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

7th Oct 26

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/2241551d-3e2b-4408-a4d8-b4dc006dc5fb/transcript

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)

On FOCAL POINT:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>
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.
</li>
<li>
Robert Simms: Leader of the Greens in the South Australian Upper House, discussing proposed legislation around smart glasses and changes to the NDIS.
</li>
<li>
Mira Kim (CEO of the B&eacute;la 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.
</li>
<li>
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.
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources
<ul data-path-to-node="5">
<li>
B&eacute;la Music Foundation: <a href="https://www.bellamf.org/">https://www.bellamf.org/</a>&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Casey Hyde Contact: caseyhyde@guidedeyes.org.au (for book orders)
</li>
</ul>

30 Sep 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/d58b7d2b-5fbe-4237-81ab-b4d50056a26e/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:


Mark Gardiner (Founder & CEO, MPC Markets): Automated driving technology is rapidly evolving with extensive data collection from providers like Waymo, Tesla, and Uber.. 


Philip Martin (Adelaide City Councillor) Acknowledges privacy and misuse concerns raised nationally (e.g., eSafety Commissioner reports), while emphasizing that smart glasses remain a vital tool for vision-impaired users. Banning them outright is not proposed; rather, finding balanced usage regulation is key.  Also has news and opinions on E-Scooters


Andrew Lund & Samantha Bamford (Melbourne Airport) Major road and terminal layout changes take effect Tuesday, October 6.


Emma J. Hawkins & Lisa Prout (Performers & Co-producers on "Exhibit")  A 60-minute physical theatre and dance performance combining black humor and personal storytelling to explore societal perceptions of short-stature women. September 30 – October 4 at La Mama Courthouse (Melbourne Fringe Festival).  Audio Described & Auslan Interpreted Show: Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 PM.Tactile Tour: Saturday, October 3 at 6:30 PM (includes tactile access to handmade tapestries and unique costumes).

Resources


Bookings for Exhibit: https://www.lamama.com.au/whats-on/melbourne-fringe-festival-2026/exhibit 

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul data-path-to-node="14">
<li>
Mark Gardiner (Founder &amp; CEO, MPC Markets):&nbsp;Automated driving technology is rapidly evolving with extensive data collection from providers like Waymo, Tesla, and Uber..&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Philip Martin (Adelaide City Councillor) Acknowledges privacy and misuse concerns raised nationally (e.g., eSafety Commissioner reports), while emphasizing that smart glasses remain a vital tool for vision-impaired users. Banning them outright is not proposed; rather, finding balanced usage regulation is key.&nbsp; Also has news and opinions on E-Scooters
</li>
<li>
Andrew Lund &amp; Samantha Bamford (Melbourne Airport)&nbsp;Major road and terminal layout changes take effect Tuesday, October 6.
</li>
<li>
Emma J. Hawkins &amp; Lisa Prout (Performers &amp; Co-producers on "Exhibit") A 60-minute physical theatre and dance performance combining black humor and personal storytelling to explore societal perceptions of short-stature women. September 30 &ndash; October 4 at La Mama Courthouse (Melbourne Fringe Festival).&nbsp;&nbsp;Audio Described &amp; Auslan Interpreted Show: Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 PM.Tactile Tour: Saturday, October 3 at 6:30 PM (includes tactile access to handmade tapestries and unique costumes).
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-path-to-node="15">
Resources
<ul data-path-to-node="18">
<li>
Bookings for Exhibit: <a href="https://www.lamama.com.au/whats-on/melbourne-fringe-festival-2026/exhibit">https://www.lamama.com.au/whats-on/melbourne-fringe-festival-2026/exhibit</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

23 Sep 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/9f8afe45-7043-4f40-a297-b4ce004d3417/transcript

On FOCAL POINT:


01:55 – Dr. Anne-Marie Witherow Medical doctor, researcher, and advocate for dual-sensory impairment. She discusses co-authoring a new Usher syndrome textbook designed for healthcare and social care professionals alongside Emma Boswell and Emily Shepherd, as well as recent NDIS town hall discussions regarding deafblindness.


16:25 – Rachael (Marketing Dept, Beyond Blindness) Shares updates from Beyond Blindness, including an upcoming disability employment workshop, a guided visit to the Australian Space Discovery Centre, and expanding local "pocket groups" across South Australia.


29:12 – Mark Grey (Chair, Vision Australia) Shares his personal journey with sudden vision loss and details Vision Australia’s advocacy efforts in Canberra regarding NDIS legislative changes, aged care transitions, and tailored support services.

Resources

UsherKids Australia: https://usherkidsaustralia.com/ 

Beyond Blindness: https://beyondblindness.org.au/  Phone: (08) 8367 6088 Social Media: Facebook (@beyondblindness) and Instagram (@beyondblindness)

On FOCAL POINT:
<ul>
<li>
01:55 &ndash; Dr. Anne-Marie Witherow Medical doctor, researcher, and advocate for dual-sensory impairment. She discusses co-authoring a new Usher syndrome textbook designed for healthcare and social care professionals alongside Emma Boswell and Emily Shepherd, as well as recent NDIS town hall discussions regarding deafblindness.
</li>
<li>
16:25 &ndash; Rachael (Marketing Dept, Beyond Blindness) Shares updates from Beyond Blindness, including an upcoming disability employment workshop, a guided visit to the Australian Space Discovery Centre, and expanding local "pocket groups" across South Australia.
</li>
<li>
29:12 &ndash; Mark Grey (Chair, Vision Australia) Shares his personal journey with sudden vision loss and details Vision Australia&rsquo;s advocacy efforts in Canberra regarding NDIS legislative changes, aged care transitions, and tailored support services.
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources
UsherKids Australia: <a href="https://usherkidsaustralia.com/">https://usherkidsaustralia.com/</a>&nbsp;
Beyond Blindness:&nbsp;<a href="https://beyondblindness.org.au/">https://beyondblindness.org.au/</a>&nbsp; Phone: (08) 8367 6088 Social Media: Facebook (@beyondblindness) and Instagram (@beyondblindness)

16 Sep 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/4cd4e219-5c76-4273-9420-b4c700474621/transcript

7th Oct 26

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