Hi, I'm Simon.

Hi, I'm Simon.

And I'm Abby, and you're listening to In Plain Sight, a program where we talk to people making a positive impact in the community and disability sector, shining a light on those who might otherwise be hidden in plain sight.

And I'm Abby, and you're listening to In Plain Sight, a program where we talk to people making a positive impact in the community and disability sector, shining a light on those who might otherwise be hidden in plain sight.

And it's our pleasure to bring these really fabulous stories to you on a weekly basis here on Vision Australia Radio. Abby, how are you going?

And it's our pleasure to bring these really fabulous stories to you on a weekly basis here on Vision Australia Radio. Abby, how are you going?

I'm good. Simon, I'm. I'm hot. That's what I am. I'm hot. It's, uh. It's currently been 38 to 44 degrees this week here in Perth. And we're definitely struggling through the heat wave. I would say.

I'm good. Simon, I'm. I'm hot. That's what I am. I'm hot. It's, uh. It's currently been 38 to 44 degrees this week here in Perth. And we're definitely struggling through the heat wave. I would say.

Yes. And I like those ads on the radio and TV telling us how to save energy by putting the aircon on to 24 degrees, which is fine and dandy if you have an air conditioner. Um, yes. Here in Perth we're going through one of our traditional heat waves Heatwaves in January, as we often do, and it's quite difficult. Yeah, it is difficult to do. I know there's hot weather in other parts of Australia and freezing cold weather in other parts of the world, but here.

Yes. And I like those ads on the radio and TV telling us how to save energy by putting the aircon on to 24 degrees, which is fine and dandy if you have an air conditioner. Um, yes. Here in Perth we're going through one of our traditional heat waves Heatwaves in January, as we often do, and it's quite difficult. Yeah, it is difficult to do. I know there's hot weather in other parts of Australia and freezing cold weather in other parts of the world, but here.

We are just muggy. It's grey and muggy and.

We are just muggy. It's grey and muggy and.

Yes, it's.

Yes, it's.

A weird time of year.

A weird time of year.

As I said to someone on the phone yesterday, it's like being in the tropics without the beaches and palm trees.

As I said to someone on the phone yesterday, it's like being in the tropics without the beaches and palm trees.

Oh.

Oh.

But at least we can go swimming in our ocean without stingers and crocodiles.

But at least we can go swimming in our ocean without stingers and crocodiles.

I don't know, they're closing beaches up because of sharks. They closed our Cottesloe up the other week because of a shark, so I don't know about that.

I don't know, they're closing beaches up because of sharks. They closed our Cottesloe up the other week because of a shark, so I don't know about that.

I'm more worried about the sharks on land.

I'm more worried about the sharks on land.

Moving along, moving along. This week we are speaking to Lock Tang, industrial chemist, music enthusiast and current board member for Blind Citizens West Australia.

Moving along, moving along. This week we are speaking to Lock Tang, industrial chemist, music enthusiast and current board member for Blind Citizens West Australia.

It was really great to talk with lock and I really appreciated his Enthusiasm, his passion and his sincerity. Now what I also enjoyed when listening to this interview was Locke is not a professional advocate. He is not a professional person in any of the realms of what we've discussed. But what makes this special, this discussion special, is that it's sincere, it's heartfelt, and it's warm. And he does share some of that emotion that a lot of people go through when having faced difficulties in their life. And we will learn all about what kind of difficulties Locke went through in his life.

It was really great to talk with lock and I really appreciated his Enthusiasm, his passion and his sincerity. Now what I also enjoyed when listening to this interview was Locke is not a professional advocate. He is not a professional person in any of the realms of what we've discussed. But what makes this special, this discussion special, is that it's sincere, it's heartfelt, and it's warm. And he does share some of that emotion that a lot of people go through when having faced difficulties in their life. And we will learn all about what kind of difficulties Locke went through in his life.

I definitely found this interview very personal, and it just it draws you in straight away with how sincere it is and as, as you put it, Simon. Heartfelt.

I definitely found this interview very personal, and it just it draws you in straight away with how sincere it is and as, as you put it, Simon. Heartfelt.

Yes. And one of the topics Locke does discuss without giving too much away is belonging to something important and belonging to something that gives you purpose and sense of fun as well, and a sense of belonging. So we'll learn about what that is for Locke. But Locke didn't mention at the time that he is a board member of Blind Citizens Western Australia, as they've been mentioned, and that is an important organisation that I would like to make mention of, because it changed a lot of things for the better, for people who are blind and have low vision. And it's also a great way of connecting with other people who are blind and have low vision because they have social events and other peer group support networks as well. So whatever you whatever is happening for you, be it you have a disability and illness or an impairment of some description, find a support group, find another network out there that suits your situation and also suits your interests. To help you feel more connected to a sense of community. And community is so important for all of us, but especially if you have a disability or are going through a chronic illness of some kind or something like that.

