Guide Dogs Tasmania to merge with VisAbility

In light of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Guide Dogs Tasmania will merge with Western Australia’s VisAbility in a bid to save money and improve services.

A special general meeting of Guide Dogs Tasmania has voted to merge with VisAbility, formerly the Association for the Blind of Western Australia.

Guide Dogs Tasmania President Sue Shoobridge said the introduction of the NDIS meant it would be difficult for the organisation to deliver services without assistance.

She also said the merger would deliver cost savings for the organisation through the centralisation of back office and administrative tasks.

“But most importantly, the partnership will allow for the delivery of a greater range and level of service for people who are blind or vision impaired living in Tasmania,” said Shoobridge.

Shoobridge said the Board had recommended the merger because of sector reforms that would have made it difficult to deliver an appropriate level and range of services for Tasmanians in the future.

“While we have increased the quality and level of service in recent years, and have improved the organisation’s financial health, following the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Board took the view that it would be difficult for us to deliver services without assistance going forward,” she said.

“VisAbility was identified by the Board as an appropriate partner after a detailed and robust due diligence process.

“Two directors of Guide Dogs Tasmania will be appointed to the VisAbility Board to maintain an important Tasmanian perspective.”

The Guide Dogs Tasmania brand will continue to operate in Tasmania.

“There will still be a need for Guide Dogs Tasmania to fundraise in Tasmania, as there is still a need to train Guide Dogs here for Tasmanians. We cannot do that without community support,” said Shoobridge.

“Counselling services, orthoptics and occupational therapy for adults and children will commence within the next 12 months and will increase further over the next five years.

“None of these services are currently being provided by Guide Dogs Tasmania.”