Guide Dogs Victoria to get a world’s first sensory centre
Guide Dogs Victoria is getting a multimillion-dollar revamp that will see it become the world’s first multi-sensory centre for blind and vision-impaired people. And there’ll be some exciting new features for dogs and their owners, too. SEE THE DESIGNS
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Guide Dogs Victoria will be redeveloped into the world’s first multi-sensory centre for blind and vision-impaired people under a $21.4 million overhaul of its Kew headquarters.
Guide Dogs Victoria chairman Iain Edwards, who is vision impaired, said the new centre was designed following extensive consultation with its clients and would make it easier for those with little or no vision to navigate the charity’s buildings.
One of the biggest challenges people with vision problems faced was not knowing where they were in a building or which direction they were facing, he said.
But the new centre designed by FPPV Architects allowed people such as himself the freedom of movement by empowering them to navigate their way around more easily, he said.
Tactile wall and floor finishes, strong contrasting room colours, and handrails made of different materials and incorporating strategic notches to prompt users where they were are among the special features incorporated in the design.
Technology will also be harnessed to provide app users with directions based on information gathered from virtual beacons positioned throughout the centre.
Guide Dogs Victoria chief executive Karen Hayes said the redevelopment would ensure the charity remained at the forefront of best-practice care for people with low or no vision.
It would also diversify the charity’s service offering by including a new vet clinic, dog-friendly cafe and dog day care to help keep them financially viable following major changes to disability funding, she said.
“It’s an exciting and crucial moment for us as we look to revolutionise the way we provide support to clients in the changing landscape of the National Disability Insurance Scheme,” she said.
“Over the years we’ve grown and revolutionised, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to our clients.”
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Once completed, the new campus will also include new residential accommodation and training facilities for blind and low vision people, as well as a new office for GDV staff, and a guide-dog breeding and training centre.
Victorian state Disability Minister Luke Donnellan, who attended today’s project launch, said vision-impaired people would also be able to access volunteer and work opportunities at the new campus.
The new sensory campus, which is partially funded by the State and Federal governments as well as through community donations, is expected to be completed by mid 2022.
More money is needed to finish the work and members of the public are encouraged to donate. Visit: guidedogsvictoria.com.au/get-involved/donations
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