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Wednesday 12th August

Update from the CEO

Dear Members,

I’m excited to introduce Joanna Failes, who has joined the BCA team to coordinate our Pathways to Independence project. Jo brings a wealth of experience in project planning, training and stakeholder engagement, joining us from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. She has also worked with the University of Wollongong, TAFE and NAVITAS, and more recently in Orientation and Mobility training. Jo’s experience building relationships and creating opportunities for connection will be a real asset as we work to strengthen leadership, peer connection and community participation through Pathways to Independence. Jo holds a Bachelor of Commerce and lives in NSW. Please join me and the rest of the team in giving Jo a very warm welcome to BCA.

At the recent Disability Representative and Carers Organisation (DRCO) Forum, we heard more about how the NDIA is working with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to implement proposed legislation, with a focus on clearer communication, staff training and meaningful engagement with participants and families. Representatives welcomed the delay to the New Planning Framework until April 2027, while raising important concerns about workforce readiness and the Support Needs Assessment. DRCO representatives also highlighted the need for assessments to properly reflect how disability affects a person’s functioning and the complexity of support needs where multiple impairments intersect. BCA will continue to ensure the feedback and insights already provided by members are reflected as these reforms progress. To get a full overview of what was discussed in the Forum meeting, you can find the full summary on the BCA website.

As some of you may know, a significant step forward for Audio Description was announced last week, with the Government confirming it will develop legislation to mandate Audio Description and increase captioning across television and streaming services. This is a huge accessibility win for Australians who are blind or vision impaired and a major step towards ensuring we can enjoy television with our families, participate in conversations and share in the cultural moments that connect us all.

Crucially, this milestone is the result of years of dedicated advocacy across our community. We extend our sincere thanks to the many advocates, sector allies, and working group members whose persistent campaigning and expertise helped bring us to this point. BCA looks forward to continuing to work alongside our community as this process unfolds.

We have shared more about what this announcement means in our media release on the BCA website, and I encourage you to have a read.

On a final note, I’ll be taking some leave next week and look forward to reconnecting with you when I return.

– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.

A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.

More from BCA

The designer behind looks worn by some of the world’s biggest stars is coming to Sydney!

Beyoncé. Angelina Jolie. Halle Berry. Cyndi Lauper.

What do they have in common? They’ve all worn designs by Nicole Miller – a legendary New York designer coming to Sydney for the inaugural My Charity Runway: Fashion with Purpose.

BCA is excited to be a charity partner of this new fashion-for-impact event, which has a special connection to our community. Julie, a vision impaired designer, will be taking part and bringing her creativity and unique perspective to the runway. Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO, will also be there on the night, and we’d love to have plenty of BCA members join her. So come along and be part of the experience!

As the event’s Honorary Headline Designer, Nicole will make her first Australian runway appearance, showcasing pieces from her celebrated living archive, as well as designs from an upcoming collection.

When: Friday, 28th August from 6:00pm to 10:00pm AEST.

Where: Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney

And there’s a special offer for our community: 15% off tickets with the code BLINDCITIZENSAUS.

Book now via Humanitix

If you love fashion, celebrity style, or simply want to experience something a little different in Sydney, this is one evening you won’t want to miss.

Policy, Advocacy & Representation

Systemic Advocacy – Francois Jacobs

BCA has been invited to participate in a virtual workshop supporting Services Australia’s work on the Medicare Card Redesign, and we need your help. To ensure these changes are informed by the experiences of our community, we are keen to hear from you about how you use your physical Medicare card, any challenges or barriers you encounter, and your thoughts on the features a new design should include to support accessibility, usability, and trust.
We also want to understand how digital Medicare cards are used, and how any changes to the card should be communicated.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please contact Francois, our Systemic Advocacy Lead, via email francois.jacobs@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660 before Tuesday, 18th August.

Expression of Interest open for BCA Wellbeing Peer Connect Group

As you would have heard in last week’s episode of New Horizons, which featured member Janene Sadhu, Blind Citizens Australia is exploring the idea of launching a new Wellbeing Peer Connect Group.
This group would provide a welcoming and supportive space for members to connect, share experiences, discuss strategies for maintaining wellbeing, and encourage one another in everyday life. Whether you’re interested in building resilience or would simply like to connect with others in a positive and supportive environment, we’d like to know if this is something you’d enjoy.
At this stage, we’re seeking expressions of interest to help us gauge demand. If you’re interested in participating in such a group, please express your interest by emailing layal.hage@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660 by Tuesday, 18th August.

