17/08/2026
Earlier this month, we celebrated the incredible assistance dogs who transform lives every day through their skill, loyalty, and unwavering partnership for International Assistance Dog Week (Aug 02-08).
From guiding people with vision impairment to providing mobility support, medical alerts, and greater independence, these remarkable dogs do so much more than perform tasks, they empower confidence, connection, and freedom.
Swipe through to learn more about the impact of assistance dogs and how you can help support greater awareness and accessibility.
To read the Preventing Violence against LGBTIQA+ People with Disabilities resources, visit the link https://wdv.org.au/resources/preventing-violence-against-lgbtiqa-people-with-disabilities/
Image description:
Slide 1: A social media tile with a purple background. The dark purple WDV logo is positioned in the top right corner of the tile, with white text reading: ‘All About Assistance Dogs.’ At the bottom of the slide is an illustration of a person sitting outside a building with their service dog. The door of the building has a sign saying: ‘service animals welcome’.
Slide 2: A social media tile with a cream background with purple text reading: “Assistance dogs are specially trained to perform tasks that help people with disabilities live more independently and confidently. Respect the rights of LGBTIQA+ people with disabilities who have assistance animals and remove barriers to their participation in services and community spaces.”
Slide 3: A social media tile with a cream background with purple text reading: “Ensure access without unnecessary questioning. People should be able to attend appointments, events, and services with their assistance animal without being separated from the animal or denied entry.” At the bottom right-hand side is an illustration of a person holding the lead of their service dog.
Slide 4: A social media tile with a cream background with purple text reading: “Support access across services and venues. Ensure organisational policies and staff practices allow assistance animals in relevant spaces, including transport services and community venues where applicable.” At the bottom right-hand side is an illustration of a person in a wheelchair holding the lead of their service dog.
Slide 5: A social media tile with a cream background with purple text reading: “Avoid assumptions or challenges. People with disabilities may face distress or barriers when they are wrongly questioned about the necessity of their assistance animals. Staff should respond respectfully and follow appropriate guidelines when they need verification.”
