Font Size:
Font Size:
Link to homepageBCA logo

Member Update

Wednesday 11th September

Dear Members,

Observed annually on the second Thursday of September, R U OK? Day offers a perfect opportunity to remind ourselves to check in with others, offer support, and encourage open conversations about mental well-being. The aim is to help reduce social isolation and foster a sense of community and support. Whether through a sincere conversation, a text, or a call, let’s partake in this day tomorrow by taking a moment to reach out to someone around us.

A reminder, you can read the Member Update on BCA’s website.

What’s Coming Up at BCA?

Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for September 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, 14th September at 8:00pm AEST.

Are you interested in expanding your general knowledge in an easy going and fun atmosphere? If so, join this week’s trivia presented by Michael Janes 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.

Calling Young Members to join September’s Discord Voice Chat

Wednesday, 18th September at 7:00pm AEST.

Join us for an enlightening Young Ambassadors Program Discord voice chat where Shane, an esteemed Astrophysics specialist and expert in Astro Multi-sensory and Sonification, will share his captivating journey through the universe.

Join Discord now: https://discord.gg/8pcAkUznhZ

If you have any questions or if you require assistance accessing the voice chat function in Discord, contact us at events@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.

BCA Inform – Championing Your Voice: Election 2024

Tuesday, 1st October from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEST.

Are you ready to make a difference? We’re excited to announce the opportunity for you to nominate yourself for key leadership positions, including President, Directors, NSW/ACT State Division Committee members, and National Policy Council representatives.

This is your chance to step into a role where your vision and passion can truly impact our future. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shape the direction of our organisation – submit your nomination and join us in leading the way forward!

If you are interested in joining BCA’s board or committees, and have any questions before our Inform session, please email them to Deb Deshayes at companysecretary@bca.org.au by Monday, 23rd September.

To register for the event please visit the Humanitix website.

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.

Assistive Technology Group

Monday, 16th September at 8:00pm AEST.

Assistive Technology is useful and increasingly necessary in our daily lives. However, not everything is easy to navigate, and new technologies develop every day. Join Adam and others to learn more about assistive technology and how to get the best from it.

BCA Updates

Board Announcement

It is with sadness that the board of Blind Citizens Australia announces the resignation of our President, Fiona Woods. Fiona has resigned for personal reasons, needing to be more available to support the well-being of her family at this time.

Fiona’s contribution to BCA has been long-standing and profound.  Fiona was elected to the Board of BCA in 2017, and President in 2021. During her time on the Board, she has served as Vice President and Chair of the National Policy Council. As President, Fiona led BCA’s recent Constitutional changes and strove to create a sense of belonging within BCA for blind people of all genders, ages and cultural backgrounds. We will miss Fiona’s wisdom and empathy on the Board and within BCA and convey our best wishes to Fiona and her family.

Fiona’s term as President ends this December at BCA’s AGM. BCA’s Vice President, Helen Freris has been appointed by the Board to fill the role of President until this time. Should you wish to contact Helen, you can reach her at: president@bca.org.au

Neale Huth has been appointed by the Board to fill the role of Acting Vice President.

Robyn Mckenzie is taking a leave of absence from her BCA duties for the next three months. She is currently juggling a few extra priorities and needs to take a step back from things. She will resume her BCA commitments on the Board and Convention Program Planning Committee from Thursday, 5th December. We wish Robyn an enjoyable break and look forward to her return.

Update from the CEO

Dear members,

I would like to acknowledge Fiona’s service to BCA and extend my sincere personal thanks and gratitude for her support over the past 12 months. I deeply value Fiona’s commitment to fostering collaborative relationships, her wisdom, and our shared purpose of serving our members. She will be greatly missed. I wish Fiona and her family all the best in health and happiness.

We have recently commenced a comprehensive financial audit, which builds on the desktop audit we completed in June. This full audit is an important step in maintaining transparency and upholding our commitment to best practices. We are working closely with the auditors to ensure that everything is in order, and we will keep you informed of any significant findings or recommendations as they arise.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our finance team at NFPAS, our treasurer Andrew Webster, and Angela Jaeschke, General Manager Ops, for their hard work and dedication. Their commitment to ensuring that our procedures are both effective and compliant has been instrumental in our ongoing success.

Additionally, I want to update you on recent legislative changes. Last week, the NDIS Amendment Bill received Royal Assent. This means that new laws will come into effect on Thursday, 3rd October 2024. The amendment introduces several changes that will influence government operations and the broader NDIS landscape.

