Mobility Aids
The Long Cane
The most common type of cane is the Long Cane, and it now comes in all shapes, sizes and colours. Like our Guide Dogs, canes are matched to a client’s needs and include the basic support cane or identification cane to canes designed for the outdoor and active lifestyles.
The vast majority of Guide Dogs Queensland’s clients use a White Cane as their primary mobility aid.
The Guide Dog
The decision to use a Guide Dog is one based on lifestyle. Not everyone wants the responsibility of a dog and there is much to consider in taking this option.
Guide Dogs are carefully selected to match each client’s lifestyle, travel and physical needs. It’s an involved process that considers both the person and the dog. To read more about the Guide Dog training and matching process click here.
Electronic Travel Aids 
An Electronic Travel Aid (ETA) is a form of assistive technology with the purpose of improving mobility for a person with vision impairment.
Our Rehabilitation Services team is at the forefront of this field and offers expert advice and support on the latest range of electronic mobility aids available on the global market.
Specially designed programs are held onsite at our Client Residence regularly throughout the year, providing training on ETAs such as the UltraCane, Miniguide and GPS Trekker.
Guide Dogs Queensland can also provide advice and support for a wide range of new technology and practical aids to help people who are blind and vision impaired in the home, at work or out shopping.
The association continues to trial a wide range of new electronic devices to ensure services remain at the forefront of Orientation and Mobility training.
The technology
Miniguide: A hand-held sonar aid, the Miniguide is a popular secondary mobility aid for many of our clients. The discreet device gives information about obstacles above waist height by a vibration or sound alert.
The UltraCane: Guide Dog Queensland is the official distributor in the Australasian region for this technologically advanced electronic travel aid.
The cane was developed in the United Kingdom, by Foresight Sound, and uses ultrasonic echoes – based on a navigational process used by bats, called echolocation - to send information to the user about the location of objects in front of and above them.
GPS Trekker/ GPS Trekker Breeze: Designed in Canada, the Humanware Trekker is a hand-held GPS navigational system. The device includes talking digital maps and menus to help the user pinpoint 
their exact location and the real-time information on their surroundings.
their exact location and the real-time information on their surroundings. Adaptive Technology
Clients attending residential programs can learn about and trial the most up-to-date adaptive technology options available to assist people who are blind or vision impaired.
In this section
Contact Us
- Guide Dogs
- Freecall 1800 810 122
- Guide Dogs Shop
- 1800 007 460
- Head Office
-
Guide Dogs Queensland
Breeding and Training Centre
1978 Gympie Rd
Bald Hills, Qld, 4036
