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Video Requirement

A video of each client demonstrating his or her independent travel skills is required for consideration by our Admissions Committee. Your application video will assist us in assessing your independent travel skills and suitability for training. Application videos also assist our instructors in making appropriate dog matches for approved clients.

If you are unable to create your own video, please contact your local Lions Club. If you need assistance contacting a Lions Club, please call us toll free at 888-777-5332.

Video Guidelines

  • The applicant should not be prompted, spoken to or assisted at any time during the filming of the video, unless the applicant’s safety is in jeopardy.
  • At the beginning of the video, please provide us with a brief overview of your home, pets and outside yard space.
  • Please state your name, city, state and program for which you are applying.
  • The video should be no more than 10 to 15 minutes in length.
  • Include footage of the applicant traveling a familiar route independently.
  • Include footage of several street crossings (at least one being a light-controlled intersection, if possible) and a variety of turns. This is very important as it will show the applicant’s ability to travel independently.
  • Avoid zooming in on the applicant from a distance while walking, as this may distort the camera image.
  • Avoid turning the camera on and off.
  • We would like to see problem-solving and recovery on the video; if the applicant makes a mistake during filming, ensure their safety and allow them to recover.
  • Please be certain all environmental sounds can be heard—do not dub music over natural sounds.
  • Demonstrate the applicant walking toward and away from the camera.

The videographer should travel at least 10 to 15 feet behind the applicant and should show the sky and ground in the viewfinder.

Acceptable Video Format

The following video formats are acceptable:

  • DVD
  • SD card
  • YouTube or other online public forum

If transferring a video to a DVD, we suggest the following:

  • Export to DVD and burn as a DVD, not a DVD ROM
  • WMV file format is acceptable if you have verified that it plays in Windows Media Player
  • MPEG version 4

Please ensure DVDs play in a machine other than the original video camera, and label the media with the applicant's name and date of taping.

Send to:

Leader Dogs for the Blind
Client Services Department
1039 S. Rochester Road
Rochester, MI 48307

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