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 PageThank you to all those members who have returned extra tapes and mailers. For those who haven’t had the opportunity, to ensure that we will be able to continue to send both SoundAbout and BCA News in a timely manner, we ask that 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 PageWelcome to the June edition of Blind Citizens News. I would also like to especially welcome any new members who are receiving this newsletter for the first time. We hope to provide you with much informative reading!
In this issue, we have several letters to the editor, news relating to the next BCA National Convention, reports from some of our Strategy Management Groups, a report outlining the results of the Communications Survey which was conducted last year, and an introductory note from John Smithies, BCA’s new and temporary Business Manager. We also have many other items which I hope will keep you interested and reading.
Finally, and on a sad note, Rosalyn Bates, who has been with the National Office since 2000, has announced she will be leaving us at the end of June. I am reliably informed that travel is going to feature prominently in her plans for the future … I am so jealous!!! I personally, would like to wish her health and happiness in her retirement and thank her for her assistance and efficiency!
Back to top of PageDear Editor,
In his article about New Guinea, Ben Clare made a passing reference to Brother John Adams, who died recently. I hope someone will write a biography of him. It would make fascinating reading.
I'm writing this because I had a letter from Brother Adams four or five years ago. He made a remark in it which I think will be of great interest to Blind Citizens News readers. He had been reminiscing on the first class he ever taught in his new field of work. St. Edmunds had just started, and there were three of us doing high school work - Peter O'Neill, Bernard Tierney and myself. He said: “You trio taught me how to teach blind children."
Leo Braun.
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to a letter written by Lisa Hayes in the last edition of BCA News. I am referring to a comment made around the provision of absorbent mats by airlines. Lisa writes: “If an airline doesn’t provide mats for dogs it’s quite simple, don’t fly with them. It’s all about choice …” As a guide dog user, the issue for me is not whether the airline should provide mats or not. Rather, it is the misinformation which often occurs, as was the case with Virgin Blue in recent months. The airline needs to provide guide dog users with correct information. If they make a mistake in giving the right information, as sometimes happens, the staff then need to do something to rectify the situation. I don’t mind bringing a mat for my dog, as long as I am told beforehand. We still do have choices at the end of the day.
Vicki Alipasinopoulos
Dear Editor
Is Blind Citizens Australia really aware of the wide range of needs of its diverse membership?
In his Presidential Report in the December BCA News, Robert Altamore said the Board would make appointments at its November meeting, and those appointments would be advised on the web page.
John Power thanked those who sent e-mails related to accessible voting to their local Federal members and candidates, and said BCA would be making a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM), advocating that computer assisted technology be used in future.
How many BCA members are there who cannot use a computer?
Will those who can just "get by" in using a computer have the skill to operate a seldomly used programme?
What is BCA doing for those members who cannot easily negotiate their way to a polling booth?
In Queensland, Electoral Visitors call to complete and collect our votes for State and Municipal elections. A motion seeking such Visitors Federally was passed at the Brisbane Branch meeting in December 2003, but it has neither made a direct approach nor passed it on to Head Office.
I have presented my personal submission seeking Electoral Visitors to the JSCEM, but of course, it lacks the backing of BCA.
Noel Abrahams.
Dear Editor
The forgotten blind people of Australia – discrimination or slipping through the net?
I am writing to the BCA News in order to voice concern about the blind and vision impaired Australians who work regularly in the so-called “business services,” or more correctly, workshops, being administered by the blindness agencies, or private organisations.
It seems to me that BCA is more concerned with arranging conventions and socialising, whilst neglecting the blind people who work in the afore-mentioned workshops. Many of these people are, for one reason or another, unable to take part in higher education, or can afford or have access to the very expensive computer technology that is used by most BCA members. In other words, I detect discrimination and elitism on the part of the BCA Executive and committee members.
The National Policy and Development Council undertook to investigate a resolution to this effect, which was passed at the 2003 National Convention in Canberra. Eventually, it emerged that one member took a brief survey by telephone from three or so Blind Workers’ Unions in other states by telephone. In my opinion, the only effective way for us to investigate these workshops for safety, cleanliness and types of work done, is for interested BCA members in the areas and states concerned, to visit the workshops, together with a sighted helper.
