Raising a Future Guide Dog
Hadley learning expert Jessica Smith shares her experience raising a puppy that may eventually become a guide dog. She covers what she’s learned and things to consider if you’d like to volunteer to help out a guide dog school.
Hadley Presents
Raising a Future Guide Dog
Presented by Ricky Enger
Ricky Enger: Welcome to Hadley Presents. I'm your host, Ricky Enger, inviting you to sit back, relax, and enjoy a conversation with the experts. In this episode, we discuss the process of raising a puppy to become a guide dog. And our guest is Hadley learning expert and first-time puppy raiser, Jessica Smith. Welcome to the show, Jessica.
Jessica Smith: Thank you for having me, Ricky.
Ricky Enger: I am so glad that you could join me today. We get to talk about one of the coolest things ever. Before we do that though, we should probably learn a little about who you are and what you do.
Jessica Smith: I am a learning expert on the braille team at Hadley. I’ve been here a little over a year. I’ve worked on our braille team to develop our new braille workshops, and I get to work with our learners and answer their questions about braille.
Ricky Enger: So today we're going to, like I said, talk about one of the coolest things ever. Puppies are so awesome, wonderful creatures, and the only thing better than having a puppy is getting to talk about a puppy. We're going to specifically talk about what it is like to be a puppy raiser with respect to having a puppy who is eventually destined to become a guide dog. So you are actually a first-time puppy raiser. And I'm curious, how did you become involved in this? How did you even know that this was something that people could do? And then what made you decide that it was something that you wanted to try?
Jessica Smith: So I've worked in the field of blindness and low vision for about four or five years now. And originally, when I started volunteering to work with people, with visual impairments, I volunteered as a guide for kayakers. And one of the kayakers that I met had a guide dog, and then I met several guide dogs, and who doesn't like being around dogs? So I really enjoyed just taking them for a walk or I would ask to take them for a run. Unfortunately, you don't really run with your guide dog often. So I didn't get to do that, but I enjoyed being around a dog with a really mellow temperament. I hadn't been around labs before.
And I really had a busy life going to graduate school and working full time. So I didn't have time for a dog myself. After I graduated and I started working at Hadley, I actually work from a distance, so I work out of a home office, and I wanted to volunteer and have a guide dog. Someone said, "Oh, that would be perfect for you right now because you're working from home." So he's like my office partner, he's my coworker. So I looked on Southeastern Guide Dogs' website and they had a "how can I help" button. And I signed up to be a puppy raiser.
And you can sign up to be a puppy raiser, or you can sign up to just babysit puppies. They have clubs all throughout the Southeast, so all the way to Texas, Georgia, Florida, Alabama. I looked up a club in my area. They had one in the city that I live in. And I was able to sign up and start going to the puppy meetings to see what it would take to be a puppy raiser. I qualified to do it, and they like a diverse selection of people, from college students to families. I had someone come to my home and kind of check out things, make sure it was safe for a puppy to be here. And then I got on a list and, within a few weeks, I had a puppy.
Ricky Enger: That is so cool. And shout out to Southeastern because I too have worked with Southeastern. Actually, my retired guide is from Southeastern. So love that school. I know that with the pandemic, things are a little different than they normally might be, but in general, how long do you, as a puppy raiser, get to work with the dog before it goes off to additional training at the school?
Jessica Smith: Typically, it's a year. So you usually have the dog for a year and then he will have a date, or she will have a date to go back to the school for more training with an actual dog trainer.
Ricky Enger: You mentioned that when the dog goes to the school, they will be working with a dog trainer, so doing some of the things that get them prepared for doing actual guide work. I know that this is a question that comes up often when I talk with people and they're curious about how the whole guide dog thing works. There are things that a puppy learns as a puppy and things that a puppy will learn later in order to be a guide. So I'm curious what things you, as a raiser, do as far as teaching the dog or providing them with certain things in their environment beyond just the things that you would normally do for a puppy, you know, feed them and love them and brush them and take care of them and all that.
Jessica Smith: So a lot at first. When I first got the guide dog puppy, his name is Mitchell, it was a lot of house manners, so house training, potty training him to go outside, and they have a list of commands that you work with them and teach them. In the first few weeks that you have the puppy, they put you through puppy kindergarten with the dog. And you're usually in a group with several other puppies and they're puppy raisers. And you learn basic skills. And currently, Southeastern Guide Dogs uses a paw pad for training and it kind of helps with placement of the dog next to you. And you teach them sit and down and stay and also stand while they're in puppy training.
I believe it can get more commands throughout that, and then once you get those down, depending on how quickly the dog's picking it up, and of course, it's my first time, so some of the things I was nervous about teaching Mitchell at first, but they really help. They have coordinators in the area. And then you can always reach out to other coordinators if you're having difficulty learning a certain skill. But most of it's house manners is really what we focus on, so not getting on furniture, not table surfing, they call it, where the dogs looking for things to take off of the counter. And then also, bringing the dog in public places. So I have a very active lifestyle. I take Mitchell to a lot of places, so grocery stores or restaurants. And it's getting him used to being around people, and then also, how to settle when you're in a restaurant, how to settle down underneath your chair, or if you take an Uber or a cab somewhere, how to properly sit on the floorboard between your legs so that he is not nervous. So bringing him in all the places is really giving him experience, being around people so that he's not nervous and scared of loud noises or crowded areas.
