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Singer-songwriter Steve Sparrow’s life changed forever when he received a Christmas present from his parents as an wide-eyed 10-year-old. “For Christmas in 1984, my parents bought me my first guitar,” the 48-year-old from Brisbane’s bayside said. “Music has always played a major part in my life.” Steve, who was born blind after contracting Norrie disease, knew what he wanted out of life the moment he picked up that guitar. “Before the guitar, I had some keyboards, which I was really bad at,” Steve said. “The keyboards were a chore. But when I got the guitar, that changed everything. It was...

Ocean Grove NDIS participant Lucy Carpenter is getting much more out of life with Dottie, her new Guide Dog, then ever before. The 19-year-old, who has low vision, said she feels less isolated, safer leaving home independently, and more enthusiastic and energetic about life. Dottie has helped Lucy feel more comfortable on public transport and more confident attending her university lectures in Melbourne. Lucy said Dottie has also broken-down social barriers. When she is out in public with her black fluffy companion by her side, she is now enjoying greater inclusion. “Prior to Dottie, I found it hard to meet...