Whilst I agree that study and higher education for open employment is important, many of the people employed in these workshops are there to supplement their blind pensions and often have other health difficulties which prevent them from doing anything but repetitive types of work.
I am most concerned to know, because of the busy traffic which prevails in every major city, just how these employees make their way to work, as many I knew in the past working at the RVIB workshop came from long distances for a 7:45 a.m. start and their pay was deducted if they were late.
The Blind Workers’ Union in Melbourne were never aware of the salaries of those sighted people who administered at the RVIB, and, although the merger has taken place, I certainly would be interested to know just what money is available (CEOs etc.)
To quote Maryanne Diamond in a recent article,--“blind people existing on pensions are doing it hard.”
NOTE: I am submitting this article in braille as I have no access to either large print or computer technology as I am one of the older readers. Keep up the good work!
Teresa Spencer
Dear Editor
How often do we in the disability sector hear references to "access issues"?
In a recent edition of the Disability Services Queensland magazine, we were told that visitors to the Bundaberg area can now consult a data base of accessible venues thanks to the work of volunteers from the Bundaberg Regional Access Advisory Committee. The information relates to Council, school, church and community facilities that feature ramps and wheelchair accessible toilets.
We were also told Queensland Parks and Wildlife have a brochure detailing the 16 National Parks and State Forests that offer access features for people with a disability - wheelchair accessible toilets, showers, picnic areas and walking tracks!
What about tourists who are blind whose completely different access needs are never mentioned? Those needs include:
Have you noticed how accommodation houses proudly announce that nothing works in their establishments when they advertise "Disabled Facilities"? What they mean of course is "wheelchair accessible bathrooms"!
Noel Abrahams.
There is a background to what appears in the above Letter to the Editor. On 13 March 2003, I gave notice that at the next meeting of Blind Citizens Australia (Brisbane Branch), I would move the following motion:
"THAT this Branch lobby the Queensland Department of Tourism, Racing and Fair Trading, (or another authority if that is felt to be more appropriate), with a view to it educating the tourism industry that blind and vision impaired people are indeed travellers, and of their needs."
Meetings in March, June and September that year were bypassed before the motion was put to the December meeting. It was decided that the wording was not acceptable, and that the Executive would re-word the motion before it was re-presented. Four further meetings have been held without the motion again re-surfacing.
Noel Abrahams
For those who have previously submitted letters to BCA News which require a reply, please note that these will be included in the September issue of News.
Back to top of PageThe year 2005 is halfway through and it has been a particularly busy one for our organisation. There is much to report and much to look forward to in the coming months.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of John Smithies as Business Manager for Blind Citizens Australia. Mr Smithies’ appointment is for a 6 month period during which time he will undertake responsibility for BCA's business management functions and make recommendations to the Board on needed structural and operational changes. During this period, Board members will oversee the policy and representation aspects of our work. John has worked in the Government and non-Government sector for 25 years and has led medium-sized community organisations in the arts arena. He brings to BCA strong business management and interpersonal skills. I am sure you will join with me in making John welcome and in giving him every support in his work on our behalf.
Rosalyn Bates will be leaving BCA at the end of June. Rosalyn has been involved with BCA in a voluntary capacity for many years and commenced work at BCA in August 2000. She has provided efficient and timely administrative support to Board and NPDC members and staff and many members have appreciated her friendly manner and helpful assistance. I am certain that all members join with me in thanking Rosalyn for her dedication to BCA and wishing her, and her husband Allan, all the best in her retirement. We look forward to maintaining our contacts with Rosalyn and Allan through BCA and their various other involvements in the blind and vision impaired community particularly in Victoria.
Blind Citizens Australia was pleased that this year's Federal Budget contained no changes to the current status of DSP (Blind) which were adverse to people who are currently eligible for this benefit. However, the Federal Budget is only one of the means by which changes to the welfare system are implemented. BCA will continue to participate in the community discussion around welfare reform. In doing so, we will be alert to initiatives which are adverse to our members. But of equal importance, we will also take every opportunity to remind the Government and policy makers of practical actions they can take to help the many blind people who want to work to get jobs and develop their careers.
