“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
-Helen Keller
Vision Guide Dogs works strategically to help individuals who are blind or visually impaired navigate the world. We recognize the essential role collaboration plays in helping individuals who are blind or experience visual impairments participate in any activity or space they desire while being met with the dignity and respect they deserve.
We work collaboratively with other organizations to strengthen the infrastructure that runs throughout our communities, workplaces, and homes in support of those who are blind or visually impaired. We are committed to a collaborative approach that prevents redundancy of effort, but also, strengthens both organizations and increases the collective impact of each partner’s work.
Training Partnerships:
Pilot Dogs – While maintaining the individual mission and vision of each organization, the collaboration between Pilot Dogs and Vision Guide Dogs strengthens the puppy-raising and advanced training programs of both organizations through shared resources. Ultimately, this collaboration increases the number of guide dogs placed with blind or visually impaired clients across the U.S.
Vision Guide Dogs is seeking partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and agencies:
Veterinarians
We are looking for veterinarians who are interested in working with us to care for our puppies and advanced training dogs. We would be happy to include your business information on our website, social media, and in our monthly newsletter. Please contact us at info@visionguidedogs.org.
Nonprofits and Other Organizations
We look forward to collaborating with other nonprofits and organizations which provide services to people who are visually impaired or blind to assist with community education and awareness.
Educational Institutions
We are looking for educational institutions interested in collaborating with us on advocacy, community outreach, and/or educational initiatives to bring awareness to the community in an effort to improve the quality of life of individuals who are blind or visually appeared.
Corporate Sponsorship:
If you are interested in becoming a Vision Guide Dogs corporate sponsor to help improve the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, please email us at info@visionguidedogs.org or call us at (830) 206-0626.
Cross-Sector Partnerships:
Many of our collaborations produce impact by crossing both the training and education services, simultaneously. These partnerships include:
Workforce Solutions Alamo
Our collaborations with Workforce Solutions Alamo include educating local businesses and community agencies on how to make their workplace more accessible to blind or visually impaired employees as well as how their inclusion enhances the workplace. Additionally, these collaborations include strengthening the workforce pipeline of individuals who are seeking a career in professions that provide support services to blind and visually impaired individuals including: animal trainers, orientation and mobility instructors, guide dog mobility instructors, social workers, educators, and more. This effort increases the number of guide dog trainers and subsequent guide dogs serving our community.
Texas A&M University San Antonio’s Young Jaguars after-school program.
This collaboration provides training opportunities for guide dogs in the puppy program to become familiar with both children and loud active environments. The puppies learn obedience while, at the same time, their visits to the classrooms provide education opportunities for the children enrolled in the Young Jaguars program. The children learn about how to safely interact with a service animal, they become more aware of visual impairments and how to demonstrate sensitivity to someone who is blind, and they develop increased empathy and compassion towards others.
Fire Safety
We are developing a partnership with the San Antonio Fire Department to create and deliver fire safety training for local residents who are blind or visually impaired.
