Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd

A big thank you to MONEY FM 89.3, Neil Humphreys, and Glenn van Zutphen for having us on the Saturday Morning show two weeks ago! We are grateful for the chance to discuss the vital work we do at GDS and the life-changing impact of guide dogs. 🦮

Christina, GDS Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, shared insights on how guide dogs significantly enhance the independence and quality of life for people with vision impairment. Lee Lee, who was paired with her guide dog Hesta this year, also spoke candidly about her personal journey and the profound difference Hesta has made in her daily life.

If you missed it, you can catch the interview at bit.ly/gdsmoneyfmjuly or via the link in our bio.

[Image description 1: Lee Lee with her guide dog, Christina, and Money FM89.3 hosts Neil and Glenn posing together with a Money FM89.3 sign in the background.]

[Image description 2: Money FM89.3 host Neil helps Lee Lee adjust her microphone in a radio station.]

[Image description 3: Money FM89.3 host Glenn receiving affectionate kisses from Guide Dog Hesta, who is off-duty and not wearing her harness.]

Oh, something smells good~ 🍳

Our Orientation and Mobility (O&M) cadets are stepping into the shoes of someone with vision loss by wearing goggles that simulate various degrees of sight loss. As part of their training, they are learning to safely use kitchen tools and techniques, preparing a delicious meal while navigating the kitchen with these simulation goggles.

An O&M specialist does much more than teach safe travel with a white cane. They also provide essential training in independent living skills, helping clients manage daily tasks like cooking and home organisation. This personalised support boosts clients’ confidence and independence in their everyday lives.

[Image description 1: An O&M cadet smiling at the camera while holding a bowl of cooked vegetables and wearing simulation goggles.]

[Image description 2: An O&M cadet cooking vegetables while wearing simulation goggles.]

[Image description 3: A group photo of eight GDS staff members smiling at the camera while seated around a table, enjoying a meal together.]

GDS recently participated in SG Enable’s workshop, where social service agencies and schools came together to share insights and explore collaboration opportunities aimed at better supporting the vision impaired community.

The session was honoured by the presence of Senior Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Eric Chua. We appreciate your ongoing support in building a more inclusive society and your commitment to understanding the challenges faced by this community. 💛

[Image description: A group photo featuring SPS Mr. Eric Chua, three staff members from GDS, and a yellow Labrador guide dog.]

Thank you to for inviting us to their 10th Anniversary Concert 🎶

The performance was fantastic and perfectly captured the theme, “When we believe, nothing is impossible.” It was a powerful reminder of how belief and determination can lead to amazing achievements.

The Purple Symphony is Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra, bringing together musicians with and without disabilities. Their 10 years of success show how music can unite people and promote inclusivity.

[Image description 1: A guide dog user and her yellow Labrador guide dog are smiling at the camera and posing in front of a purple backdrop that says “The Purple Symphony.”]

[Image description 2: A close-up of a guide dog user sitting with one hand on the head of her yellow Labrador guide dog, while holding a booklet and tickets for The Purple Symphony.]

Peekaboo! Where is guide dog Clare? 🙈

In public spaces, guide dogs are trained to quietly tuck beneath their user’s seat or under the table, ensuring they stay out of the way and avoid causing any disturbances.

As the use of guide dogs is still relatively new in Singapore, your role as a business operator is crucial in fostering an inclusive space for all. DM us or email [email protected] for staff training and other ways to get involved.

[Image description 1: A guide dog user sits at the waiting area of an MRT station with his yellow Labrador guide dog tucked under his legs.]

[Image description 2: A close-up of a yellow Labrador guide dog tucked under its user’s legs.]

New challenge alert! 👀 Try describing this image, then swipe to check your answer.

Alt text provides information about an image, making visual content accessible to people with vision impairments who use assistive software such as screen readers.

You can help foster inclusivity by adding alt text to your social media photos. 🥳

[Image description 1: A GDS client smiles while an instructor teaches her how to play the drums. This image is accompanied by the text, “Challenge time. How would you write alt text for this image?”]

[Image description 2: Three tips for writing effective alternate text accompanied by an exemplary alt text description.]

