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/homeFiona 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/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Haben Girma, Deafblind Advocate Extraordinaire, is a guest speaker at UNSWCentre of Ideas. Haben is the first Deafblind Harvard Graduate;has been named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and was awarded the WhiteHouse Champion of Change - presented by PresidentBarack 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 306Maxine 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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=standardDebra 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/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ON FOCAL POINT: David Goldfield, Director for Marketing at Blazie Technologies, with news about the very new BTSpeak: an all-in-one pocket notetaker; tablet and computer with a braille keyboard.  For more information call Blazie Technologies in the US 00111 772 214 1616 or go to: https://www.blazietech.com/Belle Owen, leading Advocate from JFA Purple Orange, responding to the long awaited report on the taxi industry and what it may mean for access cabs. Karen Von Einem, mother of Australian table tennis Paralympic medallist, is in Paris as our Australian athletes continue to shine,Jackson Holt, from Brooks, with concerning information about research showing over 3 million people may be at risk of not hearing a fire alarm because of being impacted by hearing loss, and some possible devices that can help.  You can call 1300 783 473 or go to https://www.brooks.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Bryan Blazie, CEO, and David Goldfield, Director for Marketing at Blazie Technologies, with news about the very new BTSpeak - a pocket computer and notetaker, with braille keyboard. For more information go to: https://www.blazietech.com/ Ben Dew, DE&I Pathways & Events Specialist at Tennis Australia, previewing the inaugural 2024 NT Blind & Low Vision Open at the Darwin International Tennis Centre.Presley Chihuri, Board Member and Treasurer for People With Disabilities Australia, sharing concerns about the NDIS legislation and Federal/State/Territory Governments discussion regarding people with disabilities and service deliveryPhil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, with thoughts on Politics; NDIS; Scooters in cities and the Opening Ceremony for the Paris Paralympic Games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Professor Glen Gole was recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours for outstanding service in ophthalmology; teaching; training and mentoring others.Jeremy Peck, Member Services Officer for Beyond Blindness, with news on events and activities - in particular the southern areas. You can call the Christies Office on 8556 6288; Beyond Blindness 8367 6088; or Jeremy 0438 051 223.  Or go to beyondblindness.org.auMiriam Bilander, Program Manager for Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria, inviting women who are over 50 to a free information sessions on screening for cancer. To register contact Miriam on 03 9822 8876 or emai: miriam@blindsports.org.auLisa Lanzi, Ruby Award winning Director for No Strings Attached season of “High” at the Space Theatre. The show has two Auslan interpreted shows Friday 30th August and two  Audio-Described shows on 31st August 31st.  You can book by calling 13 28 49 or go to nostringsattached.org.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Liz Symons has set up “My Talking Kitchen” sharing tips; tricks and devices to cook safely and independently for yourself and others. Check out My Talking Kitchen on Youtube https://youtube.com/@mytalkingkitchen607?si=T_ZdDLW9RLqt7aP5 and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mytalkingkitchenRebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with news on SALA; audio described shows and courses to do audio description. Call Access 2 Arts on 8463 1689 or go to: access2arts.org.auLes Pobjie was a newspaper editor and now is an author. Les's latest book “Whispers in Empty Rooms” is available through the Vision Australia Library. You can find the library here: visionaustralia.org/libraryKate Gooden, from Amazon, spoke about “The Story Sauce” application and its development; sponsoring Happy Pants on Vision Australia Radio; and a chance to win an Echo Show 5 with Alexa. Email radio@visionaustralia.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Jane Britt, Disability Policy Consultant from Jane Britt Consulting, with thoughts about the Disability Royal Commission (DRC); 222 Recommendations and the government's response. Jane Brit can be found here: https://janebrittconsulting.com.au/Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, gave us some very valuable information about the organisation; how you can report anonymously and some of the tax-time scams to be aware of. Call 1800 333 00 or go to: https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/Larissa Byass, Accounts Manager from Humanware, broke the news about the introduction of Prodigi for Windows - the ultimate low vision software forproductivity and independence. You can call Hamanware on 02 9686 2600 or go to: https://www.humanware.com/en-australia/homeBelinda Wilson, CYP Program Development Coordinator, inviting youngsters between 14 and 18 years of age to register for the LEAP, program: Lead, Engage and Perform. Call 1300 84 74 66 or email leap@visionaustralia.