We rely on voluntary contributions to run our Orientation & Mobility and Guide Dog programmes, enabling the blind and visually impaired to travel safely and lead more independent lives through usage of the cane and guide dog respectively.

1. Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Programme ($130,000 per year)

• Our O&M programme equips blind Singaporeans with the skills and techniques to use a white cane to travel safely and independently. Anyone who applies for a guide dog must demonstrate good O&M skills - a standard pre-requisite from global guide dog associations.
• A highly qualified professional administering the programme, known as an O&M Specialist, can have 10 to 12 clients under his/her charge, providing personalised one-to-one training for two to three clients per day; totalling over 44 sessions monthly.
• This is an on-going programme to ensure the beneficiaries able to attain greater independence in mobility.

"The instructor, Lili Wang introduced the concept of echo location - the ability to detect nearby objects. It’ll be good if a child could be taught from young."  - Jayne, age 58, beneficiary

2. Sponsorship of Individual Beneficiary For O&M Programme ($4,500 to $9,000 per person)

• O&M training is customised according to each beneficiary’s learning capability and requests. Typically, three to six months of training will allow a beneficiary to gain competence to finally venture out of their home on their own on designated routes.
• Continual follow-up training is required to increase or reinforce our beneficiary’s orientation and mobility skills to continue with their daily work and activities independently and safely.
• All training provided are heavily subsidised (up to 100%) by our association.

 

3. Sponsorship of Individual Beneficiary for Guide Dog Programme ($70,000 per person)

• Beneficiaries who demonstrate good O&M skills will be considered for the Guide Dog Programme to receive guide dogs from internationally-recognised guide dog associations. Guide dogs from these associations are carefully bred and selected, and would have undergone 2 years of rigorous training as puppies to conform to the International Guide Dog Federation standards.
• A qualified assessor from the international guide dog association will be flown into Singapore to assess the beneficiary and seek a compatible guide dog. Upon a successful matching, the beneficiary will be sent overseas to the international guide dog association to receive an intensive month of guide dog usage training with the paired guide dog. The guide dog and its user will learn to adjust and work together as a team.
• An instructor from the international guide dog association will return to Singapore with the guide dog team and provide additional training and support to allow the guide dog team to settle down and work effectively.
• The overseas training, return airfares, accommodation and related expenses of the guide dog team are heavily subsidised (up to 100%) by our association.

 

4. Awareness, Public Education & Operational Costs ($16,000 per month)

• Continuous efforts are required to increase awareness and educate the public on guide dogs and blindness. The guide dog initiative can be a new concept to many in Singapore. Many mistake guide dogs as pets, or are simply unaware of legislations passed that allow guide dogs in public places.
• Our association also reaches out to the blind and visually impaired who may be apprehensive or are too stigmatised to seek help. We hope to increase their quality of life through gaining of independence and mobility.
• With our team of full-time employees and volunteers, we are able to organise and participate in an array of events and activities for both the public and our blind beneficiaries.

 

Contribution Methods

Option 1: You can make a contribution by sending a cheque payable to "Guide Dogs Association Of The Blind Ltd" to the following address:

PO Box 021, Tampines Central Post Office, Singapore 915201

 

Option 2: Credit/Corporate card and Internet banking through the donation portal by National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC): www.sggives.org/guidedogs

 

Option 3: Alternatively, you can contribute through Paypal :