T he Association strives to enable the blind community to benefit from all of the services available to the general public.

 

After much effort by the Association, in January 1993 the Knesset passed the law against Discrimination of Blind People Assisted by Guide Dogs – 1993. From the low: The fact that a blind person is accompanied by a guide dog shall, in and of itself, not be cited as reason to prevent his employment at any job whatsoever. A blind person shall not be denied access to any public place or any public facilities and shall not be denied the right to use public transportation because s/he is accompanied by a guide dog”

The Association works closely with The Service for the Blind, which is under the aegis of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and with The Center for the Blind in Israel. Furthermore, the Association cooperates with the certified guide dog schools in Israel.

The Association actively helps blind people who want to receive a guide dog and then assists them in all matters related to care for the dog. Guide dogs are working dogs for all intents and purposes. Training and care of the guide dogs is very expensive, and the Association helps members pay for veterinary care.

As guide dogs accompany their owners everywhere and are in close contact with people, the Association secures third-party insurance for members’ dogs. Furthermore, the Association coordinates home visits by guide dog trainers to provide additional training for both owners and dogs.

The Association conducts informational campaigns to enhance public awareness of what it means to have a guide dog and what purpose the guide dog serves. The Association also works with national and local government agencies to enact legislation designed to assist blind people and prevent discrimination.

The Association of the Blind in Israel Assisted by Guide Dogs emphasizes activities designed to inform the blind community in Israel of the numerous opportunities use of a guide dog gives them.