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Helping us support people with sight loss comes in many shapes and sizes at Guide Dogs.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (18 May 2023) launched in 2012 to shine a spotlight on digital accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. The GAAD Foundation was formed in 2021, celebrating a decade of GAAD. Their mission is to ensure everyone has the same access to and experience of web-based services, content, and other digital products.

The International Guide Dog Federation (IDGF) comprises of 95 organisations from all around the globe, all working to uphold standards of excellence in the breeding, raising, training and partnering of guide dogs. The IGDF’s biennial conference gives different guide dog schools the chance to come together in one place for a week of communication and collaboration. This year, I and other members of Guide Dogs staff were able to join our international colleagues in Vancouver, Canada.

We are hosting welcome events all around the UK to give those new to volunteering a taster of what it’s like to be a member of the Guide Dogs family, from Fosterers to Fundraisers and more. You, your family, and friends are all welcome to join us.

New research shows that over half (55%) of guide dog owners say members of the public distract their dogs at least once a day, despite the danger it poses to the owner and dog. This International Guide Dog Day, remember 'don't dive on the dog' and leave guide dogs to work.

We want to increase awareness of the impact sight loss has and give people a new, exciting way to support us and get involved in Guide Dogs life-changing work. Our team has been working behind the scenes to create Stream250, a week-long streaming festival with the aim of raising £14,000 – enough money to support 250 guide dog partnerships for one week!

We are proud to announce our long-term partnership that aims to create a more inclusive travel experience.

We’re making good progress with the continued recovery and transformation of the guide dog service.