Who We Are

Welcome to the National Association of Guide Dog Users

Who We Are

The National Association of Guide Dog Users, NAGDU, is a proud division of the National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of the blind in the United States.

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

The National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU) is an organization for blind people who currently use guide dogs as mobility tools, those considering getting a guide dog, or those who want to learn more about the use of such dogs. We provide a forum for those interested in the guide dog user movement to discuss common issues and to increase opportunities for those who have chosen to use a guide dog for independent travel. NAGDU works to promote sound practices in the training and use of such dogs for mobility by offering input and advice to guide dog training programs. We are also committed to educating business owners, law enforcement officers, and the general public about state and federal laws that give blind people the right to be accompanied by their guide dogs.

Current Board of Directors:

  • President – Raul Gallegos – president@nagdu.org
  • Vice President – Paul Sandoval – vp@nagdu.org
  • Secretary – Scott Wilson – secretary@nagdu.org
  • Treasurer – Jessica Snyder – treasurer@nagdu.org
  • Board Member – Al Elia – aelia@nagdu.org
  • Board Member – Jodi Witthaus – jwitthaus@nagdu.org
  • Board Member – Cindy Ray – cray@nagdu.org

How to Contact Us:

For general questions
Email: board@nagdu.org
Call/Text: (346) 439-7444

What it means to be a Member

The NAGDU board of directors currently meets on the last Sunday of every month at 8 PM Eastern. While these meetings are typically open to guests and members, only board members are allowed to make motions and vote. NAGDU also holds its annual business meeting once per year during the NFB national Convention. This annual meeting is open to all, and all active members are eligible to vote and elect officers. The business includes but is not limited to: Guide Dog users rights and responsibilities, policies and procedures, group initiatives, and the current direction the board is taking.

Monthly Board Meeting Information

The Zoom meeting ID is 632 632 5800.
Join link: Monthly Board Meeting on Zoom

One tap mobile: +13462487799,,6326325800

NAGDU Events Yappy Hour

The NAGDU Yappy Hour is a social event held every other Saturday at 3 PM Eastern. More information is available on:Our Yappy Hour Page

Guide Dog Matters

NAGDU hosts a topical discussion about different guide dog matters. This meeting typically takes place on the third Sunday of every month at 3 PM Eastern. Topics can include first aid for guide dogs, emergency preparedness, presentations from various guide dog training programs, and much more.

Guide Dog Matters Meeting Information

The Zoom meeting ID is 854 5065 1290. To join, click:
Join Meeting.
One tap mobile: +13462487799,,85450651290#

NFB Convention Activities

Join NAGDU every year at the NFB national convention. Come surround yourself with many other guide dog users. Listen to top presenters, meet owner trainers, and find out how NAGDU is making a difference for all Guide Dog users. Follow along with the NAGDU President’s agenda and recruit new members for only $5.00. If someone is a member of NAGDU, then they are a member of the NFB! The annual business meeting takes place every July during the NFB National Convention.

Stay in Touch

Here are some ways you can connect with NAGDU. Please don’t hesitate to use whatever methods are of interest.

The NAGDU Public Events Calendar

NAGDU has a public calendar of events to help keep it all straight!

If you are a member representing a guide dog user state division and you have a meeting that you want NAGDU to put on the calendar, please email events@nagdu.org and provide the details of your event.

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