The Board of Blind Citizens Australia (BCA), Australia’s national representative organisation of people who are blind or vision impaired, has reappointed Deb Deshayes as Chief Executive Officer for a second three-year term, from October 2026 to October 2029.
Deb was appointed CEO in October 2023, after serving as BCA’s General Manager. She brings almost two decades of experience in the disability sector and her own lived experience of vision impairment.
Her first term included BCA’s 50th anniversary in 2025. Members gathered in Melbourne and online for a national convention that celebrated five decades of advocacy led by people who are blind or vision impaired.
Under Deb’s leadership, BCA has:
- given members a strong national voice on NDIS reform, including accessible communication and the need for blindness expertise in assessments
- secured funding for expanded Peer Connect and leadership programs strengthening BCA’s financial stability
- secured funding for a grant which focuses on intersectionality and the development of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation Action Plan
- appointed its first Systemic Advocacy Lead and strengthened its operations
- supported members to challenge discrimination against dog guide users
- grown its employment support through An Eye to the Future
- facilitated collaborative advocacy on mandatory audio description, with the Australian Government announcing in August 2026 that it is developing legislation to require it across free-to-air, subscription and on-demand television
- led emerging advocacy on smart glasses as essential accessibility technology
- launched the Strategic Plan 2026 to 2030.
“Deb has built a strong and dedicated team, and her calm, thoughtful leadership, together with her genuine respect for BCA members, continues to shape and strengthen our work.”
“I am confident that she will lead us into a new period of opportunity and achievement,” BCA President Andrew Webster said.
“Our 50th Anniversary Convention was a true highlight for me.”
“It has been a rewarding journey, and every moment reflects the commitment and shared purpose of our entire organisation. I am honoured to continue in this role and look forward to working closely with the team and our community as we shape our future together over the next three years,” Ms Deshayes said.
Media contact:
Jess Hough
Acting Communications Coordinator
0457 266 144