Special Olympics Australia announced that Pierre Comis has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer effective Monday 2 August 2021.

National Chair, Mr. Brownjohn said, ”Pierre is an experienced sports administrator, strategic thinker, and engaging leader with a history of delivering results. He is an outstanding choice to lead our movement. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Special Olympics". 

More info:

Special Olympics

Special Olympics Australia announced that Pierre Comis has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer effective Monday 2 August 2021.
National Chair, Mr. Brownjohn said, &rdquo;Pierre is an experienced sports administrator, strategic thinker, and engaging leader with a history of delivering results. He is an outstanding choice to lead our movement. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Special Olympics".&nbsp;
More info:
<a href="https://www.specialolympics.com.au/">Special Olympics</a>

Featuring interview highlights, bonus content and more from across Vision Australia Radio.

Featuring interview highlights, bonus content and more from across Vision Australia Radio.

Interview Highlights from Vision Australia Radio

Vision Australia Radio Interview Highlights shares a range of discussions initially broadcasted on our print disability radio network. Vision Australia Radio podcasts are accessible on all major podcast apps.

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Vision Australia Radio Interview Highlights shares a range of discussions initially broadcasted on our print disability radio network. Vision Australia Radio podcasts are accessible on all major podcast apps.
Remember to like, subscribe and share. 
Learn more: <a href="http://www.varadio.org">www.varadio.org</a> 
Get in touch: call Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66 or email <a href="mailto:radio@visionaustralia.org">radio@visionaustralia.org</a> 
Vision Australia Radio is a licensed community broadcaster and operates in accordance with the <a href="http://radio.visionaustralia.org/about-us/community-broadcasting-codes-of-practice">Community Broadcasting Codes of Practice</a> and <a href="https://www.rph.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/FINAL_RPH-Australia-Protocol_2019.docx">RPH Protocols</a>.

Interview Highlight: Pierre Comis Special Olympics Australia

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/dfc17d03-b027-495d-9a2d-ad89004e348e/transcript

Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode features a conversation with Jason Loh, Clinical Services Manager at Guide Dogs, exploring the wide range of support services available beyond guide and assistance dogs.

Jason explains the role of clinical services at Guide Dogs and why not every person who is blind or has low vision needs or is suited to a dog. The discussion highlights how occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, orthoptists and client liaison officers work together to support independence through practical tools, skills and funding navigation.

Listeners hear about vision‑specific occupational therapy, mobility training with canes and assistive technology, and everyday solutions such as magnifiers and liquid level indicators that help people safely manage daily tasks. Jason also shares his own professional background as an orthoptist and how that clinical experience supports people living with conditions such as double vision, diabetic eye disease and other ophthalmic challenges.

The conversation touches on Guide Dogs’ involvement at the expo, including hands‑on demonstrations of low vision aids and community programs such as blind and low vision AFL, developed in partnership with SANFL. Jason also discusses pathways for clinicians interested in working in the sector and the growing demand for vision‑focused services.

This episode offers a clear reminder that Guide Dogs is about far more than dogs alone. It is about choice, independence and tailored clinical support for people at every stage of vision loss.

To learn more about Guide Dogs services or speak with the team, visit their stand at the expo or head to the Guide Dogs SA and NT website.

Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode features a conversation with Jason Loh, Clinical Services Manager at Guide Dogs, exploring the wide range of support services available beyond guide and assistance dogs.
Jason explains the role of clinical services at Guide Dogs and why not every person who is blind or has low vision needs or is suited to a dog. The discussion highlights how occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, orthoptists and client liaison officers work together to support independence through practical tools, skills and funding navigation.
Listeners hear about vision‑specific occupational therapy, mobility training with canes and assistive technology, and everyday solutions such as magnifiers and liquid level indicators that help people safely manage daily tasks. Jason also shares his own professional background as an orthoptist and how that clinical experience supports people living with conditions such as double vision, diabetic eye disease and other ophthalmic challenges.
The conversation touches on Guide Dogs&rsquo; involvement at the expo, including hands‑on demonstrations of low vision aids and community programs such as blind and low vision AFL, developed in partnership with SANFL. Jason also discusses pathways for clinicians interested in working in the sector and the growing demand for vision‑focused services.
This episode offers a clear reminder that Guide Dogs is about far more than dogs alone. It is about choice, independence and tailored clinical support for people at every stage of vision loss.
To learn more about Guide Dogs services or speak with the team, visit their stand at the expo or head to the Guide Dogs SA and NT website.

Jason Loh, Clinical Services Manager, Guide Dogs SA/NT

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/80344b68-40d3-41e8-bd55-b4250048c95f/transcript

Recorded live on day two of the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode welcomes back Serena Ovens, CEO of ATSA, for a recap of the event so far and a look at what’s still to come.

