From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host Sam Colley.

From Vision 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.

When you're talking about 3D models, for people who are blind and who have low vision, you're taking that additional level of accessibility into account because you want the people to feel the models. You want the textures to be distinct. You don't want colors to be the defining element.

When you're talking about 3D models, for people who are blind and who have low vision, you're taking that additional level of accessibility into account because you want the people to feel the models. You want the textures to be distinct. You don't want colors to be the defining element.

Welcome to the program. We've got an exciting new project to tell you about this week, as the 3D printed guidelines have recently come out on the Round Table Unstable website and to chat to us all about these. I'm joined by the president of the roundtable, Sonali Marathe, joined by Associate Professor Matt Butler from Monash, who they worked with quite closely on the guidelines. And then after that chat with Sonali and Matt, Liz Dalakouras is back on the show to talk to us all about the final issue of FII for the year in 2024, and we wrap up with a reader recommended from Francis. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. Our next two guests are here to chat about a series of 3D printing guidelines for teachers of students who are blind or have low vision to create materials that are tactile and accessible for their students. Joining me to talk about the guidelines is Associate Professor Matthew Butler, from the faculty of IT at Monash University, who returns to the program. But he's also joined by the president of the Round Table on information access for people with print disability and the manager of accessibility and inclusion at Next Sense. Sonali. Marathi. Sonali. Matt. Thank you very much for your time today. Welcome to Talking Vision.

Welcome to the program. We've got an exciting new project to tell you about this week, as the 3D printed guidelines have recently come out on the Round Table Unstable website and to chat to us all about these. I'm joined by the president of the roundtable, Sonali Marathe, joined by Associate Professor Matt Butler from Monash, who they worked with quite closely on the guidelines. And then after that chat with Sonali and Matt, Liz Dalakouras is back on the show to talk to us all about the final issue of FII for the year in 2024, and we wrap up with a reader recommended from Francis. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. Our next two guests are here to chat about a series of 3D printing guidelines for teachers of students who are blind or have low vision to create materials that are tactile and accessible for their students. Joining me to talk about the guidelines is Associate Professor Matthew Butler, from the faculty of IT at Monash University, who returns to the program. But he's also joined by the president of the Round Table on information access for people with print disability and the manager of accessibility and inclusion at Next Sense. Sonali. Marathi. Sonali. Matt. Thank you very much for your time today. Welcome to Talking Vision.

Thanks, Sam. Pleasure being here with you today.

Thanks, Sam. Pleasure being here with you today.

Yes I'm Sam, thank you.

Yes I'm Sam, thank you.

Welcome back Matt. By the way, this is not your first time on talking vision. So great to have you back. But this time, of course, we are speaking about a really exciting new project regarding 3D printing for students who are blind or have low vision. So, Sonali, I might start with you and just tell us a little bit about this project.

Welcome back Matt. By the way, this is not your first time on talking vision. So great to have you back. But this time, of course, we are speaking about a really exciting new project regarding 3D printing for students who are blind or have low vision. So, Sonali, I might start with you and just tell us a little bit about this project.

So the 3D printing project was an Arc project, which was run by the Monash University, and the Roundtable on Information Access for people with Print Disabilities was a partner organisation. We work very closely with Monash on a lot of research projects. It's a part of our strategic plan to promote research for access to information, and the 3D printing project was one such partnership with Round Table and Monash. I am the president of Round Table and we've had many meetings with Matt and Kim and Leona from the Monash team. Next sense, who I also work with, has also been a partner organization in the project. We have a lot of people, a lot of students on our service who are blind and who have low vision, and we could test out some of the models. And as a result of this project, we could test out and give feedback to the Monash team. I have also been a part of the expert advisory team, and it has been a wonderful experience working with the Monash team.

So the 3D printing project was an Arc project, which was run by the Monash University, and the Roundtable on Information Access for people with Print Disabilities was a partner organisation. We work very closely with Monash on a lot of research projects. It's a part of our strategic plan to promote research for access to information, and the 3D printing project was one such partnership with Round Table and Monash. I am the president of Round Table and we've had many meetings with Matt and Kim and Leona from the Monash team. Next sense, who I also work with, has also been a partner organization in the project. We have a lot of people, a lot of students on our service who are blind and who have low vision, and we could test out some of the models. And as a result of this project, we could test out and give feedback to the Monash team. I have also been a part of the expert advisory team, and it has been a wonderful experience working with the Monash team.