Yes. And one of the topics Locke does discuss without giving too much away is belonging to something important and belonging to something that gives you purpose and sense of fun as well, and a sense of belonging. So we'll learn about what that is for Locke. But Locke didn't mention at the time that he is a board member of Blind Citizens Western Australia, as they've been mentioned, and that is an important organisation that I would like to make mention of, because it changed a lot of things for the better, for people who are blind and have low vision. And it's also a great way of connecting with other people who are blind and have low vision because they have social events and other peer group support networks as well. So whatever you whatever is happening for you, be it you have a disability and illness or an impairment of some description, find a support group, find another network out there that suits your situation and also suits your interests. To help you feel more connected to a sense of community. And community is so important for all of us, but especially if you have a disability or are going through a chronic illness of some kind or something like that.

So blind citizens WA has been representing people for over 60 years, and their mission statement is to ensure that West Australians who are blind or vision impaired have full participation in the community. And of course, there'll be other organisations over East that are aiming to do the same sort of thing. But the main point is it's about community and it's about feeling a part of something and not feeling alone or isolated. Now, Simon, what do you do to feel a part of a community?

So blind citizens WA has been representing people for over 60 years, and their mission statement is to ensure that West Australians who are blind or vision impaired have full participation in the community. And of course, there'll be other organisations over East that are aiming to do the same sort of thing. But the main point is it's about community and it's about feeling a part of something and not feeling alone or isolated. Now, Simon, what do you do to feel a part of a community?

Well, I sort of, due to my interests and other, other things, I feel like I'm part of several communities. One is my local community to where I live, and I do several things around that, where I catch up with my friends and go out to places I also belong to a social. I'm a social member of a bowls club where I go in, um, mainly go there for the music, and that's a little community of its own. And it's a really great to be part of that community of the bowls club. And I'm also, of course, part of the blindness community here in Perth. Now, people listening who know me know that I don't participate as much as I should in some of those events, but I sometimes go to organise dinners that happen within the blind community here in Perth, that they organise a dinner outing every fortnight, and when one suits my budget and close to my location, I like to attend that. And one of those advantages of going to those dinners is that we might all come from different backgrounds and all have different interests, but we have one small thing in common, and that is having a vision impairment. And that's really, really beneficial and rewarding. And what about you? What do you get up to.

Well, I sort of, due to my interests and other, other things, I feel like I'm part of several communities. One is my local community to where I live, and I do several things around that, where I catch up with my friends and go out to places I also belong to a social. I'm a social member of a bowls club where I go in, um, mainly go there for the music, and that's a little community of its own. And it's a really great to be part of that community of the bowls club. And I'm also, of course, part of the blindness community here in Perth. Now, people listening who know me know that I don't participate as much as I should in some of those events, but I sometimes go to organise dinners that happen within the blind community here in Perth, that they organise a dinner outing every fortnight, and when one suits my budget and close to my location, I like to attend that. And one of those advantages of going to those dinners is that we might all come from different backgrounds and all have different interests, but we have one small thing in common, and that is having a vision impairment. And that's really, really beneficial and rewarding. And what about you? What do you get up to.

At the moment? As of the last probably month, I found a bit of a community in line dancing. So in the city, in Northbridge, they do what they call boot scooting, which is country line dancing. So I've been doing that a couple the last couple of Friday nights, and I'll say, that's a lot of fun. Um, and there's a whole community there. Everyone there's some people that are really, really good at it and you should see their feet move. And then there's some of us, like me, who are beginners and get completely lost about three moves into the routine.

At the moment? As of the last probably month, I found a bit of a community in line dancing. So in the city, in Northbridge, they do what they call boot scooting, which is country line dancing. So I've been doing that a couple the last couple of Friday nights, and I'll say, that's a lot of fun. Um, and there's a whole community there. Everyone there's some people that are really, really good at it and you should see their feet move. And then there's some of us, like me, who are beginners and get completely lost about three moves into the routine.

But yeah, and I find that fascinating because I'm very much older than you, and there's people a little bit younger and a little bit older than me that think line dancing is really odd and boring and a bit square. And there's people we.

But yeah, and I find that fascinating because I'm very much older than you, and there's people a little bit younger and a little bit older than me that think line dancing is really odd and boring and a bit square. And there's people we.

Do dance about square.

Do dance about square.

That's right, that's right. Well, in the old days it was called square dancing. That's a whole nother thing. But. And there's people my parents age who go line dancing for exercise. And yet younger people your age maybe are picking up line dancing for fun. And there's a venue in Fremantle, Western Australia, that does line dancing every Wednesday night, and apparently it's packed and it's very, very people join in very enthusiastically. And yeah, a lot of people I know are into swing dancing. Oh, I.