While some changes will be implemented immediately, others will be rolled out gradually. We are committed to working closely with the disability sector to help design effective changes to the Scheme. To support your understanding, we have updated the NDIS news section on our website with more information about what these changes mean. Please also keep monitoring the NDIS website for the most current updates on these new regulations.

Update from the 50th Anniversary Celebrations Committee

Thank you to everyone who responded to the member survey that the 50th Anniversary Celebrations Committee put out earlier in the year to gather ideas from membership for our upcoming 50th Celebrations for BCA. We would like to give members a flavour of our findings, so below is a little snapshot of the responses.

The Quick stats:

There was a total of 33 responses, with a total 2 members who have been with BCA for less than 5 years, 7 members for 5-15 years, 10 members for 15-30 years and almost half of the respondents (14) have been a member of BCA for 30 years or more!

There were many ideas suggested around dinners and fun activities as well as various ways to recognise the many achievements over the last five decades. Some of them include a New Horizons series, historical snippets (in sound/text), 50th celebrations trivia, and of course musical offerings from our talented members.

Although the celebrations planning committee could not incorporate them all into celebrations planning, we encourage all members and any branches to celebrate at the local level in their own unique way.

We hope that you enjoy the upcoming celebration activities that we are planning for 2025 and the 50th anniversary convention in June next year.

Around the Branches

Casino / Richmond Valley Branch

Outing for September

What: Morning tea

When: Friday, 20th September.

Time: 10:00am

Where: Casino Library

An outside area and inside room is available to allow for all weather conditions. Bring your own cup.

Cost: $5

RSVP: To Denise via email deniseg.vip@outlook.com or call 0448 014 682 before Monday, 16th September.

New Horizons

This week, Margo Carwardine from the Queensland Braille Writers Association, also known as Braille House, discusses accessible tourism. The QBWA has been conducting a fascinating project to enable venues and other tourism-based businesses to be more accessible to people who are blind or vision impaired. This project was made possible by a grant from the Queensland Government. This presentation was given to the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disability, and we thank the Round Table for the use of this recording.

Take a listen to the New Horizons podcast or find out how to tune in live.

Do you have any ideas for stories, or feedback about the show? Contact us on new.horizons@bca.org.au.

News From Outside BCA

National

Call for Abstracts – Tactile Reading

Do you have innovative ideas on tactile reading, braille, and accessibility? Are your insights worth centre stage? Tactile Reading & Graphics Conference 2025 gives you the chance to present your ideas to 400 international experts! Submit your abstract now!

Topics include:

  • Braille and Literacy
  • Tactile Graphics & 3D (printed) objects
  • Innovative Technology
  • Arts / Leisure Time & Games
  • Education
  • MDVI (Multiple Disabilities and Vision Impairment)

Please, submit your abstract and be part of this inspiring conference. Together, we make reading and learning accessible for everyone!

For more details and to submit your abstract visit the Tactile Reading website.

The submission deadline is Friday, 18th October 2024.

Calling on Flash Sonar Users

Do you use Flash Sonar to visualise your world? If so, and if you are happy to have your sonar skills featured in a national science magazine, please get in touch with me, urgently.

I am Richard – a science journalist writing an article for Double Helix about alternative ways of seeing the world, and would love to hear from you. I would be particularly interested in your echolocation journey if you are under 20 and have been using the technique for several years or have been an echo-locator since your teens. Double Helix is aimed at younger science enthusiasts.

Deadline is Friday, 13th of September 2024.

You can contact me via email at richard@rmusgrove.com or call 0473 465 758.

Creating meaningful employment opportunities for Australians with disability – Australian Human Rights Commission

The IncludeAbility project is run by the Australian Human Rights Commission to increase meaningful employment opportunities and promote employment equality for people with disability.

We are looking for people who are interested in joining our IncludeAbility Ambassadors or Expert Advisory Group.

IncludeAbility Ambassadors are people with disability who promote the IncludeAbility project and our goal of achieving equality at work for people with disability. To learn more visit the Australian Human Rights Commission website and to apply you can fill in the form.

The Expert Advisory Group will provide technical and subject matter expertise to the IncludeAbility Steering Committee and project team. Compared to the public facing roles of Ambassadors, this group is more focused on providing internal advice and guidance.

You can apply for both roles but can only be selected for one.

Both roles are paid at the same rate. Rates of pay are on the IncludeAbility website.

Please apply by Friday, 27th September 2024.

If you have any questions or need any assistance to apply, please contact includeability@humanrights.gov.au.

