Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

On FOCAL POINT: Alan Taylor, a member of the choir performing for Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight, shared Alan's experiences being part of the time honoured event for over 30 years, and time  in music so far.  Rachel from marketing at Beyond Blindness with events and activities coming up in January - the office closing and reopening times for the holiday season.  Mac Bollella, from the Electoral Commission of South Australia, had news on what's available for telephone assisted voting at the 2026 state election. Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, shared Phil's highlights and low-lights for 2025. Phil also polished his crystal ball, made a prediction or two for 2026, Resources:  Beyond Blindness: http://www.beyondblindness.org.au SA Electoral Commission: https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  On FOCAL POINT: Dr. Daniel Fielding, CEO and Co-Founder for Audeara - helping to hear better with hearing tests; head phones and other products and initiatives. Audeara is an Australian company that is recognised internationally, Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with some audio described events at the Art Gallery, workshops for digital design, using A.I. to promote artists and their work. Bec also shares some of her highlights for this year. Steven Johnson has developed the "Black Lens app on IOS, enabling people who are blind or have low vision independently take photos, including selfies.  Jack Crispin, Tennis Development Lead - Schools, invited all to the All Abilities Activation at Adelaide International - an inclusive tennis experience in January. Jack also previewed an event in Adelaide this weekend for athletes who are blind or have low vision.    Resources:  Audeara: http://www.audeara.com Access 2 Arts: http://www.access2arts.org.au Black Lens App: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/black-lens/id6754779190  Jack Crispin Email Address: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Lisa Weil,  Guide Dog Mobility and Assistance Dog InstructorGuide Dogs SA/NT, spoke about the first Facility Dog, Bonnie, who has been sworn in to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in Adelaide. Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had tips to keep your parcels safe; action you can take to minimise your chances of being scammed; and ways you may be able to help yourself, family and neighbourhood. Aaron Chia, CEO for Guide Dogs SA & NT, has decided - after 9 years - to retire as CEO. Aaron chatted about the role and shared highlights and achievements from his time with GDSA/NT. Dr Sandra Thom-Jones is the winner of “Sisters in Crime" 32nd Scarlet StilettoSandra was told that Sandra didn't have the creativity or imagination to write fiction. Resources: Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/ Scarlet Stiletto Award Stories: https://www.clandestinepress.net/collections/anthologies/products/scarlet-stiletto-every-cutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Brigid Maroun is completing her year 12 Major Design Project, for Design and Technology, focusing on shopping difficulties faced by people with vision impairment. You will find the link to her survey in the podcast notes under "Resources" Keshia Arbour spoke about Perinatal Mental Health Week awareness, and shared some of her experiences living with ADHD; gestational diabetes; and the incredible difference that happened when Keshia found connection through her mental health care team - including the Gidget Foundation.  Keshia is now a Gidget Angel. Emma Hamilton, Marketing Manager, and Brooke Carter, Relationship Manager from the Australian Disability Network, spoke about their "Building Belonging" campaign for International Day for People With Disability. They gave tips; ideas and information for making the world a more inclusive place. Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, spoke about the outstanding audio description of the Christmas Pageant on Vision Australia Radio by Access 2 Arts; the importance of radio for those living in the country; and a brief chat about the changes in leadership roles in the Liberal Party in some state and territories. Resources:  Shopping Accessibility for People with Visual Impairments: https://form.jotform.com/253158330740048  Gidget Foundation: https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/ Australian Disability Network: https://australiandisabilitynetwork.org.au/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Alan Davis is the President, and Eva Overton the Assistant Manager for the Denmark Riverside Club. There are a number of activities planned for International Day for People With Disabilities – this includes lawn bowls with the Australian blind bowlers; a photo competition; dragon boats relaxed sessions; a dinner; and more, Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, spoke about opportunities for fruit picking; crafts for Christmas; gatherings and other Christmas functions Michelle Lensink, SA Shadow Minister for Human Services, shared some news of her treatment after being diagnosed with cancer; responded to the announcements about Bedfords; and the frustrating experiences with Access Cabs. Nicole Cogan, Senior Property Manager at SDA, spoke about her role and specialist disability accommodation. Nicole also invited all to the Melbourne Disability Expo, this Friday and Saturday. Resources: Denmark Riverside Club: https://denmarkriversideclub.org.au/ (Call 08  9848 1517) Beyond Blindness: http://www.beyondblindness.org.au Michelle Lensink: https://saliberal.org.au/team/michelle-lensink Melbourne Disability Expo: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.