PRweb News June 16, 2013
The Omidi brothers, through their charity Civic Duty, are happy to support Leader Dogs for the Blind for its tremendous work of providing Americans who are blind with the companionship and assistance of a guide dog. In its 74 years of operation, Leader Dogs for the Blind has trained and matched more than 14,500 guide dogs with people who are blind or who are both deaf and blind.
Beverly Hills, California (PRWEB) June 16, 2013
Civic Duty and its co-founders, brothers Dr. Michael Omidi and Julian Omidi, announce their sponsorship of Leader Dogs for the Blind, one of America’s best nonprofits according to the Independent Charities of America. Leader Dogs for the Blind provides people who are visually impaired or who are both audibly and visually impaired with increased mobility through partnership with specially-trained guide dogs.
“There are only two organizations in the country that offer guide dog training for individuals who are both visually and aurally impaired, and Leader Dogs for the Blind is one of them,” says Dr. Michael Omidi, Civic Duty co-founder. “Leader Dogs for the Blind provides mobility training that suits every type of lifestyle using a wide variety of resources, and we at Civic Duty are proud to do anything we can to aid this organization and further its wonderful cause.”
Leader Dogs for the Blind began in 1939, when three Lions Club members attempted to acquire a guide dog for an acquaintance. Unable to find any guide dog training facilities in their area, the men founded their own program from a Rochester Hills, Michigan farm house, and Leader Dogs for the Blind was born. To date, Leader Dogs for the Blind has trained and placed more than 14,500 specially-trained dogs.
Leader Dogs for the Blind (http://www.leaderdog.org) offers several different mobility courses in order to give the clients the best training and options for their particular needs. In addition to guide dog training, Leader Dogs for the Blind provides mobility courses using the aid of canes and even GPS devices.
One of the unique programs offered by Leader Dogs for the Blind is the Summer Experience Camp for teenagers. This program allows teens to increase their independence in a safe setting, interact with their peers and is often a first introduction to the possibility of life with a guide dog. In order to qualify for the Leader Dog training programs, applicants must be legally blind, 16 years of age and have the mental and physical acuity to walk several blocks. Participants must submit video footage of themselves demonstrating that they have the above average orientation and mobility skills needed to work with a guide dog. Courses are provided free of charge and expenses related to the courses, including room and board and travel via air transportation, are likewise covered.
Civic Duty (http://www.civicduty.org) is dedicated to mankind’s search for meaning and promotes the values of its founders, philanthropists Julian Omidi and his brother Dr. Michael Omidi. The charity’s mission is to inspire creative outreach, community service, and volunteerism through the stories of every-day people who are making an extraordinary difference in the world. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow men.” To get involved and help make a difference, send us a message using the website’s Contact Us function. More information about Civic Duty can be found on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Twitter.
Media Relations
Civic Duty
855-330-5600
Source: Giving Mobility to the Disabled; Civic Duty Supports Leader Dogs for the Blind
