Program areas at GDB
Guide dog programsgdb is recognized as a world leader in the breeding, socialization, and training of Guide Dogs along with unparalleled support of its Guide dog team. During the year ended june 30, 2023, gdb served up to 2,000 Guide dog teams across the u.s. and canada. Guide dog teams train and graduate from gdb's campuses in California and Oregon, and in-home client training services are also available. As part of gdb's commitment to client service and support, clients have ongoing access to on-campus veterinary services, veterinary financial assistance, dedicated field service representatives, 24/7 call-in support, an alumni association and much more. (see sch o)orientation & mobility immersion programabout five years ago, gdb expanded its service offerings to include a free orientation & mobility immersion ("omi") program. This program assists people needing to improve the travel skills that are most relevant to becoming a successful Guide dog handler and also provides services to enhance the skills of current Guide Dogs handlers who may have experienced a change in their vision. This expanded service has trained 239 clients to date, and this year 45 clients were helped on their journey to greater safety, independence, and inclusion. Gdb trained clients on both campuses as well as conducted in-home trainings to continue to build momentum for this critical program. Instructors also employed special protocols to ensure the safety of all involved.k9 buddy programgdb's k9 buddy program matches specially selected Dogs, who were not suited to become Guide Dogs, as wonderful pets and buddies to people who are Blind or visually impaired, including children and their families, and adults of all ages. A dog can contribute to the heightening of sensory development, motivating a client and enhancing self-esteem. During the year ended june 30, 2023, 27 k9 buddy teams were created at no cost to the client or their family.youth programswhile gdb's Guide dog and omi programs primarily serve adults, gdb also seeks out ways beyond its k9 buddy program to engage youth who are Blind or visually impaired. Gdb has several free programs that provide youth and their families an opportunity to explore the Guide dog lifestyle starting at a young age.at camp gdb, participants explore the companionship, independence, and responsibility of having a Guide dog. Campers experienced hands-on fun and unique activities with Dogs and learned why orientation and mobility ("o&m") skills are so important for a successful partnership with a Guide Dogs. Gdb hosted two in-person camps this year with participants ranging from ages 14 to 24. Both camps took place at the hull park foundation & learning center for the Blind & visually impaired in sandy, Oregon, with outings to gdb's Oregon campus and activities including hiking, river rafting, and archery.gdb also launched a new monthly webinar series called "ready, set, forward!". This series of webinars is designed to assist youth and young adults by providing information from a panel consisting of Guide dog users, gdb staff members, parents, and blindness professionals. the topic covered included information about cane usage, the Guide dog lifestyle, and k9 buddy partnerships to ensure a full breadth of options was provided. 10 to 20 participants ranging from ages 14 to 24 registered each month.advocacy effortsgdb's advocacy team is leading the industry with innovative advocacy initiatives. Gdb, partnering with the american foundation for the Blind, has completed a first of its kind blindness research project, and results were shared via press releases, reports, and at in-person presentations including the international Guide dog federation conference in vancouver, british columbia. Through direct contact with airlines and airports, the federal department of transportation civil aviation, gdb continues to facilitate communication and provide information to improve Guide Dogs handlers' access to air travel. Gdb was also proud to cosponsor California legislation to address the negative impact of fraudulent services animals while protecting public access rights for people with legitimate service animals like Guide Dogs. the bill became law in september 2021. Gdb also continues to work with service animal advocates in other states to design legislation akin to California legislation.support networkgdb's partnerships with thousands of passionate volunteers who donate their time, talents, and hearts are what make gdb's mission a reality. Gdb has up to 2,000 volunteer puppy raisers in the 10 western states, several hundred breeder custodians and foster care volunteers, and averages nearly 800 campus volunteers each year. Volunteers welcome Dogs into their homes; they act as program ambassadors; they provide administrative support to many departments, and they support the mission in a myriad of ways.gdb's generous private donors help gdb fulfill its life-changing mission through general contributions, grants, honor and memorial gifts, bequests, and numerous estate planning vehicles. Donors are recognized for their commitment to gdb through giving societies, dedicated to those who have made a substantial contribution. Gdb's legacy society honors the vision of those who have included gdb in their estate plans.