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Connections Service.
Connect with others in the low vision and blindness community to form friendships, gain support, enjoy recreational activities and share fun experiences together.
What is the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Connections Service?
Everyone connects in different ways, and that’s why our team has a range of activity options.
Guide Dogs’ Connections Service offers social and recreational activities for people with blindness or low vision, either in-person or online, across NSW and the ACT. From online chats to in-person cafe catch-ups, regular walks, trying new sports, attending special events or joining support groups with like-minded people, there are so many ways to get involved and meet new people.
Why use Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Connections Service?
When you take part in Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Connections Service, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect, learn and have fun through social and recreational activities for people with low vision or blindness.
Through Connections, you can:
- Discover new accessible events and activities.
- Talk to and get support from others with low vision or blindness as you adjust to a new places like work or study, or a recent change in vision.
- Form connections with those who share similar experiences and interests and grow your confidence.
- Explore options for sports and recreational activities available in your area.
- Connect through online activities.
- Discuss your experiences and keep up with the latest gadgets and tech to make daily life easier.
What is available as part of the Guide Dogs Connections Service?
The Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Connections Service offers a range of online communities, social groups, and recreational activities for people who are blind or have low vision across NSW and the ACT. Some programs focus on specific topics of interest, while others provide opportunities for participants to build community connections, share experiences, and engage with peers.
Café Catch-Up.
Our Café Catch-Up groups bring people who are blind or have low vision together in local communities across NSW and ACT. These informal social groups provide opportunities to meet new people, build friendships, share experiences, and stay connected through regular community catch-ups.
Chatter Paws Online Groups.
Chatter Paws is a collection of online support groups and social communities for people who are blind or have low vision. Covering topics such as technology, books, gaming, parenting, wellbeing, disability support, and shared interests, these accessible online groups help people connect, learn, and build lasting friendships from anywhere.
Audio Described Tours and Accessible Events.
We connect people who are blind or have low vision with audio described tours and accessible events in the community. These opportunities support greater participation in arts, culture and community activities through accessible and inclusive experiences.
Leisure and Sports Groups.
We connect people who are blind or have low vision with leisure, recreation and sporting opportunities in the community. These activities support social connection, physical wellbeing, confidence and community participation
Community Awareness and Celebration Events.
Community awareness events celebrate important occasions within the blindness and low vision community and raise awareness of accessibility and inclusion. Events such as International Guide Dog Day and International White Cane Day bring people together to recognise achievements, share experiences, and promote greater community understanding.
Client Connect Facebook Group
Client Connect(opens in new tab) is an online Facebook group where Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Clients can chat, ask questions and connect with like-minded people and the Guide Dogs community.
Parent Connect Facebook Group
Parent Connect(opens in new tab) is a Facebook group for parents of Clients to share ideas, tips and recommendations, and chat about what’s happening in their world.
Hear from Angela about how connections activities have enriched their life.
Angela has been walking with the Narrabeen Lakes Walking Group on the second Wednesday of every month for the past two years and loves the social interaction with other people, the beautiful scenery and the coffee catch-up afterwards at a local café. The group varies in number from five to 10 people and walks for 30 minutes to one hour.
Angela says, “It’s not just about getting to know others; it’s about learning new things as well. I get to exchange ideas, learn about the latest app, and share experiences with people who have the same challenges as me.”
Joining the Walking Group with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT was just the beginning for Angela and led her to try even more sporting activities as her confidence grew, including Blind Lawn Bowls and even running the City to Surf.
Of the Connections Service programs, Angela shares this advice: “If you’re hesitant about trying a sport or don’t know how to get there on public transport, talk to Guide Dogs. Give yourself time to adjust, and you will learn more about yourself.”
Find more services.
Therapy Dogs
Our Therapy Dogs support people by providing comfort, companionship and emotional support to individuals and facilities.
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School Support Dogs
School Support Dogs provide support to students and staff in schools and education facilities.
Wellbeing Dogs
Wellbeing Dogs provide mental health support and comfort to health care workers and patients.
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School Support Dogs
School Support Dogs provide support to students and staff in schools and education facilities.
Explore our services
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