Welcome to the autumn edition of Guide Dog Tales.
A message from the CEO
There’s been a lot happening here at Guide Dogs as we are back in full swing following a relaxing holiday break.
In December, we celebrated International Volunteer Day with a thank you event at our Guide Dogs Centre in Glossodia. It was wonderful to see so many of our volunteers in person to celebrate their achievements.
Our volunteers are an integral part of our organisation. Whether it’s helping to raise our pups, assisting kennel and office staff, or attending our events, their work is vital in supporting us to fulfil our mission of empowering people with low vision or blindness to actively participate in their communities.
In the last year alone, 354 volunteers, including 215 Puppy Raisers and 45 Canine Court Companion Program volunteers, collectively contributed 3,934 hours of volunteering. We are so grateful to our volunteers who take time out of their own busy lives to give back. On behalf of all the staff and pups at Guide Dogs I extend my sincere gratitude – we simply couldn’t do our vital work without them!
We have lots of other exciting news to share with you in this edition of Guide Dog Tales. We have an update on Zara and her latest adventures representing Australia in the World Championships of Goalball! We share some important tips on how to treat Computer Vision Syndrome, and we give you an insight into a day in the life of one of our Ambassador Dogs, Venus. We are also pleased to introduce you to some of our very special Clients, Volunteers, and Partners, and the newest members of the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT family, the T litter!
We hope you enjoy this edition of Guide Dog Tales. We are so grateful to you, our supporters, as none of these amazing things would happen without you.
Warmly,
Dale Cleaver
Chief Executive Officer
From the Guide Dogs Centre
Our newest recruits
Introducing the newest members of the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT family, the T litter! These four adorable yellow pups were born to mum Ellie and dad Tim on 13 December 2022.
Please welcome Tobias, Timmy, Tofu and Echo! These little pups have some big milestones ahead as they begin their two-year Guide Dog training journey. But for now, they are enjoying their time playing with each other at the Guide Dogs Centre enrichment area. Soon they will be placed with Volunteer Puppy Raisers, who will care for them in a loving home environment for the next 12 months while they
receive necessary training.
Raising and training a puppy is an amazing experience that is incredibly rewarding for the whole family. Find out more about Puppy Raising.
Accessibility/Client
Leanne’s story
Thirty years ago, Nurse Leanne Cameron was in a car accident which left her with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and significant vision loss.
At the time, Leanne was living in a regional area with limited support services.
“I was scared to leave the home,” Leanne recalls.
Orientation and Mobility staff at Guide Dogs travelled to Leanne two to three days per week, to train her on how to use a white cane. This helped to put her back on the path to independence and restore her confidence.
Since then, Leanne has had a strong connection to Guide Dogs. In 2015, Leanne generously volunteered for Guide Dogs, where she assisted Clients by ensuring resources were available in simplified text and large print. She has also decided to leave a gift to Guide Dogs in her Will to ensure support is there for the next person who needs it.
Leanne is also a keen inventor and is taking her own experiences with low vision to further help the community. Using a laundry basket, a sliding door roller track and an aluminium bracket, Leanne has designed and constructed an innovative solution that enables her to carry rubbish, groceries and laundry up and down her back steps – which she has aptly named the ‘Stairs Carry Assist’. The invention allows Leanne to stay in her own home, as she didn’t want to find a new place to live just because of a few steps. Leanne now shares her invention with others in similar positions to her. “This has helped me and if someone else can benefit from it, well, that is great. If I can get this to help just one other person, that’s my mission solved,” says Leanne.
“How lucky am I?” Leanne finishes. “I am still able to walk, I am still able to think, and I can potentially help others. Maybe that was meant to be my mission all along. I was meant to be doing what I am doing now.”
Thanks to our incredible supporters, our Clients like Leanne can maintain their independence, explore new opportunities and achieve their goals.
“Guide Dogs is just a wonderful organisation that so many people benefit from, right from very young children, through to helping older people to build confidence with their mobility.”
