From Visa in Australia, this is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Colley.

From Visa in Australia, this is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Colley.

Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And for the next half hour, we talk matters of blindness and low vision.

Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And for the next half hour, we talk matters of blindness and low vision.

I've been blind for a relatively small portion of my life, and my journey has been very much. It started out with blindness being something that was very traumatic and felt really tragic. And now, you know, I feel really empowered and I love being blind and I love my identity, and I have a really healthy self-esteem regarding my blindness and being disabled. And so much part of that journey, honestly, was finding out about Holleman and how incredible he was and how blindness did not hold him back at all. So honestly, finding out about him was really transformative for me.

I've been blind for a relatively small portion of my life, and my journey has been very much. It started out with blindness being something that was very traumatic and felt really tragic. And now, you know, I feel really empowered and I love being blind and I love my identity, and I have a really healthy self-esteem regarding my blindness and being disabled. And so much part of that journey, honestly, was finding out about Holleman and how incredible he was and how blindness did not hold him back at all. So honestly, finding out about him was really transformative for me.

Welcome to the show, that voice you just heard there was Maude. Well, one of three winners of the 2021 Hollman Prize, a yearly prize of $25000 dollars to support people in their ambitious, life changing project. Entries are now open and Star Glory is on the program today. Chatting with Maude and Lee Kermit at from Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired about the prize and how you can enter that conversation's coming up later in the show. But first, transport for New South Wales are rolling out a new smartcard for taxi users in the state to replace the old paper docket system. I caught up with Lewis Clark from Transport for New South Wales to have a chat about the cards and a pair of information sessions. Transport for New South Wales will be running in conjunction with Vision Australia later this month. And that interview is coming up next, so stay tuned. And then finally, we wrap up the show this week with some news and information. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. I begin the interview with Lewis this week by asking him about the smart cards and the taxi transport subsidy scheme on which they're based.

Welcome to the show, that voice you just heard there was Maude. Well, one of three winners of the 2021 Hollman Prize, a yearly prize of $25000 dollars to support people in their ambitious, life changing project. Entries are now open and Star Glory is on the program today. Chatting with Maude and Lee Kermit at from Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired about the prize and how you can enter that conversation's coming up later in the show. But first, transport for New South Wales are rolling out a new smartcard for taxi users in the state to replace the old paper docket system. I caught up with Lewis Clark from Transport for New South Wales to have a chat about the cards and a pair of information sessions. Transport for New South Wales will be running in conjunction with Vision Australia later this month. And that interview is coming up next, so stay tuned. And then finally, we wrap up the show this week with some news and information. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. I begin the interview with Lewis this week by asking him about the smart cards and the taxi transport subsidy scheme on which they're based.

Yeah, it certainly might start with a little background on the taxi transfer subsidy scheme. So really, that's export New South Wales residents with qualifying severe and permanent disability who are unable to use public transport, and the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme provides eligible participants with subsidised taxi fares of up to 50 per cent of the total fare to a maximum of $60 a trip. Previously, customers under the scheme used to use what we call paper docket books in the taxis, and over the last 12 months or so we've been replacing those with the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme Smart Card, which works in a similar way to a contactless payment card. So when our customers are in the taxi, they're able to tap on to the taxi payment terminal, and it will automatically calculate the subsidised portion of the fare when leaving the customer to to pay the difference, so it's hopefully much easier for customers to use. Mm-Hmm.

Yeah, it certainly might start with a little background on the taxi transfer subsidy scheme. So really, that's export New South Wales residents with qualifying severe and permanent disability who are unable to use public transport, and the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme provides eligible participants with subsidised taxi fares of up to 50 per cent of the total fare to a maximum of $60 a trip. Previously, customers under the scheme used to use what we call paper docket books in the taxis, and over the last 12 months or so we've been replacing those with the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme Smart Card, which works in a similar way to a contactless payment card. So when our customers are in the taxi, they're able to tap on to the taxi payment terminal, and it will automatically calculate the subsidised portion of the fare when leaving the customer to to pay the difference, so it's hopefully much easier for customers to use. Mm-Hmm.

Absolutely. Now, quickly just to clarify for the listeners out there who is eligible for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme Smart Card Lewis.

