New Horizons: Recent Episodes

Blind Citizens Australia

The weekly radio programme and podcast from Blind Citizens Australia, The united voice of Australians who are blind or vision impaired.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Recently, we learned of the passing of founding BCA member, Alan Bates. John Simpson speaks with Bill Jolley about Alan's work with Blind and Vision Impaired people, including his representation to the ROund Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities, sport and recreation activities, switchboard training and BCA itself. Our best wishes go out to Alan's family and friends at this difficult time. As well, thanks to John and Bill for bringing us this week's programme.

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This week, we go back to 2016. We hear from Phia Damsma, in an interview recorded at the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities. Phia describes her background and we demonstrate the Ballyland Magic App, which is designed to teach children concepts of Voiceover on the iPhone and iPad. Please note, as this is a repeat, some information might be out of date, and Phia now has many more fantastic apps in the app store. We encourage you to do your own research.

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Owing to circumstances beyond our control, this episode is a repeat of episode 640, from January 2020. We hear an extract from an extended conversation with John Simpson AM, about his life and background. please E-mail me if you cannot find the extended interview and we can republish.

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Natasha Brake has been with BCA for about six months, as the Business Support Officer. Find out about what that means, her background, and involvement with the Community Broadcasting sector.

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Lynne Davis is our returning guest this week. She joins us to discuss celebrations of Blind Citizens Australia's 50th birthday. If you would like to provide your ideas for consideration, you may do so here.

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Cassie Hames is our guest on this week's New Horizons. Cassie has developed the "See Me, Bus Signalling" app which helps Blind or Vision Impaired people to access public transport.Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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Stefan Slucki is the secretary of the Queensland branch of Blind Citizens Australia. He joins us to discuss communication options with the branch and more. Also, a demo of obtaining information from BCA's telephone system.

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Katrina Taylor is the current president of the National Womens' Branch of Blind Citizens Australia. She joins us to discuss the history and current activities of the branch, recent changes to the branch bylaws and the impacts of those changes.

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Madi Braim joins us on this week's episode, to discuss the upcoming Job Ready Workshops. Madi is a Project Officer with the "An Eye To The Future of Employment" project. She discusses the project, how job-seekers are supported and how you can become involved, as well as the upcoming workshops. Find out more from the Eye To The Future website, eyetothefuture.com.au.

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In this week's program we speak with Vice President of Blind Citizens Australia, Helen Frerris. Helen describes some of the opportunities for members to connect and gain peer support, some of the activities with which BCA is involved and we discuss some of the portfolios held by Board members.

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Jonathan Craig is the policy advisor with Vision 2020 Australia. He provides us with an excellent overview of the recently released NDIS Review Report, and some essential information for people over 65, and those outside the NDIS.

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In this slightly extended episode, we note the passing of Dr. Kevin Murfitt AM, who died earlier this month. John Simpson speaks with Kevin's husband, Francois Jacobs, as well as Bill Jolley and Graeme Innes, about many aspects of Kevin, his work and life. Thanks to John Simpson for putting this program together, and to Francois, Bill and Graeme.

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This week we're joined by Fiona Woods, president of Blind Citizens Australia. Fiona takes us through some of her highlights for the year, and outlines the results of the Annual General Meeting held on the 14th of December.

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This week we speak with Santiago Velasquez about Hailo, an interesting new way to access public transport. Imagine if you could not only identify your correct bus, but know when the bus is coming, easily identify where you want to get off and more. Hailo could well be the answer. For more information, see https://hailo.co

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This week, we bring you an edited version of this year's Sue Salthouse Memorial Lecture, given by Emma Bennison, Chief Innovation Officer at Life Without Barriers and former CEO of Blind Citizens Australia. Emma discusses the times when she's almost given up disability advocacy and what kept her going. For the full version of this lecture, please see the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network website at https://www.accan.org.au, and our thanks go to ACCAN for allowing us the use of this material.

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We go way back in the archives this week, to 2015, and episode 434. Jenny Dawson from WA presented this session at the BCA convention in Perth.

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This week we speak with two new directors on the Board of Blind Citizens Australia, Neale Huth and Robyn McKenzie. Both will take up their positions following the Annual General Meeting of BCA, coming up in December. They discuss their backgrounds and what they bring to the table in terms of skills, experience and hopes for our organisation.

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Shaun Scott discovered the Ketogenic diet in an effort to improve muscular-skeletal pain he was experiencing. After a month or so, he started to realise some additional and rather surprising benefits. If you would like more information about Shaun's story, his YouTube video can be found here.

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This week we bring you part two of the interview with Gillian Gale AM. This is a repeat program from 2018.

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This week we go back to February 2018, bringing you the first in a two-part interview with Gillian Gale, who was honoured in the Australia Day Honours list for her services to Blind and Vision Impaired people that year.

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Carly Iles is the CEO of Vision 2020 Australia. Find out more about tVision 2020 and an interesting report and guide designed to assist people who are Blind or Vision Impaired, as well as their friends and families, to access appropriate mental health assistance when needed.

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Leisa Proud was recently awarded a residency under the Warehouse Residency for disabled artists and is currently performing her work at the Arts House in Melbourne. I Am (Not) This Body is Leisa's autobiographical work which explores coming to terms with her body and becoming comfortable in her skin. The performance is audio-described both live, and the online version, and runs until the 15th of October. It will also be conducted during the Melbourne Fringe and made available online from the 16th to the 22nd of October.

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This week we follow up with BCA President, Fiona Woods. As well, along with a big announcement, a special guest. Hear about changes to the BCA constitution and how they will affect the upcoming Annual General Meeting of Blind Citizens Australia; as well as positions on the board and sub-committees becoming vacant, but arguably most importantly, we congratulate Deb Deshayes on becoming BCA's next CEO. Deb describes her background and her hopes for the role.

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Helen Frerris is our guest this week on New Horizons. Helen describes her role as a delegate to the World Blind Union and discusses an upcoming conference to be held in Thailand. This interview was recorded some time ago and unfortunately the registration date for attending the conference has closed but please check the World Blind Union website for more information.Thanks to John Simpson for bringing us this week's feature interview.

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This week we recognise and celebrate the achievements of Ben Clare who was awarded the David Blyth Award at last Saturday's BCA Policy Connect session. Ben has spent much of his working life teaching, advocating and working with people with disability in Pacific Island nations. Hear Ben's story and what the David Blyth Award means to him.

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Jackson Reynolds Ryan joins us this week to talk about the BCA Connect happening this Saturday. If you want to understand more about BCA's policy environment, the work of the National Policy Council and see first-hand who the recipients of the Certificates of Appreciation, and the David Blyth award are, then register for BCA Connect. You can check the BCA website or contact the office for further information.

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We are joined this week by Damian Griffis and Jeff McMullen to discuss the barriers to full and complete information about the upcoming referendum. They talk about the historical context, exactly what the changes might provide and how you can find out more information to make a full and informed decision.

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Jeremy Moses is our guest this week, discussing his upcoming show as part of the Melbourne Fringe festival. Jeremy discusses his experiences as a comedian who is blind, and how he and other disabled comedians are improving disability awareness.

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This week's guest is Sonali Marathe, president of the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability. She speaks with John Simpson about the organisation, some of its recent and current work and her hopes for the future of alternate and accessible format production.

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Bettina Twyman, Claire Dorling and Layal Hage are our guests this week on New Horizons. All three have joined the ranks of Blind Citizens Australia within the last few weeks; Bettina and Claire to work on the Eye to the Future of Employment project and Layal as the Member Engagement and Consultation Officer. They discuss their roles and how their respective backgrounds have brought them to work with BCA.

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Nas Campanella is our guest this week in New Horizons. We discuss Nas's career with the ABC, as well as the recently announced Audio Description on the ABC's iview service, bringing thousands of hours of accessible content to Blind and Vision Impaired people. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week we are again joined by BCA President Fiona Woods. Fiona updates us on the outcomes of a recently held meeting of the board of Blind Citizens Australia and some upcoming events in which members might be interested.

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Following on from the recent announcement to BCA members of the resignation of Sally Carrandrews, BCA Chief Executive Officer, we speak with Sally and BCA president, Fiona Woods, about the recruitment process for the new CEO, Sally's achievements during her time with BCA and what lies in her future. As well, some sad news about a much-loved Victorian organisation.

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This week, John Simpson interviews Vaughn Bennison about discriminatory employment practices, specifically, the requirement often found in employment advertisements that a drivers licence is required. How is this discrimination and what should be done about it? Here about a recent advocacy case where a community has joined together to remove this requirement from a recent advertisement, and what you should do if you encounter this in your job seeking.

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We focus on communications this week, as we speak with Amila Dedovic who recently took on the role of Communications Coordinator with BCA. Amila brings a wealth of experience to the role and an enthusiasm for the work of BCA, in particular, ensuring that BCA members and the general public have up to date information on policy and issues affecting Blind and Vision Impaired people.

