On FOCAL POINT:

• Linni Oliver, Communications Guide from Deafblind WA, with an invitation to DeafBlind Awareness Week 2025. Hear inspiring stories; enjoy tactile art; and connect with the community.  
• Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, spoke about some of the things to be on the lookout for if you; your children; grandchildren or anyone you know is into gaming.
• Andrew Arch and Sarah Pulis, from Intopia, spoke about Intopia's recent work with the new 'Guidelines on Equal Access to Digital Goods and Services' which they developed with the  Australian Human Rights Commission. You are able  to upskill in digital accessibility and equitable design, through online Training Courses.
• We paid tribute to the late and wonderful Wendy McDougall. For over 25 years Wendy produced for Focal Point and we heard Wendy's 2014 interview, reliving 50 years since the Beatles came to Adelaide.

Resources:

• Deafblind Awareness Week: Tuesday 24 June 2025, 9:00am, Perth City Farm, 1 City Farm Place, East Perth WA. For more information email: [email protected] on the net:
  http://www.senses.org.au
• Crimestoppers Vic: http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
• Intopia: http://www.intopia.digital

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Jennifer Parry leads Blind Citizens Australia Music Peer Group. Jennifer spoke about the group's preparation and having their works showcased at the 50th Anniversary Convention, from 13th June
• Danica Gates is the winner of the Joy Noble Medal - the highest honour for South Australia's Volunteer of the year.  Danica set up Beacon of Hope in Tumby Bay, a suicide prevention network with support from others who have had their lives effected by suicide.
• Neil Jarvis, the 2025 Recipient of the Tammy Axelsen's Life Time Achievement Award from the Round Table of information access for people with a print disability.
• Mark Pearce, CEO for Volunteering Australia with a wrap of the aims, objectives and achievements for National Volunteer Week.  

We were all saddened to hear of the passing of long-time volunteer and former producer of Focal Point Wendy McDougal.  

Resources: 

BCA Convention 2025: https://www.bca.org.au/bca-2025-convention-50th-anniversary-celebration/ 

Beacon of Hope: [email protected]

Print Disability Round Table: http://www.printdisability.org

Volunteering Australia: http://www.volunteeringaustralia.org 

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Mark Trompp, winner of a Silver Medal in the blind division at the Asia and Oceania
  Championships for Sambo - a form of martial arts grappling.
• Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, has news on activities and events: including a history tour of Adelaide and some of its crime spots.
• Dr Annmaree Watharow and Dr Moira Dunsmore, from Sydney University, share news on their research in dual sensory impairment.
• Sadam Ahmed, Principal Consultant and software Teacher,
  took us into the future with thoughts in advancements in mobility technology. 

Resources: 

Mark Trompp: Call 0408 652 288 or email: [email protected]

Beyond Blindness: https://beyondblindness.org.au 

Dual Sensory Impairment Project: http://www.dsiproject.org 

Sadam Ahemed: [email protected] 

Glide: https://glidance.io/

Accessibility Solutions: https://accessibletechnologysolutions.com 

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Aasha Rose is a PhD Student at the University of Southern Queensland.  Aasha warmly invited anyone to participate  in  research studying the relationship between braille literacy and the quality of life for people with blindness or low vision,
  contact ASHA AT
• Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had news on celebrity impersonation scams and tips to best avoid chances of being caught out.
• Daisy Holt, Lead Guide Dog Mobility Instructor at See Differently, wrapped up their International Guide Dog Day celebrations and shared some incredible statistics regarding the day globally.
• Cory Alpert, former Biden White House staffer, reflected on the Australian Federal Election and the recent changes to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies in the United States.

Resources: 

Aasha Rose Survey in information: email: [email protected] or go to 
https://surveys.unisq.edu.au/index.php/778262?newtest=Y&lang=en

Crimestoppers Victoria: http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

See Differently Guide Dogs Program: https://www.seedifferently.org.au/our-dogs/guide-dogs/ 

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Podcast Notes available Tomorrow

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On FOCAL POINT:

• John Paul Cruz, PHD Candidate at the University of Melbourne, is researching  Making Accessible and Usable Digital Health Platforms.  John Paul is keen to hear from you.  (Details under "Resources")
• Rex Patrick is a Senate Candidate for the Jacqui Lambie Network for South Australia at the Federal Election.  Rex spent some time last week in the South-East of South Australia meeting with NDIS participants and their families.
• Sophie Slattery, Assistance Dog Instructor, spoke about See Differently's Operation K9 - providing assistance dogs to support for members of our returned services; helping better manage PTSAID. and other benefits. Volunteers are welcomed to express their interest to be part of the training.  Sophie also previewed International Guide Dog Day  30th April,
• Mahesh Nath, from Pacific Vision, Launched their new website.  Mahesh is keen to receive feedback on the site and shared news about a special offer of 10% off any products purchased from the site - just use the code "welcome 10"

