On FOCAL POINT:


01:55 – Dr. Anne-Marie Witherow Medical doctor, researcher, and advocate for dual-sensory impairment. She discusses co-authoring a new Usher syndrome textbook designed for healthcare and social care professionals alongside Emma Boswell and Emily Shepherd, as well as recent NDIS town hall discussions regarding deafblindness.


16:25 – Rachael (Marketing Dept, Beyond Blindness) Shares updates from Beyond Blindness, including an upcoming disability employment workshop, a guided visit to the Australian Space Discovery Centre, and expanding local "pocket groups" across South Australia.


29:12 – Mark Grey (Chair, Vision Australia) Shares his personal journey with sudden vision loss and details Vision Australia’s advocacy efforts in Canberra regarding NDIS legislative changes, aged care transitions, and tailored support services.

Resources

UsherKids Australia: https://usherkidsaustralia.com/ 

Beyond Blindness: https://beyondblindness.org.au/  Phone: (08) 8367 6088 Social Media: Facebook (@beyondblindness) and Instagram (@beyondblindness)

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>
01:55 &ndash; Dr. Anne-Marie Witherow Medical doctor, researcher, and advocate for dual-sensory impairment. She discusses co-authoring a new Usher syndrome textbook designed for healthcare and social care professionals alongside Emma Boswell and Emily Shepherd, as well as recent NDIS town hall discussions regarding deafblindness.
</li>
<li>
16:25 &ndash; Rachael (Marketing Dept, Beyond Blindness) Shares updates from Beyond Blindness, including an upcoming disability employment workshop, a guided visit to the Australian Space Discovery Centre, and expanding local "pocket groups" across South Australia.
</li>
<li>
29:12 &ndash; Mark Grey (Chair, Vision Australia) Shares his personal journey with sudden vision loss and details Vision Australia&rsquo;s advocacy efforts in Canberra regarding NDIS legislative changes, aged care transitions, and tailored support services.
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources
UsherKids Australia: <a href="https://usherkidsaustralia.com/">https://usherkidsaustralia.com/</a>&nbsp;
Beyond Blindness:&nbsp;<a href="https://beyondblindness.org.au/">https://beyondblindness.org.au/</a>&nbsp; Phone: (08) 8367 6088 Social Media: Facebook (@beyondblindness) and Instagram (@beyondblindness)

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

16 Sep 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/4cd4e219-5c76-4273-9420-b4c700474621/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:


Nicole Holmes (Blindness Products Consultant, Pacific Vision Australia)


Discusses her role providing product support and training for assistive technology, upcoming devices like the BrailleSense 7 (running Android 15 with integrated Google Gemini access and a magnetic QWERTY keyboard option)


Hen Vaughn (Access2Arts)


Previews upcoming audio-described arts and cultural events, including the 12-week Audio Description Training course starting in mid-January, State Theatre Company's production of The Heartbreak Choir, guided audio-described tours for the Monet in Fine Print exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia, and details on the Adelaide Fringe Poster Competition.


Bridget Jolley (Women’s Empowerment Officer, Women with Disabilities Victoria)


Details the launch of The Inclusive Lens, a 6-part podcast series created by young women and gender-diverse people with disabilities exploring media representation across news, social media, publishing, gaming, and television.


Brooke Carter (President, Goalball Victoria)


Previews the upcoming Australian Goalball Championships taking place October 1–4 at RMIT Bundoora, explaining how goalball is played, the extensive volunteer structure required to run games, and how to get involved.

Resources:
Pacific Vision Australia: https://pacificvisionaus.com.au/ (Email: Nicole Holmes (Pacific Vision):nicole@pacificvision.com.au)
Access 2 Arts: https://access2arts.org.au/  (Email:  Audio Description Inquiries):audio.describer@access.org.au)
Women with Disabilities Victoria: https://wdv.org.au/  
Goalball Victoria: https://www.goalball.org.au/ (Email: info@goalball.org.au)