Ricky Enger: Yeah. And that's such important training to do. I know that that training does last throughout a guide dog's life, even sometimes in really hilarious ways. Like my dog grew up on a farm and there were golf carts all over the farm. For a while after I got him, and even during training, he would see a golf cart and immediately want to jump up on it because that's what he had always done. Making sure that the dog can be in all kinds of different places and still be relaxed and not be so nervous about what's happening, it's such an important thing.
A lot goes into matching a guide dog with a handler, and that's what we call someone who uses a guide dog, a guide dog user, or a guide dog handler. But yeah, a lot goes into choosing the right person for the right dog. Once the time comes to do that. It's not like the school just goes, "Well, this one's next in line. We'll give them to you." The temperament of the dog and the temperament of the handler are things that are considered. You know, how quickly do you walk? What's your lifestyle going to be like? You don't want to have a dog that's very sedate and laid back and perhaps moves nice and calm and slowly, you wouldn’t want to match that with somebody who's super high energy and running all over the place. So, as a puppy raiser, do you have to think about that sort of thing? Do you have to document things about the dog's temperament or walking speed or anything like that as you communicate with the school during when the dog is with you?
Jessica Smith: Generally, I do get surveys that I fill out and it asks specific questions, and I answer those. Some of them do involve temperament. Some of them involve how he reacts to loud noises or novel objects, if he's having difficulty with house training or with greeting strangers or anything like that. We don't really get to work on any of like the placement with someone.
They do have something called a walk and talk. I believe it's every quarter, there's certain milestones where a professional from the guide dog school comes to the area and it's called a walk and talk. And they watch you, observe you working with the dog through different circumstances, around traffic or around novel objects. They'll put something out on the ground that typically dogs would be nervous around, and they see how they react to that and they document all of that.
At the end of the walk and talk, usually a couple of days later, you'll get an email from the school that explains things that you could work on with the dog and things that you also did well with the dog. So that's really encouraging to get those emails. And they document these puppies from the day that they're born, rating their temperament and everything. So, so much goes into that, but we leave that to the professionals at the school to really match them perfectly with a handler.
Ricky Enger: And it's like you said, that feedback is so important for you, as a puppy raiser, to know what should I be working on during this time before the dog leaves eventually for the school and the eventual career. It's your first time as a puppy raiser, and so I suspect that you've learned quite a lot over this process. And if you decide to do this again, a lot of it may be familiar and you may still encounter some new and strange things, but is there anything that stands out to you as like I totally didn't expect that, or it just was surprising to you in some way about this process?
Jessica Smith: I think I was open for anything when I got the guide dog because I didn't really know what to expect or how much training went into it. I think that it was surprising how small signals the dog gives, like for example, like licking their lips while walking through traffic could mean that they're nervous. So learning those cues was something interesting that I didn't expect to learn. I thought I'm just going to take this puppy to places and then the professionals will work on it later.
It's exciting. I think it feels great when you teach them something new and they pick it up. It's really great to see how the dogs like going out. I think some people wonder does the dog like working? I would say Mitchell really likes going out. He gets sad when he knows he's going to go in his kennel, and he sees my bag by the door ready for me to go without him. And he gets excited when I grab his vest that indicates that he's a service dog in training and he gets to see us go out the door. So he's really excited when I take his vest with us because he knows he's going to go out. So I didn't realize how excited they were to actually work for you and work with you.
Ricky Enger: Yeah. That's one of the most amazing things to me too, is when the dog is out of harness, they are a dog. They get to run and play and do all of those things. And yet, when the harness comes out, it's not like we are as humans sometimes, "Oh, it's time to go to work. I'm really sleepy. I wish I could have another hour," and it takes us a bit to get going. With dogs, at least with mine and those that I know who have guide dogs, they see the harness and, oh, they're so excited. "Oh, I get to work. I get to do my job. It's my favorite thing." So yeah, I think you're right. I think they really do enjoy it.
So one final thing I wanted to talk about, which is we touched on this a little earlier, what your process was for looking into how to become a puppy raiser for Southeastern specifically. Can you talk a little about the kinds of qualities that they're looking for in terms of who should be a puppy raiser? Are there things that people who are wanting to do this should think about before investigating how to perhaps go and do this themselves?
Jessica Smith: A lot of the dogs end up going to someone's home, and people live in all different ways. So they really encourage anyone with any kind of lifestyle to volunteer. Like I said earlier, it could be someone who's a student or someone who is a family with children.
I think when you take the survey, to really ask yourself, "Is this something that I can do?" Some of the responsibilities, you have to be able to take the dog places with you, not leave the dog crated all day. So, for me, I work from home, so I knew this was something that I was going to be able to do. But if you work in a workplace where it's not going to be appropriate for you to have the dog with you or there's not space to have the guide dog at work with you, then I would say it's not going to be the best fit because it's not going to help the dog. If he's kenneled all day, he's not going to be getting the experience of being around people or being touched all the time.
