Guide Dogs Singapore

Guide Dogs Singapore (GDS) is a non-profit social service organization that helps the visually handicapped in Singapore. GDS advocates the use and normalization of using guide dogs in helping the visually handicapped, especially allowing guide dogs to enter food establishments.^[1][2][3][4] GDS also trains guide dogs.^[5][3]

Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd

Abbreviation	GDS
Formation	2006; 18 years ago (2006)
Type	Charity
Registration no.	200302260G
Headquarters	20 Sin Ming Ln, #02-53, Singapore 573968
Website	https://guidedogs.org.sg/
Formerly called	Guide Dogs Association of the Blind (GDAB)

History

Guide Dogs Singapore was founded in 2006 to assist the visually handicapped in Singapore.^[2] GDS has trained 11 guide dogs, of which 6 are in operation.^[6][7]

In 2013, Law Minister K. Shanmugam stated at a dinner organized by GDS that there has to be a, "more supportive regulatory framework" towards guide dogs.^[8]

In 2017, Christina Teng became Singapore's first local guide dog instructor after undergoing training at Guide Dogs Victoria in Melbourne from 2018 to 2020 to get her Guide Dog Mobility Instructor certificate.^[3][9][10] She also trained Eve, the first guide dog to be trained in Singapore.^[3]

In 2018, GDS planned to raise S$100,000 to train 2 more guide dogs.^[11]

See also

• List of social service agencies in Singapore
• List of disability organisations in Singapore
• List of guide dog schools

References

1. Kuan, Tricia (30 November 2022). "YOUth should know: 7 things about Guide Dogs". youthopia.sg. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
2. Raguraman, Anjali (13 March 2023). "Paralympian Sophie Soon's dispute with cafe sheds light on guide dog users' daily challenges". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
3. "S'pore's first guide dog instructor explains how guide dogs are trained locally". mothership.sg. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
4. "Guide dogs still being rejected by F&B establishments, on public transport & private hire cars". mothership.sg. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
5. "Still a pup but taking her human to places — as the first guide dog fully trained in Singapore". CNA. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
6. "Forum: All of us have a part to play in removing barriers to disability-inclusive society". The Straits Times. 17 March 2023. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
7. "Working like a dog: A closer look at canines with jobs". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
8. Goy, Priscilla (7 December 2013). "Shanmugam calls for clearer rules on guide dogs". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
9. "S'pore's first woman guide dog handler: I faced discrimination, people would scream & run away". mothership.sg. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
10. Tay, Valerie (28 April 2020). "Dogged determination helped her become Singapore's first guide dog mobility instructor". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
11. Lam, Lydia (18 April 2018). "Guide Dogs Singapore aims to raise $100,000 to train two new guide dogs for people who are visually impaired". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 20 September 2023.