PO Box 24
SUNSHINE VICTORIA 3020
13 Barrett Street
KENSINGTON VICTORIA 3031
Telephone 03 9372 6400
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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.
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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 some very interesting musings from Tim Connell, a contribution from our new Director, Bruce Ind and an article from the past which continues the introduction of Jordie the guide dog into the life of Graeme Innes.
I wish everyone all the best for the festive season and look forward to your
contributions for future editions of News.
We are currently running short of both tapes and mailers. To ensure that we will be able to continue to send both SoundAbout and BCA News in a timely manner, we ask that, over the Christmas break, you check your cupboards and all those other places where tapes/mailers may be hiding and return them to the National Office. Please tell anyone who may be posting the mailers for you that there is no postage required. If you have mailers that have been around for a long time when turning the address card over please have someone check that the address is PO Box 24, Sunshine Vic 3020
Dear Editor
As I am in the process of looking for work, I went to the employment services section of Vision Australia. Apart from having to jump through hoops to get registered, I have found out that it is not up to them to market totally blind people. We, as prospective employees, have to apply for jobs, get accepted and then ask Vision Australia to undertake a site assessment to see whether, for example, their computer systems are compatible with JAWS and other adaptive technology. If they are not compatible, then we don't get the job and it's been a waste of ours and the employer's time.
This is, to my mind, not very efficient. Why should we, the prospective employees and employers come to an agreement only to find that the systems they're using can't be used by us?
Is it preferable to Vision Australia that people who are totally blind are not working? Is it easier to market people who have some useful vision? One wonders.
I think that this system should be turned on its head, and they should be out there at the business breakfasts, at the chambers of commerce, actively marketing all of us, not selected people who make their employment services look good.
Lisa Hayes
Editor's Note
BCA will pass this letter onto appropriate staff at Vision Australia and will ask for a response to be submitted for the next edition of News.
Dear Editor
Guide Dogs - are they value or not?
Are they ever!
I read with interest and wholeheartedly support the comments in the recent articles on guide dogs by Sally Jary, Lynne Davis and Graeme Innes in the BCA News.
Especially important were coming to the decision of taking a dog on board, and of how far to let interested by-standers and friends co-relate with the guide dog.
I have been legally blind for over 20 years and only took the decision with my wife to get a dog about 18 months ago.
Now I doubt I could cope without my dog Orrik, despite all the extra duties that this brings into your life.
Like the others said, Orrik has become a close family member, goes everywhere with us, and has me much fitter than before as we try to walk cumulatively about an hour a day.
Two things that have made life with Orrik much easier and smoother have been a toilet harness and a soft nose leader
The soft nose leader very much reduced the handling pressure that leads to tennis elbow, and vastly improves the dog's concentration on the job.
The use of a toilet harness reduces the stresses of relieving a dog when the user has extremely low vision.
Recently I heard the National President of the RSPCA, Dr Hugh Worth, commenting how clients in veterinary waiting rooms are always happy as the animals are the common denominator for mutual discussion, and break down many reservations, whereas in a normal doctors waiting room there is usually a somber scene where everyone quietly sits there worried about their problems contemplating their navels!
A few days later, I was with Orrik in a packed waiting room worrying about what the specialist would find wrong with me. Then a lady crossed the room and asked if she could pat Orrik. I then decided to break all the rules, remembering what I had heard on the radio previously.
The whole room came alive with nearly everyone getting in on the act, relating their experiences in one way or another to Orrik.
I then gave his secondary lead to the lady and asked her if she would like to introduce Orrik to those around the room, to which she readily agreed.
I am sure the doctor must have wondered why his patients came in much happier than usual.
Although as said above I broke the rules, the co-relationships with others are so important, and I see it as one of the plusses in having the dog.
I also feel that adjustments can be made to the training to offset any dilution in the dog's skills, as mentioned above.
Like others have mentioned, Orrik has become a member of our family and goes everywhere with us.
This has included weddings, funerals, restaurants, picture theatres, hospitals, airline trips and even a court case.
When in court, the female magistrate could not keep her eyes off my beautiful canine mate, beat that! Guess what? We won our case!
So in summary, Orrik and the guide dog organization has been a valuable addition to our toolbox to assist me and my family cope with and get on top of being blind.
Regards
Don Draffin
PS. If anyone would like to discuss or ask questions about getting or handling a guide dog, they would be most welcome.
Editor's Note
If you wish to contact Don, please call our National Office on 1800 033 600
and we will forward your contact details onto him.
Robert Altamore, President
Our 31st Annual General Meeting was held in Tyabb in Victoria, on Friday 20 October. The AGM preceded the most successful and enjoyable Victorian Convention held on the following Saturday and Sunday. There were 50 people in attendance and at any one time, our maximum number of 50 people joined 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.
Changes to the BCA Board and National Policy and Development Council:
At the Annual General Meeting, the results of elections for the BCA Board and the National Policy and Development Council (NPDC) were announced. Two of the three retiring Board members, Tony Starkey and Jayson Hanrahan renominated and were elected. Sue Thompson did not seek re-election and Robyn McKenzie and Natale Cutri tendered their resignations taking effect at the AGM. At the conclusion of the AGM, the Board consisted of Robert Altamore, Tony Starkey, Jayson Hanrahan and Craig Magill. Since the AGM the Board has appointed Bruce Ind to the Board. A short article on Bruce's background appears later in BCA News. I am sure you will all join with me in welcoming Bruce to the Board.
On behalf of all members, I thank Sue Thompson for her contribution as a Board member over many years and Robyn McKenzie and Natale Cutri for their contributions as Board members during this year. Sue has taken on the role of President of the Sydney Branch. Natale and Robyn are continuing their involvements with the Melbourne branch. Robyn is also continuing her role as presenter of SoundAbout and her contribution to the development of BCA's Employment Policy Statement.
In relation to the National Policy and Development Council, Kym Hand was elected as representative for South Australia and Greg Madson was elected as the representative for Western Australia. Michael Curran has resigned as the Victorian representative and Dale Simpson has been appointed in his place. The co-option of Lee Kumatat as the National Womens Branch representative has been continued until the 2007 AGM. The Board is considering the filling of NPDC vacancies for Tasmania and the ACT and the position of Organisational Representative.
The current members of BCA's Board are:
Robert Altamore, President, (ACT);
Tony Starkey, (SA);
Jayson Hanrahan, (SA);
Craig Magill, (ACT) and
Bruce Ind (SA).
NPDC State representatives are:
Terry Boyle, (Qld);
Kym Hand, (SA);
Lee Kumatat, (National Women's Branch);
Bill McKennariey, (NSW);
Dale Simpson, (Vic).
At the AGM, there was considerable discussion of BCA's finances, both BCA's financial results for the 2005-2006 year and BCA's financial prospects for the coming year. The outcome of these discussions was the adoption by the AGM of a proposal, put by a concerned group of members, recommending that the Board take certain actions in relation to BCA's finances. Because of lack of notice, the proposal could not be put and adopted as a legally binding resolution of the AGM. However, it has the status of a recommendation of an AGM of members, and as such is taken very seriously by the Board. In essence, the proposal requires the Board to review the budget to eliminate the projected deficit and in particular to reduce salary costs. The Board was also asked to convene a Special General meeting of members to report on the outcomes of this budget review. The Board has reviewed the budget and is communicating its response to the AGM recommendation to the concerned members.
During October, I had the pleasure of attending the State Conventions for Victoria following the AGM, New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory (my own State) Convention and Queensland. I was also fortunate to be in South Australia the weekend of its Convention and to be able to attend the majority of the Saturday afternoon session. Each Convention had its own special elements, I particularly mention the powerful personal presentations in the sessions on relationships at the Victorian and Queensland Conventions, Kevin Murfitt's presentation to the Victorian Convention on his Doctoral thesis on career mentoring, the presentations on living in remote areas at the Queensland Convention and the presentation to the NSW/ACT Convention by a member of the New South Wales Police Force on personal safety.
However, the highlight for me of all these Conventions was the peer support
and fellowship and the opportunity to meet up again with old friends and make
new ones. The Western Australian State Convention was held in July of this year
and was a most successful and enjoyable occasion. The Victorian and Queensland
Conventions were broadcast via the internet and I thank the sponsors who made
it possible for those who couldn't get to these Conventions to share in the
occasions. I congratulate all members of the organising Committees for the various
State Conventions on the outcomes of their long hours of hard work and thank
them for their contribution to this most important facet of BCA.
The Australian Blindness Forum (ABF) is the organisation through which Australia
is represented at the World Blind Union and through which BCA and blindness
agencies work together on National issues. The ABF has recently become an incorporated
organisation. In keeping with the principle of the ABF as a partnership between
blindness service agencies and BCA, as the national peak body of blind people,
BCA retains its representation on the Board of the incorporated body. BCA has
3 representatives on the current Board of 9. This will reduce to two representatives
when the Board is reduced in size to 6 next year and to 1 representative if
the Board is further reduced to its minimum size of 4 persons.
Staff News
As a result of continuing poor health, Aileen McFadzean tendered her resignation as National Advocacy Officer in October. Aileen has been a long-standing staff member with BCA, commencing in 1994. She has made an enormous contribution to the organisation and her passion for the rights of people who are blind or vision impaired will be greatly missed. The Board and staff of BCA wish to acknowledge her outstanding work and wish Aileen all the best in her future endeavors.
BCA donor Christmas Appeal
As part of our effort to increase our fundraising throughout the community,
BCA has conducted a mailout to over 5000 non-member donors leading up to the
Christmas period. We have also established an online donation facility with
Our Community. In the early new year, we will again be conducting our member
appeal to assist with the advocacy, policy and peer support work which BCA undertakes.
However, if you wish to donate online, please feel free to visit
Our
Community or follow the link from the BCA webpage.
Christmas closure of National Office
The BCA National Office will close on Friday 22 December and reopen on Monday 8 January. If you need to contact our Office during this time, please leave a message on our answering machine and we will attend to your query on our return.
Renewal of BCA Identity Cards
If your BCA Identity Card is due for renewal within the next three months, you will be receiving your renewal notice prior to the Christmas break. We will ensure that all applications for new cards which are received prior to the Christmas break are processed, however, we wish to advise that applications received during January cannot be processed until early February.
In closing, the Board and staff of BCA wish all our members a happy and safe
festive season and we look forward to speaking with many of you in the new year.
When I look at myself in the mirror now I'm not sure what is there. My wife, Anne, with whom I have shared my life for over 31 years of marriage, assures me that there is a lot more grey than there used to be.
Anne and I have two sons of whom we are very proud and they in turn each have a partner.
On completing university and Teachers' college I started my working life as a high school Science teacher in country South Australia. After a number of schools and an increasing interest in technology and all that computers might do I moved from the classroom into the public service and commenced work in Information systems management.
In the same year I turned 40 I was diagnosed with a dry form of Macular Degeneration. Apart from driving for longer than I should have; I really liked driving and perhaps being far too short with my wife and family I, have become reconciled to my decreasing ability to see.
Soon after my diagnosis I sought assistance from Guide Dogs of SA and NT for Orientation and Mobility training and I took advantage of braille training offered by Royal Society for the Blind. At that time I also became aware of the organisation called Blind Citizens Australia! After joining, I am sorry to say, I didn't become very active. However, since my retirement from paid employment I have become more involved in the 'Blindness sector' by joining the Consumer Advisory Committee of GDA. And then the Board of Management.
I am pleased to be given an opportunity to become further involved in advocacy and other issues with my commencement as a member of the board of BCA.
I am a passionate proponent of Equal Outcomes and as a consequence find BCA, and what it stands for, a good match for my interest and skills. I hope my participation will result in positive outcomes. Look forward to serving the organisation.
As well as the activity I have described above I am committed to my local Uniting Church where I find a very supportive group of friends and a means of exploring my spirituality.
