“One of the misconceptions or stereotypes that I find day to day is people think I’m incapable of doing daily tasks. It’s the barriers in society with a lack of accessibility that makes things challenging for us, rather than the disability,” says Lived Experience Presenter, Karlee.

This was one of the issues we aimed to tackle with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s Social Change Team through a presentation from Karlee and their Guide Dog, Isla about how we can advocate alongside the low vision and blind community.

Year 7 and Year 8 students learned about the difference between low vision and blindness, the various ways people navigate their communities and the tools they use to do this, including canes and Guide Dogs, Guide Dog access rights and etiquette, and the social model of disability and how that impacts individuals every day.

Openly talking about the stereotypes and misconceptions that people with low vision or blindness, including Guide Dog Handlers, face out in the community, helps break the barriers that limit people with disabilities.

Our students are tomorrow’s change makers, so learning about inclusion and advocacy for people who have low vision or blindness is crucial to strive towards a world in which everyone can participate equally.

To donate directly to the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Social Change team, click here . To keep informed about the issues facing people with low vision or blindness, join the Social Change community by clicking here . And to take the pledge and join our Inclusive Employment Campaign, click here .

Image description: 60 Year 7 and Year 8 students sitting down watching Karlee demonstrate her guide dog, Isla’s guiding capabilities at the front of the room.