Consumer Advisory Council
The Consumer Advisory Council (the Council) of Guide Dogs Victoria makes a very positive contribution towards achievement of our mission, namely providing Guide Dog and specialist mobility services of exceptional quality to vision impaired people in the Victorian community.
Its role
Guide Dogs Victoria has always been committed to a policy of transparency, accountability and good communication processes with its clients and stakeholders. The Consumer Advisory Council plays an important role in facilitating the exchange of information between Guide Dogs Victoria, the Board, clients and staff.
The Council :
- provides advice and recommendations concerning the training of blind and vision impaired clients and the relationship between Guide Dogs Victoria and its clients
- acts as a consultative forum in identifying needs and priorities in service delivery
- encourages participation and inclusion by stakeholders in our quality service planning
- encourages the community to contribute to the consultative process
- strives to make services responsive to individuals' needs
- acts as a sounding board for various policy and service proposals
- provides support, encouragement and insight into the use of Guide Dogs Victoria services to successful applicants and clients of Guide Dogs Victoria programs
- reviews Guide Dogs Victoria facilities and communication practices with regard to accessibility by people with vision impairment and other disabilities
- assists in the development of community strategies to address barriers for people with vision impairment
Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference of the Consumer Advisory Council have been modelled on consumer groups operating successfully in similar agencies. They include the State Disability Advisory Council of the Department of Human Services and the Graduate Advisory Council of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Inc of California. The Council meets a minimum of twice annually and comprises members selected to ensure:
- equal representation from each of our five client service groups, namely Guide Dog, Acquired Brain Injury, Children's and Intensive Orientation and Mobility Services and Intensive Occupational Therapy
- geographical diversity - with clients from regional Victoria as well as the metropolitan area
- a balance of men and women
- representation from related fields.
Expressions of Interest
From time to time Guide Dogs Victoria seeks expressions of interest in membership of the Consumer Advisory Council from residents in Victoria. For further information, email info@guidedogsvictoria.com.au or use the contact form to correspond with us.
