New Horizons Blind Citizens Australia

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

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

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 Please note, as this is a repeat, some information might be out of date, and Phia now has many more fantastic apps in the app store.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.

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.