Client Suggestion Sheet
Thousands of people have received guide dogs from Leader Dogs for the Blind. Here are some suggestions we’ve developed over the years for people coming for O&M or Leader Dog training.
Practice Walking
· You will be expected to walk 1-4 miles a day. Start walking now in preparation for training. Exercise will develop the muscle tone you need to complete training. NOTE: Please check with your physician before starting a new exercise program.
· If you do not currently travel with a white cane, walk with the assistance of a friend or relative.
· Start by taking short walks and increase to hourly walks.
Get Acquainted
· Become familiar with your neighborhood and the layout of your community. Know your streets and the location of your home in relation to the streets. Study the time and distance between your home and frequently travelled routes.
· Learn the location of stores, hazardous spots and landmarks you can use to maintain orientation.
· Learn to identify travel areas by sound and touch.
· Ensure you can administer all of your over-the-counter and prescription medications without assistance. You must also know how to inject your own insulin and test your own blood sugar, as Leader Dog does not have a registered nurse or medical assistant on campus.
Travel to Leader Dog
· Leader Dogs for the Blind will pay for public (plane, train or bus) transportation to and from training. We will not reimburse gas money for private transportation.
· Plane travel is best for you and your new dog if you are traveling a significant distance.
· Your guide dog mobility instructor will call you 1-3 days before training begins to verify your contact information.
· On the day you travel to Leader Dog, contact us immediately at 1-888-777-5332 in the event of delays or cancellations.
· If you are flying, airline personnel will escort you to the baggage area where a Leader Dog representative will be waiting to transport you to campus.
· If someone will be driving you to and from campus, you may depart on the last Wednesday of class any time after 12:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.
Luggage
· Please use the luggage tags provided in your acceptance packet to help us identify your bags at the airport and on campus.
· You will be training outdoors, so please bring comfortable walking shoes (preferably water-resistant or waterproof). Do not bring a brand new pair of shoes that have never been worn and may cause blisters.
· Bring clothes you can layer (hooded sweatshirts, wind-breakers and fleece tops) for changing weather conditions.
· Bring UV protection (sunscreen in travel sizes).
· Boots, hats and gloves are needed during winter months (October-April).
· A clothes washer, dryer and hypoallergenic soap are provided on campus for free.
· You are responsible for all airline baggage charges (most airlines have a 50 pound weight limit per bag). Please check with your airline carrier for specific fees.
Pocket Money
· You may want to bring 1-2 rolls of quarters for our vending machines (snacks, soft drinks, over-the-counter medication).
· There will be several opportunities to purchase souvenirs from our gift shop and local stores, malls and pharmacies. Our gift shop accepts cash, personal checks and charge cards.
Campus
· Your room will have a private bathroom (sink, toilet and shower stall), talking clock radio, TV, wireless and wired internet access, mini refrigerator, private entrance, climate control and locking drawer for valuables.
· Friends and family can take a virtual tour of our facility at: www.leaderdog.org/virtualtour.
· Our lounge is equipped with radios, televisions, talking books, a guitar and piano. DVD and digital players are available upon request. We also have a multimedia room with large print and voice computers and access to the Leader Dog Electronic Bulletin Board.
· Free weights, exercise machines and treadmills are available for your use in our workout facility.
Visiting Hours and Open Campus Policy
· Visitors are welcome for clients attending programs longer than 10 days. Visiting hours are 1—4:30pm Eastern Standard Time on Sundays, beginning the second Sunday after dog issue.
· Visitors are limited to two adults at a time. Special arrangements can be made to accommodate children, but they must be under control and supervised at all times.
· You may take advantage of our open campus policy ten days after receiving your dog. You may leave campus (without your dog) to shop, dine, etc. as long as it does not interfere with training. Please check with your guide dog mobility instructor before leaving campus.
· A residence assistant can assist you if you would like to attend worship services.
· The best times to receive calls are between 5:30—7:30pm and 8:30—11pm Eastern Standard Time at 248-651-9011 plus your room extension.
· In case of an after-hours emergency, call 1-888-777-5332 and follow the prompts for immediate assistance.
Revised 9-23-13