Talking Vision
Let 'Talking Vision' be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision.
On this weekly radio program you can hear:
- Discussion of issues relating to blindess and low vision
- Stories of inspiration and achievement from people living with vision loss
- How one can access services from Vision Australia
- How one can become involved in assisting Vision Australia to 'make a difference' for people who are blind or have low vision
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please email talkingvision@visionaustralia.org
Recent programs
30 January 2012
With the academic year underway, it is timely to look at the special challenges and available support for students who are blind or have low vision. We firstly seek the Vision Australia perspective, here from a young man embarking on first year studies and from a young woman stepping up to year 3. We then are introduced to the on campus support available to students with a disability.
Participants this week are:
- Max Bini, Tertiary Education Consultant with Vision Australia;
- 1st year student Warrwick Gage from Harvey Bay Queensland;
- 3rd year student Ria Andriani from Padstow New South Wales;
- Lana Todes, a Disability Liaison Officer from the University of Melbourne.
23 January 2012
This week's presentation is packed with news for those interested in the world of reading. There is a preview of the National Year of Reading, an explanation of developments at the Vision Australia Library and a look ahead to the Perth National Conference of the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability.
Participants this week are:
- Sue McKerracher from the Library Agency to talk about the National Year of Reading;
- Tony Iezzi, National Library Manager with Vision Australia;
- Chris Whitelock, Director of Information Services for the Association for the Blind of WA, hosts of the 2012 National Round Table Conference.
16 January 2012
As the world of adaptive technology races along, we pause this week to reflect and speculate. Stephen Jolley has brought together a panel of three people who each share their unique experience, insights and perspective. Of the two who are blind, one leads a training organisation in the United States, to equip people with vision loss to use PC technology and the other uses assistive technology in his work as a communications analyst. The contributor who has low vision, influences the Australian environment through his senior role with Media Access Australia.
Participants are:
- CathyAnne Murtha from Tucson Arizona who heads the Access Technology Institute;
- Bill Jolley, a Communications Analyst with the Australian Communications and Media Authority in Melbourne;
- DR Scott Hollier, Project Manager & Western Australia Manager with Media Access Australia.
9 January 2012
This week we revisit a once in a life time experience for a group of primary school children when they spoke with an astronaut on board the International Space Station. From a feature originally broadcast in late September 2011, we discover how this amazing event came about, meet one of the space cadets who tells how the experience was for her and talk with one of Vision Australia's children Services team who explains the significance of the occasion in the development of these young people living with vision loss.
Amongst those participating in the program are:
- Paul Paradigm, Vision Australia Adaptive Technology Consultant and National Co-ordinator of Amateur Radio's AMSAT;
- Jessica McKinnon from Carlingford in Sydney who communicated with the International Space Station;
- Natalie Kain, a paediatric Occupational Therapist with Vision Australia's Children Services;
- Mike Fossum, an astronaut on board the International Space Station.
2 January 2012
In acknowledgement of the anniversary of the birth on January 4 1809, of Braille inventor Louis Braille, this program celebrates Braille by delving in to a lesser known area of its use. We revisit the program broadcast in July 2010, featuring the rich tradition amongst blind Australian musicians of the Braille Music Camps. Every year, students of music and adult mentors who are also blind or have low vision, Gather at Mittagong in NSW, for a week of musical play and learning. We hear from two of the students and one of the many adults who share their experience as musicians who have vision loss. We also present this week, a musical tribute to Louis Braille performed by Blind Canadian Terry Kelly.
Guests you can hear are:
- Jordie Howell, blind musician and Adult Braille Instructor with Vision Australia;
- Student Emma-Mae Schmidt from Albury NSW;
- Student Nelson Rufatt from Avalon NSW;
- Blind Canadian musician Terry Kelly with Merci Louis.
26 December 2011
We have a variety of content this week. We hear about the experiences from a couple who are blind and have low vision of their recent holiday in New Zealand with how audio and other support worked for them.
With the Melbourne Cricket Ground currently in focus for many Australians, a lady who is blind gives her impressions after a thorough tour of this iconic stadium. Then Lorin Nicholson who is blind, talks about the Tandem Bike ride from Brisbane to Melbourne increasing community awareness of blindness and low vision and raising funds to assist Vision Australia with its service provision.
Participants this week are:
- Christine Simpson, back from a holiday in New Zealand with her husband;
- Kate Stephens, with her impressions of a tour of the MCG;
- Lorin Nicholson, following his tandem ride from Brisbane to Melbourne;
- Peter Vaughan, from Clubs Australia, a sponsor of the bike ride.
