How We Can Help

Getting Around

There are a number of ways for people who are vision impaired to get around safely and independently.

Our specialist Orientation and Mobility Instructors help clients to:

• Orientate themselves to their environment
• Travel independently with confidence
• Use other senses, strategies and aids such as canes or electronic devices.

Our Guide Dog Instructors can train clients to work with a Guide Dog so that they can travel independently confidently.

Sighted Guide

Almost every person who is vision impaired travels with a sighted person at some time.  For some people who are vision impaired assistance from a sighted person is not necessary, however it's important to recognise that individuals may need a guide at some time. It is always best to ask first, to find out whether or not the person needs a sighted guide. 

Find out more about sighted guide techniques and training courses.

Canes

There are three types of white canes:

ID canes

Lightweight ID canes are used primarily for identification purposes by people who want their vision impairment to be recognised by others.

Long canes

People whose vision loss requires their use of a mobility aid to assist with their independent travel may use a long cane. Each cane is selected to match its user's height and stride length. The cane is considered an extension of the index finger and is used to probe the environment in front, allowing the user to avoid any obstacles or changes of level.

Support canes

Support canes are white walking sticks for people who need help with balance or support while walking and who want to be identified as a person with low vision.

Electronic devices

Various electronic mobility devices are used in conjunction with either a long cane or a Guide Dog.

Guide Dogs

Guide Dogs are provided to people who wish to use them as a mobility aid, following an assessment by the Guide Dog Program Coordinator. Guide Dogs are provided free of charge to people who need them.

Find out more about Guide Dogs.

Low Vision Aids

Various Low Vision Aids are available from the Association's Vision Management clinics.  The most commonly used low vision aid for mobility purposes is a monocular telescope.

Resources for Getting Around: