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VIDBE-Q Volume 63 Issue 4
of independence and companionship. It's those feelings that fill the dining room with an
anticipatory energy so intense it's almost tangible. The morning before dogs are issued,
both guide dog and O&M clients are upbeat and positive energy radiates off the walls.
A sense of hope is felt by both sets of clients and shared joy and support is expressed.
Their lives are about to change!
In addition to having the opportunity to intermingle with guide dog clients, O&M
clients work one-on-one with a COMS to develop independent travel skills in multiple
environments. LDFB sees a wide range of visual conditions and each client possesses
different functional vision and mobility needs. Some areas where instruction takes
place include but are not limited to: the residence facility, a practice course on campus,
downtown areas both residential and business, the mall, grocery stores, rural
environments, and night lessons. Clients work with a COMS to decide what areas
would be most beneficial to them and what goals they are setting for themselves in each
environment. The program is very individualized and while clients are encouraged to
share their experiences, they are asked not to compare. Each experience is different,
much like the visual conditions themselves. This was a definite strength of my
internship. Each week, I was assigned a new client with a new visual condition, which
meant a new set of goals and challenges. While interest in a guide dog is not
necessary to pursue O&M training at LDFB, out of the eight clients I worked with during
the summer, all were interested in the guide dog program in one way or another. Some
clients come and decide that a dog is not for them and that they are comfortable with
the independence they were able to attain with the white cane. Individuals can be very
independent when traveling with the white cane, and that's an exciting and powerful
