In March 2020, right before LightHouse closed for in-person programs, for 26 months, a new workshop, “So You Think You Want A Guide Dog?” debuted. The workshop was the brainchild of LightHouse Orientation & Mobility Specialist Katt Jones, who wanted to provide information that was impartial and beyond that offered by guide dog schools to people who were interested in learning more about guide dogs.
 
The workshop covers how to decide if a guide dog is right for you, what skills you need before applying to schools, common misconceptions about guide dogs, how to pick a guide dog school, what to expect during the application process and how to best prepare for school once you are accepted.
 
Katt writes about the success of the workshop:
 
“Since that first hybrid workshop in March 2020, there have been five virtual workshops with one geared to youth and their families, and another geared towards Orientation & Mobility instructors.”   
 
The workshop has evolved over the last two and-a-half-years, thanks to feedback from participants.
 
“We have played around with the format and have made the workshop more interactive and engaging rather than purely informational.”
 
If you’re interested in possibly getting a guide dog, now is a good time to attend the workshop as the demand for guide dogs goes up, as Katt explains:
 
“The guide dog schools have been ramping back up their puppy breeding to try and meet the need of students applying to the different schools, after they had to ramp them down over the pandemic.”
 
So, if you’ve got even a bit a curiosity about getting a guide dog, why not join us?
 
Wednesday, October 19, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
 
Please RSVP by October 18 to Briana Kusuma at ‪BKusuma@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7335.