Leader Dogs for the Blind
Cause Area
- Animals
- Education & Literacy
- People with Disabilities
Location
1039 S. Rochester Rd.Rochester, MI 48307 United StatesOrganization Information
Mission Statement
Our mission is empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel.
Description
Founded by three Detroit area Lions Clubs members in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind provides dog guides to people who are blind and visually impaired to enhance their mobility, independence and quality of life. Each year, over 200 clients attend our residential training program to be paired with a dog guide. This is a life-changing event that opens the doors to independence, safety and self-worth for many of our students.
In addition to our dog guide program, we offer programs that enhance a person's independence and quality of life in other ways, including orientation and mobility training, GPS training, and seminars for Orientation and Mobility professionals. Currently, Leader Dog is the only facility in the Western Hemisphere to teach Deaf-blind students to work with a dog guide.
Thanks to generous donations from our supporters, our dog guide services are provided free of charge, including room and board and travel to and from our campus in Rochester Hills, Michigan, for clients.
Leader Dog is recognized as a "Best In America" Charity by the Independent Charities of America (ICA).