Update from the CEO
Dear Members,
It’s been a busy and productive time at BCA, with significant work underway to strengthen both our advocacy impact and our community engagement. I’m excited to share two opportunities for members and supporters to become directly involved in shaping the next phase of our work.
We are advertising a part-time, national Systemic Advocacy Lead role to drive targeted advocacy initiatives and cultivate relationships across government and industry. This position will play a key role in ensuring the lived experience of people who are blind or vision impaired informs policy, industry standards and decision-making processes.
At the same time, we are seeking volunteers to join the team behind New Horizons, our long-running radio and podcast program. As the program evolves, we are bringing together a collaborative team to help shape content, conduct interviews and support production. If you are passionate about either of these roles, or know someone who is, I encourage you to review the position details below and consider applying.
Alongside these opportunities, BCA continues to ensure the experiences of people who are blind or vision impaired inform policy and decision-making.
BCA is proud to be contributing to a vital National Road Safety Program research project led by the Monash University Accident Research Centre. This study is one of the first of its kind in Australia, specifically investigating the road safety hazards faced by pedestrians who are blind or vision impaired.
Melanie Chatfield and I met with the research team to provide insights and a range of BCA’s policy evidence on critical issues – including Electric Vehicles, Taxi & Rideshare, Pedestrian Safety, Audible Traffic Signals and Safer Streets Self Advocacy.
This initial scoping will help design upcoming state-based workshops and a nationwide survey. This is a significant opportunity to provide the data needed to guide future government interventions and make our streets safer for everyone.
Stay tuned for more information in the coming months on how you can participate in these workshops and share your lived experience to help shape the future of road safety in Australia.
In other news, the World Blind Union (WBU) is opening the formal nomination process for its committees and working groups for the 2026-2029 quadrennial, and we invite you to take part in shaping the next phase of WBU’s work.
WBU committees and working groups are where much of WBU’s thinking, collaboration, and practical action takes place. They bring together expertise from across regions to advance advocacy, strengthen member engagement, and turn shared priorities into concrete outcomes. This is an important opportunity to help ensure these bodies reflect the diversity, experience, and leadership within our global membership.
More information about WBU committees can be found in the guide which explains how WBU committees and working groups are established and how they operate, and this spreadsheet outlines each committee and working group, including its mandate and the types of skills and experience sought.
If you believe you have the skills, interest and capacity to participate in a WBU committee, please submit an expression of interest (300) words. You may optionally include a resume for submission as part of WBU’s nomination process.
Please email your expression of interest to ceo@bca.org.au by Sunday, 22nd February. This is a great opportunity to be part of global advocacy.
– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.
A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.
More from BCA
Employment Opportunity – Systemic Advocacy Lead
BCA is seeking a passionate and experienced Systemic Advocacy Lead to drive national advocacy initiatives that improve accessibility and advance systemic change for Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
This part-time contractor position (28 hours per week) is a remote, work-from-home role offered at $55 per hour plus super (ABN required). The contract runs through to June 2027. In the interim, the role will report the CEO and has no direct reports.
The Systemic Advocacy Lead will facilitate systemic change by providing vital, evidence-based information to industry and government stakeholders. You will represent people who are blind or vision impaired on national committees and forums, contribute lived-experience insights and build influential networks to strengthen accessibility outcomes.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in policy, campaigns and project management, with a strong understanding of systemic advocacy. You will be a skilled communicator who can translate complex accessibility issues into persuasive briefings, reports and educational resources.
Key areas of focus include audio description, taxi and rideshare refusals for dog guide handlers, accessible appliances, accepted forms of ID, Aged Care reform, inclusive employment, and the Federal Government’s response to the Disability Royal Commission recommendations.
Your lived experience with blindness or vision impairment is a highly valued asset, and we encourage you to apply.
More details available: https://www.bca.org.au
To apply, please submit your resume and a response to the selection criteria in Word format to recruitment@bca.org.au, using “Systemic Advocacy Lead” in the subject line.
To ensure accessibility for the recruitment team, applications must be submitted in Word format. Applications close Sunday, 8th March 2026.
Call for Volunteers – New Horizons
BCA is inviting expressions of interest from members and supporters who would like to contribute to New Horizons, our long-running radio and podcast program that amplifies the voices of Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
As the program continues to grow and evolve, we are forming a small, collaborative volunteer team to help guide its next phase. We are seeking people interested in content development, researching topics, coordinating interviews, supporting audio production, assisting with program planning, or even stepping behind the microphone.