This year, BCA will hold its National Convention in Perth. It will be held at the Good Earth Hotel which is centrally located in Perth. The convention will run from 30 September to 3 October inclusive. Our Western Australian members are working very hard to ensure an enjoyable, successful convention. Plans are well underway for a stimulating Convention program and exciting social events. Notices will be sent to all members in early August and I hope that many of you will be able to join us at Convention 2005 in Perth. Further details about the Convention appear later in this issue.
The Annual General Meeting is to be held as part of the Convention on the morning of Monday 3 October. Elections this year are for 3 Board positions and for National Policy and Development Council representatives from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania. One of the important ways in which you, as a member, can contribute to BCA, is by taking the time to vote in these elections and ensuring that BCA remains a strong representative of people who are blind or vision impaired. The Annual General Meeting Notice, which includes important voting information, will be sent to you in early August.
It is time for individuals, Branches and Organisations to think about whether there is someone they would like to nominate to receive the BCA David Blyth Award or a BCA Certificate of Appreciation. The BCA David Blyth Award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to improving the quality of life for blind people in Australia. Certificates of Appreciation are awarded to individuals in recognition of outstanding and long-lasting work of direct benefit to BCA. Often this work is at a Branch or local level. Nominees do not have to be members of BCA.
Nomination forms and selection criteria are available from the National Office on 1800 033 660. These Awards are not presented as a matter of course. Nominees should be deserving and their contributions to the welfare of blind people, and/or to BCA must be outstanding. Please forward your nominations for these Awards, to the National Office, addressed to the attention of the Convener, BCA Awards Committee, no later than Friday 26 August 2005.
The National Policy and Development Council met on the weekend 21 and 22 May in Melbourne. Some of the matters considered by the Council included:-
Reports of progress on these issues appear in BCA News, on our discussion list, bca-l, on our cassette magazine SoundAbout and our radio Program Horizons.
In conclusion, if you need more information on BCA activities, please phone our National Office on 1800 033 660 or visit our website http://www.bca.org.au
Back to top of PageFollowing is a list of all BCA Policy Statements, which can be found on our web page or obtained from the National Office in alternative formats on request.
I am pleased to be able to contribute a small column to this issue of BCA News. The President has introduced me in his report and I am now two weeks into working with the Board and staff in Melbourne. I was fortunate enough to meet a group of former BCA Executive Officers, Presidents and founders during a meeting of the BCA Board on 20 May and that gave me a unique opportunity to learn about the history and some of the personal values that have underpinned BCA over 30 years.
Reviewing organisational operations can be a dry subject but there is a real opportunity to be considered as well. Taking in a deep breath and thinking about the organisation and the goals and how to reach them should also involve time for some creative thinking by the Board, staff, volunteers and members.
My management background covers a variety of organisations over 25 years. These have included start-up entities, rapidly growing organisations, merging entities and in all cases working with limited resources. Throughout these experiences I have valued the knowledge and experience of those who make up an organisation and together we have tended to build pretty healthy enterprises. I have been involved with community groups and community advocacy but primarily I have developed business processes and models for change which is a technical way of saying I am very structured in my approach.
My six months at BCA will go very quickly and in that time I will be focussing on the systems and business process required to give BCA the space and the resources to remain active in policy development and advocacy. I look forward to working with the Board and the BCA staff over this time. I am based at the National Office in Melbourne but accessible through the e-mail address: john.smithies@bca.org.au
Back to top of PageOver the last six months, BCA has experienced a significant increase in the number of complaints of discrimination against dog guide users.
At any one time it is usual for BCA to be advocating on behalf of a person who has experienced a negative reaction in relation to his or her use of a dog guide. This negative reaction can describe a range of behaviour including refusal of service, abuse and sometimes even assault.
This treatment can have extremely negative consequences for the dog guide user. We have even had the situation in which the dog guide user gave up her dog rather than experience the stress of rejection or abuse again. In one of our current cases, the dog guide user has been unable to go near the shopping centre involved.
Our current five cases have occurred in airports, cafes, and a shopping centre.
It is extremely disappointing that this treatment still occurs and people are still ignorant of the rights of dog guide users. BCA can assist in giving advice, the lodgement of disability discrimination complaints and liaising with guide dog organisations.
