About
A sense of who we are
Our reason for being
To enable a lifetime of independence, participation, inclusion and wellbeing for children and adults with vision impairment or blindness, other sensory impairment and autism through the provision of Guide Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs, Therapy Dogs, specialist services and assistive technologies.
Our history
South Australia’s first Guide Dogs organisation – and still leading the way today
Guide Dogs SA/NT has a long and exemplary history in training and placing Guide Dogs and supporting people with vision impairment or blindness in South Australia.
For more than 60 years, Guide Dogs SA/NT has enhanced quality of life through a culture of innovation, incredible dogs and qualified trainers.
‘SA firsts’ across the years include creation of the first mobile educational display unit; the first Guide Dogs team to be trained in using ‘sonic spectacles’ (a sensory aid program); our life-changing Autism Assistance Dog program and the state-of-the-art Discovery Centre, Australia’s first interactive vision and hearing education centre.
We are immensely proud of the many ‘firsts’ we have achieved over the last 60 years. But the firsts that matter most are those we achieve for our clients – such as first walks and first independent travel experiences.
Voted Australia’s Most Trusted Charity six years in a row; 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Guide Dogs SA/NT thanks the South Australian community for their ongoing support.
Our Patrons
His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia, and Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O'Halloran AM, Administrator of the Northern Territory, have graciously accepted the role of Patron, Guide Dogs SA and Patron, Guide Dogs NT.
Guide Dogs values
Achievement
We deliver outcomes.
Collaboration
We actively engage with others.
Integrity
We are ethical, honest and respectful.
Fun
We play our part in making this an energetic and enjoyable place for ourselves and others.
Innovation
We are forward thinking.
Our workplace
Our values embody our passion to create a dynamic, customer-focused, progressive and high achieving organisation; a place where people are valued and respected; where people want to come to work and where fulfilling partnerships are realised.
Our clients
At Guide Dogs SA/NT, we work with clients at every stage of their lives to identify needs and achieve goals, whether at school, at home or in the workplace. Our specialist allied health teams support clients to achieve independence, participation, inclusion and wellbeing throughout their lives.
Our clients include children and adults living with vision impairment or blindness, as well as those living with co-sensory conditions.
Our innovative Autism Assistance Dog Program also provides safety and promotes positive social interaction for the families of eligible children aged 3-8 years living with autism.
“Guide Dogs is a truly empathetic group of people whose assistance in my family’s life has changed the way we live forever. I cannot say enough positive things about this organisation.” – Luke, Dad to Gianluca
Our services
Through our services, we aim to enhance the quality of life of individuals with sensory impairment and families of children living with Autism. Our services meet the needs presented over the course of a lifetime – from life skills for children with vision loss or blindness, to study and employment, and the transition to independent living and ongoing support for older Australians.
Our services include:
Northern Territory
Guide Dogs NT is the primary provider of Vision Rehabilitation Services throughout the Northern Territory. Our dedicated team makes a significant contribution towards better orientation and mobility and improved vision for Northern Territory clients with low vision – and to our Northern Territory Guide Dog teams. We also offer low vision information workshops in rural and remote areas.
Working With Us
As a premium service provider in the disability sector, Guide Dogs offers a dynamic and rewarding professional environment in an innovative learning organisation.
Join our team of more than 70 staff and group of more than 150 volunteers who work in a wide range of roles in Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin.
We have a range of programs which provide career opportunities.
