I am delighted to announce that Sabrina Fink has joined the BCA team this week as Project Coordinator for our An Eye to the Future project. Sabrina brings more than 20 years of experience as an educator, Teacher Librarian and program coordinator, with a strong background in project coordination, stakeholder engagement and community-focused initiatives.
Alongside her professional experience, Sabrina has lived experience with retinitis pigmentosa, giving her a deep understanding of the impact that inaccessible systems, assumptions about capability and workplace misconceptions can have on confidence and participation. Her commitment to accessibility, inclusion and community empowerment will be a real asset to this project. Please join me in giving her a warm welcome to BCA.
In other news, we continue our advocacy on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026. Last week, I shared that we had requested the opportunity to appear before the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee. While we were not invited to give oral evidence at the Canberra or Perth hearings, we are continuing to pursue every available opportunity to influence the Bill. Building on our two comprehensive submissions, we are writing to ten key Senators, urging them to either oppose the Bill or support critical amendments that better protect our community. If you would like to support this advocacy, we’ve made it easy to get involved, with template letters available on our website for members who wish to write to their own Senators. If you receive a response, please keep us updated by contacting bca@bca.org.au with a copy of the reply or details of the feedback provided.
Finally, please Save the Date for the 2027 BCA Convention! We are looking forward to welcoming members to Brisbane from Friday, 11th June to Sunday, 13th June 2027. It’s never too early to start planning, and we hope to bring members from across the country together once again.
– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.
A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.
More from BCA
Employment Opportunity – Communications Coordinator
Blind Citizens Australia is looking for someone to step into the Communications Coordinator role on a temporary basis from Monday, 14th September to Friday, 30th October.
We’re looking for someone with experience in communications or media, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to hit the ground running. The role is 20 hours per week, ideally worked over four days, although three days may also be considered.
Your lived experience of blindness or vision impairment is a highly valued asset, and we encourage you to apply. To apply, please submit your resume and expression of interest in Word format to
recruitment@bca.org.au by Friday, 7th August. If this sounds like a role that’s right for you, or for someone in your network, we’d love to hear from you.
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Take Action: Contact your local representatives about the NDIS Bill
The NDIS is too important to leave decisions about its future unanswered. Now is the time to make sure your representatives hear directly from the people who rely on the Scheme and care about getting it right.
Step one: Find your local Federal Member or Senator
Step two: Find their contact details
Use our lists to find contact details for:
Step three: Make your voice heard
Once you know who represents you, contact them and let them know why the NDIS matters to you. Need help writing your message? We’ve created template letters to make it easier to contact your representatives. You can personalise them with your own experiences and concerns.
Together, our voices can help ensure the future of the NDIS reflects the needs and experiences of people with disability, families, and supporters.
Invitation to validate research findings: Employment Support
Through my own experience from the purchase of my first hearing aid and a recent caller’s feedback, we have learnt that many members of our community are unaware of the existence of the Community Service Obligations program (CSO). Therefore, here are the following details on how to gain such valuable support.
BCA is seeking 10 participants to review the draft research report, “Perspectives to Practice: What works in employment support for people who are blind or vision impaired”.
The report, a collaborative inquiry carried out by BCA and the Centre for Inclusive Employment (CIE) brings together information from research, reports and data about barriers to employment for job seekers and the supports that help them gain and maintain ongoing employment.
We are keen to know if the findings in the report reflect your experience or observations of barriers to employment for people who are blind or have low vision. We are interested in hearing different perspectives and experiences and to hear:
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What parts of the report felt familiar or accurate
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What areas of the report did not reflect real life experiences
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Anything that may be missing.
The externally funded CIE project budget includes specific provision to remunerate participants for their contribution to the validation process and the in-depth review of the 68-page report.
Please email
bca@bca.org.au by Friday, 7th August 2026 to express your interest to review the report.
Share your Feedback on the AusAlert Test
On Monday, many Australians received the national AusAlert test message. We at Blind Citizens Australia are keen to hear about your experience.
Was the alert accessible using your screen reader or other assistive technology? Did you encounter any barriers or accessibility issues when receiving or interacting with the alert? We’re also interested in hearing your suggestions on how the system could be improved to better meet the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired.
It would be helpful if you could also let us know the type of device you were using (for example, an iPhone or Android phone), the model of your device, and the operating system or software version, if known.
Your feedback will help us identify any accessibility concerns and advocate for improvements to ensure emergency alerts are accessible to our community.
If you would like to share your experience, please contact Layal via email at
layal.hage@bca.org.au or call us on 1800 033 660 and ask to speak to Layal by Friday, 7th August.
BCA Events
Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for August 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, 8th August 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 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. If we are full, or you don’t make it before 8:00pm, you are still very welcome to stay and listen on mute.
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Join with one tap mobile using the number below (via iOS): +61280156011,,84491693225#,,,,*424050#
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Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 844 9169 3225
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Passcode: 424050
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.
Public Speaking Forum
Monday, 10th August at 7:30pm AEST.
Looking to build your confidence and sharpen your communication skills? Join our Public Speaking Forum, a friendly and supportive space where you can develop your presentation skills in an encouraging environment. Please note that members who have previously expressed interest in participating will be given priority for speaking roles, although a few additional spots are available. If all speaking positions are filled, you are still welcome to attend and observe.
