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Published by
Blind Citizens Australia
ABN 90-006-985-226
Edited by
Nadia Mattiazzo
Our mission is to achieve equity and equality by our empowerment, by promoting positive community attitudes, and by striving for high quality and accessible services which meet our needs.
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
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Back to top of PageWell it's that time of year again when we eat too much, spend too much and for some .... drink too much! Welcome to the final edition of BCA News.
We have lots of information for you to digest in this issue. Apart from our regular reports, we have an article about a train trip, a new BCA policy for people to comment on and some announcements which will affect the direction of BCA in what we all hope will be a positive way.
As you will already know, BCA celebrated its 30th year as the peak representative body of and for blind or vision impaired people. As a way to mark this event, I thought it might be appropriate to seek everyone' s input into the next issue of News. I am looking for people to nominate their favourite article and give me some idea of the year it was published in order to make it easier for me to track it down. I hope to compile these articles and publish them in a special edition of News to commemorate our 30 years. Please read to the back of News for information on due dates for articles for the next issue.
Finally, I wish everyone all the best for the festive season and look forward to your contributions for future editions of News.
Back to top of PageDear Editor,
I would like to comment on some of the concerns Karen Knight, addressed in her letter in Blind Citizens News September, 2005 and the matters which were raised by other BCA members.
Dane Trethowan
Dear Editor
Accessible voting.
I fully support BCA's project to make voting more accessible at government elections. Surely BCA should make their own system accessible too! If anyone who had very low vision or was totally blind registered to postal vote at the recent BCA AGM they would have needed some assistance to fill out the request form. Accessible voting. A great concept, it does, or should, start at home!
Peter Greco.
Back to top of PageOur 30th Annual General Meeting was held in Perth on Monday 3 October as part of our 2005 Annual Convention in Perth. 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 the BCA Board and the National Policy and Development Council (NPDC) were announced. The three retiring Board Members, John Simpson, Karen Knight and Greg Madson did not seek re-election. Further, shortly after the AGM, Theresa Smith advised of her resignation due to personal commitments. Craig Magill was the only nomination for the Board and was declared elected. Robyn McKenzie, a BCA member from Victoria has been selected to fill one of the two Board positions remaining vacant following the AGM. The Board is still working to fill the remaining AGM vacancy and to fill the casual vacancy arising from the resignation of Theresa Smith.
In relation to the National Policy and Development Council, Bill McKennariey and Terry Boyle were re-elected as the representatives for New South Wales and Queensland respectively. Mathew Mirabella did not seek re-appointment as NPDC representative for Victoria and Michael Curran was elected to this position. The election of Craig Magill to the Board created a casual vacancy in the position of NPDC for the ACT and Eleanor Waight has been appointed to this position. The co-option of Lee Kumutat as the National Women's Branch representative to the NPDC has been continued until the 2006 AGM. Erika Webb has resigned as NPDC representative for Western Australia. The Board is working with Blind Citizens WA to find a replacement. The Board is also considering the filling of NPDC vacancies for Tasmania and the representative of Organisational Members.
On behalf of members, I acknowledge the contributions to BCA of Theresa, John, Greg and Karen as Board Members and Erika and Mat as NPDC members. I congratulate Craig and Robyn on their joining the Board and Michael and Eleanor on their joining the NPDC. The following is a list of Directors of BCA's Board and NPDC representatives for the coming year:-
Board of Directors
Robert Altamore, President (ACT);
Tony Starkey, (SA);
Sue Thompson, (NSW)
Craig Magill (ACT);
Robyn McKenzie (Vic).
NPDC State Representatives
Terry Boyle, (Qld);
Michael Curran (Vic)
Kym Hand, (SA);
Lee Kumutat, (National Women's Branch);
Bill McKennariey, (NSW);
Eleanor Waight (ACT).
At its first meeting following the AGM, the Board elected Sue Thompson as Vice-President. 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.
Our 2005 National Convention in Perth was a marvellous occasion and I have received many compliments about it from both attendees and representatives from blindness agencies. there were many highlights of the Convention including:-
an attendance of over 100 people;
a presentation on BCA's 30 year history;
Presentations by Vision Australia and Audio-read on exciting developments in the use of digital technology to provide library services;
Presentations by six agency CEOs on the services their organisations will be providing in 2010 and beyond;
sessions on advocacy and health services, and travel as a blind person;
and workshops on adaptive technology, transport, the Disability Discrimination Act Education Standards and blind people living in isolated areas. If you were unable to attend the Convention you can listen to the Convention proceedings on the BCA website. HTTP://www.bca.org.au I record my appreciation to BCA’s Board, NPDC members, staff and Western Australian Members for the manner in which they all worked together to produce a marvellous National Convention in Perth.
I am pleased to let readers of BCA News know of the appointment of Nadia Mattiazzo as BCA's Executive Officer. Nadia is a skilled and committed person and has a strong record of leadership and advocacy for people who are blind or vision impaired both within our organisation and in the wider community. Nadia will introduce herself later in this issue.
I am sure you will join with me in making her welcome and in supporting her in her work on our behalf.
With the appointment of Nadia as our Executive officer, we say farewell to John Smithies. John Smithies has worked with BCA for the past six months, maintaining our business operations and supporting the Board in implementing improved business practices and processes within our organisation. Staff and Board members have enjoyed working with John and we are confident that the business practices and processes he has introduced will stand us in good stead in the coming years.