Guide Dogs is just a wonderful organisation that so many people benefit from, right from very young children, through to helping older people to build confidence with their mobility.
Regular Giving
Puppy Pal thank you day
On a bright and sunny Sunday in February, we held an exclusive event for our Puppy Pals at the Guide Dogs Centre to show our appreciation for their incredible ongoing support.
It was the first Puppy Pals event we’ve held in person since 2019, and it was fantastic to see so many of our Puppy Pals and their families enjoy the fun day out!
Attendees had a jam-packed schedule of kennel tours, face painting and even a colouring in competition! They heard talks from Therapy Dog Chips, Guide Dogs Client Matt with his Guide Dog Indi, and they were also treated to a demonstration by two of our Guide Dogs in training, Yowie and Eliza.
Our Puppy Pals also got to see some of the Australiana litter, enjoying a splash in the paddling pools.
This exclusive event is run every year to say a special thank you to our Puppy Pals and acknowledge the difference they make to those with low vision or blindness. If you would like to become a Puppy Pal and receive an exclusive invitation to this event (and many more surprises!) please visit our Puppy Pals page here.
Centre for Eye Health
How to protect your eye health
Computer vision syndrome (CVS), also referred to as digital eyestrain, is defined as “a complex of eye and vision problems related to near work experienced during computer, tablet, e-reader, or cell phone use.” People who spend two or more continuous hours at a computer or using a digital screen device every day are more at risk of developing CVS.
Viewing a computer or digital screen is different from viewing a printed page. Typically, the text on a screen is not as sharply defined and can also be affected by reduced contrast, glare and reflections In addition, viewing distances and the physical setup may be different to other reading and writing tasks, creating greater demand on the eye focusing and movement systems.
The problem may be worse for those who already require a visual correction such as spectacles or contact lenses. A prescription may be correct for general use, but sustained time in front of the computer may require a more specialised script for this task. Trying to physically compensate for an incorrect or under-corrected prescription can result in posture problems, giving rise to extraocular symptoms such as muscle spasms or pain in the neck, shoulders or back.
Other than optical prescriptions, other common causes of CVS include poor lighting, glare on the digital screen, poor seating posture, and improper viewing distances.
What can we do? Evidence-based treatments and actions:
Spectacles
Spectacles may be adjusted or prescribed for the unique demands of digital screen work. In select cases, vision therapy (exercises) may also improve eye coordination and focus. These treatments are unique to each individual and tailored on a case-by-case basis by an optometrist.
General changes
Apart from glasses, changes in screen display characteristics (such as lighting, glare and display quality) as well as ergonomic positioning and treatment of ocular surface dysfunction (dry eye drops) can all potentially improve symptoms of CVS.
| Location of computer screen | 15-20 degrees below eye level.
40-75cm distance from eyes. |
| Reference materials | Best located above the keyboard and below the monitor.
If not possible, a document holder can be used beside the monitor. Ideally, the head should not need to be repositioned to see the document. |
| Lighting | Position computer screen to avoid glare, especially from overhead lighting or windows. |
| Seating position | Chair height should be adjusted so feet are flat on the floor.
Wrists shouldn’t rest on the keyboard when typing. |
| Rest breaks | 20/20/20 rule: for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the distance (at least 20 feet) for 20 seconds to allow the eyes to refocus.
After extended use (every 2 hours) rest for 15 minutes. |
| Blinking | Blink frequency reduces when on screens and hence conscious effort to blink helps keep the front surface of the eye moist. |
| Ocular lubricants | To maintain moist ocular surface and aid in dry eye caused by reduced blink frequency at screens. Please see your optometrist for recommendations. |
Computer Vision Syndrome is very common given current work and lifestyles.
If you are finding that your symptoms match up with those of CVS, the best option is to see your optometrist for advice on the best prescription as well as managing eye coordination, the ocular surface and ergonomic considerations specific to your particular needs.
