SA Guide-Dogs (GDA) trains dogs, and orientation and mobility instructors, to provide safe and independent mobility for the blind.
The South African Guide-Dogs Association (or GDA for short) was founded in 1953 by Mrs. Gladys Evans and her Guide Dog, Sheena.
A blind lady of great courage and determination, Gladys trained with Sheena in Leamington Spa, UK, and on her return to South Africa founded the first training centre in Parkview, Johannesburg.
From those early days, the organisation has grown from strength to strength, including the establishment of a purpose built training centre. Since 1993, with the assistance of Canine Companions for Independence in California USA, we have also been able to offer Service Dogs to people with disabilities or those who have special needs.
The breeds most suited to becoming Guide Dogs are the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. The Association breeds its own dogs from specially selected breeding lines. At seven weeks old the pups are placed in the homes of volunteer ‘puppy raisers’ who provide the first vital year of social and preparation training – but the cost is borne by the Association.
At approximately 12 months old, the dogs are ready for their formal training which takes six to eight months. They are then carefully matched with the right person to ensure a long and lasting good working relationship. This partnership training takes place first at our residential training centres, and then in the home and neighbourhood of the Dog’s new owner. Regular follow-up visits and an open line for help and advice are part of the package.
The SA Guide-Dogs Association is funded entirely by way of donations – a remarkable achievement on the part of donors considering that it costs close to R80,000 to produce one trained ‘unit’ of owner and dog, with ongoing aftercare. Each new owner is asked to pay a single nominal amount as part of the contract.
A bequest to the SA Guide-Dogs Association is a powerful gift that will give safe mobility and independence, as well is devoted and loyal companionship, to a visually impaired person.
Our mission is to enhance the mobility and independence of people who have visual, physical and developmental needs.
We assist people from all walks of life, cultures, races and religions:
· Guide Dogs for people who are visually impaired
· Service Dogs for people who are physically disabled
· Autism Support Dogs for autistic children
· College of Orientation and Mobility trains practitioners and provides direct training to people who are visually impaired.
Vision:
• To ensure the safety and independence of blind and partially sighted people using a Guide Dog as a mobility aid.
• To achieve the highest standards of breeding, development, care and training of dogs.
• To achieve the highest standards of education of blind and partially sighted people in the handling, care and use of a Guide Dog as a mobility aid.
• To provide excellence in the provision of aftercare services to blind and partially sighted people and their Guide Dogs for the lifetime of the dog.
• To develop and promote Orientation and Mobility as part of the rehabilitation of blind and partially sighted people in society.
• To educate and qualify instructors to achieve the highest standards in the education of Orientation and Mobility techniques.
• To provide consultancy services and support for the implementation, delivery and evaluation of Orientation and Mobility services to NGO’s, government departments and the corporate sector.
• To educate communities and individuals in the Mission and Vision of the Association.
