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

From 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.

Once I lost my vision, I just sort of thought, Well, what's to stop me doing it? I don't want things to stop me doing anything. And I guess, you know, there's no barriers or every barrier that you come across. There's a way around it.

Once I lost my vision, I just sort of thought, Well, what's to stop me doing it? I don't want things to stop me doing anything. And I guess, you know, there's no barriers or every barrier that you come across. There's a way around it.

Welcome to the program. That voice you heard there was hope that by seeing eye dog owner Jen talking about her philosophy to life after losing her vision in her mid-thirties, Jen and her seeing eye dog Nelly are one of the pairs taking part in this year's By a walk. Coming up in November to raise vital funds for seeing eye dogs and registrations are now open to take part. So make sure you stay tuned for that conversation with Stella later on in the show. But first, Helen chats with Queensland based student and Vision Australia bursary recipient Layla, her centre in her second year of uni, studying a Bachelor of business online through Deakin University in Melbourne. She has a keen interest in human resources and advocating for the disabled community and the employment issues that the community faces. And you can hear more from her shortly. And finally, this week, Helen joins me on the show to chat about this month's issue of For Your Information or if I, for short, I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. And now his Helen with Layla.

Welcome to the program. That voice you heard there was hope that by seeing eye dog owner Jen talking about her philosophy to life after losing her vision in her mid-thirties, Jen and her seeing eye dog Nelly are one of the pairs taking part in this year's By a walk. Coming up in November to raise vital funds for seeing eye dogs and registrations are now open to take part. So make sure you stay tuned for that conversation with Stella later on in the show. But first, Helen chats with Queensland based student and Vision Australia bursary recipient Layla, her centre in her second year of uni, studying a Bachelor of business online through Deakin University in Melbourne. She has a keen interest in human resources and advocating for the disabled community and the employment issues that the community faces. And you can hear more from her shortly. And finally, this week, Helen joins me on the show to chat about this month's issue of For Your Information or if I, for short, I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. And now his Helen with Layla.

We're joined by Leila Clarkson, Ether, who is one of our bursary recipients in Australia. Leila, how are you?

We're joined by Leila Clarkson, Ether, who is one of our bursary recipients in Australia. Leila, how are you?

I'm good, thanks. How are

I'm good, thanks. How are

you? Very good. Very good. So, Leila, tell tell us a little bit about yourself.

you? Very good. Very good. So, Leila, tell tell us a little bit about yourself.

Oh, well, I am twenty four years old and I live in Brisbane.

Oh, well, I am twenty four years old and I live in Brisbane.

So you're 24. I'm guessing you're going into uni or life.

So you're 24. I'm guessing you're going into uni or life.

Yes, I'm starting my second year of a Bachelor of Business degree, and I'm studying at Deakin for Deakin Cloud, which is online.

Yes, I'm starting my second year of a Bachelor of Business degree, and I'm studying at Deakin for Deakin Cloud, which is online.

So Deakin is the Melbourne University, right? Yeah, yeah. Amazing. And so what? What got you into business?

So Deakin is the Melbourne University, right? Yeah, yeah. Amazing. And so what? What got you into business?

Well, I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do. I will admit I spent some time when I was younger, like swapping between uni degrees like psychology and social work, and then I stumbled across human resources, which is what I'm majoring in. And I like that sounds kind of similar to what I'm doing, but I don't have to go through the hassle of, like, you know, honours degree. A master's degree to become a psychologist and becoming a social worker was honestly giving me a little bit of anxiety because of the whole like driver's license issue.

Well, I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do. I will admit I spent some time when I was younger, like swapping between uni degrees like psychology and social work, and then I stumbled across human resources, which is what I'm majoring in. And I like that sounds kind of similar to what I'm doing, but I don't have to go through the hassle of, like, you know, honours degree. A master's degree to become a psychologist and becoming a social worker was honestly giving me a little bit of anxiety because of the whole like driver's license issue.

Tell us a little bit about that, and I'm guessing a lot of people might not know. Well, obviously for the blind in low vision community, it's very common. But yeah, tell us a little bit about not having a license.

Tell us a little bit about that, and I'm guessing a lot of people might not know. Well, obviously for the blind in low vision community, it's very common. But yeah, tell us a little bit about not having a license.

