Missouri Guide Dog Users

Missouri Guide Dog User's is an special interest affiliate of Missouri Council of the Blind. It is a non-profit organization that was established in 1999, not only monitor and advocate for Missouri laws concerning guide dogs and their handlers, but also to provide assistance to ease the monetary responsibility of maintaining a dog guide as a preferred mode of mobility. MGDU advocates on behalf of guide dogs and handlers alike by educating the public on guide dog laws, proper etiquette involving the introduction and interaction with dog guides and promotion of social harmony between the public and dog and handler teams. MGDU has established a committee to review laws that pertain to guide dogs and their handlers in both private and commercial sectors of the community.

These laws range from admittance into public facilities to penalties for owners of unleashed dogs who become combative towards dog guides. MGDU maintains vigilance in making sure that these laws remain current with changes in modern society and are enforced.

Missouri Guide Dog User's members provide education to the public about the working dog and handler team by making presentations to groups such as public service organizations, schools and community organizations. They also do their own public education privately and discreetly by one on one instruction of the public in their day to day social interactions. Since education is one of the keys to understanding another's needs, this is one of the most important missions of the Missouri Guide Dog Users.

MGDU provides assistance to dog guide users who live in Missouri by providing programs to help with financial responsibilities. Our medical aid program provides a one time payment of $150 for veterinarian bills to a person who has had their dog for more than one year. This payment can be reapplied for if the person should acquire another dog guide in the subsequent years.

Another program MGDU has adopted is the dog harness provision program. Harnesses and leashes are provided when a handler receives his or her dog. Leashes are an inexpensive item and can easily be obtained by handlers through dog guide schools. However if the harness should be destroyed, or worn to the point of inadequacy, a replacement harness can be a major financial burden on a dog handler costing $80.00 to $100.00. MGDU will incur the cost of one harness per applicant per dog to help with this somewhat costly necessity.

Missouri Guide Dog User's members are keenly aware that they have a responsibility to uphold a respectable presents in their communities. By providing educational, advocacy and philanthropic resources to Missouri and its citizens we are proud to be an important and vital organization and are grateful for the support of our members and your generous contributions.

Join the Missouri Guide Dog User's today!

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Law for Guide Dog Users in Missouri

Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 209
Aid to the Blind-Rights of Persons with Visual, Hearing or Physical
Section 209.150
August 28, 2005

Rights of persons with visual, hearing or physical disabilities -guide, hearing or service dogs, no extra charge for-liability for actual damages.

209.150.1. Every person with a visual, aural or physical disability shall have the same rights afforded to a person with no such disability to the full and free use of the streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, public facilities, and other public places.

2. Every person with a visual, aural or physical disability is entitled to full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, and privileges of all common carriers, airplanes, motor vehicles, railroad trains, motor buses, taxis, streetcars, boats or any other public conveyances or modes of transportation, hotels, lodging places, places of public