What are the mobility alternatives to a Guide Dog?

There are a number of different mobility options for people with a vision impairment to consider. For many people a Guide Dog is not the answer and we work with each person to find the right mobility solution for them, eg long cane and electronic aids.

At what age can you apply for mobility training at Guide Dogs Victoria?

Our Centre for Mobility Assessment and Training can assist people of all ages, from five to 95, who are living with low vision ranging through to total blindness. All clients undertake an assessment before the commencement of training to ensure that the program and nature of training provided is targeted to their needs and mobility goals.

Is it possible for people to train in their own area?

People can undertake mobility training either at Guide Dogs Victoria’s residential facilities, Arnold Cook House, at Kew or in their own home area.

What is Acquired Brain Injury vision impairment? 

Vision impairments sometimes result from injuries to the brain. They can be from a stroke, head injury, tumour or as a result of surgical intervention.

One condition is commonly known as homonymous hemianopia, in which a person's vision is reduced by half so that a person standing opposite seems to have only half a face. Reading the newspaper is frustrating, with print dancing around in front of the eyes or lines disappearing from view. The person may think they have lost their vision in one eye. In fact they have a visual field loss in both eyes.

How can Occupational Therapy help someone who is vision impaired?

Occupational Therapy assists people with a vision impairment to overcome challenges they may experience in daily living activities such as identifying coins and notes; cooking, cleaning and laundry; medical management, shaving or applying make up; or, developing communication skills like computer use, reading or writing.

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