Back to top of PageIn this post-Federal Budget edition of BCA News, I am pleased to report that the 2005-2006 Budget contains no changes to the means test free and tax free status of the DSP (Blind) for both current and new applicants, including those who apply after 1 July 2006. This means that new applicants to the DSP (Blind) after 1 July 2006 will not be subject to the new participation tests that require persons to look for work if they are able to work 15 hours. Of course the Government may change these arrangements to the DSP (Blind) in the future, so we will be keeping a close eye on the Government throughout its term in office.
Victorian Parliament's Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee Inquiry into Electronic Democracy
As mentioned in the last edition of News, in January 2005 BCA made a submission to the Victorian Parliament's Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee Inquiry into Electronic Democracy advocating for Electronic Assisted Voting (EAV) and other electronic assisted technology to enhance democracy for people who are blind or vision impaired. In addition to our submission, Nadia Mattiazzo, our Victorian Advocacy and Information Officer, and I were invited to give evidence to the Committee conducting the Inquiry.
In May the Inquiry’s final report was released. I am happy to say that the Committee favours a pilot introduction of electronic voting machines for people who are blind or vision impaired. Committee Chairperson, Ms Lily D’Ambrosio (MLA), comments in the forward to the report:
“… the Committee recommends the introduction of electronic voting machines for the vision impaired on the basis that it is a pilot, the machines are secure as they are not connected to the Internet, and there is a clear public benefit”.
Recommendation 53 specifically deals with the issue of electronic voting. The recommendation states:
“The Victorian Electoral Commission, in consultation with relevant stakeholder groups, should develop and implement a system of electronic voting machines for local and general elections in Victoria. These machines should permit the casting of a private, unassisted vote for the blind, those Victorians with limited vision, and Victorians with low levels of English literacy”
In March 2005, BCA made a submission to the JSCEM review of the November 2004 Federal Election. As with the submission to the Victorian e-democracy inquiry, BCA’s submission to the JSCEM advocated strongly for the implementation of Electronic Assisted Voting so people who are blind or vision impaired can cast a secret, independent, verifiable vote. BCA has requested to the JSCEM to give evidence in person at the Inquiry’s public hearings.
In early April 2005, BCA made a submission to the National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy undertaken by the Federal Department of Education, Science and Training. Quoting from the inquiry’s web site, the inquiry focused “on identifying ways in which research about approaches to teaching literacy, particularly approaches for assisting students with reading difficulties, can best inform teacher education and classroom teaching practice”. Amongst other important matters, BCA’s submission strongly advocated for the teaching of braille in primary and secondary schools.
In the last edition of News, I mentioned HREOC’s intention to hold a public inquiry into employment and disability. During April, BCA made a comprehensive submission to this inquiry. Some of the recommendations BCA made to the inquiry include that the Commonwealth Government investigates ways of providing people who are blind or vision impaired with ready, affordable access to necessary technology/equipment and that all governments work with the education sector and employers to increase the availability of work experience opportunities for people with a disability. This could include funding and support for work experience programs specifically for these students.
In future editions of News, I will keep members up to date with the progress of all the inquiries where BCA has made submissions.
Back to top of PageThe Convention Planning Committee has been hard at work since December 2004 visiting, and finally selecting a suitable venue for Convention. A draft program is currently being finalised by the Convention Program Committee. Things are really coming together well.
This year the Blind Citizens Australia National Convention will be held in Western Australia, at the Goodearth Hotel in Perth.
The theme for this year’s convention will be: "Advocacy and Participation for Today and Tomorrow - Where We Are and Where We Want to be."
The members in WA are pleased to welcome all to the Convention, hosting a welcoming function, to be held on Friday night, 30 September. The Convention proper will commence on Saturday 1 October, and continue through Sunday 2 October and Monday 3 October.
BCA has invited the President of the World Blind Union, Mr William Rowland, to be our keynote speaker for Convention. Mr Rowland has kindly accepted this invitation.
Goodearth Hotel Perth is a 3½ star business and leisure hotel offering superb value, quality accommodation with warm, friendly service. Goodearth is centrally located on Adelaide Terrace overlooking the beautiful Swan River. It is an easy walk to Perth Convention Centre and the Perth CBD encompassing great shopping, alfresco cafes, restaurants, bars, theatres and cinemas. Alternatively, a free city bus passes the doors on a regular basis. The Hotel is located just 5 km from the Burswood International Casino, 12km from the Domestic Airport and 15km from the International Airport.
