Taking the first step to independence in Rockhampton - 22 March
A two-day workshop in Rockhampton this week will give local people who are blind or vision impaired the chance to expand their horizons in more ways than one.
The Guide Dogs Queensland event will showcase what can be achieved through learning new skills and what services are available to help people stay active, mobile and safe despite their low or fading vision.
Former office worker Cynthia Holmes was diagnosed with ‘tunnel vision’ 20 years ago but with her vision worsening, she plans to make use of the help on hand from GDQ’s experts in orientation and mobility.
“I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in my 40’s, I still have some useful vision but I’m diagnosed as being legally blind,” Mrs Holmes said.
“I’m very fortunate that I have my husband who helps and guides me when we go out, but I need to start using my cane more on my own.”
Mrs Holmes will join the first ever ‘City Travel Walk’ of Rockhampton’s city centre on Wednesday 23 March having completed a one-week training course with the White Cane with GDQ last year. She is one of eight local people who are blind or have low vision who will explore the city with support from GDQ’s instructors.
“I’m doing the walk to give myself a bit more self confidence and to meet other people in my situation,” she said.
GDQ Rehabilitation Services Manager Bashir Ebrahim OAM said the two-day event on Wednesday, 23rd and Thursday 24th of March was a good opportunity for people like Mrs Holmes to take advantage of the extra support available.
“While Guide Dogs Queensland offers regular services in Rockhampton, the two-day workshop will include a low vision clinic, a seminar for parents of children who are blind, and a mobility expo,” he said.
“If people are losing their sight or have low vision, the clinic is a good first step. We can refer people to appropriate services much sooner instead of struggling and feeling like they are on their own.”
Mr Ebrahim said the clinic featured an optometrist who was able to check eye conditions free of charge and could refer people for further training.
“If people are experiencing difficulty in reading or their near or far vision is fading, the clinic is a good start to having your eyes checked out to see if there’s anything else going on,” he said.
Mr Ebrahim said all services were free of charge thanks to the donations given to Guide Dogs Queensland.
“The association receives less than seven per cent in government funding and none for our Guide Dogs, which is why we rely on the community to continue providing our life-changing services,” he said.
To find out more about the Mobility Expo, Low Vision Clinic, City Travel Day or Parent’s Seminar contact Guide Dogs Queensland in Rockhampton on 4922 6667.
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