This week we’d like to introduce you to a new online platform & app called “Connect Up”.ConnectUp is a free Australian app launched in June 2026 to help people with disability, unpaid carers, and families reduce social isolation and find physical activities. It lets users build online connections, arrange in-person meetups, and discover accessible venues using an interactive map and many other useful functions that makes it easier for people with a disability to connect with others with a similar interest.
We had a very interesting & informative conversation with Craig Thompson, one of the leading researchers & developers from Curtin University; & Nina Butler one of the active Co-Design team.We also enjoyed discovering some of the fabulous interests and  pursuits of Nina Butler who is Deafblind and has a physical disability. Nina’s enthusiasm & positive energy was captivating and fun to talk with.
Some of Nina’s interests include; writer, speaker, and advocate. Nina uses her writing as a form of education and advocacy and she also enjoys producing a blog. - You can check out Nina’s  blog , “Inner Musings Of A Funny Looking Kid” at www.ninimeany.wordpress.com or like it on Facebook https://m.facebook.com/Inner-Musings-Of-A-Funny-Looking-Kid-151852385305430/
Connect Up - can be found online at; -https://www.connectup.org.au

This week we&rsquo;d like to introduce you to a new online platform &amp; app called &ldquo;Connect Up&rdquo;.ConnectUp is a free Australian app launched in June 2026 to help people with disability, unpaid carers, and families reduce social isolation and find physical activities. It lets users build online connections, arrange in-person meetups, and discover accessible venues using an interactive map and many other useful functions that makes it easier for people with a disability to connect with others with a similar interest. We had a very interesting &amp; informative conversation with Craig Thompson, one of the leading researchers &amp; developers from Curtin University; &amp; Nina Butler one of the active Co-Design team.We also enjoyed discovering some of the fabulous interests and &nbsp;pursuits of Nina Butler who is Deafblind and has a physical disability. Nina&rsquo;s enthusiasm &amp; positive energy was captivating and fun to talk with. Some of Nina&rsquo;s interests include; writer, speaker, and advocate.&nbsp;Nina uses her writing as a form of education and advocacy and she also enjoys producing a blog.&nbsp;- You can check out Nina&rsquo;s &nbsp;blog , &ldquo;Inner Musings Of A Funny Looking Kid&rdquo; at&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.ninimeany.wordpress.com__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!B-NlRJ93o-e5zYcLmHk_X9yIsmqebnCPCl9is9mCU_39NhBaXv5HQlOhWFAwoCwkC9HURZXvMwh80bqh3oYn34ORPPZZjKHo$" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">www.ninimeany.wordpress.com</a>&nbsp;or like it on Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://m.facebook.com/Inner-Musings-Of-A-Funny-Looking-Kid-151852385305430/__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!B-NlRJ93o-e5zYcLmHk_X9yIsmqebnCPCl9is9mCU_39NhBaXv5HQlOhWFAwoCwkC9HURZXvMwh80bqh3oYn34ORPCIIDE4F$" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">https://m.facebook.com/Inner-Musings-Of-A-Funny-Looking-Kid-151852385305430/</a> Connect Up - can be found online at; -<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.connectup.org.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!B-NlRJ93o-e5zYcLmHk_X9yIsmqebnCPCl9is9mCU_39NhBaXv5HQlOhWFAwoCwkC9HURZXvMwh80bqh3oYn34ORPG9ha9bC$" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">https://www.connectup.org.au</a>

In Plain Sight, hosted by Simon Chong and produced by Andrew Williams, is a program where we highlight the incredible stories of people who are making a positive impact in the community and disability sector. Giving a voice to dedicated disability advocates demonstrating advocacy in all its different forms, shining a light on those who might otherwise be hidden ‘in plain sight'.

Get in touch with the program team via: inplainsight@visionaustralia.org. Simon and Andrew would love to hear your feedback, thoughts and ideas.

In Plain Sight, hosted by Simon Chong and produced by Andrew Williams, is a program where we highlight the incredible stories of people who are making a positive impact in the community and disability sector. Giving a voice to dedicated disability advocates demonstrating advocacy in all its different forms, shining a light on those who might otherwise be hidden &lsquo;in plain sight'.
Get in touch with the program team via:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:inplainsight@visionaustralia.org">inplainsight@visionaustralia.org</a>. Simon and Andrew would love to hear your feedback, thoughts and ideas.

In Plain Sight

In Plain Sight by Vision Australia Radio

Get connected with `Connect up`

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/904a6295-4c2a-405a-9ad4-b4a30072463a/transcript