Message from the President
A New Perspective: Leveling the Playing Field
Recently, while traveling on Leader Dog business, I had the opportunity to meet some of our graduates. Though I have spent time with many of our students on campus, this was the first time I met graduates in their home environments. I was impressed by their accomplishments – a corporate vice president, a Washington DC policy executive, a sales representative who travels the U.S. extensively, a retired New York State administrator navigating the streets of New York City; and was amazed at how adeptly they work with their dogs.
I was discussing my trip and the people I met with Mike Cox (a Leader Dog graduate field representative), telling him how proud I was to be a part of Leader Dog, how impressed I was by what these people had accomplished. He responded, “Greg, remember Leader Dog is about helping people gain the tools to be equal.” As I reflected on Mike’s comment, I realized that I shouldn’t be impressed with these folks because of what they have accomplished even though they are blind; I should be impressed by them regardless of their visual impairment.
The people I met found the means to put themselves on equal ground with people who are visual and were able to succeed in competitive work environments. I’m proud that Leader Dog played a part in helping them attain equality. In this issue of Update you will meet two people who have also accomplished this, Brian Celusnak and Tim Foster. Their stories remind us that we can level the playing field between non-visual and visual people. Once this ideal is reached, it’s “let the best man win.”
Like you, Leader Dog has been affected by the recent fluctuations in the world economy. Since we operate on 100% donations, the end of the year giving season is especially important to us. During these uncertain times, I’d like to thank everyone in advance for their continued support of Leader Dog. Our students still need us, and we still need you.
May you have a warm and loving holiday season,
Gregory Grabowski
President & CEO