Update from the CEO
Dear Members,
As many of you know, the Australian Government has announced significant reforms to the NDIS, aimed at improving the long-term sustainability of the scheme and slowing cost growth. These changes will be introduced progressively from late 2026 through to 2028 and will affect eligibility, assessments, budgets and how supports are delivered.
While there is broad agreement that the NDIS needs to be sustainable, BCA is focused on ensuring that reforms do not come at the expense of the essential supports that we rely on every day. For people who are blind or vision impaired, supports such as assistive technology, orientation and mobility training, and community access are critical to independence, safety and participation. Changes to functional assessments, reductions in some support budgets and tighter funding rules all have the potential to significantly impact how people access and use supports.
At this stage, many implementation details are still emerging. There is ongoing uncertainty about how functional capacity assessments will work in practice, what “foundational supports” will include and how changes will be sequenced. These details will be critical in determining the real-world impact of the reforms.
For a detailed overview of the reforms, key changes and what they may mean for people who are blind or vision impaired, I encourage you to read the full announcement on the BCA website.
BCA is actively engaging in national discussions to represent the interests of our members. This includes participating in a recent special members’ forum convened by the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO), which brought together disability organisations to discuss the reform program, key risks and sector advocacy priorities. Discussions focused on the reform timeline, potential impacts on participants and the importance of coordinated advocacy across the sector. Our advocacy is focused on several key priorities: ensuring functional assessments accurately reflect the lived experience of blindness and vision impairment; maintaining access to essential supports; protecting choice and control; and ensuring reforms are implemented in a safe and staged way.
BCA is also supportive of the broader disability sector’s efforts to highlight what is at stake. The recent “Reasonable. Necessary. Ordinary.” campaign led by People with Disability Australia (PWDA) reinforces that NDIS supports are not extras, but that they are essential to everyday life, enabling people to work, participate in their communities and maintain their wellbeing. The campaign highlights the real-world consequences of reducing access to support and reinforces that NDIS reform must be driven by the lived experience and outcomes of people with disability.
We know these changes will raise questions and concerns. BCA will continue to keep members informed as more details become available and will provide opportunities for you to share your experiences to help shape our advocacy.
In other news, our next BCA Inform session will be held next Tuesday and will focus on Advocacy in Practice. We would love for you to join us. Full details are available in the Events section below.
And finally, many of you will have seen that New Horizons has recently returned to air, now hosted by Steve Richardson. The first episode reflects on the program’s history and our ongoing role within the community. I hope you enjoy listening to the relaunch episode.
– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.
A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Advocacy Update: Vic Emergency App Now Much More Accessible – Martin Stewart
Our client was experiencing many accessibility and usability issues with the Vic Emergency iOS App. We then directly communicated this lack of accessibility to the developer, explaining the importance of having such an essential service available to all, not just some who use it in order to maximise their safety by being informed.
We are so pleased to inform that this client is now very happily reporting that the latest changes that have been made to the Vic Emergency app have made it to be accessible for iOS VoiceOver users such as her. She particularly referred to the text only section which is now available in the menu.
This is a great example of how much of a positive difference can be achieved when our feedback is properly heard and then acted upon.
BCA Events
Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for May 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, 9th May 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.
- 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
BCA Inform – Advocacy in Practice
Tuesday, 12th May from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEST.
Join us for an engaging session on advocacy, where BCA’s National Advocacy Officer Martin Stewart and our recently appointed Systemic Advocacy Lead Francois Jacobs come together to unpack the full scope of advocacy.
From empowering individual advocacy to driving large-scale systemic reform this session will explore how BCA works to protect your rights and create meaningful, lasting change.
You’ll gain insight into the ways BCA advocates on behalf of our community, while also learning practical strategies to strengthen your own self-advocacy skills. We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
Please note that, for May only, this event has been moved from the first Tuesday of the month to the second Tuesday.
BCA National Volunteers Week Gathering
Wednesday, 20th May from 1:00pm to 1:45pm AEST.
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and will be held on 18 to 24 May 2026. This year’s theme is “Your Year to Volunteer”.
To recognise our wonderful volunteers, BCA will host an online National Volunteer Week lunchtime get-together on Wednesday, 20th May, from 1:00pm to 1:45pm AEST.
We will be in touch with our volunteers to invite them to this event. We also warmly invite members of the BCA community to attend and celebrate our volunteers and the valuable work they do across BCA.
To register for this 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.
Art Appreciation Group
Friday, 8th May at 11:00am AEST.
Do you enjoy discussing different styles of art, exploring critiques of art, reading writings from curators, and sharing online resources to expand your understanding of art? Then join the Art Appreciation Peer Connect Group – a space to connect, exchange ideas, and deepen your appreciation for arts in an inclusive and engaging way.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 818 6110 0639
- Passcode: 764642
Braille Enthusiasts Group
Please note that the Braille Enthusiasts Peer Group will not be meeting on Tuesday, 12th May due to BCA Inform: Advocacy in Practice taking place at the same time. The next Braille Enthusiasts meeting will be held on Tuesday, 9th June at 7:30pm AEST.
