By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
As Christmas approaches, Ferntree Gully resident and passionate advocate for Guide Dogs Victoria, Veronica Levey is urging the community to support this year’s Christmas Appeal – offering the gift of independence, confidence, and hope.
While the season of joy and togetherness is a time for celebration, it also brings unique challenges for many Australians living with vision loss – Ms Levey knows these challenges firsthand, having faced her own incredible obstacles in life.
The 29-year-old was born three months premature – weighing no more than 560grams, the size of your average margarine container.
This holiday season, Guide Dogs Victoria is asking the community to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of people like Ms Levey, providing the essential support that enables individuals to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
Ms Levey’s early life was marked by health complications. The oxygen used to save her life caused retinal detachment, and she was later affected by glaucoma, leading to complete blindness – despite corrective surgeries, her vision could not be restored.
However, she has embraced her blindness and now proudly states, “I am blind, and I don’t mind.”
She sees her journey as one of strength and resilience, and she is an active advocate for better representation of people with low vision in mainstream media.
Ms Levey actively participates in a variety of social activities, regularly attending events organised by the Young Adults Program (YAP) at Guide Dogs Victoria. She is also an engaged member of a women’s social group called The Diva’s.
In addition, Ms Levey has worked on building her independent living skills, including staying at the Guide Dogs Kew Facility as part of an Occupational Therapy program.
Traveling independently as a person with blindness requires significant skill, she receives support from a sighted guide and uses a white cane, both of which are integral to her mobility.
Guide Dogs Victoria also provides specialised Orientation and Mobility training to both Ms Levey and her support workers to help enhance her independence.
In her daily life, Ms Levey relies on support workers and taxis for mobility – this support is essential for her to fulfil her volunteer role at a special school for students with disabilities.
During an interview with Guide Dogs Victoria, Ms Levey shared her perspective on the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, especially during times like this.
She said people with vision impairments deserve to “feel” Christmas, even if they can’t see it.
“I can’t see the decorations or the lights, but at least I should be able to feel it,” Ms Levey said.
“The holiday season should be about sensory experiences that everyone can enjoy, regardless of ability.”
She also highlighted the broader issue of representation in the media, calling for more visibility of people with disabilities in reality TV and advertising.
“We don’t have enough mainstream programs that showcase our lives as they are, beyond the idea that we need to be ‘fixed,’” she said.
“It’s important for society to see that people who are blind or have low vision can live fulfilling, active lives.”
One of Ms Levey’s key points was the need for better accessibility in media and public spaces.
“We need audio descriptions in all media, whether it’s TV shows, movies, or ads. Without audio descriptions, people like me are left out of the conversation,” she said.
She also advocated for more inclusive spaces, particularly during festive events, where sensory experiences like the smell of food or the sounds of Christmas music should be accessible to all.
Chief executive officer of Guide Dogs Victoria Nicky Long said the need for assistance is on the rise, noting that by 2030, one in every 29 Australians is expected to be living with blindness or low vision.
“As we approach the end of 2024, we are reminded of the growing number of Australians facing vision loss,” Ms Long said.
“The cost to breed, raise, and train a Guide Dog is rising, but so is the impact your donations can make.”
The charity’s Christmas Appeal aims to raise vital funds to provide life-changing services to those living with low vision or blindness.
These services are crucial, helping individuals regain independence and navigate their environments, particularly during a time when festive gatherings and outdoor activities are at the forefront of many people’s minds.
Guide Dogs Victoria is calling on Australians to help make a tangible difference this holiday season. Donations to the Christmas Appeal will directly fund the breeding, training, and ongoing support of Guide Dogs, enabling more individuals to experience the freedom and empowerment that people like Veronica, and others have found.
“Our mission is to ensure that every Australian living with vision loss has the opportunity to lead an independent and fulfilling life,” Ms Long said.
“With your support, we can make this possible, especially at a time of year when the joy of family and community is so important.”
Ms Levey said supporting Guide Dogs Victoria this Christmas is not just about offering help to the organisation, but also raising awareness of the broader challenges faced by those living with vision impairments.
“We need more awareness campaigns, and for people to understand the challenges we face, especially when it comes to accessibility in both media and public spaces,” she said.
For more information on how to donate or to learn more about the work Guide Dogs Victoria is doing, visit donation.guidedogs.com.au
