Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

 On FOCAL POINT:  Ryan Hotchooten, Youth Support Officer, at VisAbility, went on a guided tour of Optus Stadium - marking International White Cane Day - exploring its accessibility features and more Dr Annmaree Watharow invited all to the "Filling in the gaps and joining the dots" Conference on the 27th and 28th November at Sydney University. This event is for everyone, 6 flavours of ice...

On FOCAL POINT: Kelly Vincent, Adelaide Airport's Access and Inclusion Specialist, was delighted that on World Sight Day, her employer received the Access Advocate Award from Guide Dogs SA/NT, Ben Hood, SA Shadow Minister for Transport; Infrastructure; Hospitality and Government Accountability, spoke  about Access Cabs; the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, assistance animals being refused by cabs and rid...

On FOCAL POINT:  Maurice Gleeson OAM is the 2025 Blind Australian of the year sponsored by Link Visions.  Maurice chatted about growing up; a sense of fairness and social justice; influences on Maurice's stella career; advocating; promoting inclusion and the benefits of activity, and more.  Rachel from marketing at Beyond Blindness, spoke about term 4 activities; a Coffee Social Gro...

On FOCAL POINT: Professor Lauren Ayton, from the Centre for Eye Research Australia, highlighting World Sight Day and their focus on Ushers Syndrome for their  Giving Day.  Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with news about many exciting events, and broke the news that  this year's National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will be audio described on Vision Australia Radio 1197 am. You...

On FOCAL POINT:  Dr Moira Dunsmore, advocate and co-leader for projects for people with dual sensory impairment, Moira has just returned from attending a conference in Italy. Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stopper Victoria, shared news on  scammers targeting personality traits, and the psychology behind it. Eliza Grogan, State Lead from Vision Store Services in Brisbane, invited all to Vision...

The Week on FOCAL POINT: Matt Lee, sports reporter and host of Vision Sports on Vision Australia Radio, spoke about an AFL after-match press conference incident.  Matt was an innocent participant and was somewhat "rattled" regarding the aftermath.  Justine Crawford and Cassie Hames, from the Achilles Runners Club in Adelaide, took part - very successfully - in the City To Bay event. Cass...

On FOCAL POINT Christofer Casswall, from LVI Global in Sweden, spoke about the company's low vision and text to speech products.  Christofer will be showing at Tech Fest, 9th October at U City, Franklin Street in Adelaide. Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, with opportunities in the Gawler area - including a presence outside Coles at the Gawler Central Shopping Complex on the Tuesday...

On FOCAL POINT: Alex Andre chatted about fencing, a sport - martial arts, now being made accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.  Details under Resources in Podcast Notes. Rebecca Young, CEO for access 2 Arts, spoke about  audio described shows coming up, live and online. Rebecca also responded to the  Artists at Work Taskforce report.  Justine Crawford and Cass...

On FOCAL POINT: Assunta Fogliari is this year's  DSRV sports awards winner in the Masters category for outstanding achievements in the sport of climbing, Mia Gardiner, from Crimestoppers Victoria, shared tips to help if you have been financially abused, and/or maybe minimise your chances of being a victim. Cathy Roche-Wells, Principal for Kilparrin, invited all to a garden Party to celebrate...

On FOCAL POINT: Jenny Pengilly invited all to attend the inclusive; sensory rich; and fun exhibition "Popcorn" at the White Chapel  Gallery. Tracy Wallace, Strategy Leader at JFA Purple Orange, responded to the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Royal Commission. Dr Annmaree Watharow is looking forward to the first Dual Sensory Impairment Conference "Filling in the gaps-and joining the dots...

On FOCAL POINT: Jane Britt, Senior Consultant and Advisor at The Social Deck, outlining reasons why it's important to strongly consider responding to the review of the Disability Discrimination act.  Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, shares news on the Small Jobs Volunteer team; some new activities at Campbelltown. Also bingo; craft; Board & Card Games; indoor mini-golf; darts;&...

On FOCAL POINT:  Natale Cutri was recognised as part of the  King's Birthday Awards with the prestigious Public Service Medal. This was for outstanding leadership and advocacy for people with disability. Ruth Weldon, Audio Describer at Access 2 Arts, spoke about her background; work at A2A; and some events coming up - including an award for designing the poster for the 2026 Adelaide Frin...

