The answer is relatively simple. Not everyone likes dogs. A guide dog in particular demands a great deal of attention and care, and the training is very intensive for the blind person, too.

No. People who utilize a mobility device like a cane should evaluate whether or not a guide dog might be right for them.

In this age of technology, blind people can use computers just like sighted people can. We use a variety of adaptive software that make computers accessible for the blind. Some of these programs include screen-reading technology that use a voice synthesizer to read out loud what is on the screen and give continuous verbal feedback. When using this speech software, we do not use a mouse. Instead we use keyboard strokes to activate various commands.

There are many ways for the blind to go from one place to another. Using a long white cane when you walk allows someone who is blind to locate steps, curbs, streets, driveways, doorways, bicycles, elevators, escalators, people, chairs, tables, desks, or any other object or place. The cane is long enough to be about two steps ahead of your feet as you walk, so you find things with your cane before you get to them.

Yes. A very small percentage of people who are considered legally blind have no sight. Each individual is different based on his or her eye condition. Some individuals may see light, shadows or certain shapes. Others may have perfect central vision and no peripheral (side) vision or the reverse. Some individuals may see well indoors, but in extreme light or darkness, they have difficulty seeing.

Not particularly however all of them enjoy the experience because it's a unique way to share what it feels like being blind with their friends and relatives.

Well, as Hanni tells you in the book: "I like people, but they shouldn't pet or talk to me while I'm working. That way, I can pay close attention to Beth. That way, we'll be safe."

We encourage you to be attentive, as you would with other pedestrians, especially when turning right-on-red. We try to train our dogs in real-world situations, so it's helpful that you continue going on about your business. Please don't stop and honk, yell out your window, or otherwise distract a blind person using a dog. The person is listening for traffic flow to determine when it is safe to give the command to go forward and cross the street.

A trained guide dog knows around 30 commands. In order to prevent confusion and because of the clear sounds of the words, the commands are taken from Italian.

It is simply a matter of personal choice. Some blind people like using canes better, and some enjoy using dogs. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that blind people are able to go wherever they want, whenever they want, independently.

Blind people use a variety of types of transportation. When the distance is short, we walk. We also take busses, often counting the stops or judging by various landmarks where we are. Many of us ask the bus driver to let us know when we have reached a particular destination. WE also take cabs, particularly if we want to get somewhere quickly, or if we have a lot to carry. Blind people also get rides from friends, family members and spouses.

Blind people use several techniques for organizing money once they receive it. One common method is to fold each denomination in a different way. For example, ones might not be folded at all, while fives are folded in half widthwise, tens folded once in half lengthwise, twenties folded twice, etc. There are also wallets with separate compartments for each type of bill and devices for marking currency with raised dots.

Individuals with severe visual impairment may receive a guide dog. Many forms of visual impairment allow the person to see some light or some of their field of vision, but they are considered legally blind. A person must be legally blind to be eligible for our program. The definition of legal blindness is "..

While statistically, more of our alumni are employed than the national average, it's a striking fact that more than 70% of all blind people are unemployed or underemployed, and many live below the poverty level. Much of that has to do with people just not understanding how capable people accommodate for their lack of sight. Guide Dogs has much to offer in this regard. Through our Speakers Bureau and educational efforts, we build awareness of the realities of blindness.

A visually disabled person over the age of sixteen can be taught to use and care for a Guide Horse. Younger children are not accepted for training as the person must be able to assume responsibility for the horse's care and discipline.

Blind people can use the same gas or electric ovens, microwaves, grills, mixers, food processors, blenders, electric knives, skillets, fryers, crock pots, and other kitchen tools and appliances as the sighted use. We can put Braille labels on the microwave touch buttons, and some blind people like to use Braille or a special marking glue to put dots on some of the stove or oven temperature dials.

Blindness and visual impairment most often occur later in life when diminished tactile sensitivity makes learning braille difficult. For persons who have been unable to read print from an early age, however, braille is a very important key to literacy. Among this population, the use of braille is very common.

A nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to providing skilled guide dogs and training in their use to visually impaired men and women in the U.S. and Canada. It was founded in 1942 to serve blind World War II veterans.