Training Programs

When you decide to become a Guiding Eyes student, you’ll be considered for one of four personalized training programs:

1. Residential Training Program at the Yorktown Heights, NY Training Center
2. Special Needs Program for people with disabilities in addition to blindness, such as hearing loss or orthopedic problems, at the Yorktown Heights, NY Training Center
3. ACTION program for experienced guide dog users over an abbreviated time period, at the Training Center
4. Home Training Program for experienced guide dog users who have extenuating circumstances preventing them from coming to the Training Center

Residential Training Program

• 26-day program held 11 times a year.
• Training experiences in rural, suburban and urban settings.
• Small class sizes with highly individualized instruction. (A typical class has 12 students with a Supervisor and two Instructors.)

ACTION Program (Accelerated Client Training Option)

Unique 15-day training program for experienced guide dog users.

• ACTION students begin training with Residential Program students, staying with the group as students receive their dogs.
• 10 days of one-on-one training with a senior instructor.
• 5 days of home instruction with Guiding Eyes training staff.

Special Needs Program

Guiding Eyes for the Blind was the first guide dog school to establish a dedicated Special Needs Program. Since the program’s inception in 1990, we have successfully graduated blind individuals who have, in addition to blindness, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, balance problems, and hearing impairments, including individuals who are Deaf-Blind and communicate by American Sign Language.

• Special Needs Programs run at the same time as the Residential Training Programs.
• There are never more than two Special Needs students in a class.
• Dedicated Special Needs Instructors provide extensive, individualized instruction.
• Guiding Eyes dogs for Special Needs students receive a minimum of four months training and an additional two months of training to support the specific needs of each student.
• Special Needs students live in the dormitories with the Residential Training students and join them for their meals and other social events.

Special Needs Program Brochure in PDF Format (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Special Needs Program Brochure in Word Document Format

Home Training Program

For people who are unable to travel to the Training Center and have had previous guide dog experience.  (Exception based on need and ability can be made.)

Your daily home routine forms the basis of the 10-15 day program.

Although being trained in your home appears to be ideal, Guiding Eyes’ experience shows that new, first time guide dog users need the structure of the 26-day, Residential Program.

Applying for a Guiding Eyes Dog

You are eligible for a Guiding Eyes dog if:

• You are legally blind
• Are at least 16 years old
• Are able to travel independently with a white cane
• Ready and willing to be responsible for a Guiding Eyes dog.

If you think you meet these criteria and are interested, we invite you to apply.
For more information, contact:
Bev Klayman
Manager of Admissions Services
800-942-0149 ext. 2222
admissions@guidingeyes.org