Absolutely. Now, quickly just to clarify for the listeners out there who is eligible for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme Smart Card Lewis.

So everybody that is eligible for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme is able to is able to apply for the smart card. And we've written to all the current customers recently inviting them to send back to us a signed consent form and photograph to complete their application for the for the Taxi Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme small card, which will then get posted out to them. If we've got new customers on the scheme or if people want more information, they're able to visit our website, which is Transport NSW info, and can search for taxi subsidy scheme for more information or alternatively can phone our Transport Info Contact Centre on three one 500.

So everybody that is eligible for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme is able to is able to apply for the smart card. And we've written to all the current customers recently inviting them to send back to us a signed consent form and photograph to complete their application for the for the Taxi Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme small card, which will then get posted out to them. If we've got new customers on the scheme or if people want more information, they're able to visit our website, which is Transport NSW info, and can search for taxi subsidy scheme for more information or alternatively can phone our Transport Info Contact Centre on three one 500.

You touched on the move away from the pay per dockets over the past year or so, but Lois, what do you anticipate? The main advantages will be of moving away from those travel dockets to the new smart cards?

You touched on the move away from the pay per dockets over the past year or so, but Lois, what do you anticipate? The main advantages will be of moving away from those travel dockets to the new smart cards?

So there's benefits for customers, for taxi operators and drivers, as well as transport for New South Wales. Certainly from a customer perspective, it means they don't have to carry around a collection of paper dockets with them anymore and also don't have to go through and reorder those paper dockets on a regular basis. The smart card is a lot. And if the customers to be able to carry around in their wallet, for example, and also includes a photograph, added security, we've also made sure we've added some accessibility features to the smart card, which include embossed lettering. We've added a notch along the top or the long side of the card to make it easier to identify the card in a wallet and have gone with the dark blue card designed with white lettering to give it really strong colour contrast.

So there's benefits for customers, for taxi operators and drivers, as well as transport for New South Wales. Certainly from a customer perspective, it means they don't have to carry around a collection of paper dockets with them anymore and also don't have to go through and reorder those paper dockets on a regular basis. The smart card is a lot. And if the customers to be able to carry around in their wallet, for example, and also includes a photograph, added security, we've also made sure we've added some accessibility features to the smart card, which include embossed lettering. We've added a notch along the top or the long side of the card to make it easier to identify the card in a wallet and have gone with the dark blue card designed with white lettering to give it really strong colour contrast.

That's fantastic news to hear about all the accessibility considerations that have gone into the new card now. Louis How can participants access the smart cards

That's fantastic news to hear about all the accessibility considerations that have gone into the new card now. Louis How can participants access the smart cards

because of the way the scheme operates? It is based on an application basis, so customers can either apply through the through the website or through the contact centre, or by replying to the letter that we've sent out recently. And it does need does need transport for New South Wales to post that out to customers.

because of the way the scheme operates? It is based on an application basis, so customers can either apply through the through the website or through the contact centre, or by replying to the letter that we've sent out recently. And it does need does need transport for New South Wales to post that out to customers.

Okay, fantastic. And I understand as well Lewis. There will be a couple of information sessions coming up to support participants who are blind or have low vision to obtain this smart card. So could you tell us more about those? Perhaps?

Okay, fantastic. And I understand as well Lewis. There will be a couple of information sessions coming up to support participants who are blind or have low vision to obtain this smart card. So could you tell us more about those? Perhaps?

Yeah, absolutely. We're really pleased to be partnering with Vision Australia to host two sessions on the on the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme smart card to both help answer any questions and provide guidance to customers in applying for the smart card, but also to answer any general questions customers might have on the on the scheme. So with Vision Australia, we're running two digital sessions each for 30 minutes. One of those is on the 16th of February at 6:30 pm and the other one on the 23rd of February 11. And if people need more information on those sessions, they might come. Visit the Vision Australia, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page to get more information, and that will also have a link to be able to register for the sessions.

Yeah, absolutely. We're really pleased to be partnering with Vision Australia to host two sessions on the on the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme smart card to both help answer any questions and provide guidance to customers in applying for the smart card, but also to answer any general questions customers might have on the on the scheme. So with Vision Australia, we're running two digital sessions each for 30 minutes. One of those is on the 16th of February at 6:30 pm and the other one on the 23rd of February 11. And if people need more information on those sessions, they might come. Visit the Vision Australia, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page to get more information, and that will also have a link to be able to register for the sessions.

