# This week, we repeat episode 439 - discussing the New Horizons Theme. This came out of the BCA conversation held last Thursday - thanks to all for your input.

In this week's program, we introduce two of the new members of the New Horizons team; Jess Kendall and Noora Remi. They outline their backgrounds and their thoughts on the future of the program and what it means to the Blind and Low-Vision community. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.…

This week's episode focuses on the forum held by United Blind Leaders, on the 12th of September. Hear about the organisation, what it stands for and why leadership development and the leadership of Blind people by Blind people is so important. My thanks to John who co-presented this program with me. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co…

This week's episode brings us part ii of the presentation given by Margo Carwardine, from QBWA. Once again, 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, Margo Carwardine from the Queensland Braille Writers Association, also known as Braille House, discusses accessible tourism. The QBWA has been conducting a fascinating project to enable venues and other tourism-based businesses to be more accessible to Blind and Vision Impaired people. This project was made possible by a grant from the Q…

In this week's episode, John Simpson speaks with Jonathan Craig, now Policy and Advocacy Manager with Vision 2020 Australia. Jonathan discusses the response from the Australian Government, to the 222 recommendations handed down in the final report of the Disability Royal Commission in September 2023. In particular, those recommendations most applic…

This week, we discuss an open letter to the Board of Vision Australia, Australia's largest provider of blindness and low-vision services. Graeme Innes is our guest to discuss the letter, what it's all about and how you can be involved in making change in your community. If you want to join the 200-plus people who have already supported this open le…

This week, we bring you part two of the presentation given to the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability, by Professor Katie Ellis, Director of the Centre for Culture and Technology at Curtin University. Katie discusses the importance of accessible communications for people with disability, in connection with health.…

This week, our main feature is a presentation given to the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability, by Professor Katie Ellis, Director of the Centre for Culture and Technology at Curtin University. Katie discusses the importance of accessible communications for people with disability, in connection with health. Also, so…

This week, we conclude our two-part program on accessible workplaces. Thanks again to the Round Table for the use of this material.

This week, the first in a two-part series on access to workplaces. This presentation to the Round Table on Information Access for people with a Print Disability was given by Damo McMorrow, National Access Technology Manager with Vision Australia, and Rebecca Clark, Vision Technology Specialist with Quantum RLV. Once again, a big thanks to the Round…

# This week, we bring you part ii of a presentation given by Dr. Scott Hollier. Again, thank you to the Round Table on Information Access for the use of this material.

This week, We bring you another presentation from the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability. Dr. Scott Hollier, CEO of the Centre for Accessibility Australia, delivered this presentation on Artificial Intelligence, AI, and its use by Blind and Vision Impaired People, and those with other Print Disabilities. Once again…

Ben Clare's presentation to the recently held Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability, focused on AI and technology and its use in Pacific Island Countries. Ben discusses some of the enablers and barriers to the use of technology, and the use of Artifical Inteligence in education and the life of Blind and Vision Impaire…

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?…

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 o…

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 rec…

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 Vis…

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 podca…

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 …

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 electio…

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…

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, s…

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 i…

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, eyeto…

In this week's program we speak with Vice President of Blind Citizens Australia, Helen Frerris. Helen describes some of the opportunities for members to connect and gain peer support, some of the activities with which BCA is involved and we discuss some of the portfolios held by Board members.

Jonathan Craig is the policy advisor with Vision 2020 Australia. He provides us with an excellent overview of the recently released NDIS Review Report, and some essential information for people over 65, and those outside the NDIS.

In this slightly extended episode, we note the passing of Dr. Kevin Murfitt AM, who died earlier this month. John Simpson speaks with Kevin's husband, Francois Jacobs, as well as Bill Jolley and Graeme Innes, about many aspects of Kevin, his work and life. Thanks to John Simpson for putting this program together, and to Francois, Bill and Graeme.…

This week we're joined by Fiona Woods, president of Blind Citizens Australia. Fiona takes us through some of her highlights for the year, and outlines the results of the Annual General Meeting held on the 14th of December.

This week we speak with Santiago Velasquez about Hailo, an interesting new way to access public transport. Imagine if you could not only identify your correct bus, but know when the bus is coming, easily identify where you want to get off and more. Hailo could well be the answer. For more information, see https://hailo.co…

This week, we bring you an edited version of this year's Sue Salthouse Memorial Lecture, given by Emma Bennison, Chief Innovation Officer at Life Without Barriers and former CEO of Blind Citizens Australia. Emma discusses the times when she's almost given up disability advocacy and what kept her going. For the full version of this lecture, please s…

We go way back in the archives this week, to 2015, and episode 434. Jenny Dawson from WA presented this session at the BCA convention in Perth.

This week we speak with two new directors on the Board of Blind Citizens Australia, Neale Huth and Robyn McKenzie. Both will take up their positions following the Annual General Meeting of BCA, coming up in December. They discuss their backgrounds and what they bring to the table in terms of skills, experience and hopes for our organisation.…

Shaun Scott discovered the Ketogenic diet in an effort to improve muscular-skeletal pain he was experiencing. After a month or so, he started to realise some additional and rather surprising benefits. If you would like more information about Shaun's story, his YouTube video can be found here. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This p…

# This week we bring you part two of the interview with Gillian Gale AM. This is a repeat program from 2018.

This week we go back to February 2018, bringing you the first in a two-part interview with Gillian Gale, who was honoured in the Australia Day Honours list for her services to Blind and Vision Impaired people that year.

Carly Iles is the CEO of Vision 2020 Australia. Find out more about tVision 2020 and an interesting report and guide designed to assist people who are Blind or Vision Impaired, as well as their friends and families, to access appropriate mental health assistance when needed.

Leisa Proud was recently awarded a residency under the Warehouse Residency for disabled artists and is currently performing her work at the Arts House in Melbourne. I Am (Not) This Body is Leisa's autobiographical work which explores coming to terms with her body and becoming comfortable in her skin. The performance is audio-described both live, an…

This week we follow up with BCA President, Fiona Woods. As well, along with a big announcement, a special guest. Hear about changes to the BCA constitution and how they will affect the upcoming Annual General Meeting of Blind Citizens Australia; as well as positions on the board and sub-committees becoming vacant, but arguably most importantly, we …

Helen Frerris is our guest this week on New Horizons. Helen describes her role as a delegate to the World Blind Union and discusses an upcoming conference to be held in Thailand. This interview was recorded some time ago and unfortunately the registration date for attending the conference has closed but please check the World Blind Union website fo…

This week we recognise and celebrate the achievements of Ben Clare who was awarded the David Blyth Award at last Saturday's BCA Policy Connect session. Ben has spent much of his working life teaching, advocating and working with people with disability in Pacific Island nations. Hear Ben's story and what the David Blyth Award means to him.…