FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
This sheet contains Frequently asked Questions that you, a prospective member,
may have about Blind Citizens Australia (BCA). If you have further questions
please contact the National Office at Ross House, 247 - 251 Flinders Lane, MELBOURNE VIC 3000, by telephone on
(03) 9654 1400 or free call 1800 033 660.
Q: What is BCA?
A: Blind
Citizens Australia (BCA) is the national association of blind and vision
impaired Australians. Members work together to achieve equity and equality for
ourselves.
Q: What services does BCA provide that can be of benefit to me?
A: Blind
Citizens Australia offers,
Q: What does BCA’s Advocacy service entail?
A: BCA’s Advocacy service involves assisting people who are blind or vision
impaired with disability related issues in the three main category areas of
Social Security difficulties, disability services and disability
discrimination.
Q: How do I become a Member of BCA, are there any requirements that I
need to fulfill?
A: In order
to become a full member or junior member of BCA, you need to be legally blind.
Junior members are under the age of eighteen. Once the BCA office receives your
completed membership application form, and your once-off membership fee of $10,
you will become a member.
Q: If people are vision impaired and not legally blind should they join
BCA?
A: If a
person is not legally blind, but is either vision-impaired or sighted, they are
welcome to join BCA as an associate member. They still need to complete an
application form, pay the once-off $10 membership fee, and can participate in
all BCA activities. However, they are not eligible to stand for a position on
the board, do not have voting rights in Branches or at any BCA elections.
Q: Is BCA affiliated with any blindness agencies?
A: BCA is
independent of any blindness agency, however, liaises with agencies when
required and represents blind and vision impaired consumers of these agencies.
Q: How can I assist BCA?
A: Through
the branches and the National Policy and Development Council, you can work with
BCA on issues that you feel strongly about as a blind or vision impaired
person. Donations can also be made to BCA or you can be a regular contributor
through our BCA Backer program.
Q: What format is information distributed in?
A: Information
is distributed in large print, braille, audio tape, email and computer disc. When an individual joins BCA they
are asked to indicate their preferred format and this is then taken in to
account when information is distributed.
Q: Can I get help to complete my application form?
A: Help to
complete your BCA application form can be obtained by contacting the BCA
Office. In many cases this form can be completed verbally over the telephone.