In Plain Sight

Vision Australia Radio
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

In Plain Sight, hosted by Simon Chong and produced by Andrew Williams, is a program where we highlight the incredible stories of people who are making a positive impact in the community and disability sector. Giving a voice to dedicated disability advocates demonstrating advocacy in all its different forms, shining a light on those who might otherwise be hidden ‘in plain sight'. Get in touch with the program team via: inplainsight@visionaustralia.org. Simon and Andrew would love to hear your feedback, thoughts and ideas.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    World Down Syndrome Day: Together against loneliness

    On this week's episode join Simon and Andrew as they chat to Cassandra Hughes, the CEO of Down Syndrome WA, about the importance of World Down Syndrome day. The day, this year on the 21st of March, is themed around the phrase 'together against loneliness' meant to combat social isolation and promote inclusion for individuals with Down Syndrome. The campaign highlights that true inclusion requires welcoming spaces, meaningful relationships, and active participation in community life.  If you'd like to be involved in World Down Syndrome day or make a donation you can click here. We hope you enjoy listening to this insightful and uplifting conversation. Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min

  2. 10 MAR

    World Glaucoma Week: Uniting for a Gaucoma-Free World

    This week on In Plain Sight join your hosts Simon and Andrew as they talk with Gaela Hilditch, the volunteer coordinator for the Perth Glaucoma Support Group. In her twenties Gaela was hit in the eye during a game of squash, which years later she discovered had been a trigger behind her glaucoma diagnosis. Since this discovery she has been a strong advocate for increasing awareness of the disease and understanding how it affects people. Gaela says the "support group brings people out of isolation. You meet people with all kinds of challenges, you have a good laugh and you form friendships, it's very therapeutic." If untreated, Glaucoma can lead to blindness but there are many forms of treatment which, if detected early enough, can stop the effects permanently. World Glaucoma Week exists as a reminder to get tested and monitor issues with sight. Gaela reminds us that support is vital when learning to live and thrive with a disease like Glaucoma. Support groups can help alleviate anxieties and fears around sight loss and give advice for daily life.  If you'd like to learn more you can visit the Glaucoma Australia website here.  During Glaucoma week don't forget to use the hashtags #GlaucomaWeek and #SavingSight You can click here to learn how you can help save sight. If you're interested in joining the support group you can find Gaela's contact details here.   Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min

  3. 4 MAR

    That Blind Guy: advocate and performer

    Grinding out  a career as “That Blind Guy”. Karan Nagrani, known online as "That Blind Guy," is a Melbourne-based disability advocate, content creator, and 2025 Midsumma Festival Community Ambassador.Karan shares his story of how he moved from denial to pride: appreciation and awareness for who he is, and his acknowledgement of the complexities of identity and belonging.Karan is a proud & loud Gay Man, who also happens to be Legally Blind an have Usher Syndrome, he has less than 3% vision remaining and partial hearing loss.He is a very active person on Social Media, under the title of “That Blind Guy”, and uses his platform to promote inclusion, social change, and accessible workplaces.Advocacy & Content: Karan identifies as a gay man of color with a disability. He uses his Instagram (@that.blind.guy) and personal website to share humorous, raw, and educational content.Which has also led to a theatre show called; - ``FROM GRINDR TO BLINDR``.A bold comedy show that dives into dating, identity and disability through the eyes of a blind, gay person of colour, mixing razor-sharp humour with raw, honest storytelling about losing sight, finding self-acceptance, and seeing the world in a whole new way.A fascinating and fun conversation with a dynamic person with many strings to his bow.Karan’s story is interesting, informative and entertaining. Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min

  4. 24 FEB

    A new heart, a new perspective

    Due to complications with Type 1 Diabetes Colleen was in need of a heart transplant, and now as a transplant recipient she is fully energised and bright zest for life.She has also taken on board all the knowledge she has acquired through the numerous significant events she has experienced to sharing her story of resilience in the hope it will help, inspire and encourage people to appreciate what they have and what they can achieve.Colleen’s motto, “Where there is a will, there is a way” and “Life rewards action”, seems to work wel for her as she has done and achieved a lot in her busy life.With two published books: Memoir: ‘I Can See Clearly Now – the soundtrack of my life’, and,  “Ya gotta laugh” an anecdotal book on life since losing sight, Colleen has found she has a real knack for telling a great story: & I’m glad she shared some of it with us here.Join us to here Colleen share her enthusiasm for life and living it to the full and as she says; “Been active throughout my entire life never letting diabetes get in the way and so now I was not going to let having a heart transplant and losing sight do that to me either.”.Colleen is also a passionate sportsperson, initially with swimming, and now with Tandem Cycling.She is currently the Chairperson of WATCAC (Western Australia Tandem Cycling Advisory Council).Quiz night to raise money for WATCAC, for tandem cycling for vision impaired:Saturday, Apr 18 from 6 pm to 9:30 pmAt: - Telethon Speech & Hearing CentreWembley, WALink to info here:   https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/watcac-quiz-night-tickets-1982666820833?aff=oddtdtcreator Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min

