January 23, 2020
Can going blind ever be funny? We chat with blind comedian Tom Skelton about his upcoming show 2020 Visions: What if I hadn’t of gone blind? Tom believes that laughing about blindness can reduce stigma and make it seem less of a frightening ordeal.
Also on the program, university which can be doubly daunting if you’re blind or have low vision. Vision Australia is hosting a stand-up for your rights webinar and we chat with former university student and webinar panelist, Jane about the event and how to advocate for your rights as a student.
January 16, 2020
In a first, the Melbourne Fashion Festival is providing audio description in its 2020 event.
We chat with Melbourne Fashion Festival General Manager Yolanda Finch and Vildana from Vision Australia’s Service Design team about this exciting initiative and the role fashion plays for all people with a disability.
Also on the program, we chat with Project Manager Adelina Holloway about Vision Australia’s new program for seniors who blind or have low vision. ‘Be Connected’ is aimed at increasing the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians to use the internet and everyday technology to thrive in our digital world.
January 9, 2020
“A place where people can talk to each other is one of the most effective ways they can get back to restoring a life that they feel like they’ve lost (after vision loss).”
This week we feature an extended conversation with Cameron Algie who reflects on 14 years of working as a Quality Living Group Coordinator for Vision Australia.
December 19, 2019
With ABC Radio declining to broadcast coverage of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games. Advocate and sports-enthusiast, Stephen Jolley, believes this will exclude the blindness and low vision community from a national conversation. We replay an interview with Peter Greco and Stephen how people can lobby the national broadcaster to change their decision.
Also on the program, President of Blind Citizens Australia, John Simpson, on highlights for 2019 and what’s coming up for the association in 2020.
December 11, 2019
In the lead up to Christmas we hear about a hippo on a roof eating Christmas Cake. Sarah from our Felix Library chats with Children’s book author, Hazel Edwards, and Frances Keyland presents a reader recommended.
December 4, 2019
Vision Australia has launched its 2020 audio description schedule
for 2020. We chat with Audio Manager, Conrad Browne about some of the highlights including the upcoming Carols by Candlelight.
Also on the program, Julie from the Vision Store with some great Christmas present ideas and we discuss the launching of a new website for disabled travelers.
November 28, 2019
Blind Citizens Australia has secured two-year funding to support people who wish to make a submission to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabilities. We speak to BCA’s National Advocacy Projects Officer, Rikki Chaplin on this most important work.
Also on the program, we chat with blind singer and pianist Paul Kapeleris whose success on Australia’s Got Talent has lead him to performing at this year’s Carols by Candlelight.
November 21, 2019
Gene therapy, for retinal disease, has been approved for clinical use in the US and Europe. It’s anticipated that many more gene therapies will become available in the next few years.
We chat with Dr. Tom Edwards Principal Investigator in retinal gene therapy research at the Centre for Eye Research Australia about the possibilities this might offer to someone living with a retinal disease.
Also on the program, Stephen Jolley and Peter Greco reflect on the life of Paralympian Kieran Modra who was tragically killed recently while out riding.
