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;

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

29 Apr 2026

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

On FOCAL POINT:
Iconyx, a proud Indigenous award-winning singer/song writer, chatted about an illustrious career so far and the recently released album Black on Track - as well as being on the ABC's The piano.
Sophie Slattery, assistance dog Instructor at See Differently, spoke about the 12 years of Operation K-9 - a program making huge difference to our returned service people better manage PTSAID. The program is funded by DVA, you can also be involved as a volunteer, helping the puppies prepare for their roles.
Nathan Johnson, ultra distance athlete; motivational speaker and fund raiser, launched Nathan's website - supported by Cinta Graves from My Designer.
Bev Walker lost sight later in life.  She has shown great determination; resilience; and persistence -  taking on assistive technology; using the Envoy for reading; the Ray-Ban meta glasses enabling independence; and  sharing peer support with the "check in and chat" program from Vision Australia

Resournves: 

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

Inspire and Empower: Email: info@inspireandempower.com.au or go to:  https://www.inspireandempower.com.au/ 

My Designer: http://www.mydesigner.com.au 

 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Iconyx, a proud Indigenous award-winning singer/song writer, chatted about an illustrious career so far and the recently released album Black on Track - as well as being on the ABC's The piano.</li>
<li>Sophie Slattery, assistance dog Instructor at See Differently, spoke about the 12 years of Operation K-9 - a program making huge difference to our returned service people better manage PTSAID. The program is funded by DVA, you can also be involved as a volunteer, helping the puppies prepare for their roles.</li>
<li>Nathan Johnson, ultra distance athlete; motivational speaker and fund raiser, launched Nathan's website - supported by Cinta Graves from My Designer.</li>
<li>Bev Walker lost sight later in life.&nbsp; She has shown great determination; resilience; and persistence -&nbsp; taking on assistive technology; using the Envoy for reading; the Ray-Ban meta glasses enabling independence; and&nbsp; sharing peer support with the "check in and chat" program from Vision Australia</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resournves:&nbsp;
See Differently: <a href="http://www.seedifferently.org.au">http://www.seedifferently.org.au</a>
Inspire and Empower: Email: <a href="mailto:info@inspireandempower.com.au">info@inspireandempower.com.au</a> or go to:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.inspireandempower.com.au/">https://www.inspireandempower.com.au/</a>&nbsp;
My Designer: <a href="http://www.mydesigner.com.au">http://www.mydesigner.com.au</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

22 Apr 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/a884b0b2-63ab-45ff-b180-b4340059c86e/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
Molly Smith, has returned with the Aussie Belles Goalball team from Europe.  Molly was equal highest goal scorer in the tournament, and the team placed 3rd,
Rachel, from Beyond Blindness marketing, had news on events and activities, including, volunteering opportunities; walking groups; 10 pin bowling; "moving into dance" can do from a chair and a sausage sizzle at the Windsore Gardens Bunnings.
Kristy Stichter shared doing the survey on braille literacy and quality of life using NVDA and Windows. Kristy also spoke about her love of music, braille music, book clubs and using the Meta glasses. 
Hannah Illingworth, Director for the Darwin Fringe Festival, previewed the event. Tickets on sale in May, commencing in July - inclusive, accessible, all are invited,

Resources:

Beyond Blindness: www.beyondblindess.org.au

Braille Literacy Survey: https://surveys.unisq.edu.au/index.php/147465?lang=en

Darwin Fringes Tickets; www.darwinfringe.org.au

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Molly Smith, has returned with the Aussie Belles Goalball team from Europe.&nbsp; Molly was equal highest goal scorer in the tournament, and the team placed 3rd,</li>
<li><a href="https://www.goalball.com.au/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExeG5TVVhNR2pNTXBYWE1ZcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5vYKRrdanEMWb3LCzqDGyO36IuJ82WkI4f65AEQ32K8qnG3f5Jd4LdqCVI6A_aem_r1cZTCDt7iPUx5OmtUi-jQ"></a>Rachel, from Beyond Blindness marketing, had news on events and activities, including, volunteering opportunities; walking groups; 10 pin bowling; "moving into dance" can do from a chair and a sausage sizzle at the Windsore Gardens Bunnings.</li>
<li>Kristy Stichter shared doing the survey on braille literacy and quality of life using NVDA and Windows. Kristy also spoke about her love of music, braille music, book clubs and using the Meta glasses.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Hannah Illingworth, Director for the Darwin Fringe Festival, previewed the event. Tickets on sale in May, commencing in July - inclusive, accessible, all are invited,</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources:
Beyond Blindness:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beyondblindess.org.au">www.beyondblindess.org.au</a>
Braille Literacy Survey: <a href="https://surveys.unisq.edu.au/index.php/147465?lang=en">https://surveys.unisq.edu.au/index.php/147465?lang=en</a>
Darwin Fringes Tickets; <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darwinfringe.org.au%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExeG5TVVhNR2pNTXBYWE1ZcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6Z7NY-dX7yRPTRR37r-5domNdB78M51TsXlRmDSEg6c2n6m3FRUJWsrNUvyA_aem_RPnLPuMxT1v-7q9qDjo2-g&amp;h=AT7lfB-B-la66adI1SFywXOdhEntEnPK-5JVzXE0alePNm1oeb9qM-XjUrZH771R5tcv6DqPN91jDHq4nMw1Mh-hf1G3XDleLm62pNuDFyLRpxIIxmJGA_4rNjgRmlnEZC6Jh-i1kqLGPA&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT5PFDFwQQWfzBTbN2xSlbod2H4Rpt-gS9WaVbAn5so7Ka-9Nd4ETkDegm1es_5KU1ypsEpaonlqA0g1UyEvcgqyUp1S6TFs6TTAFSCq13cGHGBuPFoU635heEnKkHpvhsyyxZDDYZKCTwxAAy7bpTiYLzD93Eyjdv1BSv6O254pWskyAko">www.darwinfringe.org.au</a>

15 Apr 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/6ec57b21-dd12-4bb3-8e02-b42d005b5878/transcript

On FOCAL POINT: 
Aasha Rose is a PHD student at the University of Southern Queensland doing research into braille literacy and people's quality of life.  Aasha would love you to take part in the survey. (Available under "Resources" in the podcast notes.
Jude Gafney, Audio Description Co-ordinator from Access 2 Arts, with news on the tactile tour and audio description of RBG of Many - about Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  Jude gave fabulous insights into tactile tours before audio described shows; their  benefits adding so much to the full experience of performances.
Professor Connie Katelaris, Professor of Immunology and Allergy at the University of Sydney , let us know about an Australian-discovered Breakthrough therapy for hereditary angioedema,  Andembry? (AN-dem-bree), now available on the PBS. Connie also spoke about ocular disorders including allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
Bec Golding, Sales Manager for Brooks, shared a timely message to check or have someone check our smoke alarms. 

Resources

Braille Literacy and Satisfaction Survey: https://surveys.unisq.edu.au/index.php/147465?lang=en 

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

HAE Australasia: https://haeaustralasia.org.au

Brooks Australia: https://www.brooks.com.au/ 

On FOCAL POINT:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Aasha Rose is a PHD student at the University of Southern Queensland doing research into braille literacy and people's quality of life.&nbsp; Aasha would love you to take part in the survey. (Available under "Resources" in the podcast notes.</li>
<li>Jude Gafney, Audio Description Co-ordinator from Access 2 Arts, with news on the tactile tour and audio description of RBG of Many - about Ruth Bader Ginsburg.&nbsp; Jude gave fabulous insights into tactile tours before audio described shows; their&nbsp; benefits adding so much to the full experience of performances.</li>
<li>Professor Connie Katelaris, Professor of Immunology and Allergy at the University of Sydney , let us know about an Australian-discovered Breakthrough therapy for hereditary angioedema,&nbsp; Andembry? (AN-dem-bree), now available on the PBS. Connie also spoke about ocular disorders including allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.</li>
<li>Bec Golding, Sales Manager for Brooks, shared a timely message to check or have someone check our smoke alarms.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources
Braille Literacy and Satisfaction Survey: <a href="https://surveys.unisq.edu.au/index.php/147465?lang=en">https://surveys.unisq.edu.au/index.php/147465?lang=en</a>&nbsp;
Access 2 Arts: <a href="http://www.access2arts.org.au">http://www.access2arts.org.au</a>
HAE Australasia: <a href="https://haeaustralasia.org.au">https://haeaustralasia.org.au</a>
Brooks Australia: <a href="https://www.brooks.com.au/">https://www.brooks.com.au/</a>&nbsp;

08 Apr 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/392ee51a-768a-4f6e-9e4b-b426004aeba9/transcript

29 Apr 2026

Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

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Focal Point on Vision Australia Radio

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