In Plain Sight

Yes you read that title right...our guest this week is Gia Hilditch, an electronic experimental musician who goes by the stage name "Mermaid Milk." Gia is also a disability advocate and the co-founder of "West Australia Music Access Incorporated" (WAMA). In this episode, we talk to Gia about her passion for music and how it inspired the creation of a new organisation aimed at making positive changes in the disability sector.

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In light of World Braille Day, we study the history of Braille as well as the most recent assistive technology available, such as liquid level indicators, electronic magnifiers, and even Braille Monopoly. These products empower blind and vision-impaired people by making daily tasks easier and increasing independence.

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As we welcome 2025, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable year that was 2024. In this special episode, we revisit some of the inspiring voices and conversations we've had. From accessibility and mobility to inclusion, advocacy, and community leadership, we highlight the people and topics that have shaped our year.

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It's Christmas time! And in light of this season of giving, we chat about advocacy with Vanessa Jessett, communications officer for "People with Disabilities WA" (PWDWA). We discover what advocacy is, what services PWDWA provides, and Vanessa's passion and purpose for what she does.

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Join therapist, talented musician, and composer Tiffany Ha for an intriguing exploration of Gestalt therapy, where we examine the powerful themes of identity and neurodivergence. 

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This week, we look at the fascinating game of Goalball with Caitlin, who has travelled nationally playing this unique sport. We also learn about her love of film and what inspired her to get a degree in it.

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The theme for the 2024 International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is "amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future." Every week on In Plain Sight we amplify the voices of community leaders who have a disability.

This week for IDPwD, we will be hearing from two wonderful women who have demonstrated their leadership over many years and helped others to share their voices and show their strengths: Samantha Jenkinson and Nihal Iscel.

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This week on our program we hear from Thayana Mubila, originally from Zambia and now a vital member of the Perth community. Discover some of her interests and activities, including tandem cycling and social groups, that have helped her develop into a community leader and role-model.

Simon also talks to Ben Rowe, Executive Officer at Blind Sports WA and a big advocate for building inclusion in the community. Ben and others were instrumental in growing Blind Sports WA, and Ben played Goalball for Australia.

Here are links to some of the organisations mentioned by this week's guests:

• Western Australian Tandem Cycling Advisory Council (WATCAC) website
• WATCAC Facebook page
• Blind Sports WA website
• Blind Sports Australia website

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This week on In Plain Sight, host Simon Chong dives into the fascinating world of audio description! 

Discover how it brings the visual arts to life for those who are blind or have low vision, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity.

Simon is joined by audio description advocate Jayde Abbott, singer, actor, voice-over artist and theatre lover Grace King, and Vision Australia Radio Perth volunteer Brigida Desebrock, who shares her passion for audio describing.

To keep updated on audio described events in WA, you can join the Audio Description Events, WA Facebook group mentioned by Brigida during her interview.

The National Gallery of Australia runs a monthly online program for people who are blind or with low vision from across the country. Each session includes audio description of works of art in the National Gallery’s collection and presentations by specialist staff, along with poetry and music to enhance the listening experience. Please contact [email protected] or +61 2 6240 6632 if you require further information or assistance, or go to their website.

With thanks to Cate Mckenzie for recording Brigida's interview, and to Emma Ross for her involvement with recording and editing Grace's interview.

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This week Simon and Abby have a lively conversation with the energetic, engaging Tayla Taseff.

Tayla shares her journey from being a Telethon Child to becoming a dynamic public speaker.

We learn about life with Cerebral Palsy (CP), and explore some of the fabulous fun adventures this Tayla has, including her love of live music and musicals.

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.