Guide Dogs Names Top South Australian Accessibility Advocates

Guide Dogs SA/NT will recognise Adelaide Fringe and transport provider Keolis Downer with South Australia’s inaugural Access Advocate Awards, celebrating the work they do to support people living with low vision and blindness and their commitment to awareness-raising in their workplaces, at an event at Government House this morning.

Celebrating World Sight Day, Guide Dogs SA/NT is hosting an event at Government House which also recognises Puppy Raisers and their commitment to helping develop Guide Dogs of the future, and clients who have been supported by the organisation, including people living with low vision who have achieved personal independence goals using white canes and accessing other services.

Guide Dogs SA/NT Chief Executive Aaron Chia said World Sight Day shone a spotlight on the importance of eye health and vision care, bringing global attention to blindness and vision impairment.

“World Sight Day gives us the opportunity to recognise the top South Australian companies that go above and beyond when it comes to championing accessibility in the workplace and advocating for better workplace conditions for people living with low vision and blindness,” Mr Chia said.

“Along with providing support through guide, assistance, and facility dogs, occupational therapy, orientation and mobility training, Guide Dogs SA/NT also supports clients by working with businesses to increase awareness and accessibility within the community - including Human Guide Training - which helps people living with low vision or blindness to safely, efficiently and confidently be supported to move through their surroundings.

“The more people who learn how to be a Human Guide, the more we are working towards creating a community that is safe, inclusive and accessible for all.”

Today’s inaugural Access Advocate Award honours companies that advocate for equal access by embedding Human Guide Training into their businesses at an organisational level, ensuring a welcoming and accessible environment for all.

Since 2021, Guide Dogs SA/NT has partnered with Keolis Downer to support accessibility across the train network in South Australia. Following an initial rollout of 16 sessions to their Customer Service Officers, Keolis Downer has completed two sessions each year as part of its induction process for new team members.

As an Access Partner of Adelaide Fringe, Guide Dogs SA/NT has provided Human Guide Training to hundreds of volunteers and staff at the largest fringe festival in the southern hemisphere over the past three years.

With a commitment to ensuring all artists and audiences can make the most of their program, Adelaide Fringe is a shining example of how to ensure everyone can experience the magic of the arts.

Mr Chia will also recognise the businesses which have completed Human Guide Training over the past 12 months; Torrens Connect, Torrens Transit, Community Support Inc SA, The Duke of Brunswick Hotel, City of Victor Harbor, City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters, City of West Torrens, City of Marion, City of Mitcham, Adelaide Festival Centre, Lutheran Homes Group, Scentre Group (Westfield), Beyond Bank, Brain Injury SA, Tibii Disability Support Services, Click Films, and Big Fish Events Group.

As part of World Sight Day, Guide Dogs SA/NT will hold a panel discussion with Puppy Raisers, as well as recognise people living with low vision and blindness.

“Each Guide Dogs SA/NT client sets goals and milestones to achieve for themselves, with some of these accomplishments made working with a Guide Dog, and many more achieved with the assistance of a white cane,” Mr Chia said.

“Achievements are made with the support and through working together with our Occupational Therapists and Orientation Mobility Specialists. Many of our clients who live with low vision or blindness will be here to celebrate with us today while and we acknowledge their incredible achievements and everyone that is supported by Guide Dogs SA/NT.”

Guide Dogs SA/NT clients will also be looking forward to celebrating White Cane Day on Tuesday, 15 October.