From Vision in

From Vision in

Australia, this is talking vision.

Australia, this is talking vision.

And now here's your host, Sam Colley.

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.

Recently, after having been in denial for a while, I started using my white cane. But also since using my cane, I have a lot less issues with negative interactions with people.

Recently, after having been in denial for a while, I started using my white cane. But also since using my cane, I have a lot less issues with negative interactions with people.

That voice you just heard was a tap from Bomber Dairy in New South Wales, talking about his initial reluctance to use his white cane, but also the positive changes he noticed when using his cane in public. He joined me with his orientation and mobility instructor Carolina, as part of this week's special White Cane Day episode of Talking Vision, and you can hear the full interview with them both later in the show. But first, I also catch up with Vice President of Blind Citizens Australia Fiona Woods to talk about the upcoming David Blight award, which will be held on the evening of White Cane Day on October the 15th. So be sure to stay tuned to find out more and then to wrap up the show. Stella Glory pops in for a quick chat about Vision Australia's monthly newsletter for your information or FOIA for short. I hope you enjoy this week's special White Cane Day episode of Talking Vision. Today, I'm here with vice president of Blind Citizens Australia, Fiona Woods to talk about their biennial. David Blight award to be presented as part of the National White Cane Day celebrations on October 15. Fiona, thanks very much for joining me today. Welcome to Talking Vision.

That voice you just heard was a tap from Bomber Dairy in New South Wales, talking about his initial reluctance to use his white cane, but also the positive changes he noticed when using his cane in public. He joined me with his orientation and mobility instructor Carolina, as part of this week's special White Cane Day episode of Talking Vision, and you can hear the full interview with them both later in the show. But first, I also catch up with Vice President of Blind Citizens Australia Fiona Woods to talk about the upcoming David Blight award, which will be held on the evening of White Cane Day on October the 15th. So be sure to stay tuned to find out more and then to wrap up the show. Stella Glory pops in for a quick chat about Vision Australia's monthly newsletter for your information or FOIA for short. I hope you enjoy this week's special White Cane Day episode of Talking Vision. Today, I'm here with vice president of Blind Citizens Australia, Fiona Woods to talk about their biennial. David Blight award to be presented as part of the National White Cane Day celebrations on October 15. Fiona, thanks very much for joining me today. Welcome to Talking Vision.

Thanks for having me. It's always great to talk to listeners.

Thanks for having me. It's always great to talk to listeners.

Now, firstly, Fiona, could you tell our listeners a bit more about the David Blythe Award in particular, what it looks to highlight and celebrate?

Now, firstly, Fiona, could you tell our listeners a bit more about the David Blythe Award in particular, what it looks to highlight and celebrate?

Well, the 10 Plus award celebrates the contribution of an Australian to the laws of WandaVision, impaired Australians all around the country, so it's a national award and it looks at it someone who's made a considerable contribution over a period of time to our lives. The person doesn't have to be born or vision impaired, but they have to work predominantly in that area.

Well, the 10 Plus award celebrates the contribution of an Australian to the laws of WandaVision, impaired Australians all around the country, so it's a national award and it looks at it someone who's made a considerable contribution over a period of time to our lives. The person doesn't have to be born or vision impaired, but they have to work predominantly in that area.

OK, and now let's go into a bit of detail about the David Borth awards history. How long is airport been running for?

OK, and now let's go into a bit of detail about the David Borth awards history. How long is airport been running for?

The first one was presented in 1991, and it usually had has been presented in conjunction with Positiveness Australia's national conventions, which were always held once a year, and then I think in the early 2000s they became every two years. So as part of the highlight of the convention, if you like where people would gather from all around the country, there'd be the presentation of the David Glass award. And it's usually a couple of other awards or certificates of appreciation to bonuses as Australian members who make contributions and probably by state or local, including national level. And now we also present the Diana Born Aspirations Award on behalf of the National Women's Branch presents that to to a woman. An Australian woman has made a significant contribution to find a vision impaired women. And yes, it's been presented since 1991,

The first one was presented in 1991, and it usually had has been presented in conjunction with Positiveness Australia's national conventions, which were always held once a year, and then I think in the early 2000s they became every two years. So as part of the highlight of the convention, if you like where people would gather from all around the country, there'd be the presentation of the David Glass award. And it's usually a couple of other awards or certificates of appreciation to bonuses as Australian members who make contributions and probably by state or local, including national level. And now we also present the Diana Born Aspirations Award on behalf of the National Women's Branch presents that to to a woman. An Australian woman has made a significant contribution to find a vision impaired women. And yes, it's been presented since 1991,

and David naturally played a crucial founding role as inaugural president of Blind Citizens Australia. So what more could you tell us about David and perhaps the story behind his association with the award?

and David naturally played a crucial founding role as inaugural president of Blind Citizens Australia. So what more could you tell us about David and perhaps the story behind his association with the award?

