Blind Citizens Australia
Contact Details
PO Box 24
SUNSHINE VICTORIA 3020Telephone 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 PageWe are currently running short of both tapes and mailers. To ensure that we will be able to continue to send both SoundAbout and BCA News in a timely manner, we ask that, over the Christmas break, you check your cupboards and all those other places where tapes/mailers may be hiding and return them to the National Office. Please tell anyone who may be posting the mailers for you that there is no postage required. If you have mailers that have been around for a long time when turning the address card over please have someone check that the address is PO Box 24, Sunshine Vic 3020
Back to top of PageWell another year has come to an end! Welcome to this last edition of BCA News for the year 2004! I hope we have provided you with many articles of interest as well as lots of food for thought in this year’s issues of News. This edition is, by no means, any different.
For those of you who are braille readers, you may have come across some words which you may think are mistakes … No … this is not the case! Our trusty braille formatter Bruce Maguire has kindly produced this issue of BCA News for us using the Unified English Braille Code (UEBC)! This will give those who are braille readers the opportunity to experience the new code and discover some of the changes this code will make to the way braille is currently being produced.
We have several Letters to the Editor which I am sure will elicit many varying opinions (I hope these will show up on my desk as responses)! We also have an article introducing BCA’s new Executive Officer, along with our regular contributions from our President, National Advocacy Officer, National Policy Officer and our National Policy and Development Council.
Bill Jolley has contributed an article discussing the UEBC and we also have a very interesting article from a young man who has recently been to Papua New Guinea to teach the use of computers with adaptive technology.
I hope this year has been a healthy and happy one for all and I wish you all the same for Christmas and the New Year.
Back to top of PageDear Sir,
I was surprised to receive from BCA, a few days before the Federal election, an audio tape entitled "Mark Latham and Labor - Opportunity for all Australians".
Could those officers of BCA responsible for the production and distribution of this material please explain why it is now a BCA policy to distribute party political material. I can appreciate that is BCA's role to assist with accessibility of material that is otherwise difficult for a vision impaired person, but this type of electioneering material was available to anyone who cared to switch on their TV or radio. No one can claim that they were not well informed on the position of all parties because they were vision impaired.
I understand that BCA requested material from Labor, Liberal, Democrats and Greens but only Labor responded. What about the other minor parties, such as Family First? The only way this project could be seen to be even handed was to include material from all parties, including the smaller parties. As this was clearly a tall order, I suggest that it was unwise to get involved with the distribution of any political material whatsoever.
Geoff Skinner.
Dear Editor,
I read with interest the various articles and letters in the last edition of BCA News. I am writing as I would like to respond to a couple of the letters submitted by members: the first by Michael Janes and the other by Rebecca Maxwell. In his letter, Michael stated that he was alarmed to “comment on the fact that” there was not one election held for some of the leadership positions within BCA, namely NPDC and that of President. I’d like to respond to this by saying that although disappointing, in a way, it comes as no surprise to me. I personally believe that two major reasons can be attributed to the lack of interest. First, people are a lot busier than they used to be and do not have the time required to devote to such positions. Second, as personal experience has it, people find it difficult to become involved in the work of BCA, whether at a committee level or just helping BCA fight the battles that need to be fought. As mentioned, I have experienced this myself when trying to get involved with BCA’s work. There are times when I’ve been told “thanks, but no thanks” when trying to get involved. This can be quite discouraging and I must say can put people off from wanting to get involved.
In response to Rebecca’s letter, while I agree that it is important to have contact with blind and vision impaired people, whether in a group setting or on an individual basis, I think it is also important to have contacted with sighted people. I have the best of both worlds, in that I have both blind and sighted friends and am pleased about that. With my blind friends, I am able to share experiences (e.g. issues around discrimination) which I know they can relate to, but with my sighted friends, it is a whole different ball game. Where my sighted friends are concerned, I have experienced things I never truly would have been able to with blind friends only. Therefore I think it is important to have the best of both.
Vicki Alipasinopoulos
Dear Editor
I just want to clarify a couple of points regarding Telstra's pensioner concessions and the credit card processing fee issues which have received some discussion lately on some of our lists. You may have already seen this note on VIP-l, so apologies to you if you have seen it before, but I know some people on YBCV are not subscribed to VIP-l but clearly have discussed this issue and would benefit from this information.
If you are a person with a disability (e.g. on the blind pension), you are entitled to an exemption from the credit card processing fee if you pay by credit card.
Telstra includes an automatic exemption from the credit card payment processing fee for customers who:
If you are not covered by the above automatic fee exemption criteria, you are still eligible for the exemption if you have a disability, and you can apply to have this fee exemption via the Telstra Disability Enquiry Hotline (DEH) on 1800 068 424, or you can email the DEH at disabilityenquiryhotline@team.telstra.com.
I imagine that if you are a customer who has taken up one of the rewards packages and have lost your pensioner concession, this may have resulted in you no longer precisely fitting one of the criteria above. I guess the system should pick this up and still serve you the exemption, but if it is not automatic, you should be able to receive the credit card fee payment exemption without any problems with the DEH operator. The operators on the 13 22 00 line should also at least be aware of your entitlement and should assist you or direct you to the DEH where appropriate.
