In this special Q&A, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) Chelsea Magee shares how guide dogs are trained for handlers who are Deafblind.
- How does guide dog training differ when a handler is Deafblind?
In general, a guide dog program for a handler who is Deafblind is very similar to a training program for a handler who is blind or has low vision. The handler and their guide dog are trained to perform the guiding work in a variety of environments as dictated by the needs of the client.
One main difference between these programs involves communication. A Guide Dog Mobility Instructor either may need to be trained in American Sign Language (ASL) or other methods of non-verbal communication, or arrangements may need to be made to have an intervenor present for the duration of the program.
Typically, a GDMI is able to give in the moment feedback to a client who is blind or has low vision, whereas when working with a client who is Deafblind, instruction will likely need to be given when the handler is stopped and able to communicate with their instructor face-to-face. As a result, a training program for a client who is Deafblind may require more time to meet the standard required for qualification.
Another important aspect of this program involves safe traffic assessment. All guide dog handlers, regardless of whether they are Deafblind or not, are required to demonstrate that they have the capability to properly judge traffic flows and execute a safe street crossing. Therefore, a client who is Deafblind would need to be able to have a suitable degree of remaining vision to assess traffic or be able to demonstrate other adaptive methods to complete a safe crossing. As a result, more time may be needed at intersections and a dog placed with a client who is Deafblind may require additional training in this area.
- What additional cues do the dogs have to learn to be matched with a handler who is Deafblind?
Typically guide dogs that are matched to a handler who is Deafblind are trained to respond primarily to hand signals. Guide dog training for a handler who is blind or has low vision does involve a degree of hand signals with a simultaneous verbal cue, so many of the same hand signals can be used in absence of the verbal cue, while other hand signals are added or adapted.
A dog who is matched to a handler who is Deafblind should be very attentive to the handler to be able to receive the visual hand cues.
The guide dog may also be trained to perform additional tasks such as alerting to certain auditory signals – a doorbell, for example – however, these are only trained based on the needs of the client and as time allows as they are secondary to the guiding tasks.
A guide dog matched with a handler who is Deafblind may also need to be prepared to respond to balance issues which can result from hearing loss and sight loss combined. A larger dog with a sturdy body can help as a support to their handler if loss of balance occurs. Dogs can become accustomed to slowing down or even standing at the handlers’ side when a loss of balance occurs during walks.
- Is there anything else about these partnerships that CNIB supporters might be interested in knowing?
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In general, clients who are Deafblind that wish to train with a guide dog will likely require extra time and support throughout training and potentially on an ongoing basis. Ahead of matching, a thorough assessment of the individuals’ skills and unique requirements is essential to being able to make the right match, as well as to determine if guide dog mobility is a safe option.