Advocacy for Access

Good contrast, eye-level directional board.

Good contrast, eye-level directional board. Visual and tactile lift sign in large print and Braille with good contrast

Warning Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI) at the base of non-slippery stairs.

At Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, we work to support and defend the rights of people with vision impairment. We advocate on behalf of our clients to ensure that all public premises and transport facilities are accessible. We assist people to assert their rights when they have been illegally denied access to public places.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT have successfully advocated for many changes to ensure safe and easy access in all public places. These improvements include:

Changes to buildings and other facilities.
Changes to public transport, such as the installation of tactile ground surface indicators on train platforms and constant information announcements on trains and at stations.
Installation of Audio Tactile Crossings, liaising directly with the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority to install these facilities at pedestrian road crossings.
Input to training of public transport personnel including bus and taxi drivers.

As part of our Orientation and Mobility training, clients are encouraged to facilitate access improvements in their community, by working with local councils, government authorities and shopkeepers.

Guide Dog access

We also assist people with Guide Dogs who have been denied access to a public place, such as a shop, hotel or restaurant. At the client's request, we can contact the organisation and negotiate on access. Most situations are resolved through this process, and the person who has been denied access often receives an apology.

Have you been discriminated against?

If you believe you have been discriminated against, either directly or indirectly, you may address the matter personally or decide to involve others.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT can assist you to resolve an access issue or complaint. However, we do not provide legal advice or take legal action on behalf of individuals.

If you would like to take the matter further, you can lodge a complaint under the disability discrimination laws with the appropriate government agency. Complaints under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act are lodged with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, whereas the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW handles complaints under the New South Wales legislation. In the Australian Capital Territory, complaints can be lodged with the ACT Human Rights Commission. You can contact either the state or federal agencies for advice as to where to lodge the complaint.

Alternatively, there are a number of agencies you can contact that provide legal assistance. Blind Citizens Australia are also a good source of information.