19 December 2011
In keeping with Christmas week, we have a program of reflection and of celebration. We check in with our Australian President of the World Blind Union. We learn a little of how life has been for those New Zealanders who are blind or have low vision, that were impacted by the devastating earthquakes. A student with low vision from Erskineville in Sydney tells of his successful completion of the HSC.
Participants this week are:
- Maryanne Diamond, President of the World Blind Union and General Manager International and Stakeholder Relations with Vision Australia;
- Gloria Weeks, Secretary of the Canterbury Branch of the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand;
- Luke Toutou, a successful HSC student.
12 December 2011
This week we bring you a demonstration of the iPhone's Siri speech response capability in a technology update. We tell how a guide dog user and Vision Australia's advocacy team combined for a victory over discrimination. There's also time to tell you about the work of Bionic Vision Australia and for news of more in the Vision Australia Library in Reader Recommended.
Participants this week are:
- David Woodbridge, an Adaptive Technology Consultant with Vision Australia;
- Geoff Skinner from North Queensland who tells of how he responded to being refused holiday accommodation on the Gold Coast;
- Dr Lauren Ayton from the Centre for Eye Research Australia, a member of the Bionic Vision Australia consortium;
- Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library.
5 December 2011
This week we look at steps Vision Australia is taking in order to more effectively serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We hear about the development and implementation of Vision Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan and of the availability of a handy introduction to Indigenous Australia known as The Little Red Yellow Black Book.
In conversation in the program with Stephen Jolley are:
- John Gow, National Manager Human Resources with Vision Australia;
- Sheelagh Daniels-Mayes who is Aboriginal, has low vision and leads the Reconciliation Action Plan implementation project;
- Aboriginal author Bruce Pascoe who talks about his writing and his mother who was blind and had severe hearing loss.
Also in the program, Bruce Pascoe reads introductory text from The Little Red Yellow Black Book.
28 November 2011
Again we talk sport, this time with people who are blind or have low vision talking about high intensity competition and extraordinary physical endeavour. Also with December 3 being the International Day of People With a Disability, we have a message from the Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
Participants in the program are:
- Peter Robinson, Chair of Blind Cricket Australia;
- Paralympic swimmer, Prue Watt;
- Blind athlete and motivational speaker, Nick Gleeson;
- Graeme Innes AM, Disability Discrimination Commissioner from the Human Rights Commission.
21 November 2011
This week we talk sport, hearing from people engaged in quite diverse competitive endeavours. We find out a little about blind cricket, swish and sailing.
Participants in the program are:
- Peter Robinson, Chair of Blind Cricket Australia;
- Graeme Guildford, President of the Brisbane Swish Club;
- Don Scott, from Sailability in Sydney.
Also in the program, Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library, previews more in Reader Recommended.
14 November 2011
This week we visit Vision Australia's Equipment Solutions picking up some interesting Christmas ideas from items that are new as well as others that have served people with vision loss very well for many years. We bring you a conversation with a highly distinguished Australian who is blind and preview more titles available from the Vision Australia Library.
Participants in the program are:
- Julie Scott from Vision Australia's Equipment Solutions;
- Professor Emeritus Ron McCallum AO;
- Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library with Reader Recommended.
7 November 2011
This week we learn of a flaw in Australian Immigration law which results in refusal of permanent residency to new comers who happen to have a disability. You can hear the story of a woman from India who because of her vision loss had to battle for two years before obtaining ministerial approval to stay in Australia with her family and resume her career making a difference for people with a disability.
Participants in the program are :
- Simran Kaur, who tells her story;
- Vision Australia National Advocacy Manager, Renee Williamson;
- Vision Australia Policy Officer Brandon Ah Tong.
Also this week, Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library previews more in Reader Recommended.
31 October 2011
This week we explore recreation. We hear the Vision Australia perspective on needs of older people with Vision Loss with an outline of recreation services offered and three people, each tell of their approach to keeping mind and body active.
Contributors to the program are:
- Louise Pettigrew, Recreation Development Senior Practitioner with Vision Australia;
- Sandi Dark from Epping in Sydney;
- Carmel Strutt from Albury NSW;
- Cliff Howard from Geelong in Victoria.
Also in the program, Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library previews more in Reader Recommended.
31 October 2011
Vision Australia 2011 AGM
The Vision Australia Enfield Centre was the venue this year for the Annual General Meeting, held at 11:00 am on Friday October 28.