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Amanda Acutt shared her views on Mattel's release of Blind Barbie.Juliet Middleton, Live Big CEO, spoke about the opportunity to improve transport for people with disabilities during this time when reforms are being considered. You can contact Live big on 1300 390 222 or go to: https://www.livebig.com.au/Howard Dickinson, President of the Australian Blind Bowlers Association, wraps up the recent Nationals. You can find Blind Bowling Australia on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/459960464039504Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, chatted about the Federal Cabinet reshuffle; possible early Federal Election; NDIS matters and a world exclusive thought about a feature for the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Professor Lyndell Lim, from the Centre of Eye Research Australia, speaking about weight loss drugs and diabetes drugs linked to a rare form of vision loss.Amy Hall,  Clinical Supervisor Behaviour Support Practitioner (Adv/Spec) and Director at Banksia Support, sharing some very disturbing news of treatment of some children with disabilities in the education setting. If you have any experiences you want to share on this subject you can contact Amy here: ahall@banksiasupport.com.auBen Rowe is the winner the inaugural Australian B1 tennis championships held in Melbourne last weekend. Ben also sang the National Anthem Check out Ben's work on YouTube, Spotify and other platforms.  You can also find Ben on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BennyRoweMusic/?paipv=0&eav=AfaWLwhwf09-PxfyHpFV0p43h_kFU4FrvPiapu4KAhCF3Ivkk1VIs82wtoaAgmuY_2Q&_rdr#_=_ for more about tennis email blindtennis@tennis.com.auDavid Tredinnick, Audio Production Coordinator at Vision Australia, encouraging and reminding that members can have up to 360 print pages transcribed into their preferred format each year. All this for free!!  Try the new email address for any feedback, feedback@visionaustralia.org printaccess@visionaustralia.org or call 1300 84 74 66See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Kelly Schultz is the Founder and Director for knowable.me - a platform to share your thoughts about almost everything; take part in surveys; mystery shopping and product testing.  Find out more here: https://knowable.me/ Jen Musolino, Member Engagement Officer at Beyond Blindness, chatting about Jen's past roles; time at Beyond Blindness and activities, events and opportunities in particular in the Gawler and surrounds.  Call Beyond Blindness on 8166 3330 or go to: https://beyondblindness.org.au/Dr Dan Halliday, President of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, sharing news of initiatives for practitioners and patients in rural and remote areas; also the successful outcomes with First Australians in the medical profession.  Find out more here: https://www.acrrm.org.au/Kim Rulach, Senior puppy Development trainer at  Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, encouraging all to get involved with Puppies for a Purpose - supported by the Petbarn Foundation.  You can learn more here: https://www.petbarn.com.au/services/pet-foundation find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs Australia: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Ross McGregor, talks about NAIDOC week. Ross also tells us how he found about his indigenous heritage at 32Tony Scott, Vice President for the Australian Blind Bowlers, previewing the Nationals coming up at the Coomealla bowls club from the 18th Check out the live stream on Youtube and Facebook on 20th and 21st July. Search  “rink run down for blind bowls”Nicola Ettridge, has just been accepted on to a national Community Advisory Group for Deaf Connect - to represent the Hard of Hearing community. Nicola also invites all to a SALA exhibition of talented 12 WISE Employment customers, as they showcase their artworks:  including paintings;  photography; and digital media.  The exhibition will be at 98 Currie Street Adelaide, Tuesday 6th August 6th.  There will also be an audio described event on Thursday 15th August 15th between  5 and 7 pm – to RSVP Text 0478129719 email Nicola.ettridge@wiseemployment.com.au Grace Macri, Advisory Teacher State-wide Support Service Kilparrin Teaching and Assessment School and Services, outlining the history of Auslan in Australia, in response to this Youtube clip of the history of sign language in the United States.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZu3VvmaX9E   Focal Point goes to air every Wednesday night at 7pm in Darwin and Adelaide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Sophie Coppenhall, PHD candidate at Monash University, is doing research into people's experiences in art galleries; museums and more. To help Sophie with research, email coppenhall@monash.eduKaren Massier, Executive Manager at Max Solutions, talked about 1 in 3 people looking for work aren't confident in applying for jobs due to their digital skills, or lack thereof.  Find out more here: https://www.maxsolutions.com.au/Annette Leishman and Mip Grant, Community shared their experience of Birding by Ear, enjoying and appreciate the sounds of birds. Find out more here: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/birdwatching/birding-by-ear or https://www.blindsports.org.au/news-article/join-us-for-a-birding-by-ear-sensory-walk-at-westgate-parkMark Townend, CEO for Spinal Life Australia, is frustrated at the very late release of NDIS price guide and its impact on service providers and people on the NDIS receiving services. Mark encouraged all to contact their local federal member of parliament.  Focal Point goes to air every Wednesday night at 7pm in Darwin and Adelaide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Paul Brown, from audio described Aotearoa, and Brad Cohen, General Director for New Zealand Opera, with the world's first use of refreshable braille displays for readers to access surtitles for NZ Opera. To find out more go to: https://nzopera.com/whats-on/accessibility/Tammy Franks, Greens spokes-person for Disability in South Australia, talked about the amendments to the Disability Inclusion Bill passed last week wee by the SA Upper House.Meredith Prain, National Head of Research and Centre of Excellence Deaf Blind, about deafblind awareness week; and the meeting and "yarn bombing" of 3 politicians on the steps of parliament house in Victoria.  