Well, yeah, like, I can't drive and what I looked at jobs like on secret or indeed or whatever. A lot of them said that you needed your driver's license. Mm-Hmm. I'm sure there's ways to work around it, but I felt like or they could discriminate against me. And that's not really. What I want, I don't want to be in that position.

Well, yeah, like, I can't drive and what I looked at jobs like on secret or indeed or whatever. A lot of them said that you needed your driver's license. Mm-Hmm. I'm sure there's ways to work around it, but I felt like or they could discriminate against me. And that's not really. What I want, I don't want to be in that position.

Yes, so from the get go, you're trying to apply for jobs. And you say something like that written down, which is probably half hasn't the people writing the job description. They they don't realize that they're excluding people, you know, with with the vision condition. But yeah, you say that in the job description and immediately you're like, No, I can't.

Yes, so from the get go, you're trying to apply for jobs. And you say something like that written down, which is probably half hasn't the people writing the job description. They they don't realize that they're excluding people, you know, with with the vision condition. But yeah, you say that in the job description and immediately you're like, No, I can't.

Yeah, it's really disheartening, honestly.

Yeah, it's really disheartening, honestly.

I can imagine it's yeah. And for a lot of people out there that might be looking for for work or, you know, not having a driver's license isn't the end of the world. You can always catch public transport and you can always hack your work to work for you. Yeah. So you went into business because H.R. was sort of, well, human resources. Sometimes people caught people and culture these days was an interest. So how how are you finding the cause so far?

I can imagine it's yeah. And for a lot of people out there that might be looking for for work or, you know, not having a driver's license isn't the end of the world. You can always catch public transport and you can always hack your work to work for you. Yeah. So you went into business because H.R. was sort of, well, human resources. Sometimes people caught people and culture these days was an interest. So how how are you finding the cause so far?

I'm really enjoying it. I've only just started my H.R. unit. I've really done the introductory unit. But it was like, really interesting to know the basics behind like, say, a recruitment and selection. It touched a bit on like diversity, occupational health and safety, like all those different kinds of topics. And so it'll be really interesting to learn more about those in the future.

I'm really enjoying it. I've only just started my H.R. unit. I've really done the introductory unit. But it was like, really interesting to know the basics behind like, say, a recruitment and selection. It touched a bit on like diversity, occupational health and safety, like all those different kinds of topics. And so it'll be really interesting to learn more about those in the future.

Hmm. How do you feel about possibly being in a role where you have to advocate for both staff and for the higher ups? I guess the the bosses?

Hmm. How do you feel about possibly being in a role where you have to advocate for both staff and for the higher ups? I guess the the bosses?

I think it'll be a challenge because a lot of people don't have a good view of H.R.. They just see it as they're not my friend. They're there to protect the boss or the organization. Like, Yes, I am, but I'm also there for your rights and to protect your. Mm hmm. Mm-Hmm. But I also have to be mindful of what the organization wants. I think that is a challenge that I will have to address.

I think it'll be a challenge because a lot of people don't have a good view of H.R.. They just see it as they're not my friend. They're there to protect the boss or the organization. Like, Yes, I am, but I'm also there for your rights and to protect your. Mm hmm. Mm-Hmm. But I also have to be mindful of what the organization wants. I think that is a challenge that I will have to address.

Yeah, yeah. Good luck with it. I think that would be the hardest part of your job.

Yeah, yeah. Good luck with it. I think that would be the hardest part of your job.

Yeah, definitely.

Yeah, definitely.

And so you've you've been selected as one of our bursary recipients. Can you sort of explain what it's done for you?

And so you've you've been selected as one of our bursary recipients. Can you sort of explain what it's done for you?

The bursary helped me get equipment that worked for me like a laptop and a braille display. And those have really, really been helpful.

The bursary helped me get equipment that worked for me like a laptop and a braille display. And those have really, really been helpful.

