Admissions Criteria

A declaration of blindness-This form can be obtained from a local blind service agency or your ophthalmologist. Contact your state’s department of health and human services for a list of agencies and eye specialists.

Orientation and mobility training-We require our applicants to have “O&M” training before being considered for a Fidelco guide dog. This includes using a white cane, learning street crossings in your community and the like. O&M training can be obtained at a local agency for the blind.

Demonstration of independent traveler skills (using O&M training.) Independent travel means utilizing your O&M training on a regular basis. For instance, are there two or more routes from your front door to a destination that you can travel without assistance? Do you use them on a regular basis?

Click here to listen to an overview of Fidelco's admissions and applications processes.