The 181 well-appointed guest rooms all feature natural lighting and are very spacious.
Adelaide’s on the Terrace restaurant, with its fabulous views, is open for breakfast and dinner, 7 days.
Enjoy an icy cold beer, pre-dinner drink or tempting cocktail, open daily from 6:00pm until 9:00pm.
Blind Citizens Australia convention attendees are offered accommodation at corporate rates. These include:
For those with guide dogs Langley Park is a short walk from the Hotel and can be utilised as an exercise area.
Other dog exercise areas located in the City are as follows:
For Blind Citizens Australia Convention accommodation bookings please contact: Angie Tobey – Reservations Co-ordinator
Tel: 08 9492 7777 Email: stay@goodearthhotel.com.au
When booking your room please mention that you will be attending the Blind Citizens Australia National Convention to obtain the corporate rate we have negotiated.
The members of Blind Citizens WA are excited to have the opportunity to be involved in organising a National Convention and hope that BCA members travelling to WA will enjoy a memorable event.
Back to top of PageFrom February – August 2004, members were requested, through the organisation’s various communication media, to complete a survey to provide feedback on the positive aspects and shortcomings of our various communication strategies. A summary of the findings is presented below.
There was a total of 73 respondents to the survey. However, due to a number of respondents choosing not to answer some questions, the total number of answers for any given question generally does not add to 73. 40 of the respondents to the survey were female and 25 male. The remainder did not answer the question.
There were:
No responses were received from the Northern Territory.
Respondents spanned all age groups. There were:
Results indicated that respondents represented a range of format preferences. There were:
All respondents who answered the particular question (a total of 67) indicated that they were vision impaired. This would seem to indicate that none of the organisation’s associate members chose to respond to the survey.
The results in relation to each of BCA’s communication media are separately summarised below.
Of the 67 people who answered the question, 66 of them read Blind Citizens News. Of these, 57 people read all or most issues.
In relation to the part of News that they like most, there was overwhelming support for Letters to the Editor and Feature articles. Respondents said that they like Letters to the Editor because it was good to be able to have a say and to hear other people’s opinions. They liked feature articles because they give insight into the ways that blind and vision impaired people manage different aspects of their lives.
In relation to what people liked least, respondents indicated that some reports were long and boring and that they would like some of the information in Blind Citizens News that does not change, for example, the Horizons schedule to be deleted.
23 people indicated that they would like Blind Citizens News to remain unchanged.
A total of 63 people responded to the question about whether they listen to SoundAbout.
52 people said that they do; 11 indicated that they did not listen.
Of the 57 people who responded, 50 indicated that they either agreed or strongly agreed that they liked the interview style of SoundAbout.
In relation to the question about whether respondents thought the content on the national side of SoundAbout was interesting and stimulating, a total of 44 people either agreed or strongly agreed with that statement.
In relation to the content on the state side of SoundAbout, 49 respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that they found the information interesting and stimulating.
The survey then asked respondents whether they would be willing to receive SoundAbout on CD.
26 either agreed or strongly agreed to this proposition; 10 were unsure; 17 either disagreed or strongly disagreed.
Suggestions for improvement included:
Horizons is BCA’s weekly radio program which is broadcast on all RPH services and a limited number of other community radio stations. It is also now available for download on the internet.
Of the 66 people that responded to the question, 30 indicated that they listened to Horizons; and 36 said they did not.
There was a wide range of topics that listeners to Horizons had particularly enjoyed. These included:
In relation to what respondents liked least about Horizons, they said:
It was suggested that Horizons could be improved by:
Of the total number of respondents, only 20 indicated that they had accessed BCA’s web page and 46 indicated that they didn’t use it at all. However, respondents showed a willingness to refer others to the website with 27 people indicating they had referred others to the website and 6 that had not. It could be concluded from this that although members themselves may not regularly visit the site, they recognise that it contains valuable information for a wide range of other people external to the organization.
Respondents indicated that they were most likely to access the website for Blind Citizens News, to listen to Horizons, for the links contained on it and for information about equipment suppliers.
In relation to the website, there was overwhelming praise for its accessibility. Respondents said it was easy to use and they appreciated the lack of clutter. The main criticism of the web page was that it is visually dull.
