  |
The Application Process The admissions process starts when a prospective applicant contacts us and indicates they are interested in a guide dog. Sometimes they call us; other times, they send their request via email. The Consumer Services Department gathers this information and calls the prospective applicant personally. They speak about what it’s like to use a guide dog, and answer any questions they have about our program. They also check to see if the applicant meets the Foundation’s requirements for using a guide dog (i.e., that they are legally blind, have completed Orientation and Mobility training, etc.). If the prospective applicant has met our criteria, and they decide that a guide dog may be the right choice for them, an application packet is mailed out. If the prospective applicant is unsure about the prospect of getting a dog, we will send them additional information on the program (if they are interested). For those still needing Orientation and Mobility training, we will provide them with a list of agencies in their area that offer this training. Once an individual begins sending in the pieces of the application, their file is considered “active.” The applicant can contact us via email or call us to inquire as to what items we have received thus far and what is still needed to complete the application. A staff member will contact each applicant to arrange an interview. For applicants living in the Long Island area, it most probably will be an in-person interview in the applicant’s home. For out-of-area applicants we cannot see personally, a telephone interview is arranged. For these out-of-area individuals, we also request a 10-minute video, to give us a glimpse of their O&M skills as well as the areas where they live and work. (These are informal videos, usually done with a simple camcorder.) These interviews help us better understand the applicant’s needs—vital information for the matching process. Your mobility specialist, a family member or a friend (preferably someone experienced in using a video camera) might be able to assist you. If you do not have access to a video camera, try contacting local organizations such as the Lions Clubs, schools, libraries, the Eagle Scouts, VA etc. There is a disposable digital video camera that is being sold at CVS Stores and Rite Aid Pharmacies. Each store can process its own video camera onto a CD. We can view video CD’s, standard VHS video cassettes or VHS_C video cassettes, 8 mm video and DVD formats that can be played on a standard home DVD player. We can receive video via email depending on the format. We can also view your video on the web. If the file is too large to email, you can use a provider for free such as www.yousendit.com. If you have any questions regarding the video, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to receiving your video and thank you for your interest in our program. Once an applicant’s folder is complete, and the interview has been conducted, the gathered information is presented to the Student Selection Committee. The committee reviews the information and determines if we can meet the applicant’s needs. If the applicant is accepted, a formal letter is mailed to them. The information in their folder then is passed along to the training staff so they can find an appropriate dog for that person. When the dog is found, the applicant is scheduled for an upcoming class. If the applicant is not accepted, and we cannot provide a guide dog for them at this point (i.e., the applicant is not in good health, they do not have sufficient orientation skills), we write them a letter to explain why their application was denied. The next step for that applicant varies case by case. Some are encouraged to apply again when their situation has resolved. For others, perhaps those for whom a guide dog is not the right option (for example, someone who wants a dog just for companionship), we provide them with suggestions for another mobility aid or specialized program at another organization. Click here to learn more about the application process, including how to apply for a guide dog online. |