The National Office will be closed from close of business on Friday 23 December 2005 and will re-open on Monday 9 January 2006.
As we near the end of 2005, 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 Nadia Mattiazzo a nd, for those of you who don't know, I live in Melbourne with my partner Robert, five cats and a dog! For the past three years, I have been employed as BCA's Victorian Advocacy and Information Officer. Prior to this time, I had been working in the Victorian Public Service and both the Vision Australia Foundation and Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind alternate format production departments. I believe this has given me a solid understanding of the work of service provision agencies as well as the role which BCA undertakes as the national peak representative body of and for people who are blind or vision impaired.
I hope, in the next six months, to visit and introduce myself to many members at the local branch level and I look forward to working with the Board, staff and members of BCA to implement strategies and initiatives which will increase the presence of BCA throughout Australia.
Back to top of PageEarly this year BCA was contacted by a woman who had become blind as a result of a work-related illness. She had lodged a claim for workers' compensation and then lodged an application for the DSP (blind). The woman was paid periodic payments of workers compensation and the DSP (blind).
Before reaching agreement with the insurer in relation to the workers' compensation matter, the woman rang Centrelink to clarify whether there would be any impact on her blind pension. She was advised that there would be no impact on her blind pension. In addition, in completing her application for the blind pension, the woman included all the details about the workers compensation action. She received no information from Centrelink at this time.
On the basis of this advice, the woman accepted a settlement to which she might not have otherwise agreed and her husband accepted a redundancy from his employment.
The Social Security Appeals Tribunal found that the compensation provisions which relate to the direct deduction of compensation amounts from the DSP, do apply to the blind pension. The Tribunal also found, however, that the section in the Act was very confusing because it defines compensation amounts as income. As we all know, the blind pension is not income tested. The Tribunal found that the anomaly in the law meant it was not surprising that Centrelink staff were unable to provide accurate information on this matter.
The Tribunal found that special circumstances existed to justify disregarding all of the compensation payments made to the woman. This would enable the woman's pension to be reinstated and for her to receive reimbursement for the amount of pension she did not receive after its cancellation.
The Tribunal found clear evidence of administrative error in terms of the advice given by the Centrelink officer and Centrelink's awareness that the woman was in receipt of compensation. The Tribunal found that the effect of these failures to properly advise the woman was to cause detriment to her financial circumstances.
The Tribunal also remarked that the letter that was sent to the woman on the cancellation of her pension was inaccurate. The letter stated that the cancellation was because the combined income of the woman and her partner was above the allowable limit.
What was important in the woman's success in this case was her ability to demonstrate that she had rung Centrelink and then rung her solicitor to pass on the advice. It is essential that customers request that the advice be noted on their Centrelink file.
It seems reasonably certain that Centrelink will appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals tribunal.
Back to top of PageFollowing the BCA National Convention, a new Committee has commenced work and I was elected President for the coming two-year term. My aim for this term is to further increase the profile of the Women's Branch within BCA and to encourage the organisation of more state-based events for our members. I would also like to see minority groups feel confident to approach us for assistance in obtaining recognition within BCA and beyond.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Past President Lee Kumutat and her Committee for their work in increasing the profile of the Women's Branch within BCA, and also for organising numerous sessions at a state and national level to raise the awareness of the Branch to as many blind and vision impaired women as possible. Lee was President for the past four years and during that time the Branch flourished and grew in strength under her leadership. We are fortunate to still have Lee on the Committee, but in a new role - this time as Treasurer.
The Women's Branch successfully sourced funding from the Office for the Status of Women to assist in travel costs to attend the recent BCA National Convention. 12 women received funding for travel costs and two women were fully funded to participate. We look forward to the continued involvement of those women in the work of the Branch. Thank you to the previous Committee for their hard work in achieving such a positive result in supporting our women to maintain a strong presence at Convention.
The women's Branch held a successful session at Convention on Health and Advocacy that was well attended by Convention attendees. The session consisted of three panel speakers including a representative from the Pharmacy Society of Australia, a representative from the Office of Health Review and a blind consumer.
Patricia Stillman received the Aspirations award this year in acknowledgement of her work in her local community and her valued contribution to the Women's Branch.
The National Women's Special Interest Branch committee now stands:
I am delighted to take on the presidency of the National Women's Branch and guide a strong and vibrant committee through a term of challenge as we seek to represent the issues of blind and vision impaired women within BCA and beyond.
Membership of the Women's Branch costs a once off fee of $10. For further information or to register your membership, please contact the National Office.
Back to top of PageYou may recall that earlier this year, Graeme Innes (Chair of the Asia-Pacific Region of the World Blind Union (WBU) invited blind or vision impaired Australians to take part in the 3rd Onkyo Braille Essay writing contest sponsored by Japan in cooperation with the World Blind Union Asia-Pacific Region.
The Onkyo Co. Ltd., The Mainichi Newspaper "The Braille Mainichi" and WBUAP announced an essay contest known as "The 3rd Onkyo Braille Essay Award" for persons with visual impairment in the Asia Pacific Region. The objectives of the Award were:
As BCA's President, Robert Altamore requested that the Australian Braille Authority (ABA) again take responsibility for judging the entries and making decisions as to which essays from amongst the Australian contestants should be sent forward to the International Judges. Each country of the Asia-Pacific region was invited to submit a total of eight entries, that is, four for category 1 which included blind and visually impaired persons aged 25 years and below, and four for category 2 which included blind and visually impaired persons aged 26 years and above. Contestants were asked to address the topic "Braille In My Life".
