Blind Citizens Australia
31st ANNUAL REPORT: 2005-2006

(Financial statements provided separately)

Table of Contents
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National Office Report
Robert Altamore - President and Nadia Mattiazzo - Executive Officer

We are pleased to introduce the 31st Annual Report of Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) for the year ended 30 June 2006. This year has seen many changes in the organisation. BCA has a number of new Board members who have worked hard to govern the organisation during a complex and demanding time for the business. There have also been staff changes at the BCA National Office which will be covered later in this report. This report is the collective effort of various Directors, Staff and Branch Presidents. As you read it, you will understand the valuable work that BCA undertakes on behalf of Australians who are blind or vision impaired and the positive impact this work has on the Australian community overall.

The highlights for BCA this year include:

Activities
The five key activities which BCA undertakes to achieve our objectives remain unchanged. They are: individual advocacy, systemic advocacy, information dissemination, peer support and consultation. We provide these services to our members and to all blind or vision impaired Australians.

Disability community relationships
BCA continues to be recognised as a source of authoritative and quality advice on issues affecting blind or vision impaired Australians.

In 2005-2006, BCA has contributed to consultations conducted by the departments of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Attorney-General's Department, the Department of Human Services, Centrelink and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

BCA collaborates with other blindness organisations on matters of common concern through the Australian Blindness Forum. BCA collaborates with producers of material in accessible formats through its membership of the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc. As a founding member of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO), BCA works co-operatively with national disability peak bodies on issues of mutual interest. BCA is actively engaged in international action for blind or vision impaired people through the World Blind Union, South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment and our Overseas Service Branch.

Member and community financial support
We thank all of those members and supporters who have made donations to BCA during the year. Donations from members and supporters during this year totalled $27,320. We also thank those commercial organisations who have continued to financially support us over a number of years and to those who have provided support for the first time this year.

Blindness agency support
We particularly express our appreciation to Vision Australia (formally RBS.RVIB.VAF Ltd), the new multi-State service agency, for its substantial financial support to BCA. On Friday 28 July, Vision Australia and BCA signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Under this Memorandum, Vision Australia will provide an agreed level of funding to BCA for the next three financial years and will also offer BCA various types of in kind support including accommodation in Vision Australia premises, use of Vision Australia facilities and opportunities to promote our activities through Vision Australia media. In return, BCA agrees to participate in and contribute to Vision Australia's client and consumer consultation mechanisms, work co-operatively with Vision Australia on policy and advocacy issues and promote Vision Australia activities through its own communications media. This memorandum is an important initiative for both organisations and provides tremendous potential for both organisations to maximise their impact both within the blindness sector and the broader community. In the coming year, it is a key goal of the organisation to conclude similar Memoranda of Understanding with other blindness agencies.

Other Blindness agencies provide in-kind support to BCA. These include:-

State and Territory Government support
In 2005-2006, the Victorian Government, through the Department of Human Services, funded BCA, in the amount of $87,404 to provide a state wide information and advocacy service for people who are blind or vision impaired. The Western Australian Government, through the Disability Services Commission of WA, funds Blind Citizens WA for systemic and individual advocacy and information dissemination for blind citizens in WA.

BCA encourages other State and Territory governments to look to the Victorian and Western Australian models as examples of how a consumer driven information and advocacy service can assist in the improvement of services and support for blind or vision impaired residents and taxpayers in their States and Territories. We continue to pursue funding for an information and advocacy service in New South Wales and in February 2006 recommenced our discussions with the New South Wales Department of Disability Housing and Community services towards this end.

In 2005-2006, The Federal Government Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs provided $168,326 for BCA's secretariat support and to meet the substantial costs of communicating with our members in a range of formats. BCA has been funded again for its secretariat and communications costs in 2006-2007. Unfortunately, the amount of the increase in this funding does not keep pace with our increasing costs.

However, on the positive side, we received additional funding of $21,700 from the Department of Family and Community services and Indigenous Affairs to produce its promotional literature and distribute BCA information into the community e.g. to Doctors' surgeries. We appreciate this grant as it will enable us to fulfil an important part of our business plan to increase the public recognition of BCA and build our networks of members and supporters.

Awards
A highlight of our 2005 National Convention in Perth was the presentation of the David Blyth Award to Ivan Molloy. The presentation of this Award recognises Ivan's contribution as a role model for blind people, in particular those who are newly blind, his contribution to blind cricket, in Australia and internationally, his leadership in the provision of braille and audio materials and practical assistance to blind children and adults in developing countries. The award was personally presented to Ivan at a function held in March this year attended by members of the Melbourne Branch and the Overseas Service Branch. Thiss Branch of BCA is a small and very committed group of blind people led by Ivan who do so much to give practical assistance to people who are blind and vision impaired in developing countries, particularly in Sri Lanka.

Financial performance
The financial performance of BCA in the 2005-2006 financial year is disappointing. We have incurred a deficit of $101,900. This deficit has reduced our reserves to $114,477. The organisation is solvent and can continue its vital work in the coming year. Poor returns on our lotteries was the major factor contributing to this year's deficit.

The Board recognises that the organisation's financial position is critical and that the 2006-2007 year is one in which BCA is at the financial crossroads. The Board has acted to substantially reduce the deficit in our operations. However, the need to rebuild our income base means that BCA is likely to incur another deficit in the 2006-2007 financial year. The Board will work diligently to reduce this deficit by tightly controlling expenses and rebuilding our ability to generate the income we need to sustain the organisation. Corrective actions have included reductions in staff hours and in member services, the details of which have been communicated to members prior to this annual report. Full details of BCA's finances for the 2005-2006 year are in the Financial Statements which form a part of this report.

