On FOCAL POINT:
Darryl Davenport was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division For Services To Dance Sports (including blind and deaf dancing)
Phia Damsma, Creative Director for Sonokids (celebrating 25 years of Ballyland)  Sonokids have just released Song Book 1 by The Ballylanders - now available on all streaming platforms.  Find out more here: http://www.sonokids.com 
Madhuka De Silva, PHD Candidate at Monash University, evaluating a dance system. You are invited to contact Madhuka to take part in research at Monash's Clayton Campus. Participants will receive an electronic gift card. 
Call Madhuka on 0452 373 585 or email madhuka.desilva@monash.edu  
Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, spoke about the Australian of the Year Awards; the i-phone 16; and Federal Politics.

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Darryl Davenport was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division For Services To Dance Sports (including blind and deaf dancing)</li>
<li>Phia Damsma, Creative Director for Sonokids (celebrating 25 years of Ballyland)&nbsp; Sonokids have just released Song Book 1 by The Ballylanders - now available on all streaming platforms.&nbsp; Find out more here: <a href="http://www.sonokids.com">http://www.sonokids.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Madhuka De Silva, PHD Candidate at Monash University, evaluating a dance system. You are invited to contact Madhuka to take part in research at Monash's Clayton Campus. Participants will receive an electronic gift card.&nbsp; Call Madhuka on 0452 373 585 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:madhuka.desilva@monash.edu">madhuka.desilva@monash.edu</a> &nbsp;</li>
<li>Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, spoke about the Australian of the Year Awards; the i-phone 16; and Federal Politics.</li>
</ul>

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 Jan 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/5fa425e0-b21a-4cd2-acd6-b2740036df54/transcript

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;

19 Mar 2025

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

On FOCAL POINT:
Selena McMurray is an Occupational Therapist with Live Big and a mother of two children who are neuro-divergent. Selena spoke about  the role of women in the disability sector deserving attention beyond International Women's Day. 
Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with news on audio described performances during the Fringe and Adelaide Festival.
Jonathan Ramsden is a long-time narrator with Vision Australia's Personal Support Service. Having narrated a wide variety of personal support titles over the years, Jonathan is also a much-loved narrator of Wheels magazine. You can access 360 print pages every year converted into your preferred format.  
Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, shared tips; hints and practical action you can take to minimise and help stop retail crime.

Resources:
Live Big: http://www.livebig.com.au
Access 2 Arts: http://www.access2arts.org.au
Adelaide Fringe: Call 1300 621 255 or go to https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix
Adelaide Festival: Call 1300 393 404 or go to http://www.adelaidefestival.com.au
VA's Personal Support Service: https://www.visionaustralia.org/business-consulting/print-accessibility/alternate-format-production
Crimestoppers Victoria: http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Selena McMurray is an Occupational Therapist with Live Big and a mother of two children who are neuro-divergent. Selena spoke about&nbsp; the role of women in the disability sector deserving attention beyond International Women's Day.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with news on audio described performances during the Fringe and Adelaide Festival.</li>
<li>Jonathan Ramsden is a long-time narrator with Vision Australia's Personal Support Service. Having narrated a wide variety of personal support titles over the years, Jonathan is also a much-loved narrator of Wheels magazine. You can access 360 print pages every year converted into your preferred format.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, shared tips; hints and practical action you can take to minimise and help stop retail crime.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!E9wbSmMJhcvAITr2kFCtgeAwiG9CKD44M8IG1qpH4gS0zYhZFfLm00TyniHIkRsYkJbsT27c70STnmAH9vsa1F5Ec1kJEdxPP-4$" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5"></a>Resources:
<ul>
<li>Live Big: <a href="http://www.livebig.com.au">http://www.livebig.com.au</a></li>
<li>Access 2 Arts: <a href="http://www.access2arts.org.au">http://www.access2arts.org.au</a></li>
<li>Adelaide Fringe: Call 1300 621 255 or go to <a href="https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix">https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix</a></li>
<li>Adelaide Festival: Call 1300 393 404&nbsp;or go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.adelaidefestival.com.au">http://www.adelaidefestival.com.au</a></li>
<li>VA's Personal Support Service: <a href="https://www.visionaustralia.org/business-consulting/print-accessibility/alternate-format-production" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">https://www.visionaustralia.org/business-consulting/print-accessibility/alternate-format-production</a></li>
<li>Crimestoppers Victoria: <a href="http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au">http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

12 Mar 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/a86386ec-199b-4f65-abdb-b29e00472f1a/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:
Nadia Mattiazzo is a first-class advocate; leader; and articulate spokesperson. Nadia  chatted about advocacy, leadership and International Women's Day.
David Woodbridge "Mr. Technology" introduced us to the Braille Doodle, helping people new to braille of all ages, and enabling their families; friends; and educators to be involved with the learning experience in a fun way,
Cindy Dabrowski is taking part in Vision Australia's Graduate Program, and is about to start an internship at Bupa. Cindy encouraged others to strongly consider applying.
Dr Richard Symes, ophthalmologist specialising in glaucoma, shared news on World Glaucoma week and the latest news in treatments and research for the condition. 

Resources: 
Braille Doodle: https://www.touchpadprofoundation.org/
Careers Graduate Program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/about-us/careers/graduate-program 
World Glaucoma Week: https://www.worldglaucomaweek.org/
Glaucoma Australia: https://glaucoma.org.au/ 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>Nadia Mattiazzo is a first-class advocate; leader; and articulate spokesperson. Nadia&nbsp; chatted about advocacy, leadership and International Women's Day.</li>
<li>David Woodbridge "Mr. Technology" introduced us to the Braille Doodle, helping people new to braille of all ages, and enabling their families; friends; and educators to be involved with the learning experience in a fun way,</li>
<li>Cindy Dabrowski is taking part in Vision Australia's Graduate Program, and is about to start an internship at Bupa. Cindy encouraged others to strongly consider applying.</li>
<li>Dr Richard Symes, ophthalmologist specialising in glaucoma, shared news on World Glaucoma week and the latest news in treatments and research for the condition.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Resources:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Braille Doodle:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.touchpadprofoundation.org/">https://www.touchpadprofoundation.org/</a></li>
<li>Careers Graduate Program: <a href="https://www.visionaustralia.org/about-us/careers/graduate-program">https://www.visionaustralia.org/about-us/careers/graduate-program</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>World Glaucoma Week: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.worldglaucomaweek.org/__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GC44YpdOkj-j76ErJY0T2ZyQrRo-98thpOlOu5A-yBlWAdI37G4t5ARLyQgFmgBnLh5VOxdHrITm2xK_ZLDGwTO_yj9hasydUZI$" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">https://www.worldglaucomaweek.org/</a></li>
<li>Glaucoma Australia: <a href="https://glaucoma.org.au/">https://glaucoma.org.au/</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

05 Mar 2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/5e269e25-14b3-4d63-9558-b2970045db53/transcript

29 Jan 2025

Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

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Focal Point on Vision Australia Radio

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