Well, David, as you said, was the first president references in Australia, but I guess possibly more importantly, he was very instrumental in forming the association in the first place with other founding people. His own so very instrumental in building the World Blind Union as a couple of other organisations that existed at the time, and he's also been the president of the World Blind Union. I think he basically had or still has a life of advocacy nationally and internationally for blind and visually impaired people in D.C., I felt that it would be appropriate to name an award in his honour, recognising the ongoing contribution that he's made a very long time and we want to celebrate for years to come. So it goes to people who who, I guess, follow in his footsteps. David's a man who lives in Melbourne. There's actually a podcast about David's very interesting history called Blindness of No Barrier, and you can access that on the Blind Citizens Australia website and we'll be on other podcast mediums. It's very interesting. It goes for about eight hours and it goes into a lot of the history of that disability and advocacy and the way blind people were treated in Australia and just David's life and work. So it's very interesting.

Well, David, as you said, was the first president references in Australia, but I guess possibly more importantly, he was very instrumental in forming the association in the first place with other founding people. His own so very instrumental in building the World Blind Union as a couple of other organisations that existed at the time, and he's also been the president of the World Blind Union. I think he basically had or still has a life of advocacy nationally and internationally for blind and visually impaired people in D.C., I felt that it would be appropriate to name an award in his honour, recognising the ongoing contribution that he's made a very long time and we want to celebrate for years to come. So it goes to people who who, I guess, follow in his footsteps. David's a man who lives in Melbourne. There's actually a podcast about David's very interesting history called Blindness of No Barrier, and you can access that on the Blind Citizens Australia website and we'll be on other podcast mediums. It's very interesting. It goes for about eight hours and it goes into a lot of the history of that disability and advocacy and the way blind people were treated in Australia and just David's life and work. So it's very interesting.

Now it does sound fantastic. They sort of check that out if that does interest you out there. Now, Fiona, you have gone into a bit about who is eligible to be nominated for the David Blight award, but how does the process work? Usually.

Now it does sound fantastic. They sort of check that out if that does interest you out there. Now, Fiona, you have gone into a bit about who is eligible to be nominated for the David Blight award, but how does the process work? Usually.

Well, calls for nominations is intent on Citizens Australia communications to all members, so any member is entitled to nominate someone. And you know, we obviously like to get some nominations because they're often there are many people who you could say would be eligible to have made a big contribution. And then a subcommittee of blind citizens Australia's board meets and considers the nominations and then makes a recommendation to the board and the board approves federal. So I see the processes of that, and then the award is presented on the night, but it's obviously a big secret until it's actually presented this year with obviously because of COVID, we haven't been able to have a national convention. So that's why this year we presented separately from national convention. But in some ways it's it. It's it's really good to have a separate event so we can completely focus on the honor of the award.

Well, calls for nominations is intent on Citizens Australia communications to all members, so any member is entitled to nominate someone. And you know, we obviously like to get some nominations because they're often there are many people who you could say would be eligible to have made a big contribution. And then a subcommittee of blind citizens Australia's board meets and considers the nominations and then makes a recommendation to the board and the board approves federal. So I see the processes of that, and then the award is presented on the night, but it's obviously a big secret until it's actually presented this year with obviously because of COVID, we haven't been able to have a national convention. So that's why this year we presented separately from national convention. But in some ways it's it. It's it's really good to have a separate event so we can completely focus on the honor of the award.

Absolutely. And who have been some previous winners of the year award? I know then Vision Australia's own Marianne Diamond won it in 2013, but what are some other names people out there may be familiar with?

Absolutely. And who have been some previous winners of the year award? I know then Vision Australia's own Marianne Diamond won it in 2013, but what are some other names people out there may be familiar with?

