Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

On FOCAL POINT:

• Haben Girma, Deafblind Advocate Extraordinaire, is a guest speaker at UNSW
  Centre of Ideas. Haben is the first Deafblind Harvard Graduate;
  has been named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and was awarded the White
  House Champion of Change - presented by President
  Barack Obama. Find out more here: https://www.habengirma.com/  If you want to hear the "Authentic" version of the interview: https://omny.fm/shows/vision-extra/haben-girma-extended-interview-version 
• Andrew Davies, Technology Team Manager from See Differently, launching Tech Fest 2024; 6th November at 43 Franklin Street in the City, book by calling 1300 944 306
• Maxine Parker and Judy O'Connor, Founders of AccessAbilityAustralia, have a series of  comprehensive Access Guides, developed entirely online to make venues more accessible and inclusive, the platform not only offers DIY guides but also provides essential disability awareness training. Find out more here: https://accessabilityaustralia.com/
• Phil Vandepeer, Co-Founder and Co-Presenter for Focal Point sharing Phil's thoughts on Bill Shorten leaving politics; what's next for the NDIS; the Queensland Election and comments by Pauline Hanson on accessible housing.

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ON FOCAL POINT:

• Reggie Sorensen, two-time winner of Big Brother, is an important part of the Blind Australian of the year Award's gala evening 26th October 26th in Brisbane. Reggie will be welcoming all on the Red Carpet. To nominate your individual and the Employer of Choice go to: https://blindaustralianoftheyear.com.au/
• Sandra Gesuato, from Beyond Blindness, with a very comprehensive summary of the benefits members can access. Beyond Blindness will be at the DAL Expo 11th and 12th October Wayville Showgrounds.  For more information call: 8367 6088
   or go to: https://beyondblindness.org.au/ For more information about the Expo: 
  https://dalexpo.com.au/dal-expo-adelaide-2024/
• Sadam Ahmed, Software Teacher from Accessible Technology Solutions, with a wrap of the Apple announcement of their new series of phones, watches and ear pods. Find Accessible Technology Solutions here: https://accessibletechnologysolutions.com/
• Natasha (Gem) Mcguire - the face of this year's Jeans for Genes - her father father Michael; Anouk and Linden Thorley; and Dylan Colombis are inviting all to a concert at Annandale Creative Arts Centre: Chapel and Foyer, 81 Johnston Street Annandale,
  Sunday 22nd September 2024 from 3 pm  Find out about Jeans for Genes here:  https://fundraise.jeansforgenes.org.au/ 

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ON FOCAL POINT:

• Karan Nagrani, Social Content Manager for Link Vision, has an invitation to nominate your choice for the Blind Australian of the Year and Employer of Choice Award - as well as previewing the Gala Event 26th October in Brisbane. Find out more here: https://blindaustralianoftheyear.com.au/
• Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, would love applicants for the role of Access Coordinator (if you mention you listen to Rebecca on the radio, it may help with your application) Rebecca also previews audio described shows from State Theatre, SA Museum and a relaxed performance by the ASO. Call 
  8463 1689 or go to: https://access2arts.org.au/  To apply for the Access Coordinator position go to: https://www.seek.com.au/access-2-arts-jobs/in-Adelaide-SA-5000?jobId=78466312&type=standard
• Debra Symons was refused a cab 10 times in one day, and has taken Debra's case to the Human Rights Commission. 
• Mia Gardeniner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, has information and help that may help minimise the impact and chances of being stalked and things to do to get support. For more information call 1800 333 000 or go to: https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/ 

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ON FOCAL POINT:

• David Goldfield, Director for Marketing at Blazie Technologies, with news about the very new BTSpeak: an all-in-one pocket notetaker; tablet and computer with a braille keyboard.  For more information call Blazie Technologies in the US 00111 772 214 1616 or go to: https://www.blazietech.com/
• Belle Owen, leading Advocate from JFA Purple Orange, responding to the long awaited report on the taxi industry and what it may mean for access cabs. 
• Karen Von Einem, mother of Australian table tennis Paralympic medallist, is in Paris as our Australian athletes continue to shine,
• Jackson Holt, from Brooks, with concerning information about research showing over 3 million people may be at risk of not hearing a fire alarm because of being impacted by hearing loss, and some possible devices that can help.  You can call 1300 783 473 or go to 
  https://www.brooks.com.au/ 

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Bryan Blazie, CEO, and David Goldfield, Director for Marketing at Blazie Technologies, with news about the very new BTSpeak - a pocket computer and notetaker, with braille keyboard. For more information go to: https://www.blazietech.com/ 
• Ben Dew, DE&I Pathways & Events Specialist at Tennis Australia, previewing the inaugural 2024 NT Blind & Low Vision Open at the Darwin International Tennis Centre.
• Presley Chihuri, Board Member and Treasurer for People With Disabilities Australia, sharing concerns about the NDIS legislation and Federal/State/Territory Governments discussion regarding people with disabilities and service delivery
• Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, with thoughts on Politics; NDIS; Scooters in cities and the Opening Ceremony for the Paris Paralympic Games.