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Leona Holloway is with the Inclusive Technologies group at Monash University. Recently this group conducted a project investigating best practice for representing graphical material to Blind and Vision Impaired people. Leona describes how she became involved with the project, some of its significant outcomes and the future of 3d modeling in the education of Blind and Vision Impaired people. My thanks to John Simpson for bringing us this program.

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In this program we are joined by former CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, Emma Bennison. Emma updates us on what she's been up to over the last eighteen months or so, and informs us about a very interesting opportunity to develop leadership skills for people with disability.

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This week we are joined by Jen Parry, who was recently selected for the first Australian Women's Blind Cricket team. Jen describes her Blind Cricket journey and how you can support the efforts of players and the whole team. Check out the Blind Cricket Australia website for more information.

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This week, the second in our two-part discussion with Damo McMorrow, National Access Technology Manager with Vision Australia. Hear about developments in refreshable Braille, why you might choose a smart watch and more .

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This week, the first in a two-part interview with Damo McMorrow, Access Technology Manager with Vision Australia. Damo recently presented to the Round Table on Information Access for people with a Print Disability, on emerging technologies. He joins us to discuss wearable technology this week, how it can be useful and what we need to consider when making a choice. The second part of our extended conversation will be featured in next week's program.

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In this week's New Horizons, John Simpson speaks with Steve Williamson, CEO of Deafness Forum of Australia. Find out about the organisation as well as an interesting campaign the Australian Government is funding to raise awareness of hearing loss particularly among younger people. My thanks to John for bringing us this episode.

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In this week's episode, we discuss all things Dog Guides! The upcoming conference is an important feature in Dog Guide Handlers Australia's calendar. It presents an opportunity for Dog Guide handlers from all over Australia to meet, discuss issues of using a Dog Guide, and find out about the latest research, equipment available and more. Please visit https://www.dgha.org.au for more information.

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This week, we celebrate the achievements of Kathy Riessen who was awarded the preseigious "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability. Kathy has had a long career as a Braille Transcriber in South Australia. She discusses the changes to the production of Braille in her lifetime and the importance of Braille to those who rely on it for school, work and leisure. We hear about the award and some of its past recipients.

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This week, we are joined by Corey Crawford, Policy Officer with Blind Citizens Australia. Corey takes us through the recently announced federal budget, through the lens of Blind and Vision Impaired people. As well, Corey updates us on some other aspects of BCA's policy work.

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In this week's episode, we discuss all things Blind Citizens Australia, with CEO, Sally Karrandrews. Hear about updates to the ABC's IView platform, new jobs at BCA, face to face meeting opportunities and more.

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This week, we revisit an episode originally broadcast in 2016. We discuss the experience of someone who is Blind and Trans-Gender.

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This week we put our focus on Blind Citizens Australia's Executive Leadership Program. Participants Lee Chong and Roberta Wright join us to talk about the program and the skills they have developed out of it so far.

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In this week's episode, we're joined by return guest, Lauren Henley. Back in episode 781, we heard from Lauren that her complaint to the United Nations about the lack of audio described content on Australian television had been upheld. Recently, the Australian Government released its response to Lauren's complaint, and she joins us to discuss.

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This week’s program features edited extracts from the recent Barry Jones Vision Oration, delivered this year by Disability Affairs reporter, Nas Campanella. Nas discusses her experience as a person with disability, becoming a parent for the first time.

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In this week’s episode, a call-out by Northern Pictures, seeking people interested in taking part in a documentary about dating. Contact casting@northernpictures.com.au if you’re interested. Our main feature this week focuses on Andrew Webster, Treasurer of Blind Citizens Australia. Find out about Andrew, his work and his thoughts on what it’s like to be a board member of BCA and things to think about if you’re interested in joining the board or the National Policy Council.

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This week we bring you the final in our three part conversation with Martin Stewart, Advocacy Officer with Blind Citizens Australia. We focus on discrimination in the workplace, where it comes from and some potential resolutions. Thanks to all of you who sent in your case-studies.

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This week we continue our discussion with Martin Stewart, Advocacy Officer with Blind Citizens Australia. We bring you another case-study featuring a BCA member who has faced discriminatory behaviour, this time at a restaurant.

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This week we bring you the first of three episodes featuring Blind Citizens Australia's Advocacy Officer, Martin Stewart. Martin describes his role and we discuss the first of three case-studies which you have E-mailed in to new.horizons@bca.org.au.

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In this 800th episode of the program we speak with Iain Edwards, interim CEO of Guide Dogs Victoria, and Assistive Technology Advisor to Guide Dogs NSW, Ben Moxie. They join us to discuss a community survey which is open to all blind and vision impaired Australians and focuses on developing an understanding of what issues we face when getting out and about in our communities. Find out what the survey seeks to understand, how change has been implemented as a result of previous iterations of this survey and how you can get involved. To find out more, visit http://www.guidedogs.com.au

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This week, we speak with Tim Davey and Corey Crawford, both of whom commenced employment with BCA this year. Find out more about them, their roles and more.

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In this week’s episode, we introduce new BCA staff member, Tony Delmadoros. Hear about Tony’s role and his background. As well, the BCA trivia team is looking for new quiz leaders, Michael Janes joins us to discuss. If you'd like to express interest, contact Tim Haggis at BCA.

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In this week's programme we speak with veterin broadcaster and member of Blind Citizens Australia, Stephen Jolley. Stephen has a long history with broadcasting and other forms of content creation and speaks to us on this history, as well as a project Blind Citizens Australia is commencing, funded by the Community Broadcasting Foundation. This project focuses on the need for more blind and vision impaired broadcasters and programme makers. If you would like to express interest in this course, please contact BCA.

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In January, Vanessa Ransley attended a conference in South Australia. She discusses what happened when she attempted to get a drink at the hotel's cocktail bar, following her arrival in Adelaide from Hobart. Graeme Innes joins us to discuss some of the affects that such overt discrimination can have on people who are blind or vision impaired and some strategies we might employ to deal with it. Please E-mail in your discrimination story to new.horizons@bca.org.au, either as a brief recording or as an E-mail. Note, it might be played on the programme in the coming weeks.

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This week we conclude our discussion with Joel Snyder about Audio Description in the USA and internationally. We discuss some of the advocacy strategies likely to prove most successful for Australian consumer groups and individuals. As well, a call for upcoming stories. Next week we'll be discussing discrimination against Blind people, this time, not in the context of Guide Dog refusals, but against individuals just going about their daily business. We want to hear your discrimination story in brief, either as a recording or written down. We want to know what happened and what you did about it. Please send your recording or E-mail to new.horizons@bca.org.au or leave a message on the BCA feedback mailbox. Your story may be featured on the programme.

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This week, we continue our discussion with Joel Snyder. We focus on the provision of AD on television, discuss the trials conducted in Australia, and some other methods of the provision of AD, gaining ground in the United States.

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In this first episode for 2023, we hear the first part of an interview with Joel Snyder. Joel has been involved in Radio Reading services and audio description for over 40 years. He discusses the genesis of AD in the USA, and some of the background surrounding Audio Description on television.

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In this final episode of An Eye For Business, we speak with well-respected recording engineer and studio owner, Ross McGregor. Ross successfully ran his recording studio in Sydney for nearly 30 years, and still continues his involvement with recording and technology. Ross discusses his entry into the field from starting out doing gigs in Sydney. We hear about some of the changes he has seen in the industry and how he successfully met the challenges of the change from analogue to digital recording, as a blind person.

My thanks to all of the contributors to this podcast series, and to all involved with researching, assembling and producing the programme.

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In this final formal episode for the year, we speak with Sally Aurisch, CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, and President, Fiona Woods. We discuss the recent AGM, board and NPC changes, hopes for 2023 and the closure of the office during the end of year period. My thanks to all who have contributed to New Horizons over the last year, particularly those who have come forward with ideas for the programme. Keep them coming - see you next year.

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This episode of An Eye For Business features Matt O'Kane. Matt runs a Sydney-based company - Notion Digital Forensics. Matt describes his employment journey and the type of work his company undertakes. He also outlines some of the benefits his vision impairment brings to his work and how he has overcome any issues he has faced along the way. If you'd like to know more about Matt's company, check out http://www.notiondigitalforensics.com.au

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This week we go back into the archives to episode 424, from October of 2015. We featured John Shute, who was awarded the David Blyth award posthumously for his work in the transcription and promotion of Braille music.

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This week in An Eye For Business, we hear about Leah Sing. Leah grew up in Queensland and studied as a massage therapist. Leah discusses her desire to work for herself and some of the pitfalls she encountered along the way.

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This week's New Horizons brings you some important news about the recent Annual General Meeting of Blind Citizens Australia. Our feature this week is a replay of a presentation given by Linda Agnew about her life and career.

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In episode 9 of An Eye For Business, we meet Joanne Mosen. Joanne is an international development consultant specialising in disability inclusion; where she takes a rights-based approach to education for people with disability in the Asia-Pacific region. Joanne discusses getting the business started and some of the advantages having lived experience of disability brings to her work - and some of the potential barriers.

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In this week's episode, we're joined by BCA's Policy and Advocacy Manager, Jackson Reynolds Ryan. Jack discusses the all-important issue of pedestrian safety. The new policy is available on the BCA website and was launched at the recently held BCA Connect. What is included and how might you use it to improve the lives of Australians who are blind or vision impaired?

