This week we have had a Guide Dog Class graduate and an Assistance Dog Class graduate. A guide dog is specially trained to accompany and enable a vision impaired person to move about safely, independently and with confidence. The working relationship between a guide dog and its owner is unique and it offers both social and emotional benefits. To find out more about our Guide Dogs Click here

Launched in 2005 our Assistance Dog Programme was the first of its kind in Europe.

An assistance dog is the same breed, age and temperament as a guide dog and is trained especially to work with an autistic child and his or her family. Assistance dogs help to control and improve the behaviour of the autistic child by promoting calmness and acting as a safety aid to the parent. Outings to public places become less stressful and families enjoy greater freedom and mobility. For more on our Assistance Dog Programme click here

Pictured are Guide Dog Owners Noel Healy & Khan, Tom O'Neill & Gatsby, Fergus Ring & Jake and newly qualified Assistance Dog Owner Lillian Kelly with Jazz, they are pictured with IGDB Instructors, Jayne Husband & Rhea Eswer.