That's something you have to look into. And then also, for your home, you have to think, "Am I okay with things being chewed up?" or, "Do I have space for a kennel?" So as a puppy raiser, our responsibility is being able to provide the dog with the food and all of his bedding and toys. The guide dog school does pay for his vet bills. And some of it, like flea and tick medication, is something that the puppy raiser purchases. So you have to make sure that you also have like the finances to be able to care for the dog.
Ricky Enger: And what about pets? Are there any restrictions for, let's say you have a couple of cats or perhaps you have another smaller dog? Is that something that is talked about before you accept a puppy into your house?
Jessica Smith: I believe that you can have, I do know there are puppy raisers who have other pets, I believe as long as that they are vetted, and then you have to take into account having your dog fixed. So when you get a Southeastern guide dog puppy, it is not fixed. Mitchell did not get fixed until he was a year old. So you can't have a female dog with a male dog if they're both not fixed. So they don't want you accidentally breeding them. So that's one thing to take into account. But if you do have other pets, that's fine, but you have to know without a benefit of a doubt that they're not going to be aggressive towards the guide dog.
Ricky Enger: We've talked a lot about what it's like to be a puppy raiser and perhaps how you can get involved, and the one thing that we didn't touch on was kind of the other side of the coin, which is maybe you're thinking about getting a guide dog yourself. We actually have a short series of workshops about what to consider when making that decision of whether a guide dog is right for you. And we've also talked about Southeastern, which is a wonderful, wonderful school, but it's certainly not the only school. There are a number of guide dog schools here in the US, and if you're listening from outside the country, there are guide dog schools in other countries as well.
Do you have experience, Jessica, with people that you've known? What goes into choosing a guide dog school? And you may not know a whole lot about this, but I thought I'd ask if you've ever watched someone kind of go through that process of like, "Which school should I go to and what should I ask?"
Jessica Smith: I have had clients that have asked about it in the past. I always recommend that they check out the different schools' websites and see what their criteria is. I know that one of the major qualifications for any guide dog school is having an orientation and mobility specialist sign off on your skills. So if you're looking into getting a guide dog, definitely brushing up on your O&M skills, meeting with the orientation and mobility specialist, and making sure that your skills are there, is something that the guide dog schools do look for. And, like I said, you do have to have an O&M specialist sign off on those skills. I am not sure what all the qualifications are for each school. It's different. So checking out their websites, and some people even apply for several to get on the list because sometimes there is a wait to get a guide dog.
Ricky Enger: And I know that a lot of schools, in fact, I don't know of any school who doesn't do a home visit just to come in and talk with you about what your environment is like, get an idea of what those orientation and mobility, what those cane skills are like, because it is essential that you be able to travel comfortably with another mobility aid before you look at getting a guide dog. So that home visit is so, so important too.
Every school approaches training differently as well. So I think you're right in looking at the website and thinking about what kind of training philosophically and otherwise makes the most sense to me. What do I feel as I'm reading about this school and making the decision as far as where to apply?
So we're coming up to the end here and ready to wrap it up. I just wanted to know one last thing, and that is I know that things have changed quite a bit with the pandemic. Can you speak to, at least for Southeastern, it may be different from other schools, what's happening as these puppies are being raised and kind of ready to train as guide dogs? I know that some schools are doing in-home trainings. So they have trainers come to your area specifically and work one-on-one with you. Do you know if that's going to happen with Mitchell, or what's the process at the moment?
Jessica Smith: When the pandemic began, we started meeting online. And they have a lot of Facebook videos and they did a calendar challenge as well, where the school would post something from a trainer every day, a special skill to work with your dog for the day, because it was very difficult to go from taking a dog in public. And at one point, we weren't to take the dog in public at all because they weren't sure if the dog could contract the virus or not. So it did, I believe, kind of regress a lot of dogs in their training, but for the at-home challenges, it was things like, "Today, dress up your dog." So one of the things that we do is body handling a lot to get the dog used to being touched in any kind of way, even a veterinary hold. So we dress up the dog to see how they react to it. Mitchell gets dressed up a lot by my daughter, so he's used to that. But every day, it was a different challenge, or working on place, which is putting them on their place and telling them to stay.
So it was something different every day. So they really gave a lot of information to try to help retain those skills. Then we started having Zoom meetings with the groups. So I could tune into a Zoom meeting with my local club and we would talk about things that we've done with the dogs and how we're kind of coping with not being able to take them in as many public places and things that they were struggling with. So they're really supportive. The groups are really supportive of each other and giving each other ideas on how we could continue with training. And Southeastern gave us permission in the past few weeks to be able to meet in person, but we've met at parks in the open areas and worn face masks and social distanced and split up into smaller groups at the park so that we weren't in a big cluster.
So we have continued with the training. I ended up having Mitchell a lot longer. He was supposed to go back to the school in September, and now it looks like I'll have him until next January. So I just try to continue to work on the same skills with him and then note where he's struggling and pick up with more training in those areas.