A recent addition to my life is Keely, a three year old Labrador/Golden Retriever guide dog, she is my constant companion and I have learned very quickly to depend on her.
On the lighter side, I am an avid supporter of the Adelaide Crows and enjoy
attending games with my sons. I can't see anything, but, it is much more exciting
listening to the game surrounded by all those other supporters!
The first draft of BCA's Employment Policy was presented to the National Policy and Development Council (NPDC) during its May face to face meeting. The impetus for developing this Policy includes the high percentage of unemployed people who are blind or vision impaired, the release of Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's (HEROC) final report of their inquiry into employment and disability, and the introduction of the Howard Government's 'Welfare to Work' and 'Work Choices' legislation. While the 'Welfare to Work' laws do not directly affect DSP (Blind) recipients, this situation is not guaranteed. This is why BCA believes it is necessary to begin a proactive approach on employment advocacy now.
Following the May face to face NPDC meeting, a project team was established to develop the Policy to its completion. This team, made up of NPDC members and myself, began its work in early August and is currently developing the Policy into a suite of three documents: Policy summary, solutions paper and a discussion Paper.
The main content of the current draft Policy has been taken from a range of BCA submissions the organisation has delivered over the years to a variety of government and non-government inquiries. In summary, the Policy has a systemic focus that covers the wide ranging barriers that contribute to the low employment rates of people who are blind and vision impaired. These barriers include inaccessible public transport, poor access to information in the education system, graduate employment programs, adaptive technology and work experience. Importantly, in addition to these barriers, the policy provides tangible and measurable solutions to address these obstacles.
Once completed, the policy will be delivered to federal, state and territory employment and workplace relations policy makers, key decision makers in the disability employment sector and industry groups such as the various chambers of commerce.
To begin developing networks in these areas, the project team has already begun seeking consultation on the current draft of the Policy with disability employment groups. Naturally, this process of consultation will expand throughout the Policy development process.
Although the most important input into this Policy is the experiences and views of BCA's membership. With limited resources at the National Office, it was always going to be difficult to canvass the membership on employment matters to integrate into the Policy. However, after being informed of Vision Australia's employment survey, which covers the core elements of BCA's Employment Policy, it was agreed that this avenue would be the best vehicle to gather the raw data of member opinion. The survey's demographic parameters are male and female persons who are blind or vision impaired between the ages of 15 and 65.
BCA has agreed only to participate in Vision Australia's survey on a member 'opt in' basis. What this means is the National Office will be undertaking a mail out to members in the next month promoting the survey, its relevance to BCA's Employment Policy and information on how to participate. Members can then decide to 'opt in' by registering for the survey.
When registering, members are being asked to identify themselves as BCA members. Once the survey is completed, the BCA National Office will receive the BCA member data in aggregate non-identifiable form as well as the summary of findings of the overall survey.
As this survey has already commenced, you may have already participated but were unaware to mention that you were a BCA member for the purposes of our Policy. If you want your data counted as a BCA member, you do not have to redo the survey, however we ask that you do the following:
1. Reregister for the survey by using the Vision Australia web form at www.visionaustralia.org.au. Alternatively, you can call Vision Australia on 1300 558 458.
2. During the reregistering process, clearly state that you are a BCA member.
By undertaking this re-registration process, your original survey will be counted as coming from a BCA member.
BCA encourages all members who fall in the demographic range to take part in this survey so you can influence the development of BCA's Employment Policy.
When the final Policy draft becomes available, members will also have the opportunity
to have their say on the text and the issues covered.
There have been many airline issues over the past year concerning the use of guide dogs and the lack of meet and assist resources allocated by the airlines. While BCA has been fighting these issues on its own merits, it has also joined the 'Accessible Airlines Steering Committee' which was formed by the NSW Disability Discrimination Legal Centre during September this year. This committee consists of a broad range of disability organisations. The aim of the committee is to develop a consistent national approach to the issues facing people with a disability undertaking air travel in Australia that will provide clear objectives and amendments for the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Standards Review in 2007. The committee is currently using regulation in force in the United States to inform the development of this national approach. This regulation is titled US Department of Transportation, 'Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel'. Helpful information on the DDA Standards project is available on the HREOC website at: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/faq/stanfaq/stanfaq.html
During the November Victorian State election, a pilot of electronic assisted voting for voters who are blind or vision impaired was undertaken. BCA would like to congratulate everyone involved in achieving this success, including the work of BCA members, the blind and low vision agencies and dog guide organisations.
At next year's federal election, the Government has announced that a trial of electronic assisted voting will also be conducted. In order for this to occur, necessary legislative changes need to be passed by Parliament. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is currently planning this trial in consultation with a disability advisory group. BCA's Executive Officer, Nadia Mattiazzo, is representing BCA on this advisory group.
The National Office will keep members informed on the progress of this trial as events develop.
For those who are not aware, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has been providing electronic voting facilities for voters who are blind or vision impaired and sighted voters, at their last two parliamentary elections (2001 and 2004). When considering this situation in the ACT, together with the federal and Victorian trials, there appears to be a momentum moving forward to finally correct a massive injustice in Australia's electoral system. However, for this injustice to be completely eradicated, more work needs to be done in the other states and Northern Territory.
To help members advocate for change in these remaining states and territory, BCA has developed a web page that provides a template of text, calling for a trial of electronic voting. We encourage members to use this template to lobby their local members of parliament. If you don't know who your local member is, the web page provides lookup facilities for you find your local MP. To view this page, go to item 9 on the National Policy page titled 'Access to an independent, secret and verifiable vote'. At the end of this section there is a link titled 'Lobby for a trial of Electronic Assisted Voting in other States and the Northern Territory'. The National Policy web page address is www.bca.org.au/natpol. If you require more information, please call the National Office.
In concluding, I would like to draw your attention to a recent BCA publication titled: 'Safer Streets: A guide to public access advocacy for people who are blind or vision impaired'. This document provides a lot of helpful information on how to advocate for change to remove obstacles in your local area. I would like to express my thanks to BCA policy volunteer Leah Hobson who has been instrumental in putting this document together.
A plain text html copy of this document is available on the webpage under item 6 (Access to Transport, Travel and the Built Environment) on the National Policy page. There is a function on the html page to download a large print plain text version of the document. If you require the document in braille or audio, contact BCA National Office.
Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas.
Kind Regards, John Power.
As we come to the end of yet another year, we look back over the achievements of the Women's Branch in 2006 and forward to the exciting activities that are in store for us in 2007.
While we celebrate the relationships sessions we held at State Conventions and the establishment of our email discussion list this year, we are very excited about the National Convention, local events and our AGM coming up next year.
2006 State Conventions
We held a session on relationships at 3 out of the 5 state conventions - Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland. All were very successful with good attendance, plenty of discussion and food for thought, and positive feedback.
Housewives, single mothers, students, workers and women from other walks of life came along and talked openly about their relationships with men, their children, their parents, siblings and friends. A couple of men also participated at the sessions and made some important points.
Some common issues arose at all the sessions. These included the importance of bringing up blind children without treating them differently, and the challenges of parenting as a blind person. Some topics were not so common throughout all State sessions. At the session in Victoria for instance, one of the participants discussed her role as a carer, and how her situation surprised and challenged sighted people.
The session held in Victoria was streamed live over the internet and will be available for download from the BCA website: www.bca.org.au. You can also listen to the 2006 Women's Branch AGM at this site.
Thanks to all those who were involved in putting the Relationships sessions together, particularly Jenny Dawson in Western Australia, Patricia Stillman in Queensland and Jordie Howell in Victoria.
The Women's branch will be planning a session with a new topic at the 2007 BCA National convention. We also hope to continue running sessions locally.
If you have any suggestions for topics of interest, email the Women's Branch
President Jordie Howell at nwb@bca.org.au
BCA-Womentalk
By far our biggest success this year has been the creation of the Women's Branch email discussion list, BCA-Womentalk. Apart from gaining many new members for the Branch, the list has become an important means to discuss the challenges of every day life and share ideas about how they can be overcome.
Do you want some new recipes? Are you wondering how best to label items, particularly things that are stored in the freezer? Or maybe you have other questions, or you may have an answer that could help someone else.
To join the list, contact the National Office or our Secretary Jenny Dawson: nwb@bca.org.au. Remember though: list members must first join the National Women's Branch at a cost of $10 and you can do this by contacting the BCA National Office.
A summary of list discussions will appear in future editions of Aspirations for those that do not have access to email. Aspirations is the Women's Branch magazine that is circulated to our members.
Of course, men are also welcome to join the Branch and list. We look forward
to the challenging topics and helpful ideas that arise in 2007.
2007 Women's Branch AGM
The Women's Branch AGM to be held at the National Convention, promises to be an exciting event for us in 2007. While the AGM this year comprised the reports of the President and Treasurer, the 2007 AGM will also include election of committee members. At present, we do not have any representatives from South Australia and Tasmania so if you live in any of these States, please consider becoming a committee member. Contact Jordie for information about the duties of committee members.
In addition, the 3rd Aspirations Award winner will be announced at the 2007 Women's Branch AGM. This award is presented to women who have made a positive contribution to the lives of blind or vision impaired people.
The first Aspirations Award was presented to Karen Knight at the 2003 National convention held in Queensland and the second to Patricia Stillman at the 2005 Convention in Western Australia.
If you have any suggestions for the 2007 awards, please contact Jordie at jordina@optusnet.com.au
In the meantime, on behalf of the Women's Branch committee, I wish you a merry
Christmas and a very happy new year.
The Adelaide Branch of BCA will be holding a forum to discuss BCA's current Memorandum and Articles of Association to gather members' thoughts on the review of our rules and structure.
A paper prepared by Nadia Mattiazzo, BCA's Executive Officer, is available from the National office or the BCA website. Please call 1800 033 660 or go to www.bca.org.au
DATE: Saturday February 10 2007
Place: Knapman House 230 Pirie St Adelaide 2.00 to 5 pm.
RSVP: 8223 7622
Sunday 25th March, 2007 - Sandown Motor Circuit
Event Organiser - Peter Watts
Phone/Fax: 9844 3903 Email: peterwatts1@bigpond.com
This event is a project of the Lions Club of Warrandyte Inc. The purpose of the event is to provide blind and vision impaired people the opportunity to drive a motor vehicle.
Driving School Instructors from Independent Driving Schools offer their time and vehicles free of charge. The situation is similar to that experienced by a sighted person learning to drive. The Driving Instructor sits beside the blind or vision impaired person (V.I.P.) and talks him/her around the circuit. Each participant is allotted a half-hour segment, and for some, this is their first experience of being "In the Driver's Seat® " whilst for others it is an opportunity to relive pleasant memories. Minimum age for participants is 16 years. Participants must be physically capable of handling foot and hand controls.
This event is generously supported by the Ulysses (Shearwater) Motor Cycle Group, the Vintage Driver's Club, the '49-'59 Ford Customline Club, who provide the added excitement of rides in or on their various vehicles around the car park and surrounding access roads. It is envisaged that, between 11:00 and 11:30am bikers, and between 1:30 and 2:00pm the Vintage Driver's, will be able to take their respective vehicles with passengers around the Sandown circuit.
Participants are invited to bring family and friends to share the day. Family and friends are permitted to ride on bikes, and in Vintage and Ford Customline vehicles, but the blind and vision impaired participants have priority at all times.
Any person wishing to ride on bikes, must wear long pants and shoes (no thongs) and children must reach the specified height limit.
The day begins at 9:00am and concludes with a presentation at 3:30pm after the last group finishes their drive. The Lions Club of Warrandyte will provide a barbecue, tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day for all free of charge. (To assist in defraying costs, a donation box will be located in the barbecue area for those who wish to voluntarily assist.) The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce generously provides the hire of Sandown. With 165 participants plus families, friends and volunteers we cater for between 500 to 600 people.
