For me, having the independence of a Leader Dog enhances my life one hundred and ten percent. Providing for a Leader Dog is a responsibility that should never be taken lightly. An in depth application is required for your first and each successor dog guide. The application process includes the following:
- Application for training that collects personal information, travel skills and environment details, education and employment history, and personal references.
- Medical history and physical examination data.
- Vision evaluation
- Release of information form
- Orientation and mobility video.
All forms can be completed online or downloaded from Leader Dog’s website, http://www.leaderdog.org if you are interested.
The purpose of the mobility video is to assist the admissions committee and training teams in evaluating the level of cane travel skills; and for possible matches of human with potential dog guide. Ten to fifteen minutes of cane travel in the home neighborhood environment along with street crossings with and without traffic lights is the best way for Leader Dog to see your environment as well as evaluating mobility and orientation skills. I am including mine and Wil’s video as an example. Warning: the video is about thirty minutes long. After all, it does cover mobility for two.
We have an awesome graduate services person who kept in contact with us throughout the process. She let us know that we were both approved and waiting for a class date. We were sent an approval letter along with a packet of papers to be signed and returned before class. This packet includes:
- Release of information forms
- Waiver for using the Workout Facility
- Terms for use of facility computer equipment
- Medication form
- Non-harassment and Discrimination Statement
- Polk Residence Alcohol Policy
Also mailed with this packet of papers were 2 luggage tags, the Kaptin Plus GPS system, and information sheets for students and families. The Kaptin Plus is preprogrammed with the Leader Dog class lectures for pre-class listening. With all the paperwork done and lectures heard; we can get right down to our most important mission: training with our Leader Dogs.
At first, we were told that we would be in the February 2014 class. Team 4 of the January class watched our video and decided there were probable matches for me and Wil. We are excited to be going and training together. I will be blogging about our training since some of you may find interest in the process.
Off we go on Sunday, January 12th!!
Until next time…