Experience in broadcasting, podcasting or editing is welcome, but not essential – enthusiasm, creativity, reliability and a willingness to learn are just as important and guidance will be available.
This is a valuable opportunity to build skills in media and communications, connect with others across the blindness and low vision community, and contribute to a national platform that informs, connects and empowers.
If you would like to be part of the New Horizons team, please send a brief expression of interest outlining your skills, experience and areas of interest to New.Horizons@bca.org.au by Friday, 6th March. We look forward to shaping the next chapter of New Horizons together.
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Policy Update: Have your say on the NDIA’s digital platform – Melanie Chatfield
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) is examining the design and implementation of the National Disability Insurance Agency’s Participants, Platforms and Processes (3P) program, including the PACE system. The audit objective is to assess the effectiveness of the NDIA’s design and implementation of 3P/PACE (the digital system that manages participant information, plans, enquiries and payments and includes the MyNDIS portals and apps.)
The ANAO is collecting evidence (examples, data or case studies) relating to:
- Participant experience – plan clarity/explainability, preparedness and advice at check‑ins, choice and control, usability of MyNDIS portal/app.
- Provider experience – MyNDIS portal visibility and self‑service; claims and payment verification.
- Scheme integrity – controls‑by‑design and claim visibility (including confidence participants ‘get what they pay for’).
BCA is interested in hearing from members with experience of using the digital platforms, particularly in relation to user experience and accessibility.
If you have any feedback please email melanie.chatfield@bca.wa.gov.au by Thursday, 12th March 2026.
BCA Events
Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for February 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, 21st February 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 with one tap mobile using the number below (via iOS): +61280156011,,84491693225#,,,,*424050#
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 844 9169 3225
- Passcode: 424050
BCA Inform – Empowerment through Braille
Tuesday, 3rd March from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEDT.
Join us for this BCA Inform session as we explore how to promote and support the new global campaign “More Braille: More Empowerment”, launched by the World Blind Union (WBU) and the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI). The campaign calls for braille literacy to be recognised and upheld as a right – not a privilege – and placed back at the centre of inclusive education worldwide.
This session will provide a space to reflect on the importance of braille literacy within our community and how we can collectively champion braille as a foundation for lifelong learning and inclusion.
This is a timely discussion as BCA is scheduled to launch a new Braille Enthusiasts Peer Connect Group on Tuesday, 10th March at 7:30pm AEDT.
We warmly encourage you to attend and be part of this important conversation.
To register for the event please visit the Humanitix website.
If you have any questions or require assistance, contact us at events@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.
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.
Guitar Group
Saturday, 21st February at 2:00pm AEDT.
The guitar group offers a welcoming space for players of all levels, from beginners to advanced, to come together to share tips and techniques. This group is an open platform for guitar enthusiasts where you can find support and share resources to help you along your musical journey.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 847 1540 4888
- Passcode: 278488
Acquired Sight Loss Group
Monday, 23rd February at 7:30pm AEDT.
Hosted by BCA’s National Advocacy Officer, Martin Stewart, this welcoming and friendly group is a forum for members to meet and talk with others with acquired sight loss.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 874 0154 0222
- Passcode: 447066
Gardening Group
Wednesday, 25th February at 7:30pm AEDT.
Gardening can be therapeutic and bring joy when plants are growing and thriving. Join Silvana and other gardening enthusiasts and share your knowledge, tips, and techniques for a flourishing home garden. All are welcome!
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 874 0866 9357
- Passcode: 299571
Music Group
Wednesday, 25th February 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.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 873 4667 6799
- Passcode: 876125
Around the Branches
Tasmania Branch
First Statewide Gathering for 2026
We are holding our first Zoom gathering on Saturday, 21st February at 10:00am AEDT.
We would love it if you were able to attend and we are hoping to hear from members and other interested Tasmanians as to what we should be planning this upcoming year.
Please come along and enjoy some chit-chat with local members. We look forward to seeing you then.
Any queries, please contact Doug.McGinn@utas.edu.au
Sydney Branch
Join our First Mystery Tour!
On Thursday, 9th April 2026 BCA’s Sydney branch – partnering with Cocky Guides – will be conducting its first-ever mystery tour.
This is a great opportunity for Sydney members to: have fun undertaking an interesting and informative activity; and come together for a visit to a destination which could not be contemplated within the limits of BCA Sydney Branch resources, and without assistance from an external provider.