Ingrid and Banner the Super Dog
By Guide Dogs Client Ingrid Barnes.
Banner the Super Guide Dog. A nod to his MARVEL namesake. Funny yes – but also fitting. I truly believe he saves me each and every day. Since the moment we started working together he restored my confidence, brought back my adventurous spirit and helped me find my voice as a disability advocate.
From boardrooms, schools, university classrooms, and training facilities – on morning news couches, radio stations, and in printed articles – Banner has led me to be seen and heard. Together we break down stereotypes of what it is to be blind, and educate others on vision loss and how to best support blind members of their community.
Banner has brought so much joy to me and the members of my family – he’s this incredibly warm and grounding presence and I love him more than anything. Outside of our work, we certainly play! At 23 domestic flights and counting, we’ve travelled around the east coast of Australia. Visiting vineyards, museums, and movie theatres. He confidently guides me through my cosplay conventions, even onstage as I emcee. Whether we’re walking around the park or he’s at my feet snoring through a musical – I feel so calm and safe. Banner is the superhero who changed my life – and together we’re changing the world.
Philanthropy
Guide Dog Partner – with a difference!
Sue-Ellen Lovett is an extraordinary person who has partnered with an extraordinary Guide Dog, Woody. A Client for more than 40 years, Woody is her seventh Guide Dog and in a relatively short time they have become inseparable.
“Woody has changed my life. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to get out to the stable every day and ride my horses. He’s a cheeky monkey – and my best mate.”
While all our Guide Dogs are incredible, Guide Dogs Orientation and Mobility Specialists worked very carefully with the pair to develop a special skillset to work alongside horses.
Sue-Ellen is a Paralympian equestrian, having participated in two Paralympic games. In her spare time, she is also a talented motivational speaker and author having released two books, ‘Johno and the Blind Chick’ and her biography, ‘The Blind Chick.’ If you are in Mudgee, a current exhibition at the Mudgee Museum and Historical Society includes Sue-Ellen’s Paralympics uniforms, Guide Dog harnesses and other personal items used and collected throughout her life.
Woody was named through our Guide Dog Partner program, sponsored by a very special supporter, in memory of her husband.
Becoming a Guide Dog Partner is a truly memorable two-year experience and a tangible way to directly help those living with low vision or blindness.
A very special volunteer!
Daniel and his wife, Celine are truly part of our Guide Dogs family. When Daniel took some time away from his busy corporate life, he started volunteering at the Guide Dogs Centre in Glossodia.
“For me, being around dogs was just the tonic I needed to reconnect with what is most important in life. When I saw the incredible work that was being conducted by the dog training teams, the passion and the skill taken to train these beautiful animals for people with low vision or blindness, I wanted to be even more involved.”
Daniel is also a Volunteer Home Whelper, and looks after breeding dog Felicity, who recently had a healthy litter of pups. Daniel reached out to the Philanthropy team to see if he could become a special Guide Dog Partner and follow the special journey of one of Felicity’s pups.
Overwhelmed by their generosity, Guide Dogs thanks Daniel and Celine for becoming a Guide Dog Partner and we can’t wait to share the journey of little yellow female pup, Celine, over the next two years.
To learn more about becoming a Guide Dog Partner, call our friendly Philanthropy Advisor, Millie Zhang on 0497 633 009.
A day in the life of an Ambassador Dog
Name: Venus
Role: Guide Dogs Ambassador Dog
Birthday: 14 May 2020
Mum: Gabbi
Dad: Wylie
Siblings: Six
Hi, I’m Venus, and I have a very important job as an Ambassador Dog for Guide Dogs. I am told my calm nature makes me a great Ambassador Dog. I am eager to please, especially if there is a carrot on offer and I’m a social butterfly. I just love to meet people and I can tell when someone is feeling down. I will bring them a toy or just rest my head on their knee to let them know I am there.
A typical day for me always starts with grabbing my toy alligator and greeting my humans with a big tail wag that wiggles my entire body, which makes them laugh.