BCA management and Board
Between May 2005 and November 2005, BCA engaged John Smithies, a business management consultant, to manage BCA's operations and to work with the Board to review the organisation from a business point of view, develop a business plan for the organisation and guide us in the selection of an Executive Officer. During this period, John Smithies provided valuable management support and business guidance to BCA and we express our appreciation to him for this contribution to our Organisation. One of the outcomes of this review was the realisation that the Executive Officer's combined roles of representation and policy development and advocacy were too much for one person. Accordingly, it was decided to focus the Executive Officer role on building the profile of the organisation within the blindness sector and the community and creating a position of Operations Manager to oversee the administration of the office and develop and implement fundraising strategies. In November 2005, Nadia Mattiazzo was appointed as BCA's Executive Officer. In December 2005, Mary Latham joined BCA as its Operations Manager.

At the 2005 AGM, three Board members, Karen Knight, John Simpson and Greg Madson did not seek re-election. Craig Magill was elected to the Board at the 2005 AGM. Shortly after the AGM Theresa Smith resigned from the Board. The Board gave considerable attention to the filling of its three casual vacancies. Robyn McKenzie was appointed to the Board for a two year term in November 2005. In December 2005, Natale Cutri was appointed to the Board for a two year term and Jayson Hanrahan was appointed to the Board for a one year term. On behalf of BCA, we express our appreciation to Karen, John, Greg and Theresa for their contributions as Board members and their continuing involvement in BCA and its work.

Staff
As a result of Nadia Mattiazzo being appointed Executive Officer, her previous position of BCA Victorian Advocacy and Information Officer became vacant. Jessica Zammit joined BCA as the new Victorian Advocacy and Information Officer in January 2006. As mentioned above, Mary Latham joined BCA as Operations Manager.

Due to health reasons, BCA's National Advocacy Officer, Aileen McFadzean, requested a reduction in work hours. In October, BCA employed Alyena Mohummadally as Assistant National Advocacy Officer to provide support to Aileen McFadzean with her ever increasing caseload. Aileen and Alyena have worked hard this year to provide individual advocacy to many blind or vision impaired people who contact the Office. BCA is working hard to obtain increased funding for this important work.

Volunteers
BCA depends heavily on volunteers to support our work on behalf of blind or vision impaired people. We appreciate those people who have supported BCA in a voluntary capacity in the last year in the National Office, the New South Wales office and at the State and Branch levels. Our volunteers are a mix of members and local residents, some with sight and many without. BCA volunteers contribute their expertise in a range of tasks including labelling envelopes, formatting Braille, copying newsletter cassettes, answering phones, entering data, sending out Branch notices, recording interviews and writing submissions. The effort and time commitment of our volunteers is appreciated by the BCA Board and staff.

Membership
BCA's membership has again grown steadily throughout this year. A detailed summary of current membership as at 30 June 2006 is provided later in this report.

Conclusion
This year has been a disappointing one for BCA in financial terms. However, we greatly appreciate the support and understanding shown by members and National Office staff for the Board as we work hard to improve BCA's financial performance.

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National Advocacy

Individual
In many facets of life, people who are blind or vision impaired face instances of personal discrimination. BCA's Individual Advocacy service is the only specialised blind and low vision anti-discrimination legal service in Australia that challenges this discrimination. Throughout the reporting period, many Australians who are blind or vision impaired turned to this specialist service offered by BCA.

Approximately 110 cases were undertaken during the year. Disability discrimination complaints and Centrelink related issues made up the bulk of these cases, with a portion of these requiring emergency assistance.

Systemic

Access

Airlines
BCA has played a central role in advocating for the rights of people who are blind or vision impaired when travelling by air. During this year, BCA continued to lobby the major Australian airlines and air travel regulatory agencies to provided improved meet and assist services, dog guide policies and onboard safety information in accessible formats.

To ensure members are kept up to date with the relevant fare discounts applicable to people who are blind or vi sion impaired and the dog guide policies, BCA continues to review its airline policy web page (http://www.bca.org.au/airlinepolicy.htm).

Welfare and Income Support

* Centrelink
BCA is a member of the Centrelink Customer Reference Group. Aileen McFadzean was BCA's representative until December. BCA would like to thank Aileen for her participation on the group. Robyn McKenzie was appointed BCA's representative following Aileen's departure. Robyn is a BCA Board member and manager of Vision Australia's Employment Service.

Membership of the Reference Group has enabled BCA to obtain up to date and quality advice from Centrelink as well as feed to Centrelink issues of concern to our members.

Through BCA's Individual Advocacy work, the organisation has been successful in having debts to Centrelink significantly reduced or waived. The organisation has supported people in claiming back payments from Centrelink as well as providing advice in relation to payment portability, income and asset testing, taxation and appropriate payments.

Education
* Inquiry into Literacy
BCA President and National Policy Officer met with Dr Ken Rowe, Chair of the National Inquiry into Literacy, to elaborate on matters contained in BCA's submission to the inquiry.

* Inquiry into Teacher Education
BCA entered a comprehensive submission to the House Standing Committee on Education and Vocational Training, Inquiry into Teacher Education. In addition to this submission, four representatives from BCA, including the organisation's Executive Officer and President, provided formal parliamentary evidence to the House Standing Committee on Education and Vocational Training, Inquiry into Teacher Education.

* Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Standards on Education)
During October, BCA presented a dedicated workshop on the DDA Standards on Education at the 2005 BCA National Convention in Perth. This workshop was financially sponsored by the Federal Attorney General's Department.

BCA's National Policy Officer published the following article:
Power, John (2005) 'Teaching the teachers braille. A call to build equality into the literacy needs of students who are blind or severely vision impaired', Access Online, Vol. 7, No. 3, Winter.

Employment
* Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) National Inquiry into Employment and Disability

BCA entered a submission in response to HREOC's interim report for the Inquiry and made representations to the Inquiry's working groups throughout the reporting period.

* BCA Employment web page
The National Policy and Development Council's employment working group continues to provide the employment web page (http://www.bca.org.au/employment/index.htm) as part of our web site. The purpose of this page is to provide employment information and support to people who are blind and vision impaired. The following information is available from the page:

The web page also includes a facility for people to register their employment details and to express interest in acting as mentors to blind people seeking employment in their field of activity. This employment web page has proved a popular part of our web site.

* Employment Email group
During October 2005, BCA launched its employment email discussion group (bca-employment@yahoogroups.com.au) to facilitate discussion between members and interested parties on employment matters facing people who are blind or vision impaired. This list has proven to be popular and has provided an accessible avenue for BCA members to share their thoughts on this important issue.

Library Services
The merged agency library service, formerly known as the National Information and Library service, is now a subsidiary of Vision Australia and under the direction of the Vision Australia Board. The new service has been renamed the Vision Australia Information and Library Service (VAILS). BCA will be working hard with VAILS to provide feedback and advice.

UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities
BCA made submissions to the Attorney Generals department on the Chair's Text of the United Nations draft convention on the human rights of people with disability.

Other Policy and Advocacy initiatives undertaken during the year include:

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Victorian Service

It has been a busy time in the Victorian Advocacy and Information service. As a result of Nadia Mattiazzo taking up the position of Executive Officer of Blind Citizens Australia, Jessica Zammit began her work in the Victorian service in January 2006.

This year has seen a number of great initiatives emerge from the Victorian service, including collaboration into the Draft Standards for Pedestrian Railway Crossings, work to renew our obstacle notices as well as the resolution of a number of advocacy cases.

The Victorian Advocacy and Information project has continued this year in line with an agreement from the Department of Human Services. We would like to acknowledge the support of the staff from this department in enabling BCA to meet our role within the State Disability Plan and to inform legislation that supports people with disabilities.

Communications

* SoundAbout
Whilst the format of SoundAbout may have changed within the last year, the high level of content from Victoria has remained consistent, with a host of interesting interviews conducted with people who are blind or vision impaired in the community. Victoria's contribution to national content also continued through our involvement with the National SoundAbout working Group.

* Parent News
Parent News was initiated in 1999 to provide information to parents of students who are blind or vision impaired, visiting teachers and educators and blind or vision impaired students. After a short hiatus, Parent News returned this year with editions released in March and June. It is envisaged that further editions will be released towards the end of each school semester. The newsletter continues to focus on vision impairment and the inclusion of articles for parents that are not only relevant but interesting. Regular sections have been included in the magazine with articles on technology, recreational pursuits, international events and profiles of individuals who work in, are involved in or experience vision impairment.

The newsletter has been revamped to include a three month calendar of events. This included events that were not only vision impairment-specific, but public events such as the State of Origin Junior Development Day held by the City of Melbourne and the NRL, a welfare to work workshop for parents, as well as events that the whole family could enjoy. These events were specifically included to widen the focus of the newsletter, promoting the need for equality in community participation.

Public Transport
As in the past, public transport has remained a strong priority within the Victorian Project. BCA has continued to raise awareness of the need for accessible transport for people who are blind or vision impaired through our involvement in the Public Transport Access Committee (PTAC), which reports directly to the Minister for Transport. Our consultation has been sought in a number of areas including:

* Safety at Pedestrian Railway Crossings
BCA has been extensively involved in the drafting of the Victorian Rail Industry Operators Group Standards for pedestrian railway crossings. Four crossing prototypes involving active and passive crossings were established earlier this year at Carnegie, Thornbury, Kooyong and Kensington. Comment was sought on these prototypes from the vision impaired community. Based on the feedback received, BCA put forward recommendations for the installation of warning Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) prior to the access gate (active crossing) and warning TGSIs at the beginning of the crossing point (passive crossing), with the installation of continuous raised pavement markers parallel to the crossing at both types of crossings. The draft standards are under final review and are pending approval.

* Introduction of the new ticketing system
BCA has been afforded limited consultation in regards to the new transport ticketing system to be implemented in 2007. However, within this limited opportunity, we have expressed our concerns relative to the inaccessibility of the proposed system to the Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor and the Shadow Minister for Transport, Terry Mulder. A response from the Minister's office is pending, with negotiations to be taking place shortly.

* Yarra Trams & VicRoads - Installation of Tram Superstops
A recent meeting was held with representatives from VicRoads and Yarra Trams in relation to the installation of Superstops in the Bourke Street precinct, Melbourne. Our recommendations included that the preferred placement of Superstops should be close to the original stop location, where controlled crossings already exist.

In instances where engineering constraints predominated, it was agreed that the installation of zebra crossings with flashing lights, with directional TGSIs leading to the safe crossing point, and warning TGSIs installed to indicate the beginning and end of the road surface were necessary. Consultation will be continuing throughout the construction process.