Speakers in this two hour audio coverage of proceedings presented by Stephen Jolley include:
- Karen Jordan, NSW State Manager for Vision Australia Independent Living services;
- Michael West with welcome to Country;
- Dr Kevin Murfitt, Vision Australia Chair;
- Gerard Menses, Chief Executive Officer;
- David Speyer, General Manager Corporate Services;
- Stephen Belbin, Chair of the Client Representative Council;
- Special guest Andrew Constance, NSW State minister for Ageing and Disability Services.
Included also, are:
The signing of the renewed MOU between Vision Australia and Blind Citizens Australia; and
Presentation of the Vision Australia Client Service Award to Brenda Murray, the Youth service Award to Loren Henley and the Corporate Award to Myer.
Also in this Talking Vision special, illustrating activities to enhance the life experience of children with vision loss is coverage of the recent link up with the International Space Station.
24 October 2011
This week, we look at accessing banking services when one has vision loss. Representatives of ANZ and CBA, each of whom themselves are blind, tell of their work guiding their respective organisations towards better accessibility for all and two people with low vision talk about how they manage their daily personal financial affairs.
From the banking sector we hear from:
- Hamish MacKenzie, Global Accessibility Manager with the ANZ Bank;
- Donna Purcell, Diversity Support Manager with the Commonwealth Bank.
Telling of their personal experience accessing banking services are:
- Erika Webb from Heathridge Perth; and
- Valerie Thomas from Hawthorn Melbourne.
You can also hear the helpful prompting voice of an 'audio enabled' Automatic Teller Machine.
In addition, we bring you a conversation Stephen Jolley recorded at the recent Convention of Blind Citizens Australia with Dr Kevin Murfitt, Chair of Vision Australia.
17 October 2011
This week, Stephen Jolley speaks with some of the attendees at the national convention of Blind Citizens Australia held in Adelaide over October 15 and 16. You can hear stories of personal achievement, impressions of this gathering of people with vision loss from around the country, and commentary on current support and opportunities for Australians living with vision loss.
Guests in the program are:
- Aboriginal woman, Sheelagh Daniels-Mayes from Adelaide;
- Chris Richards from Newcastle;
- Peter Ellson from Kangaroo Island;
- Blind Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes AM;
- Former Australian World Blind Union president, David Blyth AO.
Also in the program, Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library previews more in "Reader Recommended".
10 October 2011
This week's program concentrates on International White Cane Day and issues it brings to mind. You can hear some background to this world wide event along with an overview of the Vision Australia participation. An Orientation and Mobility Specialist explains their role of assisting someone with vision loss to move about independently and a cane user will tell us the importance of this mobility aid to him.
Participating in the program are:
- Robyn Gayle, Executive Officer of Blind Citizens Australia with some background about International White Cane day;
- Senior Orientation and Mobility Specialist Margaret Harvey to overview Vision Australia's involvement with the celebration;
- Canberra based Vision Australia Orientation and Mobility Specialist Claire Hogan explaining her role;
- Vaughan Bennison from Carseldine in Brisbane explaining the importance of the cane to him.
Also in the program, Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library previews more in ‘Reader Recommended’.
3 October 2011
This week we find out about World Sight Day which is coming up on October 13 and explore some of the issues it brings to mind. A Vision 2020 Australia representative overviews the day and there is an explanation of the prevalence of vision loss in Australia. Then a Vision Australia orthoptist takes us through the more common eye conditions and explains how vision can be conserved.
Contributing to the World Sight Day coverage are:
- Janine Coffin, Vision Initiatives Manager at Vision 2020 Australia;
- Dr Lyndell Lim from the Centre for Eye Research Australia;
- Marion Rivers, experienced orthoptist and Team Manager for Vision Australia Sydney West.
Also in the program:
- We meet Graham Sheil from European Eyewear speaking at Vision Australia's recent Texpo 2011; and
- Frances Keyland introduces more from the Vision Australia Library in Reader Recommended.
26 September 2011
This week we find out about a once in a life time experience for a group of primary school children when they spoke with an astronaut on board the International Space Station. We discover how this amazing event came about, meet one of the space cadets who tells how the experience was for her and talk with one of Vision Australia's children Services team who explains the significance of this event in the development of these young people living with vision loss.
