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Our latest update on service arrangements
Our number one priority is the health and wellbeing of everyone in the community.
At Guide Dogs Victoria, the health and wellbeing of our Clients, staff, volunteers, donors and dogs is our number one priority. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, we have been keeping ourselves updated and following Government advice daily in order to keep the Guide Dogs Victoria community safe and well.
We are excited to confirm that our Victorian offices are back to regular opening hours. To confirm your nearest location and opening times, please contact our Customer Service Team on 1800 804 805. You must be fully vaccinated with a digital certificate to access our offices.
COVID-19 Vaccine Support Program
COVID-19 Vaccine Support Program
As advice from both State and Federal Governments – and Australia’s top medical advisors – is encouraging the Australian community to get vaccinated, we want to ensure our Clients have support in place to access vaccination bookings, appointments, and easy access to the COVID-19 digital certificate.
We have updated our COVID-19 Vaccine Support Program to assist Clients receiving the COVID-19 vaccination and access the COVID-19 digital certificate.
Support for using QR codes to check-in
Support for using QR codes to check-in
In an effort to minimise and better track the community transmission of COVID-19 in Victoria, it has become mandatory for businesses and premises to track people entering a venue by recording their name and contact details, often by asking customers to ‘check-in’ by scanning a QR code.
Tips for COVID-Safe Check In – PDF
Tips for COVID-Safe Check In – Word Document
In some cases it can be challenging for people with low vision or blindness to locate and use the QR code. In these instances, the venue is required to provide an alternative method to check-in, such as completing a written form. Service providers are not required to enter another person’s details using their smartphone for check-in process.
If you have any questions about using QR codes for check-in, contact Guide Dogs Victoria on 1800 804 805 or head to the National Disability Services website to learn more or speak with a Disability Sector Consultant.
Services and supports you can access
Services and supports you can access.
Although some of our service delivery methods have changed due to COVID-19, you can still access a wide range of services to support your experience with low vision or blindness.
We’re available to assist you—or your family members—to:
- Live more independently
- Achieve your unique goals
- Improve learning and skill development
About our services
Our specific services include
Orthoptists are university-trained health professionals with experience in providing education, training, and support for people with low vision or blindness. Orthoptists can support you to understand your level of functional vision, then make recommendations for ongoing care and the best visual aids for you.
Orientation and Mobility Services support you to move safely and confidently around your home and community. This includes learning to navigate different environments, using mobility aids—like a long cane or a Guide Dog—and making adjustments within your home. Services are available for Children’s Mobility Services (from birth to age 18), Adult Mobility Services, and Guide Dog Mobility Services.
If you’ve experienced a change or loss of vision after a brain injury, there are many supports available. These services can include education and training to support you in navigating your home or community, or peer supports to share lived experience with others in a similar circumstance.
These services can support you to achieve a range of everyday goals; things like preparing meals, personal care, and other household responsibilities. Occupational Therapists can support you with the knowledge, skills and equipment required to improve your goals and achieve greater independence.
Sharing time and talking about your experience of low vision and blindness with others in a similar situation can be very beneficial. Peer support services can assist you to connect with other people via telephone, group discussions, and other social connections. Please note that in-person sessions may be temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.
These services can support you to access printed text, digital text, images, videos, audio and tactile information.
If you have low vision, Orthoptists can support you by:
- Assessing and understanding your level of functional vision
- Identifying the best techniques to assist you in accessing information, including magnification, improved lighting, and other adjustments you can make at home.
If you have very low vision or blindness, Assistive Technology specialists can support you by:
- Using technology solutions that convert visual information, so you can access it using your hearing or touch.
- Personalised training so that you can apply the technology in achieving your unique goals.
About our COVID-19 safety plan
Guide Dogs Victoria has developed a comprehensive COVID-19 Safe Operating Plan.
In line with Government regulations and leading health advice, Guide Dogs Victoria has developed a comprehensive COVID-19 Safe Operating Plan. The Plan is designed to protect our staff, our community, family and friends, and you, while ensuring we continue to deliver the highest quality service and supports.
Key steps include:
- Increasing the number of telepractice services available (including service and support via phone and video calls) to minimise in-person contact, and
- Providing comprehensive training in COVID-19 safety practices for any staff providing services in-person.
We continue to monitor all State and Federal health advice to ensure we can respond to any developments that may affect our service delivery arrangements.
How to get support
How to get support
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