How so have you been able to kind of do your uni work through a braille display or with your computer, what do you do

How so have you been able to kind of do your uni work through a braille display or with your computer, what do you do

for the laptop? It's been really nice not being confined to my bedroom and being able to use the screen reader that I prefer. Mm-Hmm. Prior to that, oh, using a Mac and I personally wasn't a fan of voiceover. Yeah, so and I understood that I needed to learn. And XDA and Jaws, which are window screenwriters for the workplace. Mm. And so I began, You start at that windows and it's been nice to have the laptop being able to travel around or even travel to the living room differently.

for the laptop? It's been really nice not being confined to my bedroom and being able to use the screen reader that I prefer. Mm-Hmm. Prior to that, oh, using a Mac and I personally wasn't a fan of voiceover. Yeah, so and I understood that I needed to learn. And XDA and Jaws, which are window screenwriters for the workplace. Mm. And so I began, You start at that windows and it's been nice to have the laptop being able to travel around or even travel to the living room differently.

The lack of cords must be great.

The lack of cords must be great.

Oh yes, definitely.

Oh yes, definitely.

And so, yeah, the browser you were mentioning.

And so, yeah, the browser you were mentioning.

Yeah, it's been really handy to be able to like double check how to spell like last names for journal articles, as well as like practice my braille literacy because I'm currently in the process of learning great to braille.

Yeah, it's been really handy to be able to like double check how to spell like last names for journal articles, as well as like practice my braille literacy because I'm currently in the process of learning great to braille.

Wow. Great to braille. What does that mean?

Wow. Great to braille. What does that mean?

So that's two different kinds of braille. There's grade one, which is like the alphabet, like the basics. And then it's great too, which basically is a lot of shorthand, what we call contractions and more punctuation and things like that.

So that's two different kinds of braille. There's grade one, which is like the alphabet, like the basics. And then it's great too, which basically is a lot of shorthand, what we call contractions and more punctuation and things like that.

Wow. And sorry, just for someone because you know you're learning this right now. How did you kind of manage through school? What was your your tips and tricks with you?

Wow. And sorry, just for someone because you know you're learning this right now. How did you kind of manage through school? What was your your tips and tricks with you?

Well, I was mobilization at school. I lost my vision in 2020. Mm-Hmm.

Well, I was mobilization at school. I lost my vision in 2020. Mm-Hmm.

And what's your vision condition?

And what's your vision condition?

I have retinopathy of prematurity.

I have retinopathy of prematurity.

OK. And what? What does that? If you can kind of describe it to two people, what would it

OK. And what? What does that? If you can kind of describe it to two people, what would it

like what I see now? What I can see now, I was born completely blind in my left eye and in my right eye, I could see a little bit, but I needed glasses and I could see like up and waves like large print. And like different contrast and stuff like that. But then in 2020, like now I feel like I really see is like some light, a little bit of shadow and a tiny bit of contrast. So not much at all.

like what I see now? What I can see now, I was born completely blind in my left eye and in my right eye, I could see a little bit, but I needed glasses and I could see like up and waves like large print. And like different contrast and stuff like that. But then in 2020, like now I feel like I really see is like some light, a little bit of shadow and a tiny bit of contrast. So not much at all.

Wow. What was the change like for you?

Wow. What was the change like for you?

It was difficult. But I just knew that I have to be resilient and that I could have a life even if I was like blind.

It was difficult. But I just knew that I have to be resilient and that I could have a life even if I was like blind.

Hmm. When you went through this during a pandemic as well, that must have been quite isolating.

Hmm. When you went through this during a pandemic as well, that must have been quite isolating.

It was kind of nice, actually, because I lost my vision after surgeries, so it was kind of nice to be able to recover and to cope, kind of by myself, I guess.

It was kind of nice, actually, because I lost my vision after surgeries, so it was kind of nice to be able to recover and to cope, kind of by myself, I guess.

Wow, you are very resilient. I don't think I could have done anything like that, I think. Yeah. Coping with the pandemic, it was hard enough.

Wow, you are very resilient. I don't think I could have done anything like that, I think. Yeah. Coping with the pandemic, it was hard enough.

So yeah, it was definitely challenging, though I could be wrong. Yeah.

So yeah, it was definitely challenging, though I could be wrong. Yeah.

Yeah. Wow. I'm sure the listeners out there will be very, very impressed. And tell us a little bit about, you know, your your budding career, what you'd like to do.

Yeah. Wow. I'm sure the listeners out there will be very, very impressed. And tell us a little bit about, you know, your your budding career, what you'd like to do.