As a member of the ABA Executive, I was again given the task of carrying out this project and together with Anne Carlson and Garry Stinchcombe, we three (very experienced Braille users) set about reading and judging the Braille essays received from around the country.
With some difficulty, we chose the essays to be sent forward on behalf of Australia.
The International Selection Committee received entries from eight countries within the region - Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Korea, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Prize winners were recently announced and, to our delight, the prize of $500 US for "Excellent Work" was awarded to Irene McMinn of New South Wales.
In awarding the prizes, The Selection Committee wrote:
The overall winner of the Ootsuki Prize worth US $1,000.00 was Le Hong Thuy (male, 75 years old) of Vietnam. In his essay, Mr. Le was able to bring out clearly the struggle and challenges faced and the initiatives he took despite becoming blind in adulthood. His efforts were admirable - he learned the three Braille codes of Vietnam, France and Britain on his own and single-handedly produced Braille books manually with slate and stylus in order to inform and educate the blind of Vietnam.
Category 1 (those 25 years and below):
(a) The prize of US $500.00 for Excellent Work went to Vu Van Tuan of Vietnam (male, 17 years old) His entry is interesting and he is able to show the impact that Braille has on his life.
The two Fine Works of US $200.00 each went to:
Mini Juan of Philippines (female, 20 years old).
Ma Nan Paing Paing of Myanmar (female, 15 years old).
Category 2 (those 26 years and above):
(a) The prize of US $500.00 for Excellent Work went to Irene Joyce McMinn of Australia (female, 52 years old). She is able to show that in spite of blindness, deafness and cerebral palsy, she overcame severe criticisms and discouragement from many professionals. Irene demonstrated how she broke out from her isolation by using Braille widely, not only for education, but also for communication, daily living, recreation and even for effective participation in conferences.
(b) The two Fine Works of US $200.00 each went to:
Nguyen Trung Thanh of Vietnam (male, 46 years old). He showed how determination and hard work alone were not enough to change his life. It was Braille ultimately that had a great impact upon his way of life and thinking and enabled him to make a significant contribution to his family and society.
Y Tri Bagio of Indonesia (male, middle age). He showed how Braille enabled him to excel in education and to lead a normal life.
On behalf of Blind Citizens Australia and the Australian Braille Authority, we thank all those who took the time to submit essays and in particular we congratulate Irene on her winning essay.
I thought you may like to read Irene's essay and so, it is reproduced below.
Back to top of PageI am sitting in my room reading my book. I have the vibrating pager for my phone attached to my belt. Suddenly it starts to vibrate. I go to my Braille TTY and turn it on. I press shift with dial to access my call and type in my opening message. It is the NRS (National Relay Service) and my Mum is on the other end. The Relay Officer types in Mum’s message and I read it on my Braille display. Now I type my reply and the Relay Officer reads it out to Mum. This continues until we have finished talking. Then, I type my SK SK (stop keying).
I have just taken a phone call like a Seeing/Hearing person.
I can well remember the first time I ever felt Braille. I was nine years old and rapidly losing my eyesight.
As I attended a school for the Physically Disabled (I have cerebral palsy), there was a battle going over my ability to learn Braille. The teachers had told mum and Dad that they did not think I would ever learn Braille; As I did not have the intelligence to do so. My Dad refused to listen to them and was insisting I be given the opportunity to at least try.
The teachers eventually agreed to let me have a go. When the Braille teacher first put the book under my fingers I was fascinated by the feel of the dots and made up my mind that I would indeed learn to read and write using Braille.
I not only learned to read and write in grade one Braille, but later as an adult I went on to learn grade 2 Braille, Braille music computer Braille, and to use my Braille TTY as a telephone and as a means of communication.
I often wonder what would have happened if I had not had Dad to fight for me. There are so many ways in which I use Braille each day to help me achieve my goals.
Not only can I read a wide variety of books from NILS (National Information and Library Service), but I also use many tactile maps and diagrams which give me information otherwise not available to me.
I have games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Uno Cards and Playing Cards all in Braille. These enable me to play games with the other residents (I live at the Spastic Centre). I have a Day Program two days a week.
I have all my knitting and sewing patterns put into Braille so that I can read them independently and not have to wait for someone to read the next bit to me. My sewing patterns are all marked in Braille so that I know which bit is which and how many to cut out and also where to place fold lines etc.
I have my cottons all marked with Braille Clothing Tags; these are easy to use when attached to a piece of elastic and tell me what colour each one is.
I have a Braille Display attached to my computer. This gives me communication with the "outside world" and is responsible for opening up a whole new world to a person who is DeafBlind through the use of e-mail.
The most important way I use Braille is with my Braille TTY which I use as a telephone, Braille Display for my computer and as a means of communication at meetings etc. Where a hearing person types on the keys what is being said, and I read it on the Braille Display. I can also communicate with Deaf or another DeafBlind person in the same way. There are so many other ways in which I use Braille to help me in my daily life and as you can see if I had not been given the opportunity to learn Braille, my life would not be as wonderful as it is today.
Back to top of PageEditor’s Note: These Reports have been reproduced from the BCA Annual Report ended June 2005
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 (VIC). The M & D SMG has been working on a number of projects during 2004-2005.
Firstly, the M&D SMG is using the funds raised by Darren Fittler to run a series of one-day forums in the capital cities, commencing in 2006, targeted at blind or vision impaired youth in years 10-12. The SMG will develop the forums to provide students with the opportunity to network and discuss their post-school options, including further education or employment. More details about the forums will be provided as the project develops further.
The second project was the development of a Branch Booklet to provide members with information about the establishment, governance and operation of a BCA branch. The Booklet was sent to three BCA branches in order to receive feedback about its content before being distributed to all branches and members interested in receiving a copy. The Branch Booklet represents an important resource for our membership.
In 2004-2005 there was no organisational member representative on the NPDC. The M&D SMG developed a plan to contact all organisational members seeking their feedback on how their organisation can become better involved in the work of BCA. It is hoped that an improved process of communication with organisational members will strengthen their relationship with BCA.
The M&D SMG continues to seek feedback from all members on how to become more active with BCA. The SMG is particularly focussed on remote regions of Australia and less active states, such as Tasmania.
Theresa Smith, Chair of Membership & Development SMG
E-mail: tsmith24@une.edu.au
The NPDC representatives on the Transport and Environmental Access Strategic Management Group (T&EA SMG) are Tony Starkey, Chair (SA), Robert Altamore (ACT), Bill McKennariey (NSW) and Erika Webb (WA). Other members include, Barry Chapman (NSW), Peter Johnson (WA), Keith Hayes (WA), Dave Gordon (TAS), and Nadia Mattiazzo (VIC).
The Transport and Environmental Access (T&EA) SMG continues to monitor and be vigilant on ensuring that people who are blind or vision impaired are able to navigate and participate in the community as independently as possible.
The Access to Premises Standard which currently has a minimal impact on people who are blind or vision impaired continues to be in draft and has not yet been accepted as Government policy for inclusion in the Australian Building Code.
We congratulate the South Australian Government on improved access for people with disabilities with the introduction of the Plus One Companion Card which allows a companion to travel free of charge on the Metro system when assisting a person with a disability. This support is already available in some other states.
Taxi subsidy schemes are particularly critical to the ability of people who are blind or vision impaired to participate in the community and travel safely. We particularly welcome the South Australian Government's action to expand that State's taxi subsidy scheme to include people who are blind. For Many years, South Australia was the only State that did not allow blind people access to its taxi subsidy scheme. The New South Wales Government is trialling the use of SmartCard technology to replace paper vouchers. This trial has been well received by its participants and taxi drivers and we hope for a positive response from the New South Wales Government in the coming year.
Local governments throughout Australia are developing policies that govern the use of footpaths. BCA through its branches has had considerable input into the consultation process. The Transport and Access SMG would like to encourage all members of BCA to contact their local council to check if they have a policy that ensures there is a minimum pedestrian clearway of 1.8 metres wide and 2.1 metres high from a building line. Our Pedestrian Safety Policy is available to support your advocacy from the BCA website www.bca.org.au or contact BCA National Office on 1800 033 660.
In 2004-2005, BCA continued to be a contact point for members who requested advice and advocacy on systemic barriers to access in the built environment and Transport.
Tony Starkey, Chair Transport and Environmental Access SMG
E-mail: tstarkey@rsb.org.au
The Education and Employment Strategic Management Group (E&E SMG) consists of a very experienced and dedicated group of talented BCA members. Members of the group are spread across Australia; this has given the group access to a wide range of varying experience, which has become one of its great strengths. The NPDC members of the group are Greg Madson, Chair (WA), Theresa Smith, co-convener (NSW), Kym Hand (SA) and Terry Boyle (QLD). Other members include Derek Stiller (ACT), Kevin Murfitt (VIC), Lee Kumutat (NSW), Ros Martin (NSW), Robyn McKenzie (VIC) and Michael Simpson (NSW).
In 2004 BCA took the opportunity to have representation on an Australian Vice Chancellors Committee (AVCC) working group given the task to develop guidelines on information access for students with print disabilities. In November of 2004 these guidelines were published.
The guidelines are not a prescriptive list but are presented as advice on good practice, with the aim of assisting individual institutions to meet the needs of students with print disabilities through strategies and arrangements, which are appropriate to their local circumstances.
The guidelines relate to:
The BCA Board identified priorities out of the 2003-2005 BCA Strategic Plan that needed attention and the Education and Employment Strategic Management Group has been focussing on those priorities relating to education and employment.
People who are blind or vision impaired are not always aware of adaptive equipment schemes that are available. In an attempt to address this, the SMG undertook to document adaptive equipment schemes in their states.
Greg Madson, Chair Education and Employment SMG
E-mail: gmadson@fnas.uwa.edu.au
Editor's Note: As there is a more up to date article regarding the work of the Library and Information Access Strategic Management Group, we have decided to include this information in this issue of News. We will hold the article taken from BCA's Annual Report over for the March edition.
Back to top of PageDuring 2005, members of The National Policy and Development Council (NPDC) Library and Information Access Strategic Management Group of BCA, has been working on a draft Policy covering library services, which will soon be ready for broad comment by all BCA members and other blind and print disabled people.
My Thanks to Mathew Mirabella who lead the work, together with Jan Miller, Lynne Davis, Frank Nowlan and Bev Burrows.
The Policy recognizes that blind, significantly vision impaired, and print disabled people have access to only about three in a thousand printed publications available to the rest of the Australian community.
The Policy asserts that equitable accessible library services, as a part of the landscape of access to information in the community, are an important factor in the achievement of equal access to work, education, recreation and community participation for blind people.
The Policy covers services provided by both community based public libraries, and the traditional specialist libraries. It asserts that in practice, such specialist libraries exist today to partially fill the gap in equity for users with print disabilities. However, it suggests that specialist libraries should ideally be a transient phenomenon that should be unnecessary in the future if the principles in this Policy are adequately met, that is, if mainstream libraries provide access to their full collections in accessible formats.
It should be remembered, however that this Policy is not advocating for the immediate abolition of any existing services, but is setting out a landscape which will hopefully increase the availability of library services, and access to information.
The Policy addresses areas including:
Principles of accessibility for library services; Library services systems and premises;
Access to borrowing and content delivery;
Feedback and consultation processes;
Library catalogues and reference material;
Formats for material and quality of library collections;
Specialist equipment for specialist formats;
Selection processes for library collections; and lastly,
Abridgment and censorship.
It is worth noting, that since beginning work on this Policy, there have been some interesting developments in content delivery systems by specialist blindness libraries and public libraries alike, and that library services and information access are beginning to make some exciting use of new technologies.
We will soon make this Policy available in all formats, and announce it's availability in all BCA's communications media, and would love to here from as many of you as possible with comments and suggestions about the areas covered in the Policy.
As with all BCA policies, this Library Services Policy is a living document, and either through your state representative to the NPDC or board member, or through our National Office, BCA will be pleased to here your comments on this Policy.
Back to top of PageThis draft policy was finalised on Monday September 19, 2005
1. Preamble
1.1. In spite of the existence of specialist library services and the availability of a range of alternative formats for material, blind people have access to approximately three in every thousand printed publications. Blind Citizens Australia recognises this as falling significantly short of equity with sighted people in the community.
1.2. Blind Citizens Australia, as Australia's National Organisation representing blind people, has developed this Policy in recognition of the importance of library services to blind people. Blind Citizens Australia recognises that such a Policy is an important part of the advocacy needed to address a lack of equity to information in the community.
1.3. Equitable accessible library services, as a part of the landscape of access to information in the community, are an important factor in the achievement of equal access to work, education, recreation and community PARTICIPATION for blind people.
1.4. In this Policy the term "blind people" includes both people who are totally blind and people whose degree of vision impairment limits their ability to read standard print for a reasonable length of time and at a reasonable speed with reasonable comfort. This Policy does not apply to people who ware reading glasses or use other mainstream aids to read standard print.
1.5. Blind Citizens Australia does not speak for people with other disabilities. However, in this Policy, Blind Citizens Australia seeks solutions to the problems faced by all people who encounter inequities with library services, where those inequities relate to a print disability. In addressing the issues related to library services for blind people, this Policy also broadly addresses the needs of people with a print disability, of which blind people are a subset.
1.6. This Policy rests on the fundamental principle that equitable access to library services is a basic entitlement of all people in the Australian community, including people with print disabilities such as blind people. Therefore, this Policy requires that all library services in Australia provide equitable access to their systems and their collections.
1.7. For the purposes of this Policy, the term “specialist library services” refers to current library services that have the core aim of serving the needs of people with print disabilities, such as blind users, regardless of how the library services are funded or positioned within organisations. This is distinct from other kinds of specialist library services such as academic libraries or special hobby libraries. Those other libraries will be considered by this Policy as being examples of mainstream libraries
1.8. The above distinction between specialist and mainstream library services is only employed in this Policy because of recognition that, in practice, such specialist libraries exist today to partially fill the gap in equity for users with print disabilities. For this reason, some clauses and ideas in this Policy may refer specifically to specialist libraries. However, Blind Citizens Australia considers specialist libraries as a transient phenomenon that should be unnecessary in the future if the principles in this Policy are adequately met, that is, if mainstream libraries provide access to their full collections in accessible formats.
1.9. This Policy sets out the requirements that Blind Citizens Australia deems necessary for library services to be considered equitable and accessible to blind people as a subset of people with print disabilities. Unless specifically stated, all clauses and ideas in this Policy apply to both mainstream and specialist libraries.
1.10. In this Policy, Blind Citizens Australia draws particular attention to the opportunities created by the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992), for the development of Disability Standards, Disability Action Plans and other programs to make community services accessible to people with disabilities. Many of the recommendations in this Policy are amenable to being implemented through such Standards and Action Plans. Accordingly, governments, educational institutions and other organisations providing library services should implement these recommendations in their Standards, Action Plans and other programs for people with disabilities.
2. Principles of accessibility for library services
2.1. Accessibility of library services rests on the fundamental idea that all aspects and interfaces of library services to users are perceivable, operable, and understandable and of high quality and compatibility with current and future technology.
2.2. Users should be able to sense and perceive all aspects of library services and all desired material in library collections. Availability of library service information, reading materials and information about the reading materials should be available in the user's preferred format, such as large print, hard copy Braille, audio or digital formats. Blind Citizens Australia expects that as digital technology allows, new material in library collections will be available in any chosen format.
