Have you ever wondered what it’s like when a blind or visually impaired person first begins working with a seeing eye dog? The Seeing Eye has given us an inside look at how it introduces teenagers to guide dogs through its Seminar for Youth program. Read on for more details, and be sure to watch the two-part video series for a glimpse inside the program.
Seeing Eye Seminar for Youth Touches Lives of Youngsters
In October, the Seeing Eye will host its Seminar for Youth which introduces teenagers, ages 15 and older, to the mobility, companionship, and lifestyle of working with a Seeing Eye dog. Many kids come from families or public schools where they are the only person with a visual impairment and just the experience of interacting with other visually impaired students is new to them. Over two days, students will experience the feel of working with a dog guide, and are given the opportunity to speak with experienced trainers and dog guide users who can relate to what the students are going through.
“The kids describe the experience of working with their first dog guide as something like sprouting wings and flying,” said Ray Kornman, Seeing Eye Outreach Specialist and coordinator for the program. “When they arrive they are tense and nervous, but after they get matched up with the dogs, their whole demeanor changes. Their first steps are hesitant and as they progress their first couple of blocks you can see their confidence building. Their faces light up as they realize they now have the ability to walk faster and more efficiently.”
Learn more about the Seeing Eye Seminar for Youth and the students who have experienced this program through a two part video on The Seeing Eye’s YouTube page.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/user/seeing4me#p/u/9/DyRng4gKjD4
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/user/seeing4me#p/u/10/sq5CsQgntV4
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