Well, with my career, yeah, I'd like to work in the not for profit, mainly disability sector. I like the idea of advocating for people with disabilities to get them into employment because that's a really large unemployment rate for people with disabilities. I'd like to challenge the stigma, particularly around blindness and low vision, to encourage people like us to gain employment and for employers to know that they can trust us and know that we are loyal and we are able to be employed and maintain employment.

Well, with my career, yeah, I'd like to work in the not for profit, mainly disability sector. I like the idea of advocating for people with disabilities to get them into employment because that's a really large unemployment rate for people with disabilities. I'd like to challenge the stigma, particularly around blindness and low vision, to encourage people like us to gain employment and for employers to know that they can trust us and know that we are loyal and we are able to be employed and maintain employment.

Definitely. Definitely for any potential employers out there. What kind of stigma or what kind of stereotypes do you think they have of people with blindness, although vision?

Definitely. Definitely for any potential employers out there. What kind of stigma or what kind of stereotypes do you think they have of people with blindness, although vision?

I think some people may believe that we're not independent, that we can't do things ourselves. I also read that in the Australia Employment Report that employers office and occupational health and safety risk when that's not necessarily the case, we are able to be just as safe, if not more safe than sighted coworkers and employees. Wow. And that we don't know how to use a phone or a computer. When in fact we can and

I think some people may believe that we're not independent, that we can't do things ourselves. I also read that in the Australia Employment Report that employers office and occupational health and safety risk when that's not necessarily the case, we are able to be just as safe, if not more safe than sighted coworkers and employees. Wow. And that we don't know how to use a phone or a computer. When in fact we can and

to be honest, you use it better than than any of us saw it as work. That is, yeah, it's disheartening, but I think having someone is impressive and as resilient as you in going into the industry. I think changes is is afoot. Yeah. Kayleigh. Well, I think we're sort of almost done. Is there anything else you want to add?

to be honest, you use it better than than any of us saw it as work. That is, yeah, it's disheartening, but I think having someone is impressive and as resilient as you in going into the industry. I think changes is is afoot. Yeah. Kayleigh. Well, I think we're sort of almost done. Is there anything else you want to add?

Yeah, I would really like to thank whoever needed the money for me to participate in the bursary. It's been really, really helpful and I'm really grateful for what you've done.

Yeah, I would really like to thank whoever needed the money for me to participate in the bursary. It's been really, really helpful and I'm really grateful for what you've done.

And that was Helen fills us with Lyle of there. I'm Sam Kelly, and you're listening to talking vision on business, Charlea, radio associated stations of age 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 and found more on the Talking Vision web page. Just type 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 here's Stella Gloria with Jen, who's taking part in the Bay, a fast walk in Tasmania this November to raise funds for seeing eye dogs now.

And that was Helen fills us with Lyle of there. I'm Sam Kelly, and you're listening to talking vision on business, Charlea, radio associated stations of age 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 and found more on the Talking Vision web page. Just type 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 here's Stella Gloria with Jen, who's taking part in the Bay, a fast walk in Tasmania this November to raise funds for seeing eye dogs now.

Jane, 50 kilometres is a long way to go for dog. Have you and Nellie done anything like this before?

Jane, 50 kilometres is a long way to go for dog. Have you and Nellie done anything like this before?

No, we haven't. But we have been starting to investigate different walks and tracks. We started off quite, you know, just with very easy ones. Obviously, she's been trained to walk on lots of different surfaces, but you know, I need to know that I can trust her on tree roots and slippery rock. And she just stepped up and she just turns off ignores the wildlife. And yeah, she's. I just put my trust in Nelly, and she stopped at one point and not wasn't quite sure why. And I put my hand out and all of a great big prickle bush about to hit me in the face. So she saw it and tugged me to the left, so she was on to all of it.

No, we haven't. But we have been starting to investigate different walks and tracks. We started off quite, you know, just with very easy ones. Obviously, she's been trained to walk on lots of different surfaces, but you know, I need to know that I can trust her on tree roots and slippery rock. And she just stepped up and she just turns off ignores the wildlife. And yeah, she's. I just put my trust in Nelly, and she stopped at one point and not wasn't quite sure why. And I put my hand out and all of a great big prickle bush about to hit me in the face. So she saw it and tugged me to the left, so she was on to all of it.

