Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind

Join the Guide Dog Foundation Visionaries! 🦮 By becoming a Visionary, you support our mission with a recurring monthly gift. Your initial gift is processed the day you sign up, and your monthly pledge is automatically billed to your credit card on the same day each month. As a Visionary, you’ll know your gift always makes a difference. Monthly giving reduces administrative costs, allowing more of your gift to go directly toward training our dogs and supporting the clients you care about. Provide your contact and payment information to receive an electronic tax receipt. Your information is confidential and secure with us. You can change your monthly giving at any time by contacting [email protected]. At the end of the year, you’ll receive an annual statement for tax preparation. Click the link below and make a lasting impact! 🦮💙 https://lnkd.in/ev3k5_6s The image shows program graduate Min and her female yellow lab guide dog, Deedy. The pair are working on “find the curb” on the city block simulations at the Guide Dog Foundation’s national headquarters in Smithtown, NY. Deedy has her two front paws on the curb, and Min is reaching for a treat from her treat pouch. Deedy looks up at Min.

Today, we honor the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990! This groundbreaking legislation ensures that people with disabilities are protected from discrimination in key areas like employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government services. Did you know? Since March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under the ADA. These amazing pups, like the guide dogs trained by the Guide Dog Foundation, are specially trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can navigate public spaces with ease and independence. Join us in celebrating this milestone and the incredible impact the ADA has had on creating a more inclusive society! 🐾💙 The image shows a woman kneeling on the carpeted flooring of a mall. She kisses the head of her black lab guide dog. The pup is wearing a leather harness and leash. #GuideDogFoundation #GuideDog #ADA #Blind #LowVision

Hi Barbie! 👋 We are thrilled to celebrate Barbie’s monumental step towards diversity and inclusion with the launch of the Blind Barbie! In collaboration with American Foundation for the Blind, Barbie has introduced the first-ever Blind Barbie Fashionista doll, a significant breakthrough for the disability community. 💗 This incredible doll authentically represents blind and low vision individuals, featuring an upward and outward eye gaze, stylish sunglasses, a cane with a marshmallow tip, and textured fabrics to enhance the sensory experience. The easy-to-open Braille packaging and elbow articulation for comfortable cane use make fashion accessible for everyone. We can’t wait to see what’s next! Imagine Barbie getting a guide dog from the Guide Dog Foundation, further promoting independence and inclusion. 🦮🥰 VD: 1- A close-up image of the new Barbie. The doll has long brown hair styled in loose curls. She is wearing a pink top and a purple ruffled skirt with several layers and holds a white cane in her right hand. She has a confident and friendly expression and is wearing white sunglasses on her head. The image’s background features a colorful gradient of pink, blue, and green, giving it a vibrant and cheerful appearance. 2- A close-up photograph of a Barbie doll’s lower torso and upper legs, showcasing the doll’s tactile outfit. 3- Lucy Edwards holds the Blind Barbie doll in her right hand. She looks at the doll with a cheerful expression and appears to be proud and happy. The background is a solid light blue color. 📸: Mattel, Inc. & Barbie - - - #GuideDogFoundation #Barbie #Mattel #BlindNotBroken #BarbieDoll #Blind #LowVision

Join the Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs TODAY from 3-7 PM EST at our national headquarters in Smithtown, NY, for an open house! 🐾 Discover our amazing guide and service dog programs, watch live demos of assistance dog tasks, and learn how you can get involved with the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs. The Guide Dog Foundation provides specially trained guide dogs to individuals who are blind or have low vision, while America’s VetDogs supports veterans and first responders with service dogs. Both organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, offering these incredible dogs at no cost to the user. Don’t miss out – visit GuideDog.org/OpenHouse to learn more! ✨ The image is of the flyer created to promote this event. It reads, “Open House Guide Dog Foundation & America’s VetDogs are hosting an OPEN HOUSE on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come experience assistance dog demonstrations, speak with local program graduates about their assistance dogs, learn about puppy raising, volunteer opportunities, and more! No registration required. FREE to attend. Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 371 East Jericho Turnpike Smithtown, New York 11787. SERVICE DOGS, GUIDE DOGS, PTSD SERVICE DOGS, SEIZURE RESPONSE DOGS, FACILITY DOGS, & HEARING DOGS. Guide Dog Foundation & America’s VetDogs are sister national nonprofits based in Smithtown, New York, that provide assistance dogs to veterans, first responders, and to those who are blind or have low vision, free of charge. Learn how to apply, volunteer, or donate at GuideDog.org or VetDogs.org.”

