ABOUT Guide Dogs of the Desert

STUDENT PROCEDURES

Any legally blind person may apply to receive a guide dog from Guide Dogs of the Desert. Qualified applicants are reviewed before the start of classes to ensure proper matching of a guide dog with its new companion. The majority of students and graduates reside in the southwestern United States, although applications are received and accepted from all over the United States, Canada and Mexico.

First time students receive 28 days of on-site training. In each class, GDD strives to maintain its low 3:1 student-instructor ratio.  Each class consists of a maximum of 10 students, with a 3:1 student to trainer ratio. 

California State Law allows in-home training of applicants that meet the special requirements and Guide Dogs of the Desert is proud to offer this service.

When a complete application is returned to Guide Dogs of the Desert, the applicant is contacted to schedule a personal interview or request a video interview if the applicant lives a long distance from the training center. This discussion focuses on the responsibilities and opportunities associated with guide dog travel. Interviewers also take note of the applicant's home living environment, mobility, health and attitude. Within 30 days of the interview, the applicant is notified of his/her acceptance or denial. 

Students have a private bedroom with a shared bathroom (although because our student/instructor ratio is so small usually students have a private bath).  Each bedroom has a desk with ceiling fan.  We have a computer room with 2 computers for use during your stay which have JAWS and ZoomText installed.  Our facility is also wireless so you can bring your own computer if that is your preference.  We have a common area that has a television and a separate family room.  We have a dining room facility with gift shop and auditorium where graduation is held.  Our house parents have a 2 room apartment within the dorm facility and are available for our students 24 hours.

During the 28 day class period, the student and dog teams travel to local communities for exposure to urban hazards of curbs, busy streets, sidewalks, stairways, pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The grounds of the student housing complex have been designed so that many routes can be taught and practiced without leaving the premises. Students work their dogs in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Banning and Redlands.  There is also a trip to the beach.  We are the only school to take class on a plane trip from Ontario airport, and overnight stay at the Phoenix Hilton Hotel.  This provides the team with exposure to the airport, security procedures and hotel check-in.  

All graduates receive a specially trained guide dog with all necessary equipment and post-graduate assistance as needed for the working life of the team. All of our services, excluding transportation costs to and from the school, but including 28-day accommodations, are furnished at NO COST to our students.