Start applying NOW and get Orientation and Mobility training in the meantime. I've been informed there are wait times of 12 to 18 months to be given a class date after you are accepted into a school, and that's AFTER completing the application process itself which includes checking personal references, a medical report from your primary care physician and ophthalmologist, a phone interview, and then an in-person home interview and a Juno walk with an instructor.

Do some research! Do you have a preference for a specific dog breed or color or gender? Poodles for people with allergies, a high energy german shepherd, a golden retriever, or a typical labrador retriever? Are you willing to fly out of state to attend class? Would you prefer 2 week or 3 week long training? Do you have a preference on dog training methodology and the type of positive reinforcement used – food rewards, clicker training, or verbal praise and correction only? Do you have any other special needs such as using a wheelchair, muscle weakness, hearing issues, balance issues, sensory processing disorders, cognitive or neurological disorders, or any other physical or emotional concerns (PTSD, panic attacks, etc) that could impact your work with a guide dog? If you enjoy exercise, would you prefer a running guide?

What services are provided to graduates of the school? If your dog has problems with guide work, can a trainer come out and assist you quickly? Do you want or need funds for veterinary assistance? Do you have a preference on contact with puppy raisers and ownership of the dog after graduation?

If you use Facebook, there is a group for guide dog handlers here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/guidedoghandlersnetwork/?ref=share I am in the middle of applying for my very first guide dog and it's been really helpful in reading about the differences between all of the guide dog schools in the US and what to expect during the application process.

I read that you have cortical blindness and lost your vision 6 months ago and I am incredibly sorry to hear how much you are probably struggling right now. I am unable to imagine how tough the experience must be because I was born visually impaired since birth – I am currently completely blind in my left eye and have 20/200 vision in my right eye – so I have grown up my entire life accustomed to receiving services for the blind and visually impaired, mainly through special education services provided by my school district.

There is a Facebook group for blind and visually impaired people which might be helpful: https://www.facebook.com/groups/259008737631118/?ref=share

I'm doing O&M this month.

Also I am new to reddit how can I add diagnosis to my profile? Thanks.

I'd start with cane training and o&m, some tines the wait list for a guide dog is long so better gave other skills while you are assessed for a dog

You may want to state your country and/or state as orgs vary across the world.

I agree with the others. You will need to learn and be proficient using a cane, which will take a while. The Guide Dogs school will expect you to have essential orientation and mobility skills...
a. Because it will take a long time to get a dog potentially.
b. Because, however amazing dogs are, they can get ill, have off days, decide they don't want to work anymore and "ask" to retire, or, god forbid, die. It's important you can still navigate safely around.
c. Also, the skills you use with a cane will still be valuable when using a GD. For example, deciding when it is safe to cross a road - which a guide dog can't do for you (although they should stop you if it isn't safe).

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