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- International Guide Dog Federation
The Guide Dog Foundation is proud to be a full member of the International Guide Dog Federation, an organization whose mission is to “encourage and advance the concept and provision of guide dogs worldwide as a means of independent mobility for people with a vision durability.” There are more than 72 member schools in 28 countries, including ten guide dog schools from the United States.
In order to apply for membership in the International Federation, the guide dog school must be operating for five years from the date of its incorporation; must have produced a minimum of 20 student/dog teams; must undergo a satisfactory assessment by an International Federation Assessor; and must meet Federation guidelines and standards. Once membership is granted, the guide dog school must successfully undergo an assessment every five years, showing that the school continues to meet the Federation’s standards.
“As a member of the International Federation, we have met or exceeded its guidelines for appropriate standards and practices,” says Bruce Benzler, the Foundation’s Executive Officer for Program Services. “Membership enables us to interact and exchange information with guide dog schools around the world. Plus, we have the added resource of directly working with other guide dog schools to exchange breeding stock, puppies, and frozen semen. We learn from the other schools on ways to improve our program to better serve our consumers.”
Guidelines for Appropriate Practices
The International Federation mandates that its members to meet certain standards and guidelines in numerous operational areas. There are requirements regarding administrative services, buildings and resources, funding, publicity, canine breeding, puppy development, veterinary care, animal welfare, guide dog assessment, guide dog training, field services, applicant selection, student training, graduate services, staff recruitment and retention, and staff training and development.
Assessments and Accreditation
The International Federation’s evaluations of guide dog schools are known as Assessments, and they are conducted by specially designated Federation Assessors. Assessors must have certain educational and professional qualifications, as well as specific work experience, skills, and abilities. Most have moved through the ranks at their own guide dog school, oftentimes starting through the ranks in a dog training capacity.
Currently, there are just 21 Assessors worldwide, including the Foundation’s own Bruce Benzler! He was approached by the Federation in the late 1990s, and asked to join this elite group of guide dog professionals. In his 10-plus years of serving in this capacity, Bruce has assessed guide dog schools in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Korea, and Japan. In 2003 he conducted assessments in South Africa and Australia.
International Guide Dog Federation
Hillfields, Burghfield Common
Reading, UK RG7 3YG
Tel: +44 118 983 1990
Fax: +44 118 983 3572
E-mail: info@ifgdsb.org.uk
Web site: http://www.ifgdsb.org.uk
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