It is true that the pensioner concessions are not compatible with Telstra's rewards packages. That is, if you choose to take up a rewards package, you cannot receive the Telstra pensioner concession. However, it may be the case for many customers that they are better off on a rewards package than on a normal plan with pensioner concessions. It is really your choice as to which you take up. Again, the operators at 13 22 00 should be able to talk with you and help you make the best choice for you on this matter. And, of course, you can call or contact the DEH directly.
I hope this information clarifies the issue.
Mat Mirabella
Dear Editor
Re: The ‘StreetLink Programme.’
For a few months I have been listening to the comments/debate regarding the ‘StreetLink’ programme from both the informed and uninformed. As a participant in the programme; as a person who is totally blind and as the programme is the innovation of Mobility Instructor Ross Still who works in my area perhaps I’m well qualified to make comment on the programme and point out some of its benefits…
Initially, with regard to mobility, I should mention that Ross is one of the most innovative people I’ve met and is always looking for ways to make life as normal as possible for people such as myself.
Ross instigated the ‘StreetLink’ programme in 2003 in order that the mobility and independence of people with vision impairments was greatly enhanced. In my view he has achieved this and much more. After the initial training of those who offer assistance, by Ross, the word has spread, and more people seem comfortable in offering assistance. Let me give you an example:
I guess, for me, the most problematic area of concern is a busy junction which is controlled by a round-about. Not knowing whether the traffic is slowing down to go around the round-about to travel straight on, turn left or right is impossible to distinguish. Therefore I have no problem in asking for help. I might point out, however, that asking for help is not just adding to my independence it is also adding to the awareness and understanding of the general public with regard to disability.
The issue of discrimination is one of the greatest hurdles that people with disabilities have to overcome. Discrimination is a cultural problem, probably brought about by people with disabilities being closeted for so long. We are not going to deal with this problem through legislation alone,
I believe the more familiar the general community become with disability, people with disabilities will become an integral part of the community. To break down the fear and ignorance we need to be seen out and about doing the everyday things that everybody else does; what I’d call ‘getting familiar;’ or being recognised as a participating member of one’s community. This programme is going some way to achieving that much needed familiarity.
The programme is not exclusive to people with vision impairments it can also be adapted to helping people with any disability and indeed the aged and frail.
I have found that people who have assisted me now wait for me to come along and more people are questioning me about my disability. They want to know how I became blind what it means to be blind and how it affects my life.
If the people who have asked these questions pass it onto a couple of their mates they have done people with disability a great service by building awareness and understanding in our community, not to mention the fact that it might break down the fear and ignorance which still exists for some people.
The number of people who are no longer awkward about approaching me is, I feel, increasing. People are learning about disability; I’m becoming more independent; the programme is a two-way street and people with disabilities are being treated as part of the general community. Don’t knock the programme until you find out how it works and what it has to offer.
Ross has developed a simple but superbly effective programme, which benefits the entire community that is: people with disabilities become more independent; the general community learn that people with disabilities are ordinary, everyday people who happen to have been born with/or acquired a disability. Hence people with disabilities could become a more accepted part of the general community. For those of us who want to take advantage of this, I’m sure the programme will enable us to build awareness; gain a greater deal of independence and give us the opportunity of participating more fully in our community.
I feel the more involved the general community are becoming the more I become an intricate part of that community. Hopefully, gone are the days when people like myself were closeted. Increasing interaction with the general community is an essential component of having people with disabilities participating to their full potential. Well done Ross for developing such a simple method of bringing the general public and people with disabilities closer together. Particularly for increasing our understanding of how people view a person with a disability; building an understanding of disability within the community; going some way to dispelling the notion that we’re “special” thus making us an ordinary, everyday member of our community… not to mention that the programme has greatly enhanced my independence.
For those people with disabilities who have problems getting around obstacles in their everyday travel I’d recommend the ‘StreetLink’ programme.
Jim Byrne.
Back to top of PageOur 29th Annual General Meeting was held in Geelong on Friday 22 October. The meeting was well attended with a large number of people joining us via the internet. Copies of BCA's Annual Report can be obtained from the National Office on request and it is available on the BCA webpage. I encourage you to read this report and through it understand the work of our staff and our members on behalf of Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
At the Annual General Meeting, the results of elections for BCA President and National Policy and Development Council (NPDC) were announced. As there was one nomination for each of the available positions, the following persons were declared elected:-
BCA President, Robert Altamore;
NPDC representative for South Australia, Kym Hand;
NPDC representative for Western Australia, Erika Webb;
NPDC representative for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Craig Magill.
The co-option of Lee Kumutat as the representative of the National Women’s Branch has been continued to the 2005 AGM.
There is a casual vacancy in the position of NPDC representative for Tasmania and the Board is considering this situation. There is also a casual vacancy in the position of representative of Organisational Members and the Board has decided not to fill this position for the next 12 months. I congratulate Erika and Kym on there election to the NPDC and welcome Craig as ACT representative.
The following is a list of Directors of BCA’s Board and representatives on the NPDC for the coming year:-
Board of Directorsz
Robert Altamore, President (ACT);
Karen Knight, (Qld);
Greg Madson, (WA);
John Simpson, (Vic);
Theresa Smith, (NSW);
Tony Starkey, (SA);
Sue Thompson, (NSW).
NPDC State Representatives
Terry Boyle, (Qld);
Kym Hand, (SA);
Lee Kumutat, (National Women’s Branch);
Bill McKennariey, (NSW);
Mathew Mirabella, (Vic);
Erika Webb, (WA)
Craig Magill, (ACT).
