Update from the CEO
Dear Members,
Work across the NDIA working groups is continuing to progress, with a clear focus on improving the participant pathway experience and strengthening accessible communication.
Through the Participant Pathway Experience Co-Design Working Group, we are progressing important work to enhance the Support Needs Assessment process. A central focus has been on the development and refinement of conversation guides, following the Service Guidance Workshop. Discussions have explored what additional information could sit alongside these guides to better support assessors, whether further guides are needed and how they can be used more effectively to improve the participant experience. This work reflects a shared commitment to making assessments more consistent; while ensuring they remain respectful, person-centered and easy to navigate.
The Accessible Communications Working Group, in collaboration with Disability Representative and Carer Organisations and the NDIA, is continuing to shape how information is delivered to the community. The Working Group has established a more structured approach to its work, balancing immediate priorities with longer term improvements. Alongside providing timely feedback on NDIA materials such as the Engagement Resource Library, Accessibility Statement and reform communications, there is a strong focus on building a more consistent and effective communication framework.
This includes reviewing an accessibility checklist, working with the NDIA to clarify its accessible communication workflow and improving processes so that materials are shared early enough to enable meaningful consultation. There is also a forward focus on developing a communication roadmap to support consistent messaging across reforms, consolidating key communication issues and questions for the NDIA, and preparing a formal letter to the NDIA CEO to clearly outline the Working Group’s role, expectations and priorities. Our work is ongoing, and we continue to collaborate with the co-design working group and the NDIA to progress these priorities.
Finally, the National Policy Committee has endorsed a position paper on visual self-description. The paper challenges the growing practice of speakers describing their physical appearance at events and meetings. While often well-intentioned, the paper outlines how these descriptions rarely improve inclusion for people who are blind or vision impaired and can, in some cases, reinforce exclusion. It instead highlights when limited contextual information, such as gender identity, cultural background or lived experience, is useful, and outlines practical steps to improve accessibility through better event design, clearer communication and accessible formats. The paper has been published on the BCA website, and we encourage members to read and share it.
– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.
A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Advocacy Update: Dog guide bus access refusal – Martin Stewart
A client who was travelling with his dog guide called us to inform that he was denied access to his local bus. He told us that when this bus pulled up beside him with its doors remaining closed, he displayed his access rights card which the driver observed and then shook his head and then immediately drove away. After advice from us on how to approach the bus company our client made a complaint which has now been responded to by the U-Go bus company where they have acknowledged that the incident did occur and have apologised for it.
Also, the following actions are being implemented:
- The driver is receiving additional training.
- The bus company introduced reminder messaging on all depot communications teams to allow service animals on board, which started on Wednesday, 25th March.
In addition, BCA will be raising this incident at the next Transport NSW Accessible Transport Advisory Committee meeting to give further advice on how to ensure that such incidents do not reoccur.
BCA Events
Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for April 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, 18th April 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. If we are full, or you don’t make it before 8:00pm, you are still very welcome to stay and listen on mute.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile (via non-iOS)
- 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
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, 18th April at 2:00pm AEST.
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
Assistive Technology Group
Monday, 20th April 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.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 813 6198 4959
- Passcode: 335492
Gardening Group
Wednesday, 22nd April at 7:30pm AEST.
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, 22nd April 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.
- 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
Queensland Branch
The next Queensland Branch meeting will be held on Saturday, 18th April at 3:00pm AEST. The agenda was made available on Tuesday, 14th April. All Branch members are welcome to come along.
You can join the Zoom meeting by using the following Zoom details:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85390717366?pwd=nU4mJbkiCYCvKIaV1e2TbEISga1Czk.1
Meeting ID: 853 9071 7366
Passcode: 656344
One tap mobile
+61871501149,,85390717366# Australia
We look forward to seeing you there!
Casino / Richmond Valley Branch
April Outing
What: Morning Tea
Where: Zebras Café
When: Thursday, 23rd April 2026
Time: 10:00am
Cost: Order and pay for your own
RSVP to Denise on 0448 014 682 or email deniseg.vip@outlook.com
News From Outside BCA
National
Let’s unpack ableism – The Disability Dialogue
The Disability Dialogue team would like to invite you to their next Open Dialogue online event all about ableism.
At this event, people with disability will talk about their experiences with ableism, including what it can look like for different people, how it affects confidence, opportunities, and everyday life. We will also talk about disability pride.
Date: Wednesday, 29th April 2026
Time: 1:00pm to 2:30pm AEDT.
Cost: Free
Where: Online (Zoom)
The event will include Auslan interpreting and closed captioning. They also ask if attendees have any other access requirements to please let them know.
If you have any questions, please contact Caitlyn Hurley at Caitlyn.Hurley@dana.org.au
Join A Research Study on Braille Literacy and Quality of Life – University of Southern Queensland
Are you someone who uses braille and has experienced its impact on daily life? Are you Australian and over 18 years of age?
You’re invited to participate in a research study led by Aasha Rose, PhD Candidate at the University of Southern Queensland.
Participate in an online survey which should take approximately 40 minutes. Questions in the survey will include your braille learning experiences, your living situation and your wellbeing.
