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“Life Ain’t so Dim After All”
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Published by
Blind Citizens Australia
ABN 90-006-985-226
Edited by
Nadia Mattiazzo
Our mission is to achieve equity and equality by our empowerment, by promoting positive community attitudes, and by striving for high quality and accessible services which meet our needs.
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Back to top of PageWelcome to the first edition of BCA News for the year. I trust everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Firstly, I need to apologise that this issue of News will not be dedicated to the theme of Recreation, as had previously been indicated. The decision has been taken for a number of reasons; however, we will be running with our theme in the next issue of News.
We thank those who have previously contributed articles relating to our theme issue and encourage those who would like to submit articles to do so by the due date which will appear later in this issue.
In this issue, we have many interesting articles. Along with our regular contributions from our National Office staff, we also have an update on Project Nexus, some helpful hints on advocacy an article from Queensland about a new project which is being undertaken.
Happy reading.
Back to top of PageIn order for you to be kept up to date with the latest news from BCA, please don’t forget to contact us if any of your details such as address, telephone number, or email address or if your format preference for receiving BCA correspondence changes.
I have to agree in part with Lana Thompson’s letter in the last issue; a great deal of money is being wasted on the production in braille of these magazines. Let those readers who have the knowledge and the equipment to access the material by e-mail do so, thereby releasing something like $10 per issue for more sensitive use. I have been reading braille for about 70 years and do not care much for recorded matter but I would suggest that many thinking braille readers would accept cassettes in the interests of economy and the preservation of the trees.
Some years ago, I asked to be taken off your mailing lists as I have very little interest in the affairs of BCA. About two years ago you resumed sending me the braille editions. Unless you have some really good news, such as the dismantling of NILS and the return of the braille library to Melbourne, I really do not wish to receive any more. I wish you and all your readers a happy and healthy new year.
Josephine Nicholson
Editor’s Note
We thank you for your contribution and have removed you from our mailing list.
Back to top of PageI am pleased that another busy year is well underway with many and varied activities being undertaken by BCA and all its supporters.
This year we will hold our second round of state conventions and although the dates and venues have not been finalised many people are busy in the initial planning stage. October certainly appears to be the favoured month for all conventions. The BCA AGM will be held in conjunction with the Victorian State convention. Once the dates and venues have been finalised these will be promoted through our various communication media allowing everyone ample time to plan their calendar for the year.
The proposed merger of three of Australia’s largest blindness agencies continues and I encourage you to read the article which appears later in this publication giving an update of the progress of this work. We encourage everyone to become a member of their local blindness agency, even if they are not one of the merging organisations. After all, we as blind and vision impaired Australians should take an active interest in the organizations that provide services to us.
I am pleased to inform you that BCA has been successful in obtaining a grant from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to undertake a short-term project. It primarily is to develop a resource kit for Job Network Providers informing them about blindness with the desired outcome of people who are blind being referred to employers for positions identified by the job seeker rather than the stereotype many consider blind people can do. There will also be a number of workshops conducted around Australia. The project will be overseen by a steering committee chaired by Theresa Smith, and Rowena Jitts has been appointed as the project officer. A status report of this project will be prepared for the next issue of News.
In December 2004, the WBU World Blind Women’s Forum and 6th General Assembly will take place in Cape Town South Africa. Registration forms are now available from the website at www.wbucapetown2004.org.za. I would like to encourage all those interested to begin work on finding resources to take part in this event as registrations close on June 30 2004. Draft programs for both the Women’s Forum and Assembly are being developed and will soon be placed on the website.
I am pleased to let you know that the Australian Federation of Disability Organizations (AFDO) has been formed and BCA is one of the eight founding members with Robert Altamore representing us on the Board. At the time this article was prepared, plans to recruit a CEO for AFDO was in progress. We look forward to working with other disability consumer organizations when appropriate, while, at the same time, represent the interests of blind and vision impaired people either through the Federation or in our own right.
Many readers will recall that late last year Darren Fittler and a group of friends undertook a bike ride from Brisbane to Sydney to raise funds for BCA. I am pleased to let you know that they raised over $20,000. I am sure I speak on behalf of all BCA members and supporters in thanking Darren and his team for this great initiative and organization and I am well aware that a number of members have indicated their intention to join the ride if it takes place in 2004.
Back to top of PageAs you receive this issue of BCA News, the formalities required to bring about the merger of RVIB, RBS and Vision Australia Foundation into a single multi-state blindness service agency are less than three months away. Yet, for many the issues surrounding the proposed merger and the pathway toward its achievement are still unclear.
While it is true to say that these organizations only exist to meet the identified needs of blind and vision impaired Australians, the ultimate decision on whether this merger proceeds rests with a much smaller group – those people who choose to become Company Members of one or more of the merging organizations. As blind and vision impaired Australians with a vital interest in these matters, we should perhaps all ensure that we are among those who will determine the shape of blindness services across this country into the future. Those people who become members of any of the merging agencies this year will not only be able to exercise a vote on whether the agency becomes part of the merged structure, but if the merger proceeds, will be among the first members of the new organization and therefore will have a role to play in its future development and direction.