Thank you very much, Lois. That was Lewis Clark there. Transport for New South Wales executive director of Customer Operations Chatting to me today all about the new Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme, smart cards and information sessions coming up later this month. Third Vision Australia. I'm Sam Kelly, and you're listening to talking vision on Vision Australia radio associated stations of AIDS and the community radio network. If you'd like to find out more about the program, like where to find your local radio frequency or listen to past programs, you can find all this info and more on the Toking Vision web page. Just start talking vision into your search engine, or you can find the program on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia Library and now his Stella glory with Maude. Well, one of last year's Hollman Prize winners based in the UK and Lee Committer from the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco. The home prize is named after blind adventurer James Holman and Stella began by asking Maude what it was about James that inspired her to enter.

Thank you very much, Lois. That was Lewis Clark there. Transport for New South Wales executive director of Customer Operations Chatting to me today all about the new Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme, smart cards and information sessions coming up later this month. Third Vision Australia. I'm Sam Kelly, and you're listening to talking vision on Vision Australia radio associated stations of AIDS and the community radio network. If you'd like to find out more about the program, like where to find your local radio frequency or listen to past programs, you can find all this info and more on the Toking Vision web page. Just start talking vision into your search engine, or you can find the program on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia Library and now his Stella glory with Maude. Well, one of last year's Hollman Prize winners based in the UK and Lee Committer from the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco. The home prize is named after blind adventurer James Holman and Stella began by asking Maude what it was about James that inspired her to enter.

Yeah, absolutely. So James Holman, for whom the Holman Prize was named, was an amazing 18th and 19th century explorer. He was incredible and he was completely blind from the age of about 25, which I really resonated with because I went blind at 19 as a young adult, completely out of nowhere points in the term, although I still have some partial vision. He was originally in the Navy, but he had already retired by the time he went blind because he had chronic rheumatism, and he was sort of recovering from that when he lost his sight out of nowhere, and he decided that he would then go on to travel the world. He circumnavigate the globe in a time when that was still very difficult and he wasn't at all touristy in the way he traveled. When he went to a new country, he was heading straight for the wildest and most remote parts of that country. He learned languages as he went. He fought slavery in Equatorial Guinea. He rode mules through the Brazilian rainforest at a time when the only way they knew how to navigate it was just to set massive mile long swathes of it on fire. So he was navigating that completely using senses other than sight. Yeah, he was just an amazing, amazing man, and I really recommend his biography, A Sense of the World by Jason Roberts. And it was honestly reading that and learning about him, someone from history I'd never known about before finding out through someone else who had won the Holden Prize. Actually, they mentioned it and I looked up who he was and then read the book. And I mean, I'd never heard of him before, and then finding out his story just kind of crystallized that what he did travelling so adventurously and writing about it was just absolutely my dream as well. And so my Holman Prize idea was based very much on paying tribute to Holman, who is absolutely my favourite person from history. So he was never able to make out to Japan in his lifetime because Japan was under a system of Sekhukhune and kind of isolation, which made it very difficult for people to travel there. So I'd really like to go there. It's a country I already had a preexisting connection with, which is what I kind of meant when I talk in my application video about this idea kind of existing before I knew that I was going to apply for the Holman Prize and I'd always known I wanted to go back that it was my undergraduate degree Japanese. And so I spent a year abroad there, and so I'd always known I wanted to go back. And just to kind of combine that with a kind of ambitious tribute to Holman was just an absolute dream come true. So the Holman Prize funding is just an incredible opportunity, and I'm just it's such an honour.

