Leader Dogs for the Blind First Guide Dog Organization to Earn National Accreditation for Blind and Low Vision Services

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Jan. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Leader Dogs for the Blind has been accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC) for applying best practices and delivering services that focus on positive outcomes for its clients. Leader Dog is the first guide dog organization to achieve accreditation by NAC, which is the only international accrediting body devoted to serving organizations that provide programs for people who are blind and those with low vision.

"Leader Dogs for the Blind is proud to have earned this NAC accreditation," said Sue Daniels, president and CEO of Leader Dog. "Our position as the first guide dog organization to have received this qualification sends a clear message that the programs and services we offer are not only a success in the results they produce, but have been approved by a third party and meet the highest standards."

Accreditation involves a recognized process of assessing organizational structure, process and outcome. NAC accreditation includes engaging the subject organization in a detailed self-assessment using NAC developed evidence-informed standards as well as an on-site peer review.

Upon evaluation, the NAC found Leader Dog's Accelerated Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Training and Summer Experience Camp programs met or exceeded industry standards for the administration and service provision.

Accelerated O&M Training is a seven-day residential training empowering people who are blind with the skills needed to travel safely using a white cane in a much shorter timeframe than traditional O&M programs. The one-on-one instruction is tailored to the client's capabilities allowing for individual needs to be met. Summer Experience Camp is a unique summer camp for boys and girls ages 16 and 17 who are legally blind that combines summer fun, an introduction to guide dogs and the opportunity to spend time with peers who are facing similar challenges.

To learn more about Leader Dogs for the Blind and its client services, please visit www.leaderdog.org.

About National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services
NAC is the only international accrediting body devoted to serving organizations that provide programs for blind and low vision consumers. It is estimated that over 75,000 consumers have received services from organizations accredited by NAC. NAC was born in the mid-1960s from the efforts of the American Foundation for the Blind to bring structure and best practices to agencies serving the blind. The Vocational Rehabilitation Administration, US Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare, was a major supporter of AFB's efforts and united leading professionals and industry sponsors who recognized that "standards" do increase the consistency and quality of services provided. This sends a clear message to clients that the accredited agencies provide superior services and are part of an international body that understands what superior service provision looks like. For more information go to http://nacblvs.org/.

About Leader Dogs for the Blind
Rochester Hills, Mich.-based Leader Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization that has been providing independent travel to people who are blind through the use of Leader Dogs since its founding in 1939. Over the years, Leader Dogs for the Blind has provided independent mobility to more than 14,500 individuals. The services of the organization are provided free of charge. The organization also provides classes for orientation and mobility, pedestrian GPS and a summer camp for teens. For more information on Leader Dogs for the Blind, call (888) 777-5332 or visit www.leaderdog.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150129/172229

SOURCE Leader Dogs for the Blind

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http://www.leaderdog.org