Ricky Enger: That's great to know. And for those who are hoping to get a guide dog at the moment, and may be between guide dogs, or perhaps it's their first guide dog, there are schools, and you'll have to research what each school is doing, there are schools who will do at home training in your area and matching you with a guide dog. And then there are schools who are holding off on classes until at least January to make sure that everyone is safe and can get the training that they all need.
So the pandemic has certainly made things interesting, but that doesn't mean that if you're getting a guide dog or if you want to do puppy raising, because those things are still happening, no need to put those things on hold. There are ways in place to continue with some of those things.
Well, Jessica, I want to thank you so much for joining us. Is there any last thing that you'd like to leave our listeners with?
Jessica Smith: I definitely encourage anyone who really loves being around dogs and has the time to commit, to look into puppy raising. And if you're not ready to fully commit, you can co-raise with another person or you can volunteer to be a puppy sitter, which means when a puppy raiser goes out of town or they're doing something like taking a college exam, they will send out a email to a group of the puppy sitters to see who's available during those times. So you can always pick up the puppy for a couple hours or volunteer to have the puppy for a weekend and see what it's like before you commit to an entire year of puppy raising. And thank you so much for having me, Ricky. It was a pleasure speaking with you this morning.
Ricky Enger: Absolutely. I'm so glad you could join us. Thank you, Jessica, and thank you all for listening.
Got something to say? Share your thoughts about this episode of Hadley Presents, or make suggestions for future episodes. We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at [email protected]. That's [email protected], or leave us a message at 847-784-2870. Thanks for listening.
All Episodes
-
Episode 115
Voting can be tricky if you've lost some vision. In this episode, we discuss a variety of ways to cast your ballot, no matter your level of vision.
-
Episode 114
The Bright Focus Foundation funds research to find cures for macular degeneration and glaucoma, among other conditions. In this episode, we learn about their glaucoma and macular degeneration monthly chats. These sessions with scientists are open to the public and offer insights into the latest breakthroughs, treatments, and promising research on the horizon.
-
Episode 113
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a lot to offer people with vision loss. Whether it's reading menus, describing pictures, or even narrating scenery, AI can make a big difference. This week we chat with Steven Scott, host of the Double Tap podcast, about some of the best AI-powered tools out there… so far. Link to Double Tap on Apple Podcasts.
-
Episode 112
When the doctor says, "there's nothing more I can do for you," what next? Who can help you make the most of your remaining vision and learn how to live more comfortably with vision loss? We break it down for you.
-
Episode 111
This week we talk to Dave Epstein, the visually impaired creator of the All Terrain Cane. He shares about his life with a progressive eye disease and his love of hiking. These two pieces of Dave lead him to develop his unconventional cane.
-
Episode 110
When you have vision loss, scams can be even more challenging to avoid. Listen in as we get some tips and tricks from Veronica Lewis who runs a low vision assistive technology website.
-
Episode 109
Be My Eyes CEO, Mike Buckley, joins us to talk about how this free, smart phone app merges technology and human kindness and how it's now using AI to describe the world in front of you.
-
Episode 108
Recently retired, David Tatel served for decades on the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He also happens to be visually impaired. In this episode, he and Ricky talk about his recently written memoir, a book about his life as a judge, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and how all of these roles intersect with his experience with vision loss.
-
Episode 107
This week we talk smartphone tools and when you might want to use the different options. Jennifer Shimon from the Wisconsin Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired joins Ricky.
-
Episode 106
Sometimes, navigating life with vision loss goes a bit sideways. Things don't always turn out exactly as we've planned, and it can help to just laugh at these strange situations.
We've shared several episodes of listeners' stories, what we're calling vision loss bloopers. Today, Ricky Enger and Doug Walker share some more of these bloopers along with a few of their own.
-
Episode 105
Prevent Blindness' patient advocacy program empowers people facing vision impairment. Patients learn how to promote change with their physicians, their families, drug companies, and even policy makers.
-
Episode 104
Ever thought about getting a guide dog? Listen in as we chat with members Jeff Flodin and Ed McDaniel about their experiences with guide dogs and some common misperceptions.
-
Episode 103
The National Library Service has a free talking book program for anyone in the US with vision loss. Tonia Bickford, an advisor from Michigan's talking books program, joins us to discuss how to get the most out of this free service.
-
Episode 102
This week we learn more about visual hallucinations that sometimes accompany vision loss, a condition called Charles Bonnet syndrome.
-
Episode 101
Sometimes vision loss can make us feel less secure. This week we talk about personal safety with Hadley's Chief Program Officer, Ed Haines.
-
Episode 100
For many living with vision loss, watching TV is less enjoyable as they can't see what's happening on the screen very well anymore.
Audio description fills the void by narrating key visual elements. Listen in as Ricky chats with Hadley member and avid audio description user, Judy Davis. -
Episode 99
Listen in to our conversation with Dr. Mondal, a low vision optometrist and professor at the University of Wisconsin. We chat about what to expect from a visit to a low vision specialist and the kind of help they can offer.
