~Lack Of Information~

Lack of information was a barrier we came across when researching the blind and visually impaired community, specifically their access to guide dogs. According to Hepper, only 2% of blind or visually impaired utilize a guide dog. Another site, written in 2017, Chicago Lighthouse, and another in 2023, Naldo The Label, saying it was 5%. This shows that in the last year or so, the number of people using a guide dog has decreased. We were intrigued because from what we had read and researched, they were the most safe and efficient method to get around. From listening and reading stories of those who had a guide dog themselves, they preferred it over the white cane and have no regrets in switching over. After talking with Greg Steinmetz, (Guide Dogs Of America), and Lisa Morand, (Guide Dogs of the Desert), we learned that some barriers included: not being able to financially take care of a dog, not having places to walk, not wanting others to know they are blind, being nervous and scared, not having the right resources early in the process and not fitting the criteria. We came to the conclusion that lack of information is a bucket that almost all of the barriers fit into. Most individuals don’t realize that many of the schools which train guide dogs come with no charge and sometimes help financially with vet bills and necessities. Also, most aren’t fully educated on the capabilities of guide dogs. Although having more information doesn’t solve all of the problems, it is a big contributor. With more information about guide dogs earlier in the process from when they get diagnosed, we believe more people will see the advantages of having a guide dog by their side and will feel more encouraged to receive a helping paw.