Leader Dogs for the Blind

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. According to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers suffered 18,510 eye-related injuries and illnesses in 2020. Whether working with your hands or with tools like computers and screens, eye care is crucial for continued health and wellness. Read more about ways to protect your eyes here: https://bit.ly/4ciQ26b

New Episode Alert: Taking the Lead Podcast featuring Sam Seavey We're delighted to share our latest conversation with Sam Seavey, founder of The Blind Life YouTube channel and influential voice in assistive technology education. In this episode, Sam discusses emerging technologies in the blindness and low vision field. Sam's work embodies the spirit of innovation and empowerment that drives progress in accessibility. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gqyKy4qw And don't forget to check out Sam's amazing content: https://lnkd.in/ep-Xn-b8 Photo description: A person wearing sunglasses and a black shirt sits on a curb with a white cane, outside a modern glass building.

When Leader Dog Client Melissa first met her guide dog, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. Her Leader Dog Emani represents more than just a dog - Emani would be a source of independence for Melissa to travel in her community. Through the dedication of volunteers in our Prison Puppies initiative, Leader Dog Emani gained the skills to be ready for her career as a Leader Dog. "Emani is going to decrease anxiety, I know it will be a lot of work, but it will give me a sense of security to travel on my own," says Melissa. Interested in contributing to the Leader Dog legacy? Check out more information on raising a Future Leader Dog here! https://bit.ly/3Au02eu Photo Description: A black Labrador retriever is seated beside a woman wearing a black and white plaid cardigan. The dog is wearing a leather Leader Dogs for the Blind harness and is facing the woman. The dog has her tongue out, giving the woman a quick lick on the nose.

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential for individuals with low vision, as highlighted in a recent report by the American Foundation for the Blind. As AI technologies continue to rapidly evolve, the opportunities for enhancing accessibility and independence for people who are blind or have low vision are becoming increasingly promising. With over thirty experts in various fields counseled for this study, numerous topics for advocacy and independence were uncovered for further study. Read more about the report here: https://bit.ly/4bdlrGW

"When I think of my life before attending Leader Dog, the words fear, confused and alone come to mind. I was extremely fearful of losing my independence. I was completely confused as to what my future may hold and how I would survive as a blind person," recalls Leader Dog graduate, Laura B. After coming to Leader Dogs for the Blind, Laura regained her independence. "With my best friend, Leader Dog Hanna, at my side, I can go anywhere! We travel often. I can navigate difficult situations, travel through my hometown, and cruise through airports boarding flights to wherever I choose. No more fear, no more confusion and lots of independence is what I gained by attending Leader Dog." At Leader Dogs for the Blind, we are committed to empowering individuals like Laura to live independently, confidently and safely. Our comprehensive guide dog programs combined with orientation and mobility skills, equip our clients with the skills to navigate the world with confidence. Join us in supporting this critical mission and help transform the lives of individuals like Laura. Photo description: A person hugs a black Labrador retriever Leader Dog while sitting in front of a white backdrop. The dog is resting its head against the persons arm, cuddling while the person rubs their head smiling down at the dog.

To continue providing the life-changing companion of a Leader Dog, Leader Dogs for the Blind utilizes multiple methods of puppy raising. Puppy raisers play a crucial part in the journey of a Leader Dog, teaching them skills that ensure our clients receive exceptional guide dogs when they are matched. Take Leader Dog Graduate Cynthia and her Leader Dog Duchess for example. Duchess was raised through our Prison Puppies program, an initiative where qualified inmates in the prison system pair with a Future Leader Dog to raise them. This program teaches foundational skills that aid puppies in their journey to becoming effective Leader Dogs, as well as gives responsibility and morale to inmates assigned to the dogs. Cynthia says, when asked about her thoughts on Leader Dog Duchess, "It's incredible to see the intelligence that the dogs have.... you see it in training, but when you get home and really get working with them it is awesome to see how much they can do." Interested in making a difference in the lives of clients like Cynthia? Check out our puppy raising options here: https://bit.ly/3Au02eu Photo Description: A woman is sitting on a picnic table bench and smiling. In front of her sits a yellow Labrador retriever wearing a leather Leader Dogs for the Blind harness. Both are smiling in the sunshine as they enjoy the green trees around them.

In 2025, Leader Dogs for the Blind is committed to empowering over 300 individuals by providing transformative services that promote independence and mobility. Our Annual Fund directly supports programs designed to equip people who are blind or have low vision with the essential skills needed for safe, independent travel. All of these services are provided free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. We invite you to consider contributing to our 2025 Annual Fund. Your donation helps us continue this vital work. To make a gift, please visit the link: https://lnkd.in/gP6nqTqN Your support is instrumental in achieving our 2025 goals and advancing our mission. Thank you for your continued belief in our work. Photo description: An image of the Leader Dog 2025 Annual Fund logo and a person leading a chocolate lab Leader Dog down a sidewalk.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who attended and supported Dinner in the Dark presented by AAA-The Auto Club Group. Thanks to your generous contributions, we are proud to announce that over $255,800 was raised during the event. This incredible success highlights the compassion and dedication of our community. With your continued support, we are able to advance our mission of empowering people who are blind or low vision with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. Photo description 1: Attendees at Dinner in the Dark, many holding eye masks to their faces, seated at tables with white tablecloths and wine glasses, in a well-lit banquet hall with a large screen in the background. Photo description 2: Three individuals and a guide dog doing a blindfold walk through an obstacle course made of caution signs on the floor. One person is holding onto the dog's harness while wearing a blindfold, another is recording the walk and a third is speaking and gesturing. Photo description 3: Two people sit at a dining table during Dinner in the Dark wearing blindfolds while eating. They are both smiling toward the camera. Photo description 4: Two individuals stand in a carpeted room doing a blindfold orientation and mobility walk, one using a white cane and wearing an eye mask, while facing another who is attentively listening. An orange bucket is placed between them. Photo description 5: Group of four adults smiling alongside a Leader Dog canine ambassador against a dark background. A banner reading "Leader Dogs for the Blind" displayed in the bottom right corner.

In our latest episode of Taking the Lead, we sit down with Melissa Weisse, President & CEO of Leader Dogs for the Blind, to reflect on an incredible year of achievements! Melissa shares about Leader Dog clients, dedicated team members, passionate volunteers and generous donors—all playing a vital role in empowering independence. Plus, she gives us a glimpse into the future as Leader Dog heads into strategic planning, ensuring clients' voices remain at the heart of every decision. Don’t miss this insightful conversation! Listen now here: https://lnkd.in/gxZkMQTs Photo description: A woman in a blue hoodie and dark grey pants kneeling next to a golden retriever in front of glass doors with the Leader Dogs for the Blind logo behind.

Meet Belle, a golden retriever who is making a significant impact as a K9 Advocate at the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office. After being career changed from Leader Dogs for the Blind, Belle transitioned into a vital role, supporting children and individuals who have experienced trauma. Her work involves providing emotional support and comfort to young victims, especially in courtroom settings, helping them feel less alone when faced with the challenging task of testifying. Belle’s calming presence and specialized training allow her to assist victims with dignity, fostering a safe environment for them to share their experiences. The continued support of Leader Dog's dedicated community, including our puppy raisers, breeding hosts and donors, make it possible for the dogs that are career changed from guide dog work to still make an impact in people's lives. Learn more about Belle’s story at this link: https://lnkd.in/gibV-m3j