Tell us a little bit more about those 3D models, or the 3D printed items that people can look forward to working with in the future? That's quite interesting.

Tell us a little bit more about those 3D models, or the 3D printed items that people can look forward to working with in the future? That's quite interesting.

When we started on the project or when we this idea cropped up, we. 3D printing or 3D technology was new to the market, and we saw there were a lot of advantages of using 3D printing in education and also as a way of wayfinding. 3D printing provides several key benefits, and one. Some of the most important ones I think are 3D printed models are cheaper and easier to obtain than commercial objects. So look at if we had to do objects for chemistry or for architectural models. Sometimes it's difficult to obtain these objects, whereas there are lots of 3D printed files available which you can actually print. They are cheaper to obtain, they are easier to obtain. It enables hands on exploration for objects that are otherwise difficult to conceptualize, even things like molecular structures or historical artifacts. You can also tailor 3D printed objects to specific student needs, aligning with their learning goals and curriculum requirements. And we've been really fortunate to work with the Monash team on this project, and as a part of this project, a comprehensive list of guidelines has been created, which is actually a live document because even though the project is officially over. We do have 3D printing meetings and as and when new technology comes up, we are going to add on to these guidelines. These guidelines are also available on the roundtable website for anybody who wants to use them. And these could be educators, alternative format producers, teachers, museum curators who want to create inclusive exhibits for people or anybody else in the community.

When we started on the project or when we this idea cropped up, we. 3D printing or 3D technology was new to the market, and we saw there were a lot of advantages of using 3D printing in education and also as a way of wayfinding. 3D printing provides several key benefits, and one. Some of the most important ones I think are 3D printed models are cheaper and easier to obtain than commercial objects. So look at if we had to do objects for chemistry or for architectural models. Sometimes it's difficult to obtain these objects, whereas there are lots of 3D printed files available which you can actually print. They are cheaper to obtain, they are easier to obtain. It enables hands on exploration for objects that are otherwise difficult to conceptualize, even things like molecular structures or historical artifacts. You can also tailor 3D printed objects to specific student needs, aligning with their learning goals and curriculum requirements. And we've been really fortunate to work with the Monash team on this project, and as a part of this project, a comprehensive list of guidelines has been created, which is actually a live document because even though the project is officially over. We do have 3D printing meetings and as and when new technology comes up, we are going to add on to these guidelines. These guidelines are also available on the roundtable website for anybody who wants to use them. And these could be educators, alternative format producers, teachers, museum curators who want to create inclusive exhibits for people or anybody else in the community.

Before we continue, Matt, did you have anything you wanted to add? Yeah.

Before we continue, Matt, did you have anything you wanted to add? Yeah.

Look. Thanks, Sam. And as always, it's great to catch up with you and chat. So look, Sonali is exactly spot on, and I probably before I get too far along, I do want to really say thank you to the amazing partners that we've had as part of this project. As Sonali mentioned, it was funded by the Australian Research Council as part of their linkage scheme. And as part of that, it's crucial that we have industry partners and community partners involved So that includes, as Sonia said, the roundtable has included Next Sense Survey, Guide Dogs Victoria, the Victorian Education Department, SVC, as well as See Differently So formerly Royal Society for the Blind in South Australia were all partners on this project. I think, as again, Sonali has mentioned. So when 3D printing emerged, I'm a technologist. I guess that's what I bring to the table. And so what I tried to do was bring my technology expertise with things like 3D printing, but work incredibly closely with the likes of Sonali, others through the roundtable and our other partners to really investigate how it could be adopted as part of the provision of accessible graphics. And as Sonali says, we're absolutely delighted that it has resulted in guidelines that the roundtable manages. I'm a researcher, I love juicy research questions, but what is really important for me is that my research has a real world impact. And thanks to Sonali and all of our community partners, I'm really thankful that we're seeing that real world impact as well. So it's a bit of a shout out to all of our partners, as well as probably just a really formal acknowledgement. And thank you to Sonali and to all of our amazing partners that have been involved with this.