I'm probably quite a few of the people who have won this thing joined John Vitamin to was a long time worker provision Australia and many other things, obviously. Stephen Jelly, Bill Joly, June Ashby, Graeme Innes. Michael Simpson. And as I said, people always love the vision impaired. So. People might know that Bob Pro-settler, who studied the hero books and so was done in Tasmania, she's she's been a winner a long time ago. But Raymond Hanna and I guess most recently, Ron McCallum won it in 2017, who I'm sure a lot of people will have heard of his very many contributions. And the most recent winner was Martin Stewart, who's another very well known advocate for the vision and people all over Australia.

I'm probably quite a few of the people who have won this thing joined John Vitamin to was a long time worker provision Australia and many other things, obviously. Stephen Jelly, Bill Joly, June Ashby, Graeme Innes. Michael Simpson. And as I said, people always love the vision impaired. So. People might know that Bob Pro-settler, who studied the hero books and so was done in Tasmania, she's she's been a winner a long time ago. But Raymond Hanna and I guess most recently, Ron McCallum won it in 2017, who I'm sure a lot of people will have heard of his very many contributions. And the most recent winner was Martin Stewart, who's another very well known advocate for the vision and people all over Australia.

And Fiona, what can you tell us about the upcoming event on October 15, in conjunction with White Cane Day celebrations around the country if if people perhaps want to register to head along to the event.

And Fiona, what can you tell us about the upcoming event on October 15, in conjunction with White Cane Day celebrations around the country if if people perhaps want to register to head along to the event.

The event's going to be held over Zoom, so it doesn't matter what your rules are, you can attend on the same basis as everyone else around the country. It will be at 5:30 on the 15th. It's a very appropriate day. It's it's always good to have a reason to celebrate what can do. So yes, it'll be at 4:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. and people could register by sending an email to events at BCA dot org dot AEW. Or they could bring the BCCI number and inform people they want to come along to one 800 oh, three three six six 00. And then once you've done those things, you'll be sent to link to join into the award.

The event's going to be held over Zoom, so it doesn't matter what your rules are, you can attend on the same basis as everyone else around the country. It will be at 5:30 on the 15th. It's a very appropriate day. It's it's always good to have a reason to celebrate what can do. So yes, it'll be at 4:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. and people could register by sending an email to events at BCA dot org dot AEW. Or they could bring the BCCI number and inform people they want to come along to one 800 oh, three three six six 00. And then once you've done those things, you'll be sent to link to join into the award.

Okay, wonderful. That was Fiona Woods, their vice president of Blind Citizens Australia, talking to us about all things. David Blight Award for 2021 Fiona, thank you so much for your time today. It's a pleasure chatting with you.

Okay, wonderful. That was Fiona Woods, their vice president of Blind Citizens Australia, talking to us about all things. David Blight Award for 2021 Fiona, thank you so much for your time today. It's a pleasure chatting with you.

Thanks in saying.

Thanks in saying.

I'm Sam Kelly, and you're

I'm Sam Kelly, and you're

listening to toking vision on Vision Australia radio associated stations of age and the community radio network. If you'd like to find out more about the program, Lockwood, find your local radio frequency or listen to past programs. You can find all this info and more on the Talking Vision web page. Just stop talking vision into your search engine,

listening to toking vision on Vision Australia radio associated stations of age and the community radio network. If you'd like to find out more about the program, Lockwood, find your local radio frequency or listen to past programs. You can find all this info and more on the Talking Vision web page. Just stop talking vision into your search engine,

or you can find the program on the podcast app of your choice or

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through the Vision Australia Library. And now back to the show in celebration of White Cane Day on October the 15th. It's my pleasure to have with me a couple of people on the line. It's Vision Australia orientation and mobility specialist Caroline A Can of ANZ and one of her clients at Tap Carolina. And welcome to Talking Vision. Thanks so much for being on the show.

through the Vision Australia Library. And now back to the show in celebration of White Cane Day on October the 15th. It's my pleasure to have with me a couple of people on the line. It's Vision Australia orientation and mobility specialist Caroline A Can of ANZ and one of her clients at Tap Carolina. And welcome to Talking Vision. Thanks so much for being on the show.

Good morning. Thanks for inviting me.

Good morning. Thanks for inviting me.

Now, firstly, Carolina, will, we'll start with you for some of our listeners who may be interested to know. Could you give an overview of what an orientation and mobility specialist does?

