Leader Dogs for the Blind is an organization that focuses on providing dog guides to people who are blind and visually impaired to enhance their mobility, independence, and quality of life. Leader Dogs for the Blind has expanded its services to provide other programs to enhance a person’s independence and quality of life in other ways.
The following programs and descriptions are some of the services that Leader Dogs for the Blind provides to individuals:
- The Deaf-Blind Program– This program provides training in the use of a leader dog to individuals who are both hearing and visually impaired. The student is taught to utilize sign language and touch to communicate commands and praise to their dog.
- The Accelerated Mobility Program– This program teaches advanced orientation and mobility skills to individuals who are visually impaired and use a cane to assist them in traveling.
- The Extended Services Program– This program embraces the new technology that aids clients in attaining greater independence.
- Trekker Training– This program utilizes global positioning system technology to teach users how to use a Trekker GPS unit to confidently travel in a community they have never experienced.
- The Basic and Advanced Computer Training Programs– These programs teach the use of assistive technologies to enhance employment opportunities.
- O & M Professional Seminars– These seminars broaden the reach of leader dogs and increase the resources available to students who may need post-graduation assistance.
- The Youth Programs– These programs are designed for students at least 16 years of age to offer dog guide use, Trekker training, and computer training.
The Leader Dog Campus, located in Rochester, Michigan, is a training center where individuals can be trained in any of the programs. The campus housing accommodates for 24 students in individual rooms, along with a kennel to accommodate for 310 large dogs.
The mission of the Leader Dogs for the Blind is to enhance the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired.
Visit the Leader Dogs website for more information.