Tzemed – The Israeli Guide Dog Users Association – is a non-profit organization that was established to support blind and visually impaired people who use guide dogs. The dogs make an enormous difference to the lives of their handlers, bringing them the gift of independence and companionship.
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for guide dog users, ensure that their dogs have a long and healthy working life, promote accessibility and social inclusion for guide dog users in the community.
Tzemed is constantly working to protect the rights of people with vision impairment to use guide dogs; handling accessibility and discrimination complaints through individual advocacy; raising public awareness to the special needs and rights of guide dog users through community education; assisting guide dog users with routine expenses related to food, veterinary costs, insurance and additional equipment, to ensure proper care of guide dogs; conducting social activities for guide dog users that promote their wellbeing; monitoring the quality of guide dogs assigned to people with low vision and blindness; and partnering with government departments and other service providers to improve the services provided to people with low vision and blindness.