Focal Point

On FOCAL POINT:

• Louise Milligan, investigative journalist and author, talked about being at “In Conversation” with the Vision Australia Library for the Melbourne Writers Festival. Louise's book “Pheasants Nest” is available through the Library.  Call 1300 654 656 or go to http://www.visionaustralia.org/library
• Rachel, from Beyond Blindness Marketing, updated us on events and activities, including trips to the Barossa and ch...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Nihal Iscel is in the Western Australian Women Hall of Fame for her advcacy work.  Nihal talked about Global Accessibility Awareness Day and how Instagram has become less accessible - in particular for people who are blind or vision impaired,
• Rebecca Young, from Access 2 Arts, had information on audio-described Shows and grant writing workshops. You can contact Access 2 Arts via phone: 8463 1689 or go to htt...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Annette Leishman encouraged all to try Birding By Ear, communing more with nature, for physical and mental health. Find out more here: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/birdwatching/birding-by-ear
• Kyra Quinlivan shared her lived experience of domestic violence and gives us an opportunity help in a program which may help others in similar situations - donating "spare" phones and potentially making the...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Daniel Hewitt is the Founder and Director for Future Labs, whose  technological expertise was used by Cadburys for their Accessible Easter Egg Hunt Find out more here: 
  https://www.futurelabsco.com/
• Wonho Kim and Eileen Zhang are studying UX design (User Experience) at the General Assembly.  Wonho and Eisleen shared their Passion project - inviting feedback about accessible public transport using the Trip...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Paul Mugambi, Advocate and Founder of Disability Sausage Media, spoke about life in Kenya. You can find Disability Sausage media is on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL3JB4k4kqiyDh15hozOMHg and facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074244916141
• Frank Cirillo, Member Engagement Officer from Beyond Blindness, talked about the first event in Whyalla, a catch up the second Tuesday now e...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Maryanne Diamond AO, leading national and international advocate, reflecting on her time as President of the World Blind Union; working with the world Intellectual Property Organisation including the Marrakesh Treaty; international Women's Day; and so much more.
• Meg Riley, Access and Inclusion Co-ordinator from Access 2 Arts, reviewing the recent festivals; previewing audio described shows coming up; and the...

On Focal Point

• Gareth Downing, Acting CEO for the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network with information on the soon to close down 3G network and what phones will be impacted.  Find out more here: www.accan.org.au
• Michael Zannis, Braille and Adaptive Technology Specialist from See Differently, launching the Braille Literacy Test Competition - happening 22nd May at Gilles Plains. For more information call 1300 94...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Robin Weis, Director for International Affairs for the Zero Project, explains some of their objectives; achievements and awards.  Robin also has an invitation for individuals and organisations to be involved.  Email: office@zeroproject.org or go to: https://zeroproject.org/  
• Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, with news of events and activities - including the inaugural group meeting at Whyalla.  Be...

On FOCAL POINT:
*    Dr Luis Alarcon-Martinez, from the Centre for Eye Research, sharing the latest news on glaucoma research. Find out more here: https://www.cera.org.au/ 
*    Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with an abundance  of Shows that are audio described in the last week of the Fringe and Adelaide Festival.  For more information call 8463 1689 or go to: https://access2arts.org.au/ 
*    William O1Neil is havi...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Andrew Flatres and Larissa Byass, Manager for Braille Products and the Accounts Manager at Humanware, introducing us to “Annie” the World's first braille self-learning device. You can contact Humanware on 02 9686 2600. 
• Catherine Fitzgerald, spoke about “If Fabrics Could Speak” a new exhibition at the Adelaide Fringe. This is an inclusive, audio-described exhibition of paintings, photographs and digital stor...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Sue-Ellen Lovett, Paralympian; Author’ Public Speaker and extraordinary fund raiser.  Sue-Ellen has just been Recognised with an OAM.  You can find out more here, including how to get a copy of her book:  https://theblindchick.com.au/
• Grace King chatted about spiritual wellness. You can find her podcast here:
  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sensoryspirit or facebook:
  https://www.facebook.com/...

On FOCAL POINT

• Chris Finnen has been nominated for the Adelaide Festival Centre's Walk of Fame. Chris has been called, "The Guitarist's guitarist"  You can vote for Chris here: 
  https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/our-venues/galleries/walk-of-fame 
  Rachel, from Beyond Blindness marketing, with updates on events and activities -  including a trip to Nairn; Apple Picking; and encouragement to try the "Infoodle" app...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Bec Swansson, Deafblind Services Manager at Able Australia, inviting all who are deafblind - or would like to volunteer - to a camp from the 8th of April on Phillip Island. You can email dbcamp@ableaustralia.org.au if you are interested in attending or have any questions about the camp,
• Serena Ovens, CEO for ATSA, spoke about the inaugural  ATSA Independent Living Expo - Adelaide 6th and 7th March, Adelaide ...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Bill Jolley has taken on the role of Chair of Vision Australia. Bill also paid a lovely tribute to the late Dr Kevin Murfitt OAM,
• Visa Neemam, Operations Manager from Beyond Blindness, invited all to download and try the infoodble app, Beyond Blindness has closed for Christmas - new year,
• Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, shared news on reopening dates and activities in February, including tandem ...

In August 1993 Peter Greco and Phil Vanderpeer started a Focal Point, a show on Vision Australia that aired every Wednesday and looked at issues relating to the Blind and Vision Impaired community.  To celebrate the show’s 30th year we present a series of interviews from across the show’s history. 

This episode’s guests are:

1. Janelle Colquhoun
2. Tim Carter
3. Charles Gilles
4. Jacqui O'Connor

Focal Point: from the Vault w...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Freek van Welsenis, co-founder of Hable, introducing us to the Hable One Keyboard, which you can Bluetooth to your IOS or Android phone. You may never have to touch your smart phone again. Find out more here: https://www.iamhable.com/  Available from See Differently: https://www.seedifferently.org.au/product/hable-one/
• Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts , with an invitation to the audio described tour of T...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Dr Teresa Iacono, from Latrobe University;
  Professor of Rural & Regional Allied Health and Executive member of the Living with Disability Research Centre. Teresa spoke about the inequities people with disabilities and in particular communication challenges face with the health system.
• Charlie Hughes and Bec Murrell. Charlie has just completed an 226 Kilometer; 8 day walk for Vision Australia from Nana...