Your expertise will help shape an understanding of how braille literacy impacts quality of life, directly impacting educational opportunities and quality of life for others in the community.
Any enquiries please contact: aasha.rose@unisq.edu.au
Seeking Participants for a Wearable Communication Device – RMIT Activator Program
A team participating in the RMIT Activator Program, which supports early-stage ideas with a focus on social impact, is seeking participants for a new wearable communication device.
They are currently developing a wearable device that enables silent communication and device control through touch and gestures. They are seeking people who are vision impaired who would be open to a short conversation to share feedback on the potential usefulness of this concept.
If you are interested contact Dylan Parker on 0479 008 178 or email dylanjayparker@gmail.com
New South Wales
Macular Milestones: Community Research Update 2026 – Save Sight Institute
Save the date on Monday, 25th May 2026, 11:00am to 1:00pm for Macular Milestones, a yearly opportunity to learn about the latest breakthroughs in macular disease treatment and blindness prevention.
Hear from leading experts at the Save Sight Institute, including Professor Matthew Simunovic, head of the Retinal Disease and Rescue Group and Professor Mark Gillies, head of the Macula Research Group.
Agenda:
- Professor Matthew Simunovic: Restoration of macular function using the PRIMA electronic retinal implant
- Professor Mark Gillies: Treatments on the horizon for advanced age-related macular degeneration
- Dr Dario Protti: Approaches to improve vision in retinal/macular degeneration by decreasing retinal noise
This event is free and will be held in-person. Light refreshments will be served from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.
When: Monday, 25th May 2026, 11:00am to 1:00pm AEST.
Where: Claffy Lecture Theatre, Sydney Eye Hospital. 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
Kindly register by Monday, 18th May 2026. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information, please contact Kamila Navarro at ssi.events@sydney.edu.au
Victoria
Join The Team: Client Engagement & Wayfinding Education – Braille Tactile Signs Aust.
Braille Tactile Signs Aust. is seeking a passionate superstar to join their team!
This role is open to all candidates; however, they strongly encourage applications from people who are blind or have low vision. They believe lived experience brings invaluable insight to the work they do and would be a meaningful addition to their team.
They have always believed that the strongest outcomes come from listening to and working alongside the community they support. Welcoming someone who is blind or has low vision into our team is a natural and important extension of this commitment.
Their mission is to build empathy around their products and educate the community on the importance of reliable wayfinding. They are committed to supporting independence for people who are blind or have low vision, and who better to help them deepen this impact than someone with lived experience.
In this role, you will be at the heart of connecting people. You’ll strengthen client relationships, create new opportunities to raise awareness, represent Braille Tactile Signs Aust at industry events, and deliver engaging training sessions.
They’re looking for someone who is a true team player, confident communicating with clients and stakeholders, and has exceptional phone etiquette. You’ll also have a flair for administration and delivering outstanding customer service.
At Braille Tactile Signs Aust., they pride themselves on a strong moral compass, valuing diversity and inclusion, and they are deeply passionate about creating a more accessible and inclusive built environment.
If you want to work with a company that listens, values you, and contributes to a better society… they would love to hear from you.
For the right candidate, this part time role, has scope for development over time and a balance of work from home and in office attendance.
If you are a confident communicator with a touch of personal flair, please forward your cover letter demonstrating your suitability to the role, and resume, to Kaye Jones at kayej@guidedogsvictoria.com.au, with the application closing date now extended to COB Wednesday, 22nd April.
If you have further questions regarding this role, please contact either Kaye Jones, Employment Service, Guide Dogs Victoria or Rebecca Webbern, CVGT Employment at rwebbern@cvgt.com.au
Join Nimbus Art Studio! – Access to Arts Victoria (AAV)
Nimbus studio offers a welcoming space for Deaf and Disabled artists to grow their visual arts practice. Held at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre.
Get creative in a roomy and light filled space overlooking orchards. The Bundoora Homestead gallery and cafe are nearby.
Nimbus is a supportive artistic community. Here, artists explore ideas, develop new work, and build confidence.
Facilitating artists support you in the space and make you feel comfortable. It can be a relaxed social day or a quiet time for you to be among others while you do your thing.
To learn more, visit the Access to Arts Victoria website.
Here is how to catch a bus like never before – Hailo
Hailo is a free app that lets you hail a bus directly from your phone - before it even arrives at your stop. No waving, no guessing, no getting left behind. You can also let the driver know where you want to get off before you even board.
Built from lived experience by a team that includes a blind co-founder, Hailo is designed for everybody - blind and low vision passengers, wheelchair users, people with anxiety, older passengers, parents with prams and anyone who has ever struggled to use public transport.
Hailo is live right now across all Ventura Bus Lines services in Melbourne and is completely free to download.
Want to learn how to use it? The Hailo team runs a free community session every Friday from 10:00am to 11:00am AEST on Microsoft Teams. Come along to see a live demonstration, ask the engineering team anything and share your feedback directly with the people building Hailo.
No registration needed – just click the link below on any Friday morning to join:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/45576309100142?p=PS5MUoeEYjbM2kVKr3
Find out more and download Hailo.
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.