Three years with Eve

Just as I had done to mark our Second Year home, I am going to give a brief recap of everything that we accomplished as a team this year.

August 2025

To start our third year as a team Eve and I headed to Philadelphia for a few days for a conference with the National Association of Blind students (NABS). During this conference I was able to network with blind students across the country in a variety of fields and learn best practices in dealing with my state’s vocational rehabilitation agency.

In addition to attending this conference, while in Philly I was able to meet with @lguliani, who is Patty, Eve’s oldest daughter. It was nice to share with her how far we have come as a team and answer any questions that she had about the guide dog lifestyle from a veterinarian’s perspective.

Lindsay, Laura, and Eve standing outside in Philly.

In between meeting with Laura and the meetings that I had during the conference I was able to see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Love Park. In this exploration it was nice to see parts of our history in the city I was traveling through.

Lindsay standing, while Eve sitts in front of Independence Hall.

Lindsay and Eve in front of the Love Sign in Philly.

Lindsay and Eve in front of the Liberty Bell.

This was a great trip up until we got to our layover airport. We were thirty minutes late causing me no time to get Eve to the restroom causing her to have an accident in the airport. As a result of this accident we were removed from our flight and placed on the next flight out. To hear more about this awful airport experience feel free to read my post Best and Worst Airport Experiences with a Guide Dog.

In the middle of August just before the school year started my dad, @loveuleslie, Eve, and I headed to the Grand Canyon via Amtrak for a last summer trip. This was a great trip with the exception of the 11 hour train ride. Eve was not the biggest fan of being on the train for so many hours, but we made it.

Eve laying on a train platform at Los Angas Union Station.

While in the Grand Canyon we visited the park thanks to the National Park’s Access Pass, hiked a few of the trails and even had dinner at El Tovar.

Lindsay, Eve Leslie, and their dad in the Grand Canyon.

Lindsay, Leslie, Eve and their Dad in the Grand Canyon at sunset.

Lindsay, Eve, Leslie, and their dad under the EL Tovar sign before going to dinner.

To end the month of August, Eve and I started another school year. This school year was different, as the college I work at started a major renovation project to renovate the student union, causing the pathways we were used to to become non-existent. In addition to this construction project I started my first school year with a contract agency teaching students who are blind or have low vision.

September 2025

To start the month of September, @s.e.l.z went on another Surrey bike ride with Hearts for Sight, which is a nonprofit in the Los Angeles area offering both mental health and recreational activities to persons who are blind or have low vision. We had a great bike ride with the views of the beach around us. Unfortunately like the bike ride in El Drodo park Eve could not come with, as their was no room for her.

In the middle of September two of my students had the day off of school due to the Jewish holidays in September. As a result of these days off the parents asked if I would join them in Disneyland. If you have learned anything from past posts, I couldn’t say no. But instead of past disney experiences I was able to turn this disney trip into a live expanded core classroom. Some of the ways we looked at the nine areas of the expanded core were as follows:

Compensatory: The students had a braille bingo card that they checked off tasks they completed such as locating a popcorn cart, having conversations with characters, finding braille in their environments, etc.
Assistive Technology: The students were exposed to the meta glasses and the audio description devices that disney offers.
Self Determination: The students advocated for the rides they wanted to go on, for access to audio description devices, and even for small children not to pet Eve.
Orientation and mobility: they were able to orient themselves in a ride car, they were exposed to the work of guide dogs, and they were able to navigate the narrow spaces in a ride line.
Social skills: They were able to hold a whole conversation with Marida from Brave.
Career: They were able to see the many careers that Disney cast members are able to hold from ride operators, gate agents, and even hospitality jobs in guest services.
Independent living skills: In our downtime I exposed both girls to the use of money identifiers and money braillers.
Recreation and leisure: Throughout the day both students were able to express the enjoyment of the day exploring the parks.
Sensory efficiency: They were able to use their remaining senses of hearing, touch, smell, and taste to explore the parks. One way one of the students was able to do this was by feeling the thrill of riding space mountain.

Lindsay and Eve in front of the Disney Pumpkin at Disneyland.

In addition to the bike ride and a disney trip, throughout the month of September, Eve and I completed our Wag-A-thon to help raise funds for Guiding Eyes. This month we walked 70 miles and raised $240.

October 2025

To start the month of October, Leslie, my dad, Eve, and I took a road trip to Nevada to participate in a bingo tournament. I unfortunately did not win, but Leslie won enough money to pay for her portion of the trip. Overall, it was a great trip, with the exception of our first public access denial in a pizza parlor in the city we were staying in. More on this in a later post.

On our way home we stopped in Las Vegas to have lunch at Nevada Brew Works. This brewery holds a special place in my heart as it was created by a family that had a daughter with Cerebral Palsy and any funds from one of their beers goes to help families gain access to medical equipment often not covered by medical insurance.

Lindsay and Eve under the Nevada Brew Works sign.

The week after going to Nevada we were visited by our local field rep from Guiding Eyes, as she had not seen me since doing my initial home interview over three years ago. Overall this visit went well, but I just wish I did not work on such a complicated campus with lots of construction.

The third weekend in October Eve, @S.E.L.Z and I participated in the Malibu State Park Hike as an event for Hearts for Sight. It was a great day to explore such a beautiful park.

To end the month of October I completed another house call where we worked on reading, math, and exploring the accessibility of my student’s iPads.

November 2025

To start the month of November @paulina557 and I attended @ariamialoberti’s book signing for I am Ingrid. It was special not only because @guidedogingrid was there, but Aria’s best friend Molly was there too and was able to share her experiences as a puppy raiser for @guidingeyes. I am so glad we have another engaging children’s book about guide dogs an added bonus is that Aria is a blind author.

Paulina, Ophilia, Aria, Ingrid, Lindsay, and Eve sitting together while holding Aria’s book I am Ingrid.

In the middle part of November, I finished my student teaching course. I have to especially thank my current students for making this possible as they were cooperative and loved the Monarch lesson I provided them. With student teaching done I am now in the process of securing my provisional credential in California with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. I have heard from others that in California this is quite a process, so who knows how long it will take.

The Monarch with a student’s hands resting on it.

To end the month of November, I went to my cousins house for Thanksgiving. In this case I chose to leave Eve at home, as my cousin’s dog is not the biggest fan of Eve and this was the safest for everyone.

December 2025

To start the month of December Eve and I went to a bowling event for Best Buddies of California. It was a great way to connect with friends that I have not seen in a few years.

In the middle part of December, I helped my office at the university administer 1,000 exams in the matter of a week. It was a busy week, but a good week to see students successfully finish another semester. In the middle of finals week I was able to expose my current students to other blind and low vision people throughout their community as their local National Federation of the Blind chapter was hosting a Adopt A child event, where my students were on the receiving end. Through this experience my students were able to see how many successful blind and low vision people were in their area.

Eve naping through the administration of fall finals.

To end the month of December we celebrated the holidays for the most part with our immediate family with the exception of one White Elephant party hosted at my cousin's house. Like at Thanksgiving, I opted to leave Eve at home, as my cousin’s dog is not the biggest fan of Eve.

January 2026

To start the new year, I officially received my Provisional Teaching Credential to teach blind and low vision students in California. This milestone marks an important step in my journey as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments.

As part of the credentialing process in California, I have also begun clearing my credential, often referred to as making it a lifetime credential. To do this, I enrolled in the Teacher Induction Program at California State University, Los Angeles. This two-year online program will allow me to complete the required coursework from wherever my work takes me, while continuing to grow professionally and refine my instructional practices.

Alongside advancing my own education, I was assigned a new group of students who present with conditions and challenges I have not previously encountered. While stepping into unfamiliar territory can be daunting, it is also one of the greatest opportunities for growth. My commitment remains the same: to support each student in accessing their education and building the skills they need, regardless of the impact vision loss may have on their daily experiences.

Before heading to Washington, Eve and I were able to visit Universal Studios Hollywood for a bit of fun and adventure. We were able to check Eve into Guest Services and receive a Disability Access Pass without issue, which was incredibly helpful, especially since at some theme parks this process is not always as smooth.

Lindsay and Eve on the red carpet at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Eve was not a fan of the kennel when @loveuleslie and I decided to ride the roller coaster in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and honestly neither was I. I stepped off that ride white as a ghost. Cast Members may recommend using the kennels for certain attractions, and if they do, take them up on it. I learned the hard way that Eve should not have been on the Minions ride, even though there is no height requirement. The movement and simulation were simply not a good fit. It was a learning experience in advocating not only for myself, but also for my guide dog’s well-being in high stimulation environments.

Lindsay and Eve standing in front of the Universal Studios Hollywood globe.

In addition to credentialing and theme park adventures, Eve and I were selected once again to represent California at the National Federation of the Blind Washington Seminar hosted by the National Federation of the Blind. This year was like no other. With 12 feet of snow making travel impossible and many congressional offices working remotely, our advocacy meetings shifted entirely to Zoom.

Lindsay and Eve in snow while in Washington DC.

This year we advocated for:

• The Blind Americans Return to Work Act, which addresses the earnings cliff that many blind Americans face and the risk of losing critical medical insurance when their income exceeds outdated limits. This legislation seeks to remove barriers that discourage blind individuals from increasing their earnings and pursuing competitive employment.

• The Access Technology Affordability Act, which would create a refundable tax credit to help offset the high cost of assistive technology such as screen readers, Braille displays, and other essential tools that make education and employment possible.

• Protecting critical programs for the blind, including enforcement and strengthening of the Americans with Disabilities Act, full implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and continued federal support for the American Printing House for the Blind.

To close out the month of January, Eve and I attended the Orange County chapter meeting of the National Federation of the Blind, where we recapped Washington Seminar and began planning what we will auction off at the National Federation of the Blind of California Convention in March in Anaheim. To take part in this meeting, Eve and I also had the opportunity to practice our train platform skills.

February

To start the month of February, Eve and I flew up to San Francisco to assess a new student I will be serving remotely in that area. While we were there, we were also able to connect with friends who work at LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, one of the nonprofits serving the blind and low vision community in the Bay Area. It is always encouraging to build connections with professionals who are doing meaningful work in our field.

In addition to reconnecting with colleagues, I attended a Cerebral Visual Impairment symposium held at the California School for the Blind. This event was especially meaningful, as many of the students I currently serve, and those I anticipate serving in the future, have diagnoses that fall within the category of Cerebral Visual Impairment. Being given dedicated time to deepen my understanding of CVI, evidence-based practices, and practical strategies was invaluable and will directly inform my instructional approach.

The following week, I was nominated to serve on the Blind Advisory Committee for the California Department of Rehabilitation as the Educational Representative. In this role, I share information about trends and challenges I see impacting students in K–12 and higher education as they relate to vision and access to services. I also work to educate fellow professionals in the field of visual impairment about how the Department of Rehabilitation can partner with schools and families to better support students’ transition goals.

During February, I was also honored to have my personal story published by the Hydrocephalus Association. Sharing my journey with hydrocephalus, vision loss, and the path that ultimately led me to becoming a teacher of students with visual impairments and guide dog handler was an opportunity to raise awareness for a condition that is often misunderstood. My hope is that by sharing my experiences, others living with hydrocephalus will be encouraged to advocate for themselves and know that they are not alone.

During the third week of February, I was reelected as Secretary of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. Continuing in this leadership role allows me to stay engaged at the local level, supporting advocacy efforts and community building.

To close out the month, Eve and I helped score regional exams for the Braille Challenge, hosted locally by the Braille Institute of America, in the Los Angeles area. Participating in this event is always inspiring. It highlights the tremendous progress many students have made in their Braille literacy skills, while also shedding light on the ongoing gaps in access and instruction across the field. Most importantly, it is powerful to see students show up, take risks, and give their very best effort.

March 2026

To kick off the month of March, Eve and I attended the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, hosted in Anaheim rather than on the California State University Northridge campus. It was such a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and classmates, while also building new collaborations.

I think Eve’s favorite part of the week was making new working dog friends and, of course, taking plenty of naps while I attended sessions.

Lindsay and Eve under the California State University Northridge Assistive Technology Confrence banner.

As the conference wrapped up, we headed straight into the National Federation of the Blind of California state convention. During the convention, I was honored to be reelected as Secretary for the California Association of Guide Dog Users (CAGDU). Alongside that, I had the chance to explore new assistive technology both tools I could use personally and resources that could benefit my students.

Lindsay and Eve alongside other chapter members of the Orange County NFB chapter receiving the chapter charter at the NFB of California banquet.

