Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Brad Hibbard has extensive experience in the field of training and providing guide dogs and service dogs. Brad started their career in 1981 as a Military Dog Training Specialist in the United States Air Force, where they led the training of military working dogs in various capacities. Brad was selected to participate in a groundbreaking pilot program that revolutionized dog training in the military.
After leaving the Air Force, Brad joined Pilot Dogs, Inc. in 1985 as a Trainer and Qualified Instructor. Brad then moved on to Guide Dogs for the Blind in 1994, initially serving as a Program Manager and Class Supervisor before being promoted to Director of Training Operations. In this role, they directed all aspects of the service dog training program and provided recommendations and strategic development solutions to the executive team and Board of Directors. Brad also led a team of 150 trainers, field service personnel, and support professionals.
In 2015, Brad joined the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind/America's VetDogs as the Chief Program Officer. Brad leads a team of professionals who provide highly trained guide dogs to enhance the mobility of visually impaired individuals and service dogs for those who have served in the military. Brad is passionate about empowering individuals to live their lives without boundaries by partnering with assistance dogs. The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind/America's VetDogs is the first assistance dog school in the United States to be certified by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. Throughout their career, Brad has contributed significantly to the success and growth of the organizations they have worked with, implementing new programs and initiatives that have become integral to their operations.
Brad Hibbard completed coursework toward a Bachelor of Arts at The Ohio State University. In addition, they obtained a certification as a California Licensed Guide Dog Instructor from the California State Guide Dog Board in April 1990.
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Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
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The Guide Dog Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or with other disabilities. Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. has provided guide dogs free of charge to blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence. Our students come to us from all over the United States and many foreign countries. Our trademark small classes and individualized instruction often attract students who may have special requirements. We have successfully trained hearing-impaired blind people as well as many physically challenged people. We are supported entirely by donations from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. We receive no government funding. In 2009, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind became the first assistance dog school in the United States to be certified by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. Accreditation reinforces the Foundation's reputation in the guide dog movement by showing that we consistently follow the highest standards for the humane and ethical treatment of our dogs, maintain educational benchmarks for trainers and apprentices, and that we have procedures in place for our consumers during the application and acceptance process, including a way for consumers to address any grievances.