At its first meeting following the AGM, the Board elected Theresa Smith as Vice-President and appointed Karen Knight to chair the Finance and Fundraising Committee. The Board will make other appointments at its face to face meeting in November and these will be advised on the webpage. The NPDC will also hold a face to face meeting on the same weekend in November and the outcomes of this meeting will be advised via BCA’s various communication media.
I was pleased to attend the State Conventions in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. One of the most satisfying aspects of these conventions for me was to see the great work being done by so many members at the state and local levels in providing peer support to others and making their local communities more welcoming and inclusive of people who are blind or vision impaired. All of these Conventions were held in regional centres, Mudgee, Geelong and Maroochydore respectively. In the previous BCA News, I commended this initiative and those who had taken it. Having attended these Conventions, I can confirm that the holding of State Conventions in regional centres has been enjoyed by our members and has benefited the Organisation. The many ideas and suggestions relating to BCA's policy, advocacy and peer support activities will be considered at the next NPDC face to face meeting when priorities are set.
In early October, I announced with pleasure the appointment of Frank Nowlan as our Executive Officer. Frank will introduce himself later in this issue. I am sure you join with me in making him welcome and in supporting him in his work on our behalf.
About 4 years ago, many of us were privileged to attend the 5th General Assembly of the World Blind Union in Melbourne. In December 2004, a number of Australians will attend the 6th World Blind Union General Assembly in Cape Town in South Africa. Australia has four delegates to this Assembly, Maryanne Diamond, Theresa Smith, Graeme Innes and Andrew Daly. We wish Graeme, Andrew, Theresa and Maryanne an enjoyable and successful time in South Africa and look forward to hearing the outcomes of this important Assembly.
The National Office will be closed from December 27 and will reopen on Tuesday January 4.
As we near the end of 2004, a busy and productive year for BCA, I extend to you all my appreciation for your work on behalf of our organisation and my best wishes for Christmas and the coming year.
Back to top of PageMy name is Frank Nowlan, and, as BCA’s new Executive Officer, I thought it might be timely for me to introduce myself.
I am married, with two adult children. I am a Radio Amateur, and enjoy talking to other amateur operators all over the world. Music is very important to me, and I greatly enjoy listening to music of many kinds, and playing my electronic keyboard - although very badly.
I started pre-school at the RVIB at age two, and completed my primary education at the RVIB School. I then attended CBC St. Kilda, and then Melbourne University where I obtained a Law Degree.
I practiced as a legal aid lawyer for thirteen years, working in the areas of family and criminal law. The family law work involved divorce, custody cases, as well as litigation over matrimonial property. My criminal law activities saw me acting as solicitor for people charged with murder or manslaughter.
I then worked in the Melbourne Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, where I was Director of Investigations.
My last job before coming to BCA was with Austel, The government Telecommunications Regulator, Where I headed up the Consumer Protection area.
As a life-long blind person, I have had a long-term interest in blindness-related issues. I have been involved with BCA since its inception, and was the inaugural Chairperson of the Victorian Advocacy and Information Co-ordination Committee.
It is a particularly interesting time to be working at BCA right now. The new political environment following the recent Federal Election may give rise to some significant future challenges - and we would hope, opportunities.
Likewise, the merger this year of RBS, RVIB and VAF offers both challenges and new opportunities to the blindness community in general, and to BCA in particular.
I am eagerly looking forward to my time with BCA, and to meeting many of you in my new role.
Back to top of PageFor approximately three years, Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) has supported a student studying Occupational Therapy, in her efforts to receive accessible educational services from the University of Sydney.
We assisted in providing advice to the student, liaising with the University and lodging a complaint of disability discrimination. The primary issue was the University's failure to provide accessible course materials initially at all, and later, at the same time as other students received their course materials. The complaint was lodged with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. Unfortunately, the complaint did not resolve at conciliation and the matter was referred to the Federal Magistrates Court for final hearing. The case was referred to the Legal Aid Commission of New South Wales but BCA remained involved, supporting the student and family and working with the student's legal representation.
The case was heard in February and April of 2004 and the decision came down in August. To our great disappointment, the student was unsuccessful in her claim of unlawful discrimination. At this stage, the student intends to appeal the decision with the support of the Legal Aid Commission and legal advice supports there being grounds for a successful appeal.
In essence, the student lost because the Federal Magistrate found that she could comply with the requirement or condition that course materials be provided in standard print on white paper. It was decided that although it was inconvenient for the student to have to reformat the materials, the difficulties fell short of what was required to prove that she could not comply with the requirement or condition.
The reality was that the student spent hours trying to reformat materials which she could have spent studying. Some materials were of such poor quality that they could not be scanned and reformatted. Reformatting materials caused significant eyestrain to the student which affected her study.
A couple of key things made this case tricky.
Firstly, after making her needs clear to the Disability Officer at enrolment, the student did not complain about the failure to provide her materials in an accessible format for the remainder of that year. The student presumed that the University was unwilling to provide the materials and was not sure what she was entitled to.
Secondly, the student learned by trial and error what the most appropriate format for her to use was. As a large print and audio user, she learned that the most appropriate format was determined by the purpose for which the material was going to be used. The University was able to use the student changing her mind about her preferred formats as an indication of mutual poor communication. The Federal Magistrate found that the University made reasonable efforts in the second year to make the course materials accessible to the student. The Federal Magistrate did not take into account the fact that when accessible formats were provided the following year, they were invariably late. Sometimes the materials were received after the issues had been considered in class. This poor situation continued into the student's third year at the University.