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This week's An Eye For Business features Steve Sparrow. Steve lives in Brisbane and has run his own recording business for over twenty years. He regularly plays in entertainment venues around Brisbane and beyond and has released several albums. Steve describes his thoughts as he started out in the industry, some of the adaptations he has made to equipment and some of the barriers he found when starting his own business as a Blind person. You can find Steve's music on streaming platforms. His website is: http://www.sparrowsound.com.au

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In this week's New Horizons, we harken back to an interview recorded in early 2016. Daniel Kish discusses Echo-location and Orientation and Mobility generally.

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In this week's edition of An Eye For Business, we speak with Duncan Meerding, a furniture and lighting designer living in Tasmania. Duncan discusses his significanct and rapid vision loss, and how it affected his choices and led to running his own business. We find out about some of the adaptations Duncan has made to his workshop and how he has worked with other disabled woodworkers to teach and mentor them. If you'd like to know more about Duncan's business, see http://www.duncanmeerding.com

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In this week's episode, we bring you the second part of the keynote speech given at the International Council on English Braille general assembly in 2020. Also, some news for Tasmanian branch members of Blind Citizens Australia.

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In this episode of An Eye For Business, we bring you an interview with Elise Lonsdale. Elise has a significant work history in web development, assistive technology training and more. Elise has been running her own business for several years now, teaching people who are Blind or Vision Impaired how to use technology which inriches their communication and contributes significantly to their lives. We hear about Elise's story and how you too, could be running your own business. For more information about Elise's work, check out http://www.dataaustralasia.com.au An Eye For Business is a podcast series brought to you in partnership between Vision Australia and Blind Citizens Australia. It acknowledges the contributions of individuals who are Blind or Vision Impaired who have decided to run their own businesses. It comes from the Entrepreneurial Mindset webinar series run as a part of Blind Citizens Australia's Eye To The Future project. For more information, check out https://www.bca.org.au

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This week we bring you a repeat of episode 679, the keynote speech from the General Assembly of the International Council on English Braille, held in 2020. This is the first of a two programme series originally broadcast in 2020.

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Information Alternatives has been supporting the information needs of people who are Blind or Vision Impaired for close to forty years. John Simpson explains the genesis of the business, some of the pitfall he and his partners have experienced as Blind or Vision Impaired business owners, and how the business has changed over the years, to keep abreast of emerging technologies and meet the needs of an increasingly diverse community of interest.

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This week we bring you a BCA update. Sally Aurisch discusses the upcoming AGM, new board director, NDIS review and next week's BCA Inform. Also, a call for Tasmanians to provide their stories on the assisted voting process discussed in New Horizons a couple of weeks ago. To provide your story, E-mail vaughn@disabilityvoicestas.org.au

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In episode 4 of An Eye For Business we speak with Craig Shanahan. Craig is a chef, and is owner and manager of the Blind Chef Cafe in New South Wales. Craig describes his working life, how he has used skills acquired as a result of his recently gained vision impairment to start a thriving business. Craig also describes the measures he has taken to ensure every customer enjoys visiting his cafe and the work he has done to ensure accessibility for all customers. Find Craig's website at http://www.bccafe.com.au

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This week we feature part ii of our series on Emergency Response planning for people who are blind or vision impaired. This is the second part of extracts from the session held at BCA Connect 2022, facilitated by Jane Britt, Policy and Advocacy Team Leader, with Blind Citizens Australia.

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Amanda Heal is a keynote speaker and author. In episode 3 of the An Eye For Business podcast series, we hear about Amanda's journey to finding her purpose, and how she manages her busy speaking scheudle. She discusses some of the pitfalls to running yourw own business as a Blind person and how these can be managed. An Eye For Business is brought to you in partnership between Blind Citizens Australia and Vision Australia. It is part of the Entripreneurial Mindset program, under the An Eye to the Future project.

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This week we bring you the first in a two-part series on emergency and disaster planning. Blind Citizens Australia has been working with the sector in various ways to facilitate appropriate measures for people with disability who are affected by emergency situations and disasters. We bring you the first part of a two-part series featuring extracts from the panel discussion delivered at the recently held BCA Connect, lead by Jane Britt, Policy and Advocacy Team Leader with BCA. Hear about some of the work being undertaken, and we hear some things you can do to protect yourself against fire.

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In Episode 2 of An Eye for Business, we speak with Duncan Steward. Hear about Duncan's entrepreneurial journey to success as manager of several very successful music artists.

An Eye for Business is brought to you in partnership with Blind Citizens Australia and Vision Australia. It is closely linked to the Entrepreneurial Mindset webinar series, part of the Eye to the Future Project. For more information, contact Blind Citizens Australia on 1800-033-660, or check out https://www.bca.org.au

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This week we focus on the local government elections in Tasmania. These have been, for the first time, made compulsory and are held by inaccessible postal ballot - which of course renders the voting process inaccessible to Blind and Vision Impaired people. We hear from Duncan Meerding, chair of the Tasmania branch of Blind Citizens Australia, about advocacy being undertaken in conjunction with Disability Voices Tasmania and the Tasmanian Electoral Commission, to put together an assisted voting service for people with a print disability. We also hear from Sally Aurisch, CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, about the national perspective and work being done to develop accessible voting for all elections in Australia. To book an appointment, contact the TEC on 1800-801-701 during business hours. Appointments will be held between the 17th and 21st of October.

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This week, we are visited by an old friend of the program. Lauren Henley has been working for many years now to promote the cause of Audio Description on Australian television. Recent events provide us with some hope, but it is not all plain sailing! Lauren describes the work she and others have been conducting on behalf of all Australians who are Blind or Vision Impaired, and we discuss the potential outcomes.

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An Eye for Business is a podcast series featuring people who are blind or vision impaired, who run their own businesses. It is brought to you in partnership between Blind Citizens Australia and Vision Australia, and is closely linked with the Entrepreneurial Mindset webinar series.

In this first episode we feature Janelle Colquhoun, who for over 20 years, has been an agent for artists with disability in Queensland. Janelle, through her company Salubrious Productions, has produced concerts, worked on international festivals and played a significant part in raising awareness of artists with disability all over Australia.

In this program, Janelle explains what it took for her to start her own business, some pitfalls to watch out for and some sound advice for anyone thinking of starting their own small business, and particularly working in the arts.

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An Eye for Business is a podcast series featuring people who are blind or vision impaired, who run their own businesses. It is brought to you in partnership between Blind Citizens Australia and Vision Australia, and is closely linked with the Entrepreneurial Mindset webinar series.

In this first episode we feature Janelle Colquhoun, who for over 20 years, has been an agent for artists with disability in Queensland. Janelle, through her company Salubrious Productions, has produced concerts, worked on international festivals and played a significant part in raising awareness of artists with disability all over Australia.

In this program, Janelle explains what it took for her to start her own business, some pitfalls to watch out for and some sound advice for anyone thinking of starting their own small business, and particularly working in the arts.

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In this episode, we meet Erica Chiandotto who started with BCA fairly recently. Erica describes her background and her interesting new role with BCA. Also, a reminder about program themes for our usual end of year series. Please contact new.horizons@bca.org.au if you have any ideas.

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In this episode, we meet Erica Chiandotto who started with BCA fairly recently. Erica describes her background and her interesting new role with BCA. Also, a reminder about program themes for our usual end of year series. Please contact new.horizons@bca.org.au if you have any ideas.

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In this week's program we discuss the Entrepreneurial Mindset project, which is being run by BCA in partnership with Vision Australia. The first of the webinars is scheduled for early next week. Hear about the project and the special podcast series which goes alongside, called "An Eye For Business".

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In this week's program we discuss the Entrepreneurial Mindset project, which is being run by BCA in partnership with Vision Australia. The first of the webinars is scheduled for early next week. Hear about the project and the special podcast series which goes alongside, called "An Eye For Business".

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In this week's episode, we update you on BCA Connect. This is the third such programme and we are joined by Deb Deshays, manager of projects and engagement with Blind Citizens Australia, and board member and event host, Doug McGinn. Register for BCA Connect from the BCA website, https://bca.org.au Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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In this week's episode, we update you on BCA Connect. This is the third such programme and we are joined by Deb Deshays, manager of projects and engagement with Blind Citizens Australia, and board member and event host, Doug McGinn. Register for BCA Connect from the BCA website, https://bca.org.au Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week we are joined by Jane Britt, Policy and Advocacy Team Leader with Blind Citizens Australia to talk about the increasing problem that proving one's identity poses for Australians who are blind or vision impaired. Jane discusses why this is becoming an increasing problem, how we might advocate in this area and work BCA is doing to make it easier for people who are blind and vision impaired to prove their identity and conduct their daily business. Also, some thoughts on how we, as blind and vision impaired people, might prove the identity of others.