* Railway Stations - Upgrades

- Flinders Street Station
In June this year, BCA was asked to provide feedback on a prototype for new pedestrian information displays (PIDs) which have been proposed for Flinders Street Station. BCA provided recommendations in terms of luminance contrast, text size and accessibility considerations. As this is only in the initial stages, BCA will be advocating for further consultation at all stages of development.

- Southern Cross Station
The redevelopment of Southern Cross Station is close to completion. BCA has had some involvement in this upgrade including discussions around accessible signage, the installation of TGSIs and general accessibility. A strong working relationship has been established with the Southern Cross Station Authority and disability access consultant, Blythe Sanderson. This relationship will ensure that the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired remain a priority.

- North Melbourne Station
North Melbourne station has been earmarked for upgrade as part of the State Government's election commitment to improve Victoria's public transport system. Plans for the station upgrade were presented to BCA for comment, with specific consultation sought in the areas of TGSI and accessible signage installation. We are confident that our input in the planning stages will assist the station's accessibility for people who are blind or vision impaired.

- Box Hill, Parliament and South Yarra Stations
Earlier this year, a trial to reduce fare evasion was undertaken at the above three stations, which resulted in the closure of ticket barriers. Inadvertently, this meant that individuals who held National Travel Passes were required to go to the service counter in order to enter and exit the stations. Many individuals contacted BCA, expressing their concerns. BCA, in turn expressed these concerns to senior representatives at Connex and the Department of Infrastructure (DoI). In light of our lobbying, BCA was assured that no other station would be included in this trial and that staff would be present at the participating stations to assist people who are blind or vision impaired. BCA will continue to monitor this arrangement and inform members of any further changes.

- VLine
Recent consultation has been held with VLine in relation to the placement of TGSIs at regional and rural railway stations throughout Victoria. BCA has strongly recommended that a consistent approach be applied throughout the train network, with TGSIs to be consistent in placement to those in the metropolitan system. Further talks will be held in the coming year.

Access to Premises
* Federation Square
BCA has lodged a complaint through HREOC in relation to concerns that Federation Square is not accessible to people who are blind or vision impaired. BCA has been involved in mediation, with this complaint in the process of being formally heard and reviewed. Members will be kept updated on any progress that is made.

Local Government
BCA's relationship with local government has continued in a positive frame, with a strong involvement from the City of Melbourne in the last year. BCA was involved in discussions relating to kerbside trading in key precincts such as Southbank and Hardware Lane. Our recommendations were included in a summary report titled "Kerbside Café Code Review - Summary Consultant's Report". The final report is currently under review pending its release.

BCA has also worked with a number of individual councils in relation to their Disability Action Plans and to resolve issues relating to accessibility and compliance. This is an ongoing process and we look forward to continuing in this consultation process.

Obstacle Card
The BCA obstacle card was implemented in 2002 as an initiative within the Victorian project, aimed at raising the awareness of residents in the community of obstacles which provide difficulties to individuals who are blind or vision impaired. This was viewed as an informal way to instigate change in the community. A forum was held in February with key representatives from the service provision agencies in Victoria. The aim was to identify how the original obstacle notices could be updated to include the current concerns of the vision impaired community. This forum was very successful, with a number of suggestions adopted in the new card. It is expected that the printing of these cards will take place later this year, upon confirmation of funding.

Victorian State Convention
This year's joint Victorian/Tasmanian convention will be held in Tyabb, located 15kms outside of Frankston in late October 2006. BCA's priority to work with outer metropolitan, regional and rural areas is a driving force behind our convention and community building work. During the course of the year a significant level of planning has been undertaken with the Victorian Advocacy Officer and Victorian Coordination Committee.

Victorian Individual Information and Advocacy
The request for individual advocacy has increased over the last year, which is perhaps due to increased awareness of the organisation within the wider community. Many of the cases which have been undertaken within the Victorian Service have fallen within the main areas of education, public transport, access to premises and recreation. Through the hard work of the Victorian service, and the individual advocacy of our members, we believe that the awareness of the rights of people who are blind or vision impaired is increasing. Let's work together to ensure that this continues.

Volunteers
As always, a thank you to our volunteers is in order, as the Victorian service could not successfully operate without them. This extends to all of our volunteers, including individuals who are members of the Victorian Coordinating Committee, those who assist us in the reproduction and mailing of SoundAbout and state convention materials and those who provide other assistance within the office. We greatly appreciate your support.

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New South Wales Service

BCA's NSW Administration Officer, Rowena Dowling, is employed two days a week to undertake the day-to-day administrative duties associated with running the office. This includes answering BCA member inquiries and making referrals to other agencies where appropriate. Advocacy advice and requests for BCA representation on local community access issues make up the majority of member inquiries.

The NSW service also provides administrative support to the NSW/ACT Co-ordinating Committee and to BCA's Sydney Branch. The NSW service is represented on the Interagency Access Forum (IAF). The IAF consists of a group of organisations which meet regularly to discuss and respond to issues related to environmental access for people who are blind or vision impaired.

The NSW service has also been involved with revising and updating the document "Getting the Message". This document was researched and written by the Sydney Branch Executive, and is a resource that provides information for organisations who want to provide information in accessible formats for people who are blind or vision impaired.