Yeah, absolutely. So James Holman, for whom the Holman Prize was named, was an amazing 18th and 19th century explorer. He was incredible and he was completely blind from the age of about 25, which I really resonated with because I went blind at 19 as a young adult, completely out of nowhere points in the term, although I still have some partial vision. He was originally in the Navy, but he had already retired by the time he went blind because he had chronic rheumatism, and he was sort of recovering from that when he lost his sight out of nowhere, and he decided that he would then go on to travel the world. He circumnavigate the globe in a time when that was still very difficult and he wasn't at all touristy in the way he traveled. When he went to a new country, he was heading straight for the wildest and most remote parts of that country. He learned languages as he went. He fought slavery in Equatorial Guinea. He rode mules through the Brazilian rainforest at a time when the only way they knew how to navigate it was just to set massive mile long swathes of it on fire. So he was navigating that completely using senses other than sight. Yeah, he was just an amazing, amazing man, and I really recommend his biography, A Sense of the World by Jason Roberts. And it was honestly reading that and learning about him, someone from history I'd never known about before finding out through someone else who had won the Holden Prize. Actually, they mentioned it and I looked up who he was and then read the book. And I mean, I'd never heard of him before, and then finding out his story just kind of crystallized that what he did travelling so adventurously and writing about it was just absolutely my dream as well. And so my Holman Prize idea was based very much on paying tribute to Holman, who is absolutely my favourite person from history. So he was never able to make out to Japan in his lifetime because Japan was under a system of Sekhukhune and kind of isolation, which made it very difficult for people to travel there. So I'd really like to go there. It's a country I already had a preexisting connection with, which is what I kind of meant when I talk in my application video about this idea kind of existing before I knew that I was going to apply for the Holman Prize and I'd always known I wanted to go back that it was my undergraduate degree Japanese. And so I spent a year abroad there, and so I'd always known I wanted to go back. And just to kind of combine that with a kind of ambitious tribute to Holman was just an absolute dream come true. So the Holman Prize funding is just an incredible opportunity, and I'm just it's such an honour.

Unfortunately, though, you were not able to go to Japan in 2021. How is that going for you now? When do you have a sense of when you might be able to go?

Unfortunately, though, you were not able to go to Japan in 2021. How is that going for you now? When do you have a sense of when you might be able to go?

And yeah, it's it's been very tricky, though the Holman Prize team have been amazingly supportive, but obviously coronavirus has complicated things somewhat. Japan's borders are currently shut, and so while I originally intended to leave last November, that hasn't worked out. I'm really hoping that I'll be able to get out there this spring. And but it is just it's all very uncertain. I mean, it's the same for sort of almost everyone in the world that COVID has been frustrating, but I'm just trying to stay positive and I know it will eventually happen. And you know, the whole in prize team have been amazing at just saying, you know, the funding is there when I can get out there. And so this project will happen. It's just that things have had to be a little bit flexible in the pandemic context.

And yeah, it's it's been very tricky, though the Holman Prize team have been amazingly supportive, but obviously coronavirus has complicated things somewhat. Japan's borders are currently shut, and so while I originally intended to leave last November, that hasn't worked out. I'm really hoping that I'll be able to get out there this spring. And but it is just it's all very uncertain. I mean, it's the same for sort of almost everyone in the world that COVID has been frustrating, but I'm just trying to stay positive and I know it will eventually happen. And you know, the whole in prize team have been amazing at just saying, you know, the funding is there when I can get out there. And so this project will happen. It's just that things have had to be a little bit flexible in the pandemic context.

So was this the first year that you applied Maud? And the other question is when you were talking, you've actually you're only 25 years of age and you're saying you lost vision when you were 19, there was only six years ago, like eight. Do you feel? Um, I feel like you're really putting yourself in a vulnerable position. I don't want to sound like your mother or anything like that. I'm really into the adventure.

So was this the first year that you applied Maud? And the other question is when you were talking, you've actually you're only 25 years of age and you're saying you lost vision when you were 19, there was only six years ago, like eight. Do you feel? Um, I feel like you're really putting yourself in a vulnerable position. I don't want to sound like your mother or anything like that. I'm really into the adventure.

