Guiding Eyes for the Blind provides all services free of charge, including transportation to and from campus, equipment, accommodations, meals, and follow-up support. Donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and service groups cover the entire cost to graduate a guide dog team. Once home you will be responsible for the cost of upkeep for your guide dog.
Below is a summary of our training options. We work with each student to determine the option that best meets their needs.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind provides a comprehensive 2-week, campus-based training located at our headquarters in Yorktown Heights, New York, about an hour north of New York City. Classes consist of 6-8 students. Each Guide Dog Mobility Instructor works with a maximum of two students to deliver greater customization and one-on-one instruction. While in class, students learn to travel with their guide dogs in a variety of environments including residential areas, small towns and busy cities. Students stay in private rooms and enjoy our famously delicious meals prepared by our dedicated dining services team in Rosie’s Cafe.
Students with additional challenges can qualify to work with a guide dog through Specialized Training. Specialized Training is tailored to support each student’s individual needs. Training takes place either on-campus or in the home area. For DeafBlind individuals, training will be conducted with Guide Dog Mobility Instructors who are proficient in American Sign Language, and we hire professional interpreters to enhance communication as needed.
This unique training option is designed for active individuals who would like to run with their guide dogs for exercise in their home environment. Dogs trained as running guides are selected based on stamina and a desire to be engaged at a higher activity level, while safely maintaining the fundamentals of guide work. This training is an add-on to our other training options. Once the guide dog team establishes a rapport and safe travel together, running is introduced.
Home training is offered on a limited, case-by-case basis to students with extenuating circumstances who otherwise cannot attend on-campus training. Students work one-on-one with an instructor to integrate the dog into their daily life and familiar routes in their home area. The length and schedule of training is flexible and based on the student’s needs but typically takes place over 12 days on average.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.
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