Leader Dogs for the Blind

October 10th is World Sight Day, and today, we honor the advocacy work that organizations like Prevent Blindness and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) do for the blind and visually impaired community. The focal point this year is on children's eye health and vision care. Eye health is crucial at all stages of life, especially in childhood, and this year's World Sight Day campaign works to inspire children everywhere to love their eyes and foster a lifetime of ocular health and wellness. Check in with the IAPB's agenda for the day to learn more about education opportunities and ways to support this and similar campaigns at the following link: https://lnkd.in/eNGA4Dz3 Image Description: The image is a promotional image for World Sight Day 2024 featuring the slogan 'Love Your Eyes' in bold white letters, with a multicolored heart graphic above the text. The logos for World Sight Day and IAPB are displayed at the bottom.

Today is Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Day! Maximize your charitable impact and support Leader Dogs for the Blind. Your DAF grant can transform lives by empowering individuals who are blind or have low vision. Why choose a DAF? - Tax-efficient giving - Flexible donation timing - Simplified record-keeping You can make a difference today: Recommend a grant from your DAF to Leader Dogs for the Blind! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gkvpYjuB Photo description: A Donor-Advised Fund Day logo text reading "DAFday" in blue and orange colors.

Since 1931, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), a part of the Library of Congress, has served Americans who are blind by providing books and other reading materials in accessible formats. We had the pleasure of hearing from Jason, the director of the National Library Service (NLS) at the Library of Congress, about the incredible resources available. For over 93 years, NLS has provided free access to a vast collection of audiobooks, Braille materials and more for individuals unable to read standard print. With recent expansions, including reading disabilities now recognized under print disability, the NLS is more inclusive than ever! Some of the things we learned: - NLS offers digital downloads, tactile experiences and a unique app called BARD for easy access to materials. - The NLS connects users with tailored services through a network of libraries across the U.S., ensuring everyone can enjoy their reading journey. - Whether you’re in the U.S. or traveling abroad, NLS is committed to making reading accessible to all. For anyone interested in exploring these resources, check out NLS at https://www.loc.gov/nls/ and find out how they can enrich your life! You can also watch the full collaboration event recording on the Leader Dog website at https://lnkd.in/g_CMn8wx

Leader Dog is lucky to have so many amazing volunteers to help us drive our mission forward. David and Cynthia Saraceno started out as volunteer puppy raisers and picked up their first puppy, Valor, on Christmas Eve of 2021. But the Saraceno's didn’t stop at puppy raising. They wanted to volunteer more and our organization offers multiple other options for volunteering. In addition to being puppy raisers, they also serve as puppy pick up specialists that help new raisers start their volunteer journeys and puppy counselors for other raisers in their community. They also assist in transporting dogs and to special events and fundraisers. If you want to volunteer like David and Cynthia, check out all our volunteer roles at Leaderdog.org/volunteer Photo 1 Description: A woman wearing a "Leader Dogs for the Blind" shirt and baseball cap is smiling and holding a black Labrador puppy with a "Future Leader Dog" bandana around its neck. They stand in front of a backdrop featuring the "Leader Dogs for the Blind" logo. Photo 2 Description: A man and a woman stand on either side of a black Labrador Retriever puppy and a bronze statue of a smiling dog. The man and puppy are looking at each other lovingly and the woman is smiling facing forward. The puppy is wearing a "Future Leader Dog" vest.

October marks Blindness Awareness Month, a time to reflect on inclusivity in our professional spheres. As leaders and professionals, we have a unique opportunity to drive change. This month, let's commit to: - Enhancing workplace accessibility - Implementing inclusive hiring practices - Fostering a culture of understanding and support With proper accommodations, individuals who are blind or visually impaired excel across various industries, bringing valuable perspectives and skills to the table. Together, we can build a more accessible and understanding world. We have virtual resources for you on our website here: https://lnkd.in/gvDGRDtm Image Description: The words "Blindness Awareness Month" are written in both Braille and Romanized script in multiple colors on a white background.

New Episode of Taking the Lead Podcast: Campus Puppy Raising Programs We're excited to share our latest Taking the Lead podcast episode featuring Dr. Graeme Harper from Oakland University. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Harper discusses: - The campus puppy raising program he initiated - His journey in connecting with Leader Dog - The profound impact of this initiative on students and the broader community - Why he continues to be a dedicated ambassador for our organization Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gymuxMPa Photo description: A Labrador retriever wearing a Future Leader Dog vest sits in front of a sign reading "509 Meadow Brook Rd., Oak View Hall, The Honors College, Oakland University."

