Wednesday 3rd December
BCA stands with the global community in acknowledging the International Day of People with Disability which is celebrated today. This significant day serves as a reminder to foster understanding, break down stereotypes and recognise the outstanding contributions of people with disability.
BCA remains committed to creating an inclusive, accessible and empowering society for people who are blind or vision impaired. By working to remove barriers, we strive to support a community where everyone can achieve their fullest potential.
A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.
What’s Coming Up at BCA?
Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for December is available on our website, or you can access the calendar via audio by phoning 1800 033 660 and following the prompts.
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please feel free to contact us on events@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.
Trivia
Saturday, 6th December at 8:00pm AEDT.
Are you interested in expanding your general knowledge in an easy going and fun atmosphere? If so, join this week’s trivia for an enjoyable night of team competition.
Please be aware that, to ensure the smooth operation of the game, Trivia will be limited to 25 players. To give everyone an opportunity, the Zoom waiting room will open to admit people who sign in from 7:45pm Sydney time and closes at 8:00pm.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile (via non-iOS)
- Join with one tap mobile using the number below (via iOS):
+61370182005,,889 0666 5580#,,,,*950883# - Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 889 0666 5580
- Passcode: 950883
Peer Connect Groups
The Peer Connect groups meeting in the next week are listed below. You can also find out more about all our peer connect groups, including session times and other details on the BCA Website.
Music Group
Wednesday, 10th December at 7:30pm AEDT.
Are you passionate about music? Look no further and join the Music Group! Hosted by Jennifer Parry and open to musicians who are blind or vision impaired, of all skill levels, the group provides a welcoming space to discuss tunes, share your experiences and collaborate on creative pieces. Whether you’re an experienced performer, singer or have just recently picked up an instrument, you’re welcome to join this supportive and inspiring group. Please note that this is the last group meeting for 2025.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 828 0072 5037
- Passcode: 014935
BCA Updates
Update from the CEO
Dear Members,
It was great to see so many of you at the AGM and connect as a community. Today, we recognise International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). This vital day provides a moment to celebrate the immense contributions of our members and the entire disability community, while also reaffirming our commitment to advocating for a truly inclusive, accessible, and equitable world. As an organisation representing people who are blind or vision impaired, we understand that accessibility is not a privilege, but a fundamental right. We continue to stand alongside you in challenging barriers, celebrating independence, and working toward a future where every individual can participate fully and without limitation.
I would also like to acknowledge recent changes within our Branch leadership. The National Women’s Branch welcomes Debra Simons as its new President, following the dedicated leadership of Katrina Taylor. In Western Australia, Arthur Pirika has stepped into the role of Branch President, succeeding Zeliha Iscel, who has made a significant contribution during her term. We extend our sincere thanks to our outgoing Presidents and their committees for their hard work and we look forward to working with the new leaders as they continue to strengthen and represent their communities. We also look forward to continuing to work closely with all our existing Branch Presidents and leaders.
Last week, I attended the annual IDPwD Morning Tea, held at Parliament House. The event was well worth BCA’s attendance, serving as a vital opportunity to reinforce our organisation’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion with key stakeholders. A particular highlight was the chance to engage directly with the International Day of People with Disability 2025 Ambassadors, including meeting Santiago Velasquez Hurtado, a valued member of the BCA community. The gathering successfully emphasised the importance of IDPwD and strengthened our collaborative network in Canberra.
Continuing our work in the sector, the latest Disability Representative Organisations (DRO) Forum provided members with key updates across national disability policy, data and research. The forum received updates on Round 2 funding under the National Disability Research Partnership and reiterated the importance of inclusive, ethically governed research involving people with disability. Members also heard an update on the National Disability Data Asset, including current challenges and ongoing work to strengthen ICT systems and data access. The forum covered progress on the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) recommendations through the 2025 Progress Report, the development of a Short Disability Question Set for use in population surveys, and planning for the first independent evaluation of Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031, including the establishment of its Steering Committee in early 2026. A presentation on the Making Rights Real co-design project highlighted work with participants with psychosocial disability and members also discussed approaches to improving safety and wellbeing within systemic advocacy. The Forum concluded with a session led by Senator Jenny McAllister.
Looking ahead, an area of change that we know will affect many members is the recent update from the NDIA. On 14th October, the NDIA announced new updates to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits for 2025-26, along with updates to the Assistive Technology, Home Modifications and Consumables Code Guide. Importantly, new support item numbers have been introduced for a range of dog-guide-related needs, including dietary requirements, grooming, veterinary services and annual accreditation. These updates are intended to simplify how these supports are accessed and took effect on 24th November.
The NDIA has advised that these additional item codes should not affect the majority of participants’ plans. A plan review will only be required if a participant’s plan is in MyPlace and their dog-guide funding is specifically stated using the old item code. I encourage you to review the updated documents for Pricing Arrangements and the Assistive Technology, Home Modifications and Consumables Code Guide.
If you need further assistance, contact the NDIA directly by emailing provider.support@ndis.gov.au or calling the National Contact Centre Provider Support on 1300 311 675.
In closing, I would like to extend my best wishes to Julia Hall as she steps down as CEO of Retina Australia. Her significant progress made under her leadership over the past three years, including doubling their reach and strengthening their core services, is commendable. Her commitment to excellence, collaboration and growing public awareness has been impactful.
Our collaborative relationship with Julia and Retina Australia has been highly valued, and we wish her all the best in her next endeavour. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Retina Australia and witnessing its ongoing success.
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Policy Update – Melanie Chatfield
BCA has provided a submission to the Australian Government’s review of the Disability Discrimination Act 2025 (DDA). We extend our sincere thanks to all members who shared their insights and experiences – your contributions were central to shaping our recommendations.
Our submission calls for several key reforms to modernise and strengthen legal protections for people with disability, including those who are blind or vision impaired:
- Strengthening systemic protections: Updating the DDA to introduce a positive duty, harmonise Commonwealth and State/Territory anti-discrimination laws, and proactively prevent unlawful conduct.
- Enhancing compliance and enforcement: Improving complaint pathways, ensuring accessible processes, and creating meaningful consequences for breaches by duty holders.
- Mandating equitable access: Embedding enforceable standards for accessible information, digital goods, services, and communication technologies to ensure full participation in community, employment, and essential services.
You can now read the full submission on the BCA website.
News From Outside BCA
National
Focus Group on Health Education Programs – University of Melbourne
We are running a focus group on Tuesday, 9th December at 2:00pm AEDT for people with disability. We want to learn about how people with disability want to be involved in health education programs. We will use this information to understand how these programs can be run well so that they help people learn about and get a cervical screening test.
This focus group is for women or people with a cervix who:
- have a disability
- live in Australia
- are aged 24-74.
This focus group will be online and go for 2 hours. Gift voucher cards are available for people who take part.
To express your interest email madeleine.clarke.1@unimelb.edu.au.
International Day of People with Disability Event – Pacific Disability Forum (PDF)
The Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) will be celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities through a regional hybrid event.
PDF has the honour to invite you to participate in the Regional Celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday, 4th December 2025, from 4:00pm to 7:30pm (Fiji time) at the UNDP Conference Room in Kadavu House, Suva.
The theme for this year is “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.”
Join the event live online when it kicks off.
Invitation to Participate in Accessibility Research
Manasi Sunil Mahukar, a Master’s student in Project Management at Manipal Jaipur University, is conducting a study on how accessible digital project-management tools—such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Trello, and Monday.com – can better support vision impaired project managers working in remote and hybrid environments.
Vision impaired professionals, project managers, assistive-technology users, or anyone with experience using digital project-management platforms are invited to take part.
Participation may involve a short interview and/or a brief user-testing session to share real-world experiences and accessibility challenges.
All participation is voluntary and confidential. Your insights will help shape more inclusive project-management tools for the future.
For questions or to express interest, contact Manasi via email manasimahukar@gmail.com
Understanding the NDIS Webinar Series ‘Overview of changes to NDIS legislation – National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
The NDIS would like you update about changes to the Scheme. They will cover a variety of topics in this session, including the most up to date information on support needs assessments, the new way of planning, funding periods, impairment information and other legislative reforms.
Following the presentation, you will have an opportunity to ask their speaker questions. This session is offered over multiple dates to allow flexibility for attendees. Each session will cover the same content.
Please only register for the date you wish to attend.
Sessions will be delivered via video conference using Microsoft Teams.
Registrations will close one business day prior to the session. One business day prior to the session, login details (including the MS Teams link) will be sent via email from events@ndis.gov.au to the email address you provide at registration (this email may filter to your junk mail).
Where: Virtual information session delivered via Microsoft Teams
Dates and Times:
Thursday, 4th December 2025 (1:00pm – 2:00pm AEDT)
Wednesday, 10th December 2025 (11:00am – 12:00pm AEDT)
Sight Tech Global 2025 – Vista Center
Sight Tech Global is the first global, virtual conference dedicated to fostering discussion among technology pioneers on how rapid advances in AI and related technologies will fundamentally alter the landscape of assistive technology and accessibility.
The free virtual annual conference being is held from Tuesday, 9th December to Wednesday, 10th December 2025.
This accessibility-focused event will spotlight how AI and emerging technologies are transforming accessibility and assistive tech for people with vision loss.
This year’s program features nearly 20 sessions with over 50 speakers from companies like Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Waymo, Meta, Aira, Be My Eyes, Blind Institute of Technology, and others, all centered on advancing assistive technology and digital inclusion.
Please contact info@sighttechglobal.com if you have any questions.
Victoria
2026 Relaxed Performances – Melbourne Recital Centre
Designed for people with sensory sensitivities, Relaxed Performances welcome all audience members seeking a comfortable and less formal musical experience.
Featuring a 45-minute duration with no interval
- Open venue doors
- Quiet space in the foyer
- Accompanying visual story
- Altered lighting and sound
- 50% capacity for ease of access
- Seats and cushions for audiences
Support our work
By donating to BCA, you contribute to important programs and services that empower our community. Every dollar goes a long way in helping us achieve our purpose and enhancing the lives of those we serve.
Have you got something to contribute?
If you have something you would like included in the Member Update, please send it to memberupdate@bca.org.au or call us on 1800 033 660. Items received by 12:00pm Monday will be considered for publishing in the Wednesday update.
Blind Citizens Australia
Email: bca@bca.org.au
Website: www.bca.org.au
ABN: 90 006 985 226
BCA acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea, and community. We also pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders past, present, and future.