Sam speaks with Reeni Ekanayake from Vision Australia about It’s Time to See What’s Possible, a digital awareness campaign aiming to bust the myths and misconceptions around hiring employees who are blind or have low vision.
Then later in the show Stella chats with mum of two Sarah who has low vision. Sarah is the facilitator of parents’ groups for Vision Australia both online and through the Quality Living program, and she talks about the highs and lows of being a mum with low vision.
And finally we have a sneak peek of Sam's conversation with blind cricketer Steffan Nero who recently broke the batting record which had stood for 24 years, that full interview will be available shortly on the Talking Vision podcast just above this episode.
From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Collins.
Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And for the next half hour, we talk matters of blindness and low vision.
It is possible to parent with low vision or blindness. There are people out there doing it today. It can be done. So if it's something that you want and it's part of your fulfilling life, it can be done. There are strategies and workarounds and there are. And the best thing to do is being get in contact with other parents in the community and find out how they're doing things.
Welcome to the program. Yes, it's Kelly back with you today. Great to be back. That voice you just heard there was mother of two with advice for new parents who are blind or have low vision. Sarah has low vision herself, and she's a facilitator of parents groups for Vision Australia, both online and through the Quality Living Program. Star caught up with Sarah a while back to chat about the highs and lows of being a mum with low vision. And that conversation is coming up later in the show. First up though, I spoke with Wayne Economic from Vision Australia about it's time to see what's possible. A digital awareness campaign aiming to bust the myths and misconceptions around hiring employees who are blind or have low vision. And then finally, we have a sneak peek of my conversation with blind cricketer Stefano, who recently broke the batting record, which has stood for 24 years. That full interview will be available on the Talking Vision podcast shortly, so make sure to check it out. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. Most employers believe hiring someone who is blond, who has low vision is a safety, productivity and financial risk. But these misconceptions could be stopping businesses from meeting the best candidate for the job. It's time to say what's possible is Vision Australia's digital awareness campaign that aims to shift these misconceptions and to have a chat with me about the campaign. It's my great pleasure to welcome the one whom helped make it all happen. It's Reinier Kanaka. Thank you so much for your time today. Welcome to take.
Time. Thanks, Sam.
Now, firstly, Renee, could you tell us all about. It's time to see what's possible. What's. What's the campaign all about?
It's really trying to engage with employees across Australia, including people at very different management roles and people in roles for them to really recognise and to regard people who are blind of vision as competitive candidates. So at the moment, as you mentioned, Sam, there are so many different systemic barriers that prevent equitable entry into employment for people who are blind or have low vision. This is misconception that people have lived. Experience on is productive. It's going to cost the business a lot. And there's also this misunderstanding that someone with lived experience of blindness might not even fitting. And we know from research that these are all myths out there. So over the next few weeks, it's time to see what's possible is promoting a really, really compelling video. It's thought it features an interview experience. It's all scripted. And it's a person with lived experience, genuine lived experience that walks into an interview and the panel live for the first time when they see her that she's blind, the candidate has genuine lived experience and she enters with a cane. The video, then goes into the interview, is asking the candidate with lived experience how they think they might do the job. And we then see a bit of tension and awkwardness. And then the candidate reveals, well, they have all sorts of excellent technologies that help them do an incredible job even faster than their peers who have side. So the video does a really clever job in very quickly telling the target audience that in fact, by not considering someone with lived experience, chances are that they might not actually be meeting the right candidate.
And that video for people out there you can find that on vision Australia dot org slash see what's possible that's vision australia dot org slash see what's possible or one word where you can have a look at that video. But there's also some other helpful resources on that website that people can check out mainly. So could you tell us a bit more about them?
Yeah, that's right. So when an employer visits that page, they get the chance to watch some other videos that really show how someone with lived experience might get the job done. So how they find their desk, as well as tips for employees around what they should ask in the interview. And also, has some lived experiences productive? What some of these technologies that someone with lived experience uses. So those quick videos really, really helps shine a light on some of those misconceptions out there. There's also some really rich articles that covers, I guess, those employee meets that could be stopping some finding the right candidate and some of the ways that an employer can keep an open mind when they do receive an application from someone with lived experience. There's also other helpful resources, such as tips to improve the recruitment process. Easy ways to make presentations inclusive, communicating effectively with someone who is blind or has low vision. And the beauty with these resources, Sam, is that it's really easy to do and it will make a huge difference for someone with lived experience. So if we take tips to improve the recruitment process, we're asking employees to think about, well, can you make the job that application and or the job description more inclusive by really thinking hard? Well, does the candidate need a driver's license, for example, to undertake that role? Because keep in mind that someone with lived experience is likely to be able to travel independently. And also just making sure that there's a contact person so that when that person with the experience is completing an application, it may be they can progress popping a contact number so that they can actually call someone for some advice. It's not necessarily because the person can answer the questions, but it could be an accessibility barrier that prevents. From from taking the necessary steps. So simple, simple things like that can really change the game when you're interviewing someone. What I also love about, for example, presenting a small tip around doing a roll call so that someone with experience knows who's in the room suggests there's just some easy to digest resources that you can get access to once you visit Vision Australia dot org for exactly what's possible.
