Leader Dogs for the Blind

Leader Dogs for the Blind

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Visit Website leaderdog.org

LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND | An Award-Winning Website Built for Everyone

Leader Dogs for the Blind, based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, empowers people who are blind or have low vision to live with independence and confidence. Its programs include Guide Dog training, Orientation and Mobility instruction, Teen Orientation and Mobility, and Teen Summer Camp, all provided at no cost to clients. The organization is 100% philanthropically funded and relies on donors and volunteers to fulfill its mission.

Because so many of the people Leader Dog serves use screen readers, magnifiers, and other assistive technologies, the organization needed a website that was accessible in practice, not just in principle. Mightily partnered with Leader Dogs for the Blind to design and build a new website that is visually engaging, easy to use, and accessible to everyone. The result is one of the most accessible sites Mightily has ever built, and it earned a 2026 Gold Hermes Creative Award in the Nonprofit Website category.

Leader Dogs for the Blind Portfolio Asset

The Challenge

For an organization whose clients are blind or have low vision, the website is often the very first step toward a life changing program. Every barrier on the site could stand between a person and the independence Leader Dog exists to provide. At the same time, the site had to serve donors, volunteers, puppy raisers, breeding hosts, Lions Clubs, and corporate partners, each with their own goals.

Mightily was tasked with creating a website that would:

  • Meet WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards across every page, form, and module
  • Work seamlessly with screen readers, magnifiers, voice recognition software, and keyboard navigation
  • Make it simple for prospective clients to explore programs and apply
  • Give donors and volunteers clear, direct paths to give and get involved
  • Reflect the warmth, hope, and mission of Leader Dog through engaging visual design
Leader Dogs for the Blind Portfolio Asset
Leader Dogs for the Blind Portfolio Asset

Our Approach

The project spanned more than a year and brought together many team members across Leader Dog, with Mightily as the web agency, CUSP Creative guiding project management, and Allyant providing independent accessibility review. Accessibility was treated as the foundation of the project rather than a final checklist item, shaping every design and development decision from the start.

Design and User Experience

Mightily designed an inclusive visual system that balances emotional storytelling with clarity. Client stories, program icons, and bold calls to action guide visitors toward the actions that matter most. The information architecture was organized around the site’s key audiences, with clear pathways for clients, donors, volunteers, and partners.

WordPress Development

The site was built on WordPress with flexible, reusable content modules that make it easy for Leader Dog’s internal team to publish stories, events, program updates, and fundraising campaigns while keeping every page consistent and accessible.

Accessibility Build and Testing

Accessibility was built into the code from day one and then tested thoroughly. Every page, form, and module was carefully tested and optimized to provide a seamless experience for all visitors.

Key accessibility features include:

  • Skip Navigation allowing keyboard and screen reader users to jump directly to main content
  • Descriptive Alternative Text written for images throughout the site
  • Accessible Forms tested for assistive technology compatibility
  • Clear Link Labels that identify links that open in a new tab
  • Language Options with English and Spanish toggles in the site header
  • Site Search to help every visitor find information quickly
  • Independent Review by Allyant, with the site carrying the Reviewed by Allyant for Accessibility badge
Leader Dogs for the Blind Portfolio Asset

The Results

The new leaderdog.org is more than a modern digital presence. It is a platform that reflects Leader Dog’s mission, values, and commitment to accessibility, and it has been recognized by industry peers.

  • 2026 Gold Hermes Creative Award in the Websites, Mobile and Digital Experiences category for Nonprofit Website
  • A site built to WCAG 2.2 AA standards and reviewed by Allyant for accessibility
  • Clear pathways for clients to apply, donors to give, and volunteers to get involved
  • A flexible WordPress platform that empowers Leader Dog’s team to keep content fresh

Conclusion

Leader Dogs for the Blind helps people take their first confident steps toward independence. Mightily delivered a website that opens that same door online, welcoming every visitor regardless of how they access the weband continues to work with the organzation on new opportunities and hosting. Recognized with a Gold Hermes Creative Award, leaderdog.org stands as a model for what an accessible nonprofit website can and should be.

“Leader Dogs for the Blind is proud to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website, created to be visually engaging, user-friendly and accessible to everyone. This project has been over a year in the making and reflects the thoughtful collaboration of many team members across the organization, close partnership with our web agency Mightily.” Melinda Booth, Director of Marketing + Communications, Leader Dogs for the Blind