Guide Dog Mobility Instructor – Career Information

So, you’d like to be a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor…?

Here is some brief information to see if becoming a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor
or Guide Dog Trainer is the right career for you.

Role of the Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

Guide Dog Mobility Instructors (GDMI) often have a diverse role
within any Guide Dog organisation. They are responsible for:

• Assessment and training of Guide Dogs;
• Assessing vision impaired applicants;
• Matching trained Guide Dogs with vision impaired applicants; and
• Providing Guide Dog Handlers with the necessary training to ensure safe, effective, independent mobility.

GDMI also provide comprehensive support services to ensure the ongoing safety and independence of Guide Dog Handlers.

Background

GDMI are trained through a cadetship program designed to comply with the standards set forth by the International Guide Dog Federation. This is a worldwide organisation that promotes goodwill, information sharing and uniformity of standards among Guide Dog organisations.

Instructors must enjoy teaching people and working with dogs. Cadet GDMI receive thorough training in the development, assessment and training of Guide Dogs. They also study the physiology, psychology and sociology of vision disabilities, and are taught appropriate techniques to ensure safe and effective mobility for clients under their tuition.

A client may receive training with a Guide Dog either at a residential training centre or within their home area. The program venue is normally determined by mutual agreement between the clients and the Association. Training is conducted over four or more weeks, with extensive preparation in the home area.

Personal Requirements

Because of the physical and emotional demands of the work, Cadets and Instructors must be mature in experience and outlook, enjoy good health, hearing and eyesight. They must have a genuine desire to enter the field of service for people who have vision impairment, and have an aptitude for handling animals.

Education and Training

Completion of a relevant tertiary qualification in a human services field is desirable. The Cadetship training program is normally conducted over approximately four years at various organisations throughout the Australasian region, and other parts of the world.

The GDMI Cadetship includes the satisfactory completion of:

1. Working with dogs to complete the Guide Dog Trainer qualification (approximately 18 months);
2. Working with clients and Guide Dogs to complete the Guide Dog Instructor qualification (approximately 18 months); and
3. A post-graduate qualification in Orientation & Mobility (approximately 12 months).

During this time, Cadets receive tuition from Senior Instructors in assessing and instructing vision impaired clients in the handling of Guide Dogs, and participate in theoretical and practical work with dogs in kennels and training. Cadets also receive familiarisation with the Guide Dog Breeding Programs and Puppy Development Programs.

Study components include:

1. Basic canine husbandry;
2. Canine cognition and behaviour;
3. History, breeding and training of the Guide Dog;
4. Kennel procedures;
5. Temperamental evaluation of the dog;
6. Assessment and training of the vision impaired applicant;
7. Training of the Guide Dog; and
8. Orientation & Mobility (O&M).

Employment Opportunities

Guide Dog Mobility Instructors are employed by organisations throughout the world. Opportunities to become a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor are very limited. Cadets are often recruited from within organisations; from O&M training institutions; or from those who have a demonstrated aptitude for employment in the human services field. Vacancies are rare and competition is very keen.

Terms and Conditions

Cadets normally receive a salary whilst undertaking training. After qualification, Instructors are paid in accordance with performance and experience. Cadets are issued with all necessary equipment. Although employed on normal office hours, Cadets and Instructors are often required to vary their hours in accordance with the requirements, and availability, of clients and dogs. The flexibility required of Instructors is normally reciprocated through time-in-lieu arrangements.

Career Prospects

Qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructors can often find employment throughout the world. Positions vary from working in highly centralised services with focus on particular aspects of the profession; through to regionalised services where the scope and nature of the work can be broad and challenging.

Learn about becoming a Guide Dog Trainer.