Thirdly, the student overall performed well and the Federal Magistrate was unable to point to specific disadvantage.
This case might be overturned on appeal. Whether it is overturned or not, there are things that can be learned from it by prospective students.
It is very important to have a realistic appreciation of the amount of reading in a course as this might affect a student's choice of format or even course.
It is important for a student to consider the purpose for which the materials are going to be used. For example, and audio user who can read large print would probably require tutorial materials to be in large print.
Although it can be extremely frustrating, a student should remain in contact with the Disability Officer and advise if he or she is experiencing difficulties accessing course materials.
It is important to give the educational institution as much time as possible to organise alternate format production, so early as possible notification of subject choice is advisable.
Realise that unfortunately it is never likely to be as easy accessing course materials as for a sighted student and the better the skills of the blind or vision impaired student the easier the transition from secondary to tertiary study.
If difficulties continue, it is important to obtain advocacy support, either external or internal to the educational institution as soon as possible.
Discrimination can still happen even if the student complies with all the above. However, just because the University of Sydney case lost does not mean that another case, on its own facts, won't succeed. There are other cases in which unlawful discrimination has been found to have occurred. Moreover, most of the cases BCA handles settle at conciliation. We encourage any students who are experiencing difficulties to get in touch with our service.
Back to top of PageWell the Federal election is over and it is now official that the coalition will have control of both Houses of Parliament from the first of July next year. It is not yet clear what the government’s real policy agenda is regarding disability policy and welfare reform under their newly acquired parliamentary power. There have been some newspaper reports about the Disability Support Pension coming under attack, but these reports have been driven by the media and not the government. Our approach to national policy under this new federal regime is to remain calm and focussed and to tackle each issue as they arise in collaboration with the broader disability sector where it is appropriate.
There are four issues of particular importance I would like to update you on in the context of the new political landscape.
As some of you maybe aware on the 12 of August this year the now re-elected Coalition Government announced it was tabling for Parliamentary approval the Disability Discrimination Amendment (Education Standards) Bill. This Bill, if passed, will incorporate the Draft Standards on Education into the Disability Discrimination Act. These Standards will help to provide students who are blind or vision impaired greater certainty in terms of education delivery.
Following the announcement of this initiative BCA sought reassurances from the Government, that if re-elected they would not seek to amend the Standards from their current form through this legislative process. In reply, BCA received confirmation from the Attorney General that the government will not seek to change the standards in any way if re-elected. We will be keeping a close eye on the passage of this Bill once Federal Parliament reconvenes to ensure that the Government holds to this promise.
On the issue of accessible voting I first want to thank members for helping to publicise this issue by sending emails to their local member and candidates during the Federal election campaign. I am confident that through this and other initiatives undertaken by BCA that the issue now has greater prominence in the minds of our political representatives. In the future, BCA will be making a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on electoral matters when it meets to review the Federal election advocating that accessible voting be implemented using computer assisted technology for the 2007 Federal election. The successful use of electronic voting at the recent 2004 ACT Parliamentary election will be used in this submission to strengthen the case for change.
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission during the month of August this year, made a call for comments from the disability sector asking whether a public inquiry on issues affecting people with disabilities and equal employment opportunity should be undertaken. BCA made a submission on this matter stating unequivocally that a public inquiry should be conducted on this important issue.
The DSP has previously come under threat of reform from the Federal coalition prior to the recent election. There have been some recent reports in the press that the coalition, now with its overwhelming mandate in re-election, will be seeking to tighten up the eligibility of the DSP. However, as mentioned earlier, these reports have been driven by the press. If a real threat to the current DSP does present itself in the future, BCA will work closely with the disability sector to ensure that the current pension arrangements for the blind and vision impaired people are retained.
Back to top of PageOnce again this year, the Branches and Organisational members of Blind Citizens Australia have had a busy and productive year. This report summarises the highlights of the work of each Branch that submitted a report to the National Office. It covers the financial year ending 30 June, 2004.
The ACT Branch commenced the year with a lot of activity around preparing and hosting convention. It was the most well-attended BCA Convention in its almost thirty year history. The Convention was a great success with opportunity for discussion, debate, peer support and above all, time for socialising. It was also an important year for the ACT Branch as they embarked upon the lengthy process of unincorporation. Hopefully, this will be finalised in the near future.
Social functions played an important role in the activities of many Branches. ACT reported a successful function to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Blind Citizens WA, Brisbane Branch, Sydney Branch and Young Blind Citizens Victoria (YBCV) all reported successful Christmas functions. Melbourne Branch also held a number of dinners at local restaurants. Branches report that social occasions are particularly important as they foster peer support in a more informal setting and often attract members that are not as interested in more formal aspects of the work of BCA.
Predictably, many Branches focused on pedestrian safety issues. The Central West Branch of New South Wales reported a win with local Council. They have been successful in getting local businesses to comply with BCA policy to ensure there is a clearway against the building line to enable blind or vision impaired people to travel safely through areas of cluttered streetscape. Blind Citizens WA, Melbourne Branch and Brisbane Branch all reported examples of advocacy they had undertaken in relation to pedestrian access. The Adelaide Branch, on the other hand, focused on transport. They intensified their efforts to have blind or vision impaired people included in the taxi subsidy program. This is a long-standing issue for South Australians and it is hoped that sustained pressure on the South Australian Government will bring about change.
