On Focal Point:
Susan Harris,  was legally blind until 6 years ago with Multiple Sclerosis, then Susan's sight returned, shared Susan's lived experiences, Susan works with TwinView Health, providing support services to individuals with  vision impairment, those on the NDIS, My aged Care and veterans, 08 8166 2686 https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.twinviewhealth.com__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE-pBiF0Jw$
Andrew Davies, Team Manager Assistive Technology, at See Differently, has just returned from the 41st CSUN, 1300 944 306
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.seedifferently.org.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE9Cs0hW_w$
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://conference.csun.at/event/2026/summary__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE8OmZat5A$
Freek van Welsenis,  Co-Founder of Hable,  Launched Speechlabel, a simple, affordable system that "voice tag"  using your smart phone and their smart labels, contact Vision Australia, 1300 84 74 66 http://www.visionaustralia.org https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.iamhable.com/en-om/pages/speechlabel__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE8p1frFRw$
Mia Gardiner, from Crimestoppers Victoria raised awareness about  Why viral quizzes and AI selfie trends are actually risky?
1800 333 000
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE_13k8dUQ$  

On Focal Point:
<ul>
<li>Susan Harris, &nbsp;was legally blind until 6 years ago with Multiple Sclerosis, then Susan's sight returned, shared Susan's lived experiences, Susan works with TwinView Health, providing support services to individuals with &nbsp;vision impairment, those on the NDIS, My aged Care and veterans, 08 8166 2686 <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.twinviewhealth.com__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE-pBiF0Jw$">https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.twinviewhealth.com__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE-pBiF0Jw$</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Andrew Davies, Team Manager Assistive Technology, at See Differently, has just returned from the 41st CSUN, 1300 944 306 <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.seedifferently.org.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE9Cs0hW_w$">https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.seedifferently.org.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE9Cs0hW_w$</a> <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://conference.csun.at/event/2026/summary__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE8OmZat5A$">https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://conference.csun.at/event/2026/summary__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE8OmZat5A$</a></li>
<li>Freek van Welsenis, &nbsp;Co-Founder of Hable, &nbsp;Launched Speechlabel, a simple, affordable system that "voice tag" &nbsp;using your smart phone and their smart labels, contact Vision Australia, 1300 84 74 66 <a href="http://www.visionaustralia.org/">http://www.visionaustralia.org</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.iamhable.com/en-om/pages/speechlabel__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE8p1frFRw$">https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.iamhable.com/en-om/pages/speechlabel__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE8p1frFRw$</a></li>
<li>Mia Gardiner, from Crimestoppers Victoria raised awareness about &nbsp;Why viral quizzes and AI selfie trends are actually risky? 1800 333 000 <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE_13k8dUQ$">https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQXX0uK8nawbT79m-k8VyN_K_Z_ByTN2OnovL7Md1XAXUiPwrSej7-ooZOm_FwhUJE_13k8dUQ$</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

A weekly program presented by Peter Greco, Focal Point covers services from blindness organisations and other providers, technology, current affairs, breakthroughs in advocacy campaigns about all manner of challenges and promoting activities and events for people who are blind or vision impaired.

A weekly program presented by Peter Greco,&nbsp;Focal Point&nbsp;covers services from blindness organisations and other providers, technology, current affairs, breakthroughs in advocacy campaigns about all manner of challenges and promoting activities and events for people who are blind or vision impaired.

Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

Visit <a href="http://www.varadio.org">www.varadio.org</a> for more.

Focal Point on Vision Australia Radio

01 Apr 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/1d5b57ee-2800-4cf1-bc09-b41f0056e4b7/transcript

On FOCAL POINT: 


01:50 – Robert Altman - Advocate and proponent of Braille. Shares his experience completing the Australian Census in Braille using a Perkins Brailler, discusses the independence Braille provides over digital options, and highlights the importance of advocating for Braille literacy alongside modern assistive tech.


15:32 – Rachel (Beyond Blindness) - Marketing representative at Beyond Blindness. Discusses upcoming Apple accessibility workshops in Adelaide, Android support sessions, local "pocket group" social meetups, expansion plans into Port Augusta, and the $2,000 Trevor Frost Award scholarship for young artists with vision impairments.


29:50 – Rebecca Young - CEO of Access2Arts. Discusses audio-described local theater performances (e.g., State Theatre Company's Chalk / Commentary), inclusive programs at festivals like Illuminate Adelaide and SALA, and shares insights on proposed federal audio description legislation and the drawbacks of using AI voices over professional human describers.


42:01 – Maureen O'Reilly - Representative from the Vision Australia Library. Highlights upcoming virtual events including the "Meet the Narrator" Q&A session with guest Paul Winford, archived technology webinars, and a 5-week course on how to write compelling news stories.

Resources


Blind Citizens Australia (SA Branch Catch-up)


Phone: 1800 033 660  


Website:Blind Citizens Australia  


Beyond Blindness


Phone: (08) 8367 6088  


Port Augusta Group Contact (Jen): 0403 451 817


Website:Beyond Blindness  


Access2Arts


Phone: (08) 8463 1689  

Website:Access2Arts  


Vision Australia Library


Phone: 1300 654 656  


Website:Vision Australia Library

On FOCAL POINT:&nbsp;
<ul data-path-to-node="4">
<li>
01:50 &ndash; Robert Altman - Advocate and proponent of Braille. Shares his experience completing the Australian Census in Braille using a Perkins Brailler, discusses the independence Braille provides over digital options, and highlights the importance of advocating for Braille literacy alongside modern assistive tech.
</li>
<li>
15:32 &ndash; Rachel (Beyond Blindness) - Marketing representative at Beyond Blindness. Discusses upcoming Apple accessibility workshops in Adelaide, Android support sessions, local "pocket group" social meetups, expansion plans into Port Augusta, and the $2,000 Trevor Frost Award scholarship for young artists with vision impairments.
</li>
<li>
29:50 &ndash; Rebecca Young - CEO of Access2Arts. Discusses audio-described local theater performances (e.g., State Theatre Company's Chalk / Commentary), inclusive programs at festivals like Illuminate Adelaide and SALA, and shares insights on proposed federal audio description legislation and the drawbacks of using AI voices over professional human describers.
</li>
<li>
42:01 &ndash; Maureen O'Reilly - Representative from the Vision Australia Library. Highlights upcoming virtual events including the "Meet the Narrator" Q&amp;A session with guest Paul Winford, archived technology webinars, and a 5-week course on how to write compelling news stories.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-path-to-node="5">
Resources
<ul data-path-to-node="10">
<li>
Blind Citizens Australia (SA Branch Catch-up)
<ul data-path-to-node="10,0,1">
<li>
Phone: 1800 033 660 &nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Website: <a href="https://www.bca.org.au/" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwiGl9qihayWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQNg">Blind Citizens Australia</a> &nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Beyond Blindness
<ul data-path-to-node="10,1,1">
<li>
Phone: (08) 8367 6088 &nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Port Augusta Group Contact (Jen): 0403 451 817
</li>
<li>
Website: <a href="https://beyondblindness.org.au/" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwiGl9qihayWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQNw">Beyond Blindness</a> &nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Access2Arts
<ul data-path-to-node="10,2,1">
<li>
Phone: (08) 8463 1689 &nbsp;
Website: <a href="https://access2arts.org.au/" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwiGl9qihayWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQOA">Access2Arts</a> &nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Vision Australia Library
<ul data-path-to-node="10,3,1">
<li>
Phone: 1300 654 656 &nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Website: <a href="https://visionaustralia.org/services/library" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwiGl9qihayWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQOQ">Vision Australia Library</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

19 Aug 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/79073858-6f3f-4f73-9ed5-b4ab0064cb42/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
Kerryn Harvey is an Author and Para Tri-athlete who has just launched her new book "Mostly Ups."  Kerryn contracted necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh eating infection, after falling off a bike.  She chatted about her life and resilience.
Eliza Lovell, Community Arts Project Officer, invited all to SALA - Live Audio Description Tour.  Saturday 15th August 2pm, and an Ekphrastic poetry event -
Saturday 22nd August 2026 Time: 2.30pm - 5pm  Where? Brookside Cellars Community Arts Centre - 17 Moore Street, Tranmere, SA, bookings are essential. email: elovell@campbelltown.sa.gov.au
Fiona Hodson, senior pain management clinician with Chronic Pain Australia, spoke about the Launch of Strong Australia 14th August 14th - inaugural National Strength Day - and how being a bit stronger can help with falls prevention; balance independence and a better quality of life. Fiona also talked about a petition on change.org to have chronic pain "coded" for Medicare purposes. 
Jeramy Hope, CEO for Specialist Disability Accommodation Alliance, shared his experience appearing at the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee hearing into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment. 

Resources: 

Keryn Harvey: https://www.kerrynharvey.com

Painlink: https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au/painlink/

Pain Changer: https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au/painchanger/

Live-Up: https://www.liveup.org.au/

SDA Alliance: http://www.sdaalliance.org.au 

 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Kerryn Harvey is an Author and Para Tri-athlete who has just launched her new book "Mostly Ups."&nbsp; Kerryn contracted necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh eating infection, after falling off a bike.&nbsp; She chatted about her life and resilience.</li>
<li>Eliza Lovell, Community Arts Project Officer, invited all to&nbsp;SALA - Live Audio Description Tour.&nbsp; Saturday 15th August 2pm, and an Ekphrastic poetry event - Saturday 22nd August 2026 Time: 2.30pm - 5pm&nbsp; Where? Brookside Cellars Community Arts Centre - 17 Moore Street, Tranmere, SA, bookings are essential. email: <a href="mailto:elovell@campbelltown.sa.gov.au">elovell@campbelltown.sa.gov.au</a></li>
<li>Fiona Hodson, senior pain management clinician with Chronic Pain Australia, spoke about the Launch of Strong Australia 14th August 14th - inaugural National Strength Day - and how being a bit stronger can help with falls prevention; balance independence and a better quality of life. Fiona also talked about a petition on change.org to have chronic pain "coded" for Medicare purposes.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Jeramy Hope, CEO for Specialist Disability Accommodation Alliance, shared his experience appearing at the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee hearing into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources:&nbsp;
Keryn Harvey:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kerrynharvey.com">https://www.kerrynharvey.com</a>
Painlink: <a href="https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au/painlink/">https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au/painlink/</a>
Pain Changer: <a href="https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au/painchanger/">https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au/painchanger/</a>
Live-Up: <a href="https://www.liveup.org.au/">https://www.liveup.org.au/</a>
SDA Alliance: <a href="http://www.sdaalliance.org.au">http://www.sdaalliance.org.au</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

12 Aug 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/87d1363c-2ec2-438c-a1f0-b4a40066716a/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
Andrew Webster, Chair, and Robyn McKenzie, Board Member of Blind Citizens Australia talking about the NDIS legislation campaign; and Senate hearing - encouraged members to contact their local federal members and Senators.
Karina Morata, Team Leader Employment Services at See Differently, spoke about her role and how you may be supported to find and stay in employment.
Romina Cavallo, GHD Associate BGL Engagement; Communication and Change, from 10th August feedback will be taken regarding the noise sharing plan for the works at Melbourne Airport. This includes in-person; webinars; via email. Contact details available in the podcast notes under "Resources:
Gaurav (Gary) Hairiya and John Leone invited all to come'n'try Swish, a form of table tennis for people who are blind or have low vision. The come'n'try day will be Geelong, Friday from 1 pm, and also other days at Kooyong, Keilor. 

Resources:

Blind Citizens Australia: https://www.bca.org.au

How to contact your Local Senator: https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Contacting_Senators_and_Members 

See Differently Employment Services: https://seedifferently.org.au/low-vision-services/employment-services/ 

Feedback on Melbourne Noise-Sharing Plan: email: engagement@ghd.com  Web: https://www.melbourneairportprojectshub.com.au/ 

Swish Com'n'try day: call Gary on  0466 190 333 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Andrew Webster, Chair, and Robyn McKenzie, Board Member of Blind Citizens Australia talking about the NDIS legislation campaign; and Senate hearing - encouraged members to contact their local federal members and Senators.</li>
<li>Karina Morata, Team Leader Employment Services at See Differently, spoke about her role and how you may be supported to find and stay in employment.</li>
<li>Romina Cavallo, GHD Associate BGL Engagement; Communication and Change, from 10th August feedback will be taken regarding the noise sharing plan for the works at Melbourne Airport. This includes in-person; webinars; via email. Contact details available in the podcast notes under "Resources:</li>
<li>Gaurav (Gary) Hairiya and John Leone invited all to come'n'try Swish, a form of table tennis for people who are blind or have low vision. The come'n'try day will be Geelong, Friday from 1 pm, and also other days at Kooyong, Keilor.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources:
Blind Citizens Australia: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.bca.org.au/2026/06/18/blind-citizens-australia-warns-ndis-reforms-will-strip-away-independence/__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!D1w-yLkWGEgvD9hWDR2znJIRM78QIbxQAlGKAa_VJ3eTRFzBICTk_C8LkRemPLcEywVkkFQwg3-X_uT0JQ_w-OvAKzEnRzU9HXI$" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://www.bca.org.au</a>
How to contact your Local Senator: <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Contacting_Senators_and_Members">https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Contacting_Senators_and_Members</a>&nbsp;
See Differently Employment Services: <a href="https://seedifferently.org.au/low-vision-services/employment-services/">https://seedifferently.org.au/low-vision-services/employment-services/</a>&nbsp;
Feedback on Melbourne Noise-Sharing Plan: email: <a href="mailto:engagement@ghd.com">engagement@ghd.com</a>&nbsp; Web: <a href="https://www.melbourneairportprojectshub.com.au/">https://www.melbourneairportprojectshub.com.au/</a>&nbsp;
Swish Com'n'try day: call Gary on&nbsp; 0466 190 333&nbsp;

05 Aug 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/266167ed-5399-4768-8ab9-b49d005242d9/transcript

01 Apr 2026

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