Look. Thanks, Sam. And as always, it's great to catch up with you and chat. So look, Sonali is exactly spot on, and I probably before I get too far along, I do want to really say thank you to the amazing partners that we've had as part of this project. As Sonali mentioned, it was funded by the Australian Research Council as part of their linkage scheme. And as part of that, it's crucial that we have industry partners and community partners involved So that includes, as Sonia said, the roundtable has included Next Sense Survey, Guide Dogs Victoria, the Victorian Education Department, SVC, as well as See Differently So formerly Royal Society for the Blind in South Australia were all partners on this project. I think, as again, Sonali has mentioned. So when 3D printing emerged, I'm a technologist. I guess that's what I bring to the table. And so what I tried to do was bring my technology expertise with things like 3D printing, but work incredibly closely with the likes of Sonali, others through the roundtable and our other partners to really investigate how it could be adopted as part of the provision of accessible graphics. And as Sonali says, we're absolutely delighted that it has resulted in guidelines that the roundtable manages. I'm a researcher, I love juicy research questions, but what is really important for me is that my research has a real world impact. And thanks to Sonali and all of our community partners, I'm really thankful that we're seeing that real world impact as well. So it's a bit of a shout out to all of our partners, as well as probably just a really formal acknowledgement. And thank you to Sonali and to all of our amazing partners that have been involved with this.

And Matt, I might stay with you, but this may be also a question that Sonali might be able to field best. I'd like to know about how people can access the 3D printed materials and whether that's available for public education usage yet, or what the timeline is sort of like there. There's a few sort of questions rolled up into a bowl there. But first and foremost, how can people access those sort of materials? And what's that looking like in terms of availability?

And Matt, I might stay with you, but this may be also a question that Sonali might be able to field best. I'd like to know about how people can access the 3D printed materials and whether that's available for public education usage yet, or what the timeline is sort of like there. There's a few sort of questions rolled up into a bowl there. But first and foremost, how can people access those sort of materials? And what's that looking like in terms of availability?

Look, that's a really good question, Sam, and I'll try and unpack it a little bit. And then I think Sonali can also either jump in or correct me if I miss something up, but I think there's probably like maybe three layers to this actually. So one is the guidelines that Sonali introduced. So this is national guidelines for the design of 3D printed materials for the use in an education setting. So they are guidelines that anyone can access and reflect on and adopt into the creation of their own 3D printed materials. The second is probably the calling on providers of these materials in the different states. So for example, whether it is next sense, whether it's svcc, whether it is any of those kind of providers that a teacher or someone can reach out to and request a particular type of model. So that's the second one. The third one is that, as Sonali mentioned, one of the beauties of 3D printing is that without boring you with all the technical details, that involves the kind of software modeling of an object, and then it's the printing on the printer. Now, once you've done that software modeling, those can be stored in a central repository for anyone to be able to grab and print if they've got their own 3D printer. So we've got kind of a few layers, we've got guidelines, we've got a specialist providers, but then we also, as much as possible, provide easy access to the model that someone with access to a 3D printer can print themselves. And so through some combination of all three of those things, we hope that anyone who has either heard about the use of 3D models or has had experience is able to get the model that they need for their teaching and learning.

Look, that's a really good question, Sam, and I'll try and unpack it a little bit. And then I think Sonali can also either jump in or correct me if I miss something up, but I think there's probably like maybe three layers to this actually. So one is the guidelines that Sonali introduced. So this is national guidelines for the design of 3D printed materials for the use in an education setting. So they are guidelines that anyone can access and reflect on and adopt into the creation of their own 3D printed materials. The second is probably the calling on providers of these materials in the different states. So for example, whether it is next sense, whether it's svcc, whether it is any of those kind of providers that a teacher or someone can reach out to and request a particular type of model. So that's the second one. The third one is that, as Sonali mentioned, one of the beauties of 3D printing is that without boring you with all the technical details, that involves the kind of software modeling of an object, and then it's the printing on the printer. Now, once you've done that software modeling, those can be stored in a central repository for anyone to be able to grab and print if they've got their own 3D printer. So we've got kind of a few layers, we've got guidelines, we've got a specialist providers, but then we also, as much as possible, provide easy access to the model that someone with access to a 3D printer can print themselves. And so through some combination of all three of those things, we hope that anyone who has either heard about the use of 3D models or has had experience is able to get the model that they need for their teaching and learning.

So now I'll come to you now and get your perspective.

So now I'll come to you now and get your perspective.