Details of how to join are available from all three organizations or through the BCA Office.
When the Presidents and other senior representatives of these agencies met on May 16th 2002 they issued the following statement.
"We have met together and formed a strong common view that the quality of life of blind and vision impaired Australians will be enhanced by one organization rather than by individual blindness agencies acting independently. We will utilise our combined resources to deliver improved services at a local level."
Subsequently the three agencies agreed that the following guiding principles should be taken into account in respect of any amalgamation proposal:
As decision time approaches it is worth keeping these principles in mind, so that the proposal before us can be measured against the original intent of its authors.
BCA has for many years supported the proposition that the development of a nationally co-ordinated blindness service system could provide enhanced and more readily available services for blind and vision impaired people across Australia. However, despite this in-principle support for the decisions taken by the Boards of RVIB, RBS and VAF in May 2002 we have been concerned with some aspects of the current merger proposal and, in particular with the fact that many of those responsible for its development and implementation have been oblivious to current community expectations for the management and operation of a newly structured disability service organization.
Our concerns first arose in October 2002 when Board Members from the participating organizations, speaking at BCA State Conventions, made their views clear, that there was no place for BCA to participate as an equal partner in the development of the merger plans. This attitude was in stark contrast to the views that had prevailed some 10 years earlier when BCA was invited to be a contributing party to a previous attempt to rationalize blindness service provision across Australia.
We were eventually able to win for ourselves a seat at the table and in September last year three BCA nominees became part of the Interim Board of twelve that would oversee the establishment of the new organization. However, our involvement and commitment to maximize the opportunities presented through these discussions has been accepted grudgingly by some and our place at the Board table was only guaranteed until the first Annual General Meeting of the new agency, no more than 18 months after its incorporation.
In February 2003, the BCA Board developed a Position Statement titled “Community Expectations of Newly Structured Blindness Service Agencies”. This detailed the expectations of governments and the community as embodied in legislation such as the various Disability Services Acts and the Disability Discrimination Act and proposed a number of key constitutional provisions and implementation strategies that should be incorporated into planning for the new agency. The major elements of this statement were then presented as a Resolution that was adopted by our National Convention last October.
One of the overriding principles advocated by BCA has been for the inclusion in the newly formed organization’s constitution of a requirement that at least half of the Board of Directors, (including the Chairman) be people who are blind or vision impaired. This expectation was outlined in both the BCA Board’s Position Statement and the Convention Resolution. The matter was also raised by our nominees to the Interim Board during discussion of the draft constitution. However, despite the fact that the majority of Interim Board Members are blind or vision impaired, this proposal has been resisted by all of the merging agencies.
In January of this year, the BCA Board revisited this issue and resolved unanimously that President Robert Altamore should write to the Presidents of the merging organizations expressing our disappointment with their resistance to this proposal and calling on them and their fellow Board members to revisit the issue before the draft constitution was finalized. The matter was reconsidered by at least some of the agency Boards however, their opposition to the proposal was confirmed on the basis that the provision of such a limitation to board membership might mean that in the future the organization is precluded from attracting the breadth of skills and experience necessary for good governance. However, during discussion of the issue it was proposed that the period for BCA to have nominees to the Board be extended to the second Annual Meeting of the new organization – up to 30 months from incorporation.
On receipt of this advice, those BCA members who are directly involved in the merger process as nominees to the Interim Board met with representatives of the BCA Board to consider our position on this and other key constitutional issues. Our decision was a difficult one as, on the one hand, all involved remained committed to the principle that the Board of the new agency should include majority membership of blind or vision impaired people. On the other hand, we recognized that the momentum toward a merger is strong and growing and that BCA’s opposition to the current proposals might only result in our losing all chance to influence the development of the new agency. We were also mindful of the fact that as Directors and members of the new organization, blind and vision impaired people will have the opportunity to use the constitutional processes to ensure that the new organization meets our expectations.
On this basis, the BCA Board has formally adopted the following resolution:
“This Board remains committed to the principles set out in its statement ‘Community expectations of newly structured blindness service agencies’, as released in February 2003. We also affirm BCA’s expectation that the constitution of Newco should provide for the guaranteed involvement of blind and vision impaired Directors through the provision of dedicated Directors’ positions.However, recognising that this expectation is not shared by all of the merging organizations at this time, we resolve to pursue these objectives over time, using the constitutional processes available to members and Directors of the newly merged agency.
To this end, we resolve to continue to work constructively toward the merger of RBS, RVIB and VAF and to ensure that the new multi-state agency remains responsive to the needs of blind and vision impaired Australians and functions in conformity with current community expectations for a newly established disability service agency.”
This decision has now been conveyed to the Interim Board of the new agency and to the Boards of the three merging organizations. In so doing, we have made it clear to all concerned that we will continue to closely scrutinize the process toward a merger and will work constructively and proactively to ensure that the new agency is structured and operates in a way that ensures its responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of blind and vision impaired Australians.
