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SupPAWt our heroes of the future!

This Christmas, help us train the Guide Dog heroes that transform so many lives.

A dog with cape. Donate now

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Learn about Guide Dogs Victoria and our services in your preferred language.

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Support for tweens and teens Grow your independence

It’s an exciting time when you’re nearing adulthood. There are so many new experiences just around the corner. If you’re a teenager with low vision which is affecting your mobility, the situation is exactly the same. Your teenage years are the perfect time to take on new challenges to become an independent adult.

Travelling safely on your own without family members, starting high school or transitioning to university, entering the workforce, spending time with friends, and socialising to make new ones — whatever you’re looking to do, our team can equip you with practical skills to achieve your personal goals.

You can:

Achieve real outcomes Skills to establish independence

  • By participating in Orientation & Mobility Training, you can learn skills to travel confidently through the city, go out and socialise with friends, and safely navigate your daily life.
  • With Technology Training, you can use devices you already own — like your smartphone — in new ways to make life easier and improve your independence.
  • Occupational Therapists work with you to identify your specific personal goals and the steps to achieve them. This can include starting a new job, managing your own financial transactions, skills around the home for when you move out, and more.
  • Meet new friends in Peer Support programs while learning practical techniques to catch public transport, handle busy environments and engage with Guide Dogs.
  • Gain trust in a Guide Dog and learn techniques to use them in later life, in Guide Dog Mobility Services.
  • You may be eligible for financial support through the NDIS, meaning the costs of your support could be covered.
  • Our orthoptists can offer education, assessment and consultation to ensure your lifestyle and environment are optimised to your vision level or abilities.
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Case studies

Funding Get financial support

You may be able to access funding and assistance through the NDIS and other funding channels. Whether you are eligible or not, be assured that we will always provide support regardless of your financial situation.

Learn about the NDIS

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Free planning for the NDIS Support Coordinators

Support coordinators offer a free pre-planning service for anyone considering the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). With a support coordinator, you can easily understand your eligibility, cut through the jargon, and get your plan together. Support coordinators work with you to set clear goals, define your needs, and reach the outcomes that enable you to live the life you want. The pre-planning service provided by support coordinators is also available if you are coming up to plan renewal.

Find out about support coordinators

Referrals Request a service

If you’re hoping to access support for someone you know, we welcome referrals from parents, friends, family members, and a wide range of health professionals.

For more information on accessing tween and teen support, training programs, or to start achieving your own independence:

Request a service
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NAVIGATE FUNDING Could you access this support via NDIS?

Have you checked your eligibility to access this support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)? Many people include this support as part of their NDIS plan.

If you’re eligible for the NDIS, we can cut through the jargon, assist with your plan—or pre-planning—and get you on the path towards your personal goals. You can request free Support Coordination or find out more about your potential eligibility to access this service through the NDIS now.

If you’re older than 65, funded supports are accessed through the aged care system. You can register with My Aged Care by contacting their help line on 1800 200 422.

Learn more about NDIS Learn more about My Aged Care