On FOCAL POINT:
Lisa Weil,  Guide Dog Mobility and Assistance Dog Instructor
Guide Dogs SA/NT, spoke about the first Facility Dog, Bonnie, who has been sworn in to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in Adelaide.
Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had tips to keep your parcels safe; action you can take to minimise your chances of being scammed; and ways you may be able to help yourself, family and neighbourhood.
Aaron Chia, CEO for Guide Dogs SA & NT, has decided - after 9 years - to retire as CEO. Aaron chatted about the role and shared highlights and achievements from his time with GDSA/NT.
Dr Sandra Thom-Jones is the winner of “Sisters in Crime" 32nd Scarlet Stiletto
Sandra was told that Sandra didn't have the creativity or imagination to write fiction.

Resources:

Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

Scarlet Stiletto Award Stories: https://www.clandestinepress.net/collections/anthologies/products/scarlet-stiletto-every-cut

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Lisa Weil,&nbsp; Guide Dog Mobility and Assistance Dog Instructor Guide Dogs SA/NT, spoke about the first Facility Dog, Bonnie, who has been sworn in to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in Adelaide.</li>
<li>Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had tips to keep your parcels safe; action you can take to minimise your chances of being scammed; and ways you may be able to help yourself, family and neighbourhood.</li>
<li>Aaron Chia, CEO for Guide Dogs SA &amp; NT, has decided - after 9 years&nbsp;- to retire as CEO. Aaron chatted about the role and shared highlights and achievements from his time with GDSA/NT.</li>
<li>Dr Sandra Thom-Jones is the winner of &ldquo;Sisters in Crime" 32nd Scarlet Stiletto Sandra was told that Sandra didn't have the creativity or imagination to write fiction.</li>
</ul>
Resources:
Crimestoppers:&nbsp;<a href="https://crimestoppers.com.au/">https://crimestoppers.com.au/</a>
Scarlet Stiletto Award Stories: <a href="https://www.clandestinepress.net/collections/anthologies/products/scarlet-stiletto-every-cut">https://www.clandestinepress.net/collections/anthologies/products/scarlet-stiletto-every-cut</a>

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

03 Dec 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/a45244df-c31a-4d3d-acf6-b3a8004ca912/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
Alan Taylor, a member of the choir performing for Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight, shared Alan's experiences being part of the time honoured event for over 30 years, and time  in music so far. 
Rachel from marketing at Beyond Blindness with events and activities coming up in January - the office closing and reopening times for the holiday season. 
Mac Bollella, from the Electoral Commission of South Australia, had news on what's available for telephone assisted voting at the 2026 state election.
Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, shared Phil's highlights and low-lights for 2025. Phil also polished his crystal ball, made a prediction or two for 2026,

Resources: 

Beyond Blindness: http://www.beyondblindness.org.au

SA Electoral Commission: https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/

 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Alan Taylor, a member of the choir performing for Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight, shared Alan's experiences being part of the time honoured event for over 30 years, and time&nbsp; in music so far.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Rachel from marketing at Beyond Blindness with events and activities coming up in January - the office closing and reopening times for the holiday season.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Mac Bollella, from the Electoral Commission of South Australia, had news on what's available for telephone assisted voting at the 2026 state election.</li>
<li>Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, shared Phil's highlights and low-lights for 2025. Phil also polished his crystal ball, made a prediction or two for 2026,</li>
</ul>
Resources:&nbsp;
Beyond Blindness: <a href="http://www.beyondblindness.org.au">http://www.beyondblindness.org.au</a>
SA Electoral Commission: <a href="https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/">https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/</a>
&nbsp;

17 Dec 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/0d97d5eb-c97d-4c39-a78c-b3b700463a4f/transcript

 

On FOCAL POINT:
Dr. Daniel Fielding, CEO and Co-Founder for Audeara - helping to hear better with hearing tests; head phones and other products and initiatives. Audeara is an Australian company that is recognised internationally,
Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with some audio described events at the Art Gallery, workshops for digital design, using A.I. to promote artists and their work. Bec also shares some of her highlights for this year.
Steven Johnson has developed the "Black Lens app on IOS, enabling people who are blind or have low vision independently take photos, including selfies. 
Jack Crispin, Tennis Development Lead - Schools, invited all to the All Abilities Activation at Adelaide International - an inclusive tennis experience in January. Jack also previewed an event in Adelaide this weekend for athletes who are blind or have low vision.   

Resources: 

Audeara: http://www.audeara.com

Access 2 Arts: http://www.access2arts.org.au

Black Lens App: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/black-lens/id6754779190 

Jack Crispin Email Address: jack.crispin@tennis.com.au 

&nbsp;
On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Dr. Daniel Fielding, CEO and Co-Founder for Audeara - helping to hear better with hearing tests; head phones and other products and initiatives. Audeara is an Australian company that is recognised internationally,</li>
<li>Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with some audio described events at the Art Gallery, workshops for digital design, using A.I. to promote artists and their work. Bec also shares some of her highlights for this year.</li>
<li>Steven Johnson has developed the "Black Lens app on IOS, enabling people who are blind or have low vision independently take photos, including selfies.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Jack Crispin, Tennis Development Lead - Schools, invited all to the All Abilities Activation at Adelaide International -&nbsp;an inclusive tennis experience in January. Jack also previewed an event in Adelaide this weekend for athletes who are blind or have low vision.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Resources:&nbsp;
Audeara: <a href="http://www.audeara.com">http://www.audeara.com</a>
Access 2 Arts: <a href="http://www.access2arts.org.au">http://www.access2arts.org.au</a>
Black Lens App: <a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/black-lens/id6754779190">https://apps.apple.com/au/app/black-lens/id6754779190</a>&nbsp;
Jack Crispin Email Address: <a href="mailto:jack.crispin@tennis.com.au">jack.crispin@tennis.com.au</a>&nbsp;

10 Dec 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/ad7fe4c3-5247-4e4e-abb8-b3af00449d4b/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
Brigid Maroun is completing her year 12 Major Design Project, for Design and Technology, focusing on shopping difficulties faced by people with vision impairment. You will find the link to her survey in the podcast notes under "Resources"
Keshia Arbour spoke about Perinatal Mental Health Week awareness, and shared some of her experiences living with ADHD; gestational diabetes; and the incredible difference that happened when Keshia found connection through her mental health care team - including the Gidget Foundation.  Keshia is now a Gidget Angel.
Emma Hamilton, Marketing Manager, and Brooke Carter, Relationship Manager from the Australian Disability Network, spoke about their "Building Belonging" campaign for International Day for People With Disability. They gave tips; ideas and information for making the world a more inclusive place.
Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, spoke about the outstanding audio description of the Christmas Pageant on Vision Australia Radio by Access 2 Arts; the importance of radio for those living in the country; and a brief chat about the changes in leadership roles in the Liberal Party in some state and territories.

Resources: 

Shopping Accessibility for People with Visual Impairments: https://form.jotform.com/253158330740048 

Gidget Foundation: https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/

Australian Disability Network: https://australiandisabilitynetwork.org.au/ 

 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Brigid Maroun is completing her year 12 Major Design Project, for Design and Technology, focusing on shopping difficulties faced by people with vision impairment. You will find the link to her survey in the podcast notes under "Resources"</li>
<li>Keshia Arbour spoke about Perinatal Mental Health Week awareness, and shared some of her experiences living with ADHD; gestational diabetes; and the incredible difference that happened when Keshia found connection through her mental health care team - including the Gidget Foundation.&nbsp; Keshia is now a Gidget Angel.</li>
<li>Emma Hamilton, Marketing Manager, and Brooke Carter, Relationship Manager from the Australian Disability Network, spoke about their "Building Belonging" campaign for International Day for People With Disability. They gave tips; ideas and information for making the world a more inclusive place.</li>
<li>Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, spoke about the outstanding audio description of the Christmas Pageant on Vision Australia Radio by Access 2 Arts; the importance of radio for those living in the country; and a brief chat about the changes in leadership roles in the Liberal Party in some state and territories.</li>
</ul>
Resources:&nbsp;
Shopping Accessibility for People with Visual Impairments:&nbsp;<a href="https://form.jotform.com/253158330740048">https://form.jotform.com/253158330740048</a>&nbsp;
Gidget Foundation: <a href="https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/">https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/</a>
Australian Disability Network: <a href="https://australiandisabilitynetwork.org.au/">https://australiandisabilitynetwork.org.au/</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

26 Nov 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/0bdb62b1-f179-4d16-b6bb-b3a1004b62c6/transcript

03 Dec 2025

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