-
Episode 98
Have you listened to Hadley's community-generated audio podcast yet? In this episode, Ricky and Marc Arneson, Hadley's Director of Community, share a few stories from Insights & Sound Bites and discuss how to contribute your own story. Insights & Sound Bites | Hadley
-
Episode 97
Listen in as artist Chloe Duplessis explains how a degenerative eye disease changed, and didn't change, her life and love of art. "I thought art required sight. I was wrong."
-
Episode 96
Dr. Judy Box, a Hadley member living with macular degeneration, shares her tips for managing those important conversations with your eye doctor.
-
Episode 95
In this episode, the Hadley team talks all things gifts. Giving them, getting them, what's on their wish lists, and how vision loss may, or may not, impact these activities.
-
Episode 94
Friendships often change when one has vision loss. Whether it's adaptations to the activities you enjoy together, asking for help, or turning that help down … there are conversations to be had. Let's tune in as two Hadley members, Eugenia DeReu and Tara Perry, share their experiences with what's changed for them — and what's stayed the same.
-
Episode 93
Losing some vision can make for shopping challenges. Here are a few mishaps that Hadley members have run into. Have your own to share? Email us at [email protected]
-
Episode 92
This week we chat with the chief technology officer from Envision as he shares how their free mobile app or camera-enabled glasses can help those with vision loss. It speaks aloud written information, describes surroundings and objects, and even tells you who's nearby.
-
Episode 91
Lots of questions, concerns, and stereotypes connected to use of the white cane. In this episode, we address several of them from past discussions on the topic.
-
Episode 90
Listen in as Hadley's Director of Community, Marc Arneson, chats with Hadley members Bill Massey and Gregory Peterson about their participation in Hadley's new Peer-to-Peer program.
To learn if getting a peer connection is for you, call us at 1-800-323-4238. -
Episode 89
Listen in as we chat with Ed Haines about getting the most out of our magnifiers.
-
Episode 88
Listen in as we chat with animal lovers Debbie Worman and Sheri Robinson about the joys and challenges of caring for a pet when you have vision loss.
-
Episode 87
Listen in as Hadley member, Wendy Spencer Davis, shares why she decided to learn some braille and how it's helping her in everyday life.
-
Episode 86
Ed McDaniel, a psychologist with low vision, joins us to talk about common emotional triggers people with vision loss face and how to recognize and manage them.
-
Episode 85
Jessica Grogan from the American Diabetes Association joins us to talk about managing your blood sugar with vision loss.
-
Episode 84
Tune into our chat with Sarah Clark, a visually impaired marriage and family therapist, as she offers her unique insight into some common family dynamics that often make adjustment more challenging and how to navigate through them successfully.
-
Episode 83
Join us as we chat with Hadley member, Kris, about her experience living with vision loss in a senior community.
-
Episode 82
Listen in as Hadley staff share their real-life bloopers—times when things didn’t quite go as planned.
-
Episode 81
Join us as we take a dive into the features of the BlindShell cell phone.
-
Episode 80
Listen in as Pastor Scott Himel shares his advice for participating in religious services no matter your level of vision.
-
Episode 79
Join us to learn about how ScripTalk technology translates medication labels into speech and where you can find a participating pharmacy.
-
Episode 78
Join occupational therapist from Duke Eye Center, Fay Tripp, in a conversation about bioptic glasses—what they are and who can benefit from them.
-
Episode 77
Listen in as we chat with birding expert Freya McGregor who shares her tips on how you can enjoy this hobby, no matter your level of vision.
-
Episode 76
Listen in as Hadley's Doug Walker and Ricky Enger chat about how they use GPS in their daily lives. From walking directions to finding items or assisting a driver by navigating a trip, GPS can be a very handy tool.
-
Episode 75
Listen in as we chat with Dave Steele about his life, poetry, and vision loss.
-
Episode 74
Listen in as we discuss some common situations that can make us feel unsafe and share ideas on how to address them. We're joined today by Christy Ray and Ricky Jones of STRIVE4You.Org
-
Episode 73
Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for feelings of shame to creep in when we've lost some vision. Join social worker Jeff Flodin and psychologist Ed McDaniel, both visually impaired themselves, as they explore where these feelings come from and how they have worked through these emotions in their own lives.
-
Episode 72
Listen in as Dorrie Rush of OE Magazine shares how she resisted using a white cane for years, the stigma she feared, and the confidence and security she found once it was in her hand.
-
Episode 71
Learn how CVS pharmacy customers throughout the US can access a free service that reads aloud prescription medication information.
-
Episode 70
Join us as we chat with author Hannah Fairbairn about the tips and tricks she has learned to take some of the stress out of holiday get-togethers, no matter your vision.
-
Episode 69
We're joined by the creator of The Blind Life YouTube channel, Sam Seavey. Sam shares his personal journey with vision loss and advice he has for people who are newer to vision loss.
-
Episode 68
Whether you like to read for enjoyment or need to check your mail, reading is an essential part of your day. We're sharing tips and tricks for how to continue reading, the best low-tech and high-tech gadgets, and the benefits of learning braille.
