Natasha knew Guide Dogs Victoria would help.
She knew it was time to seek help; she could no longer manage alone, that’s when she turned to Guide Dogs Victoria and asked about what services we could provide to support her. A Guide Dog was Natasha’s choice after she considered her options. Guide Dogs Victoria provides a range of skills training that is individually tailored for each person to maximise their independence. It may be learning how to use assistive technology such as a screen reader on a computer. Or perhaps using a handheld device to detect objects like trees or poles in their path or using apps on a smartphone. It truly is a personalised service. When Natasha sought help from Guide Dogs Victoria, her priority was to learn to use a long cane to safely travel to and from work in busy crowds. Natasha explains “I started going in for mobility training and using the long cane, and I was using that for quite a few years.”
Natasha access the life-changing support they need to live an independent life.
As Natasha’s vision loss continued her life became more challenging, and her needs changed.
She knew, for her, it was time for a Guide Dog.
That’s when Nirvana came into Natasha’s life and turned everything around. Since having Nirvana, going to work in the city is now much easier because as Natasha explains “Nirvana
she’s great with people. She dodges and nudges them out of the way. And she takes me straight up to crossings. Escalators in the city are no problem.” And thankfully, Natasha hasn’t had any more collisions with other pedestrians. Nirvana makes Natasha feel safe. In her own words having Nirvana is “amazing”
But here’s the thing; It takes about two years and more than $50,000 to train one Guide Dog. Being a Guide Dog takes something special that can be developed through expert breeding and a two-year program of nutrition, training, socialisation, and health care to turn the potential of puppies into reliable, safe, highly skilled Guide Dogs like Nirvana. Guide Dogs Victoria relies heavily on generous donations from Victorians to fund our services. Over 70% of our income comes the support of people like you. Guide Dogs wouldn’t exist without kind and caring supporters like you. Even more importantly, people with low vision or blindness wouldn’t receive the extra support they need to make their own life choices without people like you.
Every year in Australia more and more people are affected by low vision or blindness. It is estimated by the year 2030, almost 70 people a day will experience low vision or blindness. That is one in 30 people in our community. Within the next six years, you, someone you know, or a loved one may be affected. With your help, we will be able to provide the support to meet this growing need. Looking back over the last eighteen months, Natasha realises just how much better her life has been with Nirvana. “Since having Nirvana, I feel more secure. It’s been a positive experience. I can still do all the things I love; be with the people I love and now I have this wonderful companion too” Natasha says. Thanks to the support she’s received from Guide Dogs every step of the way, Natasha lives the life she wants to lead; working, attending music festivals, and continuing to pursue her passion – singing in choirs. “As my sight has deteriorated, Guide Dogs has supported me at each stage. They are amazing. I can still do all the things I love; be with the people I love and now I have this wonderful companion too.” Natasha says. With your support, Guide Dogs empowers people to live the life they choose. Whether that’s maintaining a home, being out and about, attending work, school, or university, we provide people with the mobility aids or training they need to achieve their goals.