What we do
Share this page with a friend
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT exists to enhance the quality of life of people who are blind or have impaired vision, by assisting in their achievement of independence through access and mobility. We believe they have equal rights to other people, and respect their right for human dignity.
When your name is Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, everyone naturally assumes that you train Guide Dogs for people who are blind or have impaired vision - which, of course, we do. But it's not all that we do.
- We train people to use canes, canines and electronic aids to improve their mobility and thus their independence and quality of life.
- We train companion dogs for children and adults who are disabled or disadvantaged owing to age, isolation or ill health.
- We advocate on behalf of the people we assist to make the community an easier place in which to live and work.
We do not charge for our services. We do not receive government funding. Everything we achieve is made possible by the generosity of our donors, bequestors and volunteers.
In NSW and the ACT, there are around 100,000 people who have a vision impairment severe enough to cause problems with daily living. Our services are there for all of them.
Last year alone, our instructors travelled over 750,000 kilometres to ensure that, wherever possible, mobility skills are taught in the environment in which they will be used.
We also work with local government, architects, transport authorities and businesses on ways to improve facilities for people who are blind or have impaired vision.
Anyone Can Refer
Anyone is able to refer themselves; referring others will require consent from the individual.