And if people are looking to hear more about the campaign or perhaps find out or keep in touch with the latest happenings, what's the best way for people to grab more info?
Yeah, that's a great question. The best thing to do is to head to the campaign landing page at Vision Australia dot org forward slash. See what's possible.
That's Vision Australia dot org slash. See what's possible. And on that page you'll find a link where you can sign up for more information if you're interested in hearing the latest campaign updates. I've been speaking today with Rania Conacher from Vision Australia all about the latest digital awareness campaign. It's time to see what's possible. Aiming to shift employer misconceptions about workers who are blind or have low vision. Rennie, thank you so much for your time today. It's a pleasure having you on Talking Vision.
Thanks so much.
I'm Sam Kiley. And you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio, associated stations of our Patch and the Community Radio Network. A reminder that Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. We're urging you to support our non-for-profit volunteer based essential service for people living with a print disability. So big. Good listener. Head to VOA Radio dot org. That's VOA Radio dot org or call one 300 84466. That's one 300 847466 and donate today. And now his stellar with Sarah.
Hi. My name is Sarah. I have low vision. I use a cane and I have two children. My daughter is 14 and my son is 12.
Now, Sarah, I understand you run a parent group for people who belong to have low vision.
Mm hmm.
Can you tell us a little bit about how that works? So is it in person or online? Is it national or just in your area?
Sure. I'm happy to talk about our parenting groups. So parent visually impaired parents groups are one of the many quality living support groups I facilitate and coordinate. So with the parents group, we can run either via Zoom or over the telephone. It is a national program, so we do have parents from all over the country. They're able to come together and we create an environment where we can discuss some of those challenges and some of the strategies for parenting. Well, with vision loss.
Now, speaking of some of those challenges, I've got a bunch of questions here. But just off the top of your head, what do you think is the number one thing that parents want to know?
It does depend on what stage the children are at. I think transport is one of the big ones. So how do you transport children in taxis and vehicles with car seats? That's for younger parents. All the parents, I think, you know. I just had a gentleman asking about online safety and monitoring online behaviour and with your kids. So it depends a few different things.
That's fantastic. Question And and what type of age range to the parenting groups. What are they made up of.
Mhm. So what, ideally what I'd like to do is kind of have like a younger parents group and the older parents group, it's kind of like under ten over ten, but it really depends on numbers and availabilities of the parents. So one of the groups I'm running is actually an evening group. So these are parents who are kind of working during the day. You only have evenings available where younger parents might have kind of during the day available. So we whoever I have one available at the time will put into a group.
Now I've got a bunch of questions for you that relates specifically to you as a mother. Because of Mother's Day, you are primarily a solo mother.
I am. I'm been a single mum for five years.
And have that going. That's a very big question, isn't it?
It is challenging. I don't want to sugarcoat it. It's not for the faint of heart, especially. We're entering the teen years. So it's I surround myself with a lot of a support, let's say.
Right. We're going to get on to your teenagers, but let's cast your mind back to when your kids were babies. Now, these questions have come from sighted mothers. Did you read to your children and if so, how?
See now Vision Australia has an amazing thing called the Felix Library.
And I'd just like to add here, I didn't actually brief Sarah on this and this is the perfect answer.
Is so full myself with my daughter we read Harry Potter using the library app. There is an Australia Library app and it's the what's that gentleman named Stephen Fry.
Yeah.
So we got to listen to Stephen Fry and write Harry Potter. So she was able to follow along in her hard copy her book, and then we listened to it together. So it was really, really nice to have that opportunity, that bonding opportunity over a magical story. It's fantastic for their lives. They have the Felix Library, so they'll send out all the really cool little plushy toys. And so the kids can sit there and play with the toys and engage with like all the different things the Felix Library will send out. So you have that you don't have to miss out on reading with your kids.
Here's a good one. What's the worst thing you've ever done as a mother because of your blindness and low vision?
