In the second part of our webinar series, Leader Dog staff discussed our brand new, expanded options for Guide Dog Training as well as giving an overview of Summer Experience Camp.
Leader Dogs for the Blind understands that every client has their own one-of-a-kind goals. This webinar talks about six unique options we’ve created for Guide Dog Training, including Flex, Urban and Warm Weather offerings.
Our Summer Experience Camp is open to teens ages 16 and 17. This experience helps campers build independence, leadership skills and GPS travel skills while making new friends.
View our previous webinar, “Is a Leader Dog the Right Mobility Tool for Me?”
If you would like to be notified of future webinars, please email Rachelle Kniffen with your request.
Meet Your Host and Presenters
Erica Ihrke has been Leader Dog’s manager of extended services since 2008. She earned her master’s degree in orientation and mobility from Western Michigan University. She is currently a member of the O&M Subject Matter Expert Committee for the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals and is a past president of Michigan Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER).
Erica is an in-demand speaker and has presented at several AER International Conferences and the International Mobility Conference on the topics of guide dog readiness, alternative models of O&M, and accessible GPS.
David Locklin has 17 years experience in guide dog training. His career started with Guide Dogs for the Blind in the United Kingdom where he was a guide dog mobility instructor for seven years before becoming their service delivery manager.
Since 2014, David has been Leader Dog’s director of programs, overseeing the training department and the outreach services & community engagement department. Among David’s responsibilities is ensuring that all programs meet International Guide Dog Federation standards and that the needs of all clients are being met.
Jim Dugan, Leader Dog’s manager of outreach services, has been with Leader Dog since 2016. He oversees client field activities including home delivery of Leader Dogs and client support, as well as agencies and community engagement activities.
Jim has been in the guide dog industry since 1989 and has been a guide dog mobility instructor since 1992 for organizations in the U.S. and Australia. Prior to that, Jim was a member of the Military Police K9 Corp. in the U.S. Army.
