The Guide Dog Users of Kentucky, GDUKY, is a membership organization of blind, visually impaired, and sighted people. Most of the members are blind or visually impaired persons who are, or who have been, guide dog users. Sighted individuals interested in guide dogs are also welcome to join.

GDUKY provides information and support for guide dog users in Kentucky. Members are always willing to give advice to new guide dog users, whether it be at meetings, by telephone, or through the organization's email list.

GDUKY also advocates on behalf of guide dog users. Whether the problem is not being allowed to enter a restaurant or theater, being denied a ride in a taxi, or being denied housing because the landlord does not want the guide dog, Guide Dog Users of Kentucky stands ready to help.

GDUKY recently received a complaint that the manager at a local discount store had refused to allow a blind person, accompanied by her guide dog, to shop at the store. Eric Frey, GDUKY Past President, contacted the store and appropriate governmental authorities; the issue was resolved in favor of the blind shopper. Another GDUKY member subsequently visited the store and reported that no problems were encountered.

The Guide Dog Users of Kentucky is a chapter of the Kentucky Council of the Blind. GDUKY is also an affiliate of the Guide Dog Users Inc., a special-interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.

GDUKY holds its major meeting each year at the Kentucky Council of the Blind state convention. Additional meetings and activities may be scheduled from time to time throughout the year, and Board meetings are held by conference call. Meetings are announced on the organization's email list, and members who do not have computer access are notified by telephone.

Membership in GDUKY is $15.00/year. To join, send check or money order to:

Guide Dog Users of Kentucky
2215 Westridge Rd.
Louisville, KY 40242

To join the GDUKY email list, send a blank message to

gduky-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

and then reply to the confirmation message.

For more information on guide dogs or the Guide Dog Users of Kentucky, email Bill Deatherage, GDUKY President.