I head out on a big walk before going into our St Leonards flagship office and settling into my spot next to my Handler’s desk. From time to time when visitors stop by the office, I will be asked to go out and greet them at reception, but my favorite days are event days!
After a morning pamper, my Ambassador Dog jacket goes on and I know it’s time to work. Recently I visited Government House and a pop-up Guide Dogs Café, they were so much fun! My role is to work the room, greet donors, Clients and the general public, posing for photos and getting some pats while they hear about the important work that my other colleagues do in their roles as Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs.
I love representing Guide Dogs and raising awareness about the amazing work we do to empower people with low vision or blindness.
Zara’s latest adventure
Zara, our talented Client who we introduced you to in our Christmas Appeal, is keen to share what she has been up to!
Zara talked about her many talents, including her long list of sporting and creative endeavours.
Recently Zara and her family took a trip to Portugal where Zara represented the Australian Women’s team at the Goalball World Championships. The Aussie Bells won two of their seven matches and came in eleventh place in the tournament. Great work team!
Zara loved being surrounded by other athletes just like her and cannot wait to sharpen her skills even more in this game she loves, that was created for people with low vision or blindness. Thank you to our incredible donors who give hope to children just like Zara, so that they too can take part in activities, build independence, and experience all that life has to offer.
SUP Children's Camp
What’s SUP?!
The sun was shining and our Clients were demonstrating some impressive flexibility at our ‘What’s SUP’ event at Ettalong Beach.
The event has become something that our younger Clients and their families look forward to each year as an opportunity to socialise whilst enjoying some fun beach activities.
Our Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) board event had plenty of classic SUP boarding as well as SUP yoga. Clients had a great time doing beach-inclusive activities using running lines, experiencing a simulated water rescue, and a modified flags activity using sound location.
We also had the opportunity to demonstrate sighted guide training and vision goggle simulation to educate surf lifesaving volunteers and our supporting partners about how to best support our Clients on the day.
Thank you to Bombora SUPFIT, Sup and Yoga with Tina, and the Water Rescue Team including volunteers from Surf Life Saving Australia clubs Ocean Beach, Umina, Wamberal and North Avoca.
Partnerships
Protect your vision
Our top three tips to maintain healthy eyesight are:
- Wear sunglasses that meet Australian standards for UVA and UVB protection. UV exposure is particularly bad for eye health.
- Wear eye protection to prevent injury when working with tools, riding motorcycles, or during sport.
- Get regular eye tests for early detection and intervention.
Guide Dogs works with an incredible group of partners who share our values. One such partner, Ugly Fish Eyewear, specialises in eye protection.
“We are proud to support the incredible work of Guide Dogs by donating $1 from every pair of glasses sold. We’ve been protecting eyes for twenty years and know that in addition to UV damage, thousands of eye accidents happen every year in Australia. The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable with the use of appropriate safety eyewear.” Ugly Fish CEO, Faraz Darabi said.
Ugly Fish safety glasses help prevent eye damage with shatterproof, impact resistant polycarbonate safety lenses, anti-fog coating, and maximum, Category 3 UV protection. Wraparound frames and removable positive seal inserts also add protection from wind, dust, and particle entry.
With maximum Category 3 UV protection, Ugly Fish polarised and light-adapting photochromic sunglasses eliminate harmful UV rays and glare which reduces squinting and eye strain. Reducing UV exposure also helps slow cataract growth and other eye conditions.
Explore the Ugly Fish range here.
Any vision issues such as lack of focus, squinting, eye soreness, discomfort, headaches, or dry eyes should be investigated by your eye care specialist (optometrist or orthoptist). Contact Guide Dogs today for advice and support.
Our Partners
Thank you to our partners:
Your donation is the difference!
Your donations to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT help us to continue our important work, including matching Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs, orientation and mobility services, providing regional outreach, undertaking diagnostic services through our Centre for Eye Health, and delivering technology support sessions and occupational therapy to more than 3,500 Clients.
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