Suggestions for improvement were:
bca-l is BCA’s email discussion list. 24 survey respondents indicated that they knew of bca-l; 43 did not. 25 people said they subscribed to bca-l; 28 did not.
Those that subscribe to the list said they liked bca-l because it was not too heavily moderated; not too much traffic, but good information exchange on a wide range of topics; the help received from other members was valuable and respondents liked reminders about meetings.
bca-l could be improved by:
These findings were presented to the NPDC meeting in May for consideration.
If members would like more detailed information on the survey results, please contact the National Office on 1800 033 660.
Back to top of PageThe Education and Employment Strategic Management Group (EESMG) has been formed, and consists of a very experienced group of talented BCA members, spread across Australia.
The group includes: Greg Madson (Convener); Theresa Smith (Co-convener); Derek Stiller; Kevin Murfitt; Kim Hand; Terry Boyle; Lee Kumutat; Ros Martin; Robyn McKenzie and Michael Simpson.
The BCA Board had recently reviewed the 2003/2005 BCA strategic plan and identified items of priority. The EESMG has been reviewing those identified priorities relating to education and employment.
The group felt that there was a possibility that some people who are blind or vision impaired were not aware of adaptive equipment schemes that are available.
In an attempt to address this, several members of the group have undertaken to document adaptive equipment schemes in their States. This information will be gathered together and put into an article suitable for BCA News.
The group noted that there is very little being done to expose blind or vision impaired positive role models to students who are also blind or vision impaired, their parents and their teachers. It was felt that this type of exposure would be of great benefit to students, parents, teachers and BCA.
At the recent South Pacific Educators of Students with a Vision Impairment (SPEVI) Conference, held in Melbourne, a National parents group was created. The EESMG is taking steps to introduce a BCA member to each State parent group.
Work is currently in progress on a frequently asked questions style of document relating to braille. The idea is to highlight the advantages of braille as a literary tool, to people who are blind or vision impaired, who cannot read braille.
The group decided to investigate the current situation regarding the teaching of braille. As a starting point, an investigation of the strategic plans of blindness agencies within Australia will be undertaken with a view to obtaining information from each agency regarding strategies in place for the teaching of braille.
Posting an Education webpage on the BCA website is being investigated. The employment webpage on the BCA website is a very useful tool and it is hoped to be able to create a similar tool for education. We will create a webpage of information on education, useful links and personal experiences in education.
Recently BCA has submitted comment on two issues in regard to education and employment.
Firstly, BCA submitted its views to the “National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy”. This submission highlights the importance of braille as a literary tool for people who are blind or vision impaired.
The second submission was to the HREOC inquiry into employment of people with disabilities. This submission highlights some of the difficulties and barriers to employment faced by people who are blind or vision impaired when seeking or retaining employment.
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations recently held a number of forums for people with disabilities around Australia. Blind Citizens Australia was able to bring its views to the forefront through BCA representatives at all but two of these forums.
If you have any comments or suggestions regarding education or employment, please contact Greg Madson on 08 9386 1625 or email: gregmad@iinet.net.au
The three NPDC representatives on the Membership & Development Strategic Management Group (M & D SMG) are Theresa Smith, Chair NSW; Craig Magill, ACT; and Mathew Mirabella, Victoria. The M & D SMG has been working on two projects.
First, the SMG has been given responsibility to develop a project to utilize the funds raised by Darren Fittler in his 2003 bike ride. The purpose of the bike ride was to raise funds for blind or vision impaired youth. The M & D SMG has developed a proposal in which the funds will be directed toward running workshops for blind or vision impaired youth in years 10-12. The one-day workshops will be held in capital cities around the country. The purpose of the workshops is to focus on the following areas:
The aim is to hold the workshops in January/February 2006. More details about the workshops will be provided as the project is further developed.
The second project that the M & D SMG has been focusing on is the development of a Branch Booklet. The purpose of the Booklet is to provide members with information about the establishment, governance and operation of a BCA Branch. Currently the Booklet has been sent to three BCA Branches in order to receive feedback about its content. Once this feedback process is complete, the Booklet will be distributed to all Branches and members interested in receiving a copy. The Branch Booklet represents an important resource for our membership.