The Adelaide Branch also reported that the South Australian Disability Services Office released a framework for shaping service delivery from 2003-07, the blindness sector had a number of concerns about the framework. The Adelaide Branch worked closely with other South Australian Blindness agencies to lodge a submission to the South Australian Disability Services Office to register their concerns. In addition this year, the Adelaide Branch observed a Memorandum of Understanding being drawn up between the major blindness agencies in South Australia. This agreement emphasised the need to reduce duplication of services and to work collaboratively on development of new services. The Adelaide Branch view this as a positive step forward for providing quality services to blind or vision impaired people in South Australia.
A major achievement this year for the Brisbane Branch was the support provided by the Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland (RBFQ) to set up a BCA Office in their main administrative building. This was a step forward as the previous location, although still part of RBFQ, was less accessible. With a small equipment grant that the Branch successfully obtained, equipment was purchased so that the office is now fully functional. The Branch is in the process of recruiting members to provide a presence in the office most week days. During the year, the Branch hosted a lunch for Karen Knight, the inaugural winner of the National Women’s Branch Aspirations Award. The lunch was attended by over 40 guests. Christine Simpson came up from Melbourne to represent the National Women’s Branch and John Simpson represented the BCA Board of Directors at the lunch. Karen gave a speech about her personal experiences of self-advocacy. This year also saw the monthly Brisbane Branch newsletter converted to a monthly radio program broadcast on 4RPH and then recorded and distributed to members.
Sydney Branch reported a shaky start to the year. However, after recruiting a committee, many of which had limited committee experience, the year progressed well. They held a training workshop and the manual compiled from this workshop has been circulated to anyone who has requested it. Meetings have been quite well-attended this year and the quiz night was once again a social and financial success.
Melbourne Branch reported a particularly busy year. They hosted a tour of the new premises for the BCA National Office in Kensington. They also held a technology forum and devoted time to discussing issues relating to Project Nexus. They also conducted a workshop on self-advocacy as did Young Blind Citizens Vic (YBCV).
YBCV have worked actively throughout the year to recruit members and go to places where young blind or vision impaired people are, to talk to them about the issues which affect their lives. They attended and participated in the Kick Start program conducted by Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB) which focused on the transition from secondary to tertiary education. Monthly study groups were conducted subsequent to this program. YBCV committee members ensured they were regular attendees and frequently organised a dinner for YBCV members and interested members on those evenings. YBCV also presented at the Residential Training Program (RTP) conducted by RVIB. They also presented to a meeting of Visiting Teachers from the Vision Resource Centre. They reported that YBCV was not very well known amongst this group, but that teachers seemed keen to encourage their students to contact YBCV. The other key achievement for this group during the year was to establish the VIP-ED list for anyone interested in issues relating to secondary and tertiary education for people who are blind or vision impaired. Currently, the list has about 35 subscribers.
The Computer Users Group of Victoria continues to meet monthly. They report an increase in corresponding membership. A new agenda item for each meeting this year is to contact a corresponding member by telephone to get to know them and provide peer support. Peer support is a key ingredient of the work of this Branch. Members offer each other reports, recommendations and support on a range of products. The highlight of the year was the quiz night. Although Branch members acknowledge the plethora of information available on the Internet, they are still very committed to providing an opportunity to provide face to face contact to discuss issues and resolve problems.
For Blind Citizens WA (BCWA), it was certainly an encouraging year. They successfully negotiated a further five years of recurrent funding from the Disability Services Commission of WA. This funding boost in addition to the fundraising undertaken by BCWA will provide a stable future for the organization in WA. Through the Joan Lowenson Fund, BCWA has been in a position to provide a small grant to a student to undertake a short course to develop new skills and to maximise employment opportunities.
The National Women’s Branch continues to produce its quarterly magazine “Aspirations”. Thanks to Christine Simpson for her tireless work in putting the magazine together. The Branch now has 140 members. The National Women’s Branch conducted a number of activities in conjunction with the National Convention held in Canberra last year. There was a “safety workshop”, a summary of which appeared in “Aspirations”. There was also a belly dancing workshop and a National Women’s Branch breakfast. A colour consultancy workshop was held in Sydney in February which was a great success. A number of activities are being planned in conjunction with State Conventions this year, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland. The Branch has developed an action plan to guide its work for the remainder of the term of this committee, that is, Convention 2005.
The Central West Branch located in New South Wales is our newest Branch. They are a very enthusiastic group, but they report that the tyranny of distance can sometimes limit what they can achieve as a collective group. However, they meet monthly by teleconference and discuss their individual achievements in their local communities. Many of them participate in local Council committees and are active in their local blindness support groups. Their main focus over the past few months is the preparation for the NSW State Convention to be held in Mudgee. Plans to showcase their local community are well advanced.
In summary, the activities of BCA Branches are many and varied. As noted throughout this report, there are similarities in the issues on which Branches receive requests for support. Peer support, systemic advocacy and information dissemination are core activities for our organization and this report reflects the fact that they are carried out at a local level as well as nationally. Our members are our strength and every effort should be made to build a strong base on which our organization can continue to flourish.