Yeah, I mean, six years is not really a. Some time I've been blind for a relatively small portion of my life, and my journey has been very much. It starts out with blindness being something that was very traumatic and felt really tragic. And now, you know, I feel really empowered and I love being blind and I love my identity, and I have a really healthy self-esteem regarding my blindness and being disabled. And so much part of that journey, honestly, was finding out about Holleman and how incredible he was and how blindness did not hold him back at all. And if anything, he went on to do much, much cooler things with his life than I think he would have done had he just been a retired naval officer hanging out in Bristol. So honestly, finding out about him was really transformative for me, and so the whole prize is what technically brought me on on that journey. So I'm so grateful to them for wanting to help people remember who this person from history was and keeping his name alive and honoring him in this way and showing that, you know, blind people can be adventurous and ambitious. I have sort of forgotten the other half of that question. Oh yeah. This was the first year I applied. I felt really honestly like serendipity. I found out about the Holman Prize, I think at the start of last year in January, so applications would have just opened. I read the book quite quickly because it was so riveting. And then I saw the applications were currently open and I thought, This is sort of perfect. Holman is incredible. I would love the chance to pay tribute to him with a project that kind of echoes his life and his accomplishments. And so I applied. I think I must have submitted my video literally the day before the deadline. I'll be honest, the time difference worked in my favor this time. But yeah, so it was. It wasn't last minute in terms of making the video, but it was towards the end of the application window that I realized that actually this could be a really good fit for something I'd already thought I'd like to do. And yes, it'll it'll worked out well for me.

Yeah, I mean, six years is not really a. Some time I've been blind for a relatively small portion of my life, and my journey has been very much. It starts out with blindness being something that was very traumatic and felt really tragic. And now, you know, I feel really empowered and I love being blind and I love my identity, and I have a really healthy self-esteem regarding my blindness and being disabled. And so much part of that journey, honestly, was finding out about Holleman and how incredible he was and how blindness did not hold him back at all. And if anything, he went on to do much, much cooler things with his life than I think he would have done had he just been a retired naval officer hanging out in Bristol. So honestly, finding out about him was really transformative for me, and so the whole prize is what technically brought me on on that journey. So I'm so grateful to them for wanting to help people remember who this person from history was and keeping his name alive and honoring him in this way and showing that, you know, blind people can be adventurous and ambitious. I have sort of forgotten the other half of that question. Oh yeah. This was the first year I applied. I felt really honestly like serendipity. I found out about the Holman Prize, I think at the start of last year in January, so applications would have just opened. I read the book quite quickly because it was so riveting. And then I saw the applications were currently open and I thought, This is sort of perfect. Holman is incredible. I would love the chance to pay tribute to him with a project that kind of echoes his life and his accomplishments. And so I applied. I think I must have submitted my video literally the day before the deadline. I'll be honest, the time difference worked in my favor this time. But yeah, so it was. It wasn't last minute in terms of making the video, but it was towards the end of the application window that I realized that actually this could be a really good fit for something I'd already thought I'd like to do. And yes, it'll it'll worked out well for me.

And Lee, how do you feel when you hear Maud saying that the home and prize was transformative for her and she hasn't actually even left the country as yet?

And Lee, how do you feel when you hear Maud saying that the home and prize was transformative for her and she hasn't actually even left the country as yet?

I feel very privileged to be a tiny part of something that has the impact on people's lives. And I. Came to the home and price a little bit of a skeptic, to be honest with you, Stella. I've only worked at the light house for a couple of years. I had my anniversary this month, actually, but I knew about the home and price and I was living and working in the UK when I heard about it. And I must admit that I sort of thought, you know, well, it's just another price. And it's just, you know, it seems like a good amount of money that somebody could do something with. But I must admit I wasn't. I wasn't blown away by it. And now I am totally on board and I absolutely love it. And I'll tell you what did it? It was when all the applications come in and we have, you know, 120 or so applications, and every one of those has a 90 second pitch video that they upload to YouTube. And there's a committee of people who get together and watch every single one of those 90 second videos. And it is the most extraordinary experience listening in my case, to blind and visually impaired people. Talk about their lives from all walks of life, from all around the world, talking about what they want to do and and their ambitions, and then going through the process of meeting the judges and whittling them down and then finally awarding the final three. Yeah, I'm a convert. I just think it's it's an amazing price and they don't even have to pay me to say it.

