DonorTec's impact : Empowering the blind and vision impaired

“We empower blind and vision impaired Queenslanders by helping them achieve mobility, independence and freedom,” said Donna Hurley, Communications and Marketing Manager of Guide Dogs Queensland.

“Our services are life changing. We advocate on behalf of blind and vision impaired Queenslanders to ensure public places are equipped with the infrastructure and information they require to engage with the community.”

In mid-2007, through the DonorTec program, Guide Dogs Queensland received Microsoft® software packages and licensing to the value of $10,000.

“It’s been of great benefit for staff and our clients,” said Ms Hurley.

“In addition to the staff benefiting from using the Microsoft® software for administration duties, our clients have access to the client residence workstation, at our main centre in Brisbane.”

Ms Hurley said there were also several low vision support groups who use the computer workstation.

“We are a not-for-profit organisation and receive less than seven per cent funding from government,” said Ms Hurley.

“The vast majority of our services are funded and sustained by donations, community support, corporate sponsorship and grants.

“Donations such as the Microsoft® software and licences we received through DonorTec help us to keep operational costs to a minimum, which allows us to direct more funding into our services.

“Though we are best known for our Guide Dogs, it’s our rehabilitation services that form the largest sector of our business,” she explained.

“We conduct orientation and mobility training, host workshops; teach life skills, job skills and we provide counselling to clients and families.

“The more current and professional our equipment is, the better it is for our organisation and for our clients,” said Ms Hurley.