Just because someone has a disability, does that mean he or she should not have varied mobility options? Of course not! Individuals with disabilities have definite tastes and opinions that should be applied to their choice of mobility assistance. For some, this will mean relying on a Guide Horse instead of a Guide Dog.
The Guide Horse has become an alternate means of mobility for the blind and visually impaired. The Guide Horse Foundation is one of the main promoters of not only the Guide Horse, but of mobility in general.
The Guide Horse Foundation is doing more than merely promoting the use of the Guide Horse — it is fostering mobility.
The Guide Horse Foundation fosters mobility by giving the visually impaired and disabled more mobility options. The Guide Horse Foundation sees that people have individual needs and desires — that’s why it advocates use of the Guide Horse for certain people.
To read more about the Guide Horse as a means of mobility for individuals with disabilities, see (http://www.disabilityliving.ca/disability-canada-benefits-using-guide-horse/).
The Guide Horse Foundation’s mission is to “provide a safe, cost-effective, and reliable mobility alternative for visually impaired people.”
How is the Foundation seeing its mission accomplished? By providing educational resources about and promoting awareness of the Guide Horse. Even better, the Guide Horse Foundation provides Guide Horses for free to those who need, want, and qualify for them.
What types of people would make “ideal” owners of a Guide Horse?
The following kinds of visually impaired people would probably make great Guide Horse owners:
– People with physical disabilities
– People with allergies
– People who are afraid of dogs
– People who want an animal that will live a long life
Do any of these describe you? If so, consider the Guide Horse.
While the Guide Horse Foundation usually accepts applications from people wanting a Guide Horse, it has currently reached an unprecedented number of applicants.
While The Foundation isn’t currently taking applications, check its website frequently to see when it will start receiving applications again (http://www.guidehorse.com/application.htm).
Are you interested in the Guide Horse as an alternative means of mobility? Do you have more questions about owning a Guide Horse?
If so, you need more information. To read about some misconceptions people often have about Guide Horses, see http://www.guidehorse.org/misconceptions.htm. This webpage may answer a lot of questions you have about the Guide Horse.
If you are visually impaired and in need of a guide animal, be encouraged that your mobility options are expanding!
Sources:
http://www.disabilityliving.ca/disability-canada-benefits-using-guide-horse/
http://www.guidehorse.com/application.htm
*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority. Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.
Let’s Talk About It
Do you think visually impaired individuals have sufficient mobility options available to them?
If you had to have a guide animal, would you choose a Guide Horse or a Guide Dog? Why?
