On FOCAL POINT: 

• Casey Hyde: Author of The Naughtiest Guide Dog: The Hungriest Guide Dog, sharing the story behind her book, using AI for accessibility, and launching a charity for retired guide dogs.

• Robert Simms: Leader of the Greens in the South Australian Upper House, discussing proposed legislation around smart glasses and changes to the NDIS.

• Mira Kim (CEO of the Béla Music Foundation) and Helen Shapiro (Artistic Director) discussing their international music competitions and initiatives for blind and visually impaired musicians - highlighting the 2026 competition details and the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall.

• Phil Vandepeer: Co-founder and co-presenter of Focal Point, sharing thoughts on the societal and legislative impacts of smart glasses on people with vision impairment.

Resources

• Béla Music Foundation: https://www.bellamf.org/ 

• Casey Hyde Contact: caseyhyde@guidedeyes.org.au (for book orders)