About NAGDU

The National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU) is committed to providing information and assistance to the guide dog community throughout the United States. Our members consist of current guide dog users, people considering working with a guide dog, puppy raisers and others interested in the use of guide dogs.

Members work collectively to

ensure sound training practices in guide dog programs
educate guide dog handlers about their rights and responsibilities
educate the public about access rights for blind people accompanied by guide dogs
promote legislation that will ensure that guide dog users have equal opportunities in employment and recreation.

NAGDU is a division of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). We are proud to be a part of the nation's oldest and largest organization of the blind in the United States. Founded in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind has over 50,000 members, with local chapters and state affiliates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. In addition to our local chapters and state affiliates, the NFB has a number of special interest divisions, like NAGDU, which were formed to address the concerns of specific populations of blind people.

The National Association of Guide Dog Users holds its business meeting during the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind. Elections of officers are held at the business meeting. You must be present to vote. There are also updates of NAGDU's activities throughout the past year, announcements of upcoming events, opportunities to participate in projects and other informational presentations.

Other events hosted by NAGDU include the "Making an Informed Choice" Seminar, also held during the NFB National Convention. This is an opportunity for both active and prospective guide dog users to discuss matters of concern to them. These may include deciding if a guide dog is right for them, where to go for guide dog training, the care and use of a guide dog, how to handle denials of entry into public places accompanied by a guide dog, veterinary care, and the retirement of a guide dog and the adjustment to a new dog when a guide can no longer work.

For more information, contact

Marion Gwizdala
President
National Association of Guide Dog Users
(813) 626-2789
president@nfb-nagdu.org