Woy Woy used for mobility training

The streets of Woy Woy have been used as a training ground for mobility instructors, who are learning to teach blind people how to travel safely.

The Guide Dog organisation's newest trainee instructors explored Woy Woy in blindfolds during the week of Monday, July 4, as they practiced the skills needed for the job.

The exercise was part of a post-graduate degree that qualifies professionals to teach people who are blind or vision impaired how to travel between destinations.

Under the supervision of experienced instructors from Guide Dogs, the blindfolded students used long guide canes to walk the streets of Woy Woy, negotiate stairs, find their way around indoor venues and travel by public transport.

The students will also undertake a 12-week practicum with the organisation, working out of its various offices across NSW and the ACT to gain first-hand experience in teaching people who are vision impaired.

"This practical training is essential so that the trainees can competently demonstrate and teach vital skills to help people with impaired vision get around independently," said Guide Dogs' regional manager Mr John Payne who conducted the training.

The program was sponsored by Guide Dogs NSW-ACT and delivered by the University of Newcastle at the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children's Renwick Centre.

Once qualified, the trainees will join about 60 other orientation and mobility instructors, who mostly work in a person's home or work environment.

Media Release, 7 Jul 2011 Sally Edgar, Guide Dogs NSW-ACT