Amongst those participating in the program are:
- Paul Paradigm, Vision Australia Adaptive Technology Consultant and National Co-ordinator of Amateur Radio's AMSAT;
- Jessica McKinnon from Carlingford in Sydney who communicated with the International Space Station;
- Natalie Kaine, a paediatric Occupational Therapist with Vision Australia's Children Services;
- Mike Fossum, an astronaut on board the International Space Station.
19 September 2011
In the final of a series of three covering the Vision Australia Texpo 2011, we hear from more technology providers, about products of interest to people who are blind or have low vision. In addition, with the arrival of Australia's first Talking Set Top Box for digital television, we bring you a demonstration with information about how you can obtain one.
Exhibitors participating in the program in conversation with Stephen Jolley are:
- Trevor Boyd from Quantum Reading Learning Vision;
- John Torwick from Pacific Vision;
- Tracey Andrews from Oricom International.
Also in the program, Vision Australia Adaptive Technology Consultant Nick Allan, demonstrates the new Bush Australia, Talking Set Top Box for digital television.
12 September 2011
This is the second of a series exploring exhibits at the Vision Australia Texpo 2011. Find out about an innovative way to introduce people to playing music. There is information about the range of low vision and blindness products from Optek Systems and Australian Independence Products. Hear an informed and passionate Apple advocate explain the advantages of this family of products for people who are blind or have low vision.
Exhibitors participating in the program in conversation with Stephen Jolley are:
- Chris Shillabeer from Riada Simply Listen and Play;
- Terry Kenaghan from Optek Systems;
- John Gaeth from Australian Independence Products;
- Greg Alchin from the NSW Department of Education talking about the Apple range of products.
Also in the program, Frances Keyland previews more from the Vision Australia Library in Reader Recommended.
5 September 2011
This is the first of a series exploring some of the exhibits at the Vision Australia Texpo 2011. This week we hear about the range of low vision and blindness products from Humanware. Also, we have a demonstration of the Kapten Plus voice response GPS navigation aid.
Exhibitors participating in the program in conversation with Stephen Jolley are:
- Andrew Chia, Low Vision Products Consultant with Humanware;
- Ramona Mandy, Senior Blindness Products Consultant with Humanware;
- Bernie Slagtman from the Lions Visual Independence Foundation.
Also in the program:
- Luisa Ferronato, National Manager Assistive Technology with Vision Australia who organised Texpo;
- Frances Keyland previewing more from the Vision Australia Library in Reader Recommended.
29 August 2011
From this program, one can learn something of how people who are deafblind use braille and other technologies to access the internet and communicate by mobile phone. In addition, in this visit to the Ablelink technology centre in Melbourne, we are given a number of insights in to the lives of people who are deafblind including tackling public transport.
Participating in the program in conversation with Stephen Jolley are:
- Claire Telefson, aTechnology Trainer with Able Australia's Ablelink;
- Heather Lawson, who is deafblind.
22 August 2011
This program examines plans for introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) from the perspectives of the broad disability sector, people who are blind or have low vision and organisations providing services to people who are blind or have low vision.
Participants in a panel discussion with Stephen Jolley are:
- Robert Pask from the Victorian Disability Advisory Council;
- Robyn Gaile, Executive Officer with Blind Citizens Australia;
- Maryanne Diamond, General Manager International & Stakeholder Relations with Vision Australia and President of the World Blind Union.
Also in the program, Frances Keyland previews more from the Vision Australia Library in 'Reader Recommended'.
15 August 2011
In this program, people reflect on specialist services they have received from Vision Australia. We also find out about the community of people with vision loss living in Bundaberg Queensland.
Participating in the program are:
- Joan Foote, a 90 year old lady from Brighton in Brisbane who recently attended a Vision Australia Low Vision Clinic;
- Ardua Rosso, from Coburg in Melbourne who talks about getting about with a long cane.
- Also in the program:
- Ron Doyle from Bundaberg in Queensland, explains how he and other people with vision loss access services and the role of self help groups in their community; and
- Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library previews more titles in 'Reader Recommended'.
8 August 2011
This program looks at some of the areas of service support available to people needing to adjust to their loss of vision. Three Vision Australia Service specialists, each explain their work highlighting the difference they can make in the lives of people they work with.
We meet:
- Robyn Poynting, an orthoptist based in Lismore Northern NSW;
- Meredith Kennedy, an occupational Therapist from Geelong in Victoria;
- Luke Price, an orientation & mobility specialist based at Kensington in Victoria.
Also in the program, Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library previews more in 'Reader Recommended'.
