As we approach the first day of the Paralympics on August 29 Australian time, Sam is joined by co-host of Studio 1 and four time Paralympian Sam Rickard, to give us a preview of the games and what he and Lizzie have in store for listeners over the next couple of weeks.

Then later in the show we hear from Belinda Wilson from Vision Australia to tell us about the range of programs available to children and young people now and in 2025, including the LEAP program for young people aged 14 to 18.

Finally this week, Frances drops in for a Reader Recommended, and we finish with some news and information.

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Sam speaks to deputy CEO of People With Disabilities Australia, Megan Spindler-Smith, about the government's recent response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

Then later on in the show, Vision Australia library manager Sarah Bloedorn catches up with Sam to tell us about the latest events and new releases available for library members over the next few weeks.

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Sam catches up with Kelly Schulz, founder and managing director of Knowable Me, an organisation providing market research services and key insights into needs and preferences of people with disabilities.

We also hear from Vision Australia Radio's Jason Gipps, he's here to tell us about some exciting new shows for people to look forward to, and invites all in the Bendigo region to come visit the studios at 20 Bridge St this Friday 18 August for the Vision Australia Radio Bendigo Open Day.

Finally this week, Frances joins the show for a Reader Recommended, and we wrap up with some news and information.

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We take a trip around regional Victoria on the show this week as Bruce Lees catches up with Graeme Knight, they're both members of the Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club (BAREC) which are holding a Radiofest on August 18.

Then we head over to Geelong as Sam speaks with Eddy Kontelj from Achilles Geelong, a new chapter of Achilles Australia which is launching on the Bellarine Peninsula with their first run at the Geelong Botanical Gardens on September 8.

And finally this week, we wrap up with the latest from Liz Dalakouras, the editor of For Your Information (FYI).

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Sam is joined by Daniel Fenech, the director of independent documentary The Blind Sea which follows the life of paralympian and blind surfer Matt Formston as he rides the world's biggest waves.

The Blind Sea is out in cinemas from August 15 to 18, and 50% of proceeds from ticket sales go towards Vision Australia.

Then later on in the show, there's some big news to share as Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton is stepping down after 11 and a half years as CEO.

Ron will be finishing up on 2 August, but before then he caught up with Sam this week to say goodbye to our listeners.

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Tanya Thomas from the Frankston and District Basketball Association is on the show this week to tell us about their blind and low vision basketball program, taking place every Tuesday morning at the Frankston Basketball Centre.

You'll also hear from Maureen O'Reilly from the Vision Australia Library, who's here to tell us about a couple of events over the next few weeks for children to enjoy.

Finally this week, Frances joins the show with a Reader Recommended and we wrap up with some news and information.

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Sam is joined by Dr Brian Ang, an ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist who is campaigning for proactive glaucoma care, a series of strategies to lower the risk factors and prevent the onset of glaucoma.

You'll also hear from Peter Greco later in the show, he catches up with Andrea Summerell from the NSW electoral commission, and the ways in which voters who are blind or have low vision can cast their votes safely and accessibly in upcoming the local government elections.

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This week on Talking Vision Sam speaks with Ben Dew from Tennis Australia about the upcoming Blind and Low Vision Tennis Championships on July 19.

Then later in the show Sarah from the Library is back to tell us about some upcoming events for people to look forward to, and we mark NAIDOC Week with some first nations reads featuring first nations histories and experiences. 

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Sam speaks with CEO of Ageing with Grace, Esis Tawfik, about the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and the ways it can foster connections and long lasting friendships for older Australians experiencing vision loss.

You'll also hear from Verity Hunt-Ballard from Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, who have collaborated with Amazon to launch Story Sauce, an audio-based story platform for primary aged kids to inspire them to tell their own story.

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Coming up over the month of July, Arts Access Victoria are celebrating on a couple of fronts with the organisation turning 50, but also celebrating Disability Pride Month. Sam caught up with CEO Caroline Bowditch to find out more.

We also hear from editor of For Your Information, Liz Dalakouras, about the latest edition of FYI and what people can expect in the most recent issue, then Frances is back with a Reader Recommended and we finish up with some news and information.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.