Taking the Lead

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Leader Dogs for the Blind empowers people who are blind or visually impaired with the tools for safe and independent daily travel. Our goal is to educate, advocate, and share real life experiences of those with blindness. Come learn, laugh, and grow with us.

  1. -5 j

    I Can Do This

    In this episode of Taking the Lead, we sit down with Manny Puma, a psychology student, competitive goalball athlete, and Leader Dog client, to discuss his journey from lifelong cane user to guide dog handler and advocate for blind athletes. Manny shares how his experiences with Leader Dog, higher education, and adaptive sports have shaped his independence, confidence, and future goals, including growing the sport of goalball and pursuing a career in mental health counseling. Along the way, he offers valuable advice on staying active, building community, and embracing new opportunities as a person who is blind or low vision.

  2. 13 août

    Foot in the Door

    In this episode of Taking the Lead, Leslie, Alyssa, and Timothy sit down with Erica Bearden, Director of Human Resources at Leader Dog, to explore what makes the organization’s culture, hiring process, and mission so unique. Erica shares her journey to Leader Dog, discusses the qualities that help team members thrive, and highlights exciting initiatives such as dual certification opportunities that expand services for clients. The conversation offers an inside look at the passion, collaboration, and commitment that drive Leader Dog’s work and the people behind it.

  3. 30 juil.

    It's a Gray Area

    Join us for a heartfelt summer short episode of Taking the Lead as we explore the life cycle of a Leader Dog, from puppy raiser to working guide and ultimately retirement. Tim shares his personal journey as he prepares for Glacier's retirement, offering an honest look at the emotions, decisions, and support that come with this important transition. It's a touching conversation about partnership, independence, and the lasting impact these remarkable dogs have on the people they serve.

  4. 16 juil.

    The Harness Study

    This episode of Taking the Lead features Emily Sharp, a guide dog mobility instructor and program manager at Leader Dog, who shares her journey into the field and her current work supporting guide dog training and quality assurance. She highlights a recent collaborative harness study with university partners that explores how different harness designs impact guide dogs’ comfort, movement, and performance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of research, client feedback, and industry collaboration to improve outcomes for both guide dogs and the people they serve.

  5. 2 juil.

    Strength in Numbers

    This episode of the Taking the Lead podcast highlights the critical work of advocacy and government relations to protect the rights of guide dog handlers. Featuring leaders from The Seeing Eye, the conversation explores common access challenges—especially rideshare discrimination—and the importance of education, legislation, and collaboration across organizations. The episode also offers practical insights and encouragement for individuals to confidently advocate for themselves while strengthening a broader, united voice within the disability community.

  6. 18 juin

    Building the Future of Leader Dog

    In this episode of Taking the Lead, hosts welcome President and CEO Melissa Weisse for an inside look at the exciting work happening at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Melissa shares updates on the organization’s strategic plan, including new pilot programs, the historic Alumni Board, and plans for campus renovations designed to enhance accessibility and client experience. The conversation highlights the power of collaboration, innovation, and client-centered growth as Leader Dog continues to evolve for the future.

  7. 4 juin

    The Richest Relationship

    In this episode of Taking the Lead, the team sits down with Trisha to explore her journey through vision loss, independence, and personal growth. She shares how her experience with Leader Dog programs and especially her partnership with her guide dog Libby became one of the richest relationships in her life and shaped her confidence, mobility, and outlook. Together, they reflect on how connection, community, and choice in travel tools can empower people to live fully and pursue their goals.

  8. 21 mai

    Laboratory Labrador

    In this episode of Taking the Lead, we sit down with Mackenzie Nichols, a devoted puppy raiser whose journey with Leader Dogs for the Blind began on a college campus and grew into a lasting impact. Mackenzie shares what it was like raising four future guide dogs while balancing college life, leading an on‑campus puppy raising program, and preparing for veterinary school along with the powerful connections that continue long after the leash is passed.

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À propos

Leader Dogs for the Blind empowers people who are blind or visually impaired with the tools for safe and independent daily travel. Our goal is to educate, advocate, and share real life experiences of those with blindness. Come learn, laugh, and grow with us.

Informations

  • Création
    Leader Dogs for the Blind
  • Années d’activité
    2021 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    154
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Leader Dog

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