Profiling guide dog handlers to support guide dog matching decisions

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation science
• Human-computer interaction
• Animal-assisted interventions

Background:

• Functional mobility is crucial for individuals with low vision or blindness.
• Effective matching of guide dogs to handlers enhances independence and travel.
• Existing measures may not fully capture the nuances of mobility for guide dog users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a new measure, the Orientation and Mobility Outcomes tool, for assessing functional mobility in guide dog handlers.
• To understand the diverse mobility needs of guide dog handlers with low vision or blindness.
• To improve the process of matching guide dogs with their handlers based on individual travel styles.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of the Orientation and Mobility Outcomes tool.
• Semi-structured interviews with 51 guide dog handlers.
• Co-rating of travel skills by handlers and interviewers.
• Cluster analysis to identify distinct mobility styles.

Main Results:

• Four distinct mobility styles were identified: intrepid explorers, social navigators, independent roamers, and homebodies.
• Mobility styles were more strongly associated with mental mapping skills than with the level of vision.
• Different guide dog characteristics are required to support each identified mobility style.

Conclusions:

• The Orientation and Mobility Outcomes tool is a sensitive, person-centered measure for evaluating Orientation and Mobility and guide dog training.
• The identified mobility clusters offer a novel approach to matching guide dogs with clients.
• Personalized guide dog training and breeding/training specific dog characteristics are suggested to meet diverse handler needs.