Based on 2015 Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) findings, there are more than 300,000 people with sensory (blind and deaf) and physical disabilities in Singapore. Out of this, it is estimated 50,000 residents are suffering from blindness or vision loss. But only 5% out of 300,000 are gainfully employed. In addition, with the prevalence of diabetes, myopia and ageing population, there is an increasing number of people with vision loss who need our services.

At Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd (GDS), we believe that people with vision impairment should not be limited by their disability. We aim to enhance the quality of life for people with vision loss through a range of rehabilitation programmes. Since our inception in 2006, our services have grown beyond providing guide dogs to include teaching people with vision loss the skills needed to live independently, and working with community stakeholders to build a supportive society for the vision impaired. To date, we have successfully trained and paired 10 guide dog teams in our history, of which 5 are currently active.

We operate with limited resources, and are grateful for your gifts. Please donate generously to enable us to continue our services and provide more guide dogs to people with visual impairment. All direct donations of minimum $20 are eligible for 250% tax exemption.

Auto-monthly donations are now available. If you are thinking of setting aside an amount for charitable causes in your Will, contact us!

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Training: We equip our clients with the skills to travel as independently and safely as possible. The O&M training is conducted by our Specialists through a structured programme that teaches our clients to use the white cane correctly, understand the travel environment in terms of where they are (mental mapping), where they want to go and how to get there safely by themselves.

Guide Dogs: Clients with proficient O&M skills may apply for guide dogs. Guide dogs are proven to increase confidence, safety and efficiency in travelling for people with vision loss. We match suitable dogs with our clients, who are then trained by Guide Dog Mobility Instructors on how to work with and look after their dogs.

Independent Living Skills Training: Our clients are taught skills to manage and organise their daily activities on their own, such as using the mobile phones, self-care and managing domestic tasks.

Outreach & Advocacy: We work with medical and allied health professionals to ensure discharged patients have a smooth rehabilitation process with the goal of reintegrating into society. We also conduct talks and training workshops to raise awareness about the abilities and needs of people with vision loss, and the role of guide dogs.

Client-Centric Activities: We pair volunteers with our clients who have just learned a new route, to support them in utilising the route and travel skills. Skill-based workshops and social outings are held regularly too.