Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

  On FOCAL POINT:

• Scott Dixon Smith took part in Sydney's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Scot was accompanied by his guide dog Pretzel, from Guide Dogs NSW & ACT - Guide with Pride.
• Eliza Lovell, Community Arts Project Officer from the City of Campbelltown invited all to a free audio-described Fringe Festival Event, Connection a visual art exhibition that looks at how we relate to each other, to the places we li...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Nicola Ettridge is a highly respected and accomplished advocate. Nicola talked about losing her hearing at 21 and then becoming the advocate; support; role model and leader. Nicole also reflected on International Women's Day, and work finding employment opportunities for people of all abilities, especially in non metropolitan Australia.
• Dr Frances Gentle, chatted about the joint ICEVI and WBU global braille lit...

 On FOCAL POINT:

• Dr Kari Seeley is a researcher from Curtin University who  invited all Audio Description users & creators in Australia to share their experiences and thoughts about AD -  in March, in person and also online if you choose. (Details under Resources in the Podcast Notes)
• Rachel from Marketing, at Beyond Blindness, had news on a Wills and Estates information session; the travel club; news from t...

 On FOCAL POINT:

• Bill Stavreski, Head of Research at the Leukaemia Foundation, released research for World Cancer Day. This Research showing the grim news that First Nations Australians are dying at far higher rates from blood cancer, and challenged all to take part in the world's greatest Shave.
• Skye Bee, Operations Manager for Access 2 Arts, invited all to Celebrate the Opening of Fringe 2026 with an Intimate Aboriginal...

On FOCAL POINT:

• David Rice OAM, recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours for his  roles as  voluntary Treasurer for ICEVI Pacific, SPEVI; and Round Table On Information Access For People With Print Disabilities.
• Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, shared information to help children be safe  -especially as they return to school.
• Jeremy Moses, comedian, invited all to his season during the Adelaide...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Abey Finklea is the  Captain of the United States Women's Blind Cricket Team. The Team played in the first ever Women's World Cup - from no players knowing about the game to World Cup appearances in less than 5 months!
• Dylan Haar, Artistic Director for On The Fly Impro Theatre, with an invitation to "The Bat"  This format is unique because it is both completely improvised, and performed in
  darkness...

   On Focal Point:

• Venkatesh Chari, President and CEO Orbit Research and co-Founder for Access Mind, updated us on the progress of the Optima - a modular Windows 11 computer with 40 cell braille display and so many other features. 
• Reuben Fairbank, Australian Blind Cricketer, spoke about South Australia's making the final at the National Cricket Inclusion Championships for Athletes who are Blind or have Low Visi...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Alan Taylor, a member of the choir performing for Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight, shared Alan's experiences being part of the time honoured event for over 30 years, and time  in music so far. 
• Rachel from marketing at Beyond Blindness with events and activities coming up in January - the office closing and reopening times for the holiday season. 
• Mac Bollella, from the Electoral Commiss...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Dr. Daniel Fielding, CEO and Co-Founder for Audeara - helping to hear better with hearing tests; head phones and other products and initiatives. Audeara is an Australian company that is recognised internationally,
• Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with some audio described events at the Art Gallery, workshops for digital design, using A.I. to promote artists and their work. Bec also shares some of he...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Lisa Weil,  Guide Dog Mobility and Assistance Dog Instructor
  Guide Dogs SA/NT, spoke about the first Facility Dog, Bonnie, who has been sworn in to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in Adelaide.
• Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had tips to keep your parcels safe; action you can take to minimise your chances of being scammed; and ways you may be able to help yourself, family an...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Brigid Maroun is completing her year 12 Major Design Project, for Design and Technology, focusing on shopping difficulties faced by people with vision impairment. You will find the link to her survey in the podcast notes under "Resources"
• Keshia Arbour spoke about Perinatal Mental Health Week awareness, and shared some of her experiences living with ADHD; gestational diabetes; and the incredible difference that...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Alan Davis is the President, and Eva Overton the Assistant Manager for the Denmark Riverside Club. There are a number of activities planned for International Day for People With Disabilities – this includes lawn bowls with the Australian blind bowlers; a photo competition; dragon boats relaxed sessions; a dinner; and more,
• Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, spoke about opportunities for fruit pic...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Amanda Heal, Technologist; author; advocate; and life-coach, sharing her experiences using "Innosearch" a website and app for shopping; booking tickets and more. 
• Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, wrapping up the audio description on Vision Australia Radio Adelaide of the Christmas Pageant, and an opportunity to express your preferences for audio described events coming up at the Adelaide Fringe Festiv...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Andrew Flatres, Braille Product Manager for Humanware, has news on the Monarch: multi-line braille display device. Tthe Monarch is a joint venture between Humanware and the American Printing House for the Blind, and has been named as one of Time's inventions of 2025 in the accessibility category.
• Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, spoke about how important it is to speak up about sexism. 
• I...

 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 cream and pop corn after each...

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 ride share and Bedfords.
• Shannon ...

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 Group in Blackwood; and a tour of...

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 can book a spot Pageant side,...

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 Australia  Community Inclusion...