Update from the CEO
Dear Members,
Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week 2026, with the theme All In. It’s a reminder that reconciliation is something we all need to be part of, not something to watch from the sidelines. It also recognises that this work shouldn’t sit only with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have long led and carried it. You can read more about this year’s theme on the Reconciliation Australia website.
This week, I attended the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities conference in Adelaide, held under the theme “Innovation, Collaboration and Empowerment: Gateways to Information Access.”
What stood out most across the three days was the incredible energy, expertise and generosity within the sector – and especially the joy of reconnecting with so many BCA members, colleagues and partners. These opportunities to come together, share ideas and strengthen relationships are invaluable, and it was wonderful to see our community represented so strongly throughout the program. Attending the Round Table AGM was another highlight, providing an opportunity to reflect on the sector’s shared priorities and future direction.
The conference highlighted both the progress being made and the work still ahead to ensure equitable access to information, education, employment and community life for people who are blind or vision impaired.
A strong theme throughout the event was empowerment through literacy and accessible technology. Discussions explored the enduring importance of braille literacy, innovative approaches to adult braille training, inclusive teaching practices, and global efforts to increase access to braille education. There was also significant focus on emerging technologies and AI, including thoughtful conversations about how assistive technology and artificial intelligence can improve access to visual information while ensuring accessibility remains inclusive.
Collaboration across sectors was another clear focus. Presentations showcased partnerships between universities, libraries, schools, advocacy organisations, technology providers and community groups to embed accessibility into mainstream services and spaces. Sessions on public libraries, accessible galleries and museums, co-design, and tactile storytelling demonstrated how inclusion is strengthened when accessibility is considered from the outset.
While in Adelaide, I’ve also enjoyed the opportunity to spend time in person with Amila Dedovic, Communications Coordinator, Francois Jacobs, Systemic Advocacy Lead, and our finance team Not for Profit Accounting Specialists (NFPAS). It’s always energising to connect face-to-face.
Alongside the conference, I’m excited to strengthen partnerships and connections across the sector, including spending some time with Guide Dogs SA/NT tomorrow and catching up with members of the BCA SA Branch this weekend. It’s been a valuable opportunity to connect in person and continue building strong working relationships across our community.
A friendly reminder that our next BCA Inform will be held next week, where we’ll share key highlights from the Round Table Conference, featuring Dr Agata Mrva-Montoya, Round Table President, and Ben Clare (SPEVI). I encourage you to find out more about the session and register under BCA Events.
Finally, public hearings for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 are scheduled to take place in Melbourne on Tuesday, 9th June and Canberra on Wednesday, 10th June and Thursday, 11th June.
As the hearing program has not yet been released, BCA would appreciate hearing from any members or stakeholders with lived experience of blindness or vision impairment who may have been invited to appear as a witness, to help inform and support our advocacy work. If you have been invited to appear, please contact BCA Policy Officer Melanie Chatfield at melanie.chatfield@bca.org.au.
– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.
A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Policy Update – Melanie Chatfield
BCA’s submission to the National Cultural Policy 2026 calls for accessibility and disability inclusion to be embedded as core requirements across Australia’s arts and cultural sector. We highlight the systemic barriers people who are blind or vision impaired continue to face in accessing cultural life.
Our recommendations call for enforceable accessibility standards across publicly funded arts and cultural activities, increased investment in audio description, braille and accessible formats, stronger support for blind and vision impaired artists and creators, and nationally consistent accountability measures. We also emphasise the need for disability-led co-design and inclusive First Nations cultural initiatives to ensure all Australians can independently discover, access, create and participate in arts and culture on an equal basis with others.
Read our full submission on the BCA website.
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, 30th 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 – Round Table 2026: Key Insights and Takeaways
Tuesday, 2nd June from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEST.
Join us for a session providing a summary of key highlights from the Round Table Conference. Our guest speakers for this session will be Dr Agata Mrva-Montoya, President of the Round Table and Ben Clare, Co-President of South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI).
This session will offer insight into discussions, emerging trends, and developments in accessible information, braille, audio, publishing, technology, and inclusion.
To register for the event please visit the Humanitix website.
If you have any questions, or if you require assistance registering, please feel free to 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.
Employment Group
Monday, 1st June at 7:30pm AEST.
Are you actively seeking employment or looking to navigate the job market? Join our Employment Peer Connect Group – a supportive space where job seekers can come together to share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange valuable tips and resources. Whether you’re job hunting, navigating interviews, or exploring career opportunities, this group offers a chance to connect with others on a similar journey.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 864 4868 5967
- Passcode: 337783
Book Club
Wednesday, 3rd June at 7:00pm AEST.
In this meeting, the group will discuss “The War Nurses” by Anthea Hodgson available from the Vision Australia library. This group is open to all readers, whether you’ve just embarked on your reading journey or have been immersed in books for many years you are welcome to come along. You will have the chance to discuss books, exchange ideas, and broaden your horizons through the magic of storytelling.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 850 6354 6612
- Passcode: 934727
Around the Branches
Tasmania Branch
Northwest Catch-Up
The next catch-up for North-West members and friends is on Wednesday, 10th June at Café Europa located at 1/23 Cattley Street in Burnie.
From 12:00pm to 2:00pm.
Please contact Kristy – kristystichter8@gmail.com or on 0407 379 804 if you would like to attend. Kristy can provide further information.
Hobart Catch-up
Members and friends are invited to the Central Hobart Bistro and Bar, 73 Collins Street (right near the Collins Street taxi rank) on Saturday 30th May at 11:30am onwards.
Please RSVP to Vanessa 0417 387 079 or vanessa.k.ransley@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there.
Queensland Branch
The Branch President’s trip around Queensland for May will end this week with a stop at Harvey Bay. This is a great opportunity for Branch members to engage with the branch in person.
Details are as follows:
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.
New Horizons
This week, we chat with incoming president Andrew Webster about his priorities over the next six months leading up to the AGM.
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
Join the World Blind Union (WBU) as Chief Executive Director
The World Blind Union is pleased to announce an exciting leadership opportunity for the position of Chief Executive Director (CEO).
The World Blind Union is the international voice of blind and partially sighted persons, representing over 338 million people worldwide through its members and six Regional Unions. WBU advances human rights, accessibility, inclusion, and global collaboration, working with the United Nations and other international bodies.
We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to guide the organization through its next phase of growth and impact. The successful candidate will oversee organizational leadership, operations, partnerships, and advocacy efforts while supporting WBU’s mission and global membership.
Key Details:
- Position: Chief Executive Director (CEO)
- Location: Flexible
- Reports to: WBU President
- Application Deadline: Friday, 12th June 2026
The full position description, responsibilities, qualifications, and application details are available by visiting the World Blind Union website.
Survey participants wanted: The influence of vision loss on musical activities - The University of Melbourne
Researchers from The University of Melbourne are seeking adult participants for an online survey looking at musical activities and how vision loss may affect them (Ethics Approval Number: 35397).
The survey has a maximum of 27 questions and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, although may take longer for those with vision loss that affects reading speed.
The survey is anonymous and your participation is completely voluntary. Both those with vision loss and those with healthy vision can participate.
If you have questions about this research, please contact Associate Professor Andrew Anderson at aaj@unimelb.edu.au
Paid Opportunity to review the accessibility of ADNA’s new website – Arts and Disability Network Australia (ADNA)
ADNA are seeking d/Deaf and disabled artists, artworkers and screen practitioners to contribute to the development of their website to help them ensure that it is accessible for our entire community.
The website panel will test the draft of the website and take part in an online discussion about how accessible it is for users from different backgrounds and with different access needs.
You will be paid $350 for your time.
Apply to be part of the website access review panel.
Submissions close: Monday, 1st June
New South Wales
Wollongong to host Vision Store Product Expo – Vision Australia
Wednesday, 10th June from 10:30am to 12:00pm.
The event will start with fun, engaging presentations on the Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, followed by hands-on demos and try-outs. Participants will have the chance to experience how these glasses offer assistance through voice commands, smart interactions, information access, and overall independence.
Location: Collegians Wollongong, 3a Charlotte Street, Wollongong, NSW.
Seats are limited, so please register early. To learn more and to register visit the Vision Australia website.
Access and Inclusion at the Biennale of Sydney
The Biennale of Sydney is one of the world’s leading contemporary art festivals, held every two years across Sydney and featuring artists from around the globe. The 2026 edition runs from Tuesday, 14th April to Sunday, 14th June, with the main exhibition space at White Bay Power Station, and has a strong focus on Indigenous art and storytelling, highlighting First Nations artists and perspectives from Australia and beyond.
They are holding Audio Described Tactile Tours which “combine live verbal narration (audio description) with a hands-on exhibition experience for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Using tactile samples of artworks, and physically engaging with certain artworks, their guides build sensory and contextual understanding of a series of artworks at White Bay Power Station. This tour will be led by Wollongong-based artist Keith Rutherford and a Biennale of Sydney staff member.
The next tour is on Sunday, 14th June from 12:15pm – 1:30 pm. Tickets are free, but you do have to register.
The Australian Museum wants to hear from you! – Australian Museum
The Australian Museum is conducting a short community survey to better understand the experiences of people with a disability and/or their carers when it comes to visiting the Museum.
Your feedback will directly shape how the Australian Museum improves access and inclusion for everyone.
The survey will ask about:
- Any barriers you may face in visiting the Australian Museum
- What your visit was like, if you have been before.
- What might make it easier or more appealing to visit, if you haven’t
Who can participate?
- People with access and Inclusion requirements
- Carers and support people
The survey is open until Saturday, 6th June.
If you need this survey in a different format or have any questions, please contact the Australian Museum directly at feedback@australian.museum or call 02 9320 6000
Audio Described Performances for “Sheltering” – Bangarra Dance Theatre
Bangarra Dance Theatre is offering Audio Description for most performances during our 2026 national tour of “Sheltering”.
Our Audio Description is for people who are blind or have low vision, as well as those with sensory processing disorders, autism, or people who simply require some assistance to experience the Cultural spirit of the production as fully as possible.
As you listen to Bangarra’s Audio Description, you will hear information about the Cultural inspiration for the stories, as well as all the visual and tactile elements that weave together to make up the full production.
Booking information can be found on the Bangarra website, via email at bangarra@bangarra.com.au , or call us on 02 9251 5333. Companion Cards welcome.
Victoria
Mentorship Program Exhibition – Arts Access Victoria
Embrace is a new exhibition featuring works from six artists from Arts Access Victoria’s Arts Mentorship Program. Using painting, drawing, installation, and mixed media. Stop, talk, and find yourself in each other’s stories.
This exhibition is a collaboration between Arts Access Victoria and The Dax Centre.
Exhibition dates: Friday, 5th June – Friday, 4th September.
Opening Event: Thursday, 11th June from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Where: Dax Centre, 30 Royal Parade, Kenneth Myer Building, Parkville.
Access: Wheelchair Access, Accessible Toilet, Auslan, Audio Description, Relaxed Event, Quiet Space.
Free exhibition, no booking required.
For more information visit the Arts Access Victoria website.
Queensland
Audio Description Performance and Tactile Tour of Eat Slay Zombie – La Boite Theatre
Saturday, 30th May at 6:45pm AEST.
A bowling alley, two best friends and a whole lot of zombies.
Never fear, the @BLKBUNKERBTCHES are here! The zombie apocalypse has finally happened and TikTok is the sole form of communication. This is a world of zombie kill tallies, educational doomsday TikToks, and out-of-bounds Bunnings. Sheree and Tash are bunking down in a bowling alley, when another survivor turns up, challenging their isolation. Maybe it’s time to explore who, and what else, is out there? With big decisions to make, and no working flamethrower to protect them, how do two Blak women navigate a world that is actively trying to kill them?
Eat Slay Zombie, co-directed by playwright, multidisciplinary artist, and Githabul–Migunberri–Yugumbeh woman Alinta McGrady, and Lisa Fa’alafi (Co-Artistic Director: Polytoxic, Hot Brown Honey), is a horror/comedy about colonisation, friendship, and state occupation — except its zombies.
To make an AD booking please call the box office on 07 3007 8600.
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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.