News

Guide Dogs wins prestigious inclusion award

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has been commended for its human rights and inclusion work, taking out a prestigious award at the ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards.

The organisation won the Sue Salthouse Award for Excellence in Championing Human Rights and Equality at the sold-out gala ceremony on Wednesday 6 December.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT (GDN) was singled out for its work on disability inclusion training to make sure accessibility is more commonplace in the ACT and people with vision loss are treated with respect.

The award also highlighted the organisation’s contribution to lead to the Territory’s first fine being issued for refusing an assistance animal to a public place.

“We are hopeful that by demonstrating that the law will be enforced, Guide Dog refusals will decrease and Handlers will feel more empowered and be included,” GDN Access and Technology Advisor Diane Shaddock said.

This year, GDN also developed an official ‘Guide Dog Access Rights Card’, which featured the ACT Government logo, to help prevent refusals, and launched online accessibility training for the community.

Most recently, it has conducted disability inclusion training sessions for business and organisations such as Action Buses, Canberra Metro and Access Canberra.

The ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in our community and acknowledge organisations that have supported people with disability in their workplace, business and community.

Read the full list of winners on the ACT Inclusion website

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has helped more than 4000 Clients who are blind or have low vision this year.