Resources: 

John Paul Cruz: [email protected] expressions of interest: https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_bKqqvJCcbAyfvVQ 

See Differently: http://www.seedifferently.org.au

Pacific Vision: http://www.pacificvisionaus.com.au (To get the Discount use the code "welcome 10")

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Ben Rowe, musician; singer and recording artist, is about to release a new song "Feeling Like Home"
• Frank Cirillo, Member Engagement Officer at Beyond Blindness, with an update on events and activities from Whyalla and Port Augusta, to the western suburbs of Adelaide; Adelaide Hills and the South-East. 
• Milly Hart is a member of the Australian Women's Blind Cricket Team.  The Team is  about to host their first ever international series in Australia against Pakistan in Qld, from April 20th
• Maureen O Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, with invitations to participate, either in person or online, in the Melbourne Writers Festival events and the National Simultaneous Story Time, 21st May, everyone will be reading The Truck Cat, and  and more

Resources:

Beyond Blindness: http://www.beyondblindness.org.au

Vision Australia Library: https://visionaustralia.org/services/library

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT:

• Alex Morris, from the Australian Electoral Commission, with news on the options available for people who are blind or vision impaired to vote at the May 3rd Federal Election - including important dates and phone numbers.
• Barry Clark, Chair of See Differently (The Royal Society for the Blind) paid tribute to the late Peter Hetherington OAM, Advocate; champion blind cricketer; employee; board member and client for close to 60 years. 
• Dr Jo Kaeding and Agata Mrva-Montoya, from Uni SA and Sydney University respectively, shared their research showing public libraries are failing readers with a print disability. 
• Deb Deshayes, CEO for Blind Citizens Australia, invited all to the 50th anniversary Convention at the Novatel from Friday the 13th June in Melbourne and updated us on a number of exciting projects BCA are undertaking. 

Resources:

Australian Electoral Commission: Call 13 23 26 or go to: https://www.aec.gov.au/Voting/ways_to_vote/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwtdi_BhACEiwA97y8BECz3XpaVJZO2mEvuCI6j3lu3O1wF8s1WQgemBgA5CMoRAv8hxfTrBoCdOYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds 

Research Findings (Libraries and Accessibility): https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2025/australian-public-libraries-failing-readers-with-print-disabilities/ 

Blind Citizens Australia: Call 1800 033 660 or go to http://www.bca.org.au 

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On FOCAL POINT:  

• Steph Travers, Board Director at People With Disabilities Australia, reflecting on the Federal Budget; the Budget in Reply; and thoughts about the upcoming Federal Election.  

• Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, with valuable information regarding romance scams.   

• Annette Leishman is going on the 5-day Trek to New Zealand for Vision Australia's Quality Living Program.  Annette extends an invitation to attend her Easter fund-raising concert on 15th April 

• Aida La Verde shared her story of moving from Columbia; being diagnosed with cancer; then a vision loss and outstanding support from Aida's employers 

Resources: 

Australian Electoral Commission 

• Information for People with a Disability: https://www.aec.gov.au/assistance/  
• Postal Voting: https://www.aec.gov.au/election/pva.htm  

PWDA Election Hub: https://pwd.org.au/home/federal-election-hub-2022/  

Crimestoppers Victoria: http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au  

Annette's Easter Concert: [email protected]  or go to https://vision-australia.grassrootz.com/abeltasman-2025/annette-leishman 

See Differently: http://www.seedifferently.org.au  

Blue Sky Care: http://Www.bluskycare.com.au  

Australian Finance Collective: http://Www.Australianfinancecollective.com  

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Andrew Davies, Team Manager at See Differently, is just back from the CSUN assistive Technology event in Anaheim in the US. Andrew shared his observations and interactions. 
• Jane McNamara, Consumer spokesperson at NBN, had news about faster internet may be needed to keep up surging demand for new technology and shared tips to access the best solution for you.
• Howard Dickinson, President of Australian Blind Bowlers, previewing this year's National Championships in April. The Nationals will be held in Mandurah in Western Australia. 
• Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, spoke about this year's Federal Budget.

Resources:

See Differently: http://www.seedifferently.org.au

CSUN: https://www.csun.edu/

NBN Australia: https://www.nbnco.com.au/connect-home-or-business/check-your-address

Blind Bowls Australia: Email: [email protected] Web: https://blindsportsaustralia.com.au/blv-bowls-guide/

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