Now, firstly, Carolina, will, we'll start with you for some of our listeners who may be interested to know. Could you give an overview of what an orientation and mobility specialist does?

Oh, what's going on? That's a pleasure. An orientation and mobility specialist. We teach a set of skills, fight a person who are blind or have low vision. So those skills will allow them to navigate independently and safely through their environment and orientation and mobility, especially so we also work with the client to find the right mobility aids for them and provide training where the bed with being guided or locating a drop, dropping the item or safely navigating their way across a street charred down the busy road and people of all ages can participate in orientation and mobility training. But of course, the focus of the training will differ based on the age and Carolina.

Oh, what's going on? That's a pleasure. An orientation and mobility specialist. We teach a set of skills, fight a person who are blind or have low vision. So those skills will allow them to navigate independently and safely through their environment and orientation and mobility, especially so we also work with the client to find the right mobility aids for them and provide training where the bed with being guided or locating a drop, dropping the item or safely navigating their way across a street charred down the busy road and people of all ages can participate in orientation and mobility training. But of course, the focus of the training will differ based on the age and Carolina.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself now? For instance, how long have you been working as an owner? And how did you get into orientation and mobility?

Could you tell us a bit about yourself now? For instance, how long have you been working as an owner? And how did you get into orientation and mobility?

And yes, so I mean, I firstly completed a degree in physiotherapy and did then I started working with people who are blind or have low vision. It was a small seed in my mother country in Brazil. I have more than 18 years of experience working with people who are blind or have low vision, working as an orientation and mobility specialist. I came to Australia in 2016 and it was when I started working with Vision Australia

And yes, so I mean, I firstly completed a degree in physiotherapy and did then I started working with people who are blind or have low vision. It was a small seed in my mother country in Brazil. I have more than 18 years of experience working with people who are blind or have low vision, working as an orientation and mobility specialist. I came to Australia in 2016 and it was when I started working with Vision Australia

and Edwin Wolcott, who you now? Could you tell us a bit about yourself, for instance, how much vision to have?

and Edwin Wolcott, who you now? Could you tell us a bit about yourself, for instance, how much vision to have?

My vision is less toys and ornaments. I have no peripheral vision. I only have some central vision in my right eye. The vision I have is quite good and with glasses. I can see quite well. Distance or depth of field is an issue because it's only having one eye working. But as long as the scenery around me is stationary. I can of Orient tied myself quite well. I have a lot of trouble with mobile, has it as been children and people moving about? So recently, after having been in denial for a while, I started using my white cane. Which makes Carolina quite happy. Mm hmm. But it is also my sense using my cane, I have a lot less issues with negative interactions with people.

My vision is less toys and ornaments. I have no peripheral vision. I only have some central vision in my right eye. The vision I have is quite good and with glasses. I can see quite well. Distance or depth of field is an issue because it's only having one eye working. But as long as the scenery around me is stationary. I can of Orient tied myself quite well. I have a lot of trouble with mobile, has it as been children and people moving about? So recently, after having been in denial for a while, I started using my white cane. Which makes Carolina quite happy. Mm hmm. But it is also my sense using my cane, I have a lot less issues with negative interactions with people.

Oh, that would make a huge difference. And have you always had a vision condition ET or did you experience vision loss later in life?

Oh, that would make a huge difference. And have you always had a vision condition ET or did you experience vision loss later in life?

I've always had a vision condition, as you know, I have glaucoma, right? But when my partner passed away, I didn't handle that very well and went through a period of abuse and as a result neglected myself and my medication is so developing or increasing the reduction of my eyesight.

I've always had a vision condition, as you know, I have glaucoma, right? But when my partner passed away, I didn't handle that very well and went through a period of abuse and as a result neglected myself and my medication is so developing or increasing the reduction of my eyesight.

It's good to have you here, and it's good to hear your story and all the positives that are coming out of it, like I'm using the white cane and connecting up with with Carol later. So Carolina, how did you and Ed come to be connected and how long have you been working with each other?

It's good to have you here, and it's good to hear your story and all the positives that are coming out of it, like I'm using the white cane and connecting up with with Carol later. So Carolina, how did you and Ed come to be connected and how long have you been working with each other?

And correct me if I'm wrong, Ed, but I think I met you in 2017 when I was working for Wollongong office. I don't remember exactly when, but I think was in 2017, and I think you I was the first one to provide services to you. And am I right?

