Community and Corporate Sighted Guide Training

We deliver our Introduction to Sighted Guide Training virtually just for your organisation, for a maximum of 24 participants. In this one hour session, we'll cover:

• How to start a conversation when you meet someone who is blind or partially sighted, to ask if they need assistance.
• Basic guiding techniques for getting around obstacles, crossing roads and getting in and out of cars.
• An introduction to common eye conditions and their impact.
• The emotional consequences of sight loss.
• Awareness of access rights and barriers to independence.

To book this training, email partners@guidedogs.org.uk. We can discuss face-to-face options upon request. If you are an individual looking to book this training, you can book a session using our online form.

If you’d like a bit more input, we can add on a demonstration of best practice techniques. This two-hour session is delivered face-to-face, for a maximum of 24 participants. As well as our Introduction to Sighted Guide Training content detailed above, the demonstration will cover:

• How to start and get going
• Walking along
• Narrow spaces or busy area
• Getting through doors
• Going up and down stairs
• Taking a seat
• Changing sides
• Guiding a person with a guide dog

To book this training, email partners@guidedogs.org.uk.

If you would like hands-on experience of practicing sighted guiding techniques yourself, our face-to-face, practical session is for you. This three-hour sessions covers:

• Eye conditions
• Challenges of vision impairment
• Barriers to independence
• Emotional consequences
• Access rights
• Customer story
• Myth busting quiz
• Sighted guiding techniques
• Tips for helping people with a vision impairment
• Guide Dog’s blindfold walk/challenge
• Suggestions on guiding a person with a guide dog

Maximum 16 attendees per session, although we can accommodate larger numbers upon request.

This session will be tailored to the specific needs of your group or workplace. Certificates will be provided on completion of this training. Email our team to discuss which option best suits your group.

Our sighted guiding courses don’t offer a formal qualification however, if you undertake our 2-hour or 3-hour in-person training you'll be issued with a certificate. Through our training you will gain the skills and confidence to guide a person with sight loss, whether that’s a friend or family member or a member of the public.

We have a range of sessions within our Community and Corporate Sighted Guide Training offering, including refresher training. Refresher training is not compulsory, but we do recommend you attend every two years to maintain your skills. Email our team to find out more.