For any queries or to register, contact Peter Watts on 9844 3903.
If registering by email, please supply the following information:
Your preferred time to drive
Your name
Your address, including post code
Your phone number.
Available driving times are: 9.00am, 9.30am, 10.00am, 12.30pm, 1.00pm, 2.00pm,
2.30pm and 3.00pm
Earlier this year I read two articles in the Sydney Morning Herald that have continued, months later, to resonate with me. At the time of reading they did not appear all that important but they have continued to find their way back into my thoughts.
The first was a profile of Warren Mundine, the national Aboriginal leader who had recently been appointed president of the Labour Party. Mundine is a fascinating character who is not afraid of upsetting the status quo. In his own words he is "passionate and determined to make some fundamental changes to Aboriginal affairs".
In this article Mundine claimed that the policies concerning Aboriginals over the last 30 years have failed to provide most aborigines with better lives. "We've spent 30 years trying to get economic development into Aboriginal communities through government agencies and community organizations and it just hasn't worked. A lot of people with influence still believe Aboriginals have to be protected and looked after".
According to Mundine one example of this failure is the lack of aboriginal people working in top positions in organizations within Aboriginal communities. "Surely in 20 or 30 years, we could have trained Aboriginal people to do these jobs" he claims.
It occurred to me while reading this article that there are distinct parallels between the Aboriginal and Blindness communities. While there are also obvious differences, underlying both is a struggle for civil rights, recognition and equality of opportunity. In fact, simply by exchanging the word Aboriginal with Blind, much of what Mundine says rings true for the Blindness community.
The sobering facts are that in Australia today an estimated 70% of blind adults are in the ranks of the long term unemployed, and out of the myriad of agencies and organizations serving the blind there are only a small handful of individuals who are blind in positions of power or senior management. There is also a huge disparity of standards, services and support in education that is based on where you live in Australia; what I like to call the postcode lottery.
It can also be argued that the problems in Aboriginal communities, like those in the blindness community, do not necessarily stem from a lack of money. Australian tax payers provide in excess of $200 million annually by way of donations, bequests and government grants to Blindness charities. There are also many hundreds of millions of dollars held in reserves, annuities and real estate by the agencies and organizations whose sole purpose is to serve the blind. And Government spending on special education, workplace accommodations, pensions and other social security eclipses all of the above.
If money is not the problem, and we have many hundreds or thousands of willing committed and compassionate people working in the Blindness area, does the problem have a more fundamental and deep rooted origin? Perhaps we haven't sufficiently addressed Blindness as a civil rights issue?
There are two things that any civil rights movement needs in order to succeed. The first is the legislative framework that enshrines rights in law and provides the means by which injustices can be challenged and overcome. The second is a societal change, which is reflected in the attitudes, perceptions and day-to-day practices of individuals within that society.
Where does Blindness stand in relation to the two key factors needed for success? Basic laws exist which guarantee fundamental rights to equality of opportunity, although being new, they are only starting to be used and tested, and will undoubtedly grow over time. However, as far as societal change goes, little appears to have changed.
A lack of expectations is at the heart of the continuing struggle that many
blind people find themselves in. It can start in the home, be re-enforced in
school and be carried on throughout life. And like most civil rights issues
it is grounded in our ideas of "difference". A person who is blind
is conspicuously different, and most cultures of the world do not readily embrace
diversity. With blindness, this concept of "difference" can be more
pronounced because it is derived from a perception of loss; the loss of sight,
a gift that most people see as a defining ability of being human. Because blind
people have lost something so precious, they are (logically) to be pitied. And
unless this attitude is directly challenged people who are blind can all too
easily become the negative identity perceived by others.
If a person is defined first and foremost as being blind it casts a shadow over
anything else they may be, or achieve. Ray Charles may have been one of our
greatest jazz pianists but how did he know what clothes to wear each day? No
matter what a blind person may achieve, the general population doesn't understand
how the "differences" of being blind can be overcome. Sighted people
assume that blind people simply can't do all the things they can, and hence
they don't expect them to. They lower their expectations because of ignorance.
To help overcome this ignorance I believe that Blind Citizens Australia and blind individuals themselves need to be more proactive in the community and, to quote a well known adage, "be the change they want to see in society". In particular there is a need for successful blind people to act as role models and to interact with young blind and vision impaired children, their teachers and parents. Especially with the parents, who have the potential to be powerful agents of change as they lobby for their children's future.
And this interaction needs to be a regular on-going part of the education of
children who are blind and vision impaired. Good role modeling can minimise
the effects of negative and destructive attitudes on children and help build
positive images of blind people and foster self-esteem.
The second article that grabbed my attention earlier this year described the
lack of trained piano tuners in Australia that is forcing us to import them
from overseas. Piano tuning has been a proud and long standing profession in
many countries around the world in which blind individuals have found employment
and been able to make a good living.
Obviously at some point, political correctness took over and we stopped training blind people to be piano tuners. Instead we wait for young blind people to emerge from the education system and then try and fit them into whatever jobs are available, a policy that has resulted in most employment opportunities being found in call centres. The results of this approach have been stereotypical pigeonholing every bit as insidious as the basket weaving mentality of previous generations. Obviously no-one would ever propose to limit training opportunities or return to the days where piano tuning was the only training opportunity. But surely if there is an economic need for a skill then providing training opportunities for it would be a logical and much needed development.
I would like to propose that if we really put our thinking caps on there are a range of opportunities in which blind people can be empowered to create their own businesses and professions (think physical therapist, computer technician, musician, programmer, journalist, acupuncturist to name a few). There are still places where this is being done such as the Queen Alexandria College in the UK which provides tertiary training opportunities for blind students in a very wide range of activities, from running a bike repair shop or gymnasium to more traditional endeavours. We need to change societal attitudes towards blind people and I believe a vital ingredient will entail developing a culture of "Blind Enterprise".