Leader Dogs for the Blind: Celebrating 85 Years of Innovation and Impact. This year marks a significant milestone for Leader Dogs for the Blind as we celebrate 85 years of empowering people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded in 1939, by three Detroit area members of Lions Clubs International, our organization has grown from a small farmhouse in Rochester Hills, Michigan to the large campus it is today serving people internationally. Our journey has been marked by continuous innovation. As we celebrate our history and achievements, we're equally excited about the future. Our commitment to evolving and meeting the changing needs of our clients remains steadfast Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story - here's to the next 85 years of Leader Dogs for the Blind! Photo description 1: The Leader Dogs for the Blind 85th anniversary logo. The number 85 is most prominent in the logo. The words "life changing years" are written above the five. Inside the bottom circle of the eight digit is the guide dog icon. Cutting across the bottom of the digit five is a white cane. Photo description 2: A black and white photo of the three men who founded Leader Dogs for the Blind. They outdoors and wearing suits, looking toward the camera. Photo description 3: A historical black and white photo showing group of seven guide dog mobility instructors sitting on the grass outside, each accompanied by a guide dog. They are in front of a large "Leader Dogs for the Blind" sign. Photo description 4: A historic black and white sketch of the Leader Dogs for the Blind campus displaying the farmhouse, canine center and practice course. Photo description 5: A black and white photo of the Leader Dogs for the Blind farmhouse where Leader Dog operated from when it was founded.

We often say this, but we could not accomplish our mission without all our amazing volunteers. Last fiscal year we had 90 breeding hosts, 326 puppy raisers and 401 on-campus volunteers! Let me introduce you to Margaret, one of these special volunteers that fits into all three of these categories and is an exceptional advocate for Leader Dogs for the Blind. Margaret raised 18 Future Leader Dogs and hosted two Leader Dog moms. LDM Edith (yellow Lab/golden cross) gave birth to 38 puppies and LDM Roxi (black Labrador) has whelped 8 puppies and is currently pregnant and expecting 5-8 puppies. She is also one of our puppy pickup specialists, meaning she will go over all the paperwork for volunteers receiving their Future Leader Dog. For many years Margaret and some other ladies did mailings, planted flowers and hosted people on Leader Dog’s campus for events. The impact Maragret has had on our organization, community and the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired is immeasurable. “Volunteering at Leader Dog has been a wonderful way to change the lives of people less fortunate than I. Makes me appreciate my eyesight and being involved has contributed to my understanding and learning so much about diabetes, blindness and the courageous people who live normal lives without sight every day. Gives me courage.” explains Margaret. “Never thought I'd have it in me to be a Host and it's one of the greatest joys of my life. It proves how we humans can ‘rise to the occasion.’” Photo description 1: Margaret inside the Canine Development Center holding a yellow Labrador puppy. Photo description 2: Leader Dog Mom Roxi, a black Labrador retriever, wearing a red cape and her Leader Dog Mom bandana, seemingly flying through a cloudy sky. Photo description 3: A portrait of Leader Dog Mom Edith, a Labrador retriever, wearing a bandana labeled "Leader Dog Mom", sitting attentively against a maroon background.

This week we had the privilege of hosting the Low Vision Expo presented by the Oakland Talking Book Service at the Rochester Hills Public Library. This event was an opportunity to learn more about services available to people in Michigan who are blind, visually impaired or have low vision. The event was attended by members of the local community, industry professionals and people with visual impairments. The Expo gave attendees a chance to meet with representatives from a variety of agencies and organizations serving seniors and those with low vision. Our very own Alyssa Otis and Leslie Hoskins, presented about the free services Leader Dog offers to those who are blind or visually impaired. Photo description 1: Attendees browse various booths inside the banquet room at Leader Dogs for the Blind during the Low Vision Expo. Photo description 2: Attendees interact with exhibitors at the Low Vision Expo. One attendee is speaking to a woman behind a booth while accompanied by her Leader Dog. Waiting and listening is a man holding a white cane. Photo description 3: Leslie Hoskins and Alyssa Otis stand by a projection screen displaying slides about Leader Dogs for the Blind. The room is filled with attendees sitting at round tables facing the two speakers.

Highlighting Volunteer Dedication with Mike Rains. He has been volunteering with Leader Dogs for the Blind as an on campus puppy raiser for 2.5 years. Mike started out volunteering once a week, but frequently takes on extra shifts as they become available, volunteering up to three times a week. Mike says regarding his experience at Leader Dog, "The position has been everything I hoped for and more. Being surrounded by adorable, cuddly puppies, and their puppy breath is so richly rewarding.  The staff is wonderful to work with and everyone is appreciative of the volunteer support." Thank you, Mike, for everything you do for Leader Dog. We couldn’t do what we do without volunteers like you. Photo Description: A man is smiling and holding a golden retriever puppy inside the canine development center at Leader Dogs for the Blind.