Deaf-Blind Program

The Deaf-Blind program was established in 1991. It was created by a Leader Dog team member who recognized the need; he is recognized nationally as a pioneer in this field
Leader Dogs are trained to guide individuals who are both deaf and blind, not to alert them to sounds
On average, 6 people who are Deaf-blind graduate each year. Nearly 100 people have graduated the program since its inception in 1991
Leader Dogs for the Blind has two instructors who communicate with students in tactile American Sign Language (“reading” hands are gently placed over “speaking” hands to feel the sign language)
Leader Dogs are trained to understand and respond to both verbal commands and sign language hand signals
Leader Dogs prepared for Deaf-blind students receive up to 6 months of training (as compared to 4 months for “standard” Leader Dog training)
Leader Dogs assigned to Deaf-blind students are hand-picked by the specialized instructors. These dogs are chosen for appropriate attention to the handler and their ability to assume a greater amount of responsibility
Deaf-blind students complete a 26-day, residential training program at Leader Dogs for the Blind. The student/teacher ratio is 1:2 (as compared to 1:6 for “standard” class)
During class students learn how to care for and communicate with their Leader Dog. Students are taught how to travel safely with their new partner as a Leader Dog team or “unit”

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