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National Policy and Development Council (NPDC)

The National Policy and Development Council (NPDC) currently comprises of the BCA Board and a representative from each state with more than 50 individual members, except Tasmania. At the November NPDC face to face meeting the decision was taken to concentrate the NPDC's resources as a whole on a number of major policy issues. These included employment, environmental access, access to library services, copyright, electronic voting, membership development and welfare reform. Where highly specific resources are required to tackle these policy matters, the NPDC forms dedicated ad hoc groups.

Noteworthy NPDC achievements this year include finalising and publishing BCA's Library Services Policy and beginning the development of BCA's Employment Policy. The HTML plain text version of the Library Services Policy can be found at http://www.bca.org.au/libservpolicy.htm. Copies of this policy can also be distributed in alternative formats upon request by contacting BCA's head office. Contact details are provided at the end of this report.

NPDC Employment Policy
The first draft of BCA's Employment Policy was presented and discussed during the May 2006 NPDC meeting. Since this meeting, a small project team, comprising of three NPDC members and BCA's National Policy Officer, has been established to continue with the development of the policy.

The impetus for drafting this policy includes the high level of unemployment amongst people who are blind or vision impaired, the introduction of the Australian Government's 'Welfare to Work' policies and the release of HREOC's final report on the National Inquiry into Employment and Disability.

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Communication & Membership

BCA communicates with its members and with the blindness sector and the broader community through a number of media channels using a variety of alternative formats.

Our Newsletter, BCA News, is read widely both in Australia and internationally. Nadia Mattiazzo has edited BCA News during this year.

The Horizons radio program, broadcast on Radio for the Print Handicapped each week and a number of community stations ceased operations during March. We express our appreciation to Neville Kerr for hosting Horizons over the past 22 years.

Our audio magazine, SoundAbout, which has been produced for more than ten years, continues to provide a style of communication welcomed by many of our members. Thanks to Greg Madson and Karen Knight who chaired the SoundAbout Committee and to Stephen Jolley who presented and co-ordinated the magazine until February at which time Robyn McKenzie took on this role. We welcome Robyn as the new presenter and appreciate her enthusiasm and skill in the role.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dale Simpson for his technical expertise and commitment to the magazine, and those around Australia who have provided additional support.

The BCA website is maintained by Barry Chapman. John Power, BCA National Policy Officer, has assisted him by keeping current documents available on the policy page. Our fully accessible website is becoming increasingly important as a means of communication with our members and the general community both in Australia and internationally.

The BCA-l discussion list is available for members as an e-mail forum for discussion and sharing of information on issues important to them.

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BCA Membership

Membership of BCA is voluntary and achieved through a once only membership joining fee payment. Membership provides entitlements to vote and receive regular news, information and invitations to BCA events.

All blind or vision impaired citizens, carers and family members have access to BCA advocacy services and advice irrespective of whether they are members of BCA.

BCA Membership Statistics: 30 June 2006

Individual MembershipNumberCriteria - As stipulated in BCA's Articles of Association
Full Members2,707Eighteen years or over, permanent residents of Australia and meet the Australian social security definition of blindness.
Junior Members27Under the age of eighteen years, permanent residents of Australia and meet the Australian social security definition of blindness.
Associate Members276Persons who identify with the aims of the organisation, but who are ineligible to be Full Members.
Total:3,010 

BCA Membership Statistics: 30 June 2006

Organisational MembersNumberCriteria - As stipulated in BCA's Articles of Association
Organisation (Class A) Listed below8Incorporated organisations within Australia where the membership and governing body comprise a majority of blind persons or the parents of blind children under the age of 18 years, or which have a substantial involvement in representing the interests of persons with vision or print disabilities from the consumer perspective.
Organisation (Class B) Listed below5Incorporated organisations which identify with the aims of Blind Citizens Australia but which are ineligible as Class A Organisational Members.
Total:13 
GRAND TOTAL3,023 

Organisational Members Class (A)
  1. Association of Blind Citizens NSW
  2. Blind Workers Union of SA
  3. Blind Workers Union of Victoria
  4. Retina Australia
  5. Retina Australia (NSW)
  6. Retina Australia (Qld) Inc
  7. Retina Australia (VIC) Inc
  8. SA Association of & for Blind Citizens Inc.
Organisational Members Class (B)
  1. Deafblind Association
  2. Deafblind Association of NSW
  3. RPH Australia
  4. Senswide Services
  5. Statewide Vision Resource Centre
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Organisational Members

BCA would like to thank our organisational members for continuing to support our work in advocating for the rights of people who are blind or vision impaired.

To acknowledge this support BCA would like to include an example of the important work our organisational members undertake.

Retina Australia
Consolidated State Report, 2006

Member organizations exist in New South Wales, West Australia, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT. Each one has an autonomous committee which manages local affairs.

Membership
Across Australia about 1094 people are financial members of the state Retina Australia bodies; however each state retains a large list of people who are not financial members but who are associated in some other way, as volunteers, or medical professionals. Many states include all ophthalmologists and optometrists on their mailing lists, for example, and SA and Victoria maintain donor lists. NSW reports an increase in membership of 38 this year from their awareness program.

Services Offered
Every state offers support and information to those people newly diagnosed with retinal dystrophy. This varies from state to state, but can include:

Research
WA funds an ongoing "Inherited Retinal Dystrophies family testing program" at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth, and participates in "Eye Health Week" at Perth's Lions Eye Institute. It provided some funding for Professor Rakoczy's preparation for gene therapy trials for sufferers of Leibers Congenital Amareusis (LCA). All states contribute to the national Research Fund in varying amounts.

