The Guide Dog Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or with other special needs. Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. has provided guide dogs free of charge to blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence. Our students come to us from all over the United States and many foreign countries. Our trademark small classes and individualized instruction often attract students who may have special requirements. We have successfully trained hearing-impaired blind people as well as many physically challenged people. We are supported entirely by donations from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. We receive no government funding. In 2009, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind became the first assistance dog school in the United States to be certified by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. Accreditation reinforces the Foundation's reputation in the guide dog movement by showing that we consistently follow the highest standards for the humane and ethical treatment of our dogs, maintain educational benchmarks for trainers and apprentices, and that we have procedures in place for our consumers during the application and acceptance process, including a way for consumers to address any grievances.