I feel very privileged to be a tiny part of something that has the impact on people's lives. And I. Came to the home and price a little bit of a skeptic, to be honest with you, Stella. I've only worked at the light house for a couple of years. I had my anniversary this month, actually, but I knew about the home and price and I was living and working in the UK when I heard about it. And I must admit that I sort of thought, you know, well, it's just another price. And it's just, you know, it seems like a good amount of money that somebody could do something with. But I must admit I wasn't. I wasn't blown away by it. And now I am totally on board and I absolutely love it. And I'll tell you what did it? It was when all the applications come in and we have, you know, 120 or so applications, and every one of those has a 90 second pitch video that they upload to YouTube. And there's a committee of people who get together and watch every single one of those 90 second videos. And it is the most extraordinary experience listening in my case, to blind and visually impaired people. Talk about their lives from all walks of life, from all around the world, talking about what they want to do and and their ambitions, and then going through the process of meeting the judges and whittling them down and then finally awarding the final three. Yeah, I'm a convert. I just think it's it's an amazing price and they don't even have to pay me to say it.

Now, can you tell us what are the judges looking for?

Now, can you tell us what are the judges looking for?

In the 90 second pitch, it's got to pop, right? We you have 90 seconds to tell us a little bit about you. Get us to sort of feel warmly about you and I'm talking about me as a judge. I'm only involved in the first round. And then and then the judging goes out to a range of people. And in the end, it's a jury of about 14 blind eminent people from around the world. So we want to see people who can grab attention. And I come back to that thing that I mentioned earlier seller about personal growth. I think that we would like to see where people will end up after their home in year. And I also think that they might be a little misconception that the whole menu is about giving to the community or training other blind people to do something. And those are really worthy things for people to do. But it is certainly not people, certainly not limited by that ambition. So please don't feel like you are being super selfish when you say, I want to do this simply because I want to do it. I don't know any other blind or visually impaired people who have done it or not many. And I think that I could really make something fantastic that would be useful for people all around the world to see that would maybe change their perception of people who are blind and visually impaired. So those are the elements that we're looking for. Does that answer your question?

In the 90 second pitch, it's got to pop, right? We you have 90 seconds to tell us a little bit about you. Get us to sort of feel warmly about you and I'm talking about me as a judge. I'm only involved in the first round. And then and then the judging goes out to a range of people. And in the end, it's a jury of about 14 blind eminent people from around the world. So we want to see people who can grab attention. And I come back to that thing that I mentioned earlier seller about personal growth. I think that we would like to see where people will end up after their home in year. And I also think that they might be a little misconception that the whole menu is about giving to the community or training other blind people to do something. And those are really worthy things for people to do. But it is certainly not people, certainly not limited by that ambition. So please don't feel like you are being super selfish when you say, I want to do this simply because I want to do it. I don't know any other blind or visually impaired people who have done it or not many. And I think that I could really make something fantastic that would be useful for people all around the world to see that would maybe change their perception of people who are blind and visually impaired. So those are the elements that we're looking for. Does that answer your question?

It certainly does. And the other question that popped up is, are you seeing a difference in the pictures people from different countries? Because, you know, I imagine a lot of us in Western countries where you want to travel the world, but then you have somebody like Robert Melinda in Zimbabwe who wants to provide computer orientation in mobility and social skills training to blind Zimbabweans.

It certainly does. And the other question that popped up is, are you seeing a difference in the pictures people from different countries? Because, you know, I imagine a lot of us in Western countries where you want to travel the world, but then you have somebody like Robert Melinda in Zimbabwe who wants to provide computer orientation in mobility and social skills training to blind Zimbabweans.

Yeah, we do. We are seeing a lot of those sorts of program ideas coming from East Africa and sometimes in Asia, I think we had two people, one from India and one from Nepal in 2020, kind of doing the same sort of thing, although on a different scale. And two very specific sections of population. So we do see that we were very excited last year when we received our first entry from China. That was amazing because YouTube isn't a medium used in China. So we were thrilled about that.

Yeah, we do. We are seeing a lot of those sorts of program ideas coming from East Africa and sometimes in Asia, I think we had two people, one from India and one from Nepal in 2020, kind of doing the same sort of thing, although on a different scale. And two very specific sections of population. So we do see that we were very excited last year when we received our first entry from China. That was amazing because YouTube isn't a medium used in China. So we were thrilled about that.

That is fantastic, and I love the way the human prize balances all these out. Now, even though people have to film themselves and put it up on YouTube, you are not looking for stunning production skills, are you?

That is fantastic, and I love the way the human prize balances all these out. Now, even though people have to film themselves and put it up on YouTube, you are not looking for stunning production skills, are you?

