Programs for Students (SDSS)
Programs designed to meet students’ educational, development and social needs.
Funding for educational outcomes
The Department of Education’s SDSS program provides essential funding to allow Guide Dogs Queensland to deliver unique services in support of educational outcomes. These programs are designed to meet students’ educational, developmental and social needs through fun learning activities relevant to their age.
We know how important it is for your child to be able to focus on their education, rather than worrying about other concerns. By working collaboratively with their school, we can help them to worry less about their mobility and dedicate more of their attention to learning.
Our experienced instructors work closely with schools, teachers and parents to ensure the training provided complements the student’s school curriculum, meets their individual needs and provides them with the skills to reach their goals.
The main goal of the program is to ensure students have the support, skills and strategies they need to improve their learning capacity and participate in a variety of school activities.
The Guide Dogs Queensland Specialist team can support students and help them to break down the barriers of disability through inclusion, acceptance and the education of their peers and the school community.
Services for students
Orientation and Mobility
Orientation and Mobility programs are about knowing where you are, where you want to go and how to get there. These personalised programs help students navigate their school environments safely and independently.
Our Orientation and Mobility Specialists will assess how a student’s level of vision affects their mobility and work with them to develop their own training goals, including getting around safely and independently.
Our instructors can also recommend appropriate mobility aids for a student to use and work alongside them to reach their personal goals.
After learning all the basics needed to travel safely and independently during an initial program, the student can access further training at any time if they need to refresh or learn any new skills. This could happen if they started at a new school, or are transitioning from junior to senior school.
To read more about how Orientation and Mobility can assist students, click here.
Services for students
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy can help Queensland students with low or no vision to develop practical skills that will maximise their independence and support their active participation in the school environment.
Our specialist Occupational Therapists work alongside students with low or no vision to assist in developing and maintaining everyday skills that increase their confidence.
Before starting a program, they will look at a student’s environment and how their vision influences their ability to complete tasks. This may include things like communication and extracurricular activities. Once they have a good understanding of the requirements, they will work with the student and the school to develop a tailored program that addresses the identified activities.
To read more about how Occupational Therapy can assist students, click here.
Outcomes for students
- Learning practical skills to support them at school
- Increasing confidence and independence in the classroom
- Navigating their school grounds safely and efficiently
- Developing social skills and relationships with peers
- Creating new friendships
- Performing everyday tasks that enhance learning capabilities
- Feeling included in new activities and environments
Our school outreach program is supported by the Queensland Government through the Department of Education and Special Disability Support in Schools (SDSS).
Referring a student
To receive SDSS funding, students need to have obtained a completed School Request for Support form (SRSF).
If you would like to refer a student from your school, you will need to complete a referral form which you can download here.
If you are the parent of carer of an eligible student, you can apply for a service or contact our helpful team on 3500 9060 or at [email protected].
Alanna is here to guide you through your options and help connect you with the right support.
Alanna
Your Support Coordinator