New Horizons

In this edition we hear from Graeme Innes, former disability discrimination commissioner.  Graeme updates us on the work he has been leading on establishing principals for accessible banking.  As well, BCA policy coordinator, Angela Jaeschke joins us to discuss parking.

In this episode we speak with Emma Bennison, CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, and President John Simpson.  Hear about the 43rd Annual General Meeting of BCA, and some highlights of the two-day board meeting which followed it.  Also, a new campaign to promote awareness of, and to encourage  the government to provide for, audio description on Australian television.

In this week's programme, we hear from Sally Ulrisch, acting State Coordinator for NSW/ACT, with Blind Citizens Australia.  She informs us of a very interesting project to get people "Life Ready".  Also, an interesting talk with Stella Glorie, from Vision Australia about a podcast series she has produced focusing on issues related to well-being for people who are blind or vision impaired.

In this episode we hear about a new project which BCA will soon be running to train blind and vision impaired people as mentors, and hone leadership skills.  Naomi Barber, a recent recruit to the staff of BCA, joins us to describe the project and how you might become involved.  Also some other news for people living in Brisbane and Sydney.

In this week's episode we discuss employment.  Specifically, we speak with Matt Colins, a participant in Vision Australia's Career Start programme.  Find out about Matt, how he got involved with the programme and how he thinks it has helped with his confidence, and his future career.  Also some news for our Brisbane members.

In this episode, we hear from Graeme Innes.  Among other things, Graeme is a member of the board of the Jeffrey Blyth foundation, and is here to update us on the performance of the foundation and its investments.  Also some brief notes of interest to blind and vision impaired people.

In this episode, some follow-up with Martin Stewart featuring some excellent news for travellers on Sydney public transport.  The main feature is with Jonathan Craig, editor of Blind Citizens News.  Jonathan talks about the recently released issue, what he's looking for in the future, and some exciting news for Blind Citizens News contributors and readers.

In this episode of New Horizons we speak with Martin Stewart of Melbourne.  Martin was recently named Blind Australian of the year by the Blind Alliance.  He joins us to highlight passenger safety on rail travel, not just for blind and vision impaired people but for everyone.  The NSW government is considering removing guards from several of their rail lines in an effort to save costs.  Martin discusses the ramifications of such a decision, and the heavy toll it could take on passengers.  It's not all bad news though, particularly for commuters  in Melbourne.

We return to Aira this week in New Horizons.  Jonathan Mosen commences his new role with Aira this week.  Jonathan describes some of his experiences with Aira, and his hopes for Aira in Australia and New Zealand.  If you'd like to know more about Aira, their web address is: www.aira.io.  If you'd like to check it out for yourself, the NSW/ACT State Convention will be an AIRA Access Location.

 

Also, a brief reminder from  the National Women's branch of BCA.

In this week's episode, part two of the discussion with Rikki Chaplin, Advocy Officer with Blind Citizens Australia.  Hear some good news for prospective job-seekers and employees using telephones, as well as the continuation of our discussion regarding adaptive technology and the NDIS.  As well, an update regarding the review into the standards for Accessible Public Transport.