-
Episode 67
Chief Innovation Officer Doug Walker chats with us about the launch of Hadley's newest podcast, Insights & Sound Bites. This new podcast will offer short stories shared by listeners. By tapping into the power of our community, we hope to share ideas, discoveries, and moments of inspiration along the journey through vision loss.
-
Episode 66
Jim Hoxie and Joanna Jones join us to discuss their children’s book, "Grandpa's White Cane." Jim shares how vision loss shaped his life and how he and Joanna, a retired teacher, began instructing children about the importance of white cane awareness and the do's and don'ts for helping people with visual impairment.
-
Episode 65
Blogger and social worker Jeff Flodin talks about his personal journey with vision loss and how his passion for helping people led him to blog about his experiences.
-
Episode 64
Hadley has partnered with the National Eye Institute (NEI) to offer a Spanish-language version of our popular cooking workshop series. Devina Fan, director of the National Eye Health Education Program at NEI, joins the podcast to talk more about this new initiative, NEI’s expanding Spanish content, and the importance of connecting Hispanic and Latino communities to important vision resources.
-
Episode 63
A change in your vision may make some parts of your job more challenging. But with a bit of help and some new skills, you may be able to stay in your job. Hadley Chief Program Officer Ed Haines and Learning Expert Steve Kelley join the podcast to talk about our new Working with Vision Loss workshops and to share tips for where to find support and how to ask for what you need.
-
Episode 62
Certified accessible travel advocate Melvin Reynolds joins the podcast to share tips for getting the most out of traveling, no matter your level of vision. Melvin gives advice on what to research ahead of a trip, considerations for traveling with a guide dog, and how a certified accessible travel advocate can help.
-
Episode 61
Karen and Dan Leonetti share how vision loss has changed their relationship and the advice they have for other couples.
-
Episode 60
Rabbi Lenny Sarko joins us to talk about how his vision loss journey led him to create a first-of-its-kind braille Sefer Torah that people around the country can access.
-
Episode 59
Actor and artist Bruce Horak talks about his personal journey with vision loss, how he got interested in painting, and his role in the new television series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
-
Episode 58
CEO of Eschenbach Optik of America Ken Bradley joins the podcast to discuss how Eschenbach has adapted through the pandemic to help people with visual impairment access low vision devices remotely. Through their "Telelowvision" program, you can try out magnification devices from the comfort of your home to find what works best for you before you buy.
-
Episode 57
Scottish radio broadcaster and podcaster Steven Scott loves finding and talking about tech stuff. He's especially fond of apps and gadgets that make life easier for him and others with vision loss.
-
Episode 56
NYT Columnist Frank Bruni returns to the podcast to talk about his new book. Frank describes his personal experiences with vision loss and how, with time, his perspective has grown.
-
Episode 55
IT professional and stand-up comedian Todd Blenkhorn talks about his personal journey with vision loss and how his passion for stand-up helped him find and share the humor in daily interactions.
-
Episode 54
In this episode, we're sharing highlights from previous interviews with a glaucoma specialist, retina specialist, and a low vision doctor. Listen in to learn more about common eye conditions, treatments, and what to expect at these specialist appointments.
-
Episode 53
Master Gardener Sue Brasel and Hadley's Chief Program Officer and gardener Ed Haines join us for a chat about gardening, no matter your level of vision or gardening experience. They share tips for how to get started, common challenges, and the many benefits of gardening.
-
Episode 52
We're joined by Carol Mackey, an avid discussion group participant, and co-host Debbie Worman to chat about what Hadley groups are, how to join, and what you can get out of them. With 10 groups on a variety of topics, there's something for everyone. Listen in or chime in – it’s up to you.
-
Episode 51
Bold Blind Beauty blogger Stephanae McCoy joins us for a chat on beauty, style and confidence. Stephanae talks about how vision loss shaped her life, and then shares some of her favorite fashion and beauty tips.
-
Episode 50
Hadley staff share their favorite kitchen gadgets and tips. Whether you're an experienced home chef or a total novice, you're bound to pick up a few ideas that fit your vision needs and make your time in the kitchen more productive (and fun).
-
Episode 49
We sat down with Kim Walker, co-director of research and development at Hadley, and Mark Andrews, one of the Hadley advisors who reviewed our exciting new approach for adults with vision loss to learn braille. From labeling items in your home to identifying buttons on an elevator, braille can be a wonderful tool for everyday use.
-
Episode 48
New York Times Best-Selling Author, Gretchen Rubin, chats about her research on how tapping into different senses can enrich our lives and connect us to each other in surprising ways.
-
Episode 47
Twin sisters Jenelle and Joy join the podcast to share their personal experiences with vision loss and adjusting to it emotionally. While they look identical, their perspectives and journeys differ, highlighting their mission to show that "there is no right way to go blind."
-
Episode 46
Hadley learner Sharon Noseworthy shares tips and tricks for hosting get-togethers of any type or size, no matter your vision. Sharon has always loved the role of hostess and has learned to adjust her approach now that her own vision has declined.