And correct me if I'm wrong, Ed, but I think I met you in 2017 when I was working for Wollongong office. I don't remember exactly when, but I think was in 2017, and I think you I was the first one to provide services to you. And am I right?

Yes.

Yes.

Yeah. And I remember on that day that we had a very challenging conversation about starting using the long cane. Yeah, we did it then. Yes.

Yeah. And I remember on that day that we had a very challenging conversation about starting using the long cane. Yeah, we did it then. Yes.

And one, did you want to talk a bit more about the long cane sort of mobility aids that you've come to use over the time that you've been working with Carolina?

And one, did you want to talk a bit more about the long cane sort of mobility aids that you've come to use over the time that you've been working with Carolina?

Yeah, I tend. I Carolina was quite instructive in as much as how to use the cane. I have since developed a slightly different way of using my cane. When last in Sydney, I misplaced. McCain and ordered a new one. It's slightly longer than. What was the first recommended? But it helps it works better for me because I don't use the cane the same way I was originally instructed.

Yeah, I tend. I Carolina was quite instructive in as much as how to use the cane. I have since developed a slightly different way of using my cane. When last in Sydney, I misplaced. McCain and ordered a new one. It's slightly longer than. What was the first recommended? But it helps it works better for me because I don't use the cane the same way I was originally instructed.

Right. Okay. And so that that bit of extra length has helped you sort of find your way a bit better, it's giving you a bit more detail. That's come Thirty-Year.

Right. Okay. And so that that bit of extra length has helped you sort of find your way a bit better, it's giving you a bit more detail. That's come Thirty-Year.

Well, not so much that, in fact, when I was originally instructed, I was annoyed he to hold my hand out in front of me and extend the length to the cane. But I walk quite quickly and I stabbed myself a lot walking into my team.

Well, not so much that, in fact, when I was originally instructed, I was annoyed he to hold my hand out in front of me and extend the length to the cane. But I walk quite quickly and I stabbed myself a lot walking into my team.

Oh, you know, no, no.

Oh, you know, no, no.

So I tend to hold the cane to my side rather than in front, because when I'm using my time, I'm walking quite some distance sustained for quite some time. So it's more I'm more relaxed with detained by my side. So now having a longer time has allowed me to maintain that sort of frontal distance. And still have a relaxed way of walking.

So I tend to hold the cane to my side rather than in front, because when I'm using my time, I'm walking quite some distance sustained for quite some time. So it's more I'm more relaxed with detained by my side. So now having a longer time has allowed me to maintain that sort of frontal distance. And still have a relaxed way of walking.

OK, and how much did you know about orientation and mobility before you connected up with Carolina in 2017? Oh, none at all.

OK, and how much did you know about orientation and mobility before you connected up with Carolina in 2017? Oh, none at all.

Right? None at all.

Right? None at all.

So it would have been a really illuminating experience and really opened up some possibilities for you after you sort of, I guess, connected up with the sort of things that you realized you could do with some with the training. Because I know you're saying just before you've come, you're quite active. You like to get out and go walking quite a bit. And so what are some of the things on top of that that you've been able to do that you sort of you didn't think were possible before you worked with Carolina?

So it would have been a really illuminating experience and really opened up some possibilities for you after you sort of, I guess, connected up with the sort of things that you realized you could do with some with the training. Because I know you're saying just before you've come, you're quite active. You like to get out and go walking quite a bit. And so what are some of the things on top of that that you've been able to do that you sort of you didn't think were possible before you worked with Carolina?

Well, I'm a lot more comfortable with the cane. I'm a lot more comfortable amongst people. Pretty cozy. I was doing approximately 3000 kilometers a month. Oh wow. Traveling that included buses, trains, ferries, taking people and friends to Sydney. But with this cove IT business, it's now less than 300 a month. Hmm.

Well, I'm a lot more comfortable with the cane. I'm a lot more comfortable amongst people. Pretty cozy. I was doing approximately 3000 kilometers a month. Oh wow. Traveling that included buses, trains, ferries, taking people and friends to Sydney. But with this cove IT business, it's now less than 300 a month. Hmm.

I'm slightly. It's understandable.

I'm slightly. It's understandable.

Rather annoying.

Rather annoying.

