Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Welcome to the July edition of the Client e-News. This month we are pleased to share with you the results from the Voice of the Client survey which many of you may have participated in. It was great to hear about what you enjoy about the services we provide and what you think we can improve on. As you know, we have been helping adults and children with vision impairment and sight loss to gain independence and stay connected with their communities for over 60 years. What you might not know is that this is made possible by community donations which fund 95% of our service costs. Donations are a key factor enabling us to assist more people with vision impairment and prevent avoidable sight loss. We are also excited to be part of key schemes such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) which build client choice and control and contribute to organizational sustainability. This month we also bring you some industry news about an exciting new technology in place at Sydney Airport, as well as a landmark accessibility outcome thanks to some strong advocacy by Blind Citizens Australia. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. Best wishes Annette Clarke Head of Services Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Welcome to the June edition of the Client e-News. This month we bring you a very important update from Guide Dogs HQ about the new enquiry and intake process for all clients, including answers to some frequently asked questions about this change. We also have some exciting group programs coming up in July for kids aged six to 12 years old, high school students and young adults. Finally, you may remember last year we launched a new fundraising initiative called PAWGUST. This exciting fundraiser has returned this year and registrations are now open! I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. Best wishes Annette Clarke Head of Services Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Welcome to the May edition of the Client e-News. This month we bring you some important information regarding voting in the upcoming federal election, as well as some great industry updates including a date for the launch of the new Sydney Metro train and a new strengthened national advocate for low vision. I hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue. Best wishes, Annette Clarke Head of Services Guide Dogs NSW Dogs NSW/ACT

Welcome to the March edition of the Client e-News. This month we bring you some exciting updates from Guide Dogs HQ, including our new Purpose Statement, as well as information on a new tool that will improve the way staff collaborate with clients to plan and evaluate the programs we offer. This month we also have some great technology and industry updates, including an employment opportunity with Blind Citizens Australia and some useful information about how to include sport and recreation in your NDIS Plan. I hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue. Best wishes Annette Clarke Head of Services Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Welcome to the first edition of the Client e-News for 2019! I hope you all had a safe and relaxing break over Christmas and the New Year. This year is already shaping up to be an exciting one for Guide Dogs and we look forward to updating you each month on new initiatives, industry news and exciting technology updates throughout 2019. Best wishes Annette Clarke Head of Services Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Welcome to the final edition of the Client e-News for 2018 – the Christmas edition! As the year draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your readership and feedback over the past 12 months. We have really enjoyed hearing about the issues that matter to you and bringing you the latest industry news and Guide Dogs updates. As a reminder our Client Services Department will be closed from Monday 24 December 2018 to Wednesday 2 January 2018. From all of us here at Guide Dogs we’d like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The next edition of this e-News will be hitting your inbox in February 2019. Best wishes Annette Clarke Executive General Manager, Client Services Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Welcome to the October edition of the Client e-News. In this edition we ask you to participate in a Guide Dogs survey to help us get a snapshot of technology use and opinions on technology in 2018. We also bring you some comprehensive technology updates and the Accessible Performance Guide for the 2019 Sydney Festival to be held in January. I hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue. Best wishes Annette Clarke Executive General Manager, Client Services Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Welcome to the September edition of the Client e-News. In this edition we bring you some important industry news about the refusal of interstate taxi vouchers from Blind Citizens Australia, as well some information about the issue of accessing My Health Record for people who are blind or vision impaired. This month we feature some useful information regarding the NDIS including who is eligible and how, as a registered service provider under this scheme, Guide Dogs can help you achieve your individual goals. Finally, there is an exciting opportunity to participate in a free tactile tour, with experienced guides, of some of the exhibits from the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition in Bondi this October. For more information please go to the ‘events’ section of this newsletter. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. Best wishes Annette Clarke Executive General Manager, Client Services Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Dear Client, Welcome to the July edition of the Client e-News. In this edition we bring you some great technology updates, as well as information from the Guide Dogs Access Team on issues around dockless bikes. We also bring you more information about the NDIS Quality and Safe Guarding Commission from your Client Feedback Officer, Jo Weir, and for the first time, we have included a podcast review. If this is something you all find interesting, we hope to include it in every edition of the Client e-News moving forward. To let us know what you think, or to submit your own podcast review for consideration, please contact Sam McGill on smcgill@guidedogs.com.au. Best wishes, Annette Clarke Executive General Manager Client Services Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Welcome to the June edition of the Client e-News. This month we bring you some exciting information from Guide Dogs HQ regarding new office locations in Wollongong and Newcastle, and a new fundraising initiative called PAWGUST. We also bring you a comprehensive rundown of the issues discussed at the latest Australian Blindness Forum, and an update in regard to Transport for NSW’s trial to allow pets on trains. I hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue. Best wishes, Annette Clarke Acting Executive General Manager Client Services Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Welcome to the May edition of the Client e-News. This month we are excited to inform you that the Peer Support Volunteer Program has commenced at Guide Dogs. As you know, this program was developed in response to client feedback, so we are grateful to you all for communicating your needs with us. We hope the service will be of benefit to both new and existing clients. This month we also bring you some important information on Transport for NSW’s pilot to allow pets on trains, including a variety of concerns which we have communicated. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. Best wishes Annette Clarke Acting Executive General Manager Client Services, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT