Survey of the activities of guide dog users' organizations

Abstract

This study conducted a questionnaire survey among local guide dog users' organizations and investigated their current activities and problems. Most of the organizations conducted internal activities such as exchanges of information and friendship among members in their residential areas, but the number of organizations involved in cooperative ventures with other organizations such as public administrative agencies and private companies, including guide dog associations were limited. However, the organizations pointed out problems and ideas for improvements when using a guide dog which were difficult to solve by internal activities alone. The organizations would be better informed about the current status of guide dog projects and receive useful information for solving problems, if the users' organizations cooperate with guide dog associations when necessary. Such cooperation would also contribute to approaches to public administrative agencies, private companies and the general public to promote understanding. Internal activities would be promoted through external activities that increase the number of visually impaired people interested in guide dog use and the number of guide dog users. It is important to enhance consultations for visually impaired people who are interested in guide dog use and new guide dog users, and to promote study and training regarding users' manners. Activities of the organizations are significant to realize more comfortable guide dog use.