Yes, for sure. And Carolina, what of what have been some of the things you've observed and the really rewarding experiences such you've had working with with ED over the past four years with the sort of progress that is made and the sort of things you've noticed?

Yes, for sure. And Carolina, what of what have been some of the things you've observed and the really rewarding experiences such you've had working with with ED over the past four years with the sort of progress that is made and the sort of things you've noticed?

Yeah, I'm so proud of that because when we met in 2017, he was a bit hesitant about the cane. He didn't want to use it, but I think is slowly, slowly. I convinced him that he could do whatever he wants to. If he is, start using their long cane because he would be more independent, more confident in safe as well, because in my opinion, safety comes first.

Yeah, I'm so proud of that because when we met in 2017, he was a bit hesitant about the cane. He didn't want to use it, but I think is slowly, slowly. I convinced him that he could do whatever he wants to. If he is, start using their long cane because he would be more independent, more confident in safe as well, because in my opinion, safety comes first.

Oh, that's so that's true. That's yeah, paramount for sure.

Oh, that's so that's true. That's yeah, paramount for sure.

Yes. So I'm I'm really proud of him. I'm really proud to see him when he comes to my walking group and carrying bags, so he travels all the way from very to carry Bob to join in the walking group. And I think he's a good example for other people, for other clients that if they can do whatever they want, they just need to take that first step, really?

Yes. So I'm I'm really proud of him. I'm really proud to see him when he comes to my walking group and carrying bags, so he travels all the way from very to carry Bob to join in the walking group. And I think he's a good example for other people, for other clients that if they can do whatever they want, they just need to take that first step, really?

Right?

Right?

And speaking of that first step, Carolina, what would you say to someone who might be unsure about how to take that first step or ask for help with their orientation and mobility?

And speaking of that first step, Carolina, what would you say to someone who might be unsure about how to take that first step or ask for help with their orientation and mobility?

And yeah, I would say don't think twice and take that first step. It isn't easy. I understand how hard it is, and I think the first step is the hardest step, but it will open so many doors. You have so many opportunities, so don't hesitate to have it checked with the marine stationed in the mobility specialist. We are nice. We don't bite. Listen what we have to say. There are so many options available and that, yeah, we'll be more than happy to help you to achieve your goals.

And yeah, I would say don't think twice and take that first step. It isn't easy. I understand how hard it is, and I think the first step is the hardest step, but it will open so many doors. You have so many opportunities, so don't hesitate to have it checked with the marine stationed in the mobility specialist. We are nice. We don't bite. Listen what we have to say. There are so many options available and that, yeah, we'll be more than happy to help you to achieve your goals.

Okay. And and we'll pay some final words for you. What would your thoughts be on that?

Okay. And and we'll pay some final words for you. What would your thoughts be on that?

Well, basically. The first thing you have to do is accept the fact that you have a disability. That you have a visual problem. And that in itself is a big step, and then definitely there are companies that, you know, like Vision Australia. I'm very grateful that I came across this in Australia. That's the stuff that I deal with are all extremely pleasant, amiable, competent and pleasant to deal with.

Well, basically. The first thing you have to do is accept the fact that you have a disability. That you have a visual problem. And that in itself is a big step, and then definitely there are companies that, you know, like Vision Australia. I'm very grateful that I came across this in Australia. That's the stuff that I deal with are all extremely pleasant, amiable, competent and pleasant to deal with.

Hmm. And that does make a huge difference for sure, especially when, you know, people are going through the sort of challenges that you've alluded to today. So thank you so much for sharing your story and both of you telling telling our listeners all about the the journey that you've gone on together over the past almost almost five years now to be so. Yes, so thank you very much to Carolina and add there. That was Carolyn a can of ABC Sea Island Nation and mobility specialist firm Vision Australia and one of her clients, Ed Tapp. Joining me on Talking Vision Today, Carolina, and thank you so much for being on the show today.

Hmm. And that does make a huge difference for sure, especially when, you know, people are going through the sort of challenges that you've alluded to today. So thank you so much for sharing your story and both of you telling telling our listeners all about the the journey that you've gone on together over the past almost almost five years now to be so. Yes, so thank you very much to Carolina and add there. That was Carolyn a can of ABC Sea Island Nation and mobility specialist firm Vision Australia and one of her clients, Ed Tapp. Joining me on Talking Vision Today, Carolina, and thank you so much for being on the show today.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Yeah, thanks for having us.