As I have indicated above, the formalities leading to the merger of RBS, RVIB and VAF will occur over the next few months. From the viewpoint of blind and vision impaired Australians, the most important of these activities will be the conducting by each organization of a Special General Meeting to consider a recommendation that the organization merge into the newly incorporated multi-state agency. To have a say on this crucial issue, you must be a Company member. That is, you must have completed and signed a membership application form and lodged this and the required membership fee with the agency. membership fees vary from agency to agency, according to the organization’s current constitution and in some cases membership applications must be approved by the Board. The various agencies also have differing rules covering the lodgement of proxy votes at the time of the Special General Meeting. For these reasons it is vital that you fully understand the requirements of membership in advance.
As someone who has been closely involved with this process as the BCA Board member, with policy responsibility in the area, I have wrestled long and hard with the question of whether this proposed merger is in the best interests of blind and vision impaired Australians. There have been times when I have judged the processes underway to be detrimental to our interests and there have been occasions on which I have concluded that some of those involved have been motivated by imperatives other than the best interests of the community they serve. However, as the time for decision approaches I have moved firmly to the view that this merger does provide a unique opportunity for us to substantially improve the quality and availability of the services available across the country. Clearly the new organization will be far from perfect from day one, however, if we as blind and vision impaired Australians take up the challenge to become proactive members of the new entity we can, in a relatively short time, overcome these initial shortcomings and set the agency on the path to fulfilling the expectations of blind and vision impaired Australians well into the future.
Back to top of PageRelationship breakdown is an extremely stressful process experienced by many in our community. Although some separations are relatively amicable many are not. The process is significantly more emotionally charged when children are involved. Separated couples are bound together in a continuing relationship, the children being a common bond.
Although most separated parents intend to put any animosity behind for the sake of the children, decisions over where the child is going to live and how much access the other parent is going to have, can be very fraught. BCA has contact every year from parents who are blind or vision impaired and who are not the custodial parent, who is experiencing difficulty in maintaining regular contact with their children.
Most of the stories we hear fall into two scenarios. The first situation involves where the parent with whom the child or children live does not oppose access but does not do anything active to help access occur. In most access situations, the non-custodial parent can drive and so can easily pick a child up from school or from the house where the child normally lives and can easily return the child after the access visit. This may be more difficult for a parent who is blind or vision impaired depending on where that person lives. The parent with whom the child normally lives might object to dropping the child off or letting family members or friends of the other parent to pick up or drop off the child. We have known of situations where parents have irregular access to their child or children or the other parent insists that access visits occur in their own home. We have also known of situations where access visits do not occur at all.
The second situation involves the parent with whom the child or children normally lives arguing to the Family Court that access to the children should not occur because the other parent is blind or vision impaired and cannot properly take care of them. This is particularly the case where overnight or holiday access is the issue in dispute, but it is sometimes argued, even in relation to day access. Sometimes the parent asserting this genuinely believes it, other times a parent's disability is used in some kind of power play. Sometimes in the case where blindness has occurred as a result of a recent accident, there might well be adjustment issues in terms of independent living and orientation and mobility which need to be addressed. Sometimes the blind or vision impaired parent has been extremely dependent on the partner without the disability and lacks skills. Sometimes parents do not appreciate that a person has developed the skills and can now have longer access. Some parents insist that the access visits be supervised by an adult agreed between the parents. This can inhibit the relationship between the parent with the disability and their child or children if a third party is always there. It can disempower the parent and decrease the child's confidence in his or her parent. We have also had the situation in which the parent with the disability argues that they would like a family member or friend to be present to make it easier to take the child or children out on excursions and the other parent objects to every person suggested.
Even if access orders have already been made, some parents do not obey the orders in the knowledge that the other parent lacks the resources to enforce the orders. We have found that the Family Court can be very conservative when a parent raises concerns about the other parent's blindness or vision impairment and access can be held up while independent assessments are performed. Arguments which we might consider exaggerated and at times ridiculous can be treated quite seriously by a court system which does not understand the disability.
The above scenarios are of course not the experience of every blind or vision impaired parent who has experienced relationship breakdown. They do, affect a child's right to have a loving relationship with both parents. We are extremely interested in people's experiences of relationship breakdown when there are children involved. We would of course treat all such contact with complete confidentiality.
BCA has had a number of contacts from parents who have a child who is blind or vision impaired at an independent school. Disturbingly, these parents are advised by the school that it is their responsibility to pay for the "extras".
These "extras" are not individual violin lessons or extra mathematics tuition but are any cost the school incurs in meeting its reasonable accommodation obligation to the student. The "extras" can be the salary of the Teacher's Aid, brailling of course materials or other alternate formatting and the unfunded balance of Visiting Teacher services. The attempt to pass these costs onto parents has increased as National Library Information Services (NILS) has moved to full cost recovery for services they provide.