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This week we are joined by Jane Britt, Policy and Advocacy Team Leader with Blind Citizens Australia to talk about the increasing problem that proving one's identity poses for Australians who are blind or vision impaired. Jane discusses why this is becoming an increasing problem, how we might advocate in this area and work BCA is doing to make it easier for people who are blind and vision impaired to prove their identity and conduct their daily business. Also, some thoughts on how we, as blind and vision impaired people, might prove the identity of others.

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This week, we meet Marie Bampton, Project Manager of the Blind Australian of the Year awards. Hear about Link Vision, the organisation auspicing the award, and the awards themselves and the concept behind them.

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Sally Aurisch, CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, was recently involved in an interesting summit held in Canberra. This week, she joins us to discuss the summit, and employment for people who are blind or vision impaired.

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We go back to the archives for this week's episode. Emma Bennison, former CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, spoke at a conference some years ago, about artificial intelligence and its impact on people with disability. Also, a brief reminder about some upcoming BCA events.

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In this week’s episode of New Horizons we speak with Deb Deshays, Manager of Projects and Engagement with Blind Citizens Australia. Deb outlines plans for the upcoming BCA Connect, to be held on the 17th of September. We also hear about the latest recipients of the Hugh Jeffrey scholarships, for people studying higher education.

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This week, BCA president, Fiona Woods, describes the board meeting schedule, and discusses some of the issues with which the board has been dealing this year. Also, and update on the reception of Blind Citizens Australia's strategic plan.

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This special episode pays tribute to Ivan Molloy, who died on the 20th of July. We featured Ivan on New Horizons back in 2016, at the closure of the Overseas Cultural Branch of Blind Citizens Australia. We replay that fascinating interview, along with some comments from NFBCA founding-member and president, David Blyth, which featured on a subsequent episode. Also, a tribute compiled by John Simpson, himself a former president of BCA.

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In this week's program, we're joined by CEO, Sally Aurisch, and Project Assistant, Joelene Scott, to discuss the upcoming Executive Leadership Program. Applications are now open for the program, so if you're blind or vision impaired and interested in furthering your leadership journey, you'll find more information on the BCA website.

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This week, the second in our two-part series from the session held at the 2019 Blind Citizens Australia Convention, on the Future Of Work.

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We bring you, this week, a programme from 2019, featuring the first in a two-part series on the Future Of Work, as it relates to people who are blind or vision impaired. This programme came from the 2019 Convention of Blind Citizens Australia, held in Hobart.

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In this week's episode, we touch upon employment for people who are blind or vision impaired. Dr. Melissa Fanshawe discusses a really interesting program to assist senior high school students to develop the skills they need to be ready for work. Also, a reminder about the Hugh Jeffrey scholarship program which closes on the 17th of July.

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This week, we go back into the New Horizons archive. Specifically, to the Blind Citizens Australia convention, held in Hobart in March 2019. The Legacy Project celebrates the history of the Association of Blind Citizens of New South Wales, which merged with BCA a few years ago. Hear from Graeme Innes, Jennifer Parry and Susan Thompson. They discuss the importance of this series, and their experiences in putting the programmes together.

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This week we hear about Blind Citizens Australia's new strategic plan. We're joined by Fiona Woods, BCA President, and CEO, Sally Aurisch. They discuss the strategic planning process, and the vision, purpose and values of the organisation.

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This week we speak with Julee-Anne Bell, CEO of World Access for the Blind Australia. Her company is involved in a very interesting project which seeks to leverage augmented reality to provide greater object awareness for people who are blind or vision impaired.

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This week, a follow-up to our programme on Blind Citizens Australia's asks for the 2022 federal election. We're joined by Jackson Reynolds-Ryan, policy officer with BCA, to discuss responses from the various political parties, and commitments given to support the needs of people in Australia who are blind or vision impaired.

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In this week's program, we fittingly pay tribute to Neville Kerr, who died recently. Neville produced and presented over 1100 radio programs on behalf of BCA and was a pioneering contributor to RPH broadcasting and the RPH movement generally. We hear from Neville himself as well as some key people who worked with, and knew Neville as the talented and creative broadcaster he was. We're interested in hearing your memories of Neville, whether you worked with him or fondly remember listening to his broadcasts. Please send an audio clip to new.horizons@bca.org.au, telling us of your memories of Neville. If you are unable to send an audio clip, please E-mail your comments.

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In this week's program, we fittingly pay tribute to Neville Kerr, who died recently. Neville produced and presented over 1100 radio programs on behalf of BCA and was a pioneering contributor to RPH broadcasting and the RPH movement generally. We hear from Neville himself as well as some key people who worked with, and knew Neville, as the talented and creative broadcaster he was.

We're interested in hearing your memories of Neville, whether you worked with him or fondly remember listening to his broadcasts. Please send an audio clip to new.horizons@bca.org.au, telling us of your memories of Neville. If you are unable to send an audio clip, please E-mail your comments. We may use them on a future program.

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In this week's programme we revisit the BCA convention of 2019. Speciffically, we bring you an edited version of the session held at that convention where several people with multiple disabilities outline the issues they face, as blindness or vision impairment is not their only disability.

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This week we speak with Annette Ferguson from Dog Guide Handlers Australia. DGHA has become concerned about the increasing instances of Dog Guide refusals, which have significant affects on handlers who are simply trying to go about their daily business. DGHA has established a "Dog Guide Refusal Register" to try to understand the nature of this issue. Please see http://www.dgha.org.au for more information.

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We return to the upcoming Federal Election this week, with a discussion on voting in Australia for people who are blind or vision impaired. Susan Thompson, long-time advocate for accessible, independent and verifiable voting, joins Sally Aurisch, CEO of Blind Citizens Australia. Hear about how you can vote at the upcoming election and some disappointing news relating to the future of accessible voting in New South Wales with the State Government's recent announcement of the decommissioning of the I-Vote system.

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This week, we bring you a repeat of our 500th episode. First broadcast this week five years ago, John Simpson and I discuss the history of the programme and its importance in the work of BCA and providing a voice for the Blind and Vision Impaired Community.

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Two areas of focus in this week's programme. Firstly, we meet new BCA staff member, Christina Micallef, and then we hear from National Policy Officer , Jackson Reynolds-Ryan about Blind Citizens Australia's asks for the upcoming federal election. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week we focus on the future for 45 people who responded to the call-out Blind Citizens Australia issued some weeks ago, for prospective interns under the Eye To The Future project. Hear how the project is going, the types of roles these people may be filling, and the types of organisations in which they might be working. If you work for or know of an organisation which might be interested in providing internships to people who are blind or vision impaired, please contact Nicole at BCA.

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This week we speak with Jonathan Mosen about an upcoming virtual concert to raise money to support Ukrainians who are blind or vision impaired. Jonathan discusses his background, his very popular Mosen At Large podcast and how you can get involved with the concert. For more information, please go to https://www.mushroomfm.com/withyou

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Peta Hogan joined the team at BCA last year, as the Advocacy Project officer. Her role assists people who are blind or vision impaired to deal with appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, in regard to the NDIS. Peta discusses her background, her role and why people may choose to appeal decisions made by the NDIA and how they might go about it.

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This week, we hear from Blind Citizens Australia's Policy and Advocacy Team Leader, Jane Britt. Jane informs us of some work BCA is doing in regard to Covid RAT tests. As well, some updates about the Disability Royal Commission.

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We speak this week, with Adriana Malavisi, recently recruited Communications Coordinator. Adriana describes some of the communications strategies employed by Blind Citizens Australia, her background in communications and considerations to ensure people are as informed as possible.

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In this week's episode, we continue our introductions to new BCA staff. Deb Deshayes joined the team at Blind Citizens Australia recently as General Manager - Projects and Engagement. Hear about Deb's background, her thoughts about her new role and about some of the projects on which she and her team are working.

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This week, the first in a series on recent recruits to the staff team at Blind Citizens Australia. Madison Braim and Renee Solomon have joined the team recently, to work on the Eye to the Future project. Hear about them, employment of people who are blind or vision impaired and some specifics about the project.

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This week we speak with the second of Blind Citizens Australia's newest board members, Francois Jacobs. Francois describes his background, his reasons for joining the board and what he brings to the organisation. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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Following on from last week's episode, this week we bring you part two of our featured recording of the farewell held for outgoing CEO, Emma Bennison. This week, Emma's presentation given at the function held earier this month.

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This week, we bring you the first in a two part series, featuring presentations from the recently held farewell function for Emma Bennison, who resigned recently from her position of Chief Executive Officer of Blind Citizens Australia. Hear from BCA President, Fiona Woods, Policy and Advocacy Team Leader, Jane Britt and just some of the farewell comments contributed by BCA staff, members and partners. The full recording of the function will be available from the BCA website shortly.

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In this week's programme, we speak with Julee-Anne Bell, who was elected to the board of Blind Citizens Australia recently. Julee-Anne describes her background, and outlines her interest in joining the board and what she hopes to achieve during her tenure. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week, we feature part ii of the Sally Aurisch story. Hear about Sally's work with BCA, and her hopes for her new role, as CEO.

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This week, we feature the first in a two-part interview with incoming CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, Sally Aurisch. Hear about her background and early career. Also, an important message from John Simpson, BCA board member and former president.

