Guide Dogs Queensland

Join us for the Brisbane Disability Expo and Work Ability Expo on November 1 & 2, 2024, from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre!   Discover a world of disability-specific products and services all under one roof, designed to empower and enhance the quality of life for individuals. This year, at the Guide Dogs Queensland stall, we will offer a variety of interactive opportunities, including: - Try a Long Cane or Miniguide (an ultra-sonic obstacle detector) while wearing low vision simulators. - Meet a Guide Dog-in-training and a Guide Dog trainer. - Test your skills at spelling your own name in Braille. - Challenge your other senses by exploring various objects without using your sight. Our friendly team will be on hand to answer all your questions about gaining independence with low vision or blindness. Come and connect with the community—let's celebrate together! We can’t wait to see you there! #BrisbaneDisabilityExpo #InclusionMatters #GuideDogsQueensland [Image Description: A male and female are standing outside, behind a table and are smiling at the camera. The table has a black table cloth with white writing which reads "Guide Dogs". There are multiple merchandise items on the table which have Guide Dogs branding. Multiple shops are in the background]

 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

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. This International White Cane Day, we invite you to join us in spreading awareness about the invaluable support Guide Dogs Queensland offers to those with low vision or blindness. 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! Seek support early and visit our website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gddd5syE #InternationalWhiteCaneDay #GuideDogsQueensland #AccessibilityForAll [Image description: black text on a blue background reads "Celebrating International White Cane Day, Supporting you at every stage". 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.]

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]

Queensland Mental Health Week runs from 5 - 13 October. At Guide Dogs, we understand that mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being, especially for those navigating the challenges of low vision or blindness. Whether you're adjusting to a recent change in vision, experiencing a gradual decline, living with long-standing low vision or blindness, or supporting a loved one through these experiences, our dedicated psychology services are here to support you at any stage of your journey. Everyone experiences mental health symptoms differently, which is why we tailor our support to meet each individual's unique needs. Whether you're seeking guidance, coping strategies, or simply someone to talk to, we're here for you. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength. You’re not alone, and we’re committed to helping you live independently and confidently. Let’s prioritise our mental health together! 🌟 If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out via our website - https://lnkd.in/gTXkaxZc #QMHW [Image Description - Dr Janet is sitting on a black chair in front of a white wall holding a clipboard and pen, smiling at a Client who has their back to the camera. Dr Janet is wearing a grey polo with the words "Guide Dogs Queensland" in orange writing. The Client is holding a cane in the middle of the photo]

WE NEED YOUR VOTE! Guide Dogs has the chance to be chosen as the people’s choice favourite, Transurban community initiative for Queensland, enabling Guide Dogs to run a road safety awareness campaign across Brisbane during April 2025. #VoteNow. This is your chance to help us raise community awareness of the road safety needs of our Queenslanders living with low vision or blindness. Voting closes 30 September. https://lnkd.in/gFM-6ghu #GuideDogs #Transurban #CommunityGrants [Image Description: A child is sitting in a car seat looking at her mother. Text reads "Vote for Transurban's Community Grants People's Choice Award". Text in the bottom of the photo reads "Help shape your community". Linkt logo in the bottom right.]

Join Our 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.]

Make Disability Count in Queensland - inclusion, rights and access An inclusive Queensland is important for all Queenslanders. That's why 34 disability organisations, including Guide Dogs Queensland, are coming together as the Queensland Disability Alliance to host the ‘Queensland State Election 2024 Disability Online Forum’. On October 26, 2024, the Queensland State Election will be significantly shaped by the collective efforts of 34 leading disability organisations united as the Queensland Disability Alliance.   This alliance will focus on six critical areas to emphasise the theme “Make Disability Count,” which includes: 1. Foundational Support Service System 2. Disability Reforms - Including the Disability Royal Commission and NDIS Review 3. Independent Individual and Systemic Advocacy 4. Disability Leadership and Innovation 5. Mainstream Services 6. Disability Workforce and Sector Capacity   We invite you to join the online forum to engage in meaningful discussions and advocate for these pivotal issues. Your participation is crucial in driving the change needed to enhance inclusion, rights, and access for individuals with disabilities. To register click the following link: https://lnkd.in/gueYRTDv [Image description available in first comment]

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support and generosity from Carina Leagues Club! Your recent donation is a significant contribution to our mission at Guide Dogs Queensland, and we cannot thank you enough. Your ongoing support has been instrumental in helping us provide life-changing assistance to individuals living with low vision or blindness. #GuideDogsQueensland #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #ThankYou