Serena shares strong attendance figures from the opening day, with hundreds of health professionals, people with disability, carers and older Australians through the doors, alongside packed seminar rooms and overwhelmingly positive feedback. She reflects on the success of the seminar program, including high‑interest sessions on emerging technology such as artificial intelligence and its growing role in assistive technology and occupational therapy practice.

The conversation also highlights the ATSA Independent Living Expo Awards, recognising standout seminars, marketing campaigns and exhibition stands, and celebrating innovation and engagement across the sector. Serena offers insight into the enormous planning effort behind the expo, explaining how events of this scale take years to develop and rely on strong collaboration across the industry.

Listeners are guided through the remainder of the day’s program, including adaptive fashion, aging well at home, hearing support, changing funding and regulation landscapes, wheelchair transport safety, and advanced wheelchair control systems. Serena also shines a spotlight on the sports zone, where visitors can watch and try inclusive sports such as ice sled hockey, walking basketball and boccia.

With a clear focus on independence, innovation and collaboration, this episode captures the energy of day two on the expo floor and reinforces why the ATSA Independent Living Expo is such an important event for learning, connection and discovery.

Recorded live on day two of the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode welcomes back Serena Ovens, CEO of ATSA, for a recap of the event so far and a look at what&rsquo;s still to come.
Serena shares strong attendance figures from the opening day, with hundreds of health professionals, people with disability, carers and older Australians through the doors, alongside packed seminar rooms and overwhelmingly positive feedback. She reflects on the success of the seminar program, including high‑interest sessions on emerging technology such as artificial intelligence and its growing role in assistive technology and occupational therapy practice.
The conversation also highlights the ATSA Independent Living Expo Awards, recognising standout seminars, marketing campaigns and exhibition stands, and celebrating innovation and engagement across the sector. Serena offers insight into the enormous planning effort behind the expo, explaining how events of this scale take years to develop and rely on strong collaboration across the industry.
Listeners are guided through the remainder of the day&rsquo;s program, including adaptive fashion, aging well at home, hearing support, changing funding and regulation landscapes, wheelchair transport safety, and advanced wheelchair control systems. Serena also shines a spotlight on the sports zone, where visitors can watch and try inclusive sports such as ice sled hockey, walking basketball and boccia.
With a clear focus on independence, innovation and collaboration, this episode captures the energy of day two on the expo floor and reinforces why the ATSA Independent Living Expo is such an important event for learning, connection and discovery.

Serena Ovens, Chief Executive Officer at Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia (Day 2)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/e073d99b-9627-47ef-91a7-b425004619f1/transcript

Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode features an engaging conversation with Andy Phillips from Wheelchair Rugby South Australia, shining a spotlight on one of the most dynamic and inclusive adaptive sports.

Andy shares the origins of wheelchair rugby, from its beginnings in Canada through to becoming a Paralympic sport, and explains how the game blends elements of rugby, basketball and hockey into a fast‑paced indoor contact sport. We unpack how the classification system works, why strategy plays such a central role, and how players with different levels of mobility work together as a team.

The conversation also explores the local scene in South Australia, including training sessions, social game nights and pathways that range from casual participation through to high‑performance competition. Andy highlights the strong sense of community within the sport and the welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages anyone in a wheelchair to come along, watch or have a go.

Listeners also hear about live demonstrations at the expo, opportunities to try the sport firsthand, and where to find Wheelchair Rugby South Australia for those interested in getting involved. This episode is a powerful reminder that being in a wheelchair does not limit ambition, competitiveness or the joy of sport.

Whether you are curious about adaptive sport, looking for a new challenge, or simply want to learn more about wheelchair rugby, this conversation offers insight, humour and inspiration.

Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode features an engaging conversation with Andy Phillips from Wheelchair Rugby South Australia, shining a spotlight on one of the most dynamic and inclusive adaptive sports.
Andy shares the origins of wheelchair rugby, from its beginnings in Canada through to becoming a Paralympic sport, and explains how the game blends elements of rugby, basketball and hockey into a fast‑paced indoor contact sport. We unpack how the classification system works, why strategy plays such a central role, and how players with different levels of mobility work together as a team.
The conversation also explores the local scene in South Australia, including training sessions, social game nights and pathways that range from casual participation through to high‑performance competition. Andy highlights the strong sense of community within the sport and the welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages anyone in a wheelchair to come along, watch or have a go.
Listeners also hear about live demonstrations at the expo, opportunities to try the sport firsthand, and where to find Wheelchair Rugby South Australia for those interested in getting involved. This episode is a powerful reminder that being in a wheelchair does not limit ambition, competitiveness or the joy of sport.
Whether you are curious about adaptive sport, looking for a new challenge, or simply want to learn more about wheelchair rugby, this conversation offers insight, humour and inspiration.

Andy Phillips State & Development Program of Wheelchair Rugby South Australia

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/2ae812fa-0696-451c-9a8a-b4250044bce2/transcript

Interview Highlight: Pierre Comis Special Olympics Australia

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