Leadership
Directorship |
Click Video to Play
Morris Frank - A Leader |
Since the founding of the Philanthropic organization in 1929 in Nashville, Tennessee, the Seeing Eye survived many financial hardships of the Great Depression under the capable leadership of Morris Frank and Dorothy Eustis by raising money through charities. As the first managing director of the Seeing Eye, he looked after daily operations of the organization and provided a stable institution with quality dogs and trainers, leading to the success of the Seeing Eye, which continues its mission today even after 85 years of existence.
On December 8, 1941, under the leadership of Morris Frank, the Board of Trustees adopted this resolution:
"Resolved that in order to aid the war effort, effective immediately The Seeing Eye will, at no expense to the Federal Government, endeavor to provide Seeing Eye dog guides for eligible persons who, as members of armed forces, of the United States, have lost sight in line of duty, giving such persons priority over all other applicants for guide dogs."
-Board of Trustees of Seeing Eye Dec. 8th, 1941 |
Personal Interview with Mr. Doug Roberts, retired president of the Seeing Eye, and a friend of Morris Frank
Dec 16, 2014 |
Access LawsMorris Frank laid foundation for the movement impacting access laws for allowing guide dogs in public places. Before this, many places prohibited the entry of dogs and today, service dogs are allowed in almost all public places, including airports, security holds, and private properties. He worked with the authorities of the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company, Pennsylvania Rail Road, Haven & Hartford Railroad of New York, and the United Airlines to make policies permitting guide dogs to ride with their owners instead of cargo. By 1935, all major rail lines and in 1938, the United Airlines permitted guide dogs in cabins, soon to be followed by other airlines.
He also met with three presidents of the United States: Truman, Hoover, and Coolidge in his relentless efforts to generate awareness at national level. "You were a pioneer in the struggle for independence that continues even today, not just for the visually impaired, but for other handicapped individuals as well." -President James Carter |
Click Video to Play
Post OfficesPersonal interview with Mr. James Kutsch, current President and CEO of the Seeing Eye
Dec 16, 2014 "Frank's persistence and advocacy on behalf of Seeing Eye dog users were instrumental in the eventual drafting and passage of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act."
-Michelle Barlak |