Join an Online Arts Session – National Art by Description

Friday, 13th September from 2:00pm to 3:00pm AEST.

This online program connects each month with an audience of people who are blind or vision impaired across the country, discussing works of art in the national collection.

This session includes the artist Yhonnie Scarce talking about her work with First Nations Lead Artist educator Maggie Douglas (Kabi Kabi people), audio description of works of art by specialist staff, along with poetry and music to enhance the listening experience.

This is a free event, however bookings are essential. RSVP to access@nga.gov.au or call Adriane on 02 6240 6632.

New South Wales

Exciting Events this September – UNSW Sydney

Kicking off Diversity Festival 2024 on Monday 16 September is the 5th Annual Inclusive Education Showcase.

Join us as UNSW educators who teach inclusively present their work at this showcase, followed by a Q&A session. The showcase is a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about different inclusive technologies and practices and how to incorporate them into their teaching and learning to make them more accessible.

This will be a hybrid event, with AUSLAN interpreters available. A recording and transcript will be made available after the event.

Register for the event.

Behold the blind bard beneath the beret! JEREMY MOSES – 157 HOURS OF BAD SLAM POETRY – Sydney Fringe Comedy

After acclaimed seasons at last year’s Melbourne Fringe and this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Bad Slam Poetry is BACK!

In lockdown, comedian Jeremy Moses wrote and performed 100 slam poems in 100 days, receiving moderate acclaim on social media for his searing political commentary and silly wordplay. Going on to cover one federal and two state elections, he single-handedly saw off countless Australian political heavyweights – or so he thinks.

…but beneath/behind his trademark pink beret/sunglasses lies (lays?) a vision impaired Australian/Indian/Singaporean/Iraqi Jew with a story to tell.

“Arguably one of the funniest vision impaired Australian/Indian/Singaporean/Iraqi Jews performing at this year’s Sydney Fringe Festival.” – Jeremy’s family.

Join Jeremy as he presents the funny side of living with a disability, the not-so-funny side of losing a parent, and the poetic nonsense that captured his daily life for two long years!

Dates: Saturday, 21st September 2024 at 9:15pm and Sunday, 22nd September 2024 at 8:15pm.

To book your ticket visit the Fringe Comedy website

Victoria

Olympic and Paralympic Welcome Home Celebration

Saturday, 14th September at 3:30pm AEST.

Come join the official homecoming event for our Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The free, family-friendly event will be held at Melbourne Park Oval. You’ll be able to congratulate and engage with the Olympians and Paralympians who wore the green and gold in Paris.

Bring your family, friends, your best selfie smile, something to be signed – and don’t forget to dress in green and gold! Fans of all ages will be treated to a range of entertainment at the event, with live sport activations, DJs, food trucks, and the chance to meet and interact with Victorian sports stars. This is a free event and tickets are not required.

The Victorian Government is partnering with the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia and City of Melbourne to host this event. Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia, and we are proud to welcome home and congratulate our Victorian athletes who have competed on the Paris 2024 world stage.

Register to attend.

South Australia

Vistas And Visions of A Blind Man Adventures in ‘A EYE’

My name is Tony Doyle. I was born with partial sight, and I have been totally blind for many years. I started writing poetry during the COVID lockdown. In 2023, I had a book of poems, Vistas And Visions Of A Blind Man, published by Moonglow Publishing and an audio version produced by Vision Australia.

It’s been a source of frustration that unlike sighted writers, I can’t read my own work. My poems have been read on radio and at poetry gatherings, but always with someone else’s voice.

I have recently been funded by Richard Llewellyn Deaf and Disability Grants, to produce an audio version of my book of poems, using an AI generated, simulation of my voice. This may be of particular interest to any blind or vision impaired writers or aspiring writers.

I would like to invite interested or curious people to join me at a launch event:

Date: Saturday, 7th December 2024.

Time: 2:30pm to 4:30pm.

Address: The Wassail Wine Bar, 95 Prospect Road, Prospect, SA.

There will be a brief project outline which will demonstrate how to use AI to synthesize one’s voice. We hope to inspire other blind or vision impaired people to try doing something similar.

There will be samples of my poems using the AI simulated voice, interspersed with live music played by ‘Orchid Collective’, a group of musicians, including me, put together for this project. Full bar facilities will be available so you can relax with a drink and enjoy some tasteful live music.

This is a free event, and everyone is welcome.

For further information call Tony on 0417 798 857.

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 be considered for publishing in the Wednesday update.