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What is Children's Mobility support?
We all learn to interact with the world from a young age. Through safe play and exploring new environments with confidence, we learn about ourselves, each other, and how to be part of a community.
Children with low vision or blindness are no different. However, they need to develop a different set of skills to understand and move through the world. These skills are taught in Children’s Mobility training.
Training can include anything from teaching kids to navigate their home and community, to providing support while they adapt to a change in vision.
Children’s Mobility training enhances your child’s independence to improve their confidence at school, at home, in the community, and even as teens transition into young adulthood.
What kind of skills can my child learn with Children's Mobility support?
Your child can learn all sorts of valuable techniques, including:
- Travelling safely: Including skills to move through the community, catch public transport and use mobility aids to travel with confidence.
- Building relationships: Including skills to make new friends and interact with other people in the community.
- Strategies for school and study: Including skills to get around the school yard and inclusion in sport curriculum.
- Preparing for adulthood: Including skills to shop for groceries, cook basic meals, prepare for working life and learn independent thinking and problem-solving skills.
What does the support and training involve?
Our programs can grow and develop just as quickly as your child.
Every program is tailored to your child’s needs, age and skill level. And, just as kids quickly grow to meet new challenges or embrace new experiences, our programs do the same.
Children’s Mobility training can flex to support your child through their entire school life—from birth through to year 12—introducing different techniques and mobility aids when they become relevant.
Importantly, all training is delivered with a focus on fun. Children’s Mobility training teaches your child valuable practical skills while encouraging them to enjoy themselves, make friends, be creative, and explore their potential.
Support is usually provided one-one-one where your child is most comfortable, depending on their goals. It could be in your home, at school, or out and about in the general community.
In support of ongoing Children’s Mobility training, we also offer individual programs, camps, group programs and workshops.
What funding can I use to receive Children's Mobility Services?
Guide Dogs is a registered NDIS provider. This means many children can access services through their NDIS plan (for children aged 6 to 18 years old). If your child is aged 0-6 years Guide Dogs NSW/ACT can work with your Early Childhood Early Intervention Provider. Find out more about funding programs and supports.
How do I find out further information?
To find further information about our Children’s Mobility Service or start the process of accessing support from one of our Mobility Specialists, you can:
- Call 1800 484 333
- Request a Service
We welcome referrals and enquiries from individuals, families, health professionals and community organisations.
