Blind S’porean With Guide Dog Raises Awareness About Mobility; Seeks Donations To Help More People

Blind Singaporean With Guide Dog Demonstrates How He Finds A Seat On The Train

If you glimpse someone walking his or her pet dog in a public space where pets are usually not allowed — the canine is most likely a guide for the blind.

Unfortunately, not everyone seems to be aware of this.

A month ago, a blind lady, Ms Cassandra Chiu, and her guide dog Elke, were blocked by an inconsiderate woman from boarding a bus. The woman shouted at Ms Chiu, saying dogs cannot board public buses.

Singapore Facebook page, Guide Dogs Singapore, is out to raise awareness about guide dogs. Guide dogs are an essential part of the lives of many of the blind in Singapore. Recently, the page uploaded a video demonstrating how a guide dog led her handler into the MRT cabin and to a seat.

“Clare (guide dog) is like a kiasu auntie”

In the video, Hong Sen, a visually-impaired man, boards the MRT with the help of his guide dog Clare.

The handler, Hong Sen, compares his guide dog Clare to a kiasu auntie. That’s because, whenever she sees an empty seat, she hurriedly guides him to it.

And if the seat – usually the priority seat – is taken, Clare will stare persistently at the person occupying it till he/she gives it up.

Fitting Clare below the seat so she doesn’t obstruct the path

White Cane Day 2019

To empower and raise awareness about the blind in Singapore, Guide Dogs Singapore will be hosting White Cane Day. The event will let the public experience a little of what it’s like to be a blind person. There will also be a number of games and activities, including a meet-and-greet with a few guide dogs.

Source

The organisation also seeks public donations for the blind. Mobility training for the blind is not cheap; neither is training a guide dog. You can make your donations to the cause here. You may also volunteer as a facilitator at the event here.

Even a small donation can go a long way in helping the blind lead more independent and fulfilling lives. According to a 2018 survey by the International Labour Organisation, a mere 5% of the blind the in Singapore are employed. This is compared to over 50% in countries in Australia and Germany. We should therefore make a greater effort to raise awareness and do more to help.

As for the event, here are the details.

Venue: Waterway Point, B2 Event Square (East Wing)
Date: 5 Oct 2019 (Saturday)
Time: 10.30am-7.30pm

Featured image from Facebook.