[NAGDU] O&M Programs at Leader Dogs and Pilot Dogs

[David]

Dear Lisa, I have RP, cannot see at night and have a very narrow field 
during the day.  I took Leader's Accelerated Mobility Program (AMP) 
almost 3 years ago in preparation for applying for a guide dog.  LDB is 
located in what is now a lovely suburb of Detroit.  I had used a cane 
for more than 17 years, but learned a lot during the program.  The 
facility is lovely.  You get to go out with a dog for a session if you 
want to.  They take you through traffic, different terrain, malls, and 
into shops.  The emphasis is on skills, offering tips to improve your 
cane use, and navigation.  While blindfold sessions are not required, I 
strongly recommend asking for a session or two of blindfold training.  
That was the most wonderful part of the training for me.  There is so 
much information out there that you just don't pay attention to. It's 
hard to describe, but the blindfold sessions were extremely valuable for 
me emotionally.  You are as close to LDB as an airport.  Transportation 
is free and LDB makes all of the arrangements.  Your room will be simple 
and clean and the food is good.  The wifi connection is excellent.  You 
will be picked up by a volunteer and taken to their lovely facility.  A 
volunteer will take you back to the airport for your trip home.

Whichever program you choose, or chooses you, best of luck.  You won't 
regret the effort.

David and Claire Rose in Clearwater, FL

On 8/17/2016 5:34 AM, Lisie Foster via NAGDU wrote:
> If anyone has been to, or knows anything about, either school's O&M programs, I'd love to hear from you either on list, or please feel free to email me atlisiefoster at yahoo.com. Thank you so much!
>
> Lisie & The Gold One
> lisiefoster at yahoo.com
> Sent from my iPhone