Blind Citizens Australia

This week, John speaks with Vaughn Bennison, president of Blind Citizens Australia and former host of New Horizons. Vaughn outlines the long history of the program including some highlights of his nine-plus years' involvement, and discusses its future. Note, this is the Broadcast version.

This week, John speaks with Vaughn Bennison, president of Blind Citizens Australia and former host of New Horizons. Vaughn outlines the long history of the program including some highlights of his nine-plus years' involvement with the program, and discusses its future. Note, this is the extended version.

This week we repeat episode 869 - concluding our two-part discussion of accessible workplaces. This program features Rebecca Clark and Damo McMorrow and comes from the Round Table on Information Access for people with print disabilities.

This week's episode is a repeat of episode 868, focusing on accessible workplaces. This comes from the Round Table on Information Access for people with print disabilities.

In this episode, we hear the second part of the extended conversation with Ben Clare. Ben continues his review of the recently held SPEVI conference.

This week John speaks with Ben Clare. In this first in a two program series, Ben discusses happenings at the conference of South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment, held in Brisbane in January.

This week we revisit the topic of Dog Guide refusals in Uber and other rideshare platforms. Paula Hobly recently announced that she had lodged a complaint against Uber with the Federal Court. Paula discusses the problem and what she's done to try to remedy it. We're also joined by Lee Kumutat, National Manager for policy and advocacy with Guide Dogs Australia. How significant is this problem and are there ways to make it easier for blind and vision impaired people who simply want to get to appointments on time?

In this week's episode, Graeme speaks with BCA President, Vaughn Bennison, about the recently held face to face meeting of the Board of Blind Citizens Australia. Find out what happened at the meeting and some interesting upcoming events where you might have your say.

Professor Lauren Ayton was recently awarded an AM in the 2025 Australia Day Honours list. Lauren has a proud history in eye research, and joins John to discuss her history and on what she is currently working.

Emma Bennison speaks with Graeme Innes this week on New Horizons. Emma has recently settled a complaint at the Australian Human Rights Commission with Jetstar. Emma was left waiting for an hour and a half at Melbourne Airport, after pre-organising Meet and Assist with the airline. Hear about the complaint, and how the resolution of this complaint will hopefully mean no one else has to go through this.

This week, in our first episode for 2025, we speak with Madeleine Popper. Madeleine started an art group for Blind and Vision Impaired people in Melbourne. Hear about the group, why she started it and what it's all about. Also, hear Madeleine's perspective on how vision loss changed her experience of art. The host this week, is Noora Remy.

This week, we conclude our six part summer series on audio description, speaking with Professor Katie Ellis. Katie describes her work and further outlines the recently held symposium on Audio Description.

In episode 5 of our summer series, Graeme speaks with Christine Malec, a Canadian podcast producer. Christine's podcast is called "Talk Description To Me" and focuses on audio describing frequently everyday items, happenings or concepts which most people take for granted but are often poorly understood by Blind and Vision Impaired people.

This week, for the fourth episode of our summer series on Audio Description, we are joined by Tasmanian film-maker and producer, Ros Walker. Ros was heavily involved with the Grit Film Festival, and joins us to discuss her experience as a sighted person working with a blind person to curate and produce audio description scripts for all of the films in the festival.

In this third episode in our Summer Series, John speaks with Edwina Gustafson. Edwina describes her experience writing audio description scripts for SBS television as a vision impaired person. As well, her approach to providing meaningful detail, what must be included and what can be left out.

In this, the second episode in our summer series on Audio Description, John speaks with Francois Jacobs. Francois talks about his experience working on quality control. What is it and why is it important?

In this, the first in our Summer Series featuring Audio Description, John Simpson speaks with Fran Mathy who has been involved in writing, producing and delivering Audio Description for many years. Listen to Fran on new year's eve, as she describes the Sydney Fireworks. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week we congratulate the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability. Also, an update on the BCA 50th anniversary convention coming up in June next year. A heads-up; our Summer Series this year focuses on Audio Description. John Simpson brings us five programs with a host of special guests who will take you through the process of developing and delivering AD in various media including television, live and film. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this edition, Vaughn Bennison's last as host, Vaughn thanks all of the people who have supported and assisted the production, presenting and management of New Horizons since he took it over in October 2015. In our feature interview conducted by John Simpson, Vaughn discusses the Annual General Meeting of Blind Citizens Australia, next steps and potential focuses for the future. Then, John speaks with Emma Bennison who was awarded the Leslie Hall Lifetime Achievement award by the Disability Leadership Institute. Hear about Emma's career and her passion for leadership. A heads-up: our summer series this year will focus on Audio Description as John brings us interviews with people who compile, present and benefit from Audio Description. Coming late December. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, John speaks with Michael Small, Chair of Disability Voices Tasmania. Michael joins us to discuss the new Disability Rights, Inclusion and Safeguarding Act which is now in force in Tasmania. Hear about the newly created role of Disability Commissioner, the establishment of a Disability Inclusion Advisory Council and more. Also, a message from the BCA 50th anniversary Planning Committee.