We certainly aren't. It's about it's about you. It's about conveying in 90 seconds who you are and your enthusiasm for your big idea.

We certainly aren't. It's about it's about you. It's about conveying in 90 seconds who you are and your enthusiasm for your big idea.

Now, speaking of big ideas, is there something now? We did talk about the personal growth, but every year when the when you sit down to judging, is this sort of one thing you think I'd like to see something a little? Is there a project or dying to see but haven't seen yet?

Now, speaking of big ideas, is there something now? We did talk about the personal growth, but every year when the when you sit down to judging, is this sort of one thing you think I'd like to see something a little? Is there a project or dying to see but haven't seen yet?

I don't think I'm going to tell you that still, because, you know, at some point I might have applied for the whole.

I don't think I'm going to tell you that still, because, you know, at some point I might have applied for the whole.

You sneaky things

You sneaky things

you you never know. I personally would like to see more women apply to do things in areas that women are not necessarily strong in. So I would like to see for myself some more kind of stem science, technology, mathematics based ideas from women and that that I think would be really, really incredible. I also would like to see. And this is just my personal view. I would like to see some more kind of leadership based initiatives and a little bit more social based initiatives. I think that's that's my bent. That's what I'm interested in. So I'd love to see a little bit more of that.

you you never know. I personally would like to see more women apply to do things in areas that women are not necessarily strong in. So I would like to see for myself some more kind of stem science, technology, mathematics based ideas from women and that that I think would be really, really incredible. I also would like to see. And this is just my personal view. I would like to see some more kind of leadership based initiatives and a little bit more social based initiatives. I think that's that's my bent. That's what I'm interested in. So I'd love to see a little bit more of that.

We always need more women out in the world. And speaking of those speaking of a woman out in the world, Maude, what would you say to someone who is at home maybe listening to this and thinking, Oh, I've got this crazy idea of this idea? Should I? Should I? What would you say to someone like that?

We always need more women out in the world. And speaking of those speaking of a woman out in the world, Maude, what would you say to someone who is at home maybe listening to this and thinking, Oh, I've got this crazy idea of this idea? Should I? Should I? What would you say to someone like that?

Oh, my gosh. Just go for it. I mean, you have nothing to do, but I really do think Lee is so right to emphasize the personal growth aspect, because that's what makes the whole process so special. The fact is that there are other grants out there for, you know, setting up projects to help other blind people and train them to do things like that. And as absolutely as she says, those are such worthy things to do. But the fact is that the whole prize also celebrates that doing something adventurous for yourself does inspire others and it can enact change for others. The fact is, I say in my video, but James Holman traveled for himself. It was absolutely his dream what he wants to do with his life. It wasn't about other people, but what he did inspired and educated others. And that's so important. And I know the transformative impact that can have on someone's life because that's exactly what his example did for me. So I would say, if you have an idea and it's about you and it's your dream, then this is absolutely the prize for you to to go for. I mean, if you're blind and you're over 18, then you're qualified, done. So just send an application. And I just honestly just go for it. You have nothing to lose. And at the moment, I really do feel that not, you know, there are millions of blind people in the world to the Holman Prize isn't getting millions of applications, so you've got a better shot than you think. So definitely just just go for it.

Oh, my gosh. Just go for it. I mean, you have nothing to do, but I really do think Lee is so right to emphasize the personal growth aspect, because that's what makes the whole process so special. The fact is that there are other grants out there for, you know, setting up projects to help other blind people and train them to do things like that. And as absolutely as she says, those are such worthy things to do. But the fact is that the whole prize also celebrates that doing something adventurous for yourself does inspire others and it can enact change for others. The fact is, I say in my video, but James Holman traveled for himself. It was absolutely his dream what he wants to do with his life. It wasn't about other people, but what he did inspired and educated others. And that's so important. And I know the transformative impact that can have on someone's life because that's exactly what his example did for me. So I would say, if you have an idea and it's about you and it's your dream, then this is absolutely the prize for you to to go for. I mean, if you're blind and you're over 18, then you're qualified, done. So just send an application. And I just honestly just go for it. You have nothing to lose. And at the moment, I really do feel that not, you know, there are millions of blind people in the world to the Holman Prize isn't getting millions of applications, so you've got a better shot than you think. So definitely just just go for it.

