
any kind of blindness center nearby, so this was my only option in order 
to complete the application process quickly and on my terms.


The instructor only charged me $100 for the two hours she spent with 
me.?? The majority of the time was spent doing the video taping.?? It was 
easy for her to fill out the form and verify my skill level, the actual 
taping of the video was what took the longest due to location and editing.


Lisa



Lisa Belville

missktlab1217 at frontier.com

On 8/23/2019 5:07 PM, Piper Morton via NAGDU wrote:
> Hi again,
>
> I'm sorry to post again. I have a question, though. After my current guide,
> Carey, retires, I am wanting to apply to guide dog schools for my next dog.
>
> But, I have a huge problem. I have never had formal O&M training. I taught
> myself and travelled safely with a cane for about five years before I got
> Carey.
>
> Will I have to take formal O&M just to even be considered by any school? Do
> they ever observe applicants and sort of waive that requirement?
>
> Thanks again!
>
> Piper and Carey
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