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In this second part, Errol goes into further detail about his work as an independent Orientation and Mobility instructor.

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Errol Ingram is an independent Orientation and Mobility Instructor. In this first of a two-part series, He describes his background and some of the benefits to being an independent provider under the NDIS and My Aged Care.

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Dale Simpson received an award recently from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, for his work as a Broadcast Technician with Vision Australia Radio. Dale has worked tirelessly on behalf of Blind Citizens Australia particularly during conventions and other forums, making sure everything can be heard both in the room, and across the country via radio and the internet. Hear from Dale about where his interest in broadcasting and technology started and how important the sound for conventions and other events is. Also hear about his award and his work with Vision Australia Radio.

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Graeme Innes speaks with the coordinator and assistant coordinator of Blind Citizens Australia's newest branch. Find out about the branch, its personnel and its aims. Also, some notes about upcoming programme ideas.

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Fiona Woods, incoming president of Blind Citizens Australia, joins us to outline her background and her hopes for her time as president. As well, find out which board members will be undertaking which roles within the organisation, and the BCA office closure.

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This week we speak with outgoing BCA President, John Simpson. John details his five years as president and his plans for the future. Also, a brief conversation with newly announced Chief Executive Officer, Sally Aurisch.

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We speak this week, with Jane Britt, policy and advocacy team leader with Blind Citizens Australia, and board member, Prue Watt. Both have recently participated in the Executive Leadership Programme, which was recently concluded. We hear about the programme and how it benefits participants in their leadership journey.

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This week we feature the Jeffrey Blyth Foundation, an organisation which contributes significantly to the funding of Blind Citizens Australia. We speak with Bill Jolley, Chair of the foundation, and Graeme Innes who sits on the board. We hear about the rationale for the foundation, how it works and how you may donate, to support the work of BCA. Also, a reminder about the upcoming Annual General Meeting of Blind Citizens Australia.

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We go back to the NSW/ACT State Convention, held in October 2018 for this episode. Susan Thompson and Emma Bennison presented a session containing tips and tricks for daily living, with blindness. This is a repeat of episode 590. Also, some useful information for New South Wales residents.

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In this episode, we speak with Nicole Willing, project manager for Blind Citizens Australia's Eye To The Future project, and Cheryl Gration, the project's administration assistant. They update us on developments with the projects and we also hear about them and their backgrounds.

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This week, ahead of some important Blind Citizens Australia updates, we speak with Conor Smith. Conor updates us on the Skills Exchange programme, and the recently commenced Peer Connect programme. Find out how you can connect with others with similar interests, learn some new skills and more.

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This week, we feature the first in a series of interviews with recent recruits to the BCA team. We speak with Danielle Verhoeven about her interesting background and her new role with BCA. As well, some news about the National Women's Branch and more.

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We feature the BCA Awards Ceremony, held online on International White Cane Day, the 15th of October. Specifically, we feature the presentations of the David Blyth award, the Dianna Braun Aspirations award, and one of the certificates of appreciation.

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We speak with Emma Bennison, whose resignation as CEO of Blind Citizens Australia was announced last week. Emma discusses her time with BCA and what this means for the future of the organisation.

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In this week's programme, we are joined by returning guest, Ken Brandt. Ken is the author of "Positive Vision - Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of poor eyesight", which is now available in audio and ebook forms. Hear about Ken's background and his writing process. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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As we frequently do on New Horizons, this week we feature the editorial from the upcoming edition of Blind Citizens News, written by Jonathan Craig. This is narrated by Glen Morrow.

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This week we speak with Emma Bennison, CEO, and John Simpson, President of Blind Citizens Australia. News about the upcoming Annual General Meeting of BCA, the Service Charter which outlines roles and responsibility for receiving services from BCA, and an open letter to members to come out in the upcoming edition of Blind Citizens News.

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Ron McCallum retired from the Disability Royal Commission at the end of August. He outlines his varied career in the law, and describes some of the highlights of the Royal Commission and its importance for people with disabilities in Australia.

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Chass Moller-Nielson is the first blind person in Queensland to be issued with a recreational dirt-bike licence. In this week's programme, Chass explains how he got the bug, how he got on-board with Motorcycle QLD, and most of all, how he does it. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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In this week's programme, the promised member contribution episode. Plenty of podcasts about language, society and culture, health and more. Also, an exciting announcement from BCA's own Sally Aurisch. A big thank you to those who contributed to this episode. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week we speak with Sally Aurisch, manager of Projects and Engagement with Blind Citizens Australia. Sally updates us on recruitment to the staff of BCA, upcoming forums and the upcoming Annual General Meeting. Also a reminder to get your favourite podcast submissions in for next week's programme. Please E-mail them to new.horizons@bca.org.au Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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Jackson Reynolds-Ryan is our guest on this week's programme. Jack is the newest recruit to the staff of BCA, and joins us as policy officer. Hear about his background and varied policy work in Australia and the UK. Also, a final call-out for listeners to send in their favourite podcasts. Please send to new.horizons@bca.org.au Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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In this week's episode we meet two new BCA staff members. Conor Smith and Jolene Scott both joined BCA within the last couple of weeks. Find out about their backgrounds, their roles within our organisation and their aspirations for those roles. Remember to get your recordings in about your favourite podcasts, either E-mail them to new.horizons@bca.org.au, or ring the telephone line, 1800-033-660, and leave your recording as feedback and it will get to me.

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In this episode, we speak with Susan Clift, from the Australian Bureau of Statistics about the 2021 census. Susan discusses the importance of the census and the options to enable people who are blind or vision impaired to fill out the census form independently.

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Jill McKee, Communications Coordinator with Blind Citizens Australia, is our focus interview this week. Also, a call out for submissions for an upcoming New Horizons programme.

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In this week's episode we speak with international student and BCA member, John Danesh Krishnan, about an upcoming forum BCA is holding for current or prospective international students who are blind or vision impaired. What is it like to come to Australia to study, what should you consider, and what services can you expect? To find out more or register for the forum, contact BCA or check the BCA website: https://www.bca.org.au Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week, following some news from the National Women's Branch, we hear from John Simpson, president of BCA, and CEO, Emma Bennison. They discuss upcoming award nominations, and an opportunity to have your say, and help BCA to set strategy for the coming years. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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In this week's programme we feature the presentation given by Jane Britt, policy officer with BCA, to the Round Table on Informationn Access for people with a Print Disability. Jane discusses her own experiences of education, the work BCA has been doing, and what comes next. This presentation has been edited owing to time constraints, please see more at https://printdisability.org Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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Part II of the feature presentation from the Round Table on Information Access for people with a print disability, features in this week's programme. Emma Bennison updates us on what's happening currently, as well as more presentations from BCA members about the importance of AD in their lives. Also, some notes of upcoming events. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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In this week's programme we feature the first in a two-part series updating us on Audio Description on Australian television. Emma Bennison, CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, gave this presentation to the Round Table on Information Access for people with a Print Disability. You can check out their website at http://www.printdisability.org. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week, we feature part II of the session from BCA Connect, discussing Accessible and verifiable voting.

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Jennifer Parrie, NSW Programmes Officer with Blind Citizens Australia, hosts this, the first of our offerings from the recently held BCA Connect conference. This is the first in a two-part session on independent, accessible and verifiable voting.

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Ross McGreggor was awarded the Country Music Hands of Fame in 2019. We spoke with him at that time, and this week, we bring you that interview again, from New Horizons - Episode 588.

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This week we revisit a New Horizons programme from April last year. We hear from Judy Jones, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. Judy discusses making a complaint and much more.

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In this week's episode, we are joined by Sally Aurisch, acting CEO of Blind Citizens Australia. Sally reminds us of the upcoming BCA Connect, to be held on Saturday the 29th of May, informs us of the exciting BCA Scholarships programme, updates to BCA's education policy and much more.

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This week Steve Richardson, regular contributor to the programme, brings you a special episode. Steve recently joined a group of people who took part in a very exciting activity in the skies over the Gold Coast. Hear from Kim Pilic, who organised the activity, and several of the contributors. Check out Kim's website at http://www.forwardstepsmobility.com.au. And, a big thank you to Steve Richardson for putting the programme together. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week we discuss the upcoming BCA Connect and WBU General Assembly events. Jane Britt, acting general manager of Projects and Engagement with BCA, discusses the BCA Connect, coming up on the 29th of May. Sally Aurisch, acting CEO of BCA discusses the expressions of interest call-out for new representatives to the World Blind Union's Asia-Pacific regional committee. Please contact BCA on 1800-033-660, E-mail bca@bca.org.au, or check the BCA website, http://www.bca.org.au, for more information. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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We celebrate International Guide Dog Day in this week's episode of New Horizons. We speak with Kim Ryan, Program Manager of Guide Dog Services with VisAbility/Guide Dogs Tasmania, and Graeme Innes AM, regular visitor to the programme and experienced Guide Dog user. Hear about the important role Guide Dogs play in the lives of their handlers, some of the benefits and disadvantages, and find out the importance of celebrating days like International Guide Dog day. Also a reminder about an upcoming BCA event. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week we discuss the upcoming Aboriginal Blind Peoples' Forum, to be held on the 24th of April. Stephen Belbin joins us to discuss the last forum, held toward the end of last year, and give us details of the upcoming one. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week we discuss Blind Cricket in Tasmania, with Sunny Drury, CEO of Inclusive Innovations Tasmania. Sunny describes his background, hopes for Blind Cricket in Tasmania, and an opportunity for all blind and vision impaired Tasmanians to come along and experience Blind Cricket for themselves. The 24th of April is the date, at the Kingston Cricket Hub, just south of Hobart.

