Providing Guide Dogs to Those in Need
How & Why:
Leader Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization that empowers people who are blind or visually impaired by providing them with guide dogs, orientation and mobility training, and other resources to enhance their independence and quality of life. Founded in 1939 and based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Leader Dogs for the Blind offers its services completely free of charge, thanks to generous donations and volunteer support. The organization breeds and trains Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds to become guide dogs capable of safely navigating a variety of environments. In addition to matching guide dogs with clients, Leader Dogs also offers specialized training programs for individuals with both vision and hearing loss, as well as those seeking to improve their independent travel skills. Through personalized support and cutting-edge training methods, the organization helps thousands of people achieve greater freedom and confidence.
Did You Know?
In the United States:
- 1,300,000 people are legally blind.
- 75,000 people become blind or visually impaired each year.
- 10% of these people travel independently with a white cane or a guide dog.
Every year, Lions and Leader Dogs:
- Enable 1,095,000 days of independence for those who are blind and visually impaired.
- 200 leader dogs are matched with clients.
- 100 clients are provided white cane training.
- 24 teenagers gain leadership and travel skills.
- 6 clients who are both deaf and blind receive customized guide dog training.
- No cost is passed on to clients because Leader Dogs is 100% donor funded.
