Navigating My Path: Independent mobility program

The Navigating My Path program provides an opportunity for people who are blind or have low vision to strengthen their orientation and mobility skills while exploring dog guide mobility

The program is a practical introduction to Seeing Eye Dogs, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience and explore whether a Seeing Eye Dog is the best fit for their lifestyle or future mobility needs.

At the end of the program, clients will be paired with a Seeing Eye Dog during a learning retreat, learning how to work with and care for a dog guide.

Program structure

The program includes a combination of face-to-face orientation and mobility training, online group learning sessions and one on-site learning retreat at the end of the program at Seeing Eye Dogs HQ in Kensington, Victoria.

Seeing Eye Dogs can support interstate clients to attend the retreat.

We are a national program and support Interstate clients to attend the learning retreat, please speak to us further about this support

1:1 orientation and mobility training
 

• A minimum of one hour per month of orientation training with the participant’s orientation and mobility instructor of choice.
• If you don’t have an orientation and mobility instructor, we can discuss how Seeing Eye Dogs can support the participant
   

Monthly online group sessions

Covering topics including:

• Building orientation skills
• Independent travel skills
• Understanding of dog care, animal welfare and having a dog guide
• Building concepts about road crossings, landmark and environmental cues
• Gaining knowledge around self-advocacy

Learning retreat

• One mandatory learning retreat is held at Kensington, Victoria, at the end of the program.
• Held over four days and three nights.
• The retreat will consolidate and build on skills taught in online group sessions.
• Participants will get hands-on experience of working with and caring for a dog guide.
   

Program outcomes

The aim of the Navigating my path Program is to increase independent mobility skills with a cane while, providing participants with an understanding of other mobility options.

During the program, participants with a Seeing Eye Dog. At the conclusion of the program, a detailed individual assessment is undertaken with the participant to determine their mobility needs and goals.

Some participants may make the informed choice of not wanting to proceed with dog guide mobility or require further orientation and mobility training to address identified development areas before this option is suitable.

If a participant meets the eligibility criteria and would like to proceed to dog guide mobility, they will then be able to begin the Seeing Eye Dog application and assessment process.

Participant eligibility

• Legally blind or have low vision that impacts their independent mobility
• Over 18 years old
• Able to perform self-care tasks independently, such as bathing and administering any medication if required
• Currently traveling independently to one to two destinations, with a goal to increase this over the course of the program