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We harken back, in this week's episode, to 2015. Jenny Dawson of Western Australia spoke at the convention in 2015, on parenting from the point of view of a blind person. This was last heard in episode 554 of New Horizons and has proved to be one of our most popular episodes. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week the second group of our Executive Leadership Programme participants. Linda Agnew, Jane Britt and Helen Freris outline their reasons for participating and their hopes for the programme and the next steps in their leadership journeys.

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In this week's episode, four participants in Blind Citizens Australia's new Executive Leadership Program, join us to outline their hopes for this programme. Hear from Fiona Woods, Sally Aurisch, Rikki Chaplin and Prue Watt, as they tell us about this exciting new opportunity. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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John Simpson outlines Blind Citizens Australia's new Service Charter. What is a Service Charter, why do we need one, and who is responsible for what, are just some of the topics John covers. Also, find out how you can have your questions answered at an upcoming BCA Inform discussion.

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In this week's New Horizons episode, we feature Julee-Anne Bell, who outlines changes within the BCA branches in QLD. Also, some updates from the National Womens Branch. If you would like to hear anything on New Horizons please feel free to E-mail new.horizons@bca.org.au Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week we speak with Naomi Barber, Project Officer with BCA. She outlines a new project which seeks to bring people together to provide peer support, all based on areas of common interest. Also some news of upcoming BCA events.

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We feature the second part of the conversation between Julee-Anne Bell, Jonathan Craig and Fiona woods, on ablism as it affects blind and vision impaired people. Why is it not often talked about, and why may we react in the way we do when faced with it, are just some of this week's topics. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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In this episode we hear the first part of a discussion from a BCA Happy Hour in December of last year. Jonathan Craig is joined by Fiona Woods and Julee-Ann Bell, in follow-up to an article Fiona wrote recently for Blind Citizens News. What is Ablism and why does it matter? Is it just language or does it really mean something?

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In this week's episode we feature the second part of the keynote speech given to the SPEVI conference a few weeks ago. Emma Bennison, CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, outlines her work history, changes within BCA which positioned the organisation nicely to meet the Coronavirus pandemic head-on, and some tips for educators of blind and vision impaired people to promote success and fulfillment. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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In this week's episode, Emma Bennison delivers the keynote speech at this year's SPEVI conference. Here about her educational story. If you would like to vote for Emma's nomination to the Pro Bono Impact awards, head over to https://www.pbaimpact.com. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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In this week's episode we speak with Rikki Chaplin, Policy and Advocacy Team Leader with Blind Citizens Australia. Hear the latest about the Disability Royal Commission, Independent Functional Assessments and some good news for Victorian listeners.

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In this week's programme we speak with BCA Project Officer, Jo Webber, about a very interesting programme offering from Blind Citizens Australia. If you feel you have skills to share and are willing to learn new skills, this one is for you. Hear about the inception of the programme, its overall goals and how you can become involved. Also in this episode, some updates on the BCA podcasts. Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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In this week's episode, we hear part ii of the Daisy Consortium story, from 2018.  Hear about the exciting future of digital talking books and how DAISY has influenced electronic publishing in general.

Find out more at https://new-horizons.pinecast.co

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This week we repeat one of our more popular episodes from 2018. We hear the first of a two-part conversation about the inception and development of the DAISY Consortium.

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In this week's episode we feature the second part of our presentations from the BCA Inform event, The Year That Was. Angela Jaeschke and Sally Aurisch, General managers of Operations and Member Engagement and Projects respectively, provide an update on what their teams have been working on over the past year. Hear about advocacy, member engagement, events, funding and more.

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In this first episode of our holiday series of New Horizons, we feature presentations given at the BCA Inform event, held on the third of December. John Simpson, president of BCA, and Emma Bennison, CEO, provide a brief overview of Blind Citizens Australia's work over, what will be for most, an extremely memorable year.

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In this week's episode, we go right back to my first regular New Horizons programme. In Episode 428 I spoke with Rikki Chaplin, Policy and Advocacy Team Leader with Blind Citizens Australia, about the advantages and disadvantages of moving interstate for work.

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John Simpson, President, and Emma Bennison, CEO, are our guests in this week's New Horizons. We hear about the recently held AGM, a recent award, and information about who will be leading BCA's National Policy Council, Finance Audit and Risk Management and Stakeholder Engagement committees for the 2020-21 financial year.

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In this week's episode, we hear extracts from a presentation given following the 2019-20 Annual General Meeting of Blind Citizens Australia. Linda Agnew is the head of school of Science and Technology at the University of New England. Linda discusses her career pathway thus far, and some of the barriers blind and vision impaired people face when attempting to gain careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics, or STEM..

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In Episode 627, we spoke with Ron McCallum AO about his book, Born at the Right Time. We bring you this interview again, as Ron will be joining Vision Australia's Stella Glorie for an online conversation next week. If you would like to register to be a part of this, contact the Vision Australia Library on 1300-654-656, or library@visionaustralia.org.

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In this week's episode we feature the editorial from the recently released Blind Citizens News magazine, edited by Jonathan Craig. Jonathan joins us to talk about his editorial and discuss the contents of this edition. Also a brief reminder about the National Womens Branch AGM.

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In this week's episode we speak with Ken Brandt, a new member of Blind Citizens Australia, and Tim Haggis, Membership Development Coordinator. Hear about the upcoming forum for new members of BCA, where new members can find out about the work of BCA and how they can become involved.

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This week we feature the second part of the keynote speech given by Ambassador Webson, to the General Assembly of the ICEB, held online a few weeks ago. The entire proceedings of the GA are available on the website, https://live.braillecast.com/content.php

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This week, we hear the first of two programmes dedicated to the keynote speech given at the recently held ICEB General Assembly. We start with the introduction given to the assembly about the keynote speaker, who then goes on to discuss sustainable development goals for Braille. If you would like to hear the entire proceedings, you may visit https://live.braillecast.com/content.php Alternately, search for ICEB General Assembly in your podcast app or device of choice. We feature the second half of the keynote speech next week.

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We speak this week with Rikki Chaplin, Advocacy Officer with BCA, about Independent Functional Assessments, what they mean to the blind and vision impaired community. Find out how you can have your say, and find out more information. BCA will be holding a Round Table event in November to discuss these.

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In this week's New Horizons, we hear from Fiona Woods, director of Blind Citizens Australia and chair of the National Policy Council. Hear about the council, its work and members, and find out how you can become involved.

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Graeme Innes speaks with Sarah Bolton, who whilst spending much of her life in Canada has lived in Australia for several years now. They discuss the difference in blindness services as well as attitudes to people who are blind or vision impaired and how they differ between the two countries.

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Graeme Innes speaks with David Saxburg and Paul Price from BCA's Brisbane branch. The Brisbane branch took a positive approach to Covid-19, to include the broader Queensland Community for social, online, gatherings.

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In this week's episode, we speak with John Simpson, BCA president, and CEO, Emma Bennison about the upcoming Annual General Meeting of Blind Citizens Australia. Find out the time and date for the AGM, who is up for re-election this year and how the election process will be managed.

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In this week's episode we hear from Sally Aurisch about the upcoming BCA Connect event. Find out what will be featured, how you can register and more. As well, we hear from Stephen Belbin about the upcoming Aboriginal Blind People's forum, coming up on the 30th of September.

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In this week's episode, we speak with Sophie Wild from Guide Dogs Victoria. Sophie joins us to discuss a new community hub which has been developed to promote peer support and information sharing foir blind and vision impaired people across Australia.

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This week we hear from Dale Cleaver, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, about an interesting role currently being advertised by Guide Dogs Australia.

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In this week's extended episode of New Horizons, Graeme Innes joins us to ... well, turn the tables on Vaughn Bennison, our regular New Horizons producer and presenter. Vaughn has produced New Horizons now for nearly five years, and at the request of some of our regular listeners, Graeme hijacks the programme to find out a bit about Vaughn's life.

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We speak with Dianna Kube and Rikki Chaplin from Blind Citizens Australia about an upcoming discussion to inform BCA's work on addressing the needs of members living in "thin market" areas. Find out how you can attend to make your views known, and precisely what is a "Thin Market".

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In this episode we speak with Graeme Innes and Susan Thompson about a successful move to get acess for blind and vision impaired Sydney travelers, to the AIRA service. They discuss how this can take the stress out of train travel and how else the service might be used.