Relations with other Agencies
All states report good relations with the wider blindness community and its major government-supported agencies. Good relations exist between state bodies and local councils and state government departments.

Summary
Many state bodies report a downturn in income which is limiting their capacity to meet the demand for services; South Australia has downsized in order to survive; Queensland reports lack of funds inhibiting its capacity to help rural members in particular. All states rely heavily on volunteers to accomplish their fundraising plans. Each state has a different way of achieving its goals, but many states are focusing their attention towards activities which are not provided by better resourced government-funded organizations in their state, in order not to duplicate services already provided.

This report is a consolidation of reports from:
Retina Australia (NSW) Inc, President Mr Graeme Banks
Retina Australia (Queensland) Inc, President Mr Graeme Ferguson
Retina Australia (Victoria) Inc, President Mr Charles Rogers
Western Australian Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation Inc, President Mr Murray Witham
Retina Australia (SA) Inc, President Mrs Philippa Cooper
Retina Australia (ACT) Inc, President Mrs Faye Martin.

The Deafblind Association

The Deafblind Association (DBA) was formed after a Rubella outbreak in the 1960s caused many babies to be born profoundly or completely deaf and blind.

No two people are exactly alike. So, the mix of programs and services offered by DBA are tailored to meet each individual's goals and needs.

Focus on the future

- Rebranding

The DBA has begun a rebranding process to help best reflect our current service provision and to ensure that our current name is successful in attracting people with multiple disabilities including dual-sensory loss. Feedback to date from families, our staff, health groups, government and the public tells us that we may be able to serve many more people with a more effective name that best reflects the entire range of our skills and services.

Services

- Tasmania - New Service Development

The Deafblind Association has successfully opened its first accommodation service in Launceston, Tasmania. Parents of those people being supported and the DBA team were thrilled with the roll-out of the new venture and we look forward to hopefully securing more work in the state.

- Lifestyle Centre

The aim of The Deafblind Association's new Lifestyle Centre at its head office in Camberwell is to provide not only people with disabilities, but also the general community, with the opportunity to access DBA's occupational therapy program. The centre will be open to the public as well as disability and other community groups, reflecting the aim of the current Disability State Plan where disability groups coexist with business and other community groups.

The new Lifestyle Centre will provide a number of different services from massage and hydrotherapy to communications and a sensory relaxation room. It will not only encourage participation but also provide an important and exciting service - one which the whole community can participate in.

Bringing the deafblind, disabled, aged and wider community together will also aid in promoting understanding of marginalised groups within society.

- School Education Program

The Deafblind Association is delighted to report that an exciting school education program is to be launched later this year. Aimed at Victorian primary schools, the program is designed to raise awareness about deafblindness and multiple disabilities and to help children appreciate diversity in the community. This program has been made possible by the generous support of the Ivor Ronald Evans Foundation.

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BCA Regional and Special Interest Branch Report

Branch Reports

Once again, the Branches of BCA have been working hard in their local areas to advocate for the needs and rights of people who are blind or vision impaired. This year has also seen our Branches undertake a number of exciting and innovative projects which have assisted to ensure the participation of members at a local level.

The ACT Branch has continued to enjoy good attendances at general meetings and held a joint function with the Canberra Blind Society which focused on budgeting on a low income. The Branch also held a forum which focused on disability discrimination and involved a presentation from a member of the ACT Human Rights Office.

The Brisbane Branch has been very active in working with the Residential Tenancy Authority of Queensland and successfully gained funding from the Authority to produce some of their key information into alternative formats. This year the Branch presented the Mercy Dickinson Bursary to Cheryl Pascual. Cheryl has been the Secretary of the Branch and continues to provide invaluable support to the Branch and regularly attends the Branch office. Members attend quarterly meetings with a focus on library services. A final highlight for the year was a day of therapeutic shopping at a Brisbane discount outlet. This outing gave members the opportunity to experience a large shopping precinct; a place which would have ordinarily been difficult to negotiate independently.

Taxi access has been an ongoing issue for the Adelaide Branch. Currently there are a number of complaints of discrimination which are seeking formal resolution. Members of the Branch have also been busy producing audio material for 'SoundAbout' South Australia. To further assist the Branch in undertaking this work, they have undertaken to purchase a Digital Sound Editing Program this coming year.

Blind Citizens Western Australia (BCWA) has also been very active by playing a vital role in hosting the BCA 30th National Convention in Perth during September/October 2005. The Convention was an overwhelming success, attracting over 120 attendees. BCWA members were pleased with the opportunity to meet their other BCA members throughout Australia. Aside from the busy Convention work, BCWA has continued to provide advocacy services at an individual and systemic level to people who are blind or vision impaired. The Branch has also been very successful in obtaining several grants to update their computer equipment and improve Internet connectivity. As well, the Branch has successfully sourced funds to purchase cassettes and mailers to continue its production of "Consumer Voice" and other audio information materials.

The Tweed Valley Branch has been very active on the issue of electric vehicles and the problem they pose for people who are blind or vision impaired. They have also been active in working to promote the needs of blind or vision impaired pedestrians in their community. BCA acknowledges and encourages the work which Branch members do to highlight these important issues.

The Computer Users Group has again enjoyed a successful year with an increase in membership and a number of successful meetings being held this past financial year. Highlights of this year's meetings included presentations on podcasting, the move towards providing books and other reading materials in digital formats, reviewing accessible mobile phones and a look at the latest products from Quantum Technologies and Dolphin Systems.