That you actually has broken it up really well with the 3D. I would encourage anybody to really read the 3D guidelines which are available on the roundtable website. Print disability.org because the guidelines give a very comprehensive overview of what 3D printing is about and who should use it. All the steps involved in 3D printing. So if a teacher, mainstream teacher, or a teacher who is a teacher of vision impaired wants to create a model, the guidelines have all those information, including where they can get models from repositories that are already on the internet. So there are generalist 3D model repositories which are Thingiverse, STL finder, Printables, and Pinshape. As a result of this project, a round table has a subcommittee called Anzac, the Australia New Zealand Accessible Graphics Group. We also have partner organisations Braille and large print services from the NSW Department of Education, Nexans, SVC and CAE 3D. All of these organisations have created their own models and they are available on the website through Thingiverse or all of these websites for free download so you don't have to start with modeling on your own. You can actually go up to the website, download an STL file, and just send it to your 3D printer. Then there are also 3D model repositories for people with print disabilities. So they are specially created for people with print disabilities. And that is also important because when you're talking about 3D models, for people who are blind and who have low vision, you're taking that additional level of accessibility into account because you want the people to feel the models. You want the textures to be distinct. You don't want colors to be the defining element. So all of these things have also been taken into account. And there are repositories of these models like be Tactile, fiddle, image share and 3D Opal where you can download. So I think for a teacher or any person wanting to download or create a model, I would definitely ask them to go to these repositories, see if a file has been created and all they need to do is download a file and then send it to the 3D printer. If not, there is also guidelines on creating 3D models on the guidelines. And of course as a part of the group Anzac Group. I would also encourage people to look at the Anzac Facebook group and post their queries. We have a lot of people worldwide and in Australia who can address those queries.

That you actually has broken it up really well with the 3D. I would encourage anybody to really read the 3D guidelines which are available on the roundtable website. Print disability.org because the guidelines give a very comprehensive overview of what 3D printing is about and who should use it. All the steps involved in 3D printing. So if a teacher, mainstream teacher, or a teacher who is a teacher of vision impaired wants to create a model, the guidelines have all those information, including where they can get models from repositories that are already on the internet. So there are generalist 3D model repositories which are Thingiverse, STL finder, Printables, and Pinshape. As a result of this project, a round table has a subcommittee called Anzac, the Australia New Zealand Accessible Graphics Group. We also have partner organisations Braille and large print services from the NSW Department of Education, Nexans, SVC and CAE 3D. All of these organisations have created their own models and they are available on the website through Thingiverse or all of these websites for free download so you don't have to start with modeling on your own. You can actually go up to the website, download an STL file, and just send it to your 3D printer. Then there are also 3D model repositories for people with print disabilities. So they are specially created for people with print disabilities. And that is also important because when you're talking about 3D models, for people who are blind and who have low vision, you're taking that additional level of accessibility into account because you want the people to feel the models. You want the textures to be distinct. You don't want colors to be the defining element. So all of these things have also been taken into account. And there are repositories of these models like be Tactile, fiddle, image share and 3D Opal where you can download. So I think for a teacher or any person wanting to download or create a model, I would definitely ask them to go to these repositories, see if a file has been created and all they need to do is download a file and then send it to the 3D printer. If not, there is also guidelines on creating 3D models on the guidelines. And of course as a part of the group Anzac Group. I would also encourage people to look at the Anzac Facebook group and post their queries. We have a lot of people worldwide and in Australia who can address those queries.

Ah, perfect. I think this is a good time to just get a few websites in one place for people to find out a bit more about the 3D printing guidelines, and perhaps if there's ways that they could contact the Roundtable or Next Sense or organisations like that that could fill them in a little bit more if they perhaps have some questions or, you know, feedback to give.

Ah, perfect. I think this is a good time to just get a few websites in one place for people to find out a bit more about the 3D printing guidelines, and perhaps if there's ways that they could contact the Roundtable or Next Sense or organisations like that that could fill them in a little bit more if they perhaps have some questions or, you know, feedback to give.

So the website address for Round table is print disability which is one word.org. And if you look up the guidelines page you will find the guidelines for accessible 3D prints. The guidelines are very very comprehensive giving you expert guidance on when are 3D prints suitable. What are the stages of 3D printing repositories for accessing 3D prints? That is, generalist repositories, repositories of 3D printing material for print disabilities, even specialist repositories for Stem material. And it also has guidelines on finishing. I would certainly encourage people who has any questions on 3D printing to visit these guidelines first. The Australian Braille Authority page and Round Table also has a list of organisations that produce accessible 3D graphics, and I would point them in that direction in the first instance.

