Welcome to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB)
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind provides five main services
- The Guide Dog Programme
- The Assistance Dogs Programme for Families of Children with Autism
- The Child Mobility Programme
- Orientation and Mobility Training
- Independent Living Skills Training
We receive approximately 85% of our income through donations and fundraising by a network of almost 100 voluntary fundraising branches around the country. It will cost over €5.2 million to run the organisation in 2009. It costs over €38,000 to breed, train and support a guide dog partnership.
HISTORY
Founded in 1976, by the late Mary Dunlop and our current President, Jim Dennehy, we are a unique organisation dedicated to providing services which bring mobility and independence to blind and visually impaired people as well as people with other disabilities. Our services include guide dog training, long cane training, courses in independent living skills and child mobility programme. We also provide Assistance Dogs for families of children with Autism – a first for Europe.
All our services are provided free of charge. We rely heavily on volunteers to support us through fundraising, the raising of our dogs and in many other ways. To find out how you can help, phone us on lo-call 1850 506 300 or email info@guidedogs.ie
OUR VISION
A future where persons who are blind, vision impaired and disabled achieve independence and dignity through our world-class dog and ancillary services.
OUR MISSION
To provide the highest quality of services in partnership with our clients while planning for the future and valuing clients, volunteers and each other.
