Guide Dogs Australia

For this Occupational Therapist (OT) Week we asked Sarah, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT OT a very important question, “what’s the best part of being an OT?” Her response: “No matter where we work, we are promoting independence and quite often sharing skills and ideas we have learnt from other Clients with new Clients,” says Sarah. Whether they have a specific skill they would like to learn as part of their routine or a new technique, our OTs assist our Clients who have different levels of functional vision to create a program that suits them and to master it. From following recipes to plucking the weeds out of their lawns, our Clients are supported to live everyday life independently. “No two days are ever the same,” says OT Jo. “On one week I found myself discussing braille devices with an Auslan interpreter, teaching a child who is blind to stab gnocchi on their fork and providing strategies to a young adult with low vision and her circus trope teacher how to apply make- up to be performance ready!” Our OTs love to find new ways they can best tailor their programs to each individual Client and communication is key to achieving this! "It is great to be part of the communication of these great ideas. In 2024 for OT week, we are celebrating 80 years of connection. This connection is with our Clients, our fellow colleagues and the community,” says Sarah. Join us in celebrating the incredible work Occupational Therapists do to support our Clients! [Image description: Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Client doing push ups on the grass. Their white cane rests beside them on a black bag.] #GuideDogsAustralia #OccupationalTherapyWeek2024 #OccupationalTherapists

 It's Occupational Therapy Week! 🎉 Did you know that OTs can transform your daily living in amazing ways? Here are three incredible, cost-effective tools that you might not be aware of: Pocket Size Assistance: Your smartphone is more powerful than you think! With Optical Character Recognition (OCR) apps, you can use voice commands to read text, scan barcodes, identify objects, and even find out how many people are in a room. It's like having a personal assistant in your pocket! Ask your OT to help you set it up! Illuminate Your Life: Lighting can make all the difference! Simply switching a light bulb from warm to cool can improve visibility for those with low vision. During your next home visit, let your OT assess your lighting situation—it could brighten up your life! Tactile Markers for Independence: Ever heard of tactile markers? These raised high contrast sticker dots can be placed on appliances to help those with low vision or blindness easily find the right settings. Imagine confidently using your microwave or washing machine—all thanks to a little help from your OT! Take the first step toward a more independent life—reach out to your Occupational Therapist or visit our website today! https://bit.ly/3BTrpQ1 #OTWeek #OccupationalTherapy #DailyLiving #Empowerment #GuideDogsQueensland

It's Occupational Therapy (OT) Week! The theme this year is ‘Occupational Therapy for All’ and it is a time to recognise the OT profession, and the amazing things OT support can do to help individuals, groups and communities achieve optimal health and wellbeing. In honour of OT Week, here are a few tips to make your office more accessible for everyone! • When leaving your seat, ensure it is tucked back under a desk to avoid trip hazards • Use tactile bump stickers to help someone with low vision identify tea/coffee/sugar canisters in the kitchen • Keep your body moving and give your eyes a rest from screens by enjoying a walk on your lunch break • Try using night light/eye comfort options on your computer or phone, it may help with eye strain • Keep your workspace tidy and clutter-free to reduce visual complexity We hope these handy hints from our incredible OT team can make a difference in your workspace this OT Week 🎉. #GuideDogs #OTWeek #OccupationalTherapyForAll #OccupationalTherapyWeek #OccupationalTherapist #OT hashtag #Accessibility

Exciting News! 🌟 We’re thrilled to announce that Guide Dogs Queensland is a finalist in all three categories, for the 2024 National Disability Awards! Excellence in Regional and Remote Support Individual/Team: The Canine Team, Guide Dogs Queensland Allied Health Professionals Award Individual/Team: Dr. Sau (Janet) Kuan Cheong, Guide Dogs Queensland Excellence In Regional and Remote Support Organisation: Guide Dogs Queensland These significant awards celebrate and highlight the exceptional efforts of individuals, groups, and organisations dedicated to fostering an inclusive Australia where people with disabilities are empowered to contribute to their communities. Join us in celebrating these remarkable achievements! The winners will be announced on Monday 9 December 2024, at the National Disability Support Awards ceremony in Adelaide.   #NationalDisabilityAwards2024 #GuideDogsQueensland [Image description: On a black background, bold white text announces the “National Disability Awards.” Below, vibrant green text highlights the “2024 Finalist.” Additional white text details the awards, including “Excellence in Regional and Remote Support Individual/Team: The Canine Team, Guide Dogs Queensland,” and “Allied Health Professionals Awards Individual/Team: Dr. Sau (Janet) Kuan Cheong, Guide Dogs Queensland.” “Excellence in Regional and Remote Support Organisation: Guide Dogs Queensland,” followed by the logo for NDS, National Disability Services. In the top right corner, a green and white star-shaped logo]

Join us in Celebrating International White Cane Day! Today, we honour the remarkable achievements of individuals with low vision or blindness. The White Cane is more than just a mobility aid; it symbolises independence, freedom, and community connection. At Guide Dogs, we provide one-on-one training to help our Clients master White Cane mobility. This essential skill empowers individuals to navigate their environments with confidence, unlocking new opportunities. Join the movement this International White Cane Day. Together, we can create a more inclusive and accessible world. Here’s how you can contribute: Clear Pathways: Over 90% of cane users encounter obstacles such as overgrown vegetation and improperly parked vehicles. Let’s ensure our sidewalks remain unobstructed! Stay Aware: More than 70% of White Cane users face challenges from distracted pedestrians. Please be mindful of your surroundings and look up while walking. Ask First: If you believe someone may need assistance, approach with respect. Introduce yourself and kindly ask if they require help, without making assumptions about their needs. Break Down Barriers: Together, we can challenge stigma and discrimination, promoting a culture of inclusion and accessibility for all. Let’s make a meaningful difference and celebrate the progress we've achieved! Join the movement and visit our website to learn more: International White Cane Day 2024 - Guide Dogs Australia #InternationalWhiteCaneDay #JoinTheMovement #GuideDogsAustralia #AccessibilityForAll [Image description: black text on a blue background reads "Celebrating International White Cane Day, Join the movement". Black circle with white writing reads: 15 October 2024". The Guide Dogs logo is at the bottom of the picture. There is a White Cane on the left hand side of the picture.]