BCA is extremely concerned about this situation. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 it is the obligation of the school to pay for services which enable a child with the disability to receive an equivalent education to other students. Many parents, understandably, are disinclined to approach the school involved and direct their anger at NILS and education departments. Many parents do not want to damage their relationship with the school and some parents pay the additional amounts. We have known of schools to threaten to expel a student unless the parent pays the additional "fees" despite knowing fully that it is the school's obligation to pay for reasonable adjustments.
We are extremely interested in hearing people's experiences in independent schools-both positive and negative and the experiences of those in public schools. As stated previously, all information will be treated confidentially.
Back to top of PageOn 12 January 2004, the draft Disability Standards for Access to Premises was released for public comment. The Standards are intended to bring the Australian Building Code into line with the Disability Discrimination Act. They cover things like signage, making glass doors and walls safe and braille and tactile buttons in lifts. If passed, the Standards will apply to new building work and to any major refurbishments, in building types covered by the Standard.
The aim of the Standards is to provide all people with “safe, equitable and dignified access” to buildings and the services and facilities in them (clause DO1 and DP1).
The Standards outline performance requirements which tell property owners, lessees managers etc. what they must do in order to achieve the Standards’ aim. These include that continuous accessible paths of travel be provided into buildings from the road boundary and from associated buildings and also within buildings (clause DP7). Another performance requirement is that measures be taken to ensure that people with disabilities can safely exit a building in an emergency (clause DP6).
If the Standards are passed into law, this is the level of access that will have to be provided in all public areas of public buildings.
Sometimes however, it can be difficult for someone to know how to provide this access. That is why the Standards also give instructions for ways that the performance requirements can be met. For example, the Standards say that if a property has doorways and corridors that are at least 1200mm wide, it will be accessible to people in wheelchairs (at least in this regard). These guidelines or instructions are called deemed-to-satisfy provisions. That means that if property owners, lessees and managers follow these instructions, they will be deemed to have met their obligations in that area. They do not have to follow these suggestions however, if they can prove that another solution will achieve the same outcomes.
Unfortunately, the draft Standards do not have many deemed-to-satisfy provisions that specifically address the access needs of people who are blind or vision impaired. For example, while the Standards require an accessible path of travel for blind people to and within a building, they do not provide any instructions or guidance on how to provide this. This is because the group that developed the draft Standards, the Building Access Policy Committee, could not find any research that they could rely on to tell property owners, lessees and managers how to do it.
As a result, the Committee supported a Blind Citizens Australia research proposal. The Way Finding in the Built Environment research project commenced in 2003 and it is hoped that it will lead to deemed-to-satisfy provisions being developed that can be put into the Standards in the future.
The draft Standards also have little in them for people who are blind or vision impaired because at this stage, the Standards only address those things that are covered by the Building Code of Australia. The Building Code of Australia covers structural things like doorway widths and essential safety features like emergency exits, but doesn’t cover fittings and fixtures, including signs with company names or tenant information, or building names or street address information.
For these reasons, many members will be disappointed by the Standards because they do not require, among other things, braille, raised tactile or audible signage about building names or tenant information, nor do they require braille or raised tactile floor numbers outside lift doors.
However, even though the draft Standards do not contain deemed-to-satisfy provisions in these and other areas, property owners, lessees and managers must still do all they can to make buildings safe and accessible for people who are blind or vision impaired. The draft Standards and the Guidelines to the Standards provide some hints about how this can be done.
The draft Standards require:
The draft Standards have retained, but not extended, the following requirements which are already included in the Building Code of Australia:
The draft Standards also make it clear that an accessible path of travel must be maintained to the entrance of a premises. That is, that it is discriminatory for a business to permit material such as advertising A-frames to obstruct the path of travel.
We have identified a number of ways in which the draft Standards should be improved. These include requiring:
Because of the limited nature of this first stage of the Standards’ development, we will argue that the second stage of the Premises Standards should begin as soon as possible and should address:
A resolution was adopted at the National Convention held in Canberra during October last year in which the BCA Board were asked to consider alternate voting methods for Directors and NPDC representatives to that outlined in the organizations Memorandum and Articles of Association.
We are inviting interested people to prepare a submission outlining alternate voting methods which could be used by BCA in future elections. Written submissions should be forwarded to the National Office, attention Maryanne Diamond. The closing date for submissions is May 1 2004.
The Board will consider all suggestions with any changes to the Memorandum and Articles of Association requiring a resolution at an Annual General Meeting of BCA.
Back to top of PageBlind Citizens Australia is currently looking at how we communicate with members. We would like your feedback about what you like about BCA’s communication tools and what could be done to improve them. In doing so, we are not looking to discontinue any of our publications. The results of this survey will be used to formulate some recommendations for change for consideration by the Board and National Policy and Development Council. If you could spare a few moments to complete this short survey, it would be greatly appreciated. Please return your responses in the format of your choice to Blind Citizens Australia, PO Box 24, Sunshine Vic 3020.
Alternatively, you might like to call the BCA Office and arrange a suitable time for someone to call you to complete the survey.