Music Group
Wednesday, 13th May 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
Casino / Richmond Valley Branch
Outing for the month of May is to Evans Head RSL on Monday, 25th May.
Morning Melodies at 10:00am with Ged and Trudy.
New members are very welcome.
Join us for a “Cuppa” at 10:00am.
Free transport is available.
For more information, please contact Denise on 0448 014 682 or email deniseg.vip@outlook.com
Queensland Branch
The Branch President’s trip around Queensland for May will include three stops. This is a great opportunity for Branch members to engage with the branch in person.
Details are as follows:
On Thursday, 7th May from 11:30am to 2:00pm at the Toowoomba City Library. (155 Herries Street, Toowoomba).
On Saturday, 9th May from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Club Yeronga (391 Fairfield Road, Yeronga).
On Friday, 29th May at 12:00pm at the Hervey Bay Neighborhood Center (22 Charles Street, Pialba QLD 4655)
If you have any questions, please contact Branch President Adrian Watson via email thewatto@yahoo.com.au or call 0437 724 221.
News From Outside BCA
National
Community Forum to discuss the proposed NDIS changes – People with Disability Australia (PWDA)
Thursday, 7th May from 4:00pm to 5:30pm AEST.
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is hosting a forum to create a safe and supportive space for their members and community to come together and reflect on the government’s proposed changes to the NDIS and what it means for our community.
The event will bring together people with disability, families and supporters across Australia. Discussions will help us understand what matters to you and how the proposed reforms impact your daily life, supports and future.
PWDA recognises the proposed NDIS changes have raised strong emotions and concerns. Psychotherapist Ange Cook will be part of the forum to provide support and guidance during and after the event.
Learn more and register for the event.
Help Shape EnAccess Maps: Share Your Experience – EnAccess Maps
EnAccess Maps helps people find venues that support their access needs.
Their platform currently supports wheelchair access, and they’re expanding to include vision, hearing and sensory access needs.
They’d love to invite you to a 30-minute phone call to share what you look for in venues. Your experience will help shape how Australians navigate their cities.
All participants receive a $25 visa voucher via email after completing the call.
Register to provide your input.
Designing technology to support better access to public transport information – Monash University
Monash University is conducting a research study to better understand how blind and low vision people access public transport information, including real-time updates, journey planning tools, and navigation support. They are interested in learning about the barriers that still make public transport difficult to access, as well as opportunities to improve the design of future technologies.
They invite you to complete a short pre-workshop survey of approximately 5 minutes. Some participants who complete the survey will then be invited to take part in a follow-up workshop, which may be held online or in person.
If you are invited to and participate in the workshop, you will be reimbursed for your time.
Your feedback will help researchers design more inclusive and accessible technologies to better support public transport access for people who are blind or have low vision.
Complete the form to register your interest or contact: William (Hanmin) Chen via email at hanmin.chen@monash.edu
New South Wales
Survey about tactile station maps – Sydney Metro
Sydney Metro is investigating how tactile station maps can support customers who are blind or have low vision to independently navigate stations. They are seeking feedback on three options:
- Fixed tactile maps permanently located at station entrances
- Take-home tactile maps that customers can keep and carry
- Providing both fixed and take‑home tactile maps together
Sydney Metro has prepared a brief survey and invites you to share your thoughts on the usefulness of each option and how they may support independent travel. This survey will close at 5:00pm on Friday, 29th May 2026.
If you have any questions or issues with the survey, please email ATAC@transport.nsw.gov.au
Victoria
Calendar of Events and Activities – Deafblind Victoria
DBV has a lineup of events, programs and social activities throughout the month of May for the deafblind community. From craft groups and social cafés to accessible technology support and special events.
For event details for May visit the Deafblind Victoria website.
South Australia
The Importance of Being Earnest – State Theatre Company South Australia
The Importance of Being Earnest is beloved for its wit, satire, and gleeful skewering of Victorian respectability. But beneath the dazzling dialogue lies something more radical: a world built on performance — of identity, class, and desire.
The play follows two young men, Jack and Algernon, who create elaborate alter egos — “Ernest” — to escape social obligations and pursue love. This production is fast, furious and wickedly funny.
With an entirely South Australian cast, we’re serving up the very best talent with teeth, sparkle, and a whole lot of nerve. Prepare yourself for a bold and joyful night at the theatre.
Where: The Dunstan Playhouse
When: Saturday, 16th May, 2:00pm and Monday, 18th May, 6:30pm.
For more information and to book a ticket visit the Access2Arts website.
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.