Apply for Leader Dog Programs
Ready to apply for services at Leader Dog? Great! Exploring the Guide Dog, Orientation and Mobility, Youth Orientation and Mobility or Teen Summer Camp sections of our website will help you learn what our application process is like, what materials we need from you and why we need them, and guidelines for submitting all parts of your application. Knowing what you need to prepare and how to submit it will help get your application processed as quickly as possible. If you're ready to apply now, you can also go to the application pages of our website through the links below.
You will never receive a bill for any Leader Dog program. Thanks to our generous supporters, our programs are offered at no cost to our clients.
Contact us if you have questions or need assistance.
Guide Dog
The Guide Dog program at Leader Dog is available for people who are:
- Legally blind
- At least 16 years old
- Able to care for a dog
- Efficient with orientation and mobility skills
There are different options for our Guide Dog program and your instruction will be customized for your needs and situation. This program runs year round. The Guide Dog program and your Leader Dog are free.
Orientation and Mobility
Our Orientation and Mobility (O&M) program is open to anyone who wants to learn or improve cane skills and techniques. You do not have to plan to get a guide dog at any point to qualify for O&M. This program is open to people who are:
- Legally blind
- At least 16 years old
Like our Guide Dog program, Orientation and Mobility at Leader Dog is offered in a variety of formats to meet your needs. This program runs year round. Orientation and Mobility and the tools we offer with this program are free.
Youth Orientation and Mobility
Youth Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is for teens 16 and 17 years old and a supporter (usually a parent). This unique program offers the opportunity for a teen and their supporter to learn cooperatively, and the supporter will leave with a better understanding of their teen's travel process. Applicants to this program should be:
- Legally blind
- 16 or 17 years old
The teen and supporter will stay at accommodations near Leader Dog, and the supporter will be furnished with a rental car. This program is offered three times per year. The Youth O&M program, accommodations and transportation are free. Please note that the application for Youth Orientation and Mobility is the same application as Orientation and Mobility.
Teen Summer Camp
Teen Summer Camp is offered annually for teens 16 and 17 years old. This program combines fun activities with exploring mobility options like guide dog travel, discovering leadership skills and building friendships with peers facing similar challenges. Campers receive a free HumanWare GPS to help increase their travel independence. Applicants should be:
- Legally blind
- 16 or 17 years old
Teen Summer Camp is one week long and takes place in June on Leader Dog's campus. Teen Summer Camp is free.