In this episode of New Horizons, Graeme speaks with two of BCA's incoming directors, Stefan Slucki and Garry Adler. Find out about them, their key priorities as directors and more. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, Graeme Innes speaks with long-time host of New Horizons, Vaughn Bennison. Vaughn is set to become the next President of Blind Citizens Australia following its Annual General Meeting in December. Hear about Vaughn's background and work, and his hopes for the future of Blind Citizens Australia and the New Horizons programme. Thanks to Graeme for bringing us this interview. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Vantage Point Audio Description is a small company providing audio description services in Brisbane. Find out more about the company, what it does and a significant upcoming event in the Brisbane festival calendar. The Brisbane Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols is coming up on the 7th of December. You may purchase tickets from Ticket Master - don't forget to select your audio description headset when you get your tickets. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week we repeat episode 443, when in 2016, I spoke with Daniel Kish, president of World Access for the Blind. At that time, Daniel was visiting Australia conducting workshops, teaching Blind people how to use Flash Sonar. Please note that as this was in 2016, some information may not be current so please do your own research.

This week we hear from QLD Branch president, Adrian Watson. Adrian talks about the recent Branch AGM, and some information for Blind and Vision Impaired people in regard to the upcoming QLD state election.

This week, we celebrate International White Cane Day, speaking with Peter and Kathy Rickards. SensaBall is a tip for the White Cane, which allows for constant contact with the ground and is said to avoid many of the pitfalls of White Cane travel. Find out more about it and how you can support the project. Contribute to the Kick-Starter by going to this website. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

# This week, we repeat episode 439 - discussing the New Horizons Theme. This came out of the BCA conversation held last Thursday - thanks to all for your input.

In this week's program, we introduce two of the new members of the New Horizons team; Jess Kendall and Noora Remi. They outline their backgrounds and their thoughts on the future of the program and what it means to the Blind and Low-Vision community. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week's episode focuses on the forum held by United Blind Leaders, on the 12th of September. Hear about the organisation, what it stands for and why leadership development and the leadership of Blind people by Blind people is so important. My thanks to John who co-presented this program with me. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week's episode brings us part ii of the presentation given by Margo Carwardine, from QBWA. Once again, thanks to the Round Table for the use of this material. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, Margo Carwardine from the Queensland Braille Writers Association, also known as Braille House, discusses accessible tourism. The QBWA has been conducting a fascinating project to enable venues and other tourism-based businesses to be more accessible to Blind and Vision Impaired people. This project was made possible by a grant from the Queensland Government. This presentation was given to the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disability, and we thank the Round Table for the use of this recording. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this week's episode, John Simpson speaks with Jonathan Craig, now Policy and Advocacy Manager with Vision 2020 Australia. Jonathan discusses the response from the Australian Government, to the 222 recommendations handed down in the final report of the Disability Royal Commission in September 2023. In particular, those recommendations most applicable to Blind and Vision Impaired people. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, we discuss an open letter to the Board of Vision Australia, Australia's largest provider of blindness and low-vision services. Graeme Innes is our guest to discuss the letter, what it's all about and how you can be involved in making change in your community. If you want to join the 200-plus people who have already supported this open letter, it can be found Here. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, we bring you part two of the presentation given to the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability, by Professor Katie Ellis, Director of the Centre for Culture and Technology at Curtin University. Katie discusses the importance of accessible communications for people with disability, in connection with health.

This week, our main feature is a presentation given to the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability, by Professor Katie Ellis, Director of the Centre for Culture and Technology at Curtin University. Katie discusses the importance of accessible communications for people with disability, in connection with health. Also, some BCA announcements.