2.3. Users should be able to operate with all aspects of library services and all desired material in library collections. Users should be able to move around reading material with ease and comfort at their preferred pace, and be able to find their place within a book, series of books, chapters or pages. Users should also be able to navigate the various library services systems and Internet material to browse catalogues, place orders, and receive accessible conformations and notifications.
2.4. Users should be able to understand all aspects of library services and the desired material in library collections. All library service information should be available in a variety of community languages, as well as being written in simple language to facilitate ease of understanding for a variety of users.
2.5. Library services should always maintain high quality products, both in library collections, as well as library service systems and information. All material related to library services should satisfy the accessibility requirements for users with current technology as well as being able to work with future technologies. Library services should endeavour to take advantage of the opportunities offered by new digital technology, but not at the expense of users of current technology.
3. Library services systems and premises
3.1. The premises of library services should be accessible to all members of the community and should adhere to the relevant standards for building access.
3.2. Library service systems should be accessible so that users can place requests for items in a collection, as well as advise on the order in which they wish to receive material, (for example, books in the order they occur within a series).
3.3. For the foreseeable future, library services should maintain a variety of accessible points of contact with users, such as phone access (both automated and operator facilitated), Internet access, and E-Mail and standard mail access to order material, browse catalogues, inform on preferred formats, deliver and return material, and to provide two-way communication between the users and the library services.
3.4. Users of library services should have access to their membership details through an accessible mechanism
4. Access to borrowing and content delivery
4.1. Users of library services should have access to a free and equitable process for the delivery of material between themselves and the library service. As examples, current specialist libraries provide a postal delivery mechanism for items, while mainstream libraries provide on-site borrowing facilities.
4.2. Library services should ensure that people with print disabilities have equitable access to the library catalogues and information about items in the collection. People with print disabilities should have equitable access to any items in the collection that are of interest to them, for example, any items in a current specialist library, or the large print and audio collections in current mainstream libraries
5. Feedback and consultation processes
5.1. All users of library services should, at any time, have the opportunity to provide feedback about any aspect of the library service or any item in the library collection.
5.2. Library services should provide a process of regular consultation where all users have the opportunity to contribute to the direction of the library service. This includes opportunities for users to contribute to the choice of items in the collection, as well as ideas around the formats made available and the kinds of technologies that are utilised for library service systems and items in the library collections.
5.3. Library services should provide a process of accountability to consultation processes, compliance to policies such as the current Policy, and the maintenance of high quality library services. This process of accountability should include a means of communication to all users demonstrating the outcomes against activities in action plans.
6. Library catalogues and reference material
6.1. Library service systems and library catalogues should be accessible so that users can peruse the catalogues with ease, and be able to read all useful information about items in a collection such as author, title, description, the item’s place in a series, genre, and any other supporting information that is available.
6.2. Users of library services should have access to accessible catalogues in the users preferred format and language.
6.3. All items in library collections should be referenced fully and appropriately. For example, current specialist library catalogues should contain at least the same reference information as the catalogues found in current mainstream libraries. However, reference material for items in library collections should also include information such as an indication of the alternative formats available for each item.
7. Formats for material and quality of library collections
7.1. As digital technology makes it possible, multiple formats for all new material should become available in all libraries. Blind Citizens Australia recognises that this will begin within the context of current specialist libraries, but this Policy aims for such equity to exist across all libraries. As a result, new material in current specialist library collections, extending to all future library collections should be available in any format preferred by the user.
7.2. For technical texts, where non-textual content is reasonably amenable to textual or spoken description, all aspects of this content should be provided through translation, transcription or narration. Where required, library services should employ the resources of people with relevant technical knowledge in order to provide these descriptions.
7.3. In the transition to new digital forms of delivery, the core of material of enduring value should be preserved as part of current specialist library collections, or as part of any future library services delivering on equity. Legacy material located in library collections should not be removed from the collection while there are a reasonable number of users who would still make use of this material as being in their preferred format.
7.4. All material in library collections should be maintained in order to ensure high standards of quality.
8. Specialist equipment for specialist formats
8.1. If current specialist library services provide reading material in a specialist format, they should provide, free of charge to the user, the specialist equipment that is necessary for users to gain access to this material, (for example DAISY players). In the future, all library services should make this provision.
8.2. Library services providing specialist equipment should provide for the maintenance, repair and replacement of this specialist equipment provided by the library service at no cost to users.
8.3. Where users identify faulty items in a library collection or items of faulty specialist equipment provided by the library service, the library service should endeavour to repair or replace these items in a timely manner.
8.4. Users should be able to read and enjoy an item from library collections at their chosen pace, in their chosen location, or on the move. Specialist playback devices need to be highly portable, and should provide features that allow the user to customise the pace of reading.
9. Selection processes for library collections
9.1. The selection process for library collections should include a provision for diversity in tastes and interests of the users, and should be directly advised by user feedback and consultation processes available to users.
9.2. At the current time, where an item is known to be readily available in a mainstream library, but is not available in an alternative format for a person with a print disability, the user should have the opportunity to request the production and availability of this specific item at any current specialist library. Library services should make a reasonable effort to provide for such requests, and, in the event of not being able to accommodate such requests, should communicate to the user on the related rationales.