This dog... looks familiar? 😮

You guessed it! This is Roland, the proud father of our guide dog Eve. Just a few weeks ago, our team headed down to our partner organisation in Japan, the Nippon Lighthouse Guide Dog Training Centre, to carefully assess dogs suitable for our training programme. During our visit, we were thrilled to reunite with Roland and to meet many of Eve's step-siblings. It was a heartwarming experience to witness the legacy of such a remarkable guide dog family! 🦮

[Image description 1: A group photo featuring two GDS staff members, a staff member from the Nippon Lighthouse Guide Dog Training Centre, and a yellow Labrador.]

[Image description 2: A close-up of a yellow Labrador smiling at the camera.]

[Image description 3: A staff member at Nippon Lighthouse Guide Dog Training Centre waiting with a yellow Labrador in front of a railway crossing gate.]

It is common to feel hesitant about offering help to someone with vision loss in public, especially if you are unsure whether there is a “correct” way to approach them.

Here are five simple steps to boost your confidence as a human guide. Not everyone with vision impairment needs help, particularly if they are familiar with their surroundings. The best way to offer assistance is to simply ask if they need it.

With these easy-to-follow tips, you will be well-prepared to make a real difference in someone’s day.

[Image description 1: Decorative illustration accompanied by the title “They Ask Me for Help, but I Don’t Know How: 5 Simple Steps to Assist a Person with Vision Impairment in Public.”]

[Image description 2: A GDS staff member talking to a white cane user, with text explaining how to approach and offer assistance to someone with vision impairment in public.]

[Image description 3: Close-up images showing the back of two hands placed against each other, and one hand holding an elbow, with the caption “Place the backs of your hands against each other.”]

[Image description 4: Close-up of a person offering guide to a white cane user, with the caption “Person guiding takes a slight step ahead to lead.”]

[Image description 5: A GDS staff member talking to a white cane user at a bus stop, with the caption “Inform them when you have reached their destination.”]

[Image description 6: GDS staff offering her elbow to a GDS guide dog user, with the caption "For guide dog user stand on their free-hand side and do the same."]

Can you survive one day without your phone? 📱

We cannot deny that technology has transformed our lives, helping us find our way, staying connected with family and friends, and keeping updated with the latest news. This is also true for our friends with vision impairment.

GDS empowers individuals with vision loss with the knowledge and skills to make the most out of assistive technology, enhancing their participation in daily life. In partnership with the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), we organised introductory workshops about assistive technology for their patients.

These workshops aim to promote digital well-being and ensure that everyone, regardless of their visual abilities, can thrive in the digital age.

[Image description 1: An IT trainer is sharing and demonstrating from a rostrum in front of a room. The screen is mirroring her Android phone to show the accessibility features.]

[Image description 2: Group photo of GDS and SNEC staff, along with a yellow Labrador guide dog.]

But you are not wearing sunglasses, how can you be blind? 🤷🏻‍♂️

This is a stereotype created by movies and media. In reality, many individuals with vision impairment do not wear sunglasses.

The decision to wear them is entirely personal. Some may opt to do so for practical reasons, while others choose not to or do not need them.

[Image description 1: An illustration depicting a woman deep in thought, accompanied by the title “I thought all blind people wear sunglasses.”]

[Image description 2: Two images of a GDS client with his black Labrador guide dog. In one image, he is wearing sunglasses; in the other, he is not. It is accompanied by an explanation of why not all people with vision loss wear sunglasses.]

[Image description 3: Three reasons why some people with vision loss choose to wear sunglasses.]

We are delighted to participate in the National Healthcare Group (NHG) Eye Institute 9th International Ophthalmology Congress (IOC) 2024, where eye care professionals come together to co-learn and network, discussing advancements in ophthalmology and vision care.

At the event, we shared resources with healthcare professionals and discussed ways to enhance collaboration in supporting patients with vision loss. Our presence highlighted GDS’s commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with vision impairment and promoting awareness of vision health in our community. 🤝

[Image description 1: A GDS staff member is explaining to an event attendee how to play the accessible game on a laptop.]

[Image description 2: Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, conversing with three GDS staff members at their booth.]

[Image description 3: Three event attendees concentrating on playing an audio game.]

[Imge description 4: Three event attendees talking to a GDS staff member.]

[Image description 5: Four GDS staff members posing behind their booth for a group photo.]

Partnering with GDS goes beyond philanthropy, you can be at the forefront of driving real, positive change for the vision impaired community in Singapore. 💼💛

From educational lunch time talks to dynamic team fundraising initiatives, there are countless ways you can make a difference. DM or email us at [email protected] to take your first step towards fostering a more inclusive society.