Now, part of being an optimist is a propensity to be always making wish-lists. Often they are not achieved, but without a wish-list it is hard to know what you are aiming for. My current wish-list includes a national training college (or Foundation) that is run by blind people and which works within or alongside the existing TAFE system. I'd like to see this national training facility funded through a mandatory levee of 10% of revenue from all agencies and organizations whose sole purpose is to serve the blind, direct support from the Department of Education and Training as well as directly receiving donated funds from the public. I'd like to see that socially responsible corporations have an opportunity to provide scholarships, expertise and mentoring programs. I'd like to see national accreditation of such a facility so that a generation of young blind people emerge who can change societies attitudes towards blindness, simply by being successful employed tax-paying Australians.
There may be smaller steps that can be made along the way while we debate and move towards more fundamental change. For example, surely the many small low tech gadget shops that most agencies run could be mini-enterprises that blind people themselves can run? If the larger agencies divested themselves of these departments they could provide seed opportunities for "blind entrepreneurs". Equally they may be an opportunity for blind students who are studying commerce or management to work part-time and get on-the-job skills.
Have I set myself up here for disappointment? Well the realist in me says yes. Have I set myself up for criticism? Undoubtedly! I can already hear people accusing me of taking us back to the bad old days. However, I sincerely believe that unless we start to debate these issues and change the status quo the Blindness community is not going to win the fight for civil rights.
I seem to have taken an awful lot of words to say that I believe there needs
to be more blind people in senior positions in Blindness agencies, a framework
to train and nurture blind entrepreneurs and comprehensive role modeling programs
within Education for blind students. These would all help move some way forward
to ultimately raising societal expectations.
As promised in the last issue of News, the below article provides an update on Graeme Innes's new life with Jordie. The article is from the August 1999 edition of BCA News. I am sure you will find what he has to say very apt for this time of the year.
If after making your Christmas pudding you hang it over the laundry sink approximately 1.5 metres above the floor to cure, you'd think that it would be fairly safe. However, life is not made of reasonable assumptions.
In 1998 I wrote an article for Blind Citizens News, titled "Swapping A Cane For A Harness", in which I discussed my decision to apply for a dog guide. Jordana (AKA Jordie - Jordana is just too pretentious a name for a dog, even a dog guide) arrived in September last year. In this article I will describe my experience so far, and analyse my decision with the 20-20 vision available from hindsight.
As previously explained, I was not in a position to go to Melbourne or Campbelltown for a three or four week in-house training course. I did not want to be away from my family for that long, and I could not afford the time away from my work. So domiciliary training was arranged.
This consisted of having Jordie at home from the first day I met her, and of training sessions around my local area and then into the city. We trained for several hours a day, and I was able to fit this in around my work commitments. This led to a fairly busy few weeks, but was by far my preferred option. The other advantage was that from the beginning I was working with the dog in streets that I knew quite well.
Working with a dog guide is very different to using a long cane. In the first few days, before you begin to develop a trust for the dog, you feel far more exposed because you do not have control of something which is probing the space in front of you. However, my head told me that the dog was specifically trained to look out for my interests, and that I just had to deal with this natural hesitancy which I experienced. It felt quite uncomfortable for a day or two, but after that I began to get used to the feeling. I also began to enjoy the sensation of striding out freely without the concentrated effort needed to use a cane effectively at the pace at which I walk - quite fast.
Learning the necessary basic commands is not difficult, and they are reinforced by repetition. The trickier process for me was working out the balance of control between myself and the dog. I was not prepared to let her have total control, but I found that allowing her a reasonable degree of initiative, and trusting her decisions, made the process smoother and quicker. I'm sure that we won't always get this "teamwork" right, but it gets better and better the longer we are working together and getting to know each other's foibles. This process starts in training, but is still continuing, and I am sure will do so for some time. Just today, when I was uncertain as to whether I should curve left or go straight ahead, I let Jordie make the decision, and we became even more lost than we had been before. However, half an hour later I did the same thing and she took me to exactly where I wanted to go. Just like humans dogs are fallible, but a dog which can see, smell and has a good memory will often be closer to the mark than a totally blind person, even one with good orientation skills.
Another difference is that I have much less information about my environment, because I am walking around and through things rather than having to find them and then go around them. Of course, I still use my hearing and smell, although often on familiar routes concentration is lower and so less is picked up using these means. This is often of little consequence as the important thing is where I have come from and where I am going. But it can be hard if I am trying to locate a particular place, as my ability to find my landmarks is lessened.
Undoubtedly my travel is smoother and faster. It is smoother because Jordie can move around things that she sees, whereas having a cane I must locate them first. I walk no faster with Jordie, but I get to places more quickly because there is much less of the inevitable stop-start of cane travel. However, Jordie seems to think that I take up more space than I do, and will sometimes stay behind another pedestrian rather than overtaking, or not go through a gap which I know I could fit through. I think I will be able to minimise this as our teamwork gets better.
Travelling with Jordie has meant a major decrease in the stress and tiredness caused by independent travel. This is particularly true on known routes. Between my home and the station, or the station and the building in which I do most of my work, I can - I imagine - only use about the same amount of concentration on my route as would a person with sight. This is a great relief and benefit for me. It means that I have a lot more time for thinking or day-dreaming.
It also means that I can do much more walking for pleasure, something which I very much enjoy but which I have done little of in the last few years because it was just too much like hard work. On unfamiliar routes I do have to concentrate more, but still much less than if I were using a cane.
This has had a major impact on my independence. I now move around the city a great deal more during the day, completing tasks during my lunch-hour that I would previously have delegated to someone else, done much more slowly by post or other means, or just not done. I go for walks in the park whilst toileting Jordie - something I have always thought would be pleasant but never got around to. These achievements should be given greater weight in "the Games city" where, if building and footpath reconstruction were an Olympic event, we would be "going for gold".
Finding something for the first time or which is not remembered can - as I have said - have its difficulties. I do not have the same capacity to "probe" for doorways or other landmarks. Also, because I am unsure of my environment, I am unable to give Jordie clear and decisive instructions. When she knows that I am uncertain she tends to become less confident and therefore less effective. In such situations, whether using a dog guide or a cane, asking - although sometimes frustrating - is still the best method.
