What does it take to work with a guide dog? Join President and CEO Christine Benninger as she leads Conversations with Chris, a panel discussion on “Client Guide Dog Readiness Training.”

When: Thursday, September 14 at 12 noon PT.

Chris will talk with Marc Gillard, director of rehabilitation services outreach, about GDB’s Orientation and Mobility Immersion (OMI) Program that prepares clients to work with a guide dog. GDB grad Kristen Ingalz will also join the conversation with her guide dog Bestie.

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This summer, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) partnered with the APH Connect Center (a division of the American Printing House for the Blind) to offer a first-in-kind program called Careers and Canine Connections. The weeklong program provides young adults who are blind or visually impaired with career exploration and hands-on learning opportunities for handling a guide dog and discovering how one could fit into their future employment plans.

Robert and Judy Kucherepa give to GDB every year. Recently, they turned their annual generosity into a forever legacy by making a gift to GDB in their estate plan. “I wouldn’t donate to another place other than Guide Dogs for the Blind,” Robert said. “They’ve given Judy the independence and life she deserves.” Judy is currently partnered with her fifth guide dog from GDB, a yellow Lab named Rosie.

In this episode of Central Bark, Host Theresa Stern talks with GDB client Dr. Belo Miguel Cipriani about his work as a digital inclusion strategist, author, and teacher, and why he chose the guide dog lifestyle.