[Image description: An infographic inviting you to collaborate with GDS by welcoming guide dogs into your establishments, adopting a donation box, organising a fundraiser or engaging with us for staff training.]

A big thank you to Run for Light for their unwavering support and dedication to GDS over the years! 🏃‍♀️

For the ninth consecutive year in 2024, Run For Light raised a total of S$2,528 for GDS. All funds will support rehabilitative services for the vision impaired community, as well as the provision and training of guide dogs.

Led by two GDS guide dog teams, participants joined us for a symbolic 1km blindfold walk. This initiative aims to foster understanding and raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with vision loss and how we can better assist them in public.

View the photos from Run For Light at bit.ly/runforlight24 or via the link in our bio.

[Image description 1: A GDS staff member, a GDS director, and a runner from Run for Light stand on stage, posing for a photo with the other runners at the starting line in the background.]

[Image description 2: A guide dog user walking with her yellow Labrador guide dog during the race.]

[Image description 3: Two race participants pose for a photo. The blindfolded participant on the right is guided by the participant on the left, who is giving two thumbs up while carrying a baby in a carrier.]

[Image description 4: Three children pose with a GDS staff member while wearing goggles that simulate different vision conditions.]

[Image description 5: Two race participants pose for a photo. The blindfolded participant on the right is guided by the participant on the left, who is making a peace sign.]

[Image description 6: Two race participants pose for a photo. The participant on the left is blindfolded and making a peace sign.]

[Image description 7: Two race participants pose for a photo. The participant on the right is blindfolded and guided by the participant on the left.]

[Image description 8: A group of GDS staff and race participants gather around two guide dog users with their guide dogs, posing for a group photo together.]

Which emoticon matches the guide dog’s face after their grooming at  ? 😆 Swipe to the end for our favourite showering face!

We are grateful for The Pets Workshop’s continued support and partnership, providing exceptional care to our guide dogs and training dogs. Thank you for going above and beyond to pamper our dogs and keep them well-groomed! 🐾💛

[Image description 1: A yellow Labrador is smiling at the camera, with her tail wagging. In the top right corner, there is a grinning squinting face emoji.]

[Image description 2: A yellow Labrador wearing a yellow bandana scarf, smiling at the camera. In the top right corner, there is a grinning face with a big eyes emoji.]

[Image description 3: A smiling black Labrador looking towards the right. In the top right corner, there is a pleading face emoji.]

[Image description 4: A smiling yellow Labrador sitting and looking at the camera. In the top right corner, there is a zany face emoji.]

[Image description 5: A yellow Labrador squinting her eyes while showering. In the top right corner, there is a sneezing face emoji.]

Signing documents does not have to be a paper jam. 📝 Whether it is a physical or digital document, tools are available to help people with vision loss sign on that dotted line without sighted guidance.

You can help build an inclusive digital environment by ensuring your websites, documents, social media platforms and mobile applications are usable for people with vision loss. DM or email [email protected] for consultancy and user feedback services.

[Image description 1: Decorative visuals accompanied by the text, “How do people with vision loss sign documents?”]

[Image description 2: Explanation of the tools available for signing digital and physical documents.]

It is a bee-autiful day! 🐝 Our clients had an amazing experience at SUSS, where they discovered the fascinating world of local bees and beekeeping. They even got to sample a variety of delicious honey, making the day both educational and delightful.

Young or old, the students at consistently go above and beyond to create engaging and memorable experiences for our vision impaired clients.

[Image description 1: A GDS client smiling at the camera while holding a branch with a beehive on it. Beside her, a student volunteer poses with two thumbs up.]

[Image description 2: A young girl holding a branch with a beehive on it. Behind her, a student volunteer smiles and points towards the girl.]

[Image description 3: An elderly client of GDS holding a branch with a beehive on it. Beside her, a smiling student volunteer poses for the camera.]

[Image description 4: An instructor holds a branch with a dried-up beehive. In the background, there is a screen featuring Apis Dorsata, the Asian Giant Bee.]

Raising awareness about the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment options for cataracts is crucial. Many senior adults unnecessarily suffer from poor eyesight due to a lack of awareness, despite the availability of a quick and safe procedure that can restore their vision.

June is Cataracts Awareness Month, highlighting one of the most common eye conditions in Singapore. We encourage you to prioritise your own and your loved ones’ eye health with regular check-ups, especially if you are 40 years old and above.