Applications for the home and prize are open now, and you have until March 20th to get your application in. For more information, including the application process, head to Holleman Lighthouse Hyphen S.F. for San Francisco dot org or simply type homeand prize into your search engine. There you'll find all the information you need, including frequently asked questions, and there's a section about applying during the time of the pandemic. It's everything that you need to know. Vision Australia will also be promoting the prize on our social media pages and including the upcoming newsletter. If Y and you can also email the program Talking Vision at Vision Australia dot org and we can send you the link. And I have been chatting with Maude Raül, who was one of three winners of the 2021 Hohmann Prize, and also Lee Comstat from The Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco. And if you think her voice sounded familiar, you might know that she is originally from Australia and you might know her work from the BBC. And now it's back to you.

Applications for the home and prize are open now, and you have until March 20th to get your application in. For more information, including the application process, head to Holleman Lighthouse Hyphen S.F. for San Francisco dot org or simply type homeand prize into your search engine. There you'll find all the information you need, including frequently asked questions, and there's a section about applying during the time of the pandemic. It's everything that you need to know. Vision Australia will also be promoting the prize on our social media pages and including the upcoming newsletter. If Y and you can also email the program Talking Vision at Vision Australia dot org and we can send you the link. And I have been chatting with Maude Raül, who was one of three winners of the 2021 Hohmann Prize, and also Lee Comstat from The Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco. And if you think her voice sounded familiar, you might know that she is originally from Australia and you might know her work from the BBC. And now it's back to you.

Sam, thanks very much, Stella, and thanks as well to Maude and Lee there. And now a bit of news and information to wrap up this week. The BCA Hugh Geoffrey Scholarship Program is now open for applications based CAA. That's blind citizens. Australia is offering five scholarships for educational expenses up to $5000 h. Applications are open until Sunday, the 13th of February 2022. For more details, you can visit the BCA website. But going to BCA to OGT A--you, that's BCA dot org to AEW and Searching 2022 BCA Scholarship Program. Or you can call BCA one 800 03 three six six. Oh, that's one 800 oh three three six six. Oh, and in other news, the Vision Australia store is offering a free 2022 calendar, with any purchase over $50 in-store from now and until stocks last. And if you'd like to find out more about that or have a look at what else the Vision's Shire store has to offer, you can head to shop Dot Vision Australia dot org that's shop dot Vision Australia dot org. And that's all we have time for today. You've been listening to talking vision, talking vision is a production of Vision Australia radio. Thanks to all involved with putting the program together. And remember, we love your feedback and comments. You can contact us at Talking Vision at Vision Australia dot org that's talking vision or one word at Vision Australia dot org. But until next week, it's bye for now.

Sam, thanks very much, Stella, and thanks as well to Maude and Lee there. And now a bit of news and information to wrap up this week. The BCA Hugh Geoffrey Scholarship Program is now open for applications based CAA. That's blind citizens. Australia is offering five scholarships for educational expenses up to $5000 h. Applications are open until Sunday, the 13th of February 2022. For more details, you can visit the BCA website. But going to BCA to OGT A--you, that's BCA dot org to AEW and Searching 2022 BCA Scholarship Program. Or you can call BCA one 800 03 three six six. Oh, that's one 800 oh three three six six. Oh, and in other news, the Vision Australia store is offering a free 2022 calendar, with any purchase over $50 in-store from now and until stocks last. And if you'd like to find out more about that or have a look at what else the Vision's Shire store has to offer, you can head to shop Dot Vision Australia dot org that's shop dot Vision Australia dot org. And that's all we have time for today. You've been listening to talking vision, talking vision is a production of Vision Australia radio. Thanks to all involved with putting the program together. And remember, we love your feedback and comments. You can contact us at Talking Vision at Vision Australia dot org that's talking vision or one word at Vision Australia dot org. But until next week, it's bye for now.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us any time during business hours on 103000 eight four seven four six, that's one 300 847 four double six or by visiting Vision Australia dot org. That's Vision Australia dot all.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us any time during business hours on 103000 eight four seven four six, that's one 300 847 four double six or by visiting Vision Australia dot org. That's Vision Australia dot all.