The world’s biggest guide dog ‘Gulliver’ will visit Armidale on Wednesday, August 22 as part of a giant tour to ensure that the National Disability Insurance Scheme doesn’t overlook people with vision impairment.
The two-month roadshow starts today, Wednesday August 15 in Sydney with the launch of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s NDIS: A Vision for All campaign.
The campaign is seeking 10,000 signatures in support of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s call for the government to ensure that the NDIS funds orientation and mobility services, including canes and guide dogs, for people whose functional mobility is affected by vision loss.
“Vision loss is a challenging disability and it’s on the rise,” said Dr Graeme White, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
“Without these services, people with vision loss become disconnected from their community, dependent on others to get around and are at a higher risk of accidents and depression.
“With the number of NSW and ACT residents aged over 40 with vision loss projected to reach 100,000 by 2020, NDIS funding will be critical to enabling us to meet growing demand for our vital services.”
Armidale residents are urged to get behind the campaign when Gulliver’s roadshow stops outside the Post Office in the Beardy St Mall, between 11.30am and 12.30pm on Wednesday, August 22. Local residents with impaired vision and Guide Dogs staff will be on hand to discuss services, the NDIS campaign and collect signatures.
Over the past year, Orientation and Mobility Instructors from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT have provided almost 80 training programs to Armidale and New England residents who have trouble getting around due to vision loss.
“We visit you, where and when it suits you,” said Jeremy Hill, Regional Manager for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT across Northern NSW.
“Our training programs are designed around your needs. So, if night vision is a problem, we will focus on giving you the skills to be able to get around on your own at night. The sooner you see us the better.”
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT plans to present its campaign signatures to the Federal Minister for Disability Reform Jenny Macklin, NSW Minister for Disability Services Andrew Constance and ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch on International White Cane Day, Monday, October 15.
Regardless of the outcome of NDIS, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will always need the community’s generosity to fund its various services and aids, including: the free provision of all orientation and mobility services and guide dogs to people aged 66 years and over who won’t be eligible to receive services covered by the NDIS; and the free provision of secondary aids like electronic travel devices including the Mobile Geo and Trekker Breeze talking GPS technology and hand-held radar devices called Miniguides.
To support Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s NDIS: A Vision for All campaign, please register online at www.visionloss.org.au or call 1800 804 805. For more information about local services, please call Guide Dogs NSW/ACT in Tamworth on 6761 3152 or visit www.guidedogs.com.au.