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Professor Glen Gole was recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours for outstanding service in ophthalmology; teaching; training and mentoring others.
• Jeremy Peck, Member Services Officer for Beyond Blindness, with news on events and activities - in particular the southern areas. You can call the Christies Office on 8556 6288; Beyond Blindness 8367 6088; or Jeremy 0438 051 223.  Or go to beyondblindness.org.au
• Miriam Bilander, Program Manager for Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria, inviting women who are over 50 to a free information sessions on screening for cancer. To register contact Miriam on 03 9822 8876 or emai: [email protected]
• Lisa Lanzi, Ruby Award winning Director for No Strings Attached season of “High” at the Space Theatre. The show has two Auslan interpreted shows Friday 30th August and two  Audio-Described shows on 31st August 31st.  You can book by calling 13 28 49 or go to nostringsattached.org.au

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Liz Symons has set up “My Talking Kitchen” sharing tips; tricks and devices to cook safely and independently for yourself and others. Check out My Talking Kitchen on Youtube https://youtube.com/@mytalkingkitchen607?si=T_ZdDLW9RLqt7aP5 and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mytalkingkitchen
• Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with news on SALA; audio described shows and courses to do audio description. Call Access 2 Arts on 8463 1689 or go to: access2arts.org.au
• Les Pobjie was a newspaper editor and now is an author. Les's latest book “Whispers in Empty Rooms” is available through the Vision Australia Library. You can find the library here: visionaustralia.org/library
• Kate Gooden, from Amazon, spoke about “The Story Sauce” application and its development; sponsoring Happy Pants on Vision Australia Radio; and a chance to win an Echo Show 5 with Alexa. Email [email protected]

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Jane Britt, Disability Policy Consultant from Jane Britt Consulting, with thoughts about the Disability Royal Commission (DRC); 222 Recommendations and the government's response. Jane Brit can be found here: https://janebrittconsulting.com.au/
• Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, gave us some very valuable information about the organisation; how you can report anonymously and some of the tax-time scams to be aware of. Call 1800 333 00 or go to: https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/
• Larissa Byass, Accounts Manager from Humanware, broke the news about the introduction of Prodigi for Windows - the ultimate low vision software for
  productivity and independence. You can call Hamanware on 02 9686 2600 or go to: https://www.humanware.com/en-australia/home
• Belinda Wilson, CYP Program Development Coordinator, inviting youngsters between 14 and 18 years of age to register for the LEAP, program: Lead, Engage and Perform. Call 1300 84 74 66 or email [email protected]

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Amanda Acutt shared her views on Mattel's release of Blind Barbie.
• Juliet Middleton, Live Big CEO, spoke about the opportunity to improve transport for people with disabilities during this time when reforms are being considered. You can contact Live big on 1300 390 222 or go to: https://www.livebig.com.au/
• Howard Dickinson, President of the Australian Blind Bowlers Association, wraps up the recent Nationals. You can find Blind Bowling Australia on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/459960464039504
• Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, chatted about the Federal Cabinet reshuffle; possible early Federal Election; NDIS matters and a world exclusive thought about a feature for the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games.

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Professor Lyndell Lim, from the Centre of Eye Research Australia, speaking about weight loss drugs and diabetes drugs linked to a rare form of vision loss.
• Amy Hall,  Clinical Supervisor Behaviour Support Practitioner (Adv/Spec) and Director at Banksia Support, sharing some very disturbing news of treatment of some children with disabilities in the education setting. If you have any experiences you want to share on this subject you can contact Amy here: [email protected]
• Ben Rowe is the winner the inaugural Australian B1 tennis championships held in Melbourne last weekend. Ben also sang the National Anthem Check out Ben's work on YouTube, Spotify and other platforms.  You can also find Ben on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BennyRoweMusic/?paipv=0&eav=AfaWLwhwf09-PxfyHpFV0p43h_kFU4FrvPiapu4KAhCF3Ivkk1VIs82wtoaAgmuY_2Q&_rdr#_=_ for more about tennis email [email protected]
• David Tredinnick, Audio Production Coordinator at Vision Australia, encouraging and reminding that members can have up to 360 print pages transcribed into their preferred format each year. All this for free!!  Try the new email address for any feedback, [email protected] [email protected] or
  call 1300 84 74 66

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