Leader Dogs for the Blind is the first dog guide school in the United States to fully integrate a talking GPS navigational tool with dog guide training. Along with our partner HumanWare, makers of the GPS Trekker Breeze, we will launch this state-of-the-art approach to training in November 2008 with a class of 24 dog guide students. The Trekker Breeze is an audible device that gives step-by-step directions for a programmed route and notifies the user of upcoming streets and landmarks, among other functions.. We developed this initiative because an overriding theme we hear from our students is the anxiety and apprehension of travel in a new environment. For many, the first time using a dog guide combined with travel in a new city creates a situation that makes learning difficult and stressful. We believe we can enhance the services we provide by equipping students with a Breeze while in training. “In August, I returned to Leader Dog to receive my third dog, ‘Theo.’ I was able to use the Trekker Breeze during training. I worried less about getting lost and could pay more attention to what I was learning. The last time I came to the school I spent a lot of time trying to memorize roads and really focusing on how I will get to places. The Breeze allowed me to be more relaxed and I really enjoyed my experience,” said Craig Hall, Leader Dog user. After the students complete the 26-day Leader Dog training in December, 14 students will return home with the Trekker Breeze. These students are participating in an ongoing study to determine the long-term usability and assess the function of the device in their home environment. "We are pleased to partner with Leader Dog in this initiative to bring GPS technology benefits to a wider portion of the visually impaired population. Combining our expertise will significantly enhance the travelling experience of the students,” said Gilles Pepin, CEO of HumanWare. Leader Dog is sure this new initiative will dramatically enhance the ease and pleasure of travel for people who are blind and visually impaired. |
|