Walking with friends or colleagues is not something that as yet works well for me. During training I was encouraged to direct Jordie to follow the other person. However, this is not the usual way that two people walk together - they would normally walk side by side. Because of the space that this takes up, and Jordie's keenness to keep me in the centre of the footpath, this can sometimes become clumsy. In some circumstances, I have found it best to drop the handle and take the person's arm.
People talking to the dog is, as I predicted, one of the things which causes me most problems. Firstly, I am insulted by the fact that most people talk to Jordie before they talk to me. I find this quite unacceptable, and a comment on the social status given by the community to animals and people with disabilities - I had hoped that I would be higher on the social totem pole, but for many people this is clearly not the case. I try, at times unsuccessfully, not to respond to this. However, it is one of the major disadvantages of having a dog guide.
A related problem is that Jordie is distracted by people patting her and talking to her while she is working. If you assumed that common courtesy would cause people to ask permission before doing this, in many cases you would be wrong. I can tolerate this from children, who may not know any better but from the adults who do it, it is thoughtless and demeaning of me as a person.
Having a dog guide with you means that you take on extra responsibilities. Whilst out these include toileting, providing drinking water, finding an appropriate location either next to you or when you go away for a time, ensuring that food is not stolen by or given to the dog, and making sure that she has enough space. All of these are important, and none of them are unduly onerous, but they are always present and must always be considered.
Each time I go away with my family now I have to make certain decisions - will we take Jordie, and what impact will this have? Sharing a motel room with a teenager and a baby certainly takes some of the romance out of a weekend away. But when you add a dog to the equation the conditions become decidedly cramped. There are advantages in having Jordie with me - I go for walks by myself and have a little more independence. But sometimes having her in the room and the car, arranging for her food and other accoutrements, and looking after her in restaurants and places we visit where I could as easily just take Maureen's arm, make having her not worth while. This means, of course, that I have to arrange for her to go to a kennel for the weekend, and add taking her there and picking her up to the list of tasks before the weekend can be enjoyed.
Having Jordie around the house is something that, on the whole, my family have appreciated. Both Leon (16) and Rachel (21 months) enjoy playing with her and having her company, and this relaxation is good for Jordie as well. Jordie's propensity for ensuring that not a crumb is left lying around means that we need to clean our kitchen floor much less than most families with a toddler. She is washed once a fortnight (by a mobile dog washing service) and wears deodoriser which minimises her doggy smell. I also wash her blanket and air her bed once a week. She is a good companion to all of us around the house, and a great foot-warmer on those cold winter nights.
Any dog is naturally an advantage taker. Therefore Jordie, despite her training, will take food if the opportunity arises. No longer can we just leave the pizza on the coffee table in the lounge room while we pop out to answer the phone or attend to the baby. In the kitchen we must also think about what we leave on bench-tops, etc. All of these lessons we have learned to our cost. Of course Jordie is punished if we catch her in the act, but it's a hard lesson for a dog to learn.
My work requires me to travel and sometimes I stay in hotels. This is generally not a problem except that - as for any new location - I have to find an appropriate toileting area for Jordie. Apart from this she settles into the hotel room as if she were at home. Staying with friends is a little different. I have to think about the impact a dog will have on their household - yet another responsibility. And, as my friends Chris and Trish have learned, Christmas puddings have to be put out of reach. None of us thought about it when we locked Jordie in the laundry before going to sleep the first night I stayed there. She enjoyed a midnight feast, and Trish had to make another pudding.
Air travel has been very easy for me. Of course it is important that the airline is aware that you are travelling with a dog guide. However, I have just included this in my frequent flyer profiles, and there has only been one occasion when the information "fell out of" the system. When this did occur the airline wanted me to travel on a later flight because business class was full, but when I explained that this was unacceptable, and that I would sit in economy, a business class seat became available. Oh yes, the upgrades which Jordie organises for me certainly improve the monotony of flying.
One problem with flying has been toileting facilities at airports - there aren't any. On most occasions I have persuaded the airlines to let me walk down the stairs near the gate lounge and let Jordie go on the ramp area. However, this is technically a security breach as these stairs are only available to staff. Whilst staff are reluctant, they are often persuaded by pointing out the alternative - toileting of necessity on the aircraft. Of course this is unlikely to happen in reality, as I always encourage Jordie to go at the last possible time before reaching the airport.
I have only been refused access by two taxis and two restaurants since Jordie's arrival. For both taxis I was able to obtain their numbers from a bystander and lodge a complaint, and both drivers have been fined. Of course there may have been others who have just not stopped, but I am not aware of them.
Both restaurants were quite entertaining. In the first I showed my dog guide owners card, which is signed by the NSW Attorney-General and refers to the provisions of the relevant legislation. The manager accepted this, borrowed the card while we were eating and showed it to all other staff - he clearly saw a good opportunity for a bit of impromptu staff training. In the second restaurant the manager was of non-English-speaking background, and could not read the card. However, when I explained Jordie's purpose he consulted patrons at the three occupied tables and took a straw vote. We were admitted with an overwhelming majority, and the manager now knows that guide dogs are allowed thanks to what the patrons told him.
The final responsibility which comes with a dog guide is grooming. This takes 5-10 minutes every day, and is done for health reasons as well as appearance. It is not in itself a major problem, but just another task to add to a busy day. However, I normally do it when there is something on the radio to which I want to listen, and thus make best use of my time.
As you have probably already realised from the tone of this article, I believe that I made the right decision. This is not to say that I regret having not obtained a dog guide earlier. I am pleased that I have Jordie now, but earlier in my life she would not have suited me so well. The choice must be an individual one, and must depend on the person's circumstances at the time. Clearly there are extra responsibilities as I have outlined. Also, my concerns about community attitudes were well-founded. However, for me, the benefits of easier, quicker and less pressured travel outweigh the disadvantages. The pudding has been eaten (metaphorically by me and literally by Jordie) and both of us are well satisfied.