So the website address for Round table is print disability which is one word.org. And if you look up the guidelines page you will find the guidelines for accessible 3D prints. The guidelines are very very comprehensive giving you expert guidance on when are 3D prints suitable. What are the stages of 3D printing repositories for accessing 3D prints? That is, generalist repositories, repositories of 3D printing material for print disabilities, even specialist repositories for Stem material. And it also has guidelines on finishing. I would certainly encourage people who has any questions on 3D printing to visit these guidelines first. The Australian Braille Authority page and Round Table also has a list of organisations that produce accessible 3D graphics, and I would point them in that direction in the first instance.

Definitely sounds like there's a lot of great places for people to get in touch with various organisations who are in charge of these 3D printed materials, and, you know, the accessibility guidelines are going to be so important. So it's very exciting to hear about all of that. Now, Matt, I understand there's just some, you know, messages you want to give before we wrap up today.

Definitely sounds like there's a lot of great places for people to get in touch with various organisations who are in charge of these 3D printed materials, and, you know, the accessibility guidelines are going to be so important. So it's very exciting to hear about all of that. Now, Matt, I understand there's just some, you know, messages you want to give before we wrap up today.

Thanks very much, Sam. I would like to especially give a shout out to my partners here at Monash as well. So Professor Kim Marriott, who's been doing a lot of work in this space for quite a while and is very passionate and a real leader in this in research involving assistive technologies, but a massive, heartfelt thanks and shout out to Doctor Leona Holloway, who was really the driver of this project and instrumental in working with all of our partners and our stakeholders and our end users, and was really instrumental in the development of these guidelines. That's both the research that underpins them as well as preparing the guidelines. So a very special shout out to Leona as well for all of her hard work.

Thanks very much, Sam. I would like to especially give a shout out to my partners here at Monash as well. So Professor Kim Marriott, who's been doing a lot of work in this space for quite a while and is very passionate and a real leader in this in research involving assistive technologies, but a massive, heartfelt thanks and shout out to Doctor Leona Holloway, who was really the driver of this project and instrumental in working with all of our partners and our stakeholders and our end users, and was really instrumental in the development of these guidelines. That's both the research that underpins them as well as preparing the guidelines. So a very special shout out to Leona as well for all of her hard work.

And I want to second that. Leona has been great and she understands the needs of people with print disabilities.

And I want to second that. Leona has been great and she understands the needs of people with print disabilities.

I've been speaking today with Matt Butler and Sonali Marathe about the guidelines, which have recently come out to support teachers of students who are blind or have low vision to access 3D printed materials. Matt. Sonali, thank you so much for your time today. It was great to catch up and chat with you all about the guidelines.

I've been speaking today with Matt Butler and Sonali Marathe about the guidelines, which have recently come out to support teachers of students who are blind or have low vision to access 3D printed materials. Matt. Sonali, thank you so much for your time today. It was great to catch up and chat with you all about the guidelines.

Thank you so much Sam. Just before I sign off, I would really like to thank Monash University and the Inclusive Laboratories for all the work they've been doing in the field, round table and all the partner organizations really value their support and the research projects they undertake for people who are blind or who have low vision.

Thank you so much Sam. Just before I sign off, I would really like to thank Monash University and the Inclusive Laboratories for all the work they've been doing in the field, round table and all the partner organizations really value their support and the research projects they undertake for people who are blind or who have low vision.

Yeah. Thank you. This is Matt here. Thank you so much for those kind words, Sonali. They really do mean a lot. And thank you, Sam, for your support as always as well. It's always a great pleasure to talk to you and hope we get to do that again soon.

Yeah. Thank you. This is Matt here. Thank you so much for those kind words, Sonali. They really do mean a lot. And thank you, Sam, for your support as always as well. It's always a great pleasure to talk to you and hope we get to do that again soon.

I'm Sam Culley and you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio. Associated stations of the Reading Radio Network and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation there with Sonali and Matt. If you missed any part of that conversation or you'd love to hear from Sonali and Matt again. Talking vision is available on the Vision Australia Radio website. Simply head to VA radio.org. That's VA radio.org to find all past episodes, or you can find the program on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia library. As the year draws to a close, we're marking the festive season with the final issue of Foyer Information, otherwise known as FYI vision, Australia's fortnightly newsletter covering the latest news and stories from around Vision Australia and the broader blind and low vision community. And as always, it's my great pleasure to welcome the editor of FYI, Liz Dalakouras, to Talking Vision. Liz, welcome back to Talking Vision. Great to have you.

