DUBBO resident and dual Australian Paralympian Sue-Ellen Lovett and her guide dog, Prada, hope this week's visit from Gulliver, the world's biggest guide dog, will encourage the community to support Guide Dogs NSW/ACT's NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme): A Vision for All campaign.
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The campaign was seeking 10,000 signatures in support of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT's call for the government to ensure that the NDIS funds orientation and mobility services, including canes and guide dogs, for people whose functional mobility is affected by vision loss.
"The services I've received from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, including my five guide dogs, have enabled me to have an amazing life," Ms Lovett said. Her vision is impaired due to a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa.
"Having a guide dog has allowed me to have independence and mobility, but mostly it's given me the ability to be able to choose to do, go and be the person I would like to be. I've been able to travel the world and represent Australia in equestrian, all because of my guide dogs and the wonderful support from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT."
Ms Lovett is competing this weekend for the first time on her new horse HRC Cascador in Dubbo at the Orana Equestrian Club, riding FEI level, which is the international level for able-bodied dressage competitors.
Over the past year orientation and mobility instructors from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT across the Central West have provided almost 70 training programs to Dubbo residents who have trouble getting around due to vision loss.
"We visit you, where and when it suits you," Ben Schwarz, Regional Manager for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT across Central West NSW, said.
"Our training programs are designed around your needs. So if night vision is a problem, we will focus on giving you the skills to be able to get around on your own at night. The sooner you see us the better."
Please visit www.visionloss.org.au to add your signature and message of support to the campaign.