Back to top of PageI was elected unopposed to stand again as the Western Australian representative for the NPDC. I will continue in this role until mid 2006.
The NPDC Transport and Environmental Access working group has been busy dealing with a variety of issues.
We have worked with Nadia Mattiazzo of the National Office on the use of TGSIs and Connex Trains on the Melbourne network.
This NPDC working group has been looking at lighting at rail stations.
Western Australia members had occasion to trial a Way Finding Device which was a joint initiative between the Association for the Blind of WA and Main Roads WA. The device has audible output of information including directional and instruction information on crossing the road using Parallel Walk phases. It can be translated into different languages and have different information depending on its use.
The issue of people who are blind and vision impaired being asked to use wheelchairs to board planes has been raised again. There is no requirement for people who are blind or vision impaired to use wheelchairs at airports or other transport interchanges unless they choose to or have additional mobility problems.
The Qantas Carer's Concession Card has been continued until at least end of 2004. If you require information on this concession contact Qantas.
The Disability Services Commission of WA is looking at the possibility of introducing the Companion Card within Western Australia.
Thank you to Alan Bartlett who wrote a thought provoking article in the last edition of BCA News on hybrid cars. It raised some interesting issues. During October I had the opportunity to attend the South Australian Blind Citizens State Convention which was a great chance to hear their issues and meet South Australian BCA members.
This group also looks forward to any relevant issues raised during the various State Conventions.
The next face to face meeting of the NPDC members will be held during the end of November, this gives us the prospect to prioritize and re-focus our direction for the next twelve months.
My contact details are email: erikaweb@perth.dialix.com.au or phone 08 9401 6078, Perth.
Back to top of PageOne of the key action items identified by the National women’s Branch earlier this year was to hold workshops on issues of importance to our members. As a result, the Women’s Branch organised panel discussion groups to speak at three of the BCA state conventions, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. The topic chosen for discussion was that of self esteem.
At the New South Wales Convention held in Mudgee, there were two speakers, Fiona Woods and Sue Thompson. The chair of the session was Diana Braun. Each speaker presented for about 15 minutes, with time set aside for questions and discussion. Around 15 women attended the session. Lively discussion was generated and many women shared their own experiences of how they had handled issues of self esteem. Self esteem seemed to be a prominent issue during the teenage years, when individuals are feeling very self conscious about themselves and their place in the community. One of the key messages to arise from the discussion was that blind people should remember that self esteem is an issue that all members of the community face, and is not isolated to those with a disability.
The session on self esteem at the Victorian Convention was chaired by Christine Simpson. The three speakers were Nadia Mattiazzo, Karen McKenzie, and Ramona Mandy. Both men and women attended the session, with around 22 in attendance. Due to time constraints, there was no time for questions or discussions following the speakers’ presentations. However considerable discussion took place outside the session, which is encouraging to note. There were several key messages highlighted by the speakers. First, the importance of self talk, that is reassuring yourself when your self esteem is low. Second, there is no need to strive for total perfection. Third, be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, and do not compare yourself with others. Be aware of your own worth.
The Women’s Branch Annual General Meeting was held at the Queensland Convention this year on the Sunshine Coast on October 30-31. The AGM was held during breakfast and there was good attendance by members. The Women’s Branch thought it would be a great idea to hold the AGM in a state where it has not been held before.
The Branch also ran a self esteem workshop at the Queensland Convention. The three speakers were Lee Kumutat (President) from Sydney, Karen Knight from Brisbane, and Barbara Gudgion from Cairns. The three women were at different stages in their lives, with Barbara a grandmother, Karen a mother of two young children, and Lee who provided a younger perspective. Each speaker spoke for around 15 minutes, leaving time for discussion. Over 30 men and women attended the session. It was broadcasted via the internet. There was a lot of discussion among attendees. There were several key messages from the presentation. First, all of the speakers discussed how exercise played an important role in maintaining their self esteem. The attendees discussed how access to gyms and undertaking appropriate exercise could be helpful. Second, like the sessions at the other conventions, recognizing self worth was considered important to self esteem. Third, the speakers emphasized the value of goal setting.
A key result from all of the workshops was that the list of questions made people think about their own responses. The Women’s Branch intends to publish the questions in a future issue of Aspirations and hopes to encourage members to write in about their own experiences. The Women’s Branch is also considering publishing the presentations on audio cassette so that they may be available for members.
Back to top of PageUnified English Braille (UEB) is the outcome of work over the past 13 years to unify English-language braille codes and harmonise the separate codes for literary, mathematics and computer science notations. Braille music is not included in UEB since a language-independent braille music code is agreed and used worldwide. The Australian Braille Authority (ABA) will consider the proposition, that Unified English Braille be adopted in Australia, at its general meeting to be held in Sydney in May 2005. This article briefly discusses the history of UEB and the process for deciding on its adoption in Australia, and includes a short discussion of the main features of UEB and their rationale.
The literary and technical braille codes are not properly integrated - especially for American Braille where there are no signs in the literary code for commonly used print symbols such as plus, equals, at, backslash, bullet, less-than and greater-than. Similarly capital letters and numbers are occurring more frequently within words. For American Braille, furthermore, there are different systems for representing numbers in the literary and maths/science codes. Braille, as a tactual representation of written English, must adapt to the dynamics of English as a living language in order to retain its pre-eminence as a tool for literacy.