BCA in the Media

Focal Point with Peter Greco – Vision Australia Radio

This week on Focal Point with Peter Greco, Andrew Webster, BCA President, and Robert McKenzie, BCA Board member, discuss BCA’s NDIS Campaign – what’s happening, what’s at stake for people who are blind or vision impaired and how our community can support the campaign.
Tune in to hear why this campaign matters and how, together, we can make sure the voices and needs of our community remain part of the conversation.

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, 15th 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.

BCA Inform – Audio Description: Celebrating a Major Accessibility Win and Looking Ahead

Tuesday, 1st September from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEST.

Join us for an important discussion on the recent Government announcement to mandate audio description and increase captioning across television and video-on-demand services.

This announcement is a significant win for accessibility and reflects decades of advocacy by BCA and the wider disability community for equal access to television and media.

While this announcement is a major step forward, it represents a statement of intent rather than a guaranteed outcome, and we must ensure audio description does not fall off the radar.

In this session, we will hear from guest speakers, Emma Bennison and Lauren Henley, as we celebrate this important advocacy achievement.

We will also explore practical ways for members to contribute to ongoing advocacy and help ensure that this commitment translates into real, lasting change. Your involvement is vital to demonstrate the demand for audio description, so we look forward to seeing you there.

Read the full media release on the BCA website.

To register for this event, 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.

Art Appreciation Group

Friday, 14th August 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.

Guitar Group

Saturday, 15th August 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.

Assistive Technology Group

Monday, 17th August 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.

Around the Branches

National Women’s Branch

Members of the National Women’s Branch are invited to attend the following workshop:

Accessibility in Sport and Recreation Workshop

Exploring opportunities to participate in sport and recreation as a person who is blind or vision impaired. Sharing practical tips, personal experiences, and information about accessible activities, adaptive equipment, and support services that can help increase confidence, independence, and enjoyment in an active lifestyle.

When: Thursday, 27th August at 7:30 pm AEST.

Guest Presenter: Annette Leishman.

Registration: Please email sina.t9023@gmail.com  using the heading Workshop. Please include your full name in your response.

A link will be sent to you in the week that the workshop will be held.

New Horizons

This week, we meet Mercy Jumo, recently appointed Strategy, Projects and Advocacy Manager, and Peter Mason, New Horizons Volunteer.

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

Important Update: Changes to Public Transport Accessibility Standards

The Australian Government has taken the next step towards updating the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002, known as the Transport Standards.
The reforms cover a range of areas designed to improve accessibility across public transport. They include changes relating to braille and signage, taxis and rideshare, accessibility reporting, hearing augmentation, and removable gangways on ferries.
The changes were tabled in Parliament yesterday, along with new guidelines to help transport operators understand their responsibilities and put the updated requirements into practice.
The changes are not yet in effect. Parliament will now have 15 sitting days in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to consider them. Either House can vote to disallow the changes during this period. If they are not disallowed, the updated Transport Standards will come into effect following the parliamentary review.

Opening Doors: New Scholarship Opportunities – World Blind Union (WBU)

Many people in the blind or vision impaired community have faced moments of self-doubt, uncertainty, or the feeling that their disability defines them.
The World Blind Union is pleased to offer five scholarship programs that support the education, leadership, and personal development of people who are blind or partially sighted, with a particular focus on individuals from developing countries.
The scholarships provide opportunities in areas including braille literacy, post-secondary education, music, youth leadership, and supporting blind women and girls. Together, they reflect WBU’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and advancing access to education worldwide.
Keep an eye on WBU’s website and social media channels and look out for an email in the coming weeks for more information about each scholarship, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

Workshops on Developmental Disability and Deafblindness

The Australian Government has taken the next step towards updating the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002, known as the Transport Standards.
This practical 2-day workshop is suitable for anyone with an interest in
  • combined deafness and blindness
  • sensory disability, meaning one or more of the senses are affected
  • complex disability
You can find more details by visiting the following state specific links:
  • Melbourne – Monday, September 14th & Tuesday, September 15th
  • Bunbury – Tuesday, September 22nd & Wednesday, September 23rd
  • Adelaide – Monday, September 28th & Tuesday, September 29th
  • Hobart – Monday, 12th October & Tuesday, 13th October

Art by Description Online – National Gallery of Australia

Friday, 14th August at 2:00pm AEST.
Each month, National Gallery Australia presents a program via Zoom featuring audio description of art works in their collection, along with presentations by specialist staff and often music to enhance the listening experience.
This month features the exhibition Blueprints for temples, particularly works by Montien Boonma, Anne Ferran, and a Gandharan Standing bodhisattva from the 3rd century.
When: Friday, 14th August, commencing at 2:00pm AEST.
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: Free
RSVP: Email access@nga.gov.au
Meeting ID: 816 0945 2272
Passcode: 786390
Come along to enjoy an hour of exceptional art well described.

Share Your Experience to Help Improve Temporary Indoor Navigation

Are you blind or have low vision? Your feedback is invited for a research project exploring accessible navigation solutions for temporary indoor spaces such as pop-up stores, exhibitions and markets. The project is investigating portable accessibility features, including modular tactile pathways, handrails with Braille signage and other navigation aids, to help people navigate these environments more independently and confidently.
The online survey contains 12 questions and takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete. Responses will help assess the feasibility of these ideas and inform the design of future accessibility solutions.
The survey closes on Tuesday, 1st September 2026.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the project, contact Hayley at tiankun.gu@gmail.com

Building better support systems for children with disability, developmental delay or neurodivergence – University of Queensland

Parents and carers of children under 9 with disability, developmental delay, or neurodivergence: your experiences matter. Researchers at the University of Queensland are working on a national survey about disability supports and services for young children.
It takes 15 minutes and your input will contribute to research aimed at improving services for families like yours.

Share Your Motorsport Fan Experience – Pitstop Strategies

Pitstop Strategies is seeking people who are blind or have low vision to take part in an independent research project exploring how motorsport fans experience the sport and how fan engagement can become more inclusive.
Whether you’re a current or former fan of Formula 1, Supercars, MotoGP, NASCAR, Formula E, rallying or any other motorsport, or simply enjoy following races through television, radio, streaming services, apps or podcasts, your insights are welcome. You don’t need to be a motorsport expert to participate.
The project aims to better understand the experiences of blind and low vision fans, including what works well, the barriers people face, and ideas for creating more accessible and memorable motorsport experiences.
Participation involves a relaxed 30-45 minute conversation by phone or online. It’s completely voluntary, confidential, and you can skip any question or withdraw at any time.
If you’re interested in taking part or would like more information, contact Gisella Spedicato at Gisella@pitstopstrategies.com.au or phone 0409 198 385.

Victoria

National Self Advocacy Day 2026 – Self Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU)

National Self Advocacy Day 2026 will be held on Tuesday, 13th October at Collingwood Town Hall.
Join SARU for a great day of celebrating self-advocacy and bringing people together from across Australia to strengthen the self-advocacy movement. We would love to see you there! Please register to attend and share this invitation with your friends, colleagues, and networks.
You can find all the event details by visiting the SARU website, calling  (03) 9639 6856  or emailing office@saru.org.au

Queensland

Queensland Disability Conference 2026 – Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN)

Friday, 11th September from 9:30am to 4:30pm AEST.
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), in partnership with the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, is hosting the Queensland Disability Conference 2026.
Event highlights will include discussions on
  • Disability reforms
  • Brisbane 2032 Games - Social and economic impact
  • Accessible and inclusive transport
Find out more by visiting the QDN website. To register, visit the Humanitix event page.

South Australia

Audio Described Performances – Access2Arts

Ash Flanders’ Commentary is a sharp, provocative play that interrogates the ethics of artmaking, accountability, and memory in an era of public reckoning. The story centres on Nick, played by Gyton Grantley (Underbelly, House Husbands), a once-promising filmmaker turned university lecturer, whose controversial debut feature Low is being resurrected for a retrospective screening. The film, co-created with his former best friend Hamish (now disgraced and presumed dead), is dogged by allegations of abuse and exploitation linked to its production and content.
As Nick prepares a director’s commentary and public appearance, the past begins to resurface through a chorus of women.
Presented by State Theatre Company South Australia. This run includes two audio described performances brought to you be the Access2Arts team.
Where: The Dunstan Playhouse.
When: Saturday, 29th August at 2:00pm and Monday, 31st August at 6:30pm.
To learn more and to book your ticket, visit the Access2Arts website.

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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

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