Wimborne’s Museum of East Dorset is proud to support International Guide Dogs Day on Wednesday 29 April by offering free entry on this special day to all blind and visually impaired visitors, including those accompanied by working guide dogs.
International Guide Dogs Day celebrates the extraordinary impact guide dogs have on independence, mobility and confidence. By taking part, the Museum of East Dorset is reaffirming its commitment to accessibility and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the museum’s collections, stories and historic spaces.
To enhance the experience for visitors with sight loss, the museum provides large print guides and magnifying glasses. The Museum’s tearoom has menus in braille for blind visitors and all-important water bowls for their thirsty four-legged friends.
He added: “Visitors are invited to explore the galleries, enjoy the peaceful garden, and experience the rich history of Wimborne in a welcoming, inclusive environment.”
The museum also supports Puppy Guide Dog Training. Susan Merrifield, Volunteer Puppy Raiser in Wimborne, said: “As part of being a volunteer puppy raiser for Guide Dogs, we provide a wide range of environments and experiences, helping the puppy get used to sort of places that their future guide dog owner might go.
“Thank you to the Museum of East Dorset for giving puppy raisers and their pups easy access and a friendly staff welcome. This type of training makes a huge difference, with puppies hopefully going on to become life-changing guide dogs for people with sight loss.”
Andy Putt from the Museum of East Dorset said: “Guide dogs and assistance dogs are always welcome in our museum and International Guide Dogs Day is an important reminder of the freedom and connection that these incredible companions bring to so many people. We’re delighted to champion accessibility by welcoming blind and visually impaired visitors totally free of charge to the museum on this special day.”
Event details
Wednesday 29 April
Offer: Free entry for blind and visually impaired visitors including guide dog owners Location: Museum of East Dorset, High Street, Wimborne Minster.
