On Wednesday September 18, Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs will hold its annual graduation ceremony to celebrate handlers and Seeing Eye Dog working teams who have successfully completed their life-changing training.
This year’s graduation will celebrate 42 Seeing Eye Dogs and their handlers from across Australia, including three youth clients.
Seeing Eye Dogs client services manager Lester Chraim said that this year’s ceremony will focus on honouring the life-changing connections that have been forged between each Seeing Eye Dog and their handler.
“A Seeing Eye Dog can dramatically change the life of someone who is blind or has low vision. Not only can they increase their independence, but they can also reduce barriers to employment, travel and community participation through enhanced mobility,” Lester said.
“Our dogs undertake complex and specialised training to ensure the safety and mobility of their handlers. This ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate them, as well as everyone who has contributed to the program.”
19-year-old Jasmin Tevelein is one of this year’s graduates and Seeing Eye Dogs youth program participants. According to Jasmin, she wasted no time applying for a Seeing Eye Dog after she completed the youth program.
“The first time I held the harness of a Seeing Eye Dog at the Seeing Eye Dogs Youth Program was an incredible feeling. I felt free to move around without relying on others. Now that I’ve been matched with Mikey, I feel this same confidence, every day,” said Jasmin.
“Mikey has become such an important part of my life in such a short time, and I’m beyond grateful to be matched with him. Through the Seeing Eye Dogs Youth Program and the matching process, I’ve also discovered a whole new community and support network, which has truly been life changing.”
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten said it’s wonderful to be part of this ceremony and witness the close bond between Seeing Eye Dogs and their handlers.
“We know the National Disability Insurance Scheme is changing the lives of participants and their loved ones, and for many participants across Australia, this includes the support of Seeing Eye Dogs,” said Mr Shorten.
“Seeing Eye Dogs are more than just companions; they are a vital support and deserve to be recognised as such.
“The Commonwealth Government remains entirely committed to working with Vision Australia to ensure people who are eligible for an assistance animal can get one in a straightforward and timely way and that the growing demand for vision support services across the state continues to be met”.