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Navigating the world with confidence

Whether it’s going to the shops, commuting to work, meeting friends in the city or travelling the world, we know how important it is for you to get around independently. We’ve got a team of experts to help set you up with mobility aids that work best for you.

How we can help

Wherever you want to go, we offer services to help you get around with confidence. By helping you navigate more dynamic environments, you can experience amazing new opportunities.

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Our team of experts can assist with:  

  • mobility skills, including learning to use your chosen navigation device at your own pace
  • pairing you with a Seeing Eye Dog, including training to help you work together both in and out of home
  • travelling on public transport, including finding a large print timetable or learning to use the audio announcement system
  • improving your confidence to travel, whether it's in your local community, interstate or overseas
  • developing strategies for visiting busy one-off locations like events and functions.  

Meet the experts

Orientation and mobility specialists

Orientation and mobility specialists help people who are blind or have low vision safely navigate the world with strategies and tools such as a white cane. 

Access technology specialists 

Access technology specialists recommend accessible technology and products that suit peoples’ needs, and train them in their use.

Seeing Eye Dog instructors 

Instructors work closely with clients to match the right dog with the right person. They stay in regular contact with clients, so they can continue working safely and successfully with their Seeing Eye Dog.

Seeing Eye Dogs

A Seeing Eye Dog can enable you to stay independent and increase your mobility. They can also make for amazing companions. These highly trained dogs are matched carefully to their handlers. We provide training to help you work together as a team both in and out of home.

Your Seeing Eye Dog will support you to travel at your own pace, navigating obstacles reliably and safely. They can assist you at home, out and about and even in the workplace. Creating a strong bond with your Seeing Eye Dog can improve mental health, wellbeing and physical fitness. 

Find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs
Vision Australia staff member holds a seeing eye dog puppy in her arms
Mick, tethered to a guide, running along a path

“It just comes down to attitude in life, on how to approach things and deal with challenges.”

— Mick, Vision Australia client

Real stories

Mick surfs the waves of vision loss

Paddling out on the Queensland bay still brings the same joy to Mick Schuddinh as it did when he could see. “Sport keeps you positive,” he told Vision Australia Radio. “It’s a wonderful thing, the endorphins that you get from exercise are so invigorating and uplifting. “That’s what life offers you when you get out and do things.”

The 67-year-old para-triathlete isn’t the type to stop an activity when an obstacle comes his way. Diagnosed with the hereditary eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa and losing the majority of his sight, Mick had to adapt.

Retiring from his job as a financial advisor, he retrained to help others. As a remedial masseuse, Mick runs his own business and has time for a triathlon or two. “There’s always something waiting to replace that sport, hobby or occupation that can make you happy,” he said. “It just comes down to attitude in life, on how to approach things and deal with challenges.”

Read Mick's story

Technology and products

View all products

Enhance your mobility with the latest assistive technology and products, designed to support you in feeling confident and enabling you to live more independently.

A white folding cane with a black grip, red tip, and wrist strap.

Canes

A variety of canes are available to meet your needs and help power your independence.

Tortoiseshell wraparound sunglasses with large, tinted lenses for eye protection.

Sunglasses

Wrap-around sunglasses are designed to fit over prescription spectacles, with polarised lenses to cut out UV rays.

A hand holds a small black electronic mobility aid with tactile buttons and a lanyard.

Electronic mobility aids

These mobility guides use ultrasonic echo location to detect objects and avoid obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, services provided by Vision Australia do incur a cost. There are several ways you can fund the support, services and products you need. We can support you with your funding applications. Please give us a call on 1300 847 466 to discuss your options. In some circumstances, a service will require a minimal client contribution.

There are a number of options when it comes to supports to get out and about, including ID canes, a Seeing Eye Dog, technology solutions and a white cane. Our team of experts will work with you to find the best solution for you. 

If your loved one is experiencing low vision, you can submit a family enquiry or give us a call on 1300 847 466. Please ask your loved one's permission before contacting us. 

Helpful resources