I'm Sam Culley and you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio. Associated stations of the Reading Radio Network and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation there with Sonali and Matt. If you missed any part of that conversation or you'd love to hear from Sonali and Matt again. Talking vision is available on the Vision Australia Radio website. Simply head to VA radio.org. That's VA radio.org to find all past episodes, or you can find the program on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia library. As the year draws to a close, we're marking the festive season with the final issue of Foyer Information, otherwise known as FYI vision, Australia's fortnightly newsletter covering the latest news and stories from around Vision Australia and the broader blind and low vision community. And as always, it's my great pleasure to welcome the editor of FYI, Liz Dalakouras, to Talking Vision. Liz, welcome back to Talking Vision. Great to have you.

Thank you. Sam, it's always a pleasure to be here.

Thank you. Sam, it's always a pleasure to be here.

Now, in the lead up to Christmas, there's quite a few things happening as Parliament wraps up for the year. There's some very big news in terms of aged care for people out there.

Now, in the lead up to Christmas, there's quite a few things happening as Parliament wraps up for the year. There's some very big news in terms of aged care for people out there.

Absolutely. In what has been a historic moment for the aged care sector and older Australians, the Aged Care Bill of 2024 has been approved in the Senate. It's been months in the making. It's an incredible win for our community. The opposition has supported the Aged Care Bill after having four of its proposed amendments passed, including changes on how complaints are handled, having registration conditions set in the rules. A Senate will now review the rules, and it allows aged care residents the right to access their designated people. It's a massive win.

Absolutely. In what has been a historic moment for the aged care sector and older Australians, the Aged Care Bill of 2024 has been approved in the Senate. It's been months in the making. It's an incredible win for our community. The opposition has supported the Aged Care Bill after having four of its proposed amendments passed, including changes on how complaints are handled, having registration conditions set in the rules. A Senate will now review the rules, and it allows aged care residents the right to access their designated people. It's a massive win.

It's a massive win and it's also a massive win for everybody involved in the advocacy space and, you know, the hard work they've been doing, their behind the scenes and all that sort of thing. So it is great to see such a positive result there. But there's also been a positive result elsewhere, Liz, especially for women out there who are blind or have low vision.

It's a massive win and it's also a massive win for everybody involved in the advocacy space and, you know, the hard work they've been doing, their behind the scenes and all that sort of thing. So it is great to see such a positive result there. But there's also been a positive result elsewhere, Liz, especially for women out there who are blind or have low vision.

Yeah, absolutely has been Sam. And it's also a big thank you to our advocacy team again, where there will now be free feminine hygiene products soon to be available in Victoria out of vending machines. And because of Vision Australia's advocacy team, those vending machines will be as accessible as possible. No restrictions for any woman now wanting to access free sanitary products.

Yeah, absolutely has been Sam. And it's also a big thank you to our advocacy team again, where there will now be free feminine hygiene products soon to be available in Victoria out of vending machines. And because of Vision Australia's advocacy team, those vending machines will be as accessible as possible. No restrictions for any woman now wanting to access free sanitary products.

That is fantastic news. And also, Liz, there's been some news in the Telelink space that's coming up. There's the usual January program that a lot of people like to get around and participate in. There's quite a few things for people to look forward to there.

That is fantastic news. And also, Liz, there's been some news in the Telelink space that's coming up. There's the usual January program that a lot of people like to get around and participate in. There's quite a few things for people to look forward to there.

Yeah, really is the tele links webinar series set to come out in January is going to be a really special one because this year we're shining the spotlight on amazing, blind and low vision artists who've turned their passion into thriving careers. Get ready for an unforgettable series of webinars that celebrate art, music and the unstoppable drive to chase dreams. During the series, you're going to meet some really big players in the entertainment industry, so there will be one hour with Lauren Bacall, the blind singer and songwriter who's been inspiring audiences since she first discovered her passion for music as a toddler. She was a standout contestant on The Voice, and ever since, she's been featured at the Invictus Games, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and is now a regular at Our Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight. We'll also meet John Bramblett, who is a world renowned blind artist, keynote speaker, inclusion advocate and best selling author of the popular book shouting in the dark, and closing off the series will be Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo, who was born blind and began his journey to become a lawyer, but then decided instead to follow his true passion, which was music. And today he's an internationally acclaimed Nigerian songwriter, music producer and singer. Wow, it's going to be a great series.

