Leader Dogs for the Blind

New Episode of Taking the Lead: A Journey of Advocacy and Empowerment We're excited to share our latest conversation with Erica Rodman, a Leader Dog client whose story exemplifies dedication and leadership in disability advocacy. Key highlights: - Erica's role as Chair of the Committee on Disabilities in Amherst, NY - Her work at Niagara University's Institute on Disability Awareness - Her personal journey to becoming a Leader Dog client Listen here: https://bit.ly/467zZFI Make sure to subscribe for more episodes on your favorite podcast platform! Photo description: A person with a joyful expression and a black Labrador wearing a harness labeled "Leaderdog.org" are posing together. The dog is facing the camera with a focused look, while the person is slightly turned towards the dog is smiling.

Nurturing Future Leader Dogs: The King Family's Volunteer Journey At Leader Dog, our mission is supported by dedicated volunteer families like the Kings. Their commitment to breeding, raising, and training puppies is integral to our success. Sarah King reflects on her family's experience: "My daughters grew up caring for puppies at such a young age that it has become a part of their core childhood memories. They learned about puppy development, responsibility and the selflessness of loving a litter of puppies for weeks to then having to let them go, so they can help others. Being a part of the Leader Dog community has been nothing but an amazing experience. Every person we've met has been inspiring and supportive, we feel very fortunate to be a part of all the great things that Leader Dog does." Addressing a common question about the challenges of the role, Sarah shares: "It's hard but also a relief. By the time they're 7 weeks old they're ankle biting poop monsters and I'm ready for them to go, lol. All joking aside, we are also eager to watch the next step in their journey to become a Leader Dog. We follow each of our puppies through the process, quietly rooting them along in the background. We love getting the update letters and graduation photos for the ones that get placed with a client. The entire process is so fulfilling." The breeding host program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Leader Dog's mission. To learn more about becoming a breeding host, visit https://lnkd.in/gd_gJFew. Photo description: Two adults and two children sit on a bench in a garden setting surrounded by flowers and pumpkins, holding seven black Labrador retriever puppies. A black Labrador retriever with a "Leader Dog Mom" bandana on sits beside the bench.

Accessibility in Recruitment: A Critical Business Imperative A recent study by The National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision examined online job applications for 30 Fortune 500 companies, revealing accessibility challenges for visually impaired applicants. This raises crucial questions for HR professionals and business leaders: Are we unintentionally excluding talented candidates? How does this impact our diversity initiatives? What legal risks do inaccessible applications pose? How can we create more inclusive hiring practices? How is your organization addressing digital accessibility in recruitment? Read the study here: https://bit.ly/3VWLz2Q

While in our guide dog program clients at Leader Dogs for the Blind celebrate new milestones every week in their journey towards independence. While on campus we take an opportunity to capture the newly formed team in special photos: a formal portrait, a photo with their GDMI (Guide Dog Mobility Instructor) and an "I love my dog" photo, reflecting the affection clients feel toward their new traveling companion. These photos and printed and given to each client for their return home to preserve the memories of their transformative experience while at Leader Dog. Photo description: Client Rochelle is sat, smiling while hugging her Leader Dog My Lady in front of a white backdrop. Photo description: Client Rochelle, wearing a blue outfit and sunglasses is sat, smiling while hugging her Leader Dog My Lady in front of a white backdrop.

Behind the Scenes: Spotlight on Dog Care Team Member We're proud to introduce Ben Hernandez, a Dog Care Team Lead at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Since joining our organization in September 2023, Ben has demonstrated exceptional leadership in a role critical to our mission. As Team Lead, Ben oversees key operational aspects of our guide dog training program: Volunteer Management: Coordinating and optimizing our volunteer team. Canine Enrichment: Developing and implementing stimulating activities that contribute to the holistic development of our guide dogs in training. Health and Wellness Oversight: Managing medication protocols and ensuring adherence to best practices in canine care. Facility Management: Maintaining our state-of-the-art dog villages to create an optimal environment for learning and growth. At Leader Dogs for the Blind, we recognize that excellence in support functions is crucial to achieving our mission. Photo 1 description: Ben squatting and smiling alongside a golden colored Labrador retriever against a brick wall background. We invite fellow professionals to share their experiences in optimizing support functions in mission-driven organizations. How has operational excellence contributed to the success of your programs? Photo 2 description: A person wearing a "Leader Dog for the Blind" t-shirt walks with a dog through a hallway, holding the dog's leash as they approach an open door.

