News
As Queensland prepares to welcome the world for the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, a bold six-year initiative has just been launched by Guide Dogs Queensland to accelerate accessibility and inclusion across the state.
The campaign, Bridging the Gap to 2032 - pledges to double its services and support for the 375,000 people living with low vision or blindness, officially launched today as part of Queensland’s International Guide Dog Day celebrations.
Over the next six years, Guide Dogs Queensland says it aims to double the number of working Guide Dog teams and clients supported through vision services, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and client outcomes.
Chris Littlewood, who lives with Gross Optic Atrophy which has resulted in severe low vision in both eyes. Mr Littlewood navigates daily environments by relying on memory and adapting to spaces that aren’t always designed with accessibility in mind.
Getting around day to day takes a lot more planning than most people would realise. I’m constantly having to think ahead - whether that’s navigating busy footpaths or going out for dinner and finding the tables just aren’t set up for mobility, so my guide dog Simba often can’t comfortably fit underneath.
Chris Littlewood
Guide Dogs Queensland CEO, Jock Beveridge, says the campaign is about turning awareness into action and driving lasting change in how accessibility is understood and prioritised across communities.
“This will help bring together advocacy, education and community action to highlight the lived experience of people with low vision or blindness and to challenge the idea that accessibility can be an afterthought.”
We want accessibility to be seen as a vital part of how Queensland grows. Most importantly, we want to bring the community with us by building momentum through real stories that show what inclusion looks like in everyday life.
Jock Beveridge
Mr Littlewood says although his guide dog has given him more confidence and independence, small things like busy environments or a lack of awareness from others can still make simple moments harder than they need to be.
A little more understanding really does make a big difference and I’m hopeful Bridging the Gap to 2032 will help improve accessibility in Brisbane. It’s a beautiful city and being able to get around a bit easier would make living here all the better.”