The Edge Program
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Woman and young girl crossing the road with a Guide Dog.
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What is The
EDGE?
At Guide Dogs, we have a lifelong commitment to people with vision impairment. For our young clients, that means continual consideration of their future needs and travel abilities. That's why The EDGE Program (short for Encountering Dogs and Guide Dog Experiences) was developed. It provides appropriate and relevant information for children who are considering a Guide Dog as a mobility aid in the future.
Children, parents, guardians and teachers can learn about the prerequisites and skills required to successfully work with a Guide Dog. A Guide Dog User must be able to travel safely and independently, establish and maintain leadership of the Guide Dog, and have good physical ability. We also dispel any misconceptions about Guide Dog mobility along the way.
What do the participants learn?
Under the close 'one to one' supervision of our instructors, participants interact with a range of guide dogs with different temperaments. They learn to handle, walk, toilet, feed and groom a Guide Dog - which is invaluable practical experience, as well as a lot of fun.
Since a Guide Dog will involve more people than the child alone, The EDGE is a great opportunity for discussion about guide dog mobility - parents, carers and teachers are welcome.
The program can also motivate children to continue their current mobility training program once they have first-hand experience of the complex skills required for Guide Dog mobility.
How can I join the Edge?
For more information, contact your local Guide Dogs office. Like all our services, The Edge Program is free of charge.