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul data-path-to-node="2">
<li>
Nicole Holmes (Blindness Products Consultant, Pacific Vision Australia)
<ul data-path-to-node="2,0,1">
<li>
Discusses her role providing product support and training for assistive technology, upcoming devices like the BrailleSense 7 (running Android 15 with integrated Google Gemini access and a magnetic QWERTY keyboard option)
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Hen Vaughn (Access2Arts)
<ul data-path-to-node="2,1,1">
<li>
Previews upcoming audio-described arts and cultural events, including the 12-week Audio Description Training course starting in mid-January, State Theatre Company's production of The Heartbreak Choir, guided audio-described tours for the Monet in Fine Print exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia, and details on the Adelaide Fringe Poster Competition.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Bridget Jolley (Women&rsquo;s Empowerment Officer, Women with Disabilities Victoria)
<ul data-path-to-node="2,2,1">
<li>
Details the launch of The Inclusive Lens, a 6-part podcast series created by young women and gender-diverse people with disabilities exploring media representation across news, social media, publishing, gaming, and television.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Brooke Carter (President, Goalball Victoria)
<ul data-path-to-node="2,3,1">
<li>
Previews the upcoming Australian Goalball Championships taking place October 1&ndash;4 at RMIT Bundoora, explaining how goalball is played, the extensive volunteer structure required to run games, and how to get involved.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-path-to-node="3">
Resources:
<ul data-path-to-node="6">
<li>Pacific Vision Australia: <a href="https://pacificvisionaus.com.au/">https://pacificvisionaus.com.au/</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://access2arts.org.au" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwjQ49iDt-CWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQMQ">(</a>Email: Nicole Holmes (Pacific Vision): <a href="mailto:nicole@pacificvision.com.au">nicole@pacificvision.com.au</a>)</li>
<li>Access 2 Arts:&nbsp;<a href="https://access2arts.org.au/">https://access2arts.org.au/</a>&nbsp; (Email:&nbsp; Audio Description Inquiries): <a href="mailto:audio.describer@access.org.au">audio.describer@access.org.au</a>)</li>
<li>Women with Disabilities Victoria:&nbsp;<a href="https://wdv.org.au/">https://wdv.org.au/</a> &nbsp;</li>
<li>Goalball Victoria: <a href="https://www.goalball.org.au/">https://www.goalball.org.au/</a> (Email: <a href="mailto:info@goalball.org.au">info@goalball.org.au)</a></li>
</ul>

09 Sep 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/d3e368e9-4f16-4a09-902a-b4c0004f5b81/transcript

On FOCAL POINT: 


02:48 - Daniel Mew – Developer of the Tag Everything app


16:16 - Zoe Kong, Gabby Campbell, and Dean Caccamo (Master’s Students in Occupational Therapy, University of Sydney)  The team shares details about their project with Dr. Anne-Marie and the Centre for Disability Research and Policy, developing a practical home modification guide designed for people living with combined hearing and vision loss.


29:18 - Lesley Heagney (Braille House) - Lesley outlines two major September events: the annual Braille Literacy Challenge hosted at the Queensland Tennis Centre (September 11) and the 105th Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition (closing September 18)


41:04 - William O'Neill (Rider & Advocate) William shares his story about participating in a 700 km tandem recumbent cycle journey (on Hase Pino bikes) from Germany to Amsterdam for the World Cycle Summit to champion cycling inclusivity for people with vision impairment.

Resources

Blind Citizens Australia (SA Catch-Up Event)


Phone: 1800 033 660 (Ask for Kerry Skipworth)

Tag Everything App


Website:https://tageverything.app/ 

Braille House & Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition


Website:https://www.braillehouse.org.au/ 


Phone: 07 3848 5257

Riding Together Charity


Website:https://ridingtogether.org/netherlands-2026 

On FOCAL POINT:&nbsp;
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
02:48 - Daniel Mew &ndash; Developer of the Tag Everything app
</li>
<li>
16:16 - Zoe Kong, Gabby Campbell, and Dean Caccamo (Master&rsquo;s Students in Occupational Therapy, University of Sydney)&nbsp; The team shares details about their project with Dr. Anne-Marie and the Centre for Disability Research and Policy, developing a practical home modification guide designed for people living with combined hearing and vision loss.
</li>
<li>
29:18 - Lesley Heagney (Braille House) - Lesley outlines two major September events: the annual Braille Literacy Challenge hosted at the Queensland Tennis Centre (September 11) and the 105th Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition (closing September 18)
</li>
<li>
41:04 - William O'Neill (Rider &amp; Advocate) William shares his story about participating in a 700 km tandem recumbent cycle journey (on Hase Pino bikes) from Germany to Amsterdam for the World Cycle Summit to champion cycling inclusivity for people with vision impairment.
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources
Blind Citizens Australia (SA Catch-Up Event)
<ul data-path-to-node="11">
<li>
Phone: 1800 033 660 (Ask for Kerry Skipworth)
</li>
</ul>
Tag Everything App
<ul data-path-to-node="13">
<li>
Website: <a href="https://tageverything.app/">https://tageverything.app/</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Braille House &amp; Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition
<ul data-path-to-node="15">
<li>
Website: <a href="https://www.braillehouse.org.au/">https://www.braillehouse.org.au/</a>&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Phone: 07 3848 5257
</li>
</ul>
Riding Together Charity
<ul data-path-to-node="17">
<li>
Website: <a href="https://ridingtogether.org/netherlands-2026">https://ridingtogether.org/netherlands-2026</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

02 Sep 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/79786bf6-5f2d-49b1-bdc3-b4b900596bf0/transcript

On FOCAL POINT: 


02:13 – Cameron Algie | Author & Facilitator

Cameron discusses the updated release of his comprehensive resource guide, "I can See Clearly Now: Understanding and Managing Blindness and Low Vision."  He explores how screen readers (like JAWS), mobile apps (like Be My Eyes), and emerging AI models (such as ChatGPT and Gemini) are changing accessibility and independence for people navigating vision loss.


17:23 – Suzy Hudson | Community Advocate

Suzy relives her landmark legal fight (Along with Blind Citizens Australia) that went to the High Court over a decade ago to secure audio description on Australian free-to-air television. She shares her thoughts on recent legislative efforts to make audio description a permanent requirement across mainstream broadcast media.


30:28 – Emma Bennison | CEO & Advocate, Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA)

Emma breaks down the passed NDIS legislative reform package, focusing on its potential impacts on vision-impaired participants. She addresses functional capacity assessments, upcoming trial processes, appeal mechanisms, and cuts to social and community participation funding.


45:49 – Phil Vanderpeer | Co-Founder & Co-Presenter, Focal Point

Phil takes a walk down memory lane, discussing the 50th anniversary of independent living units built by Blind Welfare at Cameron Avenue, Gillies Plains, in 1976. He and Peter also commemorate the origins of South Australian blind cricket and reflect on how community support structures have evolved over the decades.

Resources

Cameron Algie's official book site: https://icanseeclearlybooks.com/why-this-book-is-special/ 

Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA): https://dana.org.au/contact/
DANA General Inquiries: info@dana.org.au


DANA Member Engagement: members@dana.org.au


DANA General Line: 1300 186 453  


Disability Advocacy Support Helpline: 1800 643 787   

 

On FOCAL POINT:&nbsp;
<ul data-path-to-node="8">
<li>
02:13 &ndash; Cameron Algie | Author &amp; Facilitator
Cameron discusses the updated release of his comprehensive resource guide, "I can See Clearly Now: Understanding and Managing Blindness and Low Vision."&nbsp;&nbsp;He explores how screen readers (like JAWS), mobile apps (like Be My Eyes), and emerging AI models (such as ChatGPT and Gemini) are changing accessibility and independence for people navigating vision loss.
</li>
<li>
17:23 &ndash; Suzy Hudson | Community Advocate
Suzy relives her landmark legal fight (Along with Blind Citizens Australia) that went to the High Court over a decade ago to secure audio description on Australian free-to-air television. She shares her thoughts on recent legislative efforts to make audio description a permanent requirement across mainstream broadcast media.
</li>
<li>
30:28 &ndash; Emma Bennison | CEO &amp; Advocate, Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA)
Emma breaks down the passed NDIS legislative reform package, focusing on its potential impacts on vision-impaired participants. She addresses functional capacity assessments, upcoming trial processes, appeal mechanisms, and cuts to social and community participation funding.
</li>
<li>
45:49 &ndash; Phil Vanderpeer | Co-Founder &amp; Co-Presenter, Focal Point
Phil takes a walk down memory lane, discussing the 50th anniversary of independent living units built by Blind Welfare at Cameron Avenue, Gillies Plains, in 1976. He and Peter also commemorate the origins of South Australian blind cricket and reflect on how community support structures have evolved over the decades.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-path-to-node="9">
Resources
Cameron Algie's official book site: <a href="https://icanseeclearlybooks.com/why-this-book-is-special/">https://icanseeclearlybooks.com/why-this-book-is-special/</a>&nbsp;
Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA):&nbsp;<a href="https://dana.org.au/contact/">https://dana.org.au/contact/</a>
<ul data-path-to-node="12">
<li>DANA General Inquiries: info@dana.org.au</li>
<li>
DANA Member Engagement: members@dana.org.au
</li>
<li>
DANA General Line: 1300 186 453 &nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Disability Advocacy Support Helpline: 1800 643 787 &nbsp; 

&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

26 Aug 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/1d05ec91-0151-4692-a28f-b4b200468f3c/transcript

16 Sep 2026

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