Find out more here: https://ableaustralia.org.au/  https://visionaustralia.org/ https://www.chargesyndrome.org.au/ or  https://usherkidsaustralia.com/ and https://deafblindvictoria.com/Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, paying a short tribute to the Late Michael Wehr; commenting on deafblind awareness week; the State Budget and more.   Focal Point goes to air every Wednesday night at 7pm in Darwin and Adelaide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Jenna Jones has just been selected in the Australian Paralympic team and will swim for Australia in Paris.Rachel, from Beyond Blindness, updates us on events and activities: including a book club at the Campbelltown Library; coffee group in the Adelaide Hills; and a friendly group at Whyalla You can call Beyond Blindness on 8367 6088 or go to beyondblindness.org.auSha Also-Shawi, from Audika, sharing research showing 87% of people are aware of having their eyes checked, only 73% aware of having their hearing tested. Find out more here: https://www.audika.com.au/Suzi Tegen, CEO for the National Rural Health Alliance, with major concerns about new extras offered by some of Australia's biggest health insurers, with the claim that they will be an offset to high premiums. Learn more here; https://www.ruralhealth.org.au/   Focal Point goes to air every Wednesday night at 7pm in Darwin and Adelaide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Helen Boardman, President of Blind bowls Qld, is also one of Australia's leading lawn bowlers.  Helen previews a number of events happening in the next few days, including competing against sighted athletes; the Australian Open and Australian Nationals for bowlers who are blind.  Learn more here: https://blindbowls.bowls.com.au/Rebecca Young, CEO for Access22Arts, with the latest news in audio-described shows and events for Pride Month.  Phone 8463 1689 or go to: https://access2arts.org.au/Jodie Doolan,  Australia's representative to the International Council on English Braille (ICEB) Code Maintenance Committee and its Technical Subcommittee, shared some excellent news from the 8th General Assembly held in Auckland New Zealand - including work on braille emojis.  You can learn more here: https://iceb.org/Rachel DeSumma, Program Manager at Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria, invited all to a come'n'try day of gymnastics and tennis.  The day is Sunday at Boroondara Sports Complex 271c Belmore Road Balwyn.  Call 03 9822 8876 or email dominique.holland@ymca.com.au  You can also book here: https://services.nabooki.com/booking/step1?token=5fa38eaa556256.81762640  Focal Point is broadcast every Wednesday at 7pm in Adelaide and Darwin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Marjorie Anderson, National Program Manager for 13 YARN,  marking 50,000 calls supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in crisis. Call 13yarn 139176.  Find out more here: https://www.13yarn.org.au/Karen Wickham Grey invites all to deafblind WA's celebration of Deafblind Awareness Week at The Rise Community Centre 28 Eighth Ave, Maylands, 19th June. A history project is also being undertaken.  Contact Karen: karenwickhamgrey@gmail.com orcheck out deafblind West Australians on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/364764059137Ria Andriani and Lamorna Nightingale are excited about their unique and not-to-be-missed production “Trace” presented by Backstage Music on Saturday 13th July, 7:30 pm 107 Projects Space 107 Redfern St, Redfern NSW. For tickets go to: https://events.humanitix.com/tracePhil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, spoke about the Federal Budget; Budget reply; NDIS funding and National Volunteer Week.   Focal Point goes to air every Wednesday night at 7pm in Darwin and Adelaide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Charlotte Bradshaw, CEO and Founder of Evrima, encouraging people to take part in safe clinical trials, such as dry eye; shingles and other conditions. Find out more here: https://www.evrima.com/Darren Solley won the Golf SA Stableford Championship at the Westward Ho Golf Club, West Beach. The event was sponsored by Beyond Blindness, and the Australian Blind Golf Classic followed later in the week. To find out more in South Australia contact Linsday Mortimer 0412693,038, and nationally go to https://www.facebook.com/BlindGolfSouthAustraliaInc  Lucy Mortimer shared the path from being passionate about music as a young child to being a professional music teacher. Lucy also spoke about some life lessons for parents of children who are blind and people who are blind or have low vision themselves. Bec Swansson, Manager for deafblind services at Able Australia, recounted some of the many highlights from the recent deafblind camp.   Glen Butcher led the volunteers in a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday for Peter. Focal Point goes to air every Wednesday night at 7pm in Darwin and Adelaide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Louise Milligan, investigative journalist and author, talked about being at “In Conversation” with the Vision Australia Library for the Melbourne Writers Festival. Louise's book “Pheasants Nest” is available through the Library.  Call 1300 654 656 or go to http://www.visionaustralia.org/libraryRachel, from Beyond Blindness Marketing, updated us on events and activities, including trips to the Barossa and chocolate factories; and the SA Stableford Championship for blind golf.  You can call Beyond Blindness on 8367 6088 or go to: https://beyondblindness.org.au/  To find out more about Blind Golf contact Lindsay Mortimer, Secretary/Treasurer of Blind Golf SA, 0412 693 038Ranmali Mccormack, People and Culture Services Manager at Vision Australia, highlighting the importance of national Reconciliation Week and how Vision Australia will be recognising the week. Find out more here: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/calendarEliza-Jayne South is just back from Annapolis film festival where Eliza-Jayne showed her film “Chum” Focal Point goes to air every Wednesday night at 7pm in Darwin and Adelaide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.