Guide dogs provide a safe and effective way for people who are blind or vision impaired to travel independently.

They assist a client to locate destinations, avoid obstacles and stop at curbs. In addition to being a safe mobility aid, a guide dog provides the client with companionship.

Guide dogs are welcomed everywhere, including all public transport, such as taxis, buses, trains, trams and planes; and restaurants and shopping centres.

Anyone who is blind or vision impaired can apply for a guide dog. Each application is assessed by an internationally qualified guide dog mobility instructor.

If assessed as suitable, the client will be matched as soon as possible to a fully trained guide dog.

The client will progressively develop the skills and confidence they need to work successfully with their guide dog, with the support of an instructor, who will also provide ongoing training and advice throughout the average eight to 10-year working life of each guide dog.

Guide Dog Services is funded through public support and receives no government funding.

Vision Services covers all non-guide dog mobility programs for people who are blind or vision-impaired.
Vision loss can make many of life's simple tasks more difficult, such as shopping, cooking, travel, study or work.
Our team of professional and experienced staff members design individual programs for adults and children with vision loss to suit their lifestyle and goals.

A program could include one or a combination of the following areas:

• Training to make use of any residual vision and other senses
• Learning to walk different routes safely, independently and efficiently
• Use of equipment, such as long white canes, magnifiers and talking watches
• Learning to use public transport
• Skills and equipment to assist with everyday living, such as shopping and cooking
• Learning to cope with vision loss caused by a stroke or head injury, as well as providing support to family members.

The Department for Families and Communities has contributed funds towards this program. Approximately 75 percent of costs are funded through public support.

Hearing Solutions can help any adult who has a hearing impairment or who has both vision and hearing loss.
We can also assist family members and other interested people to learn more about hearing loss, the effects and services available.

We provide:
• Individual services based on the client’s need
• Training in groups to learn communication tactics, assertive behaviours, lip reading and tips on managing hearing loss
• Information and training on a wide range of listening aids and equipment
• Support for family members
• Information on tinnitus and other conditions associated with hearing loss
• Education and training for community and professional groups.

Hearing Solutions has a Hearing Resource Centre which keeps abreast of the latest equipment, providing opportunities for clients to trial a wide range of devices for telephones, doorbells, alarms, audio loop systems, personal communicators and television devices.

This service is available in South Australia only.
The Department for Families and Communities has contributed funds towards this program.

Sensory loss can cause isolation and sometimes people need help adjusting.

Sensory Directions works with people whose main disability is hearing or vision loss, or both, who also have complex issues.

We offer the following services:
• A full assessment of each person’s needs
• An individual program tailored to suit each person
• Assistance with accessing other community services
• Support with independent living, such as grocery shopping and cleaning
• Help to minimise social isolation.

Sensory Directions provides a range of community education and awareness programs to explain sensory disability and increase community awareness.

Anyone can make a referral to Sensory Directions, including a person with a sensory disability.

This service is available in South Australia only.

The Department for Families and Communities has contributed funds towards this program.

All our services are confidential and are provided at no cost to clients.

Guide Dogs SA.NT provides services to people living in country areas in South Australia and remote Northern Territory.

We provide education and information sessions to other health workers and community groups, and encourage self-help support groups in some country towns.
Guide Dogs SA.NT will work in partnership with community health and other country services where possible to provide further assistance if required.

We can arrange an interpreter should you require one to access our services. There is no charge to you for this service.