After the convention, a few friends and I spent a few hours at Disneyland Park. What made this visit especially meaningful was reconnecting with Kellie, a classmate from grad school I hadn’t seen since before getting Eve. I remember telling her I had applied for a guide dog, and it felt full circle to finally introduce her to Eve. Even more special her mom is also blind and has worked guide dogs for over 40 years, so she truly understands how impactful these partnerships are.

Kellie, Debi, Lindsay, and Eve posing for a picture while the Disneyland railway is behind them.

The following week, Eve and I visited @loveuleslie’s students to talk about guide dog etiquette. Their favorite part of the day was definitely meeting a real working guide dog on campus. One student has already been asking when we’re coming back which is always the best kind of feedback.

Later that week, we attended Leslie’s birthday party at a home she has house-sat over the years. The homeowners were gracious enough to allow her to use the space for the celebration, which made it even more special. Despite the busy environment and lots of people, Eve did an amazing job guiding me through the chaos.

During the final week of March, I began working with a new student. Starting with new students is always a balance especially when considering behaviors and their comfort level with vision loss when deciding whether to bring Eve. Looking back, I probably wouldn’t have brought her to the first two sessions, as she became a distraction and limited what we were able to accomplish. It was a good reminder that flexibility is key, and that every student’s needs are different.

We wrapped up the month by attending the Abilities Expo Los Angeles. While there, we partnered with Canines for Disabled Kids to help educate attendees about the many roles service animals play for individuals with different disabilities. It was such a meaningful way to close out a busy and fulfilling month.

Lindsay and Eve standing with other service animal handlers after presenting to a group at the Long Beach Abilities Expo.

And to top it all off Eve turned 5 at the end of the month. A special milestone for such an incredible partner, and a perfect way to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together.

Eve in a park with toys around her along with her fifth birthday ballon.

April 2026

April was a full month for Eve and me, filled with advocacy, learning, and a little adventure.

We started by attending our local National Federation of the Blind chapter meeting, where we reflected on the state convention and the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference.

That same week, we took a solo trip to Disney California Adventure Park. Despite a bit of rain, the day was a success especially because I let Eve take the lead navigating the park. Her only complaint was being kenneled for rides like Grizzly River Run and Soarin' Over California, but we still managed to grab a photo in front of the ferris wheel.

Lindsay and Eve in front of the California Adventure Faris wheel.

Lindsay and Eve in front of the California Adventure Cars Land sign.

We also attended the California Transcribers and Educators for the Blind and Visually Impaired Conference in Los Angeles, where I explored assessment practices, Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), and the role of AI in education.

To wrap up the month, we traveled to Fullerton for a National Federation of the Blind of Orange County chapter meeting, where we learned about upcoming legislation and advocacy efforts.

All of this happened alongside my ongoing work supporting blind and low vision students across K–12 and higher education—making April both busy and meaningful.

May 2026

To start the month of May, Eve and I attended our local National Federation of the Blind chapter meeting, where we discussed a new concept of installing tactile maps in public restrooms to help blind individuals better understand the layout before entering. We also talked about upcoming events in the community, including the Guide Dogs of America Open House.

The following week, I completed the final assignments for my first semester in the induction program at California State University, Los Angeles. This was all in addition to preparing materials for student finals and assisting with graduation preparations at the Bob Murphy Access Center at California State University, Long Beach.

On the Sunday before helping administer more than 1,000 final exams over a five-day period, Eve and I spent one last day at Disneyland before my Southern California Resident pass expired at the end of the month. During our visit, we enjoyed attractions including the Disneyland Railroad, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones Adventure, Haunted Mansion, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, and many more. Our only mishap of the day came when I accidentally spilled a drink on another guest after trying to carry a few too many things at once.

Lindsay and Eve in front of Cinderella’s Castle in Disneyland.

To end the month, my brother and his wife came to visit. We enjoyed a casual dinner at home one evening, before meeting up at The Hangar at Long Beach Exchange, a collection of local restaurants near the Long Beach Airport the next night. It was a wonderful way to wrap up a busy month filled with work, school, advocacy, and a little time to relax with family.

June 2026

To begin the month of June, Eve and I joined @S.E.L.Z. at the Guide Dogs of America Open House. It was wonderful to show her what the guide dog lifestyle could look like if she chooses to take that next step. It was also valuable for me to see firsthand how another guide dog organization structures its training and programs. Experiences like this give me greater insight when recommending Guide Dogs of America to future students and families who are considering a guide dog.

Lindsay and Eve in front of the GDA sign.

Unfortunately, the following week, Eve had to undergo a dental procedure after breaking two teeth from her enthusiastic chewing habits. It was a difficult week for both of us, but my focus was on making sure she had plenty of time to rest, recover, and heal.

While Eve was recovering, I accepted an Extended School Year (ESY) braille student in my local area. Because Eve needed to take it easy during that first week, much of my travel was done independently with my white cane. Although I had only visited the campus once before, I was able to successfully navigate the environment and provide the student with the instruction they needed. This assignment continued through the end of June and into July.

Eve naping while Lindsay is working in her classroom.

We wrapped up the month by volunteering at the National Braille Challenge, where I once again had the privilege of serving as a scorer. Although I never had the opportunity to compete as a student, giving back to an organization that played such an important role in my own journey is always incredibly meaningful. This year's competition highlighted the worldwide impact of braille literacy, with students traveling from across the United States as well as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and, for the first time, a regional competition in Kenya. The weekend was filled with reconnecting with colleagues, meeting advocates like Mike Mulligan @blindonthemove, and celebrating the accomplishments of blind and low vision students from around the world. It was the perfect way to close out June, surrounded by a community that continues to inspire me and reinforce why braille literacy, mentorship, and high expectations matter so much.

Lindsay and Eve on the red carpet at the Braille Challenge finals hosted by the Braille Institute at USC.

Lindsay and Eve standing with Mike Mulligan @blindonthemove after the Braille Challenge banquit.

July 2026

To begin the month of July, I had the opportunity to be featured on the National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU) podcast, NAGDU Unleashed. Although the episode was recorded in June, it premiered at the beginning of July and gave me the chance to reflect on my experiences as a first-time guide dog handler and everything Eve and I have learned together over the past three years. It was an honor to share our story with the greater guide dog community and, hopefully, encourage others who may be considering the guide dog lifestyle.

Later that week, Eve and I traveled to Austin, Texas, with @shelbi_nichole and @kristentheguidingeye to attend the National Federation of the Blind National Convention. Throughout the week, we reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and spent time with guide dog handlers from across the United States and beyond.

Shelbi, Kristen, Lindsay, and Eve in front of the #FlyLGB Sign at the Long Beach airport before heading to Austin.

One of our first adventures was exploring the Texas State Capitol, where Eve once again demonstrated her confidence in an unfamiliar environment as we experienced one of Austin’s most iconic landmarks.

Lindsay and Eve in front of the Texas state capital.

One of the highlights of the convention was reuniting with my Guiding Eyes classmate, Irma, in her hometown of Austin. Three years earlier, we had trained together in New York, learning to trust four paws and beginning our journeys as guide dog handlers. I also enjoyed reconnecting with Lina during the convention banquet and sharing dinner with Tina from Utah—reminders that the blindness community creates lifelong friendships that span the country.

Lindsay and Irma with their guide dogs Eve and Wonder during the general session of the National Federation of the Blind 2026 conference.

Shelbi, Lina and Lindsay sitting together with Kristen and Eve at their feet after the National Federation of the Blind Banquet

Throughout the week, Eve confidently guided me through the busy streets of downtown Austin, crowded hotels, convention sessions, restaurants, and unfamiliar routes. I attended several presentations on artificial intelligence and accessibility, leaving with new ideas and tools that I look forward to incorporating into my work as both a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and an accessibility professional. I also had the opportunity to reconnect with fellow educators, advocates, and professionals from around the country, exchanging ideas that will undoubtedly strengthen the work I do with students and families.

Before leaving Austin, Eve and I completed one final traffic check through the busy streets of downtown. As we made our way back to the hotel, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much our partnership has grown over the past three years. The confidence, independence, and opportunities Eve has given me have opened doors I never imagined possible, and I left Austin excited for whatever adventures our fourth year together may bring.

To close out the month, we assisted with a Disability Pride event at the university where I work and supported two former students as they prepared for the transition to middle school by strengthening their assistive technology skills. It felt like a fitting way to conclude another incredible year together—using the independence, confidence, and skills that Eve has helped me build not only to pursue my own goals, but also to help others achieve theirs. Here’s to Year Four and all of the adventures still to come.