News
Insights Summer 2024
Hello and welcome to the Summer Edition of Insights, Guide Dogs SA/NT’s client newsletter. We hope you enjoy keeping up to date on what’s happening at Guide Dogs SA/NT and reading the wonderful stories and tips for our community.
In this newsletter
Join our Consumer Reference Committee
Did you know: Household Concessions and Companion Cards
Client Spotlight: Kathryn O’Toole
School Holiday Sessions
Peer Support & Social Happy Hour Sessions
Free Drama Workshops: Boost Confidence & Creativity!
Learn to play Blind Cricket!
Guide Dogs Christmas Office Hours
Join us and make a difference!
At Guide Dogs, we’re passionate about providing the best possible services to our clients. Who better to help us achieve that than the people we serve? That’s why we would like you to join our dynamic Consumer Reference Committee!
This is your chance to share your unique perspective and experiences. Our Consumer Reference Committee is a forum where you can have input on relevant issues and other matters, such as the development of policies and procedures, guidelines, practices and publications.
As a Committee Member, you will play a vital role in shaping how we serve our diverse community across South Australia and the Northern Territory. We encourage applications from everyone – all ages, genders, backgrounds, and locations!
Participation in the Consumer Reference Committee is on a voluntary basis. The Committee meets four times a year. Meetings are held via teleconference on Microsoft Teams.
If you are interested in joining the Consumer Reference Committee or would like further information, please contact Simon or Salina on 1800 757 738. Expression of interest period ends on 6 December 2024.
We know that no two journeys are the same, and we look forward to working side-by-side with you to deliver the best possible services for all.
Did you know:
Household Concessions
You might be eligible for concessions in SA and NT, including energy concessions, cost of living, SA Water, emergency services levy, etc., if you are a pensioner.
You can learn more via the links below.
For residents of South Australia:
SA.GOV.AU – Cost of living concession (www.sa.gov.au)
Phone: ConcessionsSA Hotline (9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday) – 1800 307 758
For residents of Northern Territory:
NT Concession Scheme | NT.GOV.AU
Please note that membership to the NT concessions scheme needs to be renewed each year.
SA Companion Card and NT Companion Card:
If you are interested in attending community events and concerts with a companion/support person, it would be very beneficial for you to have a companion card. With a companion card, you can take a companion into a ticketed venue for no extra charge. More information is available via the below links:
For residents of SA: SA Companion Card
For residents of NT: NT Companion Card
Client Spotlight: Kathryn O’Toole
Kathryn recently retired from her 40-year career in nursing due to difficulties she was having with her vision. In her 30s, she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a genetic disease that affects the retina and causes progressive vision loss. At the time of Kathryn’s diagnosis, she decided to just get on with her life. Then, about two years ago, she noticed some changes to her vision. Following an appointment with an ophthalmologist, Kathryn was classified as legally blind.
Today, Kathryn only has 10% vision in her right eye, her left eye has no usable vision at all.
Kathryn has had Occupational Therapy to help her move around the house safely, and Orientation and Mobility Training to learn how to use a cane which has helped to increase her confidence and independence. Thanks to the work she has done with Guide Dogs SA/NT, Kathryn now has the confidence to go out, access public transport, participate in blind tennis, and learn to use new technologies.
Now she is looking forward to the future, and is hoping to explore new activities, find new hobbies, and participate in the community with the assistance of a Guide Dog.
Find out more about Kathryn here: Kathryn’s Story
Events
School Holiday Sessions
Guide Dogs organised school holiday sessions during April, July and October holiday this year for clients aged 12-18 years.
Some of our sessions included creative art classes, musical group jams, museum tours, challenge rooms, delicious cooking experiences, trying new sports, crazy adventure obstacle courses and so much more!
These sessions provide opportunity to navigate new environments, explore assistive technology, brush up on road safety training, improve independent living skills and best of all, build lasting friendships!
If you are interested in joining our 2025 sessions, register now via the link below:
Peer Support & Social Happy Hour Sessions
Did you know we offer peer support and group sessions focused on managing life with vision impairment? Join us for our Social Happy Hour sessions, where we discuss a variety of topics, share helpful tips, connect with the local community, and build lasting friendships. It’s a space to laugh, share, and support each other.
Check our website for upcoming Social Happy Hour sessions in 2025 or email salina.shrestha@guidedogs.org.au to get more information.
Free Drama Workshops: Boost Confidence & Creativity!
Join our free 3-session drama workshop and discover the power of self-expression! Whether you’re looking to speak with confidence, unlock your creativity, or simply have fun, this workshop is for you. All skill levels welcome!
Date: Wednesdays, 12 February, 19 February and 26 February 2025
Time: 1:30 PM- 3:30 PM
For more information, please ring Salina at 08 8203 8347 or email salina.shrestha@guidedogs.org.au
Learn to Play Blind Cricket!
Blind Cricket is a modified version of the game designed for people who are blind or have low vision. It uses a plastic ball with ball bearings that make noise, and bowling is underarm with the ball bouncing at least once before and after the halfway line.
Blind Cricket SA offers opportunities for all ages and skill levels, from junior clinics to State and National representation. South Australia is a leader in female participation, with women and girls actively involved in junior clinics and club cricket. Notably, three SA players competed in the Australian Women’s team at the 2023 World Cup in Birmingham.
Recently, four South Australians represented Australia in a Men’s series against England in Brisbane.
The Blind Cricket season runs from October to February, with Wednesday evening training and Sunday afternoon club games.
If you are interested in learning more – or registering your interest in a Come and Try session – please contact Blind Cricket SA at:
- 0439 490 010 or email: secretary@blindcricketsa.org
Guide Dogs SA/NT Christmas Office Hours
The Guide Dogs SA/NT office will be closed from 5pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and will reopen at 8:30am on Thursday 2 January 2025.
Our client services team will respond to your message within 2 business days after the office reopens in the new year.
Please know you can always call Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for 24/7 support if you’re going through a hard time.
We hope you enjoy a happy and safe festive season with your loved ones.
We would love to feature your stories or hobbies in our next newsletter. If you’d like to share, please reach out to Salina Shrestha on salina.shrestha@guidedogs.org.au or (08) 8203 8347 . We look forward to hearing from you!
