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

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

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 dog user, Harrisburg, PA; Chris Tradell, consultant, CNIB, Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Maria Hansen, GDUI member, New York, NY; Sue Crawford, guide dog user, Silver Spring, MD

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.

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 Blind, San Rafael, CA

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.

20250709 1300 GDUI Wrap Up and Awards Ceremony Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2025, on ACB Media 2

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.