A NEW accessible Guide Dogs office in Newcastle is a place to connect - not just with puppies, but with people.
The Hunter Street space has been designed to be accessible and welcoming for the community.
"It's been built for clients to be able to come in and connect and receive services in person," Guide Dogs NSW/ACT emerging technology and accessibility manager Ben Moxey said.
"It's the first opportunity they have had to do that here in Newcastle and for us, supporting the regional community is really important, so this is a massive step forward for Guide Dogs."
Labrador puppies in training to be guide dogs, 12-week-old Winter and 14-week-old Victor, gave their lick of approval at the official opening of the office on Friday.
Mr Moxey is blind himself and said his favourite part about work was being able to help others.
"It's really nice to be able to hopefully offer some of the skills I developed over the years and support others to teach them how to use computers effectively, mobile phones, all of those things out there that I think a lot of people out there in the community don't even realise blind and low-vision people are doing," he said.
The space in Newcastle West, which is on the tram line and bus route, means people can come in person to connect and learn.
Guide Dogs NSW offers services beyond what its name suggests, like occupational therapy and training courses for things like cane use.
Mr Moxey said some "super simple" measures would make a big difference at the office.
"We've actually got fixed furniture in place, so we don't have things moving around, so the environment is kept consistent," he said.
Wide hallways mean two guide dogs or two wheelchairs can fit through, and accessible signage and colour contrasting means visitors can find their way through the building.
Mr Moxey said it everyone had their own way of doing things and it was important to work with them.
"We're hoping to be able to do a lot more for the regional community here in a good, accessible space ... I'm hoping that's going to make a big difference to people coming in in person," he said.
The office is also dog-friendly, with spaces for them to rest, train and play.