So you were talking about that. You put your trust in Nelly. And the reason for the walk is to raise funds for saying I dogs. How important is having Nelly in your life? What has having a seeing eye dog allowed you to do?

So you were talking about that. You put your trust in Nelly. And the reason for the walk is to raise funds for saying I dogs. How important is having Nelly in your life? What has having a seeing eye dog allowed you to do?

Well, I guess it's allowed me to move from just being a harem to doing things that I would have done before I lost my vision. So, um. Nice things from shopping, going up escalators, um, going on a boat, taking on the back of a horse and cart. We've been. Well, evenly in the two years we've been together or just under, we've done. We've been on the full state of plane. We've done everything that I would have done before I lost my thought, so there's nothing that I've not been able to do.

Well, I guess it's allowed me to move from just being a harem to doing things that I would have done before I lost my vision. So, um. Nice things from shopping, going up escalators, um, going on a boat, taking on the back of a horse and cart. We've been. Well, evenly in the two years we've been together or just under, we've done. We've been on the full state of plane. We've done everything that I would have done before I lost my thought, so there's nothing that I've not been able to do.

And it said, because that dog gives you confidence, like you were saying before that you put your trust in Nelly or you're saying I took

And it said, because that dog gives you confidence, like you were saying before that you put your trust in Nelly or you're saying I took

huge confidence and you know that, you know, once you become a team, that team were developed and with the particular harness that we have. I can feel her looking up over her right shoulder. We communicate. We talk. But she doesn't speak. So I know exactly what she's trying to say, whether it be polite or impolite. She will get her message across, and I totally trust her.

huge confidence and you know that, you know, once you become a team, that team were developed and with the particular harness that we have. I can feel her looking up over her right shoulder. We communicate. We talk. But she doesn't speak. So I know exactly what she's trying to say, whether it be polite or impolite. She will get her message across, and I totally trust her.

So you're doing the Biophys Walk, it's a fund raiser. You're going to be raising funds for saying I dogs. Clearly, you think having a seeing eye dog is important. Tell us what type of fundraising you're going to be doing.

So you're doing the Biophys Walk, it's a fund raiser. You're going to be raising funds for saying I dogs. Clearly, you think having a seeing eye dog is important. Tell us what type of fundraising you're going to be doing.

Um, a lot of it will be online, just got a few little teething issues at the moment with my online page, but once that's up and running. That will be shared across social media, but I've also had lots of offers from friends who, you know, for example, or in the scouting associations, they want to want to do some, you know, some things to help raise money. I'm we're in the process of purchasing a new coach, which will hopefully have a QR code and that will have people can scan the QR code and that will take them to our fundraising page on their iPhone or Android, whatever they use, which is quite a new thing. But it's I think it's a great idea, and I'll have to think of how I can word the code, but we'll have printing on the coat to say what she's doing and it'll be from Nelly. So I am going to walk 50 kilometers.

Um, a lot of it will be online, just got a few little teething issues at the moment with my online page, but once that's up and running. That will be shared across social media, but I've also had lots of offers from friends who, you know, for example, or in the scouting associations, they want to want to do some, you know, some things to help raise money. I'm we're in the process of purchasing a new coach, which will hopefully have a QR code and that will have people can scan the QR code and that will take them to our fundraising page on their iPhone or Android, whatever they use, which is quite a new thing. But it's I think it's a great idea, and I'll have to think of how I can word the code, but we'll have printing on the coat to say what she's doing and it'll be from Nelly. So I am going to walk 50 kilometers.

Yeah, that's fantastic. And it's it feels a long way off November, which is when you'll be taking off. But you know, you do feel a sense of excitement. Or does it feel still a long way off to to do?

Yeah, that's fantastic. And it's it feels a long way off November, which is when you'll be taking off. But you know, you do feel a sense of excitement. Or does it feel still a long way off to to do?

Well, it's eight months, but it's not really that far because I've got to get my dog who's used to, you know, going shopping with mom or, um, lagging around clothes, shopping for three hours to walking 10 to 14 K's a day. So it's not really that far.

Well, it's eight months, but it's not really that far because I've got to get my dog who's used to, you know, going shopping with mom or, um, lagging around clothes, shopping for three hours to walking 10 to 14 K's a day. So it's not really that far.

