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Member Update

Wednesday 26th November

Dear Members,

What a milestone year it has been for BCA – from celebrating our 50th Convention to now gearing up for our 50th AGM tomorrow night. If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so by visiting the Humanitix website.

As always, you, our members are at the heart of everything we do. Your feedback plays a vital role in helping us understand what matters most to you and in shaping BCA’s future direction. If you haven’t already, this is your final chance to complete our Strategic Plan survey, which closes this Friday, 28th November. Complete the survey.

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

What’s Coming Up at BCA?

Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for November 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, 29th November 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.

BCA’s 50th Annual General Meeting

Thursday, 27th November at 7:30pm AEDT.

All members are invited to join us for the 50th Annual General Meeting of BCA, taking place via Zoom. We encourage all members to register for the AGM to take part in this important milestone event.

In preparation for the meeting, the following documents are now available on our website:

  • Year in Review
  • 2024-25 Financial Statements and Audit Report
  • Nominations Update

You can view these reports via the BCA website.

To register for the AGM visit Humanitix.

BCA Inform – Employment

Tuesday, 2nd December from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEDT.

Employment continues to be a key issue for people who are blind or vision impaired, and we want to hear directly from you. This session will provide a short update on An Eye to the Future, including its history and current areas of focus, and highlight related initiatives such as BCA’s Employment Peer Connect Group and a new course for emerging leaders.

We’ll also open the floor for discussion around Inclusive Employment Australia services (formerly Disability Employment Services), and the types of support you’d like to see in future BCA projects.

We are also excited to launch our new “Jobseeker e-Guide: An Eye to the Future – A Guide to Employment for Jobseekers who are Blind or Vision Impaired”. This practical, step-by-step resource covers everything from identifying the right job, navigating applications and interviews, understanding your legal rights, and creating accessible workplaces with confidence.

Your input during this session will help shape our ongoing employment advocacy and future initiatives across BCA. This is a valuable opportunity to ask questions, offer feedback, and be part of the conversation driving meaningful change.

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.

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 December at 7:30pm AEDT.

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.

Book Club

Wednesday, 3rd December at 7:00pm AEDT.

In this meeting, the group will discuss “The Eyre Affair” by Jasper Fford 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.

BCA Updates

Update from the CEO

Dear Members,

Many of you will recall our update in late October, where we shared that BCA had opened dialogue with Virgin Australia following their announcement of a Pets in Cabin trial. This initiative makes them the first airline in Australia to offer this option on select domestic routes, aligning with a growing trend seen internationally. With around two-thirds of Australian households now owning a pet, and customer research showing that 40% of Australian travellers would be more likely to fly with an airline offering a Pets in Cabin service. Their research also indicates that approximately 67% of pet-owning respondents would be willing to take their pet in the cabin, with around 20% eligible to do so. On average, those eligible would take 1.3 pets on around two flights per year.

Angela Jaeschke, General Manager Operations, Lee Chong, Director, and I have been working closely with Virgin Australia to ensure that the needs and rights of people who rely on dog guides are fully recognised and prioritised as the trial progresses. Virgin also continues to consult with Guide Dogs, and we’re working together to understand in detail what this trial means for our community. We’ll keep advocating strongly to protect safe and equitable travel for all dog guide users as discussions continue.

Transporting pets in the cabin is not a new concept globally and Virgin Australia aims to become the first airline in the country to introduce it. The Pets in Cabin service will comply with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Live Animals Regulations.

Key details of the trial include:

  • Only small cats and dogs are permitted (maximum 8kg including the pet carrier).
  • The trial is limited to select domestic routes operated by Boeing 737 aircraft.
  • A maximum of four pets will be allowed per flight.
  • Pets will be located only in two designated rows within the economy cabin (rows 18 and 20).
  • Pets must always remain in an approved Virgin Australia/IATA-compliant carrier in the airport and in-flight.
  • The pet carrier must be placed under the seat in front of the passenger.

For dog guide users, it’s important to note that assistance animals will continue to be seated in their usual locations – typically rows 2 or 3 – well separated from the designated pet rows much further down the aircraft. Importantly, approved assistance animals will also continue to travel in the cabin of Virgin Australia aircraft at no cost, which was also the case before the Pets in Cabin trial commenced.

We’ll keep advocating strongly to protect safe and equitable travel for all dog guide users as discussions continue. I’m also looking forward to connecting with you all tomorrow at the AGM.

Employment Opportunity – New Horizons Producer (Radio Program and Podcast)

Blind Citizens Australia is seeking a passionate and experienced audio content producer to lead the development and production of New Horizons, BCA’s long-standing radio program and podcast that explores topics that matter to people who are blind or vision impaired.

The ideal candidate will have strong radio production skills, experience with audio editing software and the ability to collaborate with staff, volunteers and community members to produce high-quality, engaging content.

This is a contractor position, offered for 7-10 hours per week, with flexible remote work arrangements. Your lived experience with blindness or vision impairment is highly valued and we strongly encourage you to apply.

More details available: https://www.bca.org.au/employment/

Applications close Monday, 15th December 2025.

For more information, contact Angela Jaeschke, General Manager Operations, at angela.jaeschke@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.

Policy, Advocacy & Representation

Policy Update – Melanie Chatfield

BCA has recently provided a submission to the Australian Government Department of Education’s review of the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (DSE). We extend our sincere thanks to all members who shared their insights and experiences – your contributions were central to shaping our recommendations.

Our submission calls for several key reforms, including:

  • Aligning the DSE with the upcoming positive duty reforms under the Disability Discrimination Act and pausing a standalone review of the DSE until this alignment can occur.
  • Mandating minimum standards and clear timelines for providing accessible materials and reasonable adjustments.
  • Embedding accessibility and inclusive education as core competencies for all educators and assessors, integrated into teacher training, registration, and leadership development.
  • Strengthening accountability measures to ensure duty holders meet their obligations.

You can now read the full submission on the BCA website. We encourage members to explore the details and stay engaged as this review progresses.

News From Outside BCA

National

Shaping New Technologies to Create a More Accessible World for People with Vision Loss – Sight Tech Global

On Tuesday, December 9th and Wednesday, December 10th, join thousands of Sight Tech Global attendees in watching a groundbreaking discussion featuring Aira and Google DeepMind as they unveil Project Astra - innovation that is transforming visual assistance for the blind and low-vision community.

This session will reveal how “AI engaged with humans” delivers beyond the simple image description:

  • Proactive guidance that tells you when to adjust your camera or rotate objects
  • Natural conversation where you can interrupt and redirect
  • Smart tool integration – flashlight, GPS, and web search at your command
  • Real-time human oversight ensuring safety while improving AI performance

To learn more about this event visit the Sight Tech Global website.

Reserve your spot.

A Voice of Our Own National Online Conference – People with Disability Australia (PWDA)

This International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) let’s come together to share our voices, experiences and discuss what our future must be.

When: Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, 1:00pm – 2:30pm AEDT.

Where: Zoom (Link sent following registration)

Cost: Free

Register for the national online conference.

For more information, please contact PWDA.

Partake in a survey which aims to study the impact of Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRDs) beyond vision – Retina International

Retina International is undertaking a multi-year mental health study into the psychological wellbeing of people living with Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRDs).

Ethics approval has been granted for this work via University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee, #33148.

Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are the leading cause of blindness in working age adults. IRDs not only affect individuals’ vision health but can also have detrimental effects on their mental health. Retina International is working to understand the impact of the disease beyond vision. To help us better understand the impact of IRDs, we are inviting people living with an inherited retinal degeneration or their caregivers and family members to take part in this survey.

For information about eligibility and to take part, please access the survey.

Queries can be directed to Ellen.Moran@retina-international.org

New way of planning webinar series for the disability sector – National Disability Insurance Agency

Date: Tuesday, 9th December from 12:00pm to 1:00pm AEDT.

This session covers elements of implementing a participant’s plan. It focuses on the new elements of a participant’s plan, like flexible and stated supports, and Rules on how funding is spent.

To register, visit the Humanitix event page.

Victoria

Victorian Self Advocacy Network Protest – Self Advocacy Resource Unit

Wednesday, 3rd December from 11:00am to 1:00pm AEDT.

Join us at Parliament House to end the violence everywhere and speak up for respect and safety for people with disability. We will have the banner we made together to share our message “Disability is Not a Target – Speak up against Violence”.

After the protest, come for lunch to 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, 3000.

RSVP by Monday, 1st December.

Email: office@saru.org.au

Phone: 03 9639 6856

South Australia

Accessible Websites and Online Marketing Workshop

Join us for the Access2Arts Accessible Websites and Online Marketing Workshop

A free workshop designed exclusively for artists with a disability. Learn practical ways to make your website and online marketing more accessible and more effective. This hands-on session will cover simple updates, useful tools, and best practice tips to support inclusive digital communication.

When: Wednesday, 10th December from 4:00pm to 6:00pm ACDT.

Where: Inparrila Boardroom, 161 Frome Street, Adelaide.

Please arrive 5 minutes early.

To register, 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.

Donate to BCA

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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