Blind Citizens Australia

This week we revisit the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities. Specifically, we feature a presentation given by David Swayne, Disability Policy Officer with the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, and Vision 2020's Jonathan Craig. Hear about Accessible ICT Procurement - what is it? Why is it important? Where does Australia lie in context with other countries, and what can we do to improve the situation? Thanks to the Round Table for the use of this material. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, in follow-up to last week's episode, we hear from Sophie Coppenhall. Sophie is currently undertaking a PHD in Inclusive Technologies. Hear about Sophie's background and what her PHD is all about. If you'd like to get involved, you can E-mail Sophie. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, we are joined by Matt Butler, Associate Professor at Monash University. Matt joins us to discuss an opportunity to undertake a PHD in Assistive Technology. They are strongly encouraging applications from Disabled People so if this is something that interests you, or you'd like more information, E-mail Matt or follow the link above. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join us this week, for a brief update on happenings within BCA. We're joined by CEO, Deb Deshayes, President Fiona Woods and Vice-President, Helen Freris. You can read more in this week's Member Update. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Greens Senator, Jordon Steele-John spoke at the recent Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities in Perth. We hear an edited version of his presentation this week, discussing barriers to information access, the current status and hopes for the future. My thanks to John Simpson and the Round Table for bringing us these recordings.

John Simpson attended the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities in Perth - and this week, we bring you the first in our series featuring presentations from this year's conference. Corey Crawford, Policy Officer with Blind Citizens Australia, discusses disaster management and preparation for people who are Blind or Vision Impaired. Our thanks to the Round Table and to John for this recording. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

We hear this week, from Project Manager with BCA, Bettina Twyman. Bettina outlines the importance of celebrating our volunteers this week, National Volunteer Week. It's a good opportunity to consider the millions of hours each week undertaken by unpaid workers and acknowledge their input. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, we're joined by Barry Melville, Manager of Radio 2RPH in Sydney. Find out more about 2RPH, an upcoming presentation Barry is giving to the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disability, and how you can provide feedback on 2RPH's programming and style. Check out the 2RPH Website for more information. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Graeme Innes is our guest this week. He discusses his role as Chancellor of Central Queensland University, and the University Accord; why we should be concerned about it and what can be done to ensure that universities continue to provide accommodations and access for disabled Australians.

May is Macular Month. In this episode, John Simpson speaks with Dr. Kathy Chapman, CEO of the Macular Disease Foundation Australia, (MDFA). Kathy describes the work of the foundation, what we might expect to see over the coming month, and how vital it is that we act early to prevent or slow macular disease.

In this week's episode, we revisit an episode from 2022 when we spoke with BCA's Tasmania Branch President, Duncan Meerding. At that time, Duncan explained arrangements the Tasmanian Electoral Commission had put in place to assist Blind and Vision Impaired voters to vote at the Local Government election. In March this year, Tasmania held an election for members in its lower house of Government and in May will be holding Legislative Council elections in three electorates. Has anything changed? We bring you an opinion piece written by BCA member, David Morrell, about where things currently stand in Tasmania. We'll be featuring more on this subject in coming episodes so if you live in Tasmania and have something to say, E-mail new.horizons@bca.org.au. If you live in other states and territories, let us have your experiences, positive and negative, about voting arrangements in your state.

Recently, we learned of the passing of founding BCA member, Alan Bates. John Simpson speaks with Bill Jolley about Alan's work with Blind and Vision Impaired people, including his representation to the ROund Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities, sport and recreation activities, switchboard training and BCA itself. Our best wishes go out to Alan's family and friends at this difficult time. As well, thanks to John and Bill for bringing us this week's programme. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, we go back to 2016. We hear from Phia Damsma, in an interview recorded at the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities. Phia describes her background and we demonstrate the Ballyland Magic App, which is designed to teach children concepts of Voiceover on the iPhone and iPad. Please note, as this is a repeat, some information might be out of date, and Phia now has many more fantastic apps in the app store. We encourage you to do your own research.

Owing to circumstances beyond our control, this episode is a repeat of episode 640, from January 2020. We hear an extract from an extended conversation with John Simpson AM, about his life and background. please E-mail me if you cannot find the extended interview and we can republish. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Natasha Brake has been with BCA for about six months, as the Business Support Officer. Find out about what that means, her background, and involvement with the Community Broadcasting sector.

Lynne Davis is our returning guest this week. She joins us to discuss celebrations of Blind Citizens Australia's 50th birthday. If you would like to provide your ideas for consideration, you may do so here. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Cassie Hames is our guest on this week's New Horizons. Cassie has developed the "See Me, Bus Signalling" app which helps Blind or Vision Impaired people to access public transport. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Stefan Slucki is the secretary of the Queensland branch of Blind Citizens Australia. He joins us to discuss communication options with the branch and more. Also, a demo of obtaining information from BCA's telephone system. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Katrina Taylor is the current president of the National Womens' Branch of Blind Citizens Australia. She joins us to discuss the history and current activities of the branch, recent changes to the branch bylaws and the impacts of those changes. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Madi Braim joins us on this week's episode, to discuss the upcoming Job Ready Workshops. Madi is a Project Officer with the "An Eye To The Future of Employment" project. She discusses the project, how job-seekers are supported and how you can become involved, as well as the upcoming workshops. Find out more from the Eye To The Future website, eyetothefuture.com.au.