Now you mentioned before that you actually are in Tasmania, so you're not like, it's not an altogether unfamiliar environment. But, you know, are you in? You know, one of the main cities and you're going to the other side of the island like, have you been to the Bay of Fires before?

Now you mentioned before that you actually are in Tasmania, so you're not like, it's not an altogether unfamiliar environment. But, you know, are you in? You know, one of the main cities and you're going to the other side of the island like, have you been to the Bay of Fires before?

I haven't been to the biophys, but I have been down the East Coast and I grew up on the North West Coast in a town called Penguin, which is right on the sea and or Bass Strait. And now I'm living in Hobart, so and I also had ospite for 36 years. So, you know, the first thing I do is ask people what, where? Why, what does it look like? What colours can you see? What you know? Can you see to the bottom of the sea? Or is it cloudy? Um, like the tropical waters of Airlie Beach? Or is it, you know, like the waters off Penguin or? And then I can just build things that I have in my visual memory. And so even the walk we did the other day, I feel like I could see that day because I know what colours I was wearing and my friend was wearing

I haven't been to the biophys, but I have been down the East Coast and I grew up on the North West Coast in a town called Penguin, which is right on the sea and or Bass Strait. And now I'm living in Hobart, so and I also had ospite for 36 years. So, you know, the first thing I do is ask people what, where? Why, what does it look like? What colours can you see? What you know? Can you see to the bottom of the sea? Or is it cloudy? Um, like the tropical waters of Airlie Beach? Or is it, you know, like the waters off Penguin or? And then I can just build things that I have in my visual memory. And so even the walk we did the other day, I feel like I could see that day because I know what colours I was wearing and my friend was wearing

and talked about that now, because there might be some people listening in who are thinking, I might go to this walk. And then given that you can, you know, you have seen things before and you know what it's like, can you sort of paint a bit of a picture? Some people were blind. I have low vision. Might be thinking they'd like to come along. What kind of sensory experiences do you think people could expect around that particular area?

and talked about that now, because there might be some people listening in who are thinking, I might go to this walk. And then given that you can, you know, you have seen things before and you know what it's like, can you sort of paint a bit of a picture? Some people were blind. I have low vision. Might be thinking they'd like to come along. What kind of sensory experiences do you think people could expect around that particular area?

Well, if you look at all the senses that we do have, take out one. You've got all the rest. There's the birds, the Black Jays, the black cockatoos, the birds, the all the native bird calls. The wind high up in the trees, you can tell the trees are really tall because the wind is a lot higher above me than. You know what it would be if you were standing on a soccer ground or something, you could hear the babbling of the creek. I could hear Nellie Foster kicking around the rocks. And if aside from things, you can hear the things, the smell, you know, there's the undergrowth there. The different plant, the. I don't know, it's just the whole account might not be able to see the actual bay of fires, but I know that I can ask questions and people will tell me that the rocks around the edges might be an orange color or am. Yeah, just different things that I'll fill in the gaps by asking questions or things that I haven't been told.

Well, if you look at all the senses that we do have, take out one. You've got all the rest. There's the birds, the Black Jays, the black cockatoos, the birds, the all the native bird calls. The wind high up in the trees, you can tell the trees are really tall because the wind is a lot higher above me than. You know what it would be if you were standing on a soccer ground or something, you could hear the babbling of the creek. I could hear Nellie Foster kicking around the rocks. And if aside from things, you can hear the things, the smell, you know, there's the undergrowth there. The different plant, the. I don't know, it's just the whole account might not be able to see the actual bay of fires, but I know that I can ask questions and people will tell me that the rocks around the edges might be an orange color or am. Yeah, just different things that I'll fill in the gaps by asking questions or things that I haven't been told.

And what do you I'm looking forward to most about going on the trip.

And what do you I'm looking forward to most about going on the trip.

I think the challenge is nearly when I first was given Nili, it was March 2020 and I made a really tough call. I'm sort of being it was suggested that I travel back home without the dog because of COVID. And I thought, No, I'm staying. So I stayed and isolated in Melbourne with her. Tasmania shut the borders and we came home. The Tassie government gave me permission to quarantine at home. So in that time we were able to sort of build a very special bond very quickly because it was just her and I. So that's been a great grounding for our relationship, I guess. I'm looking forward to being able to do it without having to hang on to someone's elbow or a piece of ropes, you know, and just say, Hey, you know, we did it together. And I know that she loves to help. So I that I cracked the mould and break that one because there needs to be a lot of Nellie's around. She's brilliant.