That's right, that's right. Well, in the old days it was called square dancing. That's a whole nother thing. But. And there's people my parents age who go line dancing for exercise. And yet younger people your age maybe are picking up line dancing for fun. And there's a venue in Fremantle, Western Australia, that does line dancing every Wednesday night, and apparently it's packed and it's very, very people join in very enthusiastically. And yeah, a lot of people I know are into swing dancing. Oh, I.

Love swing dancing.

Love swing dancing.

And, um, they like their country ish country music, country rock and roll and old time 50s style rock n roll so they can do their fancy dancing and swing around the place. And I'm not part of that community, but linked to it.

And, um, they like their country ish country music, country rock and roll and old time 50s style rock n roll so they can do their fancy dancing and swing around the place. And I'm not part of that community, but linked to it.

You might have to come bootscooting some Friday. Simon. No.

You might have to come bootscooting some Friday. Simon. No.

Anyways, really looking forward to listening to Locke's great contribution to our show right now and I hope you enjoy too. Thanks for joining us. I like how are you?

Anyways, really looking forward to listening to Locke's great contribution to our show right now and I hope you enjoy too. Thanks for joining us. I like how are you?

I'm good. Thanks, Simon. How are you?

I'm good. Thanks, Simon. How are you?

I'm great. Now, look, I believe you speak at least two languages. Is that right?

I'm great. Now, look, I believe you speak at least two languages. Is that right?

Two and a half. I say two and a half.

Two and a half. I say two and a half.

What were those two and a half be?

What were those two and a half be?

Uh, that'd be English, Vietnamese and Chinese. Okay. And Mandarin.

Uh, that'd be English, Vietnamese and Chinese. Okay. And Mandarin.

Okay. Can you say hello and welcome in Vietnamese for us?

Okay. Can you say hello and welcome in Vietnamese for us?

Uh.

Uh.

Okay. Yeah. Thank you very much. Now, you were born in Vietnam. Is that right?

Okay. Yeah. Thank you very much. Now, you were born in Vietnam. Is that right?

I was born in Vietnam. Uh, came to Australia when I was about 13, turning 14, I think.

I was born in Vietnam. Uh, came to Australia when I was about 13, turning 14, I think.

So you are legally blind now?

So you are legally blind now?

Uh, I'm legally blind since 2014.

Uh, I'm legally blind since 2014.

2014. And what was the. What is the nature of your vision?

2014. And what was the. What is the nature of your vision?

Um, I have a condition called La Coma, and I was born with it. You were born with that? Yeah. And it's in the family. My brother has it as well, but, uh, it's a I think with the condition. There are two types. My one is very slowly, you know, um, it's a slow process. Thank God for that.

Um, I have a condition called La Coma, and I was born with it. You were born with that? Yeah. And it's in the family. My brother has it as well, but, uh, it's a I think with the condition. There are two types. My one is very slowly, you know, um, it's a slow process. Thank God for that.

And what would be the level of your eyesight now?

And what would be the level of your eyesight now?

You know, blindness is a spectrum, so it's hard to describe. There are days that I cannot literally see. If you stand in front of me, I lost all my peripheral vision. And I have the central vision. Uh, I would say, you know, if easy to understand, I'd say I probably have a 6 or 7% of sight.

You know, blindness is a spectrum, so it's hard to describe. There are days that I cannot literally see. If you stand in front of me, I lost all my peripheral vision. And I have the central vision. Uh, I would say, you know, if easy to understand, I'd say I probably have a 6 or 7% of sight.

And with glaucoma, it. You said it started to you're born with it, but it started to develop. At what time?

And with glaucoma, it. You said it started to you're born with it, but it started to develop. At what time?

It's from the age that you you're born. Really? Because the glaucoma is to do with the pressure in the eye. And basically that pressure is increasing gradually. In my case, anyway. And the pressure is putting the, you know, the pressure is on the optic nerve and that's kill the optic nerves. And that's why it's kind of like a they call it a silent killer because you don't know, you know, when you're born, your vision, you think, oh, it's normal, but it might not be normal, but because you're able to see everything, so you just, you know, just carry on as usual. But in the meantime, people who are suffering from this condition, the peripheral side vision is gradually closing up over the years. And, you know, for me, I don't know how when it started, um, but when I was about when I finished high school, I went to uni and that's when I started to notice that, oh, it's getting a bit worse. You know how I see things. But I actually thought it was just shortsightedness because I. I'm short sighted. So I didn't do anything until until 1989. That's when I just finished uni and about to apply for a job. And then I was driving back then as well. And, you know, I started to see all these things like halo around light, that's a classic symptom. And then suddenly, you know, you just, um, I was approaching like a T-junction. I was driving, and then, you know, I thought it's just like, because you see, with your brain, you're not seeing with your eyes, you know, it's just like a camera lens. So the brain kind of like can when it cannot see things, it just, you know, whatever memory that you have in that section of the road, you think that, okay, it's going straight ahead but actually approaching a T junction. Right. And I almost, you know, ran over it. And that's when I thought, oh, this is this is not good. How come. You know, sometimes I can see things, sometimes I can't. So I went to the hospital and then my eye pressure back then it was like one is 90 and the other one is 70. Now normally your your your pressure, your pressure shouldn't, you know, should be around 20 or below. So, uh, that's when I was diagnosed, uh, of having glaucoma. And then they, they, you know, shortly after that I had surgery and all that. And then after, after a while, they managed to, uh, to settle the pressure, the high pressure. And and I was about, you know, I went back to normal business, really doing, you know, the thing I want to do, uh, went for a job. I became a chemist.

It's from the age that you you're born. Really? Because the glaucoma is to do with the pressure in the eye. And basically that pressure is increasing gradually. In my case, anyway. And the pressure is putting the, you know, the pressure is on the optic nerve and that's kill the optic nerves. And that's why it's kind of like a they call it a silent killer because you don't know, you know, when you're born, your vision, you think, oh, it's normal, but it might not be normal, but because you're able to see everything, so you just, you know, just carry on as usual. But in the meantime, people who are suffering from this condition, the peripheral side vision is gradually closing up over the years. And, you know, for me, I don't know how when it started, um, but when I was about when I finished high school, I went to uni and that's when I started to notice that, oh, it's getting a bit worse. You know how I see things. But I actually thought it was just shortsightedness because I. I'm short sighted. So I didn't do anything until until 1989. That's when I just finished uni and about to apply for a job. And then I was driving back then as well. And, you know, I started to see all these things like halo around light, that's a classic symptom. And then suddenly, you know, you just, um, I was approaching like a T-junction. I was driving, and then, you know, I thought it's just like, because you see, with your brain, you're not seeing with your eyes, you know, it's just like a camera lens. So the brain kind of like can when it cannot see things, it just, you know, whatever memory that you have in that section of the road, you think that, okay, it's going straight ahead but actually approaching a T junction. Right. And I almost, you know, ran over it. And that's when I thought, oh, this is this is not good. How come. You know, sometimes I can see things, sometimes I can't. So I went to the hospital and then my eye pressure back then it was like one is 90 and the other one is 70. Now normally your your your pressure, your pressure shouldn't, you know, should be around 20 or below. So, uh, that's when I was diagnosed, uh, of having glaucoma. And then they, they, you know, shortly after that I had surgery and all that. And then after, after a while, they managed to, uh, to settle the pressure, the high pressure. And and I was about, you know, I went back to normal business, really doing, you know, the thing I want to do, uh, went for a job. I became a chemist.

So like you, you formed a career in your chosen career of chemistry. And throughout most of that time, your eyesight was stable enough and able. You were able to continue with not too many problems. Is that right?

So like you, you formed a career in your chosen career of chemistry. And throughout most of that time, your eyesight was stable enough and able. You were able to continue with not too many problems. Is that right?

That's correct. Yeah. I was able to, you know, function as a normal person, really, just that I have to be a bit, I guess, careful being aware of my condition, but, um, yeah, I was able to work as, you know, as, as a normal person. And, uh, I went on until 2014. Uh, that's when the deterioration rate got worse and worse in the, in that in that time I actually had treatments and then, um, uh, the, the eye doctor basically told me that. Yeah, it's every, every time it's getting worse, every year.

That's correct. Yeah. I was able to, you know, function as a normal person, really, just that I have to be a bit, I guess, careful being aware of my condition, but, um, yeah, I was able to work as, you know, as, as a normal person. And, uh, I went on until 2014. Uh, that's when the deterioration rate got worse and worse in the, in that in that time I actually had treatments and then, um, uh, the, the eye doctor basically told me that. Yeah, it's every, every time it's getting worse, every year.

It must have been a very difficult and somewhat traumatic time, and I've talked to many people who have gone through similar experiences. My experience wasn't wasn't like that, but it was slightly different. And we've all had different ways of coping with stress and trauma and difficult times. What are some of the techniques, some of the learnings, some of the activities that you do that help you with everyday life that you find beneficial, that you might like to tell people about?

It must have been a very difficult and somewhat traumatic time, and I've talked to many people who have gone through similar experiences. My experience wasn't wasn't like that, but it was slightly different. And we've all had different ways of coping with stress and trauma and difficult times. What are some of the techniques, some of the learnings, some of the activities that you do that help you with everyday life that you find beneficial, that you might like to tell people about?

I have always been interested in art, and that's one thing that I, um, I've been doing. And even before my vision got worse, I thought to myself, right, that's kind of like a therapy to me. So that's something that I like. And it's also beneficial to do.

