Blind Citizens Australia
Contact Details
PO Box 24
SUNSHINE VICTORIA 3020
13 Barrett Street
KENSINGTON VICTORIA 3031
Telephone 03 9372 6400
Toll Free 1800 033 660
Facsimile 03 9372 6466
TTY 03 9376 9275
bca@bca.org.au
www.bca.org.au
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.
COPYRIGHT: Reproduction of articles appearing in Blind Citizens News is permitted, provided Blind Citizens News and the author(s) are acknowledged.
Large Print ISSN 1441-449X Braille ISSN 1441-5658 Cassette ISSN 1441-564X
Blind Citizens News is distributed in Large Print, Braille and Audio. Electronic copies in text format are available from our Web page, on Disk or by Email. To change your format, please contact Blind Citizens Australia.
BCA's Identity Card carries a photo, address and signature. It may be used where photo identification is required and is worth 25 points when opening a bank account or entering into business transactions. Application forms are available from the BCA Office.
Back to top of PageWelcome to this September issue of Blind Citizens News.
I am compiling this issue of News, not only as Editor, but as Acting Manager of Blind Citizens Australia. Unfortunately for us, but fortunately for the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, Maryanne Diamond, BCA's Executive Officer for the past four years, has resigned to take on this new and very challenging role with AFDO. I am sure you will all commiserate in our loss, but wish Maryanne well in her new endeavours.
In this issue of News, there are our usual National Policy and Development Council Working group reports, as well as a report from our National Advocacy Officer. We also introduce to you our new National Policy Officer, John Power, who has been with us now for two months.
There are also a number of very interesting Letters to the Editor, as well as information on how to claim Medicare benefits.
Finally, there is information relating to all State Conventions that are being conducted throughout October. We hope you will join other members in your State and renew old acquaintances, make new ones, as well as participate in some very interesting and informative sessions.
For now however, I hope you enjoy this issue of News.
Back to top of PageDear Editor
I am writing to alert BCA and everyone to an issue regarding Australia Post.
Australia Post left me a card in my letter box on Friday, August 23 letting me know I had a parcel to go and get. Ok no problem for the sighted, but I am not sighted and would have thought that the card was junk mail if someone had not told me differently.
I called the 131318 number today and asked if the parcel could be redelivered to me. I might have just as well asked for it to be sent to the moon! No go - I had to go and pick it up myself. If I wanted it to be delivered I had to fill in a form called an Authority to Leave Form. Now how can a blind person see to read and fill in a form, you have to fill it in because it needs a signature. Ok so admitting defeat I went by taxi to get it. Fine no problems, but when I got home I decided to call them again. What a big mistake that was.
The person I spoke to was very rigid in his attitude that it is against Australia Post's policy to deliver parcels, (if that's the case will they stop delivering braille and talking books?) They surely aren't mail. When I pointed this out to him he said it wasn't the postal service, but contractors who delivered them. I pointed out that the National Library and Information Service (NILS) pay the postal service, not contractors. Oh no they don't apparently. Well my attitude is, if they can deliver talking and braille books, plus CDs and talking book machines, the self same contractors can, or should deliver parcels. How can someone who is blind, aged and possibly with additional mobility problems get to a Post Office and carry a parcel home.
BCA should, in my view, advocate for that to happen.
Lisa Hayes
Dear Editor
I enjoyed reading Mr Richard Kakol's article about recreational activities in Geelong, in the June BCA news. I found both the style and the concepts refreshing. I totally agree with him that a "key component of recreation is participating in group activities", and in particular that "for a person who is vision impaired, much can be gained from the association with other blind and vision impaired people."
I wish him success in expanding the various recreational groups he hopes to find members for. To belong to a genuine peer group for some of our activities is relaxing, stimulating, and psychologically healthful.
Rebecca Maxwell
Dear Editor
As BCA members, we rightly pride ourselves on our strong and at times uncompromising attitude to participation in decision making processes which affect blind and vision impaired Australians. We also are rightly proud of the leadership shown by members of our organisation over many years.
So it is with some alarm that I comment on the fact that there will be not one election for vacant leadership positions within BCA this year.
When nominations were called for the position of BCA President and for representatives to the National Policy and Development Council for four of the states and territories, the result was one nomination for the position of President and for three of the State and Territory representatives and no nomination for one state.
The eagerness of members to aspire to serve in leadership positions in any organisation is, I believe, a sign of a healthy and vibrant organisation. This is particularly so in a member-based consumer organisation such as BCA. The fact that in 2004 there will be no elections must surely make all members consider the health and vitality of an organisation of which we are all proud to consider ourselves members, but maybe at times take for granted.
This concern is further emphasized in the fact that only a little more than 100 members, or less than 5% of those of us eligible to vote, bothered to register to do so.
Michael Janes
Member (usually active) since 1981
Dear Editor
As someone who is now in need of a note taker for study I am staggered by the prices of such devices. The Braille Note with a 32 cell braille display is $10,680 and the Pac Mate with a 40 cell braille display is nearly $12,000. How can someone on a pension afford such devices?
One thing I think BCA should be doing is setting up some kind of low interest loan scheme to enable us to get such note takers. If we need things like this we have to approach service clubs for assistance. This can be perceived as begging and who wants charity?
I would also like to say well done to Graeme Innes and all the Board of the new blindness agency. Well done to all who put hard work in to getting where we are now, as a majority of the members have voted in favour of the merger. I am, as a member of the Royal Blind Society here in Sydney proud to say I voted for the merger. Maybe this new agency can push for some kind of loan scheme. The future looks good for us now. There will be teething problems, but if we work together and not have any infighting and bickering we can get through them.
Lisa Hayes.
Back to top of PageMaryanne Diamond has resigned as Executive Officer of Blind Citizens Australia (BCA). Maryanne has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations. The Federation is the newly formed National peak body for people with disabilities in Australia. In this position, Maryanne will continue to work closely with BCA and its members on behalf of people with disabilities.
Maryanne has made a very significant contribution to BCA as its Executive Officer, providing sound advice and guidance to the Board and Council and leading an efficient and friendly office, which provides a high level of service to our members and those with whom we have contact. Maryanne has also made a significant contribution to the blindness sector through her participation in the Australian Blindness Forum and as an Australian delegate to the World Blind Union. I am sure you will join with me in extending our appreciation to Maryanne for her contribution to BCA and our best wishes for her future career with the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations.
The Board has commenced the process for appointing a new Executive Officer and we hope to announce this appointment very soon.
John Power has joined BCA as our National Policy Officer. John has a background in marketing and more recently in social policy with the Victorian Council of Social Services. I am sure you will join with me in welcoming John to BCA and in giving him every assistance in his work on our behalf.
In May this year, BCA received funding from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) to undertake a project to encourage mainstream job network members (JNMs) to take on a greater role in assisting blind and vision impaired jobseekers to find work. This is part of an overall strategy by DEWR to increase the number of people with disabilities to whom JNMs provide service.
The project is being led by a part-time Project Officer, Rowena Jitts, based in Blind Citizens Australia's Sydney Office. Rowena has a reference group to support her work made up of Theresa Smith, Lynne Davis, Karen knight and Kevin Murfitt. The project has involved developing one section of an online toolkit which assists JNMs to assist people who are blind or vision impaired. The main focus of the project has been to conduct workshops in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Dubbo and Perth aimed at providing JNMs information about vision impairment and giving them the opportunity to hear from blind employees and employers who have employed blind people. Discussions at the workshops have raised a number of issues that the NPDC Employment Working Group will be considering in the coming months. If you would like further information about the workshops or would like a copy of the resource manual provided to workshop participants, please contact the National Office.
October is the month for our State Conventions. The dates are as follows:
This is our second year of State Conventions. The first State Conventions held in 2002 were most successful. I encourage you to attend your local State Convention and share in the learning, information exchange and social activity that make BCA Conventions such enjoyable experiences. This year, our Victorian, New South Wales and Queensland Conventions are being held outside the State capital cities. This is a first for BCA and is a timely and welcome development in our activities.
If you need information about any of our State Conventions or assistance with registration, you can contact the National Office on 1800 033 660. There is also a link to the Victorian and Queensland Conventions on our web site http://www.bca.org.au
BCA's Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday, 22 October in Geelong, immediately prior to the Victorian Convention. At the meeting, the organisation's Annual and Financial Reports will be presented and the results of the elections for National President and for National Policy and Development Council members for South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania will be announced.
Our Federal election is to be held on 9 October. As Australians, we are concerned about the issues of economic management, national security, and health and education. As blind people, we have specific concerns about our access to employment and education, availability of information in accessible formats and our inability to cast a valid independent and verifiable vote in the election. The election campaign offers us opportunities to raise these concerns with candidates as we encounter them in our local communities. In particular, in relation to the issue of accessible voting, John power is developing material to assist you in discussing these matters with your local candidates. If you need information on accessible voting, contact John at the National Office on 1800 033 660.
Back to top of PageContrary to what we have previously believed to be the case, people in receipt of the Disability Support Pension (blind) do not have to change to the Age Pension (blind) at retirement age.
What has been happening is that "permanently blind" customers have been automatically changed over from the DSP (blind) to the Age Pension (blind).
We first realised that a person could choose to remain on the DSP (blind) when a member of BCA asked for advocacy support to remain on the DSP (blind) to retain her Pensioner Education Supplement (PES). The PES is not available to customers in receipt of the Age Pension. The outcome clarified the situation that a person could elect to remain on his or her current payment.
We were extremely concerned about the advice that we received because we had been advised a number of years ago that the Age Pension (blind) was taxable whereas the DSP (blind) was not taxable. Many people expressed extreme frustration that their pension suddenly became taxable when they were transferred to the Age Pension (blind).
We have been advised by Centrelink that the DSP (blind) is taxable anyway for people over Age Pension age. Consequently, people who elect to remain on the DSP (blind) will need to include their pension as part of their taxable income.
All customers are supposed to be automatically transferred unless they are in receipt of PES or the Incentive Allowance. We have in the last few months received calls from a number of people who have reached retirement age and who have been automatically transferred to the Age Pension (blind). The people who have called had not received an Age Pension (blind) grant letter or a new Pensioner Concession Card, but simply received a letter regarding taxation issues.
There are various advantages and disadvantages to both pensions. To receive PES, Incentive Allowance or an Education Entry Payment, a person needs to be on the DSP (blind). The DSP, however, has limited portability, whereas the Age Pension can usually be paid to a person overseas indefinitely.
If a customer does not want to be changed over to the Age Pension (blind) he or she should contact Centrelink prior to reaching Age Pension age. If the change has automatically happened a customer can appeal the cancellation of the DSP (blind). A customer has 13 weeks from the day they were advised of the cancellation to lodge the appeal if the customer has been financially disadvantaged and wants arrears to be paid.
Back to top of PageAs your newly appointed National Policy Officer, I will endeavour to continue the excellent work of my predecessor Collette O'Neill by keeping you up to date with the latest national policy issues. Similar to Collette, I have a Social Work Degree from the University of Melbourne, which I completed at the end of last year. Prior to undertaking this qualification, I had a very different career working in marketing and communications in the financial services sector. My change of direction came about by a desire to do more for the community and the realisation that the profit ethic and the lack of understanding about broader social issues in the corporate sector didn't agree with me.
When reporting to you on policy issues, I will at times contain a 'get involved' initiative where members can directly participate in the policy issues BCA is pursuing. In most cases, this will involve contacting politicians to develop a greater presence amongst law makers about the issues important to persons who are blind and vision impaired. We understand that members lead very busy lives, so we will endeavour to make these forms of involvement as easy as possible to pursue.
Outlined below are some major developments on the national policy front.
On 12 August the Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson and the Federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, announced that they will be introducing into Parliament the Disability Discrimination Amendment (Education Standards) Bill 2004 which will amend the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) to ensure that the Standards are supported to the greatest possible extent.
BCA welcomes this very important initiative by the Federal government to help alleviate discrimination for people with disabilities in the education sector.
On 14 July, the Productivity's Commission inquiry report, Review of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), was released. On the positive side, the report acknowledged that the DDA has been 'reasonably effective' in addressing discrimination for people with disabilities and that it has an important role to play in this regard. As well, the report found that the benefits of the Act to the community outweighed the costs. Although, the report correctly acknowledged that there is still a lot of room for improvement before the Act meets its objectives, especially in the area of employment.
A draft background paper on the issue of accessible voting for blind and vision impaired people is currently in development, together with a strategy on how to approach this issue during and after the Federal election. Once completed, the background paper will be available to members online.
BCA's position asserts that blind and vision impaired citizens should have access to the secret ballot in all Federal, State and Council elections. The current situation whereby a blind or vision impaired person requires personal assistance that compromises the sanctity of their voting intentions is unacceptable. As demonstrated in the 2001 ACT election, computer assisted technology is now available to prevent this interference and allow blind and vision impaired persons to enjoy their democratic right to vote in private.
While BCA acknowledges that there will be no change to the current situation at this Federal election, we will, in partnership with other peak disability organisations, be providing a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters who will meet after the Federal election to review the conduct of the 2004 Federal election.
Back to top of Page(Reports as submitted for inclusion in the Blind Citizens Australia Annual Report for the year 2003-2004)
The members of the Employment Working Group (EWG) are Theresa Smith (Chair) from NSW; Terry Boyle and Rikki Chaplin from QLD; Robyn McKenzie and Kevin Murfitt from Victoria; and Kim Hand from South Australia.
The EWG has been working on a number of projects during its term. Firstly, one of the resolutions put forward at the BCA National Convention in October 2003 asked for research into the conditions of employment for employees of the Business Services (or workshops) in the various States. The EWG had discussions with the Blind Workers Union in South Australia, Queensland and Victoria to determine if their members had reported any problems with the Business Services. Each representative from the Blind Workers Union did not report any issues. EWG members also held discussions with the agencies responsible for managing the Business Services. We wanted to ensure that Business Services employees were encouraged or given the opportunity to pursue employment options in the open labour market. The EWG was assured that in South Australia, Queensland and Victoria, efforts were made to encourage Business Services employees to pursue open employment (if they so wished). To date, no further action has been taken on this matter.
The second major project that the EWG has worked on is the establishment of an employment information page on the BCA website. We are pleased to announce that in June 2004 the Employment Information Page on the BCA website was established. Please check out the site at: www.bca.org.au/employment
The site provides information on when to disclose your disability, a list of jobs that we know blind and vision impaired people have held, and a list of employment profiles. These profiles were submitted by members and provide detail on their employment history, their qualifications, and challenges that they may have overcome in the workplace. They are extremely informative and I encourage all BCA readers to check out the site. Some of the individuals have provided their contact details if readers wish to discuss their employment experiences further with them. Also, there is a link to the employment profile questionnaire, which I encourage all readers to complete.
Third, the EWG has also assisted with the BCA Employment Project. This was a project funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Rowena Jitts from the Sydney office of BCA, is the Project Officer. The purpose of the project was to develop an on line tool kit for job network providers to use to help blind and vision impaired people find employment. A series of workshops are also to be held in Brisbane, Dubbo, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. During the workshops, blind and vision impaired people will give a brief presentation on their employment experiences, and employers will also speak about their experiences of employing a blind or vision impaired person. Job network providers were invited to attend to listen to these presentations and participate in discussion groups on how to help blind and vision impaired people find employment. The workshops are to be held during July and August.
Finally, the EWG has participated in an email discussion group established by the World Bank during June to discuss issues of employment for disabled youth. A range of issues were identified on the list. Participants from all around the world took part in the email discussions. It was extremely informative and encouraging to see the breadth of discussion.
The EWG has enjoyed the challenge of the work that it has undertaken and views the area of employment as a means of providing social and economic independence for blind and vision impaired Australians.
During the 2003-2004 year, BCA members and other blind and vision impaired Australians, have demonstrated that library services designed to meet the needs of print disabled people, as well as access to current and emerging technologies with a high level of usability, remain high priorities for education, employment, and quality of life.
BCA members have, through Convention resolutions addressing library services as well as access to technologies, re-affirmed the importance of work in these areas. Both members and staff have furthered this work by dialog on blindness related mailing lists in Australia, participation in various trials, involvement in a number of committees both government and non-government, and by forming alliances with other organisations.
At the November 2003 meeting, the NPDC resolved to continue with the existing working groups including the Library and Information Access Working Group. It was decided that this work would be under the overall responsibility of Susan Thompson, with assistance from Mat Mirabella and John Simpson, and that the work would go to two separate subgroups. The area of library services was lead by Susan Thompson, with members being John Simpson, Frank Nolan, Jan Miller, Lynne Davis, Fiona Woods and Bev Burrows. The more technical area of information access was lead by Mat Mirabella, with members being John Simpson, Susan Thompson, Frank Nolan, Aaron Howell and Bruce Maguire.
This report briefly covers some of the issues identified as priorities, and requiring work by this overall working group and BCA staff. These include areas continuing on from the previous year, some additional matters raised by committee members, and new matters raised by convention resolutions.
The library services and information access matters addressed by BCA included:
In the area of access to the non visual aspects of television, our work included:
In the last quarter of 2003, BCA made a submission to Commercial Television Australia as part of the review of the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice. The submission urged that commercial broadcasters be required by the code to provide important information in audio alongside the information displayed on screen, particularly in critical emergency situations such as fire.
BCA's activities in relation to accessible voting systems included:
In this report last year, we advised of the commissioning of a discussion paper into telecommunications for people with disabilities by HREOC, entitled; "When the Tide Comes In: Towards Accessible Telecommunications for People with Disabilities in Australia". BCA, through a resolution at the 2003 National Convention, congratulated HREOC on this work. The HREOC report was authored by Bill Jolley, himself totally blind and with a wealth of knowledge in the use of telecommunications to assist blind and vision impaired people. We all can relate to the anxiety we feel when technology emerges at an ever increasing speed, and all too often brings with it equal change towards inaccessibility. This report and recommendations are important tools for changing this trend.
The final area discussed by the Information Access sub-group, relate to concerns about the continued appearance of inaccessible PDF documents on web sites as the only source of the document, and the lack of accessible business and accounting software needed by blind people running small businesses. These areas will likely require a multi-pronged strategy as time goes on.
In the area of specialist library services to people who are blind and print disabled, our advocacy efforts have been mostly in relation to the National Information and Library Service (NILS). Some of our important activities included:
BCA members, through resolution at the 2003 BCA Convention, strongly reaffirmed the belief that NILS (along with other disability services), should, despite being funded as a public library service, reflect the principles and objectives of the Commonwealth Disability Services Act 1986 by establishing mechanisms which demonstrate a genuine interest in seeking consumer involvement in the provision and evaluation of such an important service.
In closing, I would like to thank all working group members, other BCA members and BCA staff for efforts towards improving library services and other information access to members and all Australians who are blind, vision impaired or print disabled.
The National Policy and Development Working Group currently consists of Greg Madson (Chair), Karen Knight, Maree Brown, Michael Simpson and Vicki Alipasinopoulos, this year have been working through the education issues outlined in Blind Citizens Australia's current strategic plan.
Education issues outlined in the BCA strategic plan are:
1.2 Promote equal access to education & training to maximize the potential of blind people
In August 2003 the Education Working Group developed a submission for the Senate Enquiry into Higher Education Funding and Regulatory Legislation. With BCA's policy Officers direction, the committees submission focused on two key issues:
1.2.1 Work with the Commonwealth Government to implement the recommendations contained in the Report of the Inquiry into the Education of Students with Disabilities.
This item will be on going.
1.2.2 Review Education Policy and update as necessary.
The Education Working Group has reviewed the BCA Education Policy and amended it as necessary. The amended Policy has been sent to the NPDC for their comment.
1.2.3 Promote Education Policy to key stakeholders.
Once the NPDC has ratified the reviewed Education Policy, promotion of the policy to key stakeholders will be undertaken.
1.2.4 Conduct a review of State and Territory tertiary and TAFE entrance procedures for accessibility.
The Education Working Group will investigate this issue in the second half of 2004.
1.2.5 Campaign for the introduction of an equipment subsidy scheme, similar to that proposed by the Australian Blindness Forum 2001.
The Education Working Group have envestigated current equipment schemes in their respective States. The information will be brought together into a single document suitable for review.
1.2.6 Develop a proposal for a transition program for students addressing self advocacy skills and study skills.
This will be undertaken in the second half of 2004.
2.7 Work with agencies to ensure that visiting teacher services are provided in a way that promotes self-reliance in students.
This item will be looked at in the second half of 2004.
Other Issues
On the alternative format front, the Australian Vice Chancellors Committee has been meeting throughout the year and a working group has been looking at a Code of Practice for transcription of material for print handicapped students. BCA has representatives on the AVVC and is monitoring the progress code of practise.
The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, and the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson, on 15 June 2004 announced the release for public information of the final draft of Disability Standards for Education.
The objects of these Standards are:
(a) to eliminate, as far as possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of disability in the area of education and training; and
(b) to ensure, as far as practicable, that persons with disabilities have the same rights to equality before the law in the area of education and training as the rest of the community; and
(c) to promote recognition and acceptance within the community of the principle that persons with disabilities have the same fundamental rights as the rest of the community.
The issues that fall under this NPDC working group are quite broad but very important. This group has spent a great deal of time working on the issues raised during 2003 and 2004.
Some of the issues included the submission by Blind Citizens Australia on the Access to Premises Standards and thank you to all the BCA members who attended meetings and the public consultation process.
A variety of taxi issues were raised, including the success of the Victorian taxi campaign, the New South Wales taxi review and individual member issues. Other issues during the year related to the Public Transport Standards
Some of the access issues considered during the year included, accessible voting, accessible banking, access to health services, wayfinding devices including the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games research.
Electric vehicles and how they impact on people who are blind and vision impaired.
Guide Dog Policy on airlines including the introduction of Jetstar.
Our group discussed Jury service for people who are blind and vision impaired and people who are DeafBlind serving on juries.
This working group dealt with the introduction of the Victorian Companion Card on 18 April 2004 and whether other States could introduce this system.
This group discussed issues surrounding young people in nursing homes.
I currently represent Blind Citizens Australia on the Australian Network of Universal Housing Design.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the working group members who include Tony Starkey of South Australia, Bill McKennariey and Barry Chapman of New South Wales, Peter Johnson and Keith Hayes of Western Australia, Dave Gordon of Tasmania, Nadia Mattiazzo and Peter O'Connor of Victoria (who left the working group during the year) all of whom have had input at committee level.
A special thank you to Amanda Tink of Queensland who is working with this group to develop a Blind Citizens Australia Housing Policy.
I also wish a warm thank you to Collette O'Neill, the Blind Citizens Australia National Policy Officer for the enormous assistance we received from her before she left BCA to further her career.
I would like to acknowledge the other NPDC working groups for the work they do. The working groups provide a source of resources that are called upon by the Blind Citizens Australia national office staff, the Board of Directors and the State and Territory branches.
I can be contacted by email at erikaweb@perth.dialix.com.au or 08 9401 6078.
Back to top of Page(Report as submitted for inclusion in the Blind Citizens Australia Annual Report for the year 2003-2004)
The Women's Branch has continued to grow its membership in 2003-2004. It has been pleasing to see new members joining from many different parts of Australia, with many joining at the 2003 Convention. Currently the Women's Branch membership numbers 140.
The Women's Branch co-ordinated and successfully held a number of sessions and events at the 2003 Convention held in the ACT:
A Safety Workshop was held, with a member of the Australian Federal Police addressing the group on practical tips on being safe and maintaining awareness within immediate environments. The material circulated at the workshop then was included in Aspirations - the Women's Branch magazine for the benefit of members unable to attend convention.
A Belly Dancing workshop: this was a chance for members and non-members to unwind and learn a little about the ancient art of belly dancing. It was, by necessity, a very informal workshop and was a great opportunity for attendees to interact.
A breakfast was also hosted by the Women's Branch at Convention, yet another chance for members to interact, and non-members to come along and find out about the Branch and its activities.
Fundraising activities were also undertaken by the Branch at Convention. One was in the form of an accessible jelly bean guessing competition. This was extremely successful, raising approximately $170 for the Branch. Women's Branch publications were also on sale.
The Branch AGM was also conducted at Convention 2003, with all committee positions declared vacant and a new committee elected.
Elected to the committee were the following:
Lee Kumutat - President (NSW);
Christine Simpson (Victoria);
Fiona Woods (NSW);
Tracey Cross (Western Australia);
Theresa Smith (NSW);
Beth Johnston (VIC);
Anna Saxon-Taylor (ACT).
The committee then elected the following office bearers:
Christine Simpson - Vice President;
Tracey Cross - Treasurer;
Theresa Smith - Secretary.
Unfortunately, during this committee term, two committee members have resigned due to poor health. The Branch thanks Anna Saxon-Taylor and Beth Johnston for their contribution as committee members, and looks forward to their continual involvement with the Branch. At the time of writing, the committee is considering how best to handle the casual vacancies.
Finally, at Convention 2003 the inaugural Aspirations award was presented to Karen Knight from Queensland for being an outstanding role model for other vision impaired Australian women.
In March, Women's Branch members from Queensland, held a luncheon to honour Karen Knight as the recipient of the inaugural Aspirations award at Convention 2003. It was a very successful function, with Karen giving an inspiring address to the group on issues of advocacy. Our thanks especially to Robyn Bree for organising this most successful event.
In Sydney in early June, local Branch members held a Colour Confidence Workshop conducted by representatives of Nutrimetics. Participants were able to ask questions about applying make-up, matching colours to their skin type and general personal presentation. Again, it was great to see members interacting and sharing ideas on many topics. Thanks especially to Marian Jones who helped organise this gathering. The Branch hopes to conduct further events in other State capitals.
Another four editions of Aspirations the Branch magazine have been produced throughout 2003-2004. Thank you to all the members who have contributed to the magazine over the past 12 months, they are truly valued and appreciated. It has covered a range of topics such as travel, independence, parenting, safety, women's health, to name just a few. The magazine is available to members on cassette and via Email, with over 80 members receiving it via Email. Christine Simpson, the chief editor, producer and distributor of Aspirations is to be congratulated on the professionalism of the publication, and the varied topics it covers. Members are encouraged to contribute to Aspirations at any time.
Communication with members is also achieved via various email listservs such as VIP-L and BCA's own BCA-l, as well as on SoundAbout and submitting updates to BCA News. The Branch Email address is also a direct method by which members can contact the Branch committee. nwb@bca.org.au
The Women's Branch committee, through listening to Branch members, has formulated an Action Plan. The Action Plan forms the framework for the direction of the committee up till and including the BCA National Convention in 2005.
Some of the areas on which there will be focus are:
The Branch plans to optimise its involvement at State conventions in 2004. It is organising involvement at the Queensland and NSW Conventions, with possibly others to follow. The Women's Branch Annual General Meeting is planned for the Queensland Convention, as well as a Branch breakfast and Convention session. In Mudgee NSW, the Branch will also host a convention session - a panel discussion on self-esteem, self-expectation and self-confidence.
The Branch has achieved a considerable amount in the past year, and looks forward to a very busy and fulfilling 2004-05. Thank you to the members of the Branch committee for their continued commitment, focus and hard work.
Back to top of PageAs a result of a recent Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) complaint Centrelink has become aware that some blind and vision impaired customers are not aware that they can receive personal assistance to complete forms at any Centrelink office.
If you receive a form from Centrelink such as a Mobility Allowance Review form and are unable to complete the form, you can contact Centrelink for assistance to complete it.
Although forms are not available in formats other than standard print, Centrelink does offer an Accessible Letters service for customers in receipt of Disability Support Pension (blind) and Age Pension (blind). This service means that customers can receive their letters from Centrelink in one of the following formats:
Read over the telephone
Converted to large font
Converted to Rich Text Format (.rtf) and sent on a floppy disk
Converted to Braille
Customers interested in this service should call 132 717 or 132 300 during office hours (Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time).
Medicare aims to make claiming as quick and easy as possible for all Australians. There are many options you can use to claim your Medicare benefits.
There are 228 Medicare offices in Australia where you can make a claim. If you have paid your account in full and would like a cash payment you don't have to fill out a claim form. Just take your original accounts, receipts and your Medicare card to the Medicare office counter. For security reasons a cash limit applies. To receive your benefits by cheque or electronic funds transfer (EFT), or if the account hasn't been paid, you need to fill in a claim form. If someone else is collecting benefits on your behalf you will need to fill in and sign the claim form.
If you don't want a cash benefit you can use the drop box inside the Medicare office - this will mean you don't have to queue. Remember not to put your Medicare card in the box with your claim.
Telephone claiming allows people to claim their Medicare benefits from their home telephone for the cost of a local call, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. You can call Medicare on 1300 360 460, give your claim details over the phone and then post your receipt or account - there's no need to fill in a claim form. Medicare starts to process your claim while your documents are in the post and once they have been checked your payment will be made by cheque or EFT if the account has already been paid. This makes claiming much easier for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses who may not be able to visit a Medicare office or make a claim through one of the other claiming options.
You can send your completed claim form by mail, together with your receipts or accounts, to Medicare, GPO Box 9822 in your capital city - do not send your Medicare card when you claim by mail. You will then receive a cheque by mail or an EFT payment direct into your financial institution account if the account has been paid.
For people living in rural and remote areas of Australia who don't have access to a Medicare office, HIC has a network of more than 1 000 Medicare easyclaim telephone booths where you can claim your Medicare benefits. These can be found in Rural Transaction Centres, state government agencies, pharmacies, post offices, and many other locally based shops and services . To find your nearest Easyclaim booth visit HIC's website at www.hic.gov.call or call Medicare on 132 011.
An increasing number of doctor's now offer you the option of lodging your Medicare claim electronically over the internet. If your doctor provides online claiming, bring your Medicare card and your bank account details to have your claim deposited directly into your account. You can also have a cheque mailed to your postal address.
For more information
Medicare 132 011
TTY 1800 552 152 (hearing or speech impaired)
TIS 131 450 (translating and interpreting service)
Email medicare.enq@hic.gov.au
Internet www.hic.gov.au
Address Medicare, GPO Box 9822 in your capital city
Early one morning just recently I was about to cross the road at the traffic lights with my 4-year-old boy when I heard a car going through the red light. The lights were bleeping to indicate the walk sign, but something inside me just held me back for one second. If I'd launched into the intersection without pausing to check the road was clear, an accident could have occurred. I am totally blind and I use a long cane and my hearing for mobility. I thanked god for being able to hear the car and that we weren't hit. I wondered if that car happened to be a hybrid car, whether I would have been able to hear it approaching at all.
A hybrid car is a passenger vehicle that operates using a combination of power sources. They are propelled by petrol and electric motors to create an environmentally friendly town car. At various times during their operation these cars rely on an electric motor to propel them. These electric motors are particularly quiet. According to what I have read in a paper entitled, Road Crossings and the Quieter Car, presented by Mark Fisher, principal guide dog instructor for the Guide Dog Association Victoria. In October 2001, at the 1st Australasian Orientation and Mobility Conference he pointed out that these cars are virtually soundless under a speed of about 50 kilometres an hour. Mark explained that at times the only significant noise produced from these cars comes from the friction of the wheels on the road surface. I agree with him, that there is a real dilemma facing blind people as a result of this changing technological environment.
It is unclear how blind and vision impaired people are supposed to hear these cars approaching them. I can see there is going to be an increased risk of crossing roads. I am particularly worried as I am a parent of boys 2 and 4 years old. I am often accessing the local community with them and I have to know that I am safe as I am responsible for them both. So it is always at the back of my mind that one of these days I will be confronted with these new types of cars. This new technology poses a new challenge to road safety and as a result access.
It is an especially pertinent issue with the way cars are being driven today. People in cars have advanced vehicles that move quickly quietly and efficiently. Today's drivers could be caught up with mobile phones or stereos. All these distractions when dealing with their cars. It is the responsibility of drivers to stop for pedestrians, but this does not always happen. To increase our safety we need to be proactively involved in deciding when to cross the road. These hybrid cars add just another ingredient into the mix when deciding to cross a road.
I am concerned about the new hybrid cars that are on the market at the moment. I wonder about them a lot. Especially when I walk down the street and have to cross a noisy or uncontrolled intersection. The point I am trying to make is that they are presenting people with a new type of hazard. From the little knowledge I have, a strategy to safely handle this quieter kind of car has not yet been discovered.
There are a number of companies selling hybrid vehicles. I thought it would be interesting to phone one of them to get a rough idea of how many hybrids are being sold. I phoned Toyota, who is one of the current manufacturers, to find out how many they had sold in Australia. An employee from their customer service department informed me that Toyota had introduced these hybrid models into the marketplace two years ago. They have currently sold about 1000 of them, nationally. Although this is not a large number, their popularity and rate of sales is increasing.
I thought these cars would eventually go away, so I won't have worry about them. During a recent conversation with friends I discovered that one of them is driving a hybrid car for a local council. I felt this is getting too close to home to ignore. Then I started to wonder how many of these cars belong to a car pool. There could be many drivers using one vehicle. Would each driver be aware of the potential danger his or her car could pose to someone. That danger being that their cars may not be audible.
All of these considerations urged me to raise this issue with Blind Citizens News readers. Technology is catching up with us in more than one way. We have to try and find new strategies for this new type of quieter traffic. Some research and development needs to be done to investigate ways we can safely cross roads when and where we need to. It is vital to be able to travel with freedom and confidence so we can keep our independence. In a changing world it is a very serious and important issue for us to consider. We are all aware of the road toll in this country, horrible as this is, we need to reassess our abilities and safety as vision impaired and blind people. I hope this article will spark some debate on the issue of the quieter car and road safety.
Back to top of PageThe state of braille internationally has always reminded me of the Balkans, that curious piece of geography and demography that clusters near the Mediterranean and includes Greece, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Romania, Albania and Hungary. Each of these Balkan nations has their own culture, language and traditions so that they have been extremely difficult throughout history, to unify politically. Likewise, the individualised nature of braille codes internationally has proved divisive rather than the medium for international cooperation.
In an energetic attempt at rectifying the matter, the proposed Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) has been with us now for well over a decade. As is well known, the proposed code represents a genuine attempt at coming up with a single code which would be used throughout the English-speaking world: the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria, and South Africa. The UEBC project was initiated in 1992 by the Braille Authority of North America (BANA), whose standards are followed by the USA, Canada, and New Zealand. Apparently the original memo that inspired BANA to initiate the UEBC project was written in 1991 by Drs Tim Cranmer (of Cranmer Abacus fame) and Dr Abe Nemeth (of Nemeth maths code fame) both of the USA.
Since the UEBC Project commenced, Australia has been an active participant in the discussions and has been committed to the introduction of a more simple universal code for English braille. In 1999, an ABA working party produced a comprehensive document entitled Braille 2000 (Australian Braille Authority, 1999). The document detailed the history and present day status of braille in Australia including concerns about the decline of braille use. It provided information on the background to the proposed changes and included recommendations that would be transmitted by Australia to the Assembly of the International Council on English Braille (ICEB) in Baltimore in November 1999. With its commitment to the introduction of the Unified English Braille Code (UEBC), Australia played a pivotal role at the meeting to ensure that deliberations on the proposed new code would be completed and be ready in time for consideration at the ICEB General Assembly in 2003.
It is likely that changes in the code might pose some difficulties for Australian braille readers, particularly in the areas of mathematics and the other specialised codes (e.g., computer, chemistry, electronics). Nevertheless, these significant changes, should they occur, could mean that Australia will be able to access and provide texts on a global basis, provided that there are necessary changes to international copyright law.
Among the several benefits that would accrue from adoption of a universally accepted braille code is an opportunity to have access to and share the braille resources of such nations as the USA and the UK that have vastly larger populations than ours. A common code would be a boon for voracious readers and for students who are blind or vision impaired in our schools, since braille production is highly expensive and good resources scarce.
Alas, recent negotiations appear not to have gone well and the current situation is that both the UK and the USA have decided not to adopt the unified code yet. New Zealand and South Africa (both nations with relatively small populations) have both agreed to adopt UEB (the C seems currently to have been dropped from the acronym) as soon as practicable, and braille authorities in Canada (another nation with a relatively small population) have already held a four-day workshop for transcribers and volunteers, to prepare training modules that will aid UEB adoption. At the Annual Meeting of the Australian Braille Authority held in Sydney as part of the May, 2004 Round Table Conference, a resolution was passed that Australia (yet another nation with a relatively small population) will consider whether or not to choose UEB or the British Braille Code over the next 12 months with a final decision to be announced at the ABA's 2005 Annual meeting.
The unhappy result is that international braille appears now to be entering another balkanization phase, in which there are likely to be three sets of codes; the US; UK and UEB. The end result of this scenario will be difficulties for Australia in gaining access to the resources of the World's two major braille producers, while having better access to the resources of three countries where small population size has resulted in smaller braille production. If opportunities for more resources are important to the children in our schools, and I suggest they are, then surely we ought to be thinking of sharing codes with one or other of the major producers (preferably the larger) rather than with the smaller nations that have traditionally experienced the same sorts of resource problems we have. As a further inducement to thoughtful change, high-tech guru Nigel Herring pointed out at a recent ABA meeting in Sydney, that the further we move away from the American maths and computer codes, the more difficult will it be to effectively use the masses of new American high-tech equipment that is flowing onto the Australian market even as I write.
I would urge fellow BCA and ABA members to think hard and fast, and contribute their thoughts to the all important discussions that will determine where we go with our braille in the coming years.
Back to top of PageCarers Australia, with funding from the Australian Department of Health and Ageing, has produced a new resource for carers - "Caring for and supporting your parent or partner as they age". The booklet contains information about planning ahead to care for and support your parent or partner as they age.
A range of topics are covered including:
The booklet is available through the Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre in each state and territory and can be obtained by contacting your nearest Resource Centre on 1800 242 636*.
All people age differently and the needs of most people change as they grow older. While many people are able to keep their independence, others become increasingly dependent as they age, especially those moving into very old age. Most people need assistance by the time they reach 85 years or over. The transition from independence to needing the support and care of others is not necessarily an easy one.
Becoming a carer is not usually something that most people plan to do. The amount of care you give to your parent or partner may develop gradually as they slowly lose their independence, or it may happen suddenly because of an accident or illness. It is important to think about whether this is the best option for you and whether there are other ways to provide this care.
Consider contacting the Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre on 1800 242 636* for information about what other options may be available.
The Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre in each State and Territory provides carers with referral to services and tailored information and resources to support them in their caring role.
Carers can receive services and free information on a range of topics including:
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) can help those who may need assistance with a language other than English. TIS can be contacted on 13 1450.
*Free call except from mobile phones. Calls from mobiles are charged at mobile phone rates. An Australian Government Initiative
Back to top of PageBeing a carer is often something people have not planned to do: an ageing parent may require support; a baby is born with a physical or intellectual disability; a husband has an accident that leaves him quadriplegic; or a daughter may develop a mental illness. If your friend or relative has gradually come to depend on you, you may have become a carer without even realising it.
The decision to provide care at home is likely to affect your home and family life, your work and your social life.
The theme for Carers Week this year is "Health and Wellbeing" and the focus will be on raising community awareness of the extra responsibility that carers take on and the health issues they may face.
The week will also reflect the messages that not only do carers manage someone's health but that they need to be aware of their own health needs and the services that are available to assist them. There is also the need for health professionals such as general practitioners and pharmacists to understand the role of carers and the impact that caring has on their health. The demands of caring can mean that carers are very vulnerable to stress-related illness.
A survey conducted by Carers Australia found that caring for someone can be a positive experience but many carers are being affected physically, mentally, emotionally and socially by their caring responsibilities.
Your own health and wellbeing is vitally important so don't try to manage on your own. Call your Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre to talk to someone who understands carers and their caring role. The Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre in each state and territory provides carers with information, referrals, counselling, support and resources to support them in their caring role.
How long is it since:
How often do you:
Communicating information about your caring role, your needs, your health and wellbeing and the support you require is an essential part of taking responsibility for managing your own health.
Your partners in communication may include:
It is not selfish to take responsibility for looking after your own health and wellbeing or for staying healthy. Good health, or at least the best health that you can achieve, is important when providing care to another person.
"I hadn't realised how important it was to stay on top of my own health issues"
"When I look back now I wonder why I did that. It was as though I didn't see myself as being important enough to worry about".
Carers are individual people with individual needs
For information on Carers Week and the events and activities in each state and territory, contact the Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre on 1800 242 636.*
An Australian Government Initiative
*Free call except from mobile phones. Calls from mobile phones are charged at mobile rates
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 PageThis is an outstanding opportunity to lead a new organisation recently created through the merger of the Royal Blind Society, Vision Australia Foundation and the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. This combined agency will employ over 600 staff and 6000 volunteers across multiple locations. This merger represents one of the most significant advancements in this sector with the potential to become one of Australia's leading national not for profit organisations. With an enhanced profile and presence, the objective of the agency is to improve services relevant to the needs and requirements of people who are blind or vision impaired.
Reporting to the Board, this role requires strong visionary leadership to create an organisational framework of continual improvement and a working environment to foster excellence in staff and volunteers. The role will:
Through inspirational leadership drive the change management agenda to develop and implement best practice policies and systems to promote a performance focused organisation.
Develop initiatives to maximise the service delivery and quality of the existing operation and implement plans for future financial sustainability including securing funds, generating income and managing investments
Develop strategic partnerships internally and externally to create innovative, quality products and services to meet changing client and community expectations
Lead the organisation's transformation through the integration of systems, processes and organisational cultures to ensure the provision of cost effective services and resources.
This role will appeal to experienced leaders who thrive on achieving results through their superior communication and interpersonal skills and ability to manage multiple stakeholders. An understanding and appreciation of the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired and/or experience leading a not for a profit organisation will be well regarded.
We encourage people who are blind or vision impaired to apply. For further information contact Sharon Collins on (02) 9006 3531. To apply submit your resume to sharonc.select@futurestep.com quoting GS15003 in the subject line.
Applications close 30th September 2004.
When you study do you experience symptoms such as...
We are seeking volunteers to take part in a study on visual fatigue. Volunteers should be secondary or tertiary students or should have completed a tertiary degree.
If you have impaired vision and are interested in participating in this study please contact Connie Koklanis for further information.
Phone: (03) 9479 1920 Email: K.Koklanis@latrobe.edu.au
Back to top of PageMembers 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 PageThe closing date for articles for the next issue should be submitted no later than Friday, 29 October. 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.