- Disability Services Minister Don Punch celebrates the contribution of Guide and Assistance Dogs at Guide Dogs WA graduation ceremony
- 13 dogs and their handlers recognised after successfully completing two years of training
- Guide Dogs WA has been providing guide and assistance dog training services for more than 70 years
Disability Services Minister Don Punch today celebrated the impact and contribution of Guide and Assistance Dogs in the Western Australian community at the Guide Dogs WA graduation ceremony.
Guide and Assistance Dogs play an important role in empowering people to lead lives of greater independence and inclusion. As well as providing support for people who are blind or visually impaired, they also work with individuals with other disabilities, including autism, and provide dog-assisted therapy to those experiencing developmental delay or trauma.
Today’s ceremony marked a milestone for 13 dogs who had successfully completed two years of socialisation, development and training in preparation to begin their careers as Guide and Assistance Dogs.
The graduates included three Guide Dogs, three Autism Assistance Dogs, two Therapy Dogs and two Facility Dogs – dogs who undertake therapy tasks in facilities such as hospitals, courts and schools.
A further three graduated as ‘brood dogs’ from the Guide Dogs WA breeding program, launched in 2022, which selects dogs for their natural temperament and trainability to breed future generations of Guide Dogs.
Guide Dogs WA has been operating for more than 70 years and is the only Western Australian-based provider that breeds, trains and raises Guide and Assistance Dogs.
More than 240 volunteers contribute each year to the operations of Guide Dogs WA.
As stated by Disability Services Minister Don Punch:
“Guide and Assistance Dogs not only serve people who are blind or visually impaired but also provide unparalleled support for individuals with other disabilities, including autism.
“I would like to acknowledge the important work of Guide Dogs WA and recognise the valuable contribution made by volunteers to prepare our graduates for their careers as Guide and Assistance Dogs.
“Celebrating the achievements of Guide Dogs WA, and the work they do supporting Western Australians with disability to lead lives of greater independence and inclusion, aligns very closely with the vision of the Cook Government’s State Disability Strategy.
“Our Government is committed to building a more inclusive Western Australia and empowering people with disability to fully participate in society.”
As stated by Guide Dogs WA CEO Anna Presser:
“Today we celebrate the incredible achievements of our graduates, as they embark on their next chapter of service as Guide Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs, Facility Dogs, and Therapy Dogs or within our breeding program.
“Together with the State Government, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible community for all.”