I have always been interested in art, and that's one thing that I, um, I've been doing. And even before my vision got worse, I thought to myself, right, that's kind of like a therapy to me. So that's something that I like. And it's also beneficial to do.

What type of art?

What type of art?

There lock. Uh, I like all kind of arts, but mainly drawing and painting. You know, with oil painting, acrylic and stuff like that.

There lock. Uh, I like all kind of arts, but mainly drawing and painting. You know, with oil painting, acrylic and stuff like that.

Very good. And are you still able to do that with the vision that you have?

Very good. And are you still able to do that with the vision that you have?

Uh, with a bit of help, I actually have an art therapist. She she is a, you know, qualified artist. So she helped me. So I find that with the help. With her help. Yeah, I can I can do a lot of things. And, you know, in the classroom, I'm working with other people who have barely have any sight. Really? Uh, the way I see it, you know, if you if you find that helpful in this in this way, then just just do it. You know, you see, you can use your imagination to see. You don't need your eyes to see. Yeah.

Uh, with a bit of help, I actually have an art therapist. She she is a, you know, qualified artist. So she helped me. So I find that with the help. With her help. Yeah, I can I can do a lot of things. And, you know, in the classroom, I'm working with other people who have barely have any sight. Really? Uh, the way I see it, you know, if you if you find that helpful in this in this way, then just just do it. You know, you see, you can use your imagination to see. You don't need your eyes to see. Yeah.

That's right. And a lot of people often ask blind people what tools or things that they do to get by to you. For instance, read Braille.

That's right. And a lot of people often ask blind people what tools or things that they do to get by to you. For instance, read Braille.

Yeah. Uh, in my case, I use some assistive technology to help me with my work. In my case, it's it's kind of like a, uh, it's a software. It's a program that's designed to help vision impaired people, like, okay, if you if you want a magnification of certain. Because my vision changes all the time someday. I don't have a problem with seeing small things. Right. But at the time than I do. So the software for example, I'm using fusion at the moment. Um, and yeah, it's allowing you to magnify things. And sometimes if you use your eyes too much because I have to scan, you know, every word that I read, then you can switch on the, you know, the, the voice or you can get it to read it to you.

Yeah. Uh, in my case, I use some assistive technology to help me with my work. In my case, it's it's kind of like a, uh, it's a software. It's a program that's designed to help vision impaired people, like, okay, if you if you want a magnification of certain. Because my vision changes all the time someday. I don't have a problem with seeing small things. Right. But at the time than I do. So the software for example, I'm using fusion at the moment. Um, and yeah, it's allowing you to magnify things. And sometimes if you use your eyes too much because I have to scan, you know, every word that I read, then you can switch on the, you know, the, the voice or you can get it to read it to you.

I know it's a common thing with many people, especially who are vision impaired rather than blind. We tried to use as much of the limited sight that we have. However, that sometimes can be quite physically tiring. Do you find this Locke?

I know it's a common thing with many people, especially who are vision impaired rather than blind. We tried to use as much of the limited sight that we have. However, that sometimes can be quite physically tiring. Do you find this Locke?

Oh, every day Simon. It's every single day. And it's kind of like, um. It is frustrating, but then you you find a way, uh, to change your mindset. Yep. Uh, and, you know, for me, what I'm trying to do at the moment is I'm trying to, uh, you know, getting frustrating and, uh, all these things just negative energy. So I want to channel that negative energy to, to into a positive one, for example.

Oh, every day Simon. It's every single day. And it's kind of like, um. It is frustrating, but then you you find a way, uh, to change your mindset. Yep. Uh, and, you know, for me, what I'm trying to do at the moment is I'm trying to, uh, you know, getting frustrating and, uh, all these things just negative energy. So I want to channel that negative energy to, to into a positive one, for example.

You're currently listening to In Plain Sight on Virgin Australia Radio. This week we are speaking to Locke Tang, an industrial chemist, music enthusiast, and current board member of Blind Citizens West Australia.

You're currently listening to In Plain Sight on Virgin Australia Radio. This week we are speaking to Locke Tang, an industrial chemist, music enthusiast, and current board member of Blind Citizens West Australia.

I happen to know that you've done some charity work over time, and not that long ago you did something quite interesting and courageous to help raise money for a particular charity that you were interested in. Something that most people would find quite daunting, and I would probably do it. And with a lot of these things, most people would think that's even more daunting if you can't see. Now you did the tower descent. What is it?

I happen to know that you've done some charity work over time, and not that long ago you did something quite interesting and courageous to help raise money for a particular charity that you were interested in. Something that most people would find quite daunting, and I would probably do it. And with a lot of these things, most people would think that's even more daunting if you can't see. Now you did the tower descent. What is it?

Yeah. Selling down the building. The tallest building in Perth.