The main features of UEB were established as early as 1996, following which there was a period of extensive public consultation and further consideration of some of the more distinctive elements of UEB as compared with existing Braille Codes. On 2 April 2004 the International Council on English Braille agreed that Unified English Braille is sufficiently complete for recognition as an international standard for English Braille that may be considered by Braille Authorities for possible adoption as their national Braille Code after consultation with braille readers and other stakeholders. Since that time the Braille Authorities in New Zealand, Canada and South Africa have all signalled their intent to adopt Unified English Braille as soon as practicable following community consultations and the development of implementation strategies. The United States and the United Kingdom have not yet decided the question of adopting UEB, and are not expected to do so for at least several years.
The Australian Braille Authority has decided that:
The Australian Braille Authority is formally a sub-committee of the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc. Its members are the Round Table members with an interest in the production, teaching or use of braille – so that’s most of them. There are about thirty organisations which will be eligible to vote at the ABA meeting next May, as well as the ABA State/Territory branches (everyone has one vote).
Unified English Braille is based on six fundamental principles, each of which has affected some of the decisions which have shaped UEB as a total, flexible and harmonious code.
The following dot points summarise UEB and draw attention to the main changes.
On behalf of the Australian Braille Authority I thank Blind Citizens Australia for producing the braille version of this edition of Blind Citizens News using Unified English Braille. This is the best way of introducing UEB to a cross-section of readers, for most of whom the UEB changes are not substantial. I do not claim that UEB is perfect, but I do believe that it is a major step forward for braille and I do support its adoption in Australia. Braille is constantly under threat, but hardcopy braille for blind people, like hardcopy print for sighted people, remains a prime means of literacy despite alternatives presented by new technology such as synthetic speech or the video screen. As ABA leaders it is not our right to tinker with Braille Codes, but it is our responsibility to lead the development of Braille Codes as: written language conventions change, study materials become more diverse and visual, and scientific notations evolve. English is a living worldwide language, and braille is its tactile representation, so braille’s utility and relevance depend on its dynamism and flexibility. Unified English Braille enhances the dynamism and flexibility of braille; and UEB should lead to more braille being available because it is easier to learn, more convenient to use and cheaper to produce.
Back to top of PageThe first Refsum Disease (RD) international workshop, organized by the Refsum Disease Support Network (Refsums Discussion list) in cooperation with Retina International and the Rare Retinal Disease (RRD) project, Charité Virchow Eye Clinic, Berlin, Germany will be held in Berlin, Germany from April 1 – 2, 2005 and will bring together international researchers, medical professionals, family members and patients affected by Refsum Disease.
This workshop aims to:
Workshop format:
Preliminary workshop topics (subject to change):
The official languages of this workshop are English and German. Non-professional translators will provide simultaneous English and German translations. In this forum, ideas and information can be shared as all participants, be it patients, families or professionals move towards a better understanding of Refsum Disease, its treatment and coping strategies.
It is hoped this workshop will serve to strengthen ties between those dealing with the challenges of a multi-sensory loss and offer the reassurance that like-minded people are working for the same cause.
You can register with Susan Kuranoff by e-mail at sue.kuranoff@tiscalinet.ch or telephone +41 61 322 2135 (evenings). Please register by January 15th, 2005, as they need a minimum of participants to make this workshop happen. Restricted travel grants are available upon request. Final workshop details will be communicated when available.
Editor’s Note:
For further information and to join a Refsum Disease discussion group please log on to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/refsums_discussion and e-mail: refsums_discussion@yahoogroups.com.
Although Papua New Guinea is our nearest neighbour, it isn’t high on the list for Australian holidaymakers and for good reason. It has a reputation for violent crime and the tourist industry is definitely in its infancy. When I started telling people I was planning to travel to the country, most of them advised me against it because they were concerned about my safety. Now I have been there, I can say there are some dangerous parts that are probably best avoided but if you are willing to forego some of homes creature comforts and can look out for yourself a little more than normal, there’s no reason why PNG can’t be the most rewarding and enjoyable place to visit on earth. Approximately 800 languages are spoken throughout the country and traditional cultures are alive and well in many areas which are largely untouched by westernisation. I’m starting to sound like a tour operator!
The big adventure started for me in early February of this year when I was first made aware of the expedition from Frances Gentle, the project team leader and who works as the Vision Services Coordinator at St. Edmunds Special School and also lectures in Vision Impairment at Renwick College in Sydney. I was asked whether I’d be willing to travel to the Mount Sion Centre for the Education and Training of Disabled Persons in the Eastern Highlands where I would be training several blind students in using computers and screen reading software. This training was aimed at increasing employment prospects. At this time, it is near on impossible for blind and vision impaired people to secure jobs in Papua New Guinea but with computer skills and a minimum of adaptive technology, it is hoped that the prospect of securing meaningful employment will be a possibility for blind and vision impaired people after they leave school. I jumped at the chance, partly because I’ve always had an intense interest in overseas travel, but mostly because I wanted to work with vision impaired people from around the world and PNG seemed like the best place to start.
As well as Frances and myself, two other specialist educators travelled to Goroka. One had been teaching special kids for over 30 years and her job was to train PNG teachers on how to best include disabled students in regular class settings and the other teacher is a braille transcriber who offered tips on producing braille materials for blind school and university students throughout PNG.
