With Melbourne experiencing restrictions in-line with directions from the Chief Health Officer, and with the Victorian Government's roadmap to reopening, MCEC is currently closed to the public. GDV has also faced significant challenges during this time - adapting to Covid-safe protocols and finding innovative new ways to continue providing vital services to Victorians with low vision or blindness.
Through this initiative, MCEC is providing an environment that is safe, contained, accessible and free of charge for GDV to continue indoor and outdoor training, in compliance with government restrictions.
Guide Dogs Victoria’s CEO, Karen Hayes AM said the collaboration with MCEC had made a significant difference to GDV being able to continue delivering Guide Dog services during these challenging times.
“Thanks to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Guide Dogs Victoria has been able to continue to provide essential services to Clients and train life-changing Guide Dogs during this lockdown. We know that our Clients have felt significant isolation and an increasing loss of confidence, as the restrictions continued. We are incredibly grateful to MCEC for working creatively with us to get people back on track to be confident and independent again” she said.
“Furthermore, with such strict government restrictions aimed at keeping us all safe, it is fabulous to have a space like MCEC where Clients and our dogs we can still train ‘real world’ experiences. They can practice navigating escalators, elevators, stairs, and chairs to name a few examples, but in an environment that is safely contained and controlled.”
MCEC Chief Executive, Peter King said the venue shares GDV’s commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for people with low vision and blindness.
“We have an environment that is accessible and safe for GDV to provide their training and essential services and the lockdown has meant we can offer the space they need,” he said.
“In these unpredictable times we need to pull together as a community and be resourceful to help those who need our support.”
GDV’s Guide Dog Mobility Instructors and Clients began training at MCEC in September, and will continue using the venue as a training space while space is not in use.
About GDV
At Guide Dogs Victoria, we provide vital support for Victorians with low vision or blindness. We have done since 1957. Since then, our services have grown far beyond just the dogs themselves to include a wide range of community initiatives, and training and education programs.
We work to ensure people with low vision or blindness are active and involved members of the community. We do this by teaching practical skills to help children and adults reach their personal potential: regardless of when or how they became affected by low vision or blindness. These skills are developed under our Orientation & Mobility training programs and with the support of Occupational Therapists.
www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au
About MCEC
At MCEC, we’re passionate about creating inspirational environments. We do this by delivering a personalised service and partnering with our customers to offer ideas, insights and imaginative solutions. We tailor every experience because we realise it’s the little details that make all the difference.
We’re here to connect and inspire, and as a world-leading venue, we’re redefining events globally through innovation, partnerships and experiences. Our venue is distinctly Melbourne and we’ve been inspired by the creative, cultural and diverse delights of the city we call home.
Learn more at www.mcec.com.au
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