10. Abridgment and censorship
10.1. Items in the library collection should not, in any way, be censored by any individual or organisation. Censorship should not occur in the translation, transcription or narration in the production of alternative formats or languages.
10.2. New items in alternative formats included in library collections should not be abridgments of the original publication.
10.3. Where abridged items exist in library collections, library services should seek to obtain non-abridged versions of these titles for the collections, and should ensure that all reference material and information about items in collections clearly indicate which specific items are abridged and which are not.
Back to top of PageOur Vision/Mission is "To increase employment opportunities in Australia for people with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds"
You and your organisation can help us get change happening by supporting us
The formation meeting was held at the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) on Friday 7 September, so we are off and running.
ADDE has developed a document outlining our purposes, mission/vision, outline of membership structure, and steps we need to take to lead us up to our first AGM. Anyone is welcome to have emailed a copy of this or any other documents, including our submission to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission on increasing employment for people with disabilities, or our funding submission to research the levels of disability employment in the disability agency sector in Victoria.
About ADDE (Australians for Disability and diversity employment)
We are an organisation only recently formed. Those involved are mainly people with disabilities who are looking for employment, or likely to be seeking employment on completion of study, or who have concerns about retaining their job.
We have no resources such as an office or any financial assets at present, but our enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience to effect some change to increase employment opportunities for ourselves and other disadvantaged people.
We are interested in being involved in working with all sectors of the Australian economy especially Federal, State and Local Governments to achieve outcomes in increasing employment opportunities.
Contact details
Peter Rickards President
peter_ri@bigpond.net.au
M 0407 509117
David Sullivan Communications Officer
sullivs@iprimus.com.au
M 0407 812077
It is commonly believed that blind people show superior perception in other senses, such as hearing, or touch. For example, the existence of many accomplished blind musicians suggests that blind people may be naturally more musical than sighted people. Also, the success of the Braille system implies that blind people may have heightened sensitivity in their fingertips.
A team of researchers from The University of Melbourne are trying to understand this phenomenon, by comparing the perceptual abilities of blind and sighted people.
A growing body of research indicates that these superior abilities are associated with dramatic changes in brain structure that follows prolonged vision loss. The extent of these changes appears to depend on the age at which a person becomes blind. Therefore, the age at which vision loss occurs should be crucial in determining the potential success of various restorative and sensory substitution strategies.
Our research aims to determine whether blind people have superior listening and tactile abilities relative to sighted people. We would also like to examine how these abilities differ, depending on the age of blindness onset. Ultimately, this research project will facilitate the development of effective rehabilitation strategies and sensory substitution devices that is based on rigorous scientific investigation, rather than trial-and-error.
We are looking for approximately 200 blind individuals to participate. Because we wish to unravel the age at which these superior non-visual abilities develop, we would like to hear from individuals who have experienced complete vision loss at various stages of development (birth, childhood, adolescent, adulthood).
To be eligible, you must be 18-60 years of age, healthy, and have complete vision loss to both eyes. Participation will involve a single testing session at the University of Melbourne, at a time convenient for you (including weekends and after hours). During testing, you will be presented with different sounds or touch sensations on your fingertips to which you will be asked to make a judgment. You will be reimbursed all associated travel costs.
For more information or to participate, please contact Catherine Wan on (03)8344-4096, or 0419407334. Email: cywan@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au
The study has received clearance from the Human Research Ethics Committee, The University of Melbourne.
Your assistance is much appreciated!
Back to top of PageOne of my passions is train travel. It is a luxury that many are unable to afford or access, unless you just happen to be a recipient of a blind pension and Free Travel Pass.
Recently I boarded the Indian Pacific (Gold Kangaroo) in Adelaide and headed over to Western Australia to attend the Blind Citizens Australia 30th Convention in Perth arriving around 9:10am on Tuesday morning. before heading up to Northam a few days later, and then boarding again as the train just happened to pass through that country town. How convenient?
The train pulled out of the station just after 6:30pm on the Sunday evening and it wasn’t long before the passengers were greeted by their Hospitality Attendant and given information about the services provided on the trip.
Firstly, we established our preference for meal times, as the train was fully booked, so there had to be two sittings, maroon card holders sat first, and those with navy coloured cards second. I did the maroon on the way over, and the navy on the way back. Both had their benefits, but the food was excellent at both sittings! If there are special dietary requirements, the staff do their utmost to make sure they are met. Green tea and a few extra poached dates were two of my indulgences.
There was a meet and greet after dinner where the passengers introduced themselves to others and in most instances, establishing brief and interesting friendships. A complimentary glass of bubbly was served to those game enough to sip on the blue cocktail. Tasted pretty good to me!
While dinner is being served, miraculously, when it's time to return to our cabins, the beds have been made up ready for slipping into.
There are two showers located at one end of the carriage, and at the other, two toilets. Up until recently when travelling on the Gold Kangaroo service, a single cabin was fitted with a toilet, but I gather for environmental reasons they have been removed. There is still a functioning hand basin. Towels are provided for showering. Twin cabins still have toilet and shower facilities.
A wake up cuppa is provided if required, and a news letter is delivered to the cabin detailing the day's activities, arrivals etc. There is also a commentary provided throughout the day giving information about the countryside and the history of the pioneers who helped open up Australia making it possible for us to enjoy the beauty of our wonderful land.
