Since 1979, Guide Dogs Victoria has run a specialised service for people who have vision loss as a result of an acquired brain injury (ABI). Unlike those who have received trauma to their eyes, people with an ABI have vision loss resulting from their brain sending the wrong signals. Guide Dogs Victoria staff teach people with an ABI how to optimise use of any remaining vision and how to utilise other senses and cognitive skills to regain their independence.

Meindert Withoff was a successful mechanical design engineer before suffering a severe stroke in 2008. As a result of the stroke, he lost 75% of his vision and was left paralysed on the left side of his body. The damage to the right side of his brain completely changed his perspective on life, taking him from someone who was always very practical and analytical to someone who could suddenly think very creativity.

Following the stroke, Meindert took up painting as part of his rehabilitation therapy, helping him to express himself and embrace his new found love for creative activities.

“When I first started painting I would only paint on the right hand side of the paper and I would think I was finished” says Meindert.

After much hard work and practice, that is no longer the case. In 2009, a painting entitled ‘Flowers of the Left Brain’ was selected for display at the State Trustees’ Connected09 exhibition, which showcases the artworks of Victorians with a disability. This year, a new painting entitled ‘Feathers of Hope’ was shortlisted as a finalist for Connect10 and exhibited at Melbourne Central in August. 

“I find painting a very positive experience, because despite the things that have gone wrong in my life, I can still give something meaningful back to society. Painting has helped me gain back a sense of control and accomplishment” Meindert explains.

A husband and father of three, Meindert has also involved his family in his painting. “My children are really proud of me again now. “I can teach them something new. We often sit around and learn how to paint together.”

The family also applied for a Pets as Therapy dog from Guide Dogs Victoria, recently welcoming Opal into their lives. “Opal has brought us all such joy, she has really turned our lives around. We just love her and everyone is so impressed at how well behaved she is” says Meindert’s wife, Jozica.

   PAT dog Opal brings much joy to the Withoff family