On FOCAL POINT:
Francois Jacobs is so excited and looking forward to his new role at Blind Citizens Australia. Francois is Systemic Advocacy Lead.
Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, has news on member benefits; volunteer celebrations; a visit to a minature horse therapy farm at Lenswood; and more
Ranjit Jacob, owner of Visitech Magnifiers and Andrew White, Managing Director, let us know what they will be featuring at Tech Fest 17th June U City, 43 Franklin Street in Adelaide
Hayley Percy, from Rising Melbourne, invites all to a number of inclusive, accessible shows and activations, including some free events. 

Resources:

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

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

Visitech Magnifiers: http://www.visitechmagnifiers.com.au

Tech Fest: https://seedifferently.org.au/support-us-and-donate/events/techfest2026/ 

Rising Melbourne: https://2026.rising.melbourne

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Francois Jacobs is so excited and looking forward to his new role at Blind Citizens Australia. Francois is Systemic Advocacy Lead.</li>
<li>Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, has news on member benefits; volunteer celebrations; a visit to a minature horse therapy farm at Lenswood; and more</li>
<li>Ranjit Jacob, owner of Visitech Magnifiers and Andrew White, Managing Director, let us know what they will be featuring at Tech Fest 17th June U City, 43 Franklin Street in Adelaide</li>
<li>Hayley Percy, from Rising Melbourne, invites all to a number of inclusive, accessible shows and activations, including some free events.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources:
Blind Citizens Australia: <a href="http://www.bca.org.au">http://www.bca.org.au</a>
Beyond Blindness: <a href="http://www.beyondblindness.org.au">http://www.beyondblindness.org.au</a>
Visitech Magnifiers: <a href="http://www.visitechmagnifiers.com.au">http://www.visitechmagnifiers.com.au</a>
Tech Fest: <a href="https://seedifferently.org.au/support-us-and-donate/events/techfest2026/">https://seedifferently.org.au/support-us-and-donate/events/techfest2026/</a>&nbsp;
Rising Melbourne: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://2026.rising.melbourne__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!Ez0gWfkaMYtIu4k0Z8AwR-G6WuMoztv1NpOlw8-JisfhpQGR-S2ZG6IpAj79SuoZlSgqXVmFIrgFDnQfkeHybd_QLVb0dOXrXTI$">https://2026.rising.melbourne</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

20 May 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/198f95f7-5d93-438c-b36b-b45000529064/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
Demelza Werly shared news about work she is doing to one day enable a person who is blind or vision impaired to drive a car independently.  Demelza is working with Dr Samantha Horseman at the JCU Ideas lab James Cook University with the
Pilgari Systems - an AI solution and hardware that can be installed into any vehicle.
Jude Gafney, Audio Description Coordinator for Access 2 Arts, had news on audio-described events at the South Australian Museum; ILLUMINATE Adelaide having audio description; and the State Theatre Company putting on "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Christo Sarantakis has  mild hearing loss and is using hearing aids which have made an enormously positive difference to his quality of life.  Christo encouraged others to explore such an opportunity,
Peter Rickards is the inventor of the Sensaball - a unique tip for mobility canes.  Brent Franklin has been involved with testing the product for over 5 years.  Peter and Brent will be at Tech Fest 17th June 17th at U-City, 43 Franklin Street.

Resources:

Pilgari: http://www.pilgarisystems.com.au/

Pilgari Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6ydtYcIwJwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7HfkXcARzM 

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

Sensaball: https://www.sensaball.com.au/ 

Techfest 2026: https://seedifferently.org.au/support-us-and-donate/events/techfest2026/ 

 

 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Demelza Werly shared news about work she is doing to one day enable a person who is blind or vision impaired to drive a car independently.&nbsp; Demelza is working with Dr Samantha Horseman at the JCU Ideas lab James Cook University with the Pilgari Systems - an AI solution and hardware that can be installed into any vehicle.</li>
<li>Jude Gafney, Audio Description Coordinator for Access 2 Arts, had news on audio-described events at the South Australian Museum; ILLUMINATE Adelaide having audio description; and the State Theatre Company putting on "The Importance of Being Earnest"</li>
<li>Christo Sarantakis has&nbsp; mild hearing loss and is using hearing aids which have made an enormously positive difference to his quality of life.&nbsp; Christo encouraged others to explore such an opportunity,</li>
<li>Peter Rickards is the inventor of the Sensaball - a unique tip for mobility canes.&nbsp; Brent Franklin has been involved with testing the product for over 5 years.&nbsp; Peter and Brent will be at Tech Fest 17th June 17th at U-City, 43 Franklin Street.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources:
Pilgari: <a href="http://www.pilgarisystems.com.au/">http://www.pilgarisystems.com.au/</a>
Pilgari Videos:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6ydtYcIwJw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6ydtYcIwJw</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7HfkXcARzM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7HfkXcARzM</a>&nbsp;
Access 2 Arts: <a href="http://www.access2arts.org.au">http://www.access2arts.org.au</a>&nbsp;
Sensaball: <a href="https://www.sensaball.com.au/">https://www.sensaball.com.au/</a>&nbsp;
Techfest 2026: <a href="https://seedifferently.org.au/support-us-and-donate/events/techfest2026/">https://seedifferently.org.au/support-us-and-donate/events/techfest2026/</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

13 May 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/2aec5c07-b625-413b-bdb4-b449007cacdd/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
Alex Sar shared highlights of the recent Deafblind Camp in Victoria -  attended by campers from all around Australia.
Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had information regarding Bystanders playing a vital role in preventing elder abuse.
Sarah Richardson, CEO for Health-Bright, spoke about many phobias affecting Australians every day.
Emma Lawrence, Operations Director for Kids Alive, launched free CPR training to equip parents for life-or-death emergencies in and out of the water.  Free training is available throughout May in Australia. 

Resources:

Able Australia: http://www.ableaustralia.org.au

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

Online Psychologists: https://www.onlinepsychologist.com.au/ 

Phobias Online Quiz: https://www.onlinepsychologist.com.au/post/phobia-quiz 

Kids Alive: https://kidsalive.com.au/ 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Alex Sar shared highlights of the recent Deafblind Camp in Victoria -&nbsp; attended by campers from all around Australia.</li>
<li>Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had information regarding Bystanders playing a vital role in preventing elder abuse.</li>
<li>Sarah Richardson, CEO for Health-Bright, spoke about many phobias affecting Australians every day.</li>
<li>Emma Lawrence, Operations Director for Kids Alive, launched free CPR training to equip parents for life-or-death emergencies in and out of the water.&nbsp; Free training is available throughout May in Australia.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources:
Able Australia: <a href="http://www.ableaustralia.org.au">http://www.ableaustralia.org.au</a>
Crimestoppers Australia: <a href="https://crimestoppers.com.au/">https://crimestoppers.com.au/</a>&nbsp;
Online Psychologists:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.onlinepsychologist.com.au/">https://www.onlinepsychologist.com.au/</a>&nbsp;
Phobias Online Quiz: <a href="https://www.onlinepsychologist.com.au/post/phobia-quiz">https://www.onlinepsychologist.com.au/post/phobia-quiz</a>&nbsp;
Kids Alive: <a href="https://kidsalive.com.au/">https://kidsalive.com.au/</a>&nbsp;

06 May 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/b7f1dbf8-4873-46ad-bdec-b442006beec1/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
Jarrod Sandell-Hay, Vice President for People with Disabilities Australia, sharing his concerns; insights and observations from the recently announced planned cuts to the NDIS. 
Tony Scott, previewing the Australian Nationawn Bowls Championships from 13th May at Club Tweed.  Tony has an invitation to a come n try day 24th May 24th at the Kensington Bowling Club, Kensington Gardens, from 10am. , all welcome, 
Maureen O'Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, chatted about the Library being an access and inclusion Partner with the Melbourne Writers Festival and a number of opportunities to attend In Conversations with some highly regarded and respected authors. 
Phil Vandepeer, Co-Founder and Co-Presenter for Focal Point, responding with some frank and forthright thoughts about the NDIS proposed cuts. 

Resources:

People with Disability Australia: http://www.pwd.org.au

Blind Bowles Australia: Email: abbaenquiries@gmail.com Internet: https://blindbowls.bowls.com.au

Vision Australia Library: http://www.visionaustralia.org/library 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Jarrod Sandell-Hay, Vice President for People with Disabilities Australia, sharing his concerns; insights and observations from the recently announced planned cuts to the NDIS.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Tony Scott, previewing the Australian Nationawn Bowls Championships from 13th May at Club Tweed.&nbsp; Tony has an invitation to a come n try day 24th May 24th at the Kensington Bowling Club, Kensington Gardens, from 10am. , all welcome,&nbsp;</li>
<li>Maureen O'Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, chatted about the Library being an access and inclusion Partner with the Melbourne Writers Festival and a number of opportunities to attend In Conversations with some highly regarded and respected authors.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Phil Vandepeer, Co-Founder and Co-Presenter for Focal Point, responding with some frank and forthright thoughts about the NDIS proposed cuts.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources:
People with Disability Australia: <a href="http://www.pwd.org.au">http://www.pwd.org.au</a>
Blind Bowles Australia: Email: <a href="mailto:abbaenquiries@gmail.com">abbaenquiries@gmail.com</a> Internet: <a href="https://blindbowls.bowls.com.au">https://blindbowls.bowls.com.au</a>
Vision Australia Library: <a href="http://www.visionaustralia.org/library">http://www.visionaustralia.org/library</a>&nbsp;

29 Apr 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/f27b4abf-c9ae-4802-9895-b43b00636cd4/transcript

20 May 2026

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