This week, we conclude our two-part program on accessible workplaces. Thanks again to the Round Table for the use of this material.

This week, the first in a two-part series on access to workplaces. This presentation to the Round Table on Information Access for people with a Print Disability was given by Damo McMorrow, National Access Technology Manager with Vision Australia, and Rebecca Clark, Vision Technology Specialist with Quantum RLV. Once again, a big thanks to the Round Table for allowing us the use of this material.

# This week, we bring you part ii of a presentation given by Dr. Scott Hollier. Again, thank you to the Round Table on Information Access for the use of this material.

This week, We bring you another presentation from the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability. Dr. Scott Hollier, CEO of the Centre for Accessibility Australia, delivered this presentation on Artificial Intelligence, AI, and its use by Blind and Vision Impaired People, and those with other Print Disabilities. Once again, our thanks to the Round Table for allowing us the use of this material.

Ben Clare's presentation to the recently held Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability, focused on AI and technology and its use in Pacific Island Countries. Ben discusses some of the enablers and barriers to the use of technology, and the use of Artifical Inteligence in education and the life of Blind and Vision Impaired People. Our thanks to the Round Table for allowing us the use of this material. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week we revisit the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities. Specifically, we feature a presentation given by David Swayne, Disability Policy Officer with the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, and Vision 2020's Jonathan Craig. Hear about Accessible ICT Procurement - what is it? Why is it important? Where does Australia lie in context with other countries, and what can we do to improve the situation? Thanks to the Round Table for the use of this material. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, in follow-up to last week's episode, we hear from Sophie Coppenhall. Sophie is currently undertaking a PHD in Inclusive Technologies. Hear about Sophie's background and what her PHD is all about. If you'd like to get involved, you can E-mail Sophie. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, we are joined by Matt Butler, Associate Professor at Monash University. Matt joins us to discuss an opportunity to undertake a PHD in Assistive Technology. They are strongly encouraging applications from Disabled People so if this is something that interests you, or you'd like more information, E-mail Matt or follow the link above. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join us this week, for a brief update on happenings within BCA. We're joined by CEO, Deb Deshayes, President Fiona Woods and Vice-President, Helen Freris. You can read more in this week's Member Update. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Greens Senator, Jordon Steele-John spoke at the recent Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities in Perth. We hear an edited version of his presentation this week, discussing barriers to information access, the current status and hopes for the future. My thanks to John Simpson and the Round Table for bringing us these recordings.

John Simpson attended the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities in Perth - and this week, we bring you the first in our series featuring presentations from this year's conference. Corey Crawford, Policy Officer with Blind Citizens Australia, discusses disaster management and preparation for people who are Blind or Vision Impaired. Our thanks to the Round Table and to John for this recording. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

We hear this week, from Project Manager with BCA, Bettina Twyman. Bettina outlines the importance of celebrating our volunteers this week, National Volunteer Week. It's a good opportunity to consider the millions of hours each week undertaken by unpaid workers and acknowledge their input. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week, we're joined by Barry Melville, Manager of Radio 2RPH in Sydney. Find out more about 2RPH, an upcoming presentation Barry is giving to the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disability, and how you can provide feedback on 2RPH's programming and style. Check out the 2RPH Website for more information. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Graeme Innes is our guest this week. He discusses his role as Chancellor of Central Queensland University, and the University Accord; why we should be concerned about it and what can be done to ensure that universities continue to provide accommodations and access for disabled Australians.

May is Macular Month. In this episode, John Simpson speaks with Dr. Kathy Chapman, CEO of the Macular Disease Foundation Australia, (MDFA). Kathy describes the work of the foundation, what we might expect to see over the coming month, and how vital it is that we act early to prevent or slow macular disease.

In this week's episode, we revisit an episode from 2022 when we spoke with BCA's Tasmania Branch President, Duncan Meerding. At that time, Duncan explained arrangements the Tasmanian Electoral Commission had put in place to assist Blind and Vision Impaired voters to vote at the Local Government election. In March this year, Tasmania held an election for members in its lower house of Government and in May will be holding Legislative Council elections in three electorates. Has anything changed? We bring you an opinion piece written by BCA member, David Morrell, about where things currently stand in Tasmania. We'll be featuring more on this subject in coming episodes so if you live in Tasmania and have something to say, E-mail new.horizons@bca.org.au. If you live in other states and territories, let us have your experiences, positive and negative, about voting arrangements in your state.