International Guide Dog Federation

Mission Statement

The mission of the International Guide Dog Federation is to support its members in their efforts to encourage and advance the provision of Guide Dogs as a means of independent mobility for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Guide Dogs Tasmania and the International Guide Dog Federation.

The International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) was formed in 1989, following meetings of Guide Dog schools around the world over several years. The IGDF now comprises 72 member organisations, whose purpose is to serve people who are vision impaired or blind from around the world, through the training and provision of Guide Dogs.

IGDF is a growing and thriving membership organisation, with a small executive office based in
the United Kingdom. Guide Dogs Tasmania became Full Members of IGDF in 2000.
In early 2005, we successfully undertook our Accreditation Process, which is conducted every five years
in order to maintain membership and for quality assurance.

What does belonging to the IGDF mean for its members?

First and foremost, membership of the IGDF enables Guide Dog Schools around the world to join a community
dedicated to serving people who are vision impaired. That community needs and wants to share its knowledge
and the IGDF facilitates that.

Membership provides:

• an Accreditation and Assessment process which ensures operational standards are maintained and improved;
• a biannual seminar to catalyse exchange of information;
• the IGDF office acting as a communications focal point with production of a newsletter, management of the website, links to areas of expertise;
• the ability to get advice about breeding, training and education;
• the sharing of ideas and experiences;
• the opportunity for personal development of members' staff by being an Assessor or member of Council or through exchange visits;
• the use of the IGDF logo - a sign of quality; and
• legitimacy for lobbying on access issues, etc.

If you would like to learn more about the International Guide Dog Federation, please visit their website or
contact emma@igdf.org.uk.