Depending on which train journey you choose to go on, there is often a chance to take a scenic bus tour around areas of interest for a small extra cost. I did the Kalgoorlie trip, and it was very interesting and worth taking the time to learn about the history of the township.
For me, the time on the train gives me a chance to relax, unwind, read a book or two and enjoy the experience.
All being well, I'll be making another trip over to Melbourne and taking my grand daughter Lillian with me, as I'd like her to experience the journey.
I have listed below the cost of travelling Gold Kangaroo from various destinations.
Adelaide - Darwin $220 one way (The Ghan)
Darwin - Adelaide $220 one way (The Ghan)
Adelaide - Perth $150 one way (Indian Pacific)
Perth - Adelaide $150 one way (Indian Pacific)
Perth - Sydney $197 one way (Indian Pacific)
Sydney - Perth $197 one way (Indian Pacific)
Adelaide - Sydney $71 one way (Indian Pacific)
Sydney - Adelaide $71 one way (Indian Pacific)
Adelaide - Melbourne $Free (The Overland)
Melbourne - Adelaide $Free (The Overland)
To travel Red Kangaroo sit up or sleeper share, there isn't a charge, but meals are not provided and there is a cafeteria where take away can be purchased.
For further information on bookings, contact Great Southern Railway on 132 147. www.trainways.com.au
Back to top of Page1. SUBMITTED BY: Melbourne Computer Users Group Branch SUBJECT: Internet Verification
Whereas;
A) graphical verification techniques known as reverse turing tests are increasingly being used as requirements for access to a range of services on the internet;
B) this type of verification is inherently inaccessible to blind, deafblind and vision impaired people; and
C) while acknowledging the need of organisations providing internet based services to maintain tight security for such services;
we assert that the use of graphical verification techniques including graphical identification requirements without accessible alternatives denies us access to many internet based services.
Accordingly, this convention requests BCA work through all available mechanisms to address the problems of accessibility posed by the use of graphical verification techniques for internet based services.
2. SUBMITTED BY: Arnold Ceilens
SUBJECT: Deafblindness
a) Obtain greater legislative protection for deafblind people (Deleted: That this Convention recommends to BCA that it supports the campaign by people who are deafblind and their advocates to:) similar to that offered by the European Declaration on the Rights and Needs of Deafblind People; and
b) Ensure the establishment of a range of specialised services, staffed by appropriately trained and qualified people, which can meet the unique needs of Australians who are deafblind.
Procedural resolution: This resolution is to be referred to the NPDC.
3. SUBMITTED BY: Lyn Davis
SUBJECT: Recording BCA History
That in recognition of this convention celebrating the 30th year of Blind Citizens Australia, this convention requests that the BCA board develop a proposal for a project to record the history of BCA and to seek funding for such a project.
4. SUBMITTED BY: Blindness in Isolation Workshop
SUBJECT: Support for regional, rural and remote areas.
This convention recommends that BCA enable increased participation in its activities by members in regional, rural and remote areas using mechanisms such as working groups and regional rural networks.
5. SUBMITTED BY: Employment Workshop
SUBJECT: Employment of people who are blind or vision impaired
Given the high unemployment and underemployment rate amongst blind and vision impaired people, this convention recommends:
A) That BCA increase its efforts to lobby governments and blindness agencies to lead by example in providing meaningful employment for people who are blind or vision impaired;
B) Develop a resource for private recruitment agencies to enable them to better assist blind or vision impaired job seekers; and
C) Work with relevant organisations to obtain information on the employment status of people who are blind or vision impaired for use in BCA’s advocacy.
6. SUBMITTED BY: Robert Altamore
SUBJECT: Welfare Policy
In the context of the government welfare reform process, BCA shall remain vigilant to ensure that both current and future recipients of DSP (Blind) maintain existing benefits and are eligible to receive improvements to participation measures that are delivered to all people with disabilities.
7. SUBMITTED BY: DDA Education Standards Workshop
SUBJECT: Compliance of DDA Education Standards
This convention recommends BCA to lobby HREOC, the federal Attorney-General’s Department and the Department of Education, Science and Training, The Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee and relevant state departments to fund an education program for educational institutions on the DDA education standards to promote compliance with the Standard.
8. SUBMITTED BY: Judith Killen
SUBJECT: DSP (Blind) and Overseas Travel
Whereas Centrelink currently suspends payment of the DSP Blind where a person is overseas for more than thirteen weeks:
This convention recommends that BCA requests Centrelink or the appropriate Minister to make the necessary administrative or legislative changes so as not to suspend a payment of a pension in circumstances where a person's return to Australia is delayed due to the need to comply with quarantine requirements for their guide dog.
9. SUBMITTED BY: Michael Simpson
SUBJECT: Print disability services
This convention recommends to BCA that it request the Department of Family and Community Services to urgently implement the recommendations of the review of print disability services.
10. SUBMITTED BY: Travel and Tourism Convention Session
SUBJECT: Travel and Tourism
This convention recommends that BCA actively undertakes advocacy in the following areas:
A) Air Travel including:
B) Accommodation including developing standards which meet the specific needs of people who are blind or vision impaired; and
C) Development of a list of service providers including accommodation, tour operator and taxi services which meet good practice standards.
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, 17 February 2006. 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.