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Collaboration Events

Collaboration Events are an opportunity to spotlight other organizations within the blindness and low vision field to learn about the services they provide. While Leader Dog has many programs and services to offer, there are numerous other organizations that can be of great benefit to many. These events are held the last Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m. EST and are open to anyone.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Below, you can find recordings of all the Collaboration Events that have taken place so far, starting with the most recent.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding Collaboration Events or would like to learn more about a topic, please email Leslie Hoskins or give her a call at 248-650-7104.

EyeSpy.org

The largest digital directory dedicated to empowering the blind and low-vision community, including modern resources like media, podcasts, apps and more. Visit EyeSpy.org for more information.

Ablr Works

Ablr Works creates pathways to employment. One of Ablr's primary goals is to help people with disabilities acquire the skills they need to join or advance in the workforce, and to help organizations recruit diverse talent. Visit the Ablr Works website.

Intracortical Visual Prosthesis (ICVP)

Learn about ICVP's goal of developing intracortical visual prosthesis (ICVP) that will compensate for blindness by stimulating the visual centers within the brain.

NaviLens

NaviLens uses QR codes to help make cities smarter and more inclusive. Learn how the capabilities of this code allow users to interact more easily and accessibly with their environment in places such as subway stations, bus stops and museums or public buildings.

Magical Moments Travel Agency

OKO

Learn how to navigate intersections using the OKO app for the blind. Simply point your phone's back camera towards the desired crossing, and the app will instantly detect the pedestrian signal.

National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

Since 1931, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), a part of the Library of Congress, has served blind Americans by providing books and other reading materials in accessible formats. NLS Director Jason Broughton will discuss the services and resources available through this free library service.

Penny Forward

Penny Forward is a non-profit organization offering accessible financial wellness education and counseling programs for people who are blind or disabled. Penny Forward shares information about their online courses, exclusive member only Zoom chats and more.

RightHear

RightHear provides talking signage, so everyone can interpret and understand their surroundings in real time. The environment comes to life through audio descriptions delivered directly to a smartphone or tablet. Helping everyone, everywhere explore, navigate, and experience the world safely and independently.

NSITE

NSITE provides a continuum of employment services that connect employers with talented, dedicated people who are blind, visually impaired, and/or veterans to meet their workforce needs. As you move through the hiring process, NSITE is with you every step of the way to ensure that finding the right employee-employer match is as smooth and seamless as possible. Overview of NSITE's programs and services (PDF).

Vispero

Vispero is the world's leading assistive technology provider for the visually impaired. Vispero has products and solutions to help individuals remain independent at home, at school or in the workplace. Vispero discussed Freedom Scientific's software products and training services.

Feel 3D

Feel 3D's mission is to increase the quality of life for people who are visually impaired specifically through the creation and donation of 3D printed family portraits.

Foundation Fighting Blindness

The Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) is the world’s largest private funder of retinal degenerative disease research. During this webinar, FFB shares resources for retinal degenerative diseases, the My Retina Tracker Registry and emerging therapies underway.

BlindShell

BlindShell shared their phone made by people who are blind and visually impaired for people who are blind and visually impaired. They discussed the benefits of the BlindShell Classic 2 including the accessibility features.

Polara

Polara shared information regarding how an Accessible Pedestrian Signal works and how they benefit pedestrians with visual impairments. Additionally, Polara provided guidance on how these types of devices may be requested to be installed in intersections in your community.

Spark Therapeutics

Spark Therapeutics shared why genetic testing could be beneficial for those with inherited retinal diseases. They also discussed the genetic testing process and additional resources.

CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacy shares about their app with SpokenRX technology that allows people with visual impairments to hear critical prescription information.

Aira

Aira discussed the many things their app and professional visual interpreters assist with including how you can use Aira at work, school and with a guide dog.

MindsEye Radio

MindsEye builds a more inclusive community by translating vision into audio for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Jason shares how MindsEye is continuing to expand the ways in which you can benefit from their services.

A.T. Guys

A.T. Guys is your home for cool gadgets, accessories, and more. Their products are all tested to work great for blind and visually impaired users but also work just as well for anyone. A.T. Guys are happy to answer any questions or recommend products to fit your needs.

OrCam

OrCam’s mission is to harness the power of artificial vision by incorporating pioneering technology into wearable platforms which improve the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, and have difficulties reading. During this video OrCam will share both the Read and MyEye devices.

Mississippi State University’s National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision

Mississippi State University's National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision shared about the free and exciting career resources for people who are blind or visually impaired as well as opportunities to earn free CEU's from ACVREP, CRC and NBPCB.

International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP)

International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) shares the history of IAADP in the assistance dog community, membership benefits and an explanation of current and past advocacy efforts and what the future holds for the organization.

Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind

The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind shares the programs and services they offer, including a deep dive into their low vision rehabilitation. Dr. Scherer provides an overview of low vision rehabilitation, discussing who can benefit, what it is and how to get it.  

Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind

Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind is a comprehensive, home delivery pharmacy service specializing in the needs of people who are blind, DeafBlind and have low vision. Learn why the company was created and what makes them unique.  

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a brief description of their three branches: Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration and National Cemetery Administration. They discuss VA Blind Rehabilitation Services programs, their collaboration with accredited guide dog organizations like Leader Dog, and explain veterinary care coverage benefit for veterans with certified guide dogs.  

San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind

The San Antonio Lighthouse shares how they have been innovative throughout the last year and are now providing nationwide services including over the phone counseling, services for caregivers and ways in which other professionals can collaborate. 

HumanWare

HumanWare discusses how you can best utilize electronic navigation aids like the Victor Reader Trek to increase awareness and efficiency when traveling. They outline the appropriate way to introduce GPS technology to someone who is new to vision loss, as well as how electronic navigation aids can benefit seasoned travelers want to further augment their traditional orientation and mobility skillset. 

World Services for the Blind

World Services for the Blind discusses the career training programs they have to offer. During the presentation they also share the scholarship opportunities available to individuals who are blind or visually impaired and need training in independent living skills.

Perkins School for the Blind

Perkins School for the Blind discusses how Career Launch, their new, innovative job training and acquisition program, helps young adults get the skills and support they need to break through barriers and find careers they love. 

Eye2Eye

Eye2Eye Peer Support Program shares a brief description of their services, which include emotional support, resources and referrals. This free, phone-based peer support program is designed to assist adults who are blind or visually impaired and their families.

Computers for the Blind

Computers for the Blind is a nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers, adds accessibility software and then sells the computers to people with visual impairments at an affordable price. They discuss a short history, where they are today, and then jump right into how to get a computer and available training.  

American Council for the Blind (ACB)

ACB gives a brief organizational overview and then focuses on their very popular Community events which are held seven days a week including holidays. These Zoom events are open to everyone regardless of membership in ACB. 

Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired shares the history of their organization along with the research they have done over the past three years. Hadley takes the time to outline some best practices in online education and will give a brief demo of their newly developed website and its creative accessibility features and exciting new content.  

Non-24

Non-24 is a circadian rhythm disorder. Your circadian rhythms are controlled by your master body clock and tell you when to sleep, when to wake, when to eat, among other things. Though Non-24 may appear to be a sleep disorder, it isn't. It's a serious, chronic circadian rhythm disorder very common in people who are totally blind, and it can arise at any age. Learn about what resources are available for those who have Non-24.

American Printing House (APH)

The American Printing House shares an overview of the APH mission. They also discuss the accessible services and products they have available to ensure accessibility for individuals living with blindness or visual impairments.