Please circle your response to the following:
Sex: male/female
Age: 16-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 65+
Preferred format: Braille tape electronic large print
Are you Vision Impaired? yes / no
Which of the following BCA communication media do you regularly read/listen to?
(a) Blind Citizens News is published quarterly. How often do you read it?
(b) What is your favourite feature within Blind Citizens News? Why?
(c) Which part of Blind Citizens News is your least favourite? Why?
(d) What are the characteristics about Blind Citizens News that you would like to remain the same?
(e) What are the characteristics of Blind Citizens News that you think could be improved?
(f) In which format do you currently receive BCA News?
Braille Tape Electronic Large Print?
(g) Are there any other formats in which you would be happy to receive News? Please specify.
(a) Soundabout is produced quarterly. Do you listen to
(b) Please rate the statements below about Soundabout using the following scale:
1 = Strongly Agree; 2 = Agree; 3 = Uncertain; 4 = Disagree; 5 = Strongly Disagree.
I enjoy listening to the interview style of Soundabout.
I think the National content on Side 1 of Soundabout is interesting and stimulating.
I think the state-based information on Side 2 of Soundabout is interesting and stimulating.
I would like to receive Soundabout on CD if this option was offered to me.
I cannot receive the type of information on Soundabout from any other source.
I find Soundabout difficult to listen to as it is not in my preferred format.
(c) What are some of the features of Soundabout that you would like to remain the same?
(d) What are some of the features of Soundabout that you would like to change?
(a) Horizons is BCA's weekly radio program. How often do you listen to Horizons?
(b) Do you listen to Horizons via Radio or on the internet?
(c) At what time do you listen to Horizons?
(d) Would a change in radio broadcast time alter your listening pattern? If so, please explain.
(e) What have been some of the most interesting features of Horizons?
(f) What have been some of the least interesting features on Horizons?
(g) How could Horizons be improved?
(a) How often do you go to BCA’s web page?
(b) For what type of information do you usually visit BCA’s web page?
(c) Have you ever referred others to BCA’s web page?
(d) What do you like best about BCA’s web page?
(e) What do you like least about BCA’s web page?
(f) Do you have suggestions for additional information/links that might improve BCA’s web page?
BCA-L is BCA's listserve; an electronic way of keeping in touch with members.
(a) Are you a subscriber to BCA-l? Why/why not?
(b) What do you like most about the list?
(c) What do you like least about the list?
(d) How do you think the list could be improved?
Are there any other comments that you would like to make in relation to any of BCA’s communication media?
Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. A summary of findings will be published in a future edition of Blind Citizens News.
Back to top of PageIn May 2003 Centrelink conducted a trial to enable customers in receipt of Disability Support Pension (Blind) to receive their letters from Centrelink in a format they can access.
The trial has ended and Centrelink can now offer this service to customers in receipt of Disability Support Pension (Blind) and Age Pension (Blind). Eligible customers can receive their letters from Centrelink in a format they prefer. The letters can be:
At this stage the service is restricted to letters only.
Customers who are interested in this service should phone the Centrelink disability line on 132717 or the retirement line on 132300 during office hours (Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time).
An administrative requirement of the process is that a customer must agree to have the “Accessible Letters Manager, Centrelink” recorded as their Postal Address. This arrangement is required to enable Centrelink to isolate a customer’s letters. Once isolated, letters can be reformatted as requested by the customer. The Accessible Letters Manager has no legal authority regarding the customer’s payments or eligibility, it is purely an administrative solution to allow Centrelink to provide this service.
Customers currently receiving this service will be contacted shortly by Centrelink to discuss a change to the procedures put in place as part of the trial.
Back to top of PageAdvocacy is speaking, acting, writing with a minimal conflict of interest on behalf of the sincerely perceived interests of a disadvantaged person or group to promote, protect and defend their welfare and justice by:
The following principles guide QPPD’s social advocacy efforts.
This form of advocacy is primarily concerned with influencing and changing the system in ways that will benefit people with a disability as a group within society. Systems advocates will encourage changes to the law, government and service policies and community attitudes. Usually systems advocates do not do individual advocacy. To do so can cause conflict around the use of resources, focus and purpose.
QPPD DOES SYSTEMS ADVOCACY BY:
SYSTEMS ADVOCACY IS NOT:
ADVOCACY DEVELOPMENT IS:
Advocacy Development is those actions and processes that enlist the energy and commitment of individuals and groups in our community so that they choose to take a considered action called advocacy on behalf of and alongside people with disabilities.
KEY ELEMENTS OF ADVOCACY DEVELOPMENT:
QPPD DOES ADVOCACY DEVELOPMENT BY:
When talking with politicians, bureaucrats or service providers, people and families will often have to do some very strong lobbying to have their point of view heard and acted upon. The following tips might be of help in making your voice as strong as possible.
Do not feel you need to be apologetic for asking a politician, a bureaucrat or a service worker to do the job they are there to do.
Don't accept being told that you must always be patient. They will tell you there isn't any money, or they are really doing things well or they need more time to determine the need. Usually impatience and persistence move bureaucracies into action, but it does take time.
Consider the amount of time you are prepared to give to them very carefully. Your time is valuable as well.
Gather support around you. Strength can be in numbers.
When talking with politicians, bureaucrats or service providers, people and families will often have to do some very strong lobbying to have their point of view heard and acted upon. The following tips might be of help in making your voice as strong as possible.
Do not feel you need to be apologetic for asking a politician, a bureaucrat or a service worker to do the job they are there to do.
Don't accept being told that you must always be patient. They will tell you there isn't any money, or they are really doing things well or they need more time to determine the need. Usually impatience and persistence move bureaucracies into action, but it does take time.
Consider the amount of time you are prepared to give to them very carefully. Your time is valuable as well.
Anticipate their answers and develop counter-arguments.
Always have answers ready for the usual bureaucratic replies. Develop counter-arguments to their responses. For example:
Always be prepared for meetings.
If you, or someone you know, is studying for a university degree or works at a university, we want to hear from you! BCA is participating in the Teaching and Supporting Students with Vision Impairments Project. This project aims to identify ways that universities can better support students with vision impairments through improved teaching practices. The project is funded by the Australian Universities Teaching Committee (AUTC) and is being managed by a team which includes experienced researchers from the Universities of Melbourne, New England, Sydney and Tasmania, university students and key stakeholders including Blind Citizens Australia and the Round Table on Information access for People with Print Disabilities.
The project will:
We would like to hear about your experiences as a university student or staff member. What teaching practices have you found helpful? Have any made studying or working at a university more difficult for you? Does your university do anything to help you so well that you think it should be a model for other universities? Send your suggestions for how policies, procedures and practices can be improved to Maryanne Diamond at the National Office. Further information about the project can be found at www.utas.edu.au/services//visproj
Back to top of Page2004 is the Year of the Built Environment. During 2004 the focus for this working group will be the Blind Citizens Australia submission to the Access to Premises Standards. Erika Webb is also a member of the Australian Network of Universal Housing Design - ANUHD.
This group also works with issues dealing with Public Transport and we have been quie busy with the Victorian Taxi Subsidy Issue.
We will be reviewing various BCA Policies that come under the umbrella of this group, to revise and update these policies.
The working group will also deal with issues that arise during the year.
The group consists of members from New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania.
Erika Webb would like to thank Tony Starkey of Adelaide for his chairmanship of this group previously and his mentoring. Tony Starkey remains a member of this group.
If you need to contact the group, please email Erika Webb at erikaweb@perth.dialix.com.au or by phone 08 9401 6078
Back to top of PageThe newly reformed Employment Working Group had their first meeting on Wednesday January 28 2004. The working group comprises three NPDC representatives: Theresa Smith (Chair) from NSW; Terry Boyle from QLD; and Kim Hand from South Australia. The external members include Kevin Murfitt from Victoria and Rikki Chaplin from QLD.
The working group discussed a number of initiatives that it may work on during this year. The first of these it to help BCA with an employment project that it has been given funding by the Commonwealth Government to establish. The purpose of the project is to develop a manual that helps blind and vision impaired people seeking employment, as well as provide information to disability employment services and other job network providers. The Project Officer will also run workshops around the country providing information and details about the manual. The Employment Working Group will assist the Project Officer if needed.
The Working Group will also consider two resolutions passed at the 2003 National Convention in Canberra.
The first of these resolutions was:
“That BCA along with relevant organizational members and other disability organisations, should investigate the conditions in the business services run by blindness agencies in Australia. Specifically the wages paid, types of work done, and the cleanliness and safety of the workplaces for blind and vision impaired people using them; and following its findings, take appropriate action.”
The second resolution was:
“One of the major barriers to people who are blind and vision impaired obtaining employment is finding and accessing information on employment opportunities and on practical solutions to reasonable adjustment issues. This Convention recommends to Blind Citizens Australia that it work with blindness agencies and the Commonwealth Government to seek funding for the establishment and maintenance of an accessible jobs database to collect such information and make it readily available to people who are blind and vision impaired.”
This project has been an on-going aim of the Working Group. Currently, an employment web page is being developed on the BCA web site. This will contain information about types of jobs that blind and vision impaired people have or currently hold. As well as providing a list of people that are willing to act as contact points for someone wanting to know more about a particular job, as experienced by a blind or vision impaired person. Please keep a watch for when the employment page is launched. Please see the notice below if you are interested in providing information for the online employment page.
I invite readers to send me a list of jobs that you know blind and vision impaired people have held or that you may have been employed in yourself. Below are a list of questions that I ask you to complete in order to help us develop an employment information database.
If you are willing to act as a referral point for anyone wanting more information about your particular employment experiences, could you please provide your name and contact details. Your details will be posted on the BCA web site along with the jobs you are willing to provide advice on.
