Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

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A weekly program presented by Peter Greco, Focal Point covers services from blindness organisations and other providers, technology, current affairs, breakthroughs in advocacy campaigns about all manner of challenges and promoting activities and events for people who are blind or vision impaired.

  1. 11 Mar 2026

    4 DAYS AGO

    11 Mar 2026

    On FOCAL POINT: Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar,Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India, gave us an insight into how popular the game is in India for athletes and how well it is supported and the opportunities the game enables, a blind cricket version of IPL? Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with information about  Next Level Creative Mentorships (A $3,000 project funding); "The Chronicles" Audio Described Show  - Part of the 2026 Adelaide Festival; The Mill Disability Access Studio - a 6-month studio opportunity in 2026, and more.  Professor Pete Williams, from the Centre for Eye Research, studying ways to support the cells affected by glaucoma and treatments that support them to say alive - treatments that go beyond lowering eye pressure with drops or stents.  Maureen O'Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library (What do you think of our new intro music?)  with news about i-Access Library catalogue update; a  chance to meet librarians with a strong focus on new release titles - you may choose to get involved; and  free In Conversations with 3 authors from the Melbourne Writers Festival - these will be live streamed,  Resournces: Blind Cricket India: https://blindcricket.in/ Access 2 Arts: http://www.access2arts.org.au The Mill: Email: visualarts@themilladelaide.com or go to: https://www.themilladelaide.com Centre for Eye Research: http://www.cera.org.au Vision Australia Library: www.visionaustraliaorg/library See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 2m
  2. 04 Mar 2026

    4 MAR

    04 Mar 2026

    On FOCAL POINT: Scott Dixon Smith took part in Sydney's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Scot was accompanied by his guide dog Pretzel, from Guide Dogs NSW & ACT - Guide with Pride. Eliza Lovell, Community Arts Project Officer from the City of Campbelltown invited all to a free audio-described Fringe Festival Event, Connection a visual art exhibition that looks at how we relate to each other, to the places we live, