On FOCAL POINT:
Carlie Towns shared some memories of her Dad, the Late and Great Ched Towns - Paralympian, Adventurer, trail blazer.  Carlie spoke openly about the challenges of being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa as an adult.
Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, with news of another group starting - this time at Riverton. Rachel is also encouraging members to share their stories in the newsletter. 
Lia Curtis, Peer Support Program Lead,  and Charlotte Germaine shared news about the just launched new Peer Support Program by See Differently with the Royal Society for the Blind.  This is done in partnership with Beyond Blindness and is a Program to support South Australians experiencing sudden or deteriorating vision loss. 
Ava Adams, Mayor of Moonee Valley,  invited all to an inclusive Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) workshop

Resources: 

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

Riverton Group: Contact Jen: 0403 451 817

Peer Support Program: Call 8417 5599 or email: PeerSupport@SeeDifferently.org.au

P-CEP Workshop Details: Moonee Valley City Council, Monday 24th March 9.30am - 1pm - Djerring Flemington Hub (Flemington Community Centre), 25 Mount Alexander Road, Flemington, VIC   Call: 03  9243 8888 Web: https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/events/person-centred-emergency-preparedness-p-cep-workshop/ 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Carlie Towns shared some memories of her Dad, the Late and Great Ched Towns - Paralympian, Adventurer, trail blazer.&nbsp; Carlie spoke openly about the challenges of being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa as an adult.</li>
<li>Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, with news of another group starting - this time at Riverton. Rachel is also encouraging members to share their stories in the newsletter.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Lia Curtis, Peer Support Program Lead,&nbsp; and Charlotte Germaine shared news about the just launched new Peer Support Program by See Differently with the Royal Society for the Blind.&nbsp; This is done in partnership with Beyond Blindness and is a Program to support South Australians experiencing sudden or deteriorating vision loss.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Ava Adams, Mayor of Moonee Valley,&nbsp; invited all to an inclusive Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) workshop</li>
</ul>
Resources:&nbsp;
Beyond Blindness: <a href="http://www.beyondblindness.org.au">http://www.beyondblindness.org.au</a>
Riverton Group: Contact Jen: 0403 451 817
Peer Support Program: Call 8417 5599 or email: <a href="mailto:PeerSupport@SeeDifferently.org.au">PeerSupport@SeeDifferently.org.au</a>
P-CEP Workshop Details: Moonee Valley City Council, Monday 24th March 9.30am - 1pm - Djerring Flemington Hub (Flemington Community Centre), 25 Mount Alexander Road, Flemington, VIC&nbsp; &nbsp;Call: 03&nbsp; 9243 8888 Web: <a href="https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/events/person-centred-emergency-preparedness-p-cep-workshop/">https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/events/person-centred-emergency-preparedness-p-cep-workshop/</a>&nbsp;

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

19 Mar 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/529daddc-f2e1-4000-a4fb-b2a500497383/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
John Paul Cruz, PHD Candidate at the University of Melbourne, is researching  Making Accessible and Usable Digital Health Platforms.  John Paul is keen to hear from you.  (Details under "Resources")
Rex Patrick is a Senate Candidate for the Jacqui Lambie Network for South Australia at the Federal Election.  Rex spent some time last week in the South-East of South Australia meeting with NDIS participants and their families.
Sophie Slattery, Assistance Dog Instructor, spoke about See Differently's Operation K9 - providing assistance dogs to support for members of our returned services; helping better manage PTSAID. and other benefits. Volunteers are welcomed to express their interest to be part of the training.  Sophie also previewed International Guide Dog Day  30th April,
Mahesh Nath, from Pacific Vision, Launched their new website.  Mahesh is keen to receive feedback on the site and shared news about a special offer of 10% off any products purchased from the site - just use the code "welcome 10"

Resources: 

John Paul Cruz: johnpaul.cruz@student.unimelb.edu.au expressions of interest: https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_bKqqvJCcbAyfvVQ 

See Differently: http://www.seedifferently.org.au

Pacific Vision: http://www.pacificvisionaus.com.au (To get the Discount use the code "welcome 10")

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>John Paul Cruz, PHD Candidate at the University of Melbourne, is researching&nbsp; Making Accessible and Usable Digital Health Platforms.&nbsp; John Paul is keen to hear from you.&nbsp; (Details under "Resources")</li>
<li>Rex Patrick is a Senate Candidate for the Jacqui Lambie Network for South Australia at the Federal Election.&nbsp; Rex spent some time last week in the South-East of South Australia meeting with NDIS participants and their families.</li>
<li>Sophie Slattery, Assistance Dog Instructor, spoke about See Differently's Operation K9 - providing assistance dogs to support for members of our returned services; helping better manage PTSAID. and other benefits. Volunteers are welcomed to express their interest to be part of the training.&nbsp; Sophie also previewed International Guide Dog Day&nbsp; 30th April,</li>
<li>Mahesh Nath, from Pacific Vision, Launched their new website.&nbsp; Mahesh is keen to receive feedback on the site and shared news about a special offer of 10% off any products purchased from the site - just use the code "welcome 10"</li>
</ul>
Resources:&nbsp;
John Paul Cruz: <a href="mailto:johnpaul.cruz@student.unimelb.edu.au">johnpaul.cruz@student.unimelb.edu.au</a> expressions of interest: <a href="https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_bKqqvJCcbAyfvVQ">https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_bKqqvJCcbAyfvVQ</a>&nbsp;
See Differently:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.seedifferently.org.au">http://www.seedifferently.org.au</a>
Pacific Vision: <a href="http://www.pacificvisionaus.com.au">http://www.pacificvisionaus.com.au</a> (To get the Discount use the code "welcome 10")

23 Apr 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/32975341-75d2-4788-a24f-b2c8005faa1c/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
Ben Rowe, musician; singer and recording artist, is about to release a new song "Feeling Like Home"
Frank Cirillo, Member Engagement Officer at Beyond Blindness, with an update on events and activities from Whyalla and Port Augusta, to the western suburbs of Adelaide; Adelaide Hills and the South-East. 
Milly Hart is a member of the Australian Women's Blind Cricket Team.  The Team is  about to host their first ever international series in Australia against Pakistan in Qld, from April 20th
Maureen O Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, with invitations to participate, either in person or online, in the Melbourne Writers Festival events and the National Simultaneous Story Time, 21st May, everyone will be reading The Truck Cat, and  and more

Resources:

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

Vision Australia Library: https://visionaustralia.org/services/library

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Ben Rowe, musician; singer and recording artist, is about to release a new song "Feeling Like Home"</li>
<li>Frank Cirillo, Member Engagement Officer at Beyond Blindness, with an update on events and activities from Whyalla and Port Augusta, to the western suburbs of Adelaide; Adelaide Hills and the South-East.&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.beyondblindness.org.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!CN48LIAjoq1R2upiQ-TLUTvpcpc_fca8NQz29Qsz0w1BRjV3ULfAZRkvl2wbQPMW8gdK4LlujGlbUm3hehEPGAkFhAf9Mz-_Oeo$" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0"></a>Milly Hart is a member of the Australian Women's Blind Cricket Team.&nbsp; The Team is&nbsp; about to host their first ever international series in Australia against Pakistan in Qld, from April 20th</li>
<li>Maureen O Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, with invitations to participate, either in person or online, in the Melbourne Writers Festival events and the National Simultaneous Story Time, 21st May, everyone will be reading The Truck Cat, and&nbsp; and more</li>
</ul>
Resources:
Beyond Blindness: <a href="http://www.beyondblindness.org.au">http://www.beyondblindness.org.au</a>
Vision Australia Library: <a href="https://visionaustralia.org/services/library">https://visionaustralia.org/services/library</a>

16 Apr 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/99fc2d1f-df7d-4fe2-8ab6-b2c10066592f/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
Alex Morris, from the Australian Electoral Commission, with news on the options available for people who are blind or vision impaired to vote at the May 3rd Federal Election - including important dates and phone numbers.
Barry Clark, Chair of See Differently (The Royal Society for the Blind) paid tribute to the late Peter Hetherington OAM, Advocate; champion blind cricketer; employee; board member and client for close to 60 years. 
Dr Jo Kaeding and Agata Mrva-Montoya, from Uni SA and Sydney University respectively, shared their research showing public libraries are failing readers with a print disability. 
Deb Deshayes, CEO for Blind Citizens Australia, invited all to the 50th anniversary Convention at the Novatel from Friday the 13th June in Melbourne and updated us on a number of exciting projects BCA are undertaking. 

Resources:

Australian Electoral Commission: Call 13 23 26 or go to: https://www.aec.gov.au/Voting/ways_to_vote/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwtdi_BhACEiwA97y8BECz3XpaVJZO2mEvuCI6j3lu3O1wF8s1WQgemBgA5CMoRAv8hxfTrBoCdOYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds 

Research Findings (Libraries and Accessibility): https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2025/australian-public-libraries-failing-readers-with-print-disabilities/ 

Blind Citizens Australia: Call 1800 033 660 or go to http://www.bca.org.au 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Alex Morris, from the Australian Electoral Commission, with news on the options available for people who are blind or vision impaired to vote at the May 3rd Federal Election - including important dates and phone numbers.</li>
<li><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.aec.gov.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!ErmCCW6R0AAuUtb2EFaeouas4NV7A_IxXf82I6s-g5c34GRRMrCLTiWQucQO0VGHdGuBOfIgulIsPge-OKePzo-BIarmkUvrNFY$" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0"></a>Barry Clark, Chair of See Differently (The Royal Society for the Blind) paid tribute to the late Peter Hetherington OAM, Advocate; champion blind cricketer; employee; board member and client for close to 60 years.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Dr Jo Kaeding and Agata Mrva-Montoya, from Uni SA and Sydney University respectively, shared their research showing public libraries are failing readers with a print disability.&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2025/australian-public-libraries-failing-readers-with-print-disabilities/__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!ErmCCW6R0AAuUtb2EFaeouas4NV7A_IxXf82I6s-g5c34GRRMrCLTiWQucQO0VGHdGuBOfIgulIsPge-OKePzo-BIarm6rK0RWQ$" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="3"></a>Deb Deshayes, CEO for Blind Citizens Australia, invited all to the 50th anniversary Convention at the Novatel from Friday the 13th June in Melbourne and updated us on a number of exciting projects BCA are undertaking.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Resources:
Australian Electoral Commission: Call 13 23 26 or go to: <a href="https://www.aec.gov.au/Voting/ways_to_vote/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwtdi_BhACEiwA97y8BECz3XpaVJZO2mEvuCI6j3lu3O1wF8s1WQgemBgA5CMoRAv8hxfTrBoCdOYQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">https://www.aec.gov.au/Voting/ways_to_vote/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwtdi_BhACEiwA97y8BECz3XpaVJZO2mEvuCI6j3lu3O1wF8s1WQgemBgA5CMoRAv8hxfTrBoCdOYQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds</a>&nbsp;
Research Findings (Libraries and Accessibility): <a href="https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2025/australian-public-libraries-failing-readers-with-print-disabilities/">https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2025/australian-public-libraries-failing-readers-with-print-disabilities/</a>&nbsp;
Blind Citizens Australia: Call 1800 033 660 or go to <a href="http://www.bca.org.au">http://www.bca.org.au</a>&nbsp;

09 Apr 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/c6e5a4b2-4493-4978-b2f2-b2ba005921e6/transcript

19 Mar 2025

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