DOG GUIDE HANDLERS AUSTRALIA (Inc).

Photo in Memory of DGHA founding member, Judith Killen, with her dog guide Elton, showing the city of Perth, Western Australia in the background.

ABOUT DGHA

Dog Guide Handlers Australia (DGHA) is a national association which provides a voice for Australians who are blind or vision impaired, and who are dog guide handlers.

DGHA is an independent association of dog guide handlers, and is not affiliated with any dog guide school.

KEY OBJECTIVES

DGHA strives to foster, represent, promote, enhance and protect the interests of Australians who are blind or vision impaired, and who are dog guide handlers.

DGHA draws on the experiences and varied knowledge of its members, to provide peer support, advocacy and information to dog guide users throughout Australia.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Dog Guide Handlers Australia was formed in August 2009 by four passionate people who were inspired by similar groups which exist in other countries.

DGHA was registered as an incorporated association in January 2011.

DGHA does not have a physical office, and we have no paid staff.
The DGHA Committee is a group of dedicated volunteers who meet regularly via teleconference.

Some of the issues we are advocating for include:

DGHA HOSTS regular members teleconference meetings, with invited guest speakers, and focus topic discussions.
Advocating for equal access to client services. This includes assistting dog guide agencies to establish client advisory committees, throughout Australia.
Developing a national photo identity card.
Establishing availability of toileting areas for dog guides within Australian airports.
Advocating for councils to provide fenced, off-leash dog exercise areas.

FOLLOW DGHA ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

Dog Guide Handlers Australia is now on Facebook, and Twitter. If you are a Facebook or Twitter user, please join us to participate in our online discussion forums, post comments, and keep informed of upcoming events and members meetings.