Yeah, really is the tele links webinar series set to come out in January is going to be a really special one because this year we're shining the spotlight on amazing, blind and low vision artists who've turned their passion into thriving careers. Get ready for an unforgettable series of webinars that celebrate art, music and the unstoppable drive to chase dreams. During the series, you're going to meet some really big players in the entertainment industry, so there will be one hour with Lauren Bacall, the blind singer and songwriter who's been inspiring audiences since she first discovered her passion for music as a toddler. She was a standout contestant on The Voice, and ever since, she's been featured at the Invictus Games, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and is now a regular at Our Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight. We'll also meet John Bramblett, who is a world renowned blind artist, keynote speaker, inclusion advocate and best selling author of the popular book shouting in the dark, and closing off the series will be Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo, who was born blind and began his journey to become a lawyer, but then decided instead to follow his true passion, which was music. And today he's an internationally acclaimed Nigerian songwriter, music producer and singer. Wow, it's going to be a great series.

Yeah, sounds like it. A lot of amazing guests there, and I had the pleasure of speaking with Lara on the show last year, so it was great to catch up with her. Then, as you said, a lot of amazing guests for people to look forward to in January. Now, Liz, as we are heading to the end of the year and the Christmas New Year break, there might be an update for people out there they might be interested in hearing about in terms of when FII will next be available for all the people who've signed up on the mailing list.

Yeah, sounds like it. A lot of amazing guests there, and I had the pleasure of speaking with Lara on the show last year, so it was great to catch up with her. Then, as you said, a lot of amazing guests for people to look forward to in January. Now, Liz, as we are heading to the end of the year and the Christmas New Year break, there might be an update for people out there they might be interested in hearing about in terms of when FII will next be available for all the people who've signed up on the mailing list.

Absolutely. So the final FYI for the year will hit your inboxes on Thursday. So December 18th, and just as the year has come to a close, we at Vision Australia and the FYI team would just like to wish you and your families a wonderful and safe holiday season. No matter how you celebrate, let it be filled with love, laughter, and joy. We will be back with FYI in the new year in late January.

Absolutely. So the final FYI for the year will hit your inboxes on Thursday. So December 18th, and just as the year has come to a close, we at Vision Australia and the FYI team would just like to wish you and your families a wonderful and safe holiday season. No matter how you celebrate, let it be filled with love, laughter, and joy. We will be back with FYI in the new year in late January.

Perfect and we will catch up then for more FYI updates. So everyone out there stay tuned for that. We will be catching up with Liz in just over eight months. Time for the new year and FYI in 2025. Liz. Thank you so much for your time today. All the best for your holiday break and hope everyone out there has a wonderful break as well. And enjoy the final issue of FYI for 2024.

Perfect and we will catch up then for more FYI updates. So everyone out there stay tuned for that. We will be catching up with Liz in just over eight months. Time for the new year and FYI in 2025. Liz. Thank you so much for your time today. All the best for your holiday break and hope everyone out there has a wonderful break as well. And enjoy the final issue of FYI for 2024.

Thank you Sam, and likewise to you. Have a wonderful holiday break with your family and friends.

Thank you Sam, and likewise to you. Have a wonderful holiday break with your family and friends.

And now here's Frances Kelland with a reader recommended.

And now here's Frances Kelland with a reader recommended.

Hi Sam, great to be back with some wonderful reader recommended titles. This book in the Vision Australia Library is called Hello Darkness, my Old Friend, and it's by Sanford D Greenberg. This is the remarkable and inspiring story of a Columbia undergrad from a poor Jewish family who, after losing his eyesight to disease during his junior year, finds the power to break through the darkness and fulfill his vision for a life of great professional success and distinguished public service. It's a bitterly cold February in 1961, and Sandy Greenberg lies in a hospital bed in Detroit. Newly blind, a junior at Columbia University from a Jewish family that struggled to stay above the poverty line, Sandy has just started to see the world open up to him. Now, instead of his plans for a bright future Harvard Law and politics, Sandy faces a new reality one defined by a cane or a companion dog, menial work and a cautious path through life. But that's not how this story ends. Let's hear a sample of Hello, Darkness, My old Friend. By Sanford Greenberg. Interestingly, it is narrated by the wonderful Art Garfunkel, who was one of Sanford's best friends growing up.