Want to make a positive impact in your community and give back to an individual with disabilities? 🌟 Join our FREE informational session on puppy raising! 🐾 Save the Date: Tuesday, August 6, at 7:00 pm EST. Reserve your spot now by signing up using the link below. Don’t miss this chance to change the life of a veteran, first responder, or someone who is blind or has low vision. Help us make an impact together, starting today! 💙 https://lnkd.in/er9UhQmN The image shows a female black standard poodle, Norma, sitting outside on the grass. She is wearing her yellow assistance dog in training vest, a purple figure-8 collar, and a purple bow in her hair. She is posing beautifully for the camera. The text on the image reads “Puppy Raising Info Session. Interested in puppy raising for the Guide Dog Foundation & America’s VetDogs? Save the date: Tuesday, August 6 at 7:00 PM EST via Zoom. Sign up using the link in the caption! #GuideDogFoundation #GuideDog #VolunteerOpportunities #VolunteerWithUs #PuppyRaising #GuideDogInTraining

Sheila O’Brien began her career in the field of assistance dogs in 1978 after working as a special education teacher. During her 25-year tenure as executive director of NEADS, she was the architect of several innovative programs to expand the use of service dogs for people with disabilities. In 2009, Sheila joined America's VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation. For 14 years, Sheila has been dedicated to helping advance the mission of both organizations as a key part of great milestones and successes. We thank you, Sheila, for your hard work and dedication to both of our organizations and wish you a happy retirement! 

After 40 years of dedicated service, Instructor Mike Devlin is retiring from the Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs. Mike’s journey began in August 1981, driven by his passion for dogs and helping others. Mike has touched countless lives since starting as a guide dog mobility instructor for the Guide Dog Foundation and transitioning to a certified service dog instructor with America’s VetDogs. His dedication and love for his work have profoundly impacted many program graduates for both organizations. Join us in celebrating Mike’s incredible career and wishing him a joyful retirement with new adventures. Thank you, Mike, for your decades of hard work and dedication! 🦮🐕🦺💙 Was your pup trained by Mike? Let us know in the comments below. ⬇️ VD: 1- Mike stands slightly bent over with his arm extended. He is holding out food as for a chestnut brown horse to eat. In his other hand he holds the leash of a golden retriever who is looking curiously at the horse. The golden retriever wears their official brown leather guide dog harness. 2- A man pushes a red Target shopping cart with his service dog next to him. He walks down the aisles of the store. Mike is seen in the background assessing the pair. 3- Mike stands smiling holding cake that reads “Happy Retirement Mike!” Behind him is a watermelon themed balloon arch with pink, red, and green balloons. 4- Mike and two other men stand at a crosswalk. Mike looks to be giving instruction to the others. The first man has a yellow lab guide dog and the second man has a black poodle guide dog. 5- Mike kneels on the floor with a food bowl. There is kibble and a red plush toy on the ground. A man is walking with his black lab service dog on a blue line tapped on the floor. They are working on ignoring distractions.

Employee Spotlight: Meet Marissa H., a member of our Canine Care team! 🐾 Marissa's journey with the Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs began when she was in high school and decided to volunteer with us. Years later, her parents became breeder caretakers to a stud dog named Cactus, reigniting her passion for our mission. When Marissa saw a job posting for our puppy nursery on campus, she immediately applied, and we are so grateful she did! Marissa loves watching puppies grow from the moment they're born until they are old enough to leave the nursery. She says, "They completely transform from little potatoes to mini dogs! I love the snuggles and puppy kisses, and we have the best dog moms!" We're lucky to have such a passionate and dedicated team member. ❤

We're #hiring a new Major Gifts Officer in Smithtown, New York. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Team members from the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and America's VetDogs came together for a fantastic employee recognition BBQ at our National Headquarters in Smithtown, NY. We enjoyed delicious food from Dang BBQ, sweet treats from Mr Softee, exciting raffle prizes, and even a fun piñata! 🌟 A special highlight of the event was the celebration of the remarkable careers of Mike D., Guide Dog Mobility Instructor & Service Dog Instructor, and Sheila O., America's VetDogs' Special Advisor. Both have dedicated over 40 years to serving others and advocating for individuals with disabilities. Their unwavering commitment and contributions have been truly inspirational.