[Image description 1: An illustration of an elderly person looking confused, with the title “My Ah Ma has cataracts and did not tell us about it.”]

[Image description 2: Simulated view illustrating the visual effects of normal vision compared to cataract vision, accompanied by a depiction of the doctor’s visit.]

[Image description 3: A list of symptoms of cataracts.]

[Image description 4: A list of the causes of cataracts.]

[Image description 5: Explanation of the importance of early detection.]

[Image description 6: An illustration of an elderly couple smiling. A speech bubble from the grandma states that she understands the importance of regular eye checks.]

We are thrilled to be part of Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) Value Through Innovation (VTI) Day 2024 🥳

Beyond monetary contributions, BI recognises the importance of connecting their employees with the impact of their innovations, fostering a sense of togetherness, and witnessing the positive changes they can make in society.

They invited Alvin, a second-time guide dog user, to share about his journey dealing with the sudden loss of his vision. He spoke about how his guide dogs helped him regain his independence and navigate through a challenging period in his life.

Thank you, BI, for leading the way in raising awareness about the vision impaired community and guide dogs in Singapore. We look forward to continuing our partnership and making a significant difference together.

[Image description 1: A guide dog user giving a presentation on stage, with his black Labrador guide dog sitting beside him.]

[Image description 2: A guide dog user on stage, holding a microphone in one hand, squatting to pat his black Labrador guide dog beside him.]

If you could chat with your pet, what would you tell them? 🐾✨

Here is Gary’s heartfelt message to his guide dog, Matt: “Dear Matt, thank you for being such an incredible companion and bringing so much happiness into my world. You make travelling a lot easier, and you have changed my life in ways I cannot even express.”

[Image description 1: A GDS guide dog user is standing and posing for the camera with his black Labrador guide dog by his side.]

[Image description 2: A close-up of a black Labrador guide dog sitting down in his working harness and looking at the camera.]

Does donating $1 even make a difference?🤔 Absolutely! As a small, self-funded charity, we depend on your support to fund essential rehabilitative services for our clients, improving their quality of life and enabling them to live independently despite their sight loss.

Your donation can significantly impact the lives of those we support. Donate today at giving.sg/donate/campaign/gds-mar24 or via the link in our bio to double your impact. Until 31 May 2024, all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Tote Board. This means that when you donate $10, GDS will receive $20 in total.

[Image description: A candid shot shows two clients seated, keeping their white canes in their bags, while another client holds his identification cane and engages in conversation with one of the seated clients. This is accompanied by a breakdown of the impact of donating $1.]

Congratulations to the Class of 2024 - Sebastian with his guide dog, Vogue, and Lee Lee with her guide dog, Hesta! 🦮🎓

From their earliest days as playful puppies to countless hours of training, Vogue and Hesta have become trusted eyes and guides for Sebastian and Lee Lee, empowering them to navigate the world with confidence. Their graduation marks the beginning of an inspiring journey filled with trust, love, and newfound independence.

This achievement would not have been possible without our dedicated supporters. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, partners, dog boarders, puppy raisers, and everyone else who has selflessly dedicated their time to playing a crucial role in this journey.

Relive the moments and check out the event photos through the link in our bio or here: bit.ly/guidedogsgrad24

[Image description 1: A GDS director and two guide dog users posing for a group photo with their yellow Labrador guide dog beside them.]

[Image description 2: An event attendee poses for a group photo with a yellow Labrador guide dog and her three children. The children are holding small dog plushies in their hands.]

[Image description 3: An event attendee navigates an obstacle course while blindfolded, guided by a volunteer.]

[Image description 4: An event attendee sorting notes while wearing goggles that simulate central vision loss.]

[Image description 5: An event attendee demonstrating on stage how to guide someone with vision loss to a seat.]

[Image description 6: An event attendee is trying out an audio game with the help of a GDS staff member.]

[Image description 7: Two GDS staff members are acting on stage for an educational outreach talk, with the emcee facilitating beside them.]

[Image description 8: An event attendee navigates an obstacle course while blindfolded, guided by a volunteer.]

[Image description 9: A collage featuring two group photos of volunteers posing for the camera.]

[Image description 10: A collage featuring two group photos. The top one includes GDS staff, six guide dog users, and their guide dogs, while the bottom one features six guide dog teams with their respective guide dogs sitting beside them.]