Young Blind Citizens Victoria has also conducted a number of recreational activities aimed at young people who are blind or vision impaired. A bowling day was again held this year. This day was well attended and the feedback was very positive. A joint function was also held with the Retina Australia (Vic) Youth Group. Participants enjoyed a walk around Upwey and the Dandenong Ranges and feedback indicates that it was great to meet other young blind or vision impaired people. Other activities conducted by the Branch included information sessions on managing finances and living independently.

National Women's Branch
Following the National Convention held in Western Australia and the Annual General Meeting of the Women's Branch, a new committee was welcomed. The Branch would like to take this opportunity to thank our Past President Lee Kumutat and her committee for their work increasing the profile of the Women's Branch within BCA. Lee, who was President for the past four years, and her committee organised numerous sessions at a State and National level to raise the awareness of the Branch to many blind and vision impaired women. Their efforts have kept our membership growing. The past committee consisted of Lee Kumutat - President (NSW), Christine Simpson - Vice President (VIC), Theresa Smith - Secretary (NSW), Tracey Cross - Treasurer (WA) and Fiona Woods (NSW). The Branch thanks you for your dedication and work with the Branch during your term and look forward to your continued involvement.

The Branch AGM saw a very healthy election process with ten nominations for six positions. Thank you to those women who nominated but were unsuccessful in obtaining a committee position this term. We appreciate the strength of the membership and will require as much help and resources as can be made available to the Branch. There are always activities and projects that welcome involvement from outside the committee structure.

The new Women's Branch committee comprises of:

Jordie Howell - President (VIC),
Nadia Mattiazzo - Vice President (VIC)
Jenny Dawson - Secretary (WA),
Lee Kumutat - Treasurer (NSW),
General Committee Members:
Zeliha Iscel (WA),
Patricia Stillman (QLD),
Eleanor Waight (ACT).

Aspirations Award Patricia Stillman from Queensland was presented with this year's Aspirations award. The criteria for this award is as follows:

The award is given in celebration of the support, strength, leadership and friendship demonstrated amongst vision impaired women. It is an acknowledgment of a vision impaired woman who has set an example through her aspirations and achievements and, as a result, has proven herself to be an outstanding role model.

The Aspirations award was given to Patricia to recognize her strong commitment to vision impaired people and women especially within her local community. Patricia is on many local access committees and community groups. Patricia's involvement in these groups is mostly community education and peer support.

Patricia has also sought and won funding for a range of technology projects to acquire equipment for TAFE and local libraries. It has been said that, if someone new pops up in Patricia's local area with a vision impairment and requires resources or information, they are automatically sent to Patricia for their first point of contact.

Aspirations
Aspirations is the Women's Branch quarterly magazine. Over the past three months the committee has made some decisions regarding this publication. Christine Simpson has kindly offered to continue editing the magazine and the Branch is grateful for her constant work and dedication to the Branch. To support Christine we have set up a subcommittee whose role is to write and source articles so that the workload is spread out a little. The subcommittee will meet prior to the publication of each issue to make sure the magazine is progressing well and that we are on track with article production.

Action Plan
The Branch committee has commenced work on the Action Plan that will see us through the 2005-2007 term of office. The action plan is a working document developed by the committee to remind us of what we aim to achieve in the coming months. Some of the potential projects covered in the action plan are:

These project ideas stem from brainstorming sessions we have held recently and continue on from the work of the previous committee. Each committee member will take responsibility for coordinating a project and it is my hope that Branch members will express interest in some of these ideas and become involved in organising and assisting with the projects. If you are intrigued by any of the ideas outlined or have some of your own, please contact the Branch.

Convention Session
The Women's Branch Committee will host a session at most of the state conventions this year focusing around the subject of relationships. It will consist of a panel of people discussing a wide variety of relationship experiences: mothers and daughters, marriage, siblings and workers. One party must have a vision impairment, and of course we want to hear from the males out there too.

Email Discussion List
We have established an email discussion list for Branch members to exchange ideas, provide peer support and information of interest to the Branch. Possible topics could include: health, child care, holidays and travel, safety, community involvement, event planning, fund raising, recipes, book and movie reviews. The aim of the discussion list is to keep blind women in touch and therefore help relieve the loneliness some of our Women's Branch experience. The list will also be a vehicle for the committee to gauge whether certain projects should be undertaken and the discussion will be monitored in order to collect ideas about issues that are important to the Branch.

If you are interested in joining a Women's Branch Email Discussion List please contact Patricia Stillman by email: trishys@queenslander.net

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Regional Branch Contact Details

ACT Branch
Michael Johnston
PO Box 7206
DUFFY ACT 2611
Phone: 02 6288 4149
President
 
Adelaide Branch
Tony Starkey
PO Box 3103
Rundle Mall
ADELAIDE SA 5000
Phone: 08 8223 7622
Fax: 08 8223 7836
President
 
Blind Citizens WA
Greg Madson
Locked Bag 2
MAYLANDS WA 6931
Phone: 08 9371 2111
Fax: 08 9371 2155
President
Brisbane Branch
Karen Knight
Phone: 07 38912522
E-mail: bcabrisbane@pacific.net.au
President
 
Central West NSW Branch
Mary Lovett
433 Melrose Rd,
MUDGEE NSW 2850
Phone: 02 6373 1293
E-mail: mlovett@winsoft.net.au
President
 
