[NAGDU] Leader Dog mobility programs

[Tracy Carcione]

I attended a webinar Monday about Leader Dog's mobility programs, and how
they incorporate the Victor Trek.  Very interesting.

They have 4 flavors of one-week cane programs:  pretty much no experience; I
need a brush-up; guide dog readiness, and dealing with complex situations.

"I need a brush-up" is for people who know how to use a cane, but haven't
used one in quite a while, or whose vision has changed significantly.

Guide dog readiness is working on mobility so you can be ready to get a
guide dog.

Complex situations is for people who travel quite a bit, for instance, and
frequently have to work in unfamiliar areas and figure out complicated
intersections.

All of the programs are one-on-one, and are free, even the airfare to
Detroit.  And you don't have to intend to get a Leader dog.  Seems like a
great deal.

They also talked about their camp for 16- and 17-year-olds.  Kids sharpen
their mobility skills and learn how to use GPS effectively by running about
doing all kinds of things.  Kids who want to even get a Leader dog for a
day.  They work with the dog, and also bring it to a meal and do all the
care for it, so they get a real idea what it's like.  Remembering the first
meal I went to with Krokus at TSE, I'm not sure that's such a great idea!
"Down!" "Stop playing with Miles under there"  "Stop looking for crumbs!"
"Rest, you fathead!"

But I sure wish there would have been such a thing when I was that age.
Sounds like a blast.

Anyway, just thought I'd share.

Tracy