Hi Sam, great to be back with some wonderful reader recommended titles. This book in the Vision Australia Library is called Hello Darkness, my Old Friend, and it's by Sanford D Greenberg. This is the remarkable and inspiring story of a Columbia undergrad from a poor Jewish family who, after losing his eyesight to disease during his junior year, finds the power to break through the darkness and fulfill his vision for a life of great professional success and distinguished public service. It's a bitterly cold February in 1961, and Sandy Greenberg lies in a hospital bed in Detroit. Newly blind, a junior at Columbia University from a Jewish family that struggled to stay above the poverty line, Sandy has just started to see the world open up to him. Now, instead of his plans for a bright future Harvard Law and politics, Sandy faces a new reality one defined by a cane or a companion dog, menial work and a cautious path through life. But that's not how this story ends. Let's hear a sample of Hello, Darkness, My old Friend. By Sanford Greenberg. Interestingly, it is narrated by the wonderful Art Garfunkel, who was one of Sanford's best friends growing up.

At the end of October in my senior year, I decided I had to do something about the everyday living side of my dilemma. I spoke with my doctor, who immediately arranged an appointment for me at what I will call the Institute for Blind persons. Two days later, Arthur and I worked our way there through Midtown Manhattan crowds. I was introduced to a miss Berlack, not her real name, who was to work on my case. She had a high pitched voice, and her perfume seemed vaguely reminiscent of dry grass. Arthur told me later that she was probably in her early 30s, wearing glasses and purple lipstick as she led me to her office. Leaving Arthur in the waiting room, I noticed that her hands were soft. After the routine biographical information had been taken, she wanted to know whether I had any particular problem. I mentioned that things were not proceeding perfectly, but I hoped they would shortly arrange themselves. After more of what I assumed were the standard preliminaries, Miss Pawlak suddenly sprang an abrupt change of pace on me. Quote. How do you like being blind? I was taken aback. The question was blunt, if not crude. However, since I was asking her for help, I felt compelled to answer. To be frank, I don't like it. The fact is, I dislike it very, very much. The past couple of weeks especially, have been extremely disturbing, and I really don't know that I am going to be able to graduate this year.

At the end of October in my senior year, I decided I had to do something about the everyday living side of my dilemma. I spoke with my doctor, who immediately arranged an appointment for me at what I will call the Institute for Blind persons. Two days later, Arthur and I worked our way there through Midtown Manhattan crowds. I was introduced to a miss Berlack, not her real name, who was to work on my case. She had a high pitched voice, and her perfume seemed vaguely reminiscent of dry grass. Arthur told me later that she was probably in her early 30s, wearing glasses and purple lipstick as she led me to her office. Leaving Arthur in the waiting room, I noticed that her hands were soft. After the routine biographical information had been taken, she wanted to know whether I had any particular problem. I mentioned that things were not proceeding perfectly, but I hoped they would shortly arrange themselves. After more of what I assumed were the standard preliminaries, Miss Pawlak suddenly sprang an abrupt change of pace on me. Quote. How do you like being blind? I was taken aback. The question was blunt, if not crude. However, since I was asking her for help, I felt compelled to answer. To be frank, I don't like it. The fact is, I dislike it very, very much. The past couple of weeks especially, have been extremely disturbing, and I really don't know that I am going to be able to graduate this year.

So that was Hello darkness, my Old Friend by Sanford Greenberg, beautifully narrated there by Art Garfunkel. If you would like to join the library, you're welcome to call 1300 654 656. That's 1300 654 656. Or you can email the library at Vision Australia. Org that's library at Vision Australia. Org.

So that was Hello darkness, my Old Friend by Sanford Greenberg, beautifully narrated there by Art Garfunkel. If you would like to join the library, you're welcome to call 1300 654 656. That's 1300 654 656. Or you can email the library at Vision Australia. Org that's library at Vision Australia. Org.

And that's all the time we have for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you. So please get in touch any time on our email at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. That's talking vision all one word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam Colley saying bye for now.

And that's all the time we have for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you. So please get in touch any time on our email at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. That's talking vision all one word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam Colley saying bye for now.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on 1300 847 406. That's 1300 847 406 or by visiting Vision australia.org. That's Vision australia.org.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on 1300 847 406. That's 1300 847 406 or by visiting Vision australia.org. That's Vision australia.org.