Vic Park-based organisation VisAbility merges with Guide Dogs Tasmania

NEW disability services will be available in Tasmania after Victoria Park based organisation VisAbility agreed to merge with Guide Dogs Tasmania.

VisAbility currently owns and operates Guide Dogs WA but also and offers disability services including occupational therapy for adults and children, assistive technology and orthoptics.

Guide Dogs Tasmania voted to merge with VisAbility at a special general meeting late last month.

VisAbility will work with Guide Dogs Tasmania to introduce new and improved disability services in the state.

VisAbility chief executive Clare Allen said the merger was the outcome of a robust due diligence process between the two organisations, and was a great opportunity to increase service for people living with disability in Tasmania.

“Mergers like these will enable us to deliver on our vision for independence, and we look forward to working with Guide Dogs Tasmania to allow for the introduction of a greater range and level of service for people who are blind or vision impaired living in Tasmania,’ Dr Allen said.

“Guide Dogs WA and Guide Dogs Tasmania will also enjoy opportunities to learn from each other.

“We will retain a strong local fundraising and training presence in each state, and look forward to the synergies of close collaboration.

“Guide Dogs Tasmania will benefit from cost savings for the organisation through the centralisation of back office and administrative tasks.”