  5. 17 FEB

    Seeing eye dogs with Matt Wood and Geraldine Lane

    There's more to Geraldine than meets the eye. This week Simon chats to Geraldine Lane, a dog guide and wheelchair user, and Matt Wood, a Seeing Eye Dog instructor; about the importance of having a service dog and the confidence they bring.  When Geraldine's health was affected by a lung disease she was seriously concerned that her independence and physical activity would be restricted, not necessarily by having to use a wheelchair, but by not being able to use a Seeing Eye Dog. Geraldine reached out to Matt and the team at Seeing Eye Dogs Australia (SEDA) who are implementing a program to train dogs to serve wheelchair users. With the help of her dog, Noodle, she has regained confidence and freedom of movement to complete everyday activities. Please remember the golden rule with Service Dogs is that when they're in the harness, they are working and should not be disturbed. We hope you enjoy this informative and inspirational episode. Seeing Eye Dogs Australia relies on support and donations. Click the link if you're interested in sponsoring a puppy.   Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min

  6. 10 FEB

    Rebounding From Adversity with Wheelchair Sports

    On this week's episode Simon has a chat with Paralympian and project officer at Rebound WA Natalie Alexander. Natalie discusses her wheelchair basketball career from winning silver in the U25 World Championships in 2011 and 2015 to competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.  She uses her passion for sport, community and resilience in her Project Officer role at Rebound WA, a not-for-profit organisation that helps people with physical disabilities engage in sport and recreation opportunities. Natalie chats with Simon about how wheelchair basketball operates, her role at Rebound WA and the joy of helping people find themselves and community through sport.  If you're interested in learning more about Rebound WA you can click here to get involved. Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min

  7. 3 FEB

    Perth Festival: your city, your festival (encore)

    This week Simon revisits his chat with Louisa Norman, Engagement and Regional Manager at Perth Festival. Perth Festival will light up Perth city for a massive summer of art and culture from 6 February to 1 March (with the Lotterywest Films program already underway). The Festival will activate the city and your imagination across a dazzling array of art forms, with numerous venue locations, there's something for everyone no matter your interest, ability or access needs. The Perth Festival team has gone to a lot of effort to ensure that many of the program and events are as accessible and inclusive as possible, which is clear through Simon and Louisa's conversation. The Festival website has been designed to make finding shows and places that are suitable for different accessibility needs easy to find, with lots of detailed information. Find out more about the Perth Festival program on their website. The accessibility widget can be found in the bottom left hand corner of the screen. You can read more about the Festival's commitment to accessibility here on their website. And replay their recent Access Information Evening session on YouTube here.  Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min

  8. 27 JAN

    Tony Sarre: Making Pictures Tactile

    On this episode of In Plain Sight Simon and Andrew interview filmmaker Tony Sarre on his project "Road to Paran" which he made last year with his project partner Lincoln MacKinnon. Paran is a small community that rests at the foothills of the Andes north of Lima, Peru and is known for having high rates of blindness. There, Tony and Lincoln got to know the locals and learn about their daily experiences living in a community where one in every eight people is blind. By documenting their journey through photos the team has created a series of tactile 3D printed models that pair with soundscapes and audio description for a totally unique experience. These installations were displayed late last year in the Fremantle Arts Centre for people to touch, listen and see.  You can learn more about the "Road to Paran" from their facebook page or instagram.  Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

In Plain Sight, hosted by Simon Chong and produced by Andrew Williams, is a program where we highlight the incredible stories of people who are making a positive impact in the community and disability sector. Giving a voice to dedicated disability advocates demonstrating advocacy in all its different forms, shining a light on those who might otherwise be hidden ‘in plain sight'. Get in touch with the program team via: inplainsight@visionaustralia.org. Simon and Andrew would love to hear your feedback, thoughts and ideas.

Information

  • Creator
    Vision Australia Radio
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    In Plain Sight

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