If you are interested in joining the Membership & Development SMG, or would like to provide feedback on its functioning, please contact the Chair
Theresa Smith.
Email: tsmith24@une.edu.au
Mobile: 0427 434 720
As always at this stage of our term, the National Women's Branch Committee has its focus clearly on National Convention. We are planning to organise a plenary session around the theme of advocacy and health, examining our rights and experiences as clients of the healthcare system. We hope this will empower and inform us for our next dealings with healthcare professionals.
The Branch will also be holding its Annual General Meeting at Convention in Perth. All Committee positions will become vacant. We are always looking for members who are interested in becoming more involved or in taking on new roles. Many women, over the years, have found the Women's Branch Committee a supportive and constructive environment in which to develop skills in leadership and team building and a good place to experience the practicalities of being on a committee.
One of the aims of a women's branch is also to encourage women to become more proactive in the organisation as a whole. The rights, views and interests of women can only become known to and acted upon by BCA when women express them. A powerful way of doing this is by seeking election to and hopefully winning a position on the BCA Board, or as a state representative on the NPDC or on the committee of your local branch.
The Branch has recently published the latest edition of Aspirations. This informative and entertaining magazine is available by email and in audio to all Branch members. If you are interested in becoming a member, please email us at nwb@bca.org.au or phone Lee on: 0400 556-796
We are always looking for contributions, so if you have anything to share with us, please send it to the above email address or phone the editor, Christine Simpson, on: (03) 9889 0392
We are also holding a sale of all Women's Branch publications, in various formats, for $10 each. These include: Kids are Fun for Everyone; Parenting when you Are Vision Impaired and Home Nursing. Please let us know if you wish to purchase any of these.
We are planning to hold a Pilates workshop in Sydney on July 9. Although this may restrict availability to New South Wales residents, we are expecting a good turn-up to this interesting event. For more information, please contact the Branch on the details provided.
Women’s Branch membership costs a once off payment of $10 for current BCA members and $20 for those wishing to join BCA and the Women’s Branch.
Back to top of PageThe Australian Braille Authority has adopted Unified English Braille as the national standard for braille in Australia. The decision was taken by a 26-1 vote of ABA members at the ABA’s AGM held on 15 May 2005 in Sydney. The ABA now encourages its member organisations to make a smooth transition to the new code as soon as practicable over the next five years after reference and training resources become available.
Speaking after the vote was taken, the ABA’s Chairperson Bill Jolley said that it was a historic day for braille readers in Australia, and the focus must now turn to ensuring a smooth implementation of the new code.
“The strength of the vote is a clear reflection of the ABA’s extensive consultation among braille readers, transcribers and teachers over recent years. Our focus now turns to implementation through the development of reference and training resources and advice to ABA members to achieve a smooth transition.”
“UEB entails minor changes for literary braille, but does remove some known problems for braille learners and does enable some rule simplifications. UEB is more intuitive than other codes for braille mathematics, and makes computer-based translation between print and braille and braille and print substantially easier and less reliant on manual intervention.”
“I expect that braille readers will quickly adapt to UEB for their every-day reading, and of course it will not be necessary for libraries to replace their existing stocks of braille books.”
Unified English Braille has been a project of the International Council on English Braille since 1993, and most of its technical elements were settled as far back as 1995. The code harmonises separate codes for literary, mathematics and computer braille. Its adoption by member countries also brings forward the prospect of unification of Braille Codes used throughout the English-speaking world.
For Further Information: Bill Jolley, Chairperson, Australian Braille Authority, email: wjolley@bigpond.com
Confirming that Unified English Braille was accredited as an international standard for Braille by the International Council on English Braille in April 2004; and
Recognising that Unified English Braille has substantial advantages over currently used Braille codes; and
Acknowledging that some elements of Unified English Braille are yet to be finalised, and that reference documentation and training materials for teachers and transcribers are not currently available,
This general meeting of the Australian Braille Authority, held on 15 May 2005 in Sydney, resolves:
| (a) | that Unified English Braille is hereby adopted as the national standard for Braille in Australia; and |
| (b) | that organisations responsible for the teaching, production or promotion of Braille are encouraged to implement Unified English Braille within five years: |
| (i) | when there are reference and training resources available to enable a smooth and efficient transition; and |
| (ii) | at a time when, and in a manner in which, the benefits of the change will be maximised for their Braille readers and any adverse effects will be minimised. |
The Australian Braille Authority is constituted as a sub-committee of the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc. Its members are organisations with an interest in the production, teaching or use of braille, and voting members are these organisations plus ABA branches in the eight Australian States and Territories.
