Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs held its annual graduation ceremony today to celebrate the life-changing connections between 42 handlers and their Seeing Eye Dogs who successfully completed their specialised training.
Seeing Eye Dogs, a division of Vision Australia, supports people across the country who are blind or have low vision to live safe, active and independent lives.
The graduation is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the dedicated staff and volunteers at Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs, who train each Seeing Eye Dog to ensure the safety and mobility of their handlers, as well as the generous donors who help make these efforts possible.
Three of the graduate dogs have been specially trained as part of the Seeing Eye Dogs youth program, which strengthens mobility skills outside of the school curriculum for students aged 12 – 18 who are blind or have low vision.
There are currently 10,309 Australians who are blind or are low vision impaired on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In 2023/24, the NDIS paid $448 million in supports to these participants and since 2016 the NDIS has funded about 2,759 assistance animals.
Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten said it was wonderful to be part of the ceremony and witness the close bond between Seeing Eye Dogs and their handlers.
“We know the National Disability Insurance Scheme is changing the lives of participants and their loved ones, and for many participants across Australia, this includes the support of Seeing Eye Dogs.
“Seeing Eye Dogs are more than just companions; they are a vital support and deserve to be recognised as such.
“The Commonwealth Government remains entirely committed to working with Vision Australia to ensure people who are eligible for an assistance animal can get one in a straightforward and timely way and that the growing demand for vision support services across the state continues to be met.”
The Government will continue to support people who are blind or have low vision and work with organisations like Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs to set the standards for accessibility, inclusivity and independence in Australia.
More information on Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs at www.sed.visionaustralia.org