I think the challenge is nearly when I first was given Nili, it was March 2020 and I made a really tough call. I'm sort of being it was suggested that I travel back home without the dog because of COVID. And I thought, No, I'm staying. So I stayed and isolated in Melbourne with her. Tasmania shut the borders and we came home. The Tassie government gave me permission to quarantine at home. So in that time we were able to sort of build a very special bond very quickly because it was just her and I. So that's been a great grounding for our relationship, I guess. I'm looking forward to being able to do it without having to hang on to someone's elbow or a piece of ropes, you know, and just say, Hey, you know, we did it together. And I know that she loves to help. So I that I cracked the mould and break that one because there needs to be a lot of Nellie's around. She's brilliant.

Well, we can have a lot of Nellie's unless we get some fundraising. So. But there also might be some people listening who are blind, have low vision and may be considering doing the trick. Maybe not, but do you have a message for anyone who might be considering or sitting on the fence about doing it?

Well, we can have a lot of Nellie's unless we get some fundraising. So. But there also might be some people listening who are blind, have low vision and may be considering doing the trick. Maybe not, but do you have a message for anyone who might be considering or sitting on the fence about doing it?

Well, I guess once I lost my vision, I just sort of thought, this is nothing else. What's to stop me doing it? I don't want things to just stop me doing anything. And I guess, you know, there's no barriers or every barrier that you come across. There's a way around it. And if you can't find a way around it, you just keep trying until you do. And that's what art. That's my motto. That's what I do. Um, so there's something I can't do that makes me even more determined to want to do it.

Well, I guess once I lost my vision, I just sort of thought, this is nothing else. What's to stop me doing it? I don't want things to just stop me doing anything. And I guess, you know, there's no barriers or every barrier that you come across. There's a way around it. And if you can't find a way around it, you just keep trying until you do. And that's what art. That's my motto. That's what I do. Um, so there's something I can't do that makes me even more determined to want to do it.

And if you're up for a grand adventure, you can join the Saying I Dogs a Bay of Fires adventure and find out more information on the saying-I Dogs website. Or you can call one 300 zero five nine six eight six. That's one 300 zero five nine six eight six four. The Seeing Eye Dogs Bay of Fires Adventure. Or maybe you'd like to support Jen and Nelly, and you can donate to her to Jen saying I Dogs Biophys fundraising page. Go to the Saying I Dogs website and the fundraising page, and you'll find out more about Jen and Nelly.

And if you're up for a grand adventure, you can join the Saying I Dogs a Bay of Fires adventure and find out more information on the saying-I Dogs website. Or you can call one 300 zero five nine six eight six. That's one 300 zero five nine six eight six four. The Seeing Eye Dogs Bay of Fires Adventure. Or maybe you'd like to support Jen and Nelly, and you can donate to her to Jen saying I Dogs Biophys fundraising page. Go to the Saying I Dogs website and the fundraising page, and you'll find out more about Jen and Nelly.

Thanks very much, star, and also thanks to Jen there. Our next guest is a voice that's very quickly becoming familiar to a lot of talking vision listeners out there. It's none other than Helen Vella Cyrus, who joins me today to chat about for your information otherwise known as FBI. Helen, welcome to talking vision and congratulations on the new newsletter.

Thanks very much, star, and also thanks to Jen there. Our next guest is a voice that's very quickly becoming familiar to a lot of talking vision listeners out there. It's none other than Helen Vella Cyrus, who joins me today to chat about for your information otherwise known as FBI. Helen, welcome to talking vision and congratulations on the new newsletter.

Very exciting. Thank you. It's it's been wonderful being able to collate some of the best news in the month and keep people informed, so it would be great.

Very exciting. Thank you. It's it's been wonderful being able to collate some of the best news in the month and keep people informed, so it would be great.

Wonderful. Now, firstly, on what can readers expect from this month's issue?

Wonderful. Now, firstly, on what can readers expect from this month's issue?

Well, Sam, I can safely say there's a few surveys. Yes, yes. I can safely say there's some internships and a bit of at a bit of assistive technology news and some bursary stuff, so we've got quite a few on. I might start with the first, you know, the first one because it does involve a $50 gift card. Oh, quite nice. Yeah. So Assistive Technology Survey is out. So is his Vision Australia's Assistive Technology Survey. We do one every year and it's for people with low vision or who are blind. And it means if you if you're able to do it, you can also go into the running for a $50 gift card. So that is up and running at the moment. You can basically have your say on what works well, what doesn't, what apps you like, what websites terrible with screenwriters, that kind of thing. So feel free.

Well, Sam, I can safely say there's a few surveys. Yes, yes. I can safely say there's some internships and a bit of at a bit of assistive technology news and some bursary stuff, so we've got quite a few on. I might start with the first, you know, the first one because it does involve a $50 gift card. Oh, quite nice. Yeah. So Assistive Technology Survey is out. So is his Vision Australia's Assistive Technology Survey. We do one every year and it's for people with low vision or who are blind. And it means if you if you're able to do it, you can also go into the running for a $50 gift card. So that is up and running at the moment. You can basically have your say on what works well, what doesn't, what apps you like, what websites terrible with screenwriters, that kind of thing. So feel free.

Yeah. Very important feedback and always nice to get that $50 incentive in there. Now I understand as well there's been some discussions around word all and the accessibility side of things as everything's taking off and it's becoming all the rage there is. There are quite a few people who are being left behind. So if some what's been the discussion around that?

Yeah. Very important feedback and always nice to get that $50 incentive in there. Now I understand as well there's been some discussions around word all and the accessibility side of things as everything's taking off and it's becoming all the rage there is. There are quite a few people who are being left behind. So if some what's been the discussion around that?

Yes. So word or is basically it's gripped the world and clogged up. Our social media newsfeed certainly

Yes. So word or is basically it's gripped the world and clogged up. Our social media newsfeed certainly

has

has

this like daily brainteaser that, you know, you have to kind of guess a five-letter word. There's a lot of five-letter words in the English language, so it is sometimes hard, sometimes not so hard. And unfortunately for people who use screenwriters or who are blind or have low vision, it's not very accessible when you try to share your amazing score. So if you've managed to get your word all down to about three or four tries, which is amazing. Unfortunately, you're going to be reading like virtually the screen reader will be reading out to you blank square, a blank large green square. And it just it doesn't doesn't work. So the people immensely frustrating. Yeah, yeah. The people at Slate have given you a couple of alt text troubleshooting tips on how to make it more accessible, so you can read the full article on why.

this like daily brainteaser that, you know, you have to kind of guess a five-letter word. There's a lot of five-letter words in the English language, so it is sometimes hard, sometimes not so hard. And unfortunately for people who use screenwriters or who are blind or have low vision, it's not very accessible when you try to share your amazing score. So if you've managed to get your word all down to about three or four tries, which is amazing. Unfortunately, you're going to be reading like virtually the screen reader will be reading out to you blank square, a blank large green square. And it just it doesn't doesn't work. So the people immensely frustrating. Yeah, yeah. The people at Slate have given you a couple of alt text troubleshooting tips on how to make it more accessible, so you can read the full article on why.

And that's coming out very shortly. Isn't that right, Helen? That's tomorrow.

And that's coming out very shortly. Isn't that right, Helen? That's tomorrow.

It's it's our March edition, so please check out your inboxes and have a read some great articles and news coming your way.

It's it's our March edition, so please check out your inboxes and have a read some great articles and news coming your way.

Perfect. Thanks so much, Helen. That was Helen Vella Cyrus, the new author of Foil Information, otherwise known as FOIA. 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 all one word at Business Shire dot org. But until next week, it's bye for now.

Perfect. Thanks so much, Helen. That was Helen Vella Cyrus, the new author of Foil Information, otherwise known as FOIA. 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 all one word at Business Shire dot org. But until next week, it's bye for now.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on 103000 eight four seven four six. That's one three eight four seven four double six or by visiting Vision Australia dot org. That's Vision Australia dot all.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on 103000 eight four seven four six. That's one three eight four seven four double six or by visiting Vision Australia dot org. That's Vision Australia dot all.