Yeah. Selling down the building. The tallest building in Perth.

What was that event called?

What was that event called?

Lock plunge or taking a plunge? Something like that. Yep. Yeah. So, yeah. That's where you up? Selling down over the building to raise money for charity. Um.

Lock plunge or taking a plunge? Something like that. Yep. Yeah. So, yeah. That's where you up? Selling down over the building to raise money for charity. Um.

And how was that experience like?

And how was that experience like?

You see, this is what I'm. I'm on about. You know, normally it's a I'm frightened of heights, right? But as I was saying earlier about, you know, channeling all these negative things about you and turn it into positive. So I'm trying to change my mindset to think, okay, yeah, I'm afraid of heights. And if I can, I have 2020 vision that would scare me to death, to seeing all these things. So, you know, because I'm vision impaired so I can't see much. So my fear has been reduced. So, you know, you just, um, you just make the difficulty that you have with a vision impairment and turn it into positive, you know, look at the positive thing that it does. And that way, you know, you can apply, you can get on with life and you can learn a way to enjoy it. Because if I had full vision, there is no way I'm going to go over the edge of the building.

You see, this is what I'm. I'm on about. You know, normally it's a I'm frightened of heights, right? But as I was saying earlier about, you know, channeling all these negative things about you and turn it into positive. So I'm trying to change my mindset to think, okay, yeah, I'm afraid of heights. And if I can, I have 2020 vision that would scare me to death, to seeing all these things. So, you know, because I'm vision impaired so I can't see much. So my fear has been reduced. So, you know, you just, um, you just make the difficulty that you have with a vision impairment and turn it into positive, you know, look at the positive thing that it does. And that way, you know, you can apply, you can get on with life and you can learn a way to enjoy it. Because if I had full vision, there is no way I'm going to go over the edge of the building.

So. And did you manage to raise a lot of money for your chosen charity?

So. And did you manage to raise a lot of money for your chosen charity?

Yeah, I think I raised probably about $1,400. That's very good. Yeah, that's that's, uh. Yeah, that wasn't a bad effort.

Yeah, I think I raised probably about $1,400. That's very good. Yeah, that's that's, uh. Yeah, that wasn't a bad effort.

And did you manage to have fun while you were doing it?

And did you manage to have fun while you were doing it?

Oh, yes. Yes, I you know, funny enough, uh, now, after I did the abseiling down, I wanted to do it again. So maybe next year, maybe next, next year, I'll try to raise money and to get to do it again.

Oh, yes. Yes, I you know, funny enough, uh, now, after I did the abseiling down, I wanted to do it again. So maybe next year, maybe next, next year, I'll try to raise money and to get to do it again.

What other great adventures have you got lined up for yourself, Loc?

What other great adventures have you got lined up for yourself, Loc?

I'm. I'm thinking of signing up. Uh, I have a friend who's going to jump out of the plane, so. Skydiving? Yeah. In April. And, um. Yeah, I'm thinking of seriously wanting to do that. Yeah. Tandem skydiving. So.

I'm. I'm thinking of signing up. Uh, I have a friend who's going to jump out of the plane, so. Skydiving? Yeah. In April. And, um. Yeah, I'm thinking of seriously wanting to do that. Yeah. Tandem skydiving. So.

Tandem?

Tandem?

Yeah, yeah. I wouldn't jump off the plane by myself. No, this has to be tandem. Yes. So someone would do the work for me.

Yeah, yeah. I wouldn't jump off the plane by myself. No, this has to be tandem. Yes. So someone would do the work for me.

Tell me what other, um, activities and recreational leisure type things do you like to do? I know that you're a big music fan.

Tell me what other, um, activities and recreational leisure type things do you like to do? I know that you're a big music fan.

Uh, yes. Yes, I belong to a band as well. A band? Yeah. We call. We call ourselves Grand delusions.

Uh, yes. Yes, I belong to a band as well. A band? Yeah. We call. We call ourselves Grand delusions.

Grand delusions?

Grand delusions?

Yeah. That's a.

Yeah. That's a.

Fabulous name.

Fabulous name.

Yeah. We just. Yeah, it's a fabulous name. And. Yeah. Um, all of us, uh, vision. Ah, the vision impaired or totally blind and. Yeah, we've been going for. We've been performing at the Rotary Club.

Yeah. We just. Yeah, it's a fabulous name. And. Yeah. Um, all of us, uh, vision. Ah, the vision impaired or totally blind and. Yeah, we've been going for. We've been performing at the Rotary Club.

And how did you get involved with this music group?

And how did you get involved with this music group?

