Children's Services

 Special Education programs

Our experienced Rehabilitation Services staff can start liaising with the families and carers of vision impaired or blind children from a very young age – providing early counselling, resource and support information.

Initial mobility training and orientation skills can start as early as pre-school. Our instructors and staff will incorporate play and exploration activities that are fun, safe and show them how to develop their remaining senses and concept development. There are special adaptive canes and mobility devices for our young clients, with ‘kiddy canes’ introduced at about six years of age – though this depends on the individual.

GDQ delivers its Special Education programs within school environments, community settings, at home and on Guide Dogs Queensland’s holiday camps. Our instructors can work one on one with children, who have low or no vision, through school outreach programs, before or after school.

Our group programs also allow our younger clients to take part in week-long stays at GDQ’s Client Residence. Private rooms are provided, with a communal dining and lounge area, and trained residential carers to deliver overnight care. The programs are designed to build young people’s confidence, promote social interaction, create new friendships and build necessary Orientation and Mobility skills.

These programs and camps are free to all young Queenslanders, who have low or no vision, and contact with Guide Dogs Queensland can be made by way of self-referral, or through health professionals, community agencies, family members or friends.

For more information about our Special Education or Young Adult Camps please contact our Rehabilitation Services department on 07 3500 9060 or email rehab@guidedogsqld.com.au