Larysa Ventslav
Program Author and Developer of “Introduction and Development of Interaction Skills with Dogs for Children and Adults Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision.”
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Involving a Dog as an Assistant in Working
with People with Visual Impairments
(Adults and Children)
Practical experience of interaction with blind adults (veterans who lost their sight as a result of injury) has shown that such interaction not only improves overall emotional well-being, but also facilitates faster adaptation to new conditions (orientation skills, development of tactile interaction, etc.), provides future perspective, and allows a person to practically try interacting with a dog and realize that they are able to control it.
We have gained practical experience that proves there is an opportunity for a blind person not only to interact tactilely with a dog, but also to participate in the process of teaching it new skills (for example: fetching objects, indicating where objects are located, performing certain actions).
Involving a dog as an assistant in the education of children with visual impairments is highly effective and promising for implementation in specialized educational institutions.
The use of animal-assisted intervention methods also significantly facilitates the adaptation of adults who have lost their sight as a result of injury or trauma.
Why is this important?
For many blind or visually impaired people, a dog can become not only an assistant, but also a full-fledged life partner. However, this requires preparatory adaptation — a safe, comfortable, and clear introduction to the dog and its behavior. Our program is the first important step toward building confidence, independence, and an emotional connection with the animal.
This program is also used as part of the preparation and adaptation of a guide dog user within the guide dog training project *“Seeing with the Heart.”*
Program: Introduction and Development of Interaction Skills with Dogs for Children and Adults Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Overview
This program is designed to support the development of sensory perception and orientation skills among people who are blind or have low vision through the methods of AAI/AAE (Animal-Assisted Interventions / Animal-Assisted Education). The approach provides a comprehensive introduction to the dog, beginning with learning about its appearance, posture, movement, tactile characteristics, and sounds, and progressing to interactive activities in a prepared environment.
The program is tailored for both children and adults, enabling participants to explore, understand, and interpret the surrounding world through additional sensory channels.
Through sensory, auditory, and movement-based practices, participants learn to:
Perceive the dog holistically — through touch, hearing, and smell.
Recognize body parts, postures, and evaluate the dog’s movements.
Understand the dog’s behavior and needs.
Care for the dog and interact with it in daily routines.
Model the living environment suitable for a dog.
Use schematic representations for orientation in a room with the dog’s involvement.
Prepare for future interaction with a service dog or companion dog.
Key Components (Program Objectives)
Formation of the dog’s image
Participants study the dog’s body parts, compare postures and movements, and explore physical characteristics through tactile contact, guided observation, and imitation.
Familiarization with accessories and care
Practical exercises introduce participants to essential items such as a leash, collar, harness, clothing, muzzle, and food — helping them understand functionality and learn to use them correctly.
Development of sensory skills
Through tactile and auditory activities, participants learn to recognize characteristic sounds of the dog, evaluate breathing and movement, and interpret auditory signals. These skills also support the development of spatial awareness.
Creative and practical activities
Modeling, sculpting, creating sensory drawings, building miniature spaces, and role-playing daily routines reinforce acquired knowledge and develop orientation skills.
Orientation training
Exercises with room or apartment layouts encourage the use of spatial images, a crucial skill for independent mobility and orientation.
Benefits of the Program
Comprehensive development of sensory perception and motor skills in individuals with visual impairments.
Practical and interactive learning with real objects and live animals.
Flexible adaptation of materials for different ages and individual needs.
Integration into educational, rehabilitation, and social projects that support people with disabilities.
The program includes both individual and group sessions and can be adapted to age, cognitive, and sensory characteristics of participants. It has been designed with a focus on tactile and auditory perception as the primary information channels for people who are blind or have low vision.
Program Goal
To form a stable and accurate understanding of dogs, develop functional and communication skills for interaction, and prepare participants for possible integration of a dog into their social or everyday environment.
Target Audience
Children and adults who are blind or have low vision.
Professionals working with people with disabilities (teachers, rehabilitation specialists, psychologists).
Parents and caregivers.
Centers training people to work with guide dogs.
Organizations promoting inclusive practices.
Format of Implementation
In-person modules (individual and group, adapted to participants’ needs).
Practical sessions with real dogs and/or tactile models.
Interactive modeling of spaces and everyday scenarios.
Why is this important?
For many people who are blind or have low vision, a dog can become more than just an assistant — it can be a trusted life partner. However, this requires proper adaptive preparation: a safe, comfortable, and meaningful introduction to the dog and its behavior.
Our program is the first vital step in building confidence, independence, and an emotional bond with the animal.
This program also serves as part of the training and adaptation process for guide dog users within the “Seeing with the Heart” guide dog training project.
If you would like to learn more about this program or explore opportunities for collaboration, participate or bring this initiative to your organization, please contact us.
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