Spotlight on Leader Dog's Amazing Administrative Volunteers! At Leader Dog, our mission extends beyond working with dogs. We're proud to showcase our dedicated Accessible Material Center (AMC) volunteers who play a crucial role in our organization. Our AMC team: - Converts documents into large print, braille, and audio formats - Assists with laminating and binding - Records audio versions of our newsletter - And more! These wonderful volunteers ensure our materials are accessible to clients who are blind or visually impaired. Volunteer Claire shares: "I enjoy volunteering at LDB because I feel the organization really makes a difference... And seeing puppies, dogs in training, and staff pets is a huge plus!" Jay adds: "I like volunteering because I enjoy working with people here and I like the satisfaction of completing the tasks we are assigned." We're grateful for our AMC volunteers who contribute their time and skills to support our mission! Photo description: Two individuals engaged in office tasks; the first person is using a brailing machine in a storage area while the second person, smiling, organizes documents beside a filing cabinet.

Voting Rights and Business Responsibility: A Call to Action A recent incident in Georgia, where a resident who is blind faced voting barriers despite ADA protections, highlights a critical issue at the intersection of civil rights, business, and technology. As organizations, we have a responsibility to foster inclusivity in our organizations and contribute solutions to societal challenges. How is your organization promoting accessibility? Share your insights and experiences. Watch the story here: https://lnkd.in/gRV7Bmxg

You have an incredible opportunity this summer to empower the next generation of capable leaders. By supporting Leader Dogs for the Blind’s Summer of Hope Fund, your generous gift will directly impact youth who are developing independence and achieving their goals through partnerships with Leader Dogs. When you contribute to the Summer of Hope Fund, you’re investing in their unlimited potential. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gimJsBaw Photo description: A woman with brown hair wrapped in a multicolored headband is wearing a pink shirt. She has both arms wrapped around a black Labrador wearing a brown Leader Dog harness. In the upper right corner is “2024” inside an orange heart surrounded by a radiating sunshine pattern.

New Episode Alert! This week on the Taking the Lead podcast we're sitting down with Dani Landolt, the first-ever Chief Impact Officer at Leader Dogs for the Blind! Dani's journey at Leader Dog is nothing short of impressive: - Developed corporate sponsorship program - Launched 3 new fundraising events - Created Leader Dog's current logo and brand identity Now, she's pioneering the role of Chief Impact Officer. Tune in to learn about: - Her transition from marketing to impact - Immediate plans of action - The vision for Leader Dog's future Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gQ6EGG5u Photo description: Three people standing in the Polk Residence Center wearing matching black T-shirts with the text "Taking the Lead" printed in white. They are smiling and posing together for the photo.

We're looking back on another successful Teen Summer Camp at Leader Dogs for the Blind. This year, we had the privilege of hosting an incredible group of teens who are blind or visually impaired for a week of forming new friendships and expanding their independence. This year campers went to see an audio described screening of the movie Inside Out 2 at the Emagine Theater in Rochester Hills. There they learned to navigate a movie theater setting: getting snacks at the concession stand, finding the correct theater and safely finding their seat in low lighting. Campers also spent time outdoors at Yates Cider Mill hiking and practicing their use of a StellarTrek GPS system in a new environment. These and many other activities campers participated in during Teen Sumer Camp are designed to teach them lifelong mobility skills as well as give them experiences that they may not have been able to access before. All activities presented at this year Teen Summer Camp is thanks to our sponsor AAA-The Auto Club Group. Photo description 1: The teen campers all sit in the comfortable lounger chairs at Emagine Rochester theater, watching Inside Out 2. They each have a bucket of popcorn and are wearing headphones to listen to the audio descriptions. Photo description 2: Teen campers walk along trail at Yates Cider Mill using their white canes. This is a shaded, dirt pathway flanked by lush green foliage and a wooden fence.