The members of the International Council on English Braille are the Braille authorities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America.
Back to top of PageThe National Australia Bank has announced that it is half way through its program of audio enabling its ATMs to assist blind, vision impaired or elderly customers, with over 650 machines upgraded and the remaining scheduled for completion in 2006.
Mr Graeme Innes, Deputy Disability Discrimination Commissioner, of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, has congratulated the National and said it was delivering on its commitment to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) by audio enabling its ATM network to assist blind, vision impaired or elderly customers.
“The National’s efforts in audio enabling its ATM network go a long way towards making ATMs more accessible to customers with a disability,” Mr Innes said.
Other recent disability initiatives by the National include, being the first bank in Australia to create braille-encoded templates to assist vision-impaired customers to complete bank withdrawal slips, deposit slips and cheques.
To promote the National’s program of audio enabling its ATMs, the Bank is offering a limited number of free headsets to the blind and vision impaired community. Blind Citizens Australia has been allocated 80 headsets for its members to be distributed by mail on a first in first serve basis. This offer is limited to one headset per member. To order a headset, call the BCA National Office on 1800 033 660.
A web page has been created on BCA’s website that contains a series of links to the major banks ATM search facilities and relative customer service numbers. A link to this page is provided on the BCA home page under the heading: AUDIO ENABLED AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES (ATMs).
Please be aware that the search facilities provided on this page are only as good as what the major banks are currently providing. BCA is working with the Australian banks and the Australian banking industry to establish a consolidated and comprehensive search facility for members to locate audio enabled ATMs in the future. While these negotiations are underway, BCA has provided this page for members. More information is provided on the page.
Back to top of PageXenotransplantation was considered as an alternative therapy to help overcome the shortage of organs available for transplantation. The viability of this therapy was dependent upon the resolution of a number of safety and ethical issues.
In December 2000, the NHMRC established the Xenotransplantation Working Party (XWP) to provide the Council with advice and guidelines on the scientific, ethical and technical issues related to Xenotransplantation research. The XWP’s brief was to consider the human and animal issues and to undertake wide public consultation in the preparation of guidelines.
Xenotransplantation is the transplantation of living tissue from one species to another (eg from pigs to human beings). Organ transplantation (eg heart, kidney) is the most well known procedure but the term also covers transfer of tissues and cells (eg cells from the pancreas that produce insulin). It also covers procedures that occur outside the body in which cells or fluids from the patient are cultured with or perfused through animal cells and returned to the patient.
In 2002, public consultations were held in all Capital and some regional cities to discuss the social significance, ethical conduct, scientific and technical issues, animal ethics and many other issues relating to Xenotransplantation,
From these submissions, the XWP came to the view that the submissions raised significant concerns and these concerns needed to be addressed. The Council agreed to the XWP recommendations that a further round of public consultations were required which were held in 2003.
In September 2004, the NHMRC Council met and analysed the information provided by the public and the Xenotransplantation Working Party decided that no further clinical trials are to take place for a period of five years in the animal to human whole organs transplants. Furthermore, animal cellular therapies and animal external therapies are also not to be clinically trialed for a period of five years.
Council has asked the Gene and related Therapies Research Advisory Panel of the NHMRC Research Committee to provide regular updates to the Council during this period on new information that arises on the potential benefits and risks for animal-based human treatments. Should new information become available, the Council will reconsider its position. The Council will prepare an expanded statement articulating its position on clinical research involving animal to human transplantation and cellular therapies. Council will consider it with relevant parties to ensure that its formal statement does not have unintended consequences for research and existing clinical practice.
The NHMRC will continue to work with relevant authorities and organisations to improve levels of human organ donation in Australia.
Further information about Xenotransplantation and related issues are posted on the NHMRC website www.nhmrc.gov.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 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 PageArticles for the next issue should be submitted no later than Friday, 5 August. 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.
Full page (320 words large print) $375
Half page (150 words large print) $200
Quarter page (70 words large print) $105
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.