Editor's Note
For more information about getting a dog guide please contact the following service providers.
Association for the Blind of WA. Inc
Business: 08 9311 8202
Free Call: 1800 658 388
FAX: 08 9361 8696
Email: mailbox@abwa.asn.au
Guide Dogs Association of NSW/ACT
Business: 02 9412 9300
FAX: 02 9412 0388
Guide Dogs Association of SA and NT Inc
Business: 08 8203 8333
Free Call: 1800 738 855
FAX: 08 8203 8332
Email: info@guidedogs.org.au
Guide Dogs Victoria
Business: 03 9854 4444
FAX: 03 9854 4500
Email: info@guidedogsvictoria.com.au
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association of Queensland
Business: 07 3261 7555
FAX: 07 3261 7500
Email: admin@guidedogsqld.com.au
Royal Guide Dogs for the Blind Association of Tasmania
Business: 03 6232 1222
Free Call: 1800 005 909
FAX: 03 6232 1221
Email: admin@guidedogstas.com.au
Royal Society for the Blind of SA
Business: 08 8223 6222
Free Call: 1800 644 577
FAX: 08 8232 7836
Email: mail@rsb.org.au
Seeing Eye Dogs Australia (SEDA)
Business: 03 9381 6400
FAX: 03 9381 6464
Email: info@seda.org.au
Thanks to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission for permission to republish the below media release. 4 December 2006
Human Rights Commissioner and Commissioner responsible for Disability Discrimination, Graeme Innes AM, today congratulated BBC DVD who is due to release the first fully accessible DVD in Australia on December 6 through Roadshow Entertainment.
"For the first time in this country all Australians will be able to enjoy a fully accessible DVD. It is timely that its release occurs just a few days after the International Day of Disabled Persons, which this year focuses on access to electronic information," said Commissioner Innes.
The Dr Who Series 2 box set, starring David Tennant and Billie Piper, will include talking menus, that will allow blind and vision impaired fans to use the disk menus without help.
The disks will also have captioning which will assist deaf people and people with a hearing impairment and audio description on all 13 episodes.
"Audio description is particularly valuable for blind people as it provides an additional commentary which describes what is happening on the screen for people who have difficulty seeing the action, facial expressions or scenery," Mr Innes said.
While captions on DVDs are sometimes available the full range of access features have never been included before on DVDs distributed in Australia.
"I want to congratulate BBC DVD and Roadshow Entertainment for opening up opportunities for people with a range of disabilities to enjoy their favourite shows and I hope that this will be the first of what becomes standard practice in the industry," said Commissioner Innes.
Media contact: Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9880 or 0408 469 347
Anne Kent, a BCA member from Western Australia, is looking to buy a second-hand Braille scrabble set. The set must be in good condition. For further information, or if you have a set you are willing to sell, please contact her on 08 9525 2214.
Press Release
Contact: Bronwyn Davies
Email: bdavies@quantumtechnology.com.au
Phone: + 61 2 8844 9888 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2006
There are 42 million people in the world who are blind. Approximately 90% live in developing countries and constitute one of the world's most invisible and poorest minorities. For all blind people, Braille remains the foundation of written communication and is a true literacy medium that cannot be replaced by computer speech or listening.
As sighted people we often take for granted the fragile view of the world that is provided to us through vision. And our expectations for communicating with others are increasingly framed by technology and the ever expanding options we have to express our ideas and access information.
Jot-a-Dot is an exciting new concept in braille writing that uses modern design principles and fabrication methods to achieve a robust, small braille writing tool suitable for all blind people. Developed in Australia by specialist manufacturer Quantum Technology, it represents an investment in the future and importance of braille. Existing braille writing tools are still providing valuable service, however Jot a Dot is the first device in a very long time that offers alternatives and options for the simple act of writing a note.
Jot a Dot has been designed to withstand many different environments and it is hoped that it will also be useful in developing countries where braille writing options are often non-existent. Jot a Dot is a truly portable device weighing in at just 350g (12 oz). It has a regular braille keyboard that has been designed to fit a wide variety of hand sizes, and incorporates excellent ergonomics.
Very young children can use it for scribbling before they begin formal education, as well as using it to jot down quick notes right through their school years. Many adults use Jot a Dot for the myriad of small notes that sighted people will jot down on a piece of paper, such as a phone number, reminder, or receipt number when paying bills over the phone.
For further information visit http://www.jotadot.com
If you have been unable to resolve a problem with your telecommunications or internet service provider you can contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
The TIO is a free and independent service that aims to settle disputes quickly.
The TIO can investigate complaints about:
More comprehensive information may be obtained at www.tio.com.au. Complaints may be made online or by phone, fax, email, in writing, via TTY or in person.
The TIO can be contacted by:
Telephone 1800 062 058
Mail PO Box 276 COLLINS ST WEST VIC 8007
Fax 1800 630 614
Email tio@tio.com.au or complain@tio.com.au
TTY 1800 675 692
Translator 131 450
These high quality new tapes are brand new and are still sealed.
Postage will vary depending on the shipping address and the number of cassettes that you buy, please contact the seller for information regarding postage to your area.
Contact BCA Head Office
Phone 1800 033 660 or 03 9372 6400.
Members of Blind Citizens Australia and generous members of the public have, for many years, partly funded the work of BCA through donations and lotteries. In recent times a number of friends and members have also shown their support by leaving a bequest or legacy from their estate in a Will.
This kind of support is vital for our ongoing work and we encourage all members and friends to ensure that Blind Citizens Australia will be here to work for blind and vision impaired Australians in the future. BCA’s advocacy to ensure that services and facilities do not discriminate against our members and other blind people has proved to be of enormous benefit to all blind Australians and we need to make sure that our work continues.
You can help by making a bequest in your Will. Please include Blind Citizens Australia in your Will by using the following wording:
“I give to Blind Citizens Australia the sum of (include sum both in words and figures) free from all duties or other taxes, whether State or Federal.”
Back to top of 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, 11 May 2007. 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.
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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;
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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.
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