Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs is bringing its expert staff and dogs in training to locations across regional NSW and the ACT to help people who are blind or have low vision learn more about the service.
The Seeing Eye Dogs roadshow will visit seven locations between March 10 to 25, with free information sessions, trial walks and more on offer to all who attend.
The roadshow begins with sessions in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour on Monday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 11 respectively.
Letisha Watson, Seeing Eye Dogs Service Planning Manager, said the roadshow is open to anyone who thinks a Seeing Eye Dog could help improve their ability to be active and independent in the community.
“For first time handlers we can explain in detail the application process and training program they’ll go through, while for handlers who may already working with a dog guide we can begin to work through what can be quite an emotional process of their dog retiring and being matched with a successor dog,” Letisha said.
“For both groups we can also work through what funding, such as the NDIS, may be available to help them access Seeing Eye Dog Services and provide some assistance on how they should navigate that as well,” she said.
Currently the wait time for a Seeing Eye Dog is just four months and the organisation is keen to increase the number of handlers in NSW and the ACT.
“We’ve worked hard to reduce the waiting time and with Seeing Eye Dog instructors now based permanently in NSW, we are really keen for more people across the region to make the most of our Seeing Eye Dogs,” Letisha said.
“Every person who is matched with a Seeing Eye Dog benefits from the two years and almost $50,000 it takes to train one of our dogs, so they can be confident they are working with a Seeing Eye Dog that will provide the support they need to be active and independent. Our instructors continue to work with handlers after they’re matched with their Seeing Eye Dog to ensure the partnership is working.”
Seeing Eye Dogs Roadshow sessions are free and open to anyone who is blind or has low vision. For more information on Roadshow dates and locations head to the Seeing Eye Dogs website or email [email protected].
High res images for media: https://visionau.canto.com/b/PVHAM
About us:
About Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs:
Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs is the only national provider, trainer, and breeder of Seeing Eye Dogs in Australia. Our Seeing Eye Dogs support people across the country who are blind or have low vision to live safe, active and independent lives.
Visit our website at: www.sed.visionaustralia.org
Contact details:
Further media enquiries: Phil McCarroll, 0416 632 253