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In this week's programme we speak with New Horizons regular, and BCA staff-member, Rikki Chaplin. Rikki has been working hard on putting together a response paper to submit to the Royal Commission on the abuse, neglect, violence and exploitation of people with disabilities. Hear about Rikki's paper and the response he hopes to receive from the commission.

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Thank you to the person who reminded me that I had neglected to republish part II of Padraig Naughton's interview, from 2016. Padraig visited Australia some years ago from Ireland, and we took some time to discuss the differences, at that time, for blind and vision impaired people, between our two countries. Also some more good news for watchers of audio described television.

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This week we speak with Belinda O'Connor from Bioptic Drivers Australia. Hear about Bioptic driving, and the establishment of a legal framework to promote bioptic driving and make it easier to be assessed as a bioptic driver.

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We harken back to episode 459 in this week's episode. Ahead of some news for Sydney branch members, we replay an interview from 2016. Graeme Innes, no stranger to New Horizons and to BCA generally, published his book around then. If you've not read it yet, here's a great opportunity. Graeme tells us of his motivation to write the book, and a bit about the process.

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The focus this week is on the upcoming edition of Blind Citizens News, Blind Citizens Australia's quarterly magazine. Ahead of an interview with editor, Jonathan Craig, we bring you this edition's editorial.

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Audio description is again our feature on New Horizons this week. We speak with Will McRostie from Melbourne, about Description Victoria, and a really interesting partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria.

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In this week's programme we speak with returning guest, and BCA staff-member, Angela Jaeschke. Angela discusses her new role, and informs us of the impending commencement of a long awaited service! Also, Angela discusses some issues papers which BCA is currently formulating a response on.

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We speak, in this week's episode, with Dianna Kube, and Tim Haggis, both of whom joined BCA two weeks ago - Dianna as Policy and Advocacy Team Leader, and Tim as Membership Development Coordinator. Find out about their background, and their views for the roles they have taken on.

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This week we speak with Philip and Tess from the Australian Network on Disability. The describe an interesting opportunity for blind or vision impaired students, and an ongoing mentoring programme.

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This week brings us the second part of our discussion from Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Andrew Arch, principal consultant with Intopia, talks about changes he's noticed, and what it has taken to get where we are in terms of digital access. Apologies for the audio dropouts, despite these I thought it was well worth bringing to you.

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This is the audio edition of Blind Citizens News, for April 2020. It has been broken up into chapters for your convenience. It is narrated and produced by Glenn Morrow.

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In this, the first episode to come out of our recently held Happy Hour on Global Accessibility Awareness day, we hear what the day is about, and we hear from David Vosnacos, Access consultant, and Assistive Technology Coordinator with VisAbility. David reminds us where we've come from, where we are now, and where to from here; in terms of digital accessibility. In coming episodes, we'll hear from Andrew Arch from Intopia, and Blind Citizens News editor, Jonathan Craig.

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In this episode, we revisit Episode 471, from late 2016. We hear from padraig naughton who discusses some of the differences between blindness services in Ireland and Australia.

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This week we revisit episode 439, from 2016. Steve Richardson wrote the New Horizons theme-song, and talks about the programme, themes which have been used throughout the years, and how he came to write and sing a tune that New Horizons listeners have heard for over four years now.

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In this week's episode, we feature extracts from a recently held Blind Citizens Australia Happy Hour conversation on keeping your guide dog gainfully employed and motivated during the Coronavirus lockdown. Ryan Jones, from Guide Dogs NSW and the ACT gives us some ideas on how to keep your dog interested, motivated and well behaved during this period of staying at home.

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In this week's episode, ahead of some comments from a NSW listener to New Horizons, we speak with Judy Jones, who holds the position of Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. In this strange time of working and socialising all from our homes, the internet and telecoms plays a bigger part in our lives than usual. Byt, who is there to assist those whose telecoms experience has not been up to standard, or is not what they would have wished? Judy discusses her background, the Ombudsman service and how you might take your telecommunications dispute further.

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It is vital that in these strange times we stay as informed as possible. Blind Citizens Australia is sending an update by mail to all of its members. This is the feature on this week's New Horizons. Whether or not you are a BCA member, or regardless of your access to technology, you can continue to be informed and stay up to date with happenings within the Blind and Vision Impaired community.

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This week we bring you the editorial from the recently published edition of Blind Citizens News. Jonathan Craig, editor of Blind Citizens News has written on a subject of interest to many blind and vision impaired people. Also, a way for you to get involved with New Horizons.

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In this week's episode, we explore one of the most popular way to join your friends and colleagues during this time of imposed social isolation. Find out how you can use your telephone and Web-Browser to join meetings, receive services and more.

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In this week's programme, we feature the audio from a video published late last week by BCA CEO, Emma Bennison. Here about work BCA is doing on behalf of blind and vision impaired people in Australia, and how blind and vision impaired people can get together in this time of physical and often social isolation. Sally Aurisch gives us some detail about how you can save money on drinks during BCA's happy hour conversations - oh no, sorry, it's BYO only!

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In this week's programme we revisit the employment project BCA has been running for some time. Project manager, Naomi Barber explains what has been happening and future developments in the project and hopes for the future of employment for blind and vision impaired people in employment and those looking for work.

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As we celebrate International Womens day on Sunday March the 8th, we hear from BCA CEO, Emma Bennison. She gave a speech to the department of Communications and the Arts, in December last year. Whilst the topic was people with a disability in leadership, I think many of the same points hold true to this day, for women in leadership. We have come so far but there is still much to be done to ensure equal participation for women, and people with a disability.

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This week we hear from Angela Jaeschke, Sally Aurisch and Emma Bennison about a revamp of the staff structure within Blind Citizens Australia. As well, an exciting opportunity to work at BCA, if you are into policy and advocacy.

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In this week's episode, we repeat the first part of the keynote speech delivered at the 2017 convention of Blind Citizens Australia. Dr. Fred Schroeder, currently president of the World Blind Union visited Australia at the invitation of BCA, and gave this educational and rousing speech. This is a repeat from an earlier New Horizons episode.

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Finishing off our series on people with multiple disabilities this week, with the second part of our conversation with Steve Richardson and Jonathan Craig. Hear about the impacts of multiple bone breakages, and developing independence and assessing risk.

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In this week's episode, we hear from Steve Richardson and Jonathan Craig, both of whom have the same bone condission. Here how, although they have the same condission, it effects them in very different ways. We discuss travel, support workers and more.

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This week, we return to our series on people with multiple disabilities. We hear from Jane Britt, National Policy Officer with Blind Citizens Australia. Hear about Jane's school experience and how having a hearing impairment as well as a vision impairment has affected her over time..

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This is the promised extended conversation with John Simpson AM, president of Blind Citizens Australia. Join us in celebrating the life and career of BCA's current president. Hear about John's childhood, earlier career, how he got into the Blindness sector and more, in this nearly 38 minute conversation.

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In this week's New Horizons, an extract from an extended conversation with John Simpson, president of Blind Citizens Australia. On Australia Day 2020, John was awarded an AM for services to the blind and vision impaired community. My full conversation with John will be published on the Blind Citizens Australia feed in the coming days.

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In this week's episode, part two of our discussion with Rikki Chaplin. Rikki talks about the challenges his acquired hearing impairment has added to his daily life, and how technology enhances his life as a person who is DeafBlind.

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This week we feature the first part of a discussion with BCA Advocacy Officer, Rikki Chaplin. Rikki describes the nature of his second disability, how it meant a significant career change, and how it impacts on his work. This is the first part on our series featuring people with multiple disabilities, which came out of the most recent BCA Convention, specifically the session "When Blindness is not your only disability".

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In this edition, we speak with Emma Bennison, CEO, and John Simpson, President of Blind Citizens Australia. Hear about some extremely welcome news which was released at the end of last year, and what it means for the organisation in 2020. As well, some outcomes from the most recent two-day board meeting, held in early December.

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In this week's programme, we hear from BCA staff member, Rikki Chaplin. Rikki updates us on the Royal Commission into the absue, neglect, violence and exploitation of people with a disability. Hear how you can submit to the Royal Commission, and some things to think about whilst doing so.

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In this week's programme, part two of the discussion Graeme Innes held with Jamie Kelly, from the Vision Australia Library and Information Service. Hear more about the Envoy and other ways to get books, magazines, newspapers and podcasts over the Christmas period, and about future exciting plans for the library and its offerings.

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In this week's edition, Graeme Innes speaks with Jamie Kelly about the Vision Australia Library. Jamie tells us how people may join the library, some of the ways we can get books, newspapers and more for the holiday break, and what sort of material is available. The discussion continues in the next programme. Also, some very exciting and welcome news for blind and vision impaired people across Australia.

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In this episode, we visit the 44th Annual General Meeting of Blind Citizens Australia, held in Sydney on the 30th of November. Hear John Simpson, BCA President, and Emma Bennison, CEO, as they detail the Year in Review. Note, this is an edited summary, full details can be found on the BCA website, www.bca.org.au.

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In this episode, following some news from Blind Citizens Australia's Annual General Meeting, held last Saturday, an interesting discussion with Angel Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of the Attitude Foundation. Angel describes the foundation, and an interesting television series it has been working on.

