WHAT A VISION: Dr Graeme White, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT; Jenny Blow, the campaign’s ambassador and Australian Paralympian who is about to compete in London in goalball; and Dr Desiree Gallimore, campaign spokesperson and principal orientation and mobility instructor for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, with Gulliver, the world’s biggest guide dog, which will be in Forster next week.
HE’S the biggest guide dog in the world and he’s on his way to Forster-Tuncurry next week.
Gulliver, the giant model guide dog, will be in town next Wednesday as part of a tour to ensure the National Disability Insurance Scheme doesn’t overlook people with vision impairment.
The two-month roadshow is raising awareness of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s NDIS: A Vision for All campaign.
The campaign is seeking 10,000 signatures in support of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s call for the government to ensure that the NDIS funds orientation and mobility services, including canes and guide dogs, for people whose functional mobility is affected by vision loss.
The NDIS has been in the news in the Great Lakes this month, the Advocate running a front page article quoting Richard Broniman, who was dismayed at the debate raging between the state and federal governments over the scheme.
Mr Broniman, whose late daughter Nicola lived half her life as a quadriplegic, said this was an issue deserving of bi-partisan support.
Dr Graeme White, chief executive officer of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, said vision loss was likewise a challenging disability and its incident was on the rise.
“Without these services, people with vision loss become disconnected from their community, dependent on others to get around and are at a higher risk of accidents and depression,” Mr White said.
“With the number of NSW and ACT residents aged over 40 with vision loss projected to reach 100,000 by 2020, NDIS funding will be critical to enabling us to meet growing demand for our vital services.”
Forster-Tuncurry residents are urged to get behind the campaign when Gulliver’s Roadshow stops outside the food court at Stockland Forster between 9am and 11am on Wednesday August 29.
Local residents with impaired vision and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT staff will be on hand to discuss services, the NDIS campaign and collect signatures.
You can learn more about Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s NDIS: A Vision for All campaign and register your support online at www.visionloss.org.au or call 1800 804 805 for a form and more information.
