Here are just some of the ways your donation makes a difference:

Vital services and support for people with low vision or blindness 
Your donation helps fund our tailored range of services for adults and children with low vision or blindness, including Orientation and Mobility training, Assistive Technology support, Occupational Therapy, Low Vision Orthoptics, and Connections Services across metro and regional areas. These programs support Clients to stay safe, independent and connected with their loved ones and the world around them.

Breeding, raising and training life-changing Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs 

Every gift helps raise puppies from their first weeks through to starting their career as a life-changing Guide Dog or Therapy Dog, matching them with a person who needs their companionship and support to navigate the world confidently.

SeeWay: a new Australia-wide initiative 

SeeWay is a free, national service created by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to meet the growing, urgent need for support for the 61,000 Australians who live with low vision. Research shows that getting assistance early in your low vision journey can lead to improved emotional, practical and long-term wellbeing outcomes.

Here are some outcomes from the 2024 to 2025 financial year made possible by donors like you:

• 81% of Clients surveyed are more confident doing activities that are important to them.
• 80% of Clients feel safer at home.
• 77% of Clients have strengthened or maintained social connections.
• 76% of Clients met or exceeded their personal goals.
• 2,484 Client programs delivered.
• 49,056 hours of Client services delivered, including 25,275 hours for regional Clients.
• 2,930 pieces of essential equipment (including white canes and accessories) were distributed.
• 155 dogs were matched with new Handlers, including Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs and Ambassador Dogs.
• 176 puppies received early development equipment and their first training jackets.

Sora’s story

At just five months old, Sora was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Leber Congenital Amaurosis. It means she can see shadows and some shapes, but struggles to discern detail and doesn’t always pick up on body language or social cues.

Her mum, Kanae, explains, “Sora is like any other child her age, but people often underestimate her because of her vision. She doesn’t like being told what she can’t do. She just wants to join in, be independent, and live life like her friends.”

At eight years old, Sora has been working with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Nicola, since she was a baby, which has been life-changing for her and her family. Sora now has the skills she needs to navigate her world, from learning to use her white cane to walk safely in new environments and identifying objects and her surroundings using her other senses.

Each skill builds her confidence and brings her more independence.

For Sora’s mum, Kanae, the impact has been life-changing too. “Nicola has been there since day one. She hasn’t just worked with Sora, she’s also taught me how I can help her every day. I’m so grateful for the generosity that makes this support possible.” 

Sora dreams of one day walking beside her own Guide Dog. Every Orientation and Mobility session, every piece of equipment she receives, and every hour of support brings her one step closer to that future.

“Without Guide Dogs, Sora wouldn’t have the independence she does today. Nicola has given us so much, not only practical skills but also emotional support. I can’t thank donors enough for making this possible,” says Kanae.