Uh, it it is for me, just as painting and other things that I do when I become legally blind is to, uh, you know, try and do as much, get involved, as much activity as I can. And I always wanted to play guitar. I could not, you know, uh, play a tune before I lost my vision. And this is one of the things that, um, I tried to change my mindset as well is kind of like before, I think, because I was still distracted with the normal vision. So I didn't not really focus on learning. And now with the vision impairment, I have more time on my hands and I can. I'm able to focus and use other senses. Like before, I couldn't tell, you know, the course, the variation between the notes and all that. But now I find that, um, yeah, I can. So yeah, and music helped me to. It is also a therapy for me, just like painting.

Uh, it it is for me, just as painting and other things that I do when I become legally blind is to, uh, you know, try and do as much, get involved, as much activity as I can. And I always wanted to play guitar. I could not, you know, uh, play a tune before I lost my vision. And this is one of the things that, um, I tried to change my mindset as well is kind of like before, I think, because I was still distracted with the normal vision. So I didn't not really focus on learning. And now with the vision impairment, I have more time on my hands and I can. I'm able to focus and use other senses. Like before, I couldn't tell, you know, the course, the variation between the notes and all that. But now I find that, um, yeah, I can. So yeah, and music helped me to. It is also a therapy for me, just like painting.

Where did the group of blind and vision impaired musicians come from? How did that get started?

Where did the group of blind and vision impaired musicians come from? How did that get started?

Uh, it started by, um, my music leader, the band leader, his vision impaired as well. And then I think, I don't know, uh, about probably about 6 or 7 years ago, he started up this, this band and my friend, I just through word of mouth, I heard about it, and I went and joined that band. And, you know, we've been playing ever since. Also because I love music and it is a therapy for me. So I actually get them to come around to my place and I start collecting guitar and other musical instruments. And, you know, we have a regular jamming session at my place.

Uh, it started by, um, my music leader, the band leader, his vision impaired as well. And then I think, I don't know, uh, about probably about 6 or 7 years ago, he started up this, this band and my friend, I just through word of mouth, I heard about it, and I went and joined that band. And, you know, we've been playing ever since. Also because I love music and it is a therapy for me. So I actually get them to come around to my place and I start collecting guitar and other musical instruments. And, you know, we have a regular jamming session at my place.

I've heard about this and it sounds wonderful and, um, something that I wanted to touch on that people like yourself. Like, that's why I wanted to talk to you. Help bring people together. Now, can you, in your own way, tell me a little bit about what you think is the great thing of bringing people together and and sharing the common unity in this case, of people who have blindness or have vision impairment and also like to try music.

I've heard about this and it sounds wonderful and, um, something that I wanted to touch on that people like yourself. Like, that's why I wanted to talk to you. Help bring people together. Now, can you, in your own way, tell me a little bit about what you think is the great thing of bringing people together and and sharing the common unity in this case, of people who have blindness or have vision impairment and also like to try music.

I'll give you one recent example, and it's just an example of everything. We all love to sing. You know, even the ones that say, no, no, I can't sing a tune. No, I don't want to. But really, deep down inside, I think it's for me. I'm a chemist and I tend to relate it to the scientific explanation. It's a way of expressing yourself. You know, people go to concerts, they like music and all that. And believe it or not, everyone wants to sing. But because of the embarrassment and all that, they restrain themselves from, from from expressing themselves. Yeah. So so I try to get people and I try to encourage them by. Okay. Invite them to my house. You know, it's a safe space. Just sing all you want, you know. Have your ego out, you know. No one cares. So that's that's that's, um. And I can relate to that.

I'll give you one recent example, and it's just an example of everything. We all love to sing. You know, even the ones that say, no, no, I can't sing a tune. No, I don't want to. But really, deep down inside, I think it's for me. I'm a chemist and I tend to relate it to the scientific explanation. It's a way of expressing yourself. You know, people go to concerts, they like music and all that. And believe it or not, everyone wants to sing. But because of the embarrassment and all that, they restrain themselves from, from from expressing themselves. Yeah. So so I try to get people and I try to encourage them by. Okay. Invite them to my house. You know, it's a safe space. Just sing all you want, you know. Have your ego out, you know. No one cares. So that's that's that's, um. And I can relate to that.

I think what I've seen you do, Locke, is that you've been encouraged by others, as I was when I became vision impaired and tried many different things over the years. And I want to also try to share that encouragement with other people, and so they may gain the benefit and the joy and fun that I've experienced. Do you relate?

I think what I've seen you do, Locke, is that you've been encouraged by others, as I was when I became vision impaired and tried many different things over the years. And I want to also try to share that encouragement with other people, and so they may gain the benefit and the joy and fun that I've experienced. Do you relate?

Yes, I relate totally to that, Simon. Yes.

Yes, I relate totally to that, Simon. Yes.

So you like your music? I know that we are Facebook friends and I see you share lots of music. Could you name a big band or artist that you are a big fan of?

So you like your music? I know that we are Facebook friends and I see you share lots of music. Could you name a big band or artist that you are a big fan of?

