What
Do Guide Dog Mobility Instructors Do?
The ability to move independently,
safely and with confidence through the environment is an essential role
in human development and a hallmark of independence for people who are
blind and visually impaired. Guide Dog Mobility Instructors
(GDMs) train specially bred dogs
to guide people who are visually impaired. They also instruct those
individuals in how to travel safely and independently throughout their
environment. Instructors must have excellent skills in delivering both
classroom and practical instruction. Instructors also participate in
follow-up visits to clients and their dogs throughout the United States
and Canada. Instruction includes many aspects of dog training, canine
temperament evaluation, causes of blindness, client instruction and
aftercare, and many more subjects.
Employment Opportunities
Guide Dog Mobility Instructors
have opportunities to work at dog guide schools throughout the United
States and the world as well as to become employed in various other
service dog organizations. Dual certification (Guide Dog Mobility and
Orientation & Mobility) opens up additional excellent employment
opportunities. O&M specialists work in public schools, state residential
schools for students with visual impairments, private or state rehabilitation
agencies, and Veteran’s Administration blind rehabilitation centers.
Dual certification blends these two fields into a highly marketable
set of skills.