Braille Enthusiasts Peer Group
Tuesday, 11th August at 7:30pm AEST.
Are you passionate about Braille or keen to build your skills? Our Braille Enthusiasts Peer Group is a lively and supportive space for Braille users of all levels. Whether you’re a long-time user, brushing up your skills, or just starting out, this group is all about sharing tips and celebrating the power of Braille in everyday life.
Music Group
Wednesday, 12th August at 7:30pm AEST.
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.
Around the Branches
Casino/Richmond Valley Branch
What: Morning Melodies with Ken Lindsay
When: Monday, 17th August 2026
Where: Evans Head RSL Club
Time: 9:00am Leave Casino
Cost: $10 + Lunch
For RSVP or any assistance please contact Denise Green on 0448 014 682.
New Horizons
This week, we chat with well-known BCA Women’s branch member Janene Sadhu, who facilitates an on-line well-being group for the UK based organization, Action for Happiness.
Take a listen to the New Horizons podcast.
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
Talk on Self-Acceptance, Identity and Possibility – TEDx
Many people in the blind or vision impaired community have faced moments of self-doubt, uncertainty, or the feeling that their disability defines them. In this recently released TEDx Talk by BCA member Aadityaa Gupta, Aadityaa reflects on their personal journey with vision loss and how an unexpected encounter changed their perspective forever.
This heartfelt presentation offers an empowering message about embracing who we are, challenging limiting beliefs, and finding strength in our lived experiences.
Applications Open – 2026 Vision Australia Awards
As a partnership between people who are blind, sighted or have low vision, Vision Australia understands the importance of acknowledging the invaluable contributions made by members of the community.
The Vision Australia Awards were handed out for the first time at the 2006 Annual General Meeting. They were created as a means of identifying, celebrating and thanking those generous organisations and individuals who give of their time and resources to support their work.
In 2026, the Vision Australia Awards will again be presented during the Annual General Meeting to be held in Kooyong, Victoria and/or virtually on Tuesday, 27th October 2026. Nominations can be made by Vision Australia members, employees, volunteers and members of the Client Reference Group.
So, if you know a person or company who has made a significant or exceptional contribution to the blind and low vision community and who is deserving of recognition, please nominate them today.
Community Billboard – Retina Australia
Retina Australia’s Community Billboard is a collaboration with other community organisations around the country. The Community Billboard calendar of activities and events aims to provide opportunities that promote learning, wellbeing, participation, and social engagement and connection.
Participants Wanted for PhD Research on AI-Generated Audio Descriptions – Curtin University
Researchers at Curtin University are seeking adults who are blind or have low vision to participate in a PhD research study investigating AI-generated audio descriptions for animated videos. This research forms part of a larger PhD project in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence and Accessibility, to improve the quality and accessibility of automated audio descriptions for people who are blind or have low vision. The findings will contribute to the development of more inclusive and accessible digital media.
What’s involved?
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One researcher-supervised session lasting approximately 45–60 minutes.
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The session can be completed online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, or in person at a mutually convenient location.
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Participants will watch short animated video clips with audio descriptions and provide feedback on their experience.
Closing date is Thursday, 20th August 2026.
Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Working with providers
This session will explore how participants can work effectively with NDIS providers.
In this session we will talk about:
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how to find and choose NDIS providers that meet their needs
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what a service agreement is and why it’s important
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participants’ rights and responsibilities when working with providers
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what to do if issues arise with a provider or supports.
New South Wales
NSW Women of the Year Awards – NSW Government
Nominations are now open for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2027. The awards recognise and celebrate the incredible women and girls improving the lives of people in NSW.
Nominations are open for the following categories:
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NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence Award
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NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award
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NSW Community Hero Award
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NSW Regional Woman of the Year Award
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NSW Young Woman of the Year Award (aged 16-30 years old)
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Ones to Watch (aged 7-15 years old).
Award recipients will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday, 4th March 2027 in Sydney. The ceremony is the highlight of NSW Women’s Week 2027, 2-8 March.
Nominations close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 13th August 2026.
Victoria
Audio Description – Melbourne International Film Festival
National Self Advocacy Day will be held on Tuesday, 13th October 2026.
We want to recognise self-advocates who are doing a great job.
Melbourne International Film Festival is proud to offer a selection of films screening with audio description from Thursday, 6th August to Sunday, 23rd, including a session of Joybubbles on Tuesday, 18th August screening with Open Audio Description where the audio description track will play aloud through the cinema speakers over the film score and sound design. All patrons in the cinema will hear the audio description track.
To book over the phone call 03 8660 4888, the Box Office is open from 11:00am to 4:00pm every day before the festival starts.
August Events – Deafblind Victoria
Deafblind Victoria has a fantastic line-up of activities for August, including a community sausage sizzle fundraiser, a pottery workshop with Daryl Harrison, a recreation day at Frankston PARC in partnership with Able Australia, a Café Technology Expo showcasing accessible technology and services, and a walking group at Albert Park Lake.
Whether you’re interested in socialising, learning a new skill, exploring accessible technology or enjoying some gentle exercise, there’s something for everyone. Some events require registration, so be sure to RSVP where requested.
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.
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.
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.