Where are we going? We can’t tell you that. It’s a mystery!
Come and join us on what promises to be a great day out enjoying the company of others.
Please contact BCA Sydney Branch for cost, registration, payment and other information as soon as possible and before Monday, 9th March.
Contact us via phone 0407 492 102 or email sydney@bca.org.au
News From Outside BCA
National
Financial Assistance for Self-Funded Consumers Attending the 2026 Round Table Conference
Limited financial assistance will be available to support consumers with a print disability who are self-funding their attendance at the 2026 Conference in Adelaide.
In previous years, this support has been funded through the Department of Social Services’ National Disability Conference Initiative. For the 2026 conference, DSS funding is not available due to a missed notification. To ensure consumers are still supported, the Executive Committee has agreed that Round Table will fund this initiative directly for the 2026 conference.
Financial assistance is open to any consumer with a print disability who is self-funding their attendance, including those travelling from overseas. We hope this will help ease some of the costs of attending, particularly for New Zealand delegates and others covering their own travel and registration.
Please note that this is a one-off initiative for the 2026 conference and does not indicate an ongoing funding arrangement.
Please Note:
- Applications for funding close on Saturday, 28th February 2026.
- Late applications may not be able to be considered.
- All decisions are made by the Round Table Executive Committee and are final.
For more information, or to submit an application, please visit the Round Table Conference website.
Calling all Audio Description users and creators in Australia!
The team at Curtin University is running research workshops in March 2026 (Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney & online) to explore:
- What people want from audio description now and in the future
- How AI & new tech might shape the future of AD
Participants receive a reimbursement for their time.
Register now: AudioDescription@curtin.edu.au (please tell us a bit about your AD experience in your registration).
Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) has approved this study (HREC number HRE2024-0188)
Navigating high school, TAFE and university as a disabled young person – The Disability Dialogue
Going to high school, university or TAFE can be exciting, but also pretty nerve-racking! New places. New people. New systems to figure out.
For young people with disability, these challenges can be even harder.
Research shows that disabled students often struggle more at school, because education systems are often not designed with accessibility in mind.
In this Open Dialogue, their guest speakers will talk about what it’s really like for young people with disability as they finish high school and navigate further study, training, and career opportunities.
They’ll discuss the barriers that exist, and highlight the creative ways young people with disability are breaking through them and finding ways to succeed at high school, TAFE and university.
Join the upcoming Open Dialogue event as they explore all this and more.
Date: Wednesday, 25th February 2026.
Time: 1:00pm to 2:30pm AEDT.
For more information and to register visit the Disability Dialogue website.
Research Invitation: Breastfeeding Experiences of Mothers with Vision Loss
This research aims to understand the breastfeeding practices of mothers with vision loss, their experience of learning to breastfeed, as well as their experience of breastfeeding supports and services they may have encountered along the way.
To be eligible, participants must meet the following criteria:
- Legally blind: as defined by the Australian Department of Social Services (2023)
- Had a baby within last two years
- Baby is older than 6 months of age
- Able to participate in an interview for up to 90-minutes in English either face-to face or online which will be audio recorded.
Register your interest and take part in the study.
New South Wales
Take Your Project to the Next Level! – Accessible Arts
The 2026 Next Level Creative Mentorship program has expanded to support writers, musicians, dancers, choreographers, actors, directors and/or producers with disability or who are d/Deaf from NSW, SA, NT and the ACT.
Ten artists with disability working in the performing arts will be provided with $3000 in project funding and access to a mentorship to develop an innovative new project. This is a hybrid program with both professional and project development outcomes.
For more information and to apply visit the Accessible Arts website.
Open spots for Vision Impaired Drive Day 2026 – Fifth Gear
One Raceway is hosting a Drive Day run by Fifth Gear Motoring specifically for people who are blind or vision impaired, to drive a car fitted with dual controls and with a qualified instructor. Drive day will be Tuesday the 24th of February 2026, and all participants are welcome to bring family, friends or carers along for the day.
One Raceway Vision Impaired Drive Day brought to you by Fifth Gear Motoring has a participation fee of $50 per person, with all proceeds and raised funds donated back to Canberra Blind Society.
Location: One Raceway, 4770 Braidwood Road, Tirrannaville NSW.
Food and Drink: Finger food and snacks will be provided on the day. There will be multiple water stations available on the day, but participants are welcomed to bring their own water or food.
For more information, please email office@fifthgear.com.au or call us on 0466 460 911.
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.