Oh, Pink Floyd, Pink Floyd?

Oh, Pink Floyd, Pink Floyd?

Fantastic. Yeah, and I really appreciate that, that you share your enthusiasm and love of music prior to you, your eyesight deteriorating, did you have any contact or any knowledge of people who were blind?

Fantastic. Yeah, and I really appreciate that, that you share your enthusiasm and love of music prior to you, your eyesight deteriorating, did you have any contact or any knowledge of people who were blind?

No. And that's the thing that I went through it alone. And that's the hardest. You know, I went through a dark, dark place by myself. And now, looking back, you know, I've seen people who traveling down the same path with me. And. Yeah, that's that's why I can I can imagine that the so I try to kind of like help them not to travel down that path that I did by myself.

No. And that's the thing that I went through it alone. And that's the hardest. You know, I went through a dark, dark place by myself. And now, looking back, you know, I've seen people who traveling down the same path with me. And. Yeah, that's that's why I can I can imagine that the so I try to kind of like help them not to travel down that path that I did by myself.

So with that, when, if someone who's listening to this and is going through something similar, losing their eyesight or have just recently lost their eyesight, what would it be? A couple of things you would like them to know about that journey, that process.

So with that, when, if someone who's listening to this and is going through something similar, losing their eyesight or have just recently lost their eyesight, what would it be? A couple of things you would like them to know about that journey, that process.

You know, if someone's going through that and if I happen to meet them or I would. First thing I would tell them is that there are help out there. There are places like, you know, Vision Australia and Visibility. I'm aware of two places in WA. I don't know whether there's other organizations will get involved. Contact them because, you know, uh, you, you will you will find that extremely helpful because, um, you know, feeling being alone to go through. Just get out there and make yourself, you know, will would just sell to go out there and get in touch with them.

You know, if someone's going through that and if I happen to meet them or I would. First thing I would tell them is that there are help out there. There are places like, you know, Vision Australia and Visibility. I'm aware of two places in WA. I don't know whether there's other organizations will get involved. Contact them because, you know, uh, you, you will you will find that extremely helpful because, um, you know, feeling being alone to go through. Just get out there and make yourself, you know, will would just sell to go out there and get in touch with them.

Find a way. And on a similar note, as we wind the conversation up, look, what would you like the general public to know about someone who is vision impaired? That if they've never met someone, or never had any experience with someone who is blind or vision impaired?

Find a way. And on a similar note, as we wind the conversation up, look, what would you like the general public to know about someone who is vision impaired? That if they've never met someone, or never had any experience with someone who is blind or vision impaired?

I would say they are just like you. They're just as good as you, as bad as you. They just like you. We are all the same. Yeah, that's what I the first thing I would tell them. So, you know, just don't treat them any differently. If they want help like a normal person, you know, give them help and you know, if they want to, if they don't want help, they are they are good. You don't need to help them, but treat them the same as you do with any other other people.

I would say they are just like you. They're just as good as you, as bad as you. They just like you. We are all the same. Yeah, that's what I the first thing I would tell them. So, you know, just don't treat them any differently. If they want help like a normal person, you know, give them help and you know, if they want to, if they don't want help, they are they are good. You don't need to help them, but treat them the same as you do with any other other people.

That's excellent. And that, I think, might be a great place to wind up a little conversation today. And I really appreciate you coming into the studio here in Vision Australia radio here in Perth, and it's been a fantastic and fun and very interesting conversation and I really appreciate your honesty, openness and fun there. Thank you very much.

That's excellent. And that, I think, might be a great place to wind up a little conversation today. And I really appreciate you coming into the studio here in Vision Australia radio here in Perth, and it's been a fantastic and fun and very interesting conversation and I really appreciate your honesty, openness and fun there. Thank you very much.

Thank you so much Simon. It was fun doing this. And yeah, thank you very much.

Thank you so much Simon. It was fun doing this. And yeah, thank you very much.

And thanks so much for listening. We hope you enjoyed that interview. And I just want to say a reminder to everyone to send us an email. If you have any contributions or thoughts about the show, we'd love to hear from you. Our email address is in plain sight at Vision Australia. Org.

And thanks so much for listening. We hope you enjoyed that interview. And I just want to say a reminder to everyone to send us an email. If you have any contributions or thoughts about the show, we'd love to hear from you. Our email address is in plain sight at Vision Australia. Org.

Remember you can listen to this program on the Vision Australia Radio. Check your local guides for the Broadcast Times VA radio on the DAB and on Demand and on all the podcast platforms. Please check us out. Bye for now.

Remember you can listen to this program on the Vision Australia Radio. Check your local guides for the Broadcast Times VA radio on the DAB and on Demand and on all the podcast platforms. Please check us out. Bye for now.

Bye for now.

Bye for now.