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

18 Dec 2024

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/a9d70936-21fd-48a5-9369-b24a003539eb/transcript

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>

03 Dec 2025

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

On FOCAL POINT:
Alan Davis is the President, and Eva Overton the Assistant Manager for the Denmark Riverside Club. There are a number of activities planned for International Day for People With Disabilities – this includes lawn bowls with the Australian blind bowlers; a photo competition; dragon boats relaxed sessions; a dinner; and more,
Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, spoke about opportunities for fruit picking; crafts for Christmas; gatherings and other Christmas functions
Michelle Lensink, SA Shadow Minister for Human Services, shared some news of her treatment after being diagnosed with cancer; responded to the announcements about Bedfords; and the frustrating experiences with Access Cabs.
Nicole Cogan, Senior Property Manager at SDA, spoke about her role and specialist disability accommodation. Nicole also invited all to the Melbourne Disability Expo, this Friday and Saturday.

Resources:

Denmark Riverside Club: https://denmarkriversideclub.org.au/ (Call 08  9848 1517)

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

Michelle Lensink: https://saliberal.org.au/team/michelle-lensink

Melbourne Disability Expo: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au/

 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Alan Davis is the President, and Eva Overton the Assistant Manager for the Denmark Riverside Club. There are a number of activities planned for International Day for People With Disabilities &ndash; this includes lawn bowls with the Australian blind bowlers; a photo competition; dragon boats relaxed sessions; a dinner; and more,</li>
<li>Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, spoke about opportunities for fruit picking; crafts for Christmas; gatherings and other Christmas functions</li>
<li>Michelle Lensink, SA Shadow Minister for Human Services, shared some news of her treatment after being diagnosed with cancer; responded to the announcements about Bedfords; and the frustrating experiences with Access Cabs.</li>
<li>Nicole Cogan, Senior Property Manager at SDA, spoke about her role and specialist disability accommodation. Nicole also invited all to the Melbourne Disability Expo, this Friday and Saturday.</li>
</ul>
Resources:
Denmark Riverside Club:&nbsp;<a href="https://denmarkriversideclub.org.au/">https://denmarkriversideclub.org.au/</a> (Call 08 &nbsp;9848 1517)
Beyond Blindness: <a href="http://www.beyondblindness.org.au">http://www.beyondblindness.org.au</a>
Michelle Lensink: <a href="https://saliberal.org.au/team/michelle-lensink">https://saliberal.org.au/team/michelle-lensink</a>
Melbourne Disability Expo: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au/">https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au/</a>
&nbsp;

19 Nov 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/33d6d029-d3e9-4a85-8538-b39a0051dfab/transcript

18 Dec 2024

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