Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

On FOCAL POINT:

• Penny Holmes-Brown is Service Area Manager from APM employment, the winner of this year's Link Vision Blind Australian of the year Employer of Choice Award.
• Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, wrapping up Vision Australia Radio Adelaide's audio description of the Christmas Pageant, as well as invitations to two audio described shows of the State Theatre Company's Jack Maggs - also an audio-described tour of the Chihuly in the Adelaide Botanic Garden. To find out more go to: https://access2arts.org.au/ 
• Sheryl Berry, on World Sight Day, is putting together an information pack supporting  people living with low vision or blindness. Your input is very welcome, call Vision Australia Radio Adelaide on, 8234 1197 or email Peter Greco: [email protected] 
• Jude Hines and Penni Hamiltoation-Smith, the director and star of the Adelaide Rep's season of "Mother and Son" at the Arts theatre from 21st November. You can get tickets here: https://artstheatresa.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/117484 

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Nathan Stock, from Seeing Hands (https://seeinghands.org/) with news on dictionaries that are accessible on braille displays and now available in a number of languages. You can access the : dictionaries here: https://projects.seeinghands.org/dictionary/
• Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, shared news on how bystanders can be alert to Elder Abuse - signs to look out for and more.  Call 1800 333 000
   or go to: https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/
• Anita Hancock, mother of 9-year-old Amelia, spoke about services available through Vision Australia; the journey to access them; advocacy and peer support.
• Graham Coulton invites all to a national blind cricket reunion in April 2025, at the Steve & Mark Waugh Pavilion in Bankstown Memorial Oval, Chapel Road, Bankstown, NSW. For more information call Graham on 0418 992 418 or email: [email protected]

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Courtney Webeck, Cricketer; Tennis Athlete and student is the 2024 Blind Australian of the year. 
• Mahesh Nath, from Pacific Vision, will be at Tech Fest - where, among other things, we will see the first showing of an electronic magnifier from HIMS.
• Nikki Brooke is about to Launch her first published book "Plagued Lands"
• Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, talks about the Christmas Pageant being audio described on Vision Australia Radio Adelaide, and a wrap of political events in the last week.

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Libby Henderson is the Co-Founder and Commercial Director for Big Purple Phone. Big Purple Phone is an accessible, user friendly, mobile phone. Learn more here: https://bigpurplephone.com.au/   Libby will be at Tech Fest 6th November 43 Franklin Street Adelaide.  You can book by calling 1300 944 306 or go to: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/techfest-see-differently-with-the-royal-society-for-the-blind-2024-tickets-1026616837597  
• Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, breaking the news that Vision Australia Radio will be audio describing this year's Christmas Pageant. Plus Rebeccas has more news on audio described shows. You can attend the pageant, to reserve your place call 8463 1689 or find out more here: http://www.access2arts.org.au
• Meredith Prain, from Able Australia, is just back from Spain. Meridith reports on  the first Core-Set for Deafblindness.  Find out more here: https://osf.io/a942k/ 
  or to find out more here about ICF Core-Sets: https://www.icf-research-branch.org/icf-core-sets 
• Maureen O'Reilley, from the Vision Australia Library, invited all to attend an online and also in-person event 6th November: a chance for you to discover the latest reading tools and technology.  To find out more call 1300 654 656
   or go to: http://www.visionaustralia.org/library

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Tobias Stuntebeck is an Industrial Designer from “White Cane” in Duderstadt Germany. The re-engineered cane its history and is looking for feedback from users.  which will be at Tech Fest 6th November at UCity, 43 Franklin Street Adelaide.  Tech Fest is put on by See Differently.  Find out more here:  https://whitecane.com/  You can book your tickets for Tech Fest by calling 1300 944 306 or book online here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/techfest-see-differently-with-the-royal-society-for-the-blind-2024-tickets-1026616837597
• Marian Phua, Member Engagement Officer from Beyond Blindness, with a huge range of activities that members can get involved with. This includes yoga; coffee groups; Swish; music quizzes; and more.  Beyond Blindness’s AGM will be held on Saturday 26th October 11am at the Southern office: 2/4 CLEMENT TCE, CHRISTIES BEACH call
   8367 6088 for more information or go to: http://www.beyondblindness.org.au
• Cassie Hames, award-winning app developer, chatted about the See Me Bus Signalling app, enabling people who are blind or low vision to use buses more safely, confidently and predictively. Cassie will also be at Tech Fest. To give feedback about the app email [email protected] or go to https://www.sageautomation.com/see-me-bus-signalling-app
• Brendon Donohue, with news on what's available for people who are blind or have low vision to vote at the Queensland State Election 26th October 26th. Brendon also shared his views on recent announcements about the NDIS. For more information about voting call 1300 881 665 or go to: http://www.ecq.qld.gov.au

Don’t forget to tune in to Leisure Link on Saturday.  One of Peter’s guests this week is Ita Butrose!

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Dr Ceecee Britten Jones, from the Centre for Eye Research, sharing news about work on The Advanced Genomics Collaboration to help find the genetic causes of many unidentified retinal diseases.  10th October is World Sight Day, you can find out more by calling 03 8344 3441 or emailing [email protected]
• Darrin Johnson, Volunteer Business Advisor For EP Global, introducing us to an e-tandem. This is perfect for riders of all abilities. 
• Roy Lucian Baza, recording and song writing artist has overcome a glaucoma diagnosis and just released his latest single Does Your Girlfriend Know About me" Find out more here: https://roylucianbazamusic.com/
• David Woodbridge has just joined Humanware as a Blindness Products Specialist. David will be at Tech Fest 6th November at U City 43 Franklin Street in Adelaide. 
  Book by calling 1300 994 306  Contact Humanware on 02 9686 2600 or go to: https://www.humanware.com/en-australia/home 

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Mike Kent, from Curtin University, with an invitation to an Audio-description Symposium 16th October Curtin University. You can attend in person, or online; register here:
  https://research.curtin.edu.au/research-rumble/ad-symposium-2024/  The program will be live at: https://research.curtin.edu.au/research-rumble/ad-symposium-2024/
• Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, with news on a campaign about illegal exotic pets/animals. Call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to: https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/
• Arthur Pirika has recently commenced with Humanware as Blindness Products Specialist. You can call Humanware on 02 9686 2600 or go to: https://www.humanware.com/en-australia/home
• Fiona Tuomy is the Artistic Director for "The Other Film Festival"  The Festival is in its 20th year. Fiona encourages all  to take in some of the festival - audio described and captioned.  Find out more here: https://cinema3.acmi.net.au/ or https://www.artsaccess.com.au/ 

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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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