I really encourage readers to become involved in this project. One of the greatest challenges faced by blind and vision impaired people is trying to obtain and maintain employment. Perhaps the advice you can provide to someone wanting more information about a particular job, may help them in finding employment. I strongly believe that the more people who participate in this project then the more we can contribute to assisting blind and vision impaired people around Australia.
If you choose to take part, could you please send me your contributions via e-mail on: tsmith24@pobox.une.edu.au or you can telephone me directly on 0427 434 720.
I eagerly wait your contributions.
Back to top of PageThe Guide Dogs Queensland Rockhampton Office provides a range of services to people with a vision disability. Services include Guide Dog training, orientation and mobility training and counselling. Orientation training teaches people to make maximum use of any remaining vision and their other senses, especially hearing, touch and smell. Mobility training involves the use of an “aid” such as a long cane to enable people to locate and negotiate obstacles, so they can find their way round more safely and confidently. On going training and support enables these people to lead independent lives. Orientation and mobility programs are based on an individual’s needs. People are trained in their own environments. This means that going to work, attending schools, shopping and visiting friends can be performed independently without having to rely on others.
Crossing streets, however, is an area of orientation and mobility training that presents particular challenges to many blind and vision impaired people. Due to the many variables involved, it can be difficult for some to safely negotiate street crossings. These variables include changes in weather conditions, lighting and contrast in the environment as well as different coloured cars with varying volume outputs. Difficulty in teaching people to cross roads is exacerbated by factors such as cars becoming more difficult to hear (less volume output) and sound shadowing (where background environmental noise can block or shadow the sound of approaching traffic).
Rural environments such as those found in Central Queensland can often be more difficult for some people to achieve independent mobility due to the lack of structured environments, for example, fewer traffic lights, structured footpaths, curb and channelling, and wide streets.
StreetLink is a program that has been set up in Central Queensland to increase the safety and confidence of blind and vision impaired people using uncontrolled crossings.
The program involves the assistance of staff from local businesses and services who are introduced to the client and trained in the correct guiding techniques and procedures to assist them cross streets safely at strategic areas along a route of travel in the person’s local area.
Using StreetLink means that clients who are not confident in crossing streets alone have the opportunity to do so with assistance from a trained volunteer.
To date StreetLink has been well received by both clients and local businesses involved with the program. Along with increasing individual’s safety, the program has assisted in raising awareness of the needs of blind and vision impaired people in Central Queensland.
Back to top of PageA response from the National Policy Development Council
The StreetLink report was presented to the NPDC in January 2004. I was fascinated by the prospect of all people who are blind or vision impaired in Queensland needing assistance to cross roads safely. I wondered, what had happened to Orientation and Mobility training in that state? I wanted to know, why don’t they install audible tactile traffic signals so the person can cross the road? It seems to be creating a dependency on others.
Other members of the NPDC raised the following issues. What is the legal status if the person or the persons assisting if either of them get hurt whilst crossing roads? Who is liable for duty of care issues? One of the NPDC members said it seems to be a way of raising the profile of the guide dog organization for fundraising not for assisting users.
Some comments (note that these are the views of individuals, not of the NPDC. Not every member of the NPDC shared these views):
"...this program will reinforce the incorrect notion that people who are blind are unable to move throughout their community without assistance. I don't see how it improves independence."
"It seems to allow for poor road conditions, instead of advocating for audible tactile traffic signals, and it seems to be a cheaper option for the Guide Dog organisation, rather than long term advocacy with local government and state government to get better quality of roads and safer road crossings.”
“It seems to allow local government ''out'' of its obligation to provide safe roads and road crossings."
"Why not install audible tactile traffic signals, which seem to be accessed by others within the general community, a good form of universal design?"
"It seems to show that people who are blind or vision impaired are totally dependant on the able bodied community for access and for their own safety.”
“It will probably go further to a point where the general community believe that all people with disabilities are dependant and are time consuming."
"Even if the Streetlink program does assist in lobbying for safer street crossings, there are better and more dignified advocacy strategies that can be used."
“I feel that some of the elements of the program are useful for aged newly blind or low vision people. At a stage of a elderly person re training the last thing they want is independence, they are looking for interaction and involvement.”
“The main issue I have with the program is that once the system is in place the contact point is the Agency not the person.”
“I appreciate that in a city environment this program would not be very successful but in a country town with no traffic lights or a pedestrian crossing such a model could be implemented quite well.”
“I then wondered if the other Blindness Agencies adopted this system as a form of Orientation and Mobility training.”
“Guide Dogs Queensland would not have developed this program if their consumers were not benefiting from it. It is possible that StreetLink does allow for more community awareness and interaction. I would support this program if the consumer has choice and it is provided as an option as well as other O and M training.”
As you can see, this Report has raised some very strong reactions from some of the National Policy Development Council members. How do Blind Citizens Australia members feel about this issue? How do people who live in Queensland feel about this report? If you have a view that you feel has not been covered in this article, please write to the Editor of Blind Citizens News.
Back to top of PageIf I asked you to list the issues that are the most critical to you as a blind person, my guess is that housing would be absent from your list.
