MIDLAND’s SpeedDome is where young Cloverdale athlete Tegan Reder has chosen to train as part of her goal to compete in tandem cycling one of the biggest sporting stages.

The 21-year-old psychology student trains six days a week at the SpeedDome, preparing to compete in the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Paralympics.

Earlier this year, she took home gold in all three of her cycling events at the 2025 Oceania Games.

Blind since birth, Ms Reder became WA’s youngest guide dog handler in 2021 when she was 16.

She said her dog Loui had been instrumental in helping her live independently, balancing her study, social life and athletic career.

“Having a guide dog has allowed me to explore an independence I never thought I’d have,” she said.

“With Loui by my side, I can confidently grab a coffee, go to the gym, or meet friends for lunch — the normal things every 20-something-year-old does.”

Ms Reder said a lack of public understanding about guide dog accessibility rights remained a constant challenge.

“When rideshare drivers refuse to transport Loui, it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s hurtful and discriminatory,” she said.

“It strips away my sense of safety and independence.”

Under WA law, guide dogs and dogs in training have full access rights to shops, cafes, public transport, taxis, rideshare vehicles and other public venues.

Refusing access is an offence.

Ms Reder said International Guide Dog Day, which fell on April 30, was an opportunity to remind the community that supporting guide dog handlers goes beyond kindness, it is a legal obligation.

“Because of him, I can focus on chasing my dreams, not just getting through the day,” she said.

Guide Dogs WA chief executive Anna Presser said greater public awareness was needed to end  discrimination against people with low or no vision.

“Our hope is that with more education and awareness, we can put an end to refusals and the distress they cause,” she said.