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")

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT:

• Carlie Towns shared some memories of her Dad, the Late and Great Ched Towns - Paralympian, Adventurer, trail blazer.  Carlie spoke openly about the challenges of being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa as an adult.
• Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, with news of another group starting - this time at Riverton. Rachel is also encouraging members to share their stories in the newsletter. 
• Lia Curtis, Peer Support Program Lead,  and Charlotte Germaine shared news about the just launched new Peer Support Program by See Differently with the Royal Society for the Blind.  This is done in partnership with Beyond Blindness and is a Program to support South Australians experiencing sudden or deteriorating vision loss. 
• Ava Adams, Mayor of Moonee Valley,  invited all to an inclusive Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) workshop

Resources: 

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

Riverton Group: Contact Jen: 0403 451 817

Peer Support Program: Call 8417 5599 or email: [email protected]

P-CEP Workshop Details: Moonee Valley City Council, Monday 24th March 9.30am - 1pm - Djerring Flemington Hub (Flemington Community Centre), 25 Mount Alexander Road, Flemington, VIC   Call: 03  9243 8888 Web: https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/events/person-centred-emergency-preparedness-p-cep-workshop/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT:

• Selena McMurray is an Occupational Therapist with Live Big and a mother of two children who are neuro-divergent. Selena spoke about  the role of women in the disability sector deserving attention beyond International Women's Day. 
• Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with news on audio described performances during the Fringe and Adelaide Festival.
• Jonathan Ramsden is a long-time narrator with Vision Australia's Personal Support Service. Having narrated a wide variety of personal support titles over the years, Jonathan is also a much-loved narrator of Wheels magazine. You can access 360 print pages every year converted into your preferred format.  
• Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, shared tips; hints and practical action you can take to minimise and help stop retail crime.

Resources:

• Live Big: http://www.livebig.com.au
• Access 2 Arts: http://www.access2arts.org.au
• Adelaide Fringe: Call 1300 621 255 or go to https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix
• Adelaide Festival: Call 1300 393 404 or go to http://www.adelaidefestival.com.au
• VA's Personal Support Service: https://www.visionaustralia.org/business-consulting/print-accessibility/alternate-format-production
• Crimestoppers Victoria: http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT:

• Nadia Mattiazzo is a first-class advocate; leader; and articulate spokesperson. Nadia  chatted about advocacy, leadership and International Women's Day.
• David Woodbridge "Mr. Technology" introduced us to the Braille Doodle, helping people new to braille of all ages, and enabling their families; friends; and educators to be involved with the learning experience in a fun way,
• Cindy Dabrowski is taking part in Vision Australia's Graduate Program, and is about to start an internship at Bupa. Cindy encouraged others to strongly consider applying.
• Dr Richard Symes, ophthalmologist specialising in glaucoma, shared news on World Glaucoma week and the latest news in treatments and research for the condition. 

Resources: 

• Braille Doodle: https://www.touchpadprofoundation.org/
• Careers Graduate Program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/about-us/careers/graduate-program 
• World Glaucoma Week: https://www.worldglaucomaweek.org/
• Glaucoma Australia: https://glaucoma.org.au/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: 

Guide Dogs Queensland CEO, Jock Beveridge, sharing exciting news about a group of low security prisoners from the Helena Jones Centre who have been given the opportunity to volunteer at Guide Dogs Queensland as part of their rehabilitation, - this includes including working with pups,

Grace Hobbs is a dual gold-medallists singles and doubles from the IBTA World Championships in 2024, and a joint-winner of the Tennis NSW Most Outstanding Athlete With a Disability, along with Michael Leigh.

Amber Freeman, Coordinator Communications and Projects Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, launching a suite of financial literacy resources for anyone on or involved with the NDIS, including an invitation to attend a webinar. 

Phil Vandepeer, Co-Founder and Co-Presenter for Focal Point, chatted about the up -coming Federal Election; Clive Palmer; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion moves in the US, and more discoveries with the iPhone 16   

Resources: 

• Tickets for AFDO Webinar "Financial Literacy for NDIS Self Managers": https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/launch-of-ecstras-financial-literacy-resources-for-ndis-self-managers-tickets-1247586919059? 
• Video Series (with Auslan translations): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux2QquL4CZw&list=PLRRohiEyBBJ9RwljEdEU7SNBpIeHY2Esg 
• Moodle Online Course: https://afdo.moodlecloud.com/course/view.php?id=9
• Easy Read Guide: https://afdo.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Easy-Read-Financial-Literacy-Tools.pdf
• ABCs of Self-Management: https://afdo.org.au/resources/financial-literacy-for-ndis-self-managers/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT:

Dr Chrissy Antonopoulos, sharing some of the findings from her PHD - Implicit bias toward people with disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Rachel, from Beyond Blindness, with updates of events and activities, in particular a disability and aging Expo and Information Day at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre Mt. Gambier. 

Julee-Anne Bell, inviting you to "Perfectly Imperfect Songs and Stories of Life, Love and Laughter" Julee-Anne will be performing, with pianist Melissa Buchholz, at the Garage International @ Adelaide Town Hall as well as a Sacred Show Sunday morning at the Lutheran Church Hahndorf.

Ray Younan, breaking the news that the 2027 Deaf Football World Cup will be hosted in Australia, Parramatta City, NSW, including matches at Commbank Stadium.

Resources:

Dalexpo: https://dalexpo.com.au/ 

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

Perfectly Imperfect: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/perfectly-imperfect-af2025 

Deaf Football Australia: https://www.deaffootballaustralia.com.au/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.