The ‘Bark’eting team or the Marketing Team as they’re known externally, went offline on Wednesday 2 October and gathered at the Commonwealth Bank building for an all-day team workshop. From trivia, goal setting and learning fun facts about one another, it was truly a fantastic day of collaboration and connection. We can’t wait to share the progress on their team objectives in the upcoming year with our amazing community. [Image Description: members of the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Marketing Team stand in the Commonwealth Bank Building. One black Labrador Guide Dog and one yellow Labrador Guide Dog also pose for a photo.] #GuideDogsAustralia #GuideDogsNSWACT #TeamDay #MarketingTeam

On 15 October, we are proud to highlight the significant role of the White Cane in empowering individuals with low vision or blindness. The White Cane is more than just a mobility aid; it represents a pathway to confidence and independence. These essential tools symbolise the ability to navigate the world safely and with assurance. Meet Mitchell, a remarkable 15-year-old who is embracing his low vision journey, continuing to live his life the way he wants. Mitchell says, “It’s been a life changer – it’s given me more confidence and freedom to move around". Visit his full story here: https://lnkd.in/gVWEA58R #InternationalWhiteCaneDay #GuideDogsAustralia #WhiteCane #LowVision #Blindness [Image Description: A young man is sitting on a dark-colored bed in a well-lit bedroom, holding an iPad in his hands. He is wearing black jeans and a grey t-shirt. Next to him, is a White Cane leaning against the bed. To the left, a framed photograph of elephants hangs on the white wall with multiple books on a shelf underneath the picture]

Approximately one-third of stroke survivors experience vision loss. Guide Dogs’ Neurological Services provide vision assessment and low vision rehab programs to help people regain their confidence and continue to remain active in their community following a neurological event. To promote these services, Guide Dogs recently joined the Angels Initiative at the Australia and NZ Stroke Organisation’s Asia Pacific Conference. The Angels Initiative is a healthcare intervention launched by Boehringer Ingelheim in partnership with the World Stroke Organisation and European Stroke Organisation dedicated to improving stroke patients’ chances of survival and a disability-free life. Guide Dogs has had a long standing partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim who provide our colony of dogs with parasite protection and vaccines. We thank our friends at the Angels Initiative and Boehringer Ingelheim for helping us spread the word about the vital services Guide Dogs provides. Get more information about Guide Dogs Neurological Services here: https://bit.ly/3ZPSPQF #GuideDogsAustralia #BoehringerIngelheim [Image Description One: Five people sitting around a Guide Dogs Ambassador Dog wearing an orange coat.] [Image Description Two: Four people sitting in front of a proudly supporting Guide Dogs sign with a Guide Dogs Ambassador Dog.]

Join Our Queensland Team as an Occupational Therapist!   We have an exciting opportunity at Guide Dogs Queensland for an experienced and dedicated Occupational Therapist to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with low vision or blindness. Based at our beautiful head office in Bald Hills, we welcome both seasoned professionals and recent graduates to apply! As an Occupational Therapist, you will have a unique opportunity to apply your skills in a niche area by designing and implementing individual program plans and/or NDIS plans tailored specifically to the needs and goals of our Clients. You’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide essential therapies to both adults and young people. Looking for a work/life balance role that doesn’t have you in the office every day? This position is available on a part-time (minimum 4 days per week) or full-time basis (preferred). You will also enjoy travelling regularly to work with our Clients within an allocated region of Queensland. If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to embark on a rewarding journey with us, we’d love to hear from you!   Apply now and be part of our mission to empower those with low vision and blindness! - https://bit.ly/OT-GDQ #GuideDogsQueensland #OccupationalTherapy [Image Description: There is a group of people both standing and kneeling on grass outside in the sunshine with their hands raised in the air. All are wearing black t-shirts which has orange writing on the front that says "who'll help the dogs out?". A yellow Labrador is sitting on the grass in the middle of the group.]

Yesterday Guide Dogs staff hosted R U OK? Day morning teas, had sweet treats and took part in a short quiz about mental health statistics in Australia to highlight the importance of the topic. Some of our four-legged colleagues also joined in to check in with fellow dogs and on their humans too. While this day only happens once a year, we encourage our teams, Clients and members of our community to check in with each other and ask “are you okay?” on any day. [Image description one: A Guide Dogs NSW/ACT team member stands in front of the St Leonards digital wall holding a tray of food. They wear an R U OK? day shirt and smile at the camera.] [Image description two: A black Labrador with a yellow collar that says R U Ok?] [Image description three: A plate of muffins on a countertop next to R U Ok? day conversation cards.] [Image description four: Yellow cookies with the words R U Ok? on a white tablecloth with yellow cardboard pawprints.] [Image description five: A group of Guide Dogs team members stand around chatting and selecting food from a table.] [Image description six: A group of four Guide Dogs team members stand holding yellow cookies and pawprints. A black Labrador sits and looks at the camera.] [Image description seven: Two yellow Labradors lay down with a yellow pawprint cutout between them. The dogs look up at the camera.] #GuideDogsAustralia #RuOkDay2024