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ACB Focus: Guide Dogs

American Council of the Blind Convention Events related to Guide Dogs

20260729 1400 GDUI, Have You Heard of the Pawsome Hava Hegenbarth

Originally Aired on ACB Media

July 29, 2026
20260729 1400 GDUI, Have You Heard of the Pawsome Hava Hegenbarth

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Artist and puppy raiser Hava Hegenbarth shared her story and her involvement with GDUI. The session featured drawings for her stuffed guide dogs, presentations of GDUI awards, and other activities.

Presenter: Hava Hegenbarth, artist, Mason City, IA

20260728 1800 GDUI - Unusual Careers for Guide Dog Handlers

Originally Aired on ACB Media

July 28, 2026
20260728 1800 GDUI - Unusual Careers for Guide Dog Handlers

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Guide dog handlers described unexpected and unusual careers, including zoo educational interpretation, work as a symphony cellist, and professional dog training and problem solving.

Presenters: Shawn Makepeace, Zoo educational interpreter, Belleville, IL; Leslie Hamrick, Cellist, symphony musician, Schaumburg, IL; Vickie Curley, Professional Dog Trainer/Problem Solver, North Port, FL

20260727 1800 GDUI Best in Breed

Originally Aired on ACB Media

July 27, 2026
20260727 1800 GDUI Best in Breed

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Guide dog handlers discussed the personalities, characteristics, and quirks of different guide dog breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Shepherds, Poodles, and others. They shared why they valued their particular breeds.

Presenters: Sarah Calhoun, GDUI President, Imperial, MO; Tammy Robbins, Guide dog user, Moosup, CT; Penny Reeder, immediate past president, GDUI, Silver Spring, MD; Rebecca Floyd, Executive Director of Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center, Madison, MS; Milissa Welch, guide

(excerpt)

20260726 1800 The Seeing Eye: Guiding the Way Forward

Originally Aired on ACB Media

July 26, 2026
20260726 1800 The Seeing Eye: Guiding the Way Forward

Originally Aired on ACB Media

The session explored how a Seeing Eye dog and adaptive technology could support mobility and independence. Participants considered whether a guide dog was a suitable choice, how technology could complement the partnership, and what questions and next steps to consider.

20260717 1400 GDUI Orientation and Mobility for Everyone

Originally Aired on ACB Media

July 17, 2026
20260717 1400 GDUI Orientation and Mobility for Everyone

Originally Aired on ACB Media

The session examined cane travel and orientation and mobility programs offered by guide dog schools around the country. It welcomed participants regardless of whether they had or wanted a guide dog and emphasized that orientation and mobility training was for everyone.

Presenters: Alissa Odis, Outreach Specialist, GDMI, Leader Dogs, Rochester, MI; Ben Francis, Director of Guide Training and Apprenticeship, CNIB Guide Dogs, Carlton Place, Ontario, Canada; Marc Gillard, Director of Orientation and Mobility Services, Guide Dogs for the

(excerpt)

20260716 1230 GDUI Guide Dog School Update

Originally Aired on ACB Media

July 16, 2026
20260716 1230 GDUI Guide Dog School Update

Originally Aired on ACB Media

GDUI presented updates from U.S. and Canadian guide dog training programs for people considering a first or successor guide dog and others interested in the field. Topics included training, matching, graduate support, and other developments.

20250708 1730 GDUI presents Emergency Preparedness for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2025, on ACB Media 2

July 9, 2025

20250708 1730 GDUI presents Emergency Preparedness for the Blind and Visually Impaired Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2025, on ACB Media 2 The Dallas Fire-rescue education team provided information on dealing with various emergencies. Don't miss this potentially life-saving session.

20250627 1430 GDUI Prison Pups

Originally Broadcasted June 27, 2025, on ACB Media 2

June 28, 2025

20250627 1430 GDUI Prison Pups Originally Broadcasted June 27, 2025, on ACB Media 2 Participants learned about Puppies Behind Bars programs. Co-presented by: GDUI and BVA