The only time things are different, is when you're looking for a new place to live. In that case, how your blindness impacts on your choice of accommodation is foremost in your mind. I'm looking for people who can put themselves in that position, either based on past experience or through imagination, who would be willing to share and discuss these issues with me.
I am writing a draft housing policy that will be considered by the National Policy Development Council for adoption. In order to do this, I would like as much input as possible from all BCA members, irrespective of your level of sight, age, other disabilities, or anything else that you might think makes you ineligible to contribute.
Some questions you might want to consider are:
Please remember these questions are only a guide, and any input you have on this topic is very welcome. If you have anything you would like to share on this topic please call me on (07) 3371 3400 (if I am not available, please leave a message and I will get back to you), or e-mail me at atink@pacific.net.au by Friday the 16th of April.
Back to top of PageA collection of 24 narratives from people who have overcome adversity. Stories from blind golfers and caddies, Betty sky dived at seventy, Edith a blind bowler, Mary escaped Japanese, Joyce and Rita world travellers, Christian competed in Paralympics, Norman, totally blind, built bedroom suite. Plus many more. Price $15.00 Phone 08 82941123.
Members of Blind Citizens Australia and generous members of the public have, for many years, partly funded the work of BCA through donations and lotteries. In recent times a number of friends and members have also shown their support by leaving a bequest or legacy from their estate in a Will.
This kind of support is vital for our ongoing work and we encourage all members and friends to ensure that Blind Citizens Australia will be here to work for blind and vision impaired Australians in the future. BCA’s advocacy to ensure that services and facilities do not discriminate against our members and other blind people has proved to be of enormous benefit to all blind Australians and we need to make sure that our work continues.
You can help by making a bequest in your Will. Please include Blind Citizens Australia in your Will by using the following wording:
“I give to Blind Citizens Australia the sum of (include sum both in words and figures) free from all duties or other taxes, whether State or Federal.”Back to top of Page
We would like to thank all members who have generously donated to BCA recently. If you would like to make a donation to BCA, but find it difficult filling out forms you may like to call the National Office on 1800 033 660 and donate over the phone using your credit card.
Back to top of PageThe closing date for articles for the next issue should be submitted no later than Friday, 7 May. Articles should be sent to Blind Citizens Australia National Office, if possible in large print (16pt or larger) or preferably in electronic form (disk or email attachment).
If you would like to discuss your ideas for a possible article please call on 1800 033 660, or email bca@bca.org.au.
Back to top of PageBlind Citizens News accepts material in the following categories:
Information about new services, facilities or events of wide interest among blind and vision impaired people is accepted for inclusion within the news content.
Announcements, for sale notices and other advertisements from individuals and small non-profit organisations may be included in a "Notice Board" section, provided that they do not exceed 25 words and are targeted to a national readership. A charge of $20 will apply for each notice.
Advertising on behalf of government, commercial or community organisations that is considered to be relevant to the general readership will be included under the heading "Advertisements". Advertisers must provide a copy suitable for inclusion in all formats of the publication and the following rates will apply.
For greatest impact, why not consider sponsorship of an entire issue of Blind Citizens News? For $800 you will obtain:
a credit of up to 25 words on the front cover;
2 print pages for the sponsor’s message (equivalent space in other formats).
Blind Citizens News is published four times a year and is now read by more than 3000 people with a direct interest or involvement in the services and facilities available to Australia’s blind and vision impaired population. We circulate 980 large print, 1000 audio, 200 Braille and 50 electronic (computer disk and email) copies to members, libraries, service agencies, government departments and equipment suppliers throughout Australia. Blind Citizens News also appears in full on the internet website of Blind Citizens Australia.
Back to top of PageFor the latest information from Blind Citizens Australia tune in to Horizons on your RPH station, on a Community Station near you, or via the BCA website. Horizons is broadcast regularly on RPH stations. It is also becoming available on Community Stations, but you may need to contact your local station to ask it to receive Horizons by Satellite
Back to top of PageAdelaide
5RPH 1197 Khz
9.15 pm Wednesday,
repeated 6.00 pm Friday
Brisbane
4RPH 1296 Khz
7.00 am Friday;
repeated 6.05 pm Monday
Canberra
1RPH 1125 Khz
11.15 am Tuesday;
repeated 8.00 pm Tuesday
and 9.30am Saturday
Hobart
7RPH 864 Khz
1.30pm Friday;
repeated 5.15pm Saturday
Perth
6RPH 990 Khz
10.30 am Friday;
repeated 9.45 pm Saturday
Sydney
2RPH 1224 Khz
3.00 pm Wednesday;
repeated 8.15 pm Saturday
Victoria 8.30pm Wednesday; repeated 6.30pm Sunday on the following stations:
Melbourne RPH 1179 AM
Albury RPH 101.7 FM
Bendigo RPH 88.7 FM
Geelong RPH 99.5 FM
Mildura RPH 107.5 FM
Shepparton RPH 101.1 FM
Warragul RPH 93.5 FM
Warrnambool RPH 94.5 FM.