BLIND CITIZENS AUSTRALIA

AGM and National Convention 2009 Audio Archives

The following were recorded at the Blind Citizens Australia National Convention which was held in Brisbane from 17 to 18 October 2009.

To listen, you will need a PC with a sound card and a media player such as Windows Media Player, Real Player or Winamp.

Blind Citizens Australia thanks Audio-Read for providing web space for storage of the audio files. Audio-Read are developers of a secure digital multicast system and patented portable Audio Navigator for the delivery and playback of digital audio.

You can either listen on-line or Download the files for later listening.

Session One


Convention Opening
Session Chair: David Blyth

Session Two


Building our capacity on a local, Asia Pacific regional and international level
Session Chair: Cheryl Pascual

BCA Women's Branch AGM

Session Three


Blindness Agencies – How can we work together to ensure they are meeting our needs?
Session Chair: Greg Madson

In these times of financial hardship, poor returns from investment and a caring community that is strapped for cash; and more discerning about who they donate to, if anybody. We explored how our blindness agencies might provide the services we expect when the funding cupboard is bare.

Session 4A

(Concurrent Session)
Education Revolution: Is equal opportunity leading to equal outcomes?
Session Chair: Renee Williamson

As the Australian education system moves into a period of greater accountability, Are children who are blind or vision impaired provided with the necessary skills and resources?

Session 4B

(Concurrent Session - no audio)
Our Vibes – Vision Impaired & Blind Everyday Stuff
Session Chair: Barry Chapman

Celebrate the 6 little dots that changed the world. Our panel discussed some of their favourite stuff – that stuff that ‘Expands Our Independence and Broadens Our Horizons!’ Life is great when one gains independence with the aid of technology, be it High Tech or Low Tech gadgets, they are the stuff we can’t do without to keep us organised, connected and on the move. Some stuff Vibrates, Beeps, Talks or even does all three.

Convention Dinner


Host: David Blyth, President
MC: Cheryl Pascual

BCA Annual General Meeting

What's the buzz from the National Office?


Session Chair: Cheryl Pascual

Our national staff update us on current campaigns, our policy work and the priorities for the upcoming year.

Session 5A

(Concurrent Session)
Communications and Information Access:
Session Chair - Bruce Ind

If only 5% of information is accessible to people who are blind or vision impaired, how do we ensure our information needs are being met? This session explores issues of web design and access, audio description, media access, telecommunications, copyright and publishing models.