Yeah, thanks for having us.

Well, a new month is upon us, it's October, and amongst other things, that means it's time for another issue of Vision Australia's monthly newsletter for your information otherwise known as FOIA, and to have a chat with us about this month's issue, I have still a Gloria with me. So, Stella, what can readers look forward to this October?

Well, a new month is upon us, it's October, and amongst other things, that means it's time for another issue of Vision Australia's monthly newsletter for your information otherwise known as FOIA, and to have a chat with us about this month's issue, I have still a Gloria with me. So, Stella, what can readers look forward to this October?

Well, I think you're better off asking, what can't I look forward to? You know, I don't want to blow my own trumpet, but we've got a great newsletter for you this time around. A little while ago, I chatted with a young woman, Caitlin, about the late program. This article about her on how she landed a part time job as a teenager with low vision. So that's a bit of an uplifting one. Now, if you live in Victoria, you know that there was an earthquake. Wow, they're calling an earthquake. It was a bit of a tremor. Yes, quite quite eventful. Yes, it was quite painful. It gave me something to talk about besides protests and lockdown. And so but how did this impact people with a disability? So the ABC put out an article. We're going to hear about a woman who is blind and how the earthquake actually impacted her life when things fell down, and how she then has two people. Because a lot of blind people, of course, they know where everything is in their house and when that causes a bit of disarray. And also then if a building has to be evacuated, a number of disabled people were saying they weren't notified. So that's a really interesting article from the ABC. We have got a great story a library, a member profile from a library member, Vision Australia Library member Greg, who is a bit of a science fiction and fantasy fan on and how he reads books in the Visual Australia Library and how the library caters to his needs. And he also gives us his three top science fiction and fantasy reads. We've got a great new website from Dr Ben Gorton, who is the disability discrimination officer, and it's a website for job seekers and employers and it's called include ability. There is a wonderful new initiative called Get Skilled Access. It's a unique leadership program designed and delivered by people with disability for women with disability in sport. So they just some of the articles that you can get in your upcoming if why it should be hitting people's inboxes this week. So by the time you are hearing, they go and check your email and see if it's in there.

Well, I think you're better off asking, what can't I look forward to? You know, I don't want to blow my own trumpet, but we've got a great newsletter for you this time around. A little while ago, I chatted with a young woman, Caitlin, about the late program. This article about her on how she landed a part time job as a teenager with low vision. So that's a bit of an uplifting one. Now, if you live in Victoria, you know that there was an earthquake. Wow, they're calling an earthquake. It was a bit of a tremor. Yes, quite quite eventful. Yes, it was quite painful. It gave me something to talk about besides protests and lockdown. And so but how did this impact people with a disability? So the ABC put out an article. We're going to hear about a woman who is blind and how the earthquake actually impacted her life when things fell down, and how she then has two people. Because a lot of blind people, of course, they know where everything is in their house and when that causes a bit of disarray. And also then if a building has to be evacuated, a number of disabled people were saying they weren't notified. So that's a really interesting article from the ABC. We have got a great story a library, a member profile from a library member, Vision Australia Library member Greg, who is a bit of a science fiction and fantasy fan on and how he reads books in the Visual Australia Library and how the library caters to his needs. And he also gives us his three top science fiction and fantasy reads. We've got a great new website from Dr Ben Gorton, who is the disability discrimination officer, and it's a website for job seekers and employers and it's called include ability. There is a wonderful new initiative called Get Skilled Access. It's a unique leadership program designed and delivered by people with disability for women with disability in sport. So they just some of the articles that you can get in your upcoming if why it should be hitting people's inboxes this week. So by the time you are hearing, they go and check your email and see if it's in there.

Okay, fantastic. That was Stella Glory. They're chatting about for your information or if life is short. Thanks so much, Stella for appearing on Talking Vision today. It's always a pleasure catching up with you.

Okay, fantastic. That was Stella Glory. They're chatting about for your information or if life is short. Thanks so much, Stella for appearing on Talking Vision today. It's always a pleasure catching up with you.

Thanks for having me, Sam.

Thanks for having me, Sam.

And that's all we have

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 Vision Australia dot org that's talking vision

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 Vision Australia dot org that's talking vision

or one word at Vision Australia dot org. But until next week, it's bye for now.

or one word at Vision Australia dot org. But until next week, it's bye for now.

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