Meet 10th grader Ella Corby and her mom, Anna Corby, as they share how five years of puppy raising with Leader Dog has shaped confidence, responsibility, and a passion for service. From balancing school, sports, and 4-H to saying goodbye to four incredible dogs, Ella offers a heartfelt look at the impact puppy raisers have on the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. This inspiring conversation highlights the power of community, volunteerism, and how one young leader is making a difference, one puppy at a time.

Ronit Szczotka joins the podcast to share how her mother’s vision loss changed their family and led them to Leader Dog. She discusses navigating difficult emotions, finding humor and giving supporters permission to care for themselves, too. The conversation also explores how Leader Dog’s support groups connect loved ones at every stage of the journey.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, we sit down with Dr. Joshua Robinson, a leading low vision Doctor of Optometry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, to explore how low vision rehabilitation helps people maintain independence and continue doing the things they love. From the growing impact of assistive technology and AI to the importance of connecting individuals with blindness and low vision resources, Dr. Robinson shares valuable insights for professionals, family members, and anyone navigating vision loss. Plus, hear why strong partnerships between healthcare providers and organizations like Leader Dog are helping more people discover the tools, training, and support they need to thrive.