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In this week's episode, we speak with returning guest, Erica Tandori. You may remember the exhibition which was held in May last year, highlighting immunology and infections etc. This time, Erica and her team are fighting cancer, once again at Monash University. Hear about Erica's work, her background, and what the team is up to. As well, a message from Blind Citizens Australia about an upcoming forum for people who are aboriginal and blind.

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In this episode, we speak with Sonali Marathe, president of the Round Table on Information Access for people with a print disability, about their next conference, and an opportunity to present. Abstracts for papers are due in by the 29th of November. Sonali explains the importance of the Round Table, and its reliance on people with a print disability to attend and present. As well, a podcast contribution from a New Horizons listener.

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In this programme, we hear all about the Blind Citizens Australia elections. The focus is on voting, and we have a demonstration of the new voting process. Thanks to the returning officer for her assistance with this.

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In this week's edition of New Horizons, we speak with three of the four candidates for the two available positions on this year's BCA board. Steve Richardson, Lauren Henley and Doug McGinn explain their backgrounds, and their hopes for their election to the board. Despite several attempts we were unable to speak with Suzanne Hudson, the fourth nominee.

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In this programme, we speak with Professor Ron McCallum AO, who recently wrote and published his autobiography. Here from Ron about his impetus for writing the bookhis views on technology and more.

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The focus this week is on public transport. Graeme Innes speaks with Sally Aurisch, BCA's NSW/ACT Coordinator, and BCA member, and New Horizons regular, Susan Thompson about new developments in transport in NSW and the ACT. The Sydney branch of BCA recently held a transport forum where members heard from Sally and Susan, as well as Sophie Hogan, from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Unfortunately we can't bring you Graeme's chat with Sophie this week, but look forward to that in future editions. thanks to Graeme for putting together this programme.

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In this week's programme, we speak with Naomi Barber, who is in charge of a new project to evaluate and improve Economic Parcipitation of Blind and Vision Impaired people in Australia. This is a project funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency. As well, some news for NSW and ACT residents on events happening this coming weekend.

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In this week's episode, we speak with Griffith D'Sousa, who attended the Enchanted Hills Camp, for people who are blind or vision impaired, in the USA. As well, some news from BCA's National Womens Branch.

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This is our celebration of International Podcast Day. Hear from fellow BCA members about their favourite podcasts, and what podcasts mean to them.

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In this episode, we have an update on happenings with Blind Citizens Australia. John Simpson, president, updates us on the upcoming Annual General Meeting, and CEO Emma Bennison updates us on some interesting projects BCA is undertaking this year.

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In this week's programme, we speak with BCA staff-member, Jane Britt. Here about Jane's work and her background. Also a reminder about International Podcast day, on the 30th of September

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In this week's programme, we speak with Matthew Wright, manager of the National Engagement branch of the National Disability Insurance Agency. Matthew talks about alternate communication options for NDIS participants. As well, a call-out for submissions for New Horizons.

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In this week's episode, we speak with Rikki Chaplin about an interesting conference he attended, and a difficult health experience he recently encountered. Few of us consider the implications of being blind or vision impaired and having a significant hearing impairment. What if the hearing you had went altogether?--and without warning?

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This is the extended interview with Duncan Meerding, who, since developing his vision impairment at 18 years old, has forged a strong and fascinating career in designing and making furniture and other items. Duncan was recently invited to teach blind and vision impaired people overseas. Hear about Duncan's career and his passion for design and thinking outside the box.

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In this episode of New Horizons, we speak with Duncan Meerding, who, since developing his vision impairment at 18 years old, has forged a strong and fascinating career in designing and making furniture and other items. Duncan was recently invited to teach blind and vision impaired people overseas. Hear about Duncan's career and his passion for design and thinking outside the box. This is the radio edit, Duncan's extended interview to follow.

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In this week's edition of New Horizons, we speak with Stephen Belbin, a member of the NSW/ACT State Division committee, with Blind Citizens Australia. Hear about upcoming events and matters of interest within NSW and the ACT, particularly the upcoming Spring into Action programme, to be held in October.

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In this week's programme, we hear from the session at this year's Blind Citizens Australia National Convention, on people with multiple disabilities. Steve Richardson discusses his motivation for chairing this session, and other members of the panel describe issues which affect them, and why people who do not have multiple disabilities should be concerned.

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In this week's programme, we hear from returning guest, Lauren Henley. Hear about Lauren's work since leaving the staff of BCA, and her upcoming trip to the United Nations, to speak to the shadow report on Australia's progress against the convention on the rights of people with a disability.

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In this episode of the Life Ready Podcast series, we hear from Liz Wheeler. Hear about Liz's life and issues which affect her as a blind person.

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In this, the second in the Life Ready series, Steve Richardson speaks with Rocco Cutri. Rocco acquired his blindness suddenly, in his thirties. Hear about his life and desire to make a difference in his community.

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Our focus is on Audio Description again this week. We hear a short segment from the most recent Blind Citizens Australia national convention, and this is followed by a "call to arms" from acting CEO, Rikki Chaplin. Finally, some welcome news for people interested in the Disability Royal COmmission.

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In this week's programme, some updates from Blind Citizens Australia. Sally Aurisch, NSW/ACT State Coordinator with BCA gives us some important information regarding research BCA is undertaking.

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In this week's programme, we again discuss mentoring, but of a different kind. Kim Ryan is the head of Guide Dog Services for Visability in Tasmania. She joins us to discuss an interesting project and a recent overseas trip.

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In this episode we discuss the recently announced review into Vision Australia's radio service. Conrad Browne, manager of the VA Radio services outlines the purpose of the review and how it might inform Vision Australia Radio's future directions.

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In this programme, we revisit the issue of aged care, supports and services. Blind Citizens Australia is calling for your stories about aged care, we speak with Lynne Davis, and Angela Jaeschke to find out why.

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In this, the first episode in the Life Ready podcast series, Steve Richardson speaks with Ria Andriani. Ria tells us how she came to Australia speaking little to no English, how she coped with living in a different culture, and how she deals with life as a totally blind person.

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In this week's episode we speak with Ramona Mandy, who is currently working on a project to evaluate tactile graphics, and where 3d printing might fit into tactile modeling and wayfinding for blind and vision impaired people.

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In this week's New Horizons, we speak with Sally Aurisch and Steve Richardson, about the "Life Ready" podcast series. This series currently has five episodes, with more on the way. It explores the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired, discusses independence, tips and tricks and interesting experiences unique to these individuals. As well, some welcome news for aspiring braille writers.

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Emma Bennison, Chief Executive Officer of BCA, is about to embark on six weeks leave from the organisation. We speak with Emma about her achievements as board member, National President and CEO of Blind Citizens Australia over the past six years or so. As well, we are joined by Rikki Chaplin, advocacy officer of BCA, who is set to act as the head of BCA for the next six weeks. Find out how Rikki views his position and what it means for blind and vision impaired people in Australia.

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In this week's episode, we continue the sporting theme. Renee Godress talks about a sporting event soon to be happening in Sydney. Also, Jonathan Craig updates us on the latest issue of Blind Citizens News, to be released any day now.

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In this week's episode, we hear about an interesting "Come and Try" event coming up in Melbourne, in June. We speak with James Griffiths who is involved with the project about his story, the event, and interesting sports with which he is involved.

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In this episode of New Horizons, we speak with Sally Aurisch about an upcoming event in Adelaide. As well, the full text of the open letter to the Prime Minister of Australia, written on behalf of blind and vision impaired people, by Emma Bennison, CEO of Blind Citizens Australia

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In this final episode, we explore Reflections on life by people who are blind or vision-impaired from the 1960s to the 2000s. How are things different from the past?

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Episode 4 of the Our Legacy series Details the issues on which people who are blind or vision-impaired have advocated in NSW and the ACT from the 1960s to the 2000s

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In episode 3, we share memories of Shirley House. This was the house in Burwood NSW which was the spiritual home of many people who are blind or vision-impaired from its purchase in the 1950s to its sale in the 2010s.

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In this second of five episodes of the Our Legacy series, we discuss How these areas of life are lived by people who are blind or vision-impaired in NSW andthe ACT from the 1960s to the 2000s.

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In this first of five episodes of a series covering the development of blindness advocacy in NSW and the ACT, we show-case the early lives of people who are blind or vision-impaired from the 1940s to the 1970s.

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In this week's programme, we announce the upcoming Legacy Project Podcasts. This five episode series will be published on this podcast feed over the coming days. Hear from Graeme Innes, Susan Thompson and Jennifer parrie, recorded at the BCA National Convention. Discover the motivation for the series and what it means to some of the participants.

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In this week's programme, we hear about services available for blind or vision impaired people to vote at the upcoming Australian Federal Election. As well, some welcome news on Audio Description and the much deserved presentation of an award.

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In this programme, we hear a speech given by BCA CEO, Emma Bennison, at a recent conference on artificial intelligence. Hear how the rammifications of AI, both positive and negative, affect people with disabilities. As well, another in Graeme Innes's interview series featuring attendees to this year's BCA convention.