Guide Dogs Children's Services

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We are Guide Dogs. And we’re here to help people with sight loss live the life they choose.

Children and adults. Friends and family. Parents and professionals. Whoever you are, our expert staff, volunteers and life-changing dogs are here to help you. We’re here to give advice and emotional support from the moment your child is diagnosed with a vision impairment. Our team of experts has many years of experience working with children and their families, and can introduce you to a range of services based on your child’s needs, such as:

Education support

Our specialist team can offer independent and tailored advice to help your child receive all the educational support they are entitled to. From helping to choose the right nursery, school or college, to working with teachers and special education staff or advising on assistive technologies.

CustomEyes books

No child should miss out on the joy of reading – and we can produce books in large-print, tailor-made to suit your child’s eye condition. We have a range of books available, including non-fiction, popular fiction titles and annuals. We can also provide National Curriculum revision guides for home and school.

Technology advice service, including grants

Our grants help cover the cost of sensory equipment and assistive technology (also called access or adaptive technology), which can empower children, helping them become independent learners through apps and games. We can also offer advice on technology and software that can help children and young people access information and online resources on their own.

Early diagnosis family support

Our specialist team can offer information, advice and guidance from the early stages following diagnosis. Further help can include health and welfare advice, practical and emotional support and signposting to other organisations and services. 

Family events

Every year we host a UK-wide programme of family activity days. Here your child and their siblings can play and take part in activities together – alongside other children with sight loss. Meanwhile, parents can share experiences, support each other and access specialist advice from our team. We also host an early diagnosis weekend to support families at this critical time.

Life skills

We’re here to help your child learn and practise tasks that are important to daily life, confidently and safely. We support children and young people of all ages. From supporting physical development and learning in the early years, to navigating streets safely, preparing food, handling money, using technology and managing their appearance as they grow older. This training programme (also known as habilitation) will give your child invaluable practical skills for life. We also offer tailored courses for children with additional and complex needs: these include early motor skills, sensory development, body awareness and wheelchair mobility.

Guide dogs for children and young people

A guide dog could give your child the confidence to get out and about safely. Whether it’s to go to school or college, to a regular exercise class or to meet up with friends, they provide life-changing practical support every single day.

Buddy dogs

Our buddy dogs bring a canine friend into the lives of children with sight loss. By helping to build your child’s confidence in themselves and trust in their surroundings, these dogs have a positive effect on your whole family’s wellbeing.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Guide Dogs Children's Services
Contact Position
Guide Dogs Children's Services
Telephone
0800 781 1444 0800 781 1444
E-mail
children@guidedogs.org.uk
Website
www.guidedogs.org.uk
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Where to go

Name
Guide Dogs
Address
Hillfields
Reading Rd
Burghfield Common
Reading
Berkshire
Postcode
RG7 3YG
View RG7 3YG on a map

Availability

Age Ranges
0-17
Referral required
No

Additional Information

Providing services to
Disabled children/young people
Supporting people with
Vision impairment

Actions

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Record managed by Oxfordshire Family Information Service

This information has been collected from third party providers and Oxfordshire County Council cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information nor does inclusion represent a recommendation or an endorsement. Parents, carers, young people and professionals are recommended to check that organisations and services are appropriate and safe before they attend.
See: Help on how to choose services safely

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