Our history
For over 70 years, we have been providing independence to people with disabilities as the only internationally-accredited association of our kind in South Africa. Our visionary founder, Gladys Evans, was a courageous blind woman who lovingly and passionately prepared the way for all the good works that were to follow. Gladys instilled the philosophy that still guides us today: that blind people should have complete access to all the information about all the aids available to them, and the right to make their own decisions.
At the heart of our service is helping people achieve mobility, which is essential for rehabilitation, independence and integration in a sighted society. We inclusively serve people with disabilities to achieve their independence and = the tools they need for self-respect and personal freedom.In 1954, the organisation was formally registered with the Registrar of Welfare Organisations and the South African National Council for the Blind. South African Guide-Dogs Association immediately set about providing Independent Mobility and changing the lives of hundreds of people of all ages, from all population groups throughout South Africa.
We have created a brief timeline spanning the historical milestones of the organisation:
1953
Gladys Evans returned to the then Union of South Africa with her now famous guide-dog Sheena.
1954
South African Guide-Dogs Association officially founded. First fundraiser ran in all the major cities: known as “Three Coins in the Fountain”.
1955
Moved into first premises opposite Zoo Lake in JHB and Michael Bibikoff arrived from the UK to provide tutoring.
1956
South African Guide-Dogs Association’s first two mobility dogs went into service: Pluto, a black Labrador cross and Bush, a yellow Labrador.
1958
Upsized to new premises in Parkmore, Sandton (later renamed the Gladys Evans Training Centre). 13 dogs trained to date.
1960
Michael Bibikoff returned to the U.K. Now 28 guide dogs in service. Lionel Wilson, was appointed tutor.
1960-1968
Produced a further 123 dogs and expanded throughout South Africa and into Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
1969
Introduced the long Cane and added Orientation and Mobility to the curriculum. Ken Lord took over to head South African Guide-Dogs Association as a Chief Trainer.
1971
A Puppy Walking Scheme was introduced enabling South African Guide-Dogs Association to breed their own puppies and the first group of puppy walkers were recruited.
1974
South African Guide-Dogs Association recognised as a specialist in Independence. The Orientation and Mobility School was opened to train instructors to go out and teach these skills in the community. Dan Wood (US) was appointed Principal. Ken Lord was elected to the Committee of S.A. National Council for the Blind, to which South African Guide-Dogs Association was affiliated.
1975
21 years in service having trained and deployed 244 guide dogs and 8 Mobility Instructors.
1979
Silver Jubilee Year with a total of 318 guide dogs trained and 22 Mobility Instructors who provided Independent Mobility to another 300 blind people.
1982
Mobility School was opened.
2001
Gladys Evans reaches the end of her life having fulfilled her dream that every visually impaired person should have the opportunity to own a guide-dog.
2003
Golden Jubilee Year.
2003-present
South African Guide-Dogs Association continues to help transform the lives of around 450 disabled people each year.