Macleay/Nambucca Branch
Ossie (Oswald) Gallagher
3 Belle O'Connor Street
SOUTH WEST ROCKS NSW 2431
Home 02 6566 5904
President
 
Melbourne Branch
Terry Carlson
Room 32
355 Wellington Road
Mulgrave
Home 03 9560 1065
President
 
Geelong Branch
Peter Madden
5 Jennifer Court
Grovedale, Geelong 3216
Phone: 03 5241 6033
Email: petermadden@bigpond.com
President
 
Sydney Branch
Diana Braun
PO Box 493, BURWOOD NSW 1805
Phone: 02 9744 7366
E-mail: sydney@bca.org.au
President
 
Tasmanian Branch
Maree Brown
1/36 Parliament Street
SANDY BAY TAS 7005
Phone: 03 6273 7416
E-mail: maree.brown@utas.edu.au
President
 
Tweed Valley Branch
Ian Harrison
Unit 5, 15-17 Pearl Street
TWEED HEADS NSW 2485
Phone/Fax: 07 5536 1491
E-mail: ianh@onthenet.com.au
President

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Special Interest Branch Contact Details

Computer Users Group
Frank Nowlan
20 Goodwin Street
GLEN IRIS VIC 3146
Phone: 03 9889 0527
President
 
National Women's Branch
Jordina Howell
Mobile: 0402 308 484
Email: jordina@optusnet.com.au
President
 
Overseas Service Branch
Ivan Molloy
8 Morrison Avenue
MT MARTHA VIC 3934
Phone: 03 5975 1858
President
 
Young Blind Citizens (Qld)
Amanda Tink
5/18 Lima Street
AUCHENFLOWER QLD 4066
Phone: 07 3371 3400
President
 
Young Blind Citizens (Vic)
Michael Curran
Phone: 03 8802 9688 (H)
President

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National Representation

Our responsibility is to represent people who are blind and vision impaired. We believe it is critical to be part of other organisations and to receive information from them, to give advice to them and to ensure that when they speak out or develop policies on blindness or disability related matters, they do so in the context of our published policies. BCA has enjoyed productive working relations with many external bodies, and we value the contacts we have made and the information and advice we have received.

Members of BCA serving on national organisations and committees as direct representatives or nominees of BCA chosen by the Board are:

National Disability Advisory Council

Lynne Davis, a member of BCA, was appointed by the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. This Council completed its term of office at the end of 2005 and is to be replaced by a new advisory body which will cover disability and carer issues. We await the government's announcement of the establishment and membership of this new advisory body and look forward to working with it in the future.

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International Representation

World Blind Union (WBU)
Over many years BCA has been an active member of the WBU and its many committees. BCA, as the National consumer body, has two nominees to the WBU through the Australian Blindness Forum, Robert Altamore and Nadia Mattiazzo.

Members of BCA serving on the WBU include:

WBU First Vice-President: Maryanne Diamond;
WBU Nominations Committee: Bill Jolley;
WBU Low Vision Working Party: John Simpson.

Other International Organisations
Members of Blind Citizens Australia serving on other International Organisations include:

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Governance and Management

The Board
The members of the Board are: Robert Altamore (President), Sue Thompson (Vice-President), Natale Cutri, Tony Starkey, Robyn McKenzie, Craig Magill and Jayson Hanrahan.

The Board meets monthly by teleconference and held two face-to-face meetings during the year, in association with meetings of the National Policy and Development Council. Board meetings are also attended by Nadia Mattiazzo as Executive Officer and Mary Latham as Operations Manager.

John Simpson was Company Secretary until his resignation from the Board in October 2005. Michael Janes was appointed a Company Secretary from September 2005 to November 2005. Robert Altamore was Company Secretary from October 2005 to March 2006. From March 2006, Nadia Mattiazzo was appointed as Company Secretary and Mary Latham as alternate Company Secretary.

Finance and Audit Committee
The Finance and Audit Committee members are:
BCA - Natale Cutri (Chair) Jayson Hanrahan, Robert Altamore, Nadia Mattiazzo;
External Member - Karen Knight.
Mary Latham attends meetings of this Committee in her staff capacitiy.

Fundraising Committee
This Committee was formed in April 2006. The members are:
BCA - Jayson Hanrahan (Chair), Robyn McKenzie and Nadia Mattiazzo.
External member - Patricia Hardy.
Mary Latham attends meetings of this Committee in her staff capacity.

National Office Melbourne at 30 June 2006

Nadia MattiazzoExecutive Officer
Aileen McFadzeanNational Advocacy Officer
Alyena MohummadallyAssistant National Advocacy Officer
John PowerNational Policy Officer
Jessica ZammitVictorian Advocacy & Information Officer
Judi PottsFundraising & Administration Officer
Robert MascittiAdministration & IT Support Officer
Mary LathamOperations Manager
 
NSW Office
Rowena JittsAdministration Officer

Contact Details

National Office - Melbourne
13 Barrett Street
Kensington, VIC 3031

Post: PO Box 24 Sunshine 3020
Phone: 03 9372 6400
Freecall:1800 033 660
TTY: 03 9376 9275
Fax: 03 9372 6466
E-mail: bca@bca.org.au
Website:
www.bca.org.au

NSW Office
4 Mitchell Street
Enfield, NSW 2134
Phone: 02 9744 9844
Fax: 02 9744 6599

BLIND CITIZENS AUSTRALIA
ABN 90 006 985 226

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