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GPS Goes to the Dogs
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Leader Dog Breaks Ground with New Technology
- Published in: Update - Issue 2 - 2009
- Listen to Article
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After attending Breeze training at Leader Dog in January, Gary Thompson was so impressed with the facilities, staff and the training that he decided to come to Leader Dog for a dog guide when his last dog retired. He was happy to be included in the April class because it allowed him to brush-up on his Breeze skills.
Imagine trying to follow driving directions to a new location – but all the street signs along your route have been removed. Your trip would be difficult and stressful. This is what it is like to travel when you are blind and cannot use street signs for guidance. The new GPS technology being used at Leader Dog gives the user ‘audible street signs’ so they can navigate in a new environment without having to stop and ask for directions.
“I love my Breeze. It has made my life a lot easier, especially when traveling in new areas,” says Gary Thompson of Springfield, Missouri. “The Breeze and a Leader Dog go together like peanut butter and jelly. For instance, the Breeze announces when I’m nearing a cross street; so when my dog slows down then stops at the curb, I’m completely aware of my situation.”
In April 2009 Leader Dog graduated its first class to receive free Trekker Breeze GPS units and training along with their dog guide. The Trekker Breeze, an audible GPS device, gives step-by-step directions for a programmed route and notifies the user of upcoming streets and landmarks.
“We strongly believe that this technology is an effective tool for independent travelers,” says Greg Grabowski, Leader Dog president and CEO. “Preliminary research suggests that people using the device expand their travel environments and experience less travel anxiety, especially in new or unfamiliar areas.” Since November, 2008, Leader Dog students have been using Breeze units during their dog guide training. Now, U.S. and Canadian students that meet eligibility criteria will be able to take the Breeze home with them – for free.
“We have revolutionized the art of dog guide travel by including a talking navigational device in training and providing this state-of-the art technology for free to students along with their Leader Dog,” added Grabowski. “We are so confident in the benefits of using a Trekker Breeze that we are making the units available at a reduced cost to all active Leader Dog graduates.”
To complete our Trekker Breeze program, we will offer training for orientation & mobility instructors as well as dog guide mobility instructors interested in learning how to train people to use the Breeze.
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