On FOCAL POINT: Karen Murphy AM shared news about the campaign to have lawn bowls included in the 2032 Brisbane Paralympic Games. Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had news on why home security is a growing concern and some practical and helpful tips to minimise your chances of being a statistic. Dr Nadia Corsini, from Uni SA, spoke about Loneliness Awareness week; and exciting and...

On FOCAL POINT: Sonali Marathe has just completed seven years as President of the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities. Sonali shares highlights; achievements,; changes in technology and; the enormous increase in availability of access to more titles. She speaks glowingly about the many involved with the work the Round Table is doing.  Kate Stephens is the only...

 On FOCAL POINT: Stephie Birkhead is about to public a book, "Behind the Shutters"  The book shares an honest account of growing up blind in a world that didn't always understand what that meant -  documenting not just the struggles, but the strength; the moments of humour; and the hope that carried Stephie through.  Kari Seeley, CEO for No Strings Attached, invited all to thei...

On FOCAL POINT: Dr David Sykes, Director of the Centre for Dementia Learning at Dementia Australia, spoke about  a new app-based tool available to help support people working in health; disability and aged care to provide quality care for people living with dementia "Tell TiNA" and other supports for individuals caring for a loved one with dementia, Rachel, from Beyond Blindness Marketing, in...

On FOCAL POINT: Nigel Herring, from Pentronics, who spoke about the B-Book Braille Computer running Windows from Eurobraille. Brittnee Watson, vice-president of Goalball Victoria, is just back from the Finland club competition. The Victorian and NSW teams have also just been to New Zealand. Maria Markou invited all to take part in the Vision Australia's winter webinar series, featuring some outsta...

On FOCAL POINT: Roslyn Sackley (Aunty Ros) has received an honorary doctorate for her lifelong contribution and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and disability rights. Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, spoke about their current campaign to raise awareness and help stop wildlife crime. Jordie Howell is this year's winner of the Diana Braun Aspirations Award from B...

On FOCAL POINT: Edward Delgado lost his sight aged 60 and started learning technology for the first time in his life.  86 years young Eddie is a tremendous inspiration and role model to many others. Justine Crawford has brought Achilles Runners Club to Adelaide. Achilles member,  Cassie Hames, is enjoying the benefits, namely the freedom, and is setting new goals. Dr Moira Junge, CEO for...

On FOCAL POINT: John Machin is the winner of the David Blythe OAM award at Blind Citizens Australia 50th Anniversary Convention.  John was on the first board of BCA. Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, invited all to a number of events and activities, especially in the southern area of Adelaide. Dr Annmaree Watharow, and Moira Dunsmore, previewed some activities coming up for Deafblin...

On FOCAL POINT: Bill Dengler, working for Microsoft, chatted about his journey to this point as well as Microsoft’s commitment to accessibility. Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with an employment opportunity as Operations Manager at A2A, and a number of generous funding opportunities as well as audio described events coming up. Rebecca Chen, from Zoomax, and Peter Cracknell, from Quant...

On FOCAL POINT: Linni Oliver, Communications Guide from Deafblind WA, with an invitation to DeafBlind Awareness Week 2025. Hear inspiring stories; enjoy tactile art; and connect with the community.   Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, spoke about some of the things to be on the lookout for if you; your children; grandchildren or anyone you know is into gaming. Andrew Arch and Sarah P...

On FOCAL POINT: Jennifer Parry leads Blind Citizens Australia Music Peer Group. Jennifer spoke about the group's preparation and having their works showcased at the 50th Anniversary Convention, from 13th June Danica Gates is the winner of the Joy Noble Medal - the highest honour for South Australia's Volunteer of the year.  Danica set up Beacon of Hope in Tumby Bay, a suicide prevention netwo...

On FOCAL POINT: Mark Trompp, winner of a Silver Medal in the blind division at the Asia and Oceania Championships for Sambo - a form of martial arts grappling. Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, has news on activities and events: including a history tour of Adelaide and some of its crime spots. Dr Annmaree Watharow and Dr Moira Dunsmore, from Sydney University, share news on their researc...

On FOCAL POINT: Aasha Rose is a PhD Student at the University of Southern Queensland.  Aasha warmly invited anyone to participate  in  research studying the relationship between braille literacy and the quality of life for people with blindness or low vision, contact ASHA AT Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had news on celebrity impersonation scams and tips to best avoid...