-
Episode 45
We're joined by Teepa Snow, occupational therapist and founder of Positive Approach to Care, to learn more about the challenges of having both vision loss and dementia. Teepa addresses common misconceptions about dementia and shares practical tips for supporting someone with both conditions.
-
Episode 44
We sat down with several Hadley staff members and asked them about their favorite tech tips, apps, and gadgets. Whether you consider yourself a tech expert or novice, the group recommends a variety of high-tech and low-tech options that fit your comfort level and interests.
-
Episode 43
Judge David Tatel has served on the second most powerful court in the country since 1994. He also happens to be blind. Judge Tatel joins us to share his story on building a law career and family while dealing with changing vision, the technology and resources he's found useful, and what made him consider getting a guide dog in recent years.
-
Episode 42
In honor of White Cane Safety Day today, we're joined by Hadley learner Larry Carlson and Orientation and Mobility Specialist Elijah Haines for a conversation about this important tool. Larry shares what made him decide to use a white cane, and Elijah shares tips for what to consider and how to adjust to using a white cane.
-
Episode 41
Supriya Raman, manager of the Disability and Multicultural branches of the TSA, shares tips on traveling among shifting COVID restrictions. Supriya covers what to expect at the airport and what resources are available for people with visual impairment.
-
Episode 40
Photographer Michael Nye chats with us about his latest art exhibit, "My Heart is Not Blind," a collection of photos and audio interviews of people with visual impairment. Through these stories, Michael provides a look into what he calls "our shared humanity and shared fragility," as well as common misunderstandings about blindness.
-
Episode 39
Champion blind golfer Chad NeSmith talks about how vision loss shaped his life, and how he shares his passion for golf with others with vision loss.
-
Episode 38
Doug Walker, Hadley co-director of R&D, and Ed Haines, Hadley Chief Program Officer, chat about the making of Hadley's "Adjusting to Vision Loss" workshop series. The series guides people through the emotional aspects of vision loss. Doug serves as the series' personal storyteller and narrator.
-
Episode 37
In this episode we chat with ophthalmologist Dr. Angela Elam from the University of Michigan. Dr. Elam addresses common questions and concerns, and shares her advice for returning to the eye doctor among shifting COVID restrictions.
-
Episode 36
Dorrie Rush, OE's Chief Content Officer, joins us for a chat about this wonderful online resource chock full of tips for living well with vision loss. You'll find great articles on using tech tools, tips for health and well-being, stories from others living with vision loss, a terrific podcast, and more.
-
Episode 35
Learn about a new service that’s just launched in 2020 called Accessible Pharmacy. Accessible packaging and labeling and personalized customer support all free of charge to the end consumer, and specifically designed for those with vision impairment.
-
Episode 34
Audio Describe the World! That’s the mantra of UniDescription: a free smartphone app that provides audio descriptions and navigation tips for US National Parks and other public places.
-
Episode 33
In this episode, we chat with low vision optometrist Dr. Mark Wilkinson from the University of Iowa. Dr. Wilkinson answers common questions and shares his advice for getting the most out of low vision optometry appointments.
-
Episode 32
Jan and Elgie Dow share how vision loss has changed their relationship and the advice they have for other couples.
-
Episode 31
Join Hadley advisor Eddie Becerra as he shares about losing his sight from diabetic retinopathy, and how he gained a new perspective on life.
-
Episode 30
Classically trained chef Regina Mitchell shares how vision loss shaped her life. Regina worked her way back into the kitchen and is now helping others cook with confidence, no matter their vision.
-
Episode 29
In this episode we sit down with the director of Well Connected, an organization that offers free, call-in groups for adults over 60 on a wide variety of interest areas: games, music, meditation and more.
-
Episode 28
Support groups can be a great way to connect with others who "get it." Listen in as as low vision support group leaders Lynndah Lahey and Judy Davis describe how their groups are run and what their members get out of them.
-
Episode 27
World-renowned artist John Bramblitt describes how vision loss has shaped his painting and his life.
-
Episode 26
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Tim Murray of the American Society of Retina Specialists. Dr. Murray treats eye diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. He answers common questions and shares his insights into the future of treatments.
-
Episode 25
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jullia Rosdahl, a glaucoma specialist from the Duke Eye Center, and ask her some of the many questions we’ve heard about glaucoma, its risk factors, and how to treat the disease.
-
Episode 23
October 15 is White Cane Safety Day, a day to recognize this important tool that empowers people with visual impairment to travel safely and independently. It also brings attention to the general public to be mindful of visually impaired neighbors, giving them additional consideration and right-of-way when needed. We sat down with Kellee Sanchez, an orientation and mobility specialist, to talk about the history of White Cane Safety Day, and how a white cane can help those with vision loss.
-
Episode 22
Be My Eyes is a free smartphone app that connects visually impaired users with sighted volunteers for help with visual tasks. We sat down with Will Butler from Be My Eyes to hear how the app started, tips for using it, and exciting new features that provide specialized assistance, including with Hadley.
