Occupational Therapy

Enhancing daily living skills

As part of Guide Dogs Victoria's commitment to help clients enhance their personal freedom and confidence, we offer an Occupational Therapy (OT) Service that can be delivered in conjunction with our mobility programs. OT can be provided at our Centre for Mobility Assessment & Training in Kew or in domiciliary settings.

Who could benefit?

Occupational Therapy can assist people of all ages with a vision impairment to overcome challenges they may experience in daily living activities such as:

• Personal care skills eg dressing, clothes identification, grooming, shaving/make-up and medication management
• Domestic tasks skills eg meal planning, cooking, laundry, cleaning and emergency procedures
• Community skills eg budgeting, banking, money handling and shopping
• Communication skills eg using the telephone or computer, reading, writing and signing documents
• Social skills eg learning to present in a more confident manner and listen to conversational cues such as tone of voice 

Training may involve developing alternative ways of doing things, incorporating environmental changes like lighting or contrast, or introducing specialised equipment to complete a task safely.

Clients range from those with a recent vision loss who require assistance to adjust and learn new daily living skills, to people who wish to take on new challenges such as moving out of home, looking after a family or beginning a new job or leisure pursuit.

Occupational Therapy can also help children develop new skills appropriate for their age or level of development.

Where does training take place?

Occupational Therapy programs are offered at our Centre for Mobility Assessment and Training in Kew or in the client's home. Programs may range in length from one to several days. Where appropriate, training is conducted in conjunction with family members and associated rehabilitation professionals.

For further information, contact:

For a free assessment and confidential consultation at our Centre for Mobility Assessment & Training:

Phone: (03) 9854 4444

Email: referrals@guidedogsvictoria.com.au

Private Bag 13
Chandler Highway
Kew Victoria 3101

All enquiries from health professionals, family members and individuals are welcome.