Our reports, submissions and policy toolkits.

Systemic Advocacy

At Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, the Access Service delivers ongoing systemic advocacy and community education on accessible and inclusive design.

We aim to influence positive long-term change in accessibility, removing barriers to provide the best outcome for the most people possible. For example, we do this by:

working with other NSW and ACT disability sector agencies and key government stakeholders to identify access issues and lobby for changes to legislation, policy, facilities and services.
contributing to discussion on national access issues through our collaboration with Guide Dogs Australia.
participating in public and private advisory panels such as Australian Standards, Transport Canberra and City Services Disability Reference Group, and the Transport for NSW Accessible Transport Advisory Committee.
creating change at a local level by providing expert access assessment and advice for people who are blind or have low vision on specific projects to government and non-government stakeholders through our Access Consulting service.
create change through submissions to government, with reform priorities centred around footpath accessibility and upholding the rights of people with low vision or blindness.

About our advocacy partners

Guide Dogs is proud to work closely with a wide range of State and Federal Government departments while partnering with organisations including:

Blind Citizens Australia
Vision 2020
People With Disability Australia

Scope of our advocacy service

While at Guide Dogs we provide assistance where we can, there are certain areas that we do not cover. We are not equipped to offer individual advocacy services, nor do we lodge complaints for individual clients. Though we understand the complexities of legal and financial matters, our team is not able to dispense legal or financial advice.

Additionally, we believe in empowering our clients to make their own decisions and our services do not extend to providing counselling or mediation, as we recognize these require specialized expertise.

A person walking on a footpath with their cane.

Our Policy Position.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and accessible environment for our Clients, volunteers, supporters and the broader community.

Our policies reflect our commitment to accountability, respect, equity, safety and continuous improvement, while ensuring we meet our legal and ethical obligations.

Whether supporting people with low vision or blindness, delivering services, engaging with our community or advocating for systemic change, these policies help ensure our actions are consistent, transparent and aligned with our purpose of breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society.