-
Episode 21
Tracy Simon from Eye2Eye peer support program shares her story of vision loss, how her program works, and the benefits of connecting with and supporting each other.
-
Episode 20
Ophthalmologist Dr. Lori Provencher chats with us about how the coronavirus pandemic has changed doctor's visits. She shares tips for staying safe, questions to ask, and what to expect before, during and after your next office visit.
-
Episode 19
Mindfulness expert Tiffany Guske returns to the podcast to share tips and insights on how to cope with life's challenges, such as vision loss or an illness, building resilience and focusing on self-compassion instead of judgment.
-
Episode 18
Author of "When You Can't Believe Your Eyes," Hannah Fairbairn, chats with us about how to communicate in everyday situations when you can't rely on visual cues. Hear Hannah's own story about losing vision, her practical tips on adjusting to vision loss, and advice she has on regaining confidence in social situations.
-
Episode 17
In this episode, we continue the conversation on living during the COVID-19 pandemic with a visual impairment. Listen in as we share some experiences, tips, and strategies for coping during these difficult times.
-
Episode 16
The COVID-19 crisis has brought a wave of change and uncertainty to our everyday lives. Listen in as we share personal experiences, resources and some helpful tips...all from a blind or low vision perspective.
-
Episode 15
Assistive technology experts Ricky Enger and Steve Kelley review BlindShell, a mobile phone built for those with visual impairment. They discuss the basic features, how it differs from a traditional smartphone, and how to decide if it's right for you.
-
Episode 14
This week we sit down with Dan Roberts, author of "The First Year-Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed" and founder of MDSupport website and support group. Hear Dan's own story about being diagnosed with macular degeneration and what prompted him to reach out to others facing similar circumstances.
-
Episode 13
Listen in as we explore the basics of using hand tools with a visual impairment. Gil Johnson, a visually impaired home repair expert, shares tips on everything from measuring, to leveling to hammering.
-
Episode 12
Elections are right around the corner. So we gathered a panel to talk about options for voting no matter your level of vision. Listen in as we explore everything you need to know, from registering to vote to the many ways you can cast your ballot.
-
Episode 11
Ricky sits down with Android Accessibility Product Manager Brian Kemler to discuss what is available on Android phones for those with visual impairment. From adjusting font size and color, or opting to listen with TalkBack instead, the commitment to making these powerful tools more useful to a wider audience is clear.
-
Episode 10
In this episode, we chat with Gil Johnson, an experienced home repair and woodworking enthusiast about things to consider when undertaking home repair with blindness or low vision.
-
Episode 9
Hadley's Debbie Good sits down to continue a conversation with author and visually impaired world traveler Dr. Wendy David. Together they explore a wide variety of helpful hints covering train, plane, and cruise travel as well as practical information on traveling internationally and navigating hotels.
-
Episode 8
In this episode, Ricky Enger chats with Joe Strechay, associate producer on the Apple TV+ series SEE. The show takes place in a future where, after a viral apocalypse, all humans are blind. Joe takes us behind the scenes of the show and his work to help build an inclusive set for the cast and crew, including those with low to no vision. From casting to costumes, scripting to scenery, hear how Joe helped create a science fiction world that strives to be authentic to life with vision loss.
-
Episode 7
Hadley's Debbie Good sits down with travel author Dr. Wendy David in this latest episode. In part one of this two-part interview, Debbie and Wendy discuss tips for traveling with confidence as a blind or low vision person, advice on picking destinations, considerations for traveling alone and in a group, and more!
-
Episode 6
Ricky Enger is joined by Hadley's Debbie Worman and mindfulness expert Tiffany Guske in this latest episode. Debbie and Tiffany talk about what mindfulness is and the specific benefits that mindfulness can offer for those living with vision loss. Tiffany then walks listeners through a short mindfulness exercise.
-
Episode 5
In this episode, Ricky Enger speaks with New York Times columnist Frank Bruni, who shares the story of his sudden vision loss from NAION. Bruni speaks candidly on his adjustment to the change, maintaining a realistic attitude towards his vision loss, and the failure of medical professionals to provide resources after diagnosis.
-
Episode 4
Listen in as we share practical tips on how to keep your handwriting readable. This resource-packed episode includes many useful techniques and solutions to common handwriting challenges. Hadley Learning Expert Jennifer Ottowitz chats with Sue Dalton, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist.
-
Episode 3
In this episode, Hadley's Steve Kelley speaks with Kendra Farrow, from the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision, located at Mississippi State. The episode serves as a guide for those new to vision rehabilitation, including determining who is eligible for services, key differences between the medical and social services models, and how to locate services in each state.
-
Episode 2
In this episode, Ricky Enger chats with Microsoft's Jeremy Curry, a Senior Program Manager with the Windows Accessibility team. New vision accessibility features are now available in Windows 10 for low vision and screen reader users.
-
Episode 1
In the inaugural episode of Hadley Presents, Ricky Enger and Jonathan Mosen of Aira chat about the ways in which a visual interpreter service, such as Aira, can be used to gain valuable visual information and enhance travel and leisure activities for blind and low vision users.