01 August 2011
This program covers the impact of Vision loss from the perspective of someone who can tell of their personal experience and looks too, at what Vision Australia can offer in response. Also in this edition, we find out about research being undertaken for Vision Australia to better understand the information access needs of people who are blind or have low vision.
Guests you can hear are:
- Margaret Bridger from Enfield in NSW who has low vision;
- Margaret Thorne, Victorian State Manager, Vision Australia Independent Living Services;
- John Simpson, Operations Manager, Vision Australia Accessible Information Solutions.
25 July 2011
This program explains arrangements made so that people with a print disability can participate in the Population Census coming up in August. Also, with a new financial year just underway, we hear the CEO's perspective on how Vision Australia is faring.
Guests you can hear are:
- Paul Lowe, Head of the Population Census Program;
- Gerard Menses, CEO of Vision Australia.
Also in the program, Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library, previews more titles in 'Reader Recommended'.
18 July 2011
This program explores that longstanding tradition, the Braille Music Camps. Every year, students of music and adult mentors who are also blind or have low vision, gather at Mittagong in NSW, for a week of musical play and learning. We hear from two of the students and and one of the many adults who share their experience as musicians who have vision loss. We also get an update from President Maryanne Diamond, of recent activities of the World Blind Union.
Guests you can hear are:
- Jordie Howell, blind musician and Adult Braille Instructor with Vision Australia;
- Student Emma-Mae Schmidt from Albury NSW;
- Student Nelson Rufatt from Avalon NSW;
- World Blind Union President and General Manager International and Stakeholder Relations with Vision Australia, Maryanne Diamond.
11 July 2011
This week's program features a firsthand account of transition from being an active young girl with normal vision to becoming an adult with total blindness.
Speaking at the recent conference of the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print Disability Jodie Hoger in a frank and open presentation, told the story of "from Reluctance to Acceptance - A Personal Journey", revealing her experience as she and those around her, adjusted to her vision loss. Jodie also tells of her current role as a Teacher Consultant supporting students with vision loss with TAFE NSW.
Also in the program;
- Vision Australia Adaptive Technology Consultant David Woodbridge speaks about the increasing library of technology Podcasts available through the Vision Australia web site;
- Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia library previews more in 'Reader Recommended'.
4 July 2011
This program marks Naidoc Week by celebrating the accomplishments of extraordinary Aboriginal musician who is blind. Also, we gain some informative insights into parenting when both mum and dad are blind.
Guests participating this week are:
- Sheelagh Daniels-Mayes who explains the significance of Naidoc Week and profiles Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu.
- Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu in a recorded performance;
- Trevor and Jenny Dawson explaining parenting when you're blind.
Also in the program, Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library previews more in Reader Recommended.
27 June 2011
This program has an update on the switchover to Digital Television including a demonstration of a talking Digital TV set top box. We gain some insights into the current thinking of Britain's RNIB and have news of the readers' choice arrangements for choosing the Vision Australia Braille Book of the Year.
Guests participating this week are:
- Michael Simpson General Manager Policy and Advocacy for Vision Australia with a Digital Television update;
- Vision Australia Adaptive Technology Consultant David Woodbridge demonstrating a Talking Digital set top box;
- Peter Osborne Manager International Development and Chief Braille Officer with the UK's RNIB;
- Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library with news of how readers can choose this year's Braille Book of the Year.
Talking Vision Archives
Broadcast frequencies and schedule
| Vision Australia Radio | Day and time |
|---|---|
| Albury 101.7 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Bendigo 88.7 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Geelong 99.5 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Melbourne 1179 AM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Mildura 107.5 fm | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Shepparton 100.1 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Warragul 93.5 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Warrnambool 94.5 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| RPH Stations | Day and time |
|---|---|
| 2RPH Sydney 1224 AM | 2.00pm Wednesdays and 8.30pm Fridays |
| 2RPH Newcastle 100.5 FM | 2.00pm Wednesdays and 8.30pm Fridays |
| 4RPH Brisbane 1296 AM | 2.30pm Mondays and 7.30pm Tuesdays |
| 1RPH Canberra 1125 AM | 3.00pm Thursdays and 8.00pm Saturdays |
| 1RPH Wagga Wagga 89.5 FM | 3.00pm Thursdays and 8.00pm Saturdays |
| 7RPH Hobart 864 AM | 3.00pm Thursdays |
| 7RPH Launceston 106.9 FM | 3.00pm Thursdays |
| 1296 RPH Adelaide 1197AM | 7.00pm Saturdays |
| 6RPH Perth 990AM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 9.45pm Saturdays |