After the agenda of our project was decided upon, we set about securing funds to pay for equipment which was needed for the training. The most expensive item was the screen reading software, which was required for me to train the kids and would be left for them after our program had ended. JAWS For Windows is a software application that uses the standard sound card on computers to convey text and images on the screen to blind people through synthesised speech. The software can be used with standard word processing programs, the Internet, E-mail and almost every facet of Windows. This program is manufactured in the United States and costs in excess of $1000 Australian for a single license.
As the months ticked by, funds for our trip trickled in. I’m sure I speak for everyone involved when I say thanks from the bottom of my heart to all donors. I can assure you your money was well spent.
On Monday, 5 July, we finally set off for Goroka. I don’t know about the others but I was very nervous but excited as well as I knew what we were about to do was going to change the lives of several people and perhaps even the entire special education system in the country.
We arrived in Goroka the following day and immediately set to work. The Mount Sion Centre caters for deaf and blind school students. It is run by the Christian Brothers and was founded by Br. John Addams in 1982. He worked tirelessly for the blind and unfortunately passed away earlier this year. The majority of students live at the school as they come from many different regions of Papua New Guinea.
I was in charge of five students who I was to train using Windows and JAWS. I soon realised none of the kids had ever touched a computer keyboard before and some hadn’t even heard of Windows. I knew then just how hard I’d have to work to get these kids working independently within a week but luckily I didn’t crumble. I have been teaching blind kids how to use computers for several years in the TAFE environment, including a dedicated course for using the Internet which ran at Hornsby TAFE last year but all those students had some knowledge of computers and were familiar with the qwerty keyboard. The kids in Goroka had never touched a QWERTY keyboard before and up to that point, braille or large print was the only form of literacy they knew. The students I taught were all high school age and ranged in ages from 14 to 24. My first task was to familiarise them with the QWERTY keyboard, a very difficult thing to do as braille typing couldn’t be more different. Within a day, all of them had memorised the keyboard and could type the alphabet with little prompting. I was amazed!
As the week continued, the kids mastered tasks like starting and shutting down the computer, starting programs, file management and printing documents. On the last day of training, I got them to type up their first print letter. Not many people would know what a big thing this is to do. If you have used braille all your life like I did until a few years ago, you understand the barrier that exists between braille and print use. If a sighted person is to read a document a braille user has produced, a specialist teacher is required for the braille to be written over in print so it can be read. A computer removes this barrier as what is typed by a blind person can be read immediately. I have always been a fan of braille and used it extensively until I left school in 1998 having completed my HSC. Perkins Braillers were utilized for most of my studies and I only got into using computers when I commenced a Web Design course the following year. The kids were immensely proud of their first print document and I knew how they were feeling as I had undergone the same experience a few short years earlier. I was very proud of my group because in just over a week, they had completed the equivalent of a course that would take six months to do here in Australia. All of them recognised the significance of what computer training could do for them and they devoted themselves accordingly. One of the trainees was a delightful young man named Martin Kawage who is being sponsored by Bob Howarth who is the Managing Director at the Post-Courier newspaper in Port Moresby. He is hoping to be the second blind student ever to complete year 12 and will hopefully do law at university next year. I feel sure he’ll make it.
The day finally came when we had to say goodbye to our new friends. While I was busy with the kids and the computer, my fellow travellers were busy educating teachers from surrounding schools on inclusion of disabled students and new braille production skills were being learnt. All of us made life long friends and it sure was hard saying goodbye to them. I know I will continue to support the Mount Sion Centre, even though I’m now back in Sydney. I found that although the school is under resourced and disabled people generally are treated like second class citizens by the PNG government, the staff at Mount Sion Centre want to do the right thing by the kids and are keen to learn the best methods of educating them and modelling them into successful members of the community. It would be a lot easier just to give up but I found none of that pessimism which made me feel very hopeful.
This trip was one of the best I’ve ever been involved with and it is an experience I’ll never forget. I was inspired by the determination of the students and staff at Mount Sion despite almost impossible odds, the pleasantness of everyone I met and the sheer skills my fellow teachers possessed. I know we did the right thing and that’s what matters to me most.
In December, I am travelling back to PNG to continue training students with using the computer because I feel it is important for these kids to have a future they can be proud of. Blind people have a lot to contribute to society and if given the right opportunities, this can occur with minimal difficulties. I feel I can relate to the people I train because not so long ago, I was in a similar position, not having a clue what lay ahead for me after school and wondering whether I’d be happy in life. As it turned out, I did have a rough trot for several years, having no luck at all finding fulltime employment. If it weren’t for Frances and St. Edmunds whom I worked for one day a week for two years, I would’ve been unemployed. I was studying during this time but desperately wanted to work as so many people do. I finally found a good job in July 2001 when I started working for the Daily Telegraph newspaper in Sydney. My job as a Radio Room operator involves me in reporting crimes, accidents and all sorts of unpleasant stories which make the front page day after day.
Although I don’t consider myself a model of what blind people should aspire to, (far from it,) I feel my experiences over recent years can help others achieve goals in their lives and I feel very happy if this occurs in PNG. I know possessing computer skills is not the ultimate solution to problems facing the disabled people in Papua New Guinea but they do level the playing field somewhat in the ever-growing competition for employment in a country where having a job could be considered a luxury.
I’d personally like to thank everyone who contributed money and even their interest to this very worthwhile project. You all made a difference and you should be proud of that.
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 PageWe 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, 13 February 2005. 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:
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.