Hounslow hosts unique international gathering of guide dogs

Hounslow hosts unique international gathering of guide dogs

Guide dog owners and representatives from 66 guide dog schools and 25 countries met for the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and Assistance Dog International (ADI) conferences. The event aims to celebrate the life-changing difference that a guide dog can make as well as share expert advice, pool knowledge and promote further collaboration amongst the guide dog schools.

Staff at the Renaissance Hotel have been preparing for this unique event for months, receiving visual impairment awareness training on how to guide a visually impaired person correctly. A number of changes were made to the hotel to accommodate the blind and partially sighted guests, including additional Braille signage, removing some bedroom furniture to create additional space, and providing all-important dog beds in rooms for four-legged visitors.

Delegates were also able to hear from guide dog owner Dave Heeley - who recently successfully ran seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days - about his extraordinary challenge, which was inspired by the totally life-transforming independence provided by his guide dog.

Jennifer Burford, event co-ordinator commented: "Guide Dogs UK is very proud to be hosting this unique event, bringing together people who train thousands of guide dogs each year to help blind and partially sighted people around the world gain vital freedom and independence.

"I was really excited to meet people from some of the newer guide dog training schools such as Greece, Malta, and Hungary - I am sure we all learnt a lot from each other!"