I might have to ask my kids when look, when she was little, I did. I had my nails done and I accidentally poked you in the eye and I was horrified. I'm like, I've just sent my daughter blind because I didn't I didn't see. But kids are pretty resilient. They she was fine. She bounced back. So that was I remember at the time just feeling absolutely terrible. It's like, oh, but yeah, we're entering teenage years now, so I'm sure there's a different list of the kids that.
We're going to get on to that. What's been the most unhelpful piece of advice or something that someone's done for you that is really unhelpful? Oh.
Look, that is tricky, I think when people impose their values on your parenting. So as a parent with vision impairment, I do have to do things differently and I do have to do things in a way that works for me and my kids. So most advice, it might be well-meaning and I really appreciate. It's always good to get different advice and hear people do things, but you've really got to make it work for you, your situation in your kids.
And then theirs and ask for advice.
To.
Oh, there's well, it's parenting. You're going to get this this very.
What about the most helpful piece of advice?
The most helpful piece of advice?
If somebody did something for you that you find incredibly helpful.
To two things. I had a lady at one of my mother's group of Indian heritage, and she gave to me these little bells that go around the kids ankles. And it was so really, really helpful to especially in this toddler years, I could keep track of them because I could hear the little bells around the kids ankles. So that was really helpful, especially even though when I started crawling around the house and keeping track of them.
And not to mention make a cute. She's with.
Her daughter. So cute. And they just sound pretty. And we do play like, used to play like Marco Polo games. So especially in crowded shops or something. Say Marco. And then the kids would say polo, but it was more of it. That's for example, we didn't use that one because other people know that one, but we'd have our own like recoil system. The other parenting advice I got was from my brother in law and he says, Just when you get used to something, it changes. So just when you get used to breastfeeding, they go to solids. Just when you get used to teething, they go to something else. And so there's always. So you kind of hit that stride and then they'll change again. That was the best parenting advice.
It's very good. I like the call and recall. I thought that was good. And how old were they when you started talking to them or they became aware of your motivation?
I recall an incident when my daughter was three and I was shopping in the kitchen and I stopped shopping because I could hear noise outside. And so I just stopped and was listening. And my then three year old said, oh, there's a workman on the roof next door mum. And she said she was able to pick up on what I was listening for at three, like she knew. Um, then I moved to age eight and I was doing the school pick up and she'd altered her hairstyle so she could walk straight past me and on talk to her friends. So on one hand, it's really good because they all look the same in uniform. So on one hand, it's really good. They can be considerate, they are aware, but on the other hand, it's just like any kid. They're going to push the boundaries and it can be taken advantage of.
And what would you say to a young woman or a young man who is blind or has low vision, who might be nervous or second guessing their decision about whether to have a baby or not?
Look, I had a client talk to me about this just the other day. She was considering this. Like, what are going to be the challenges? Is it possible we've had is it selfish to want to have children? It's like absolutely not. You well within your rights to have a full fulfilling life. If that's something you want, it is possible to parent with low vision or blindness. There are people out there doing it today. It can be done. So if it's something that you want and it's part of your fulfilling life, it can be done. There are strategies and workarounds and there are. And the best thing to do is being get in contact with other parents in the community and find out how they're doing things.
Yes, if you were selfish before you had a child, you definitely won't be selfish.
So certainly listening patience.
Now, how can people find out more information about the Vision Australia Parenting Group, which is also part.
Of the quality living support groups? And there are telly links. So we do all the telling groups of parents. I believe this currently three running, so they're more social support. You can get together and just talk about parenting. The quality living groups are more structured eight week program and we talk about the challenges you're facing and as that group. So we'll work around those sometimes we'll get guest speakers in so we might get an orientation mobility expert in to discuss you know, how do you use a dog in a pram and these sorts of things. So it's not just the group. We also get experts in. Another great place to look is Facebook or the Internet. There are visually impaired parenting groups out there as well, so that's another really good resource and vision.
Australia also has a children's Facebook page, so parents with children who are blind or have low vision. So how can people find out more information?
We do have you can look up quality living on the Vision Australia website they there that's a really good start or you can ask your its own AM instructors ask service providers they can put a referral through as well.
Or you can simply call Vision Australia and someone will be able to help you. I have been speaking to Sarah, who is a quality living coordinator here at Vision Australia and also a mother of a two teenagers.
I'm speaking today with Stefano. Opening batter for the Australian Blind cricket team who recently hit 309, not out of 140 balls at the recent inclusion series in Brisbane versus New Zealand last week. Stefan, welcome to the show.
Thank you for having me.
Now that's a pretty auspicious achievement and that's some that's a 24 year old record that you've just broken there. So how's it feel to sort of be a part of history like that?
Ah, yes, it's still crazy, in all honesty, and it's still sinking in. You know, obviously the it's just obviously when when I woke up that day, you know, to play, I didn't expect that obviously to reach that amount of rounds and break that record. So it definitely is something that, you know, I'll remember for the rest of my life. But now is definitely very much still a shock for me.
MM It would be absolutely surreal. It's hard to explain, I guess, and it's probably, as you said, still sinking in. And I guess it's one of those things that sort of doesn't really sort of register or register for you until like a few weeks after.
Yeah, definitely. Like the the media exposure has been absolutely enormous and obviously, you know, it's been all over the place. But more about yeah, I think it's something that, you know, I think obviously went through a few emotions obviously when it happened, you know, the hours afterwards. But yeah, that was something that I was thinking over the next few weeks and and stuff as well. And it also helped me to push myself, keep going as well obviously to the higher things as well.
But it didn't come completely from nowhere. As I understand you'd already been in quite a bit of form prior to the 309. You'd had a couple of centuries, so sort of brewing in the background, but you would have never expected it go from 110 or so all the way up to 309 only a few days later?
No, definitely not. No. As also as our first ODI, it's played throughout four years and so and obviously ODI is a completely different ball game to our usual T20 cricket. We never play ODI cricket at all, at all. And so obviously very interesting to see how as a team and also individually myself how we were to go in an ODI format because it it does take a lot out of the body as well, especially in the camp like cricket where the run rate and scoring the run rate is typically much higher than it was speaking in May and you know, say other, other cricket.
So I guess there's no sort of at this point it haven't really played to day or test matches. That's not really a thing so much in blind cricket, I suppose.
There are there are kind of one day or two day matches with blind cricket, but more with the team, which is now, I think, becoming less popular now. It's more of a traditional Aussie ball, but the national ball, which is a bit more better, I would say better friendly. It is definitely no. There's no such thing as a two day Tuesday on test match because it's just it's just be an absolute run the best offer. So compared to the Aussie ball, which is more and more of a competition between bat and ball because about a bit more as well.
And we'll go back to the record now Stefan will some what's the recalled something you'd always sort of set out to break ever since you you know, had started playing blind cricket or was it sort of something that kind of spontaneously happened?
I never knew that there was any record like that kind of magnitude. And to me it was more about when I went out, says the best, the team, you know, keep out that run rate score as many runs as possible and you know and a in a you know I was a professional but a statesman as well. We didn't lose a wicket early, unfortunately. My my good night, you know, and vice captain and the first time Brent brought up, you know, he he was it was caught very early on and that's very unfortunate for him because he would have gone to make a big score as well. But for me, I was trying to navigate the opening overs and to, you know, kind of obviously we have a very strong base line up just to try and navigate to the opening balls a little bit because they weren't bowling quite well and to, you know, give us team our team a strong platform for their for the middle and later overs.
I've been speaking today with Stephan Nero opening batter for the Australian Blind cricket team who recently hit a 309 off 140 balls at the conclusion series last week in Brisbane versus New Zealand. And if you'd like to hear more from Stefan, including our discussion about the upcoming Blind Cricket World Cup as well as the origins behind how he got into cricket and some other sports he's played over the time. Head to the Talking Vision podcast on your favourite device, where we'll be featuring the full half hour interview. And now we have a little bit of news and information before we wrap up today. Link Vision is excited to launch the fifth annual Blonde Australian of the Year awards, taking place on the 28th of October at the Grand Ballroom of the Great Club in Brisbane. These awards celebrate exceptional achievement and the contribution of individuals with low or no vision to the Australian business, corporate or community sectors. And nominations are open now for Blonde Australian of the Year, as well as Low or No Vision Employer of Choice Award and 2022 sees the addition of two important award categories. First is the Employer of Choice Award, and second, the opportunity scholarships for young people with low or no vision. And for more information, you can head to the Blind Australian of the Year website at Blonde Australian of the Year. Dot com. Dollar value. That's blind Australian of the Year. All one word dot com. Dollar value. Or if you'd like to nominate someone you can head to that same website. Blind Australian of the Year dot com dot aew slash nominate. That's blind Australian of the Year. Dot com dot a year slash nominate. And that's all we have time for today. You've been listening to Talking Pidgin Talking Vision. It's 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. Vision Australia dot org. That's Talking Vision or one word at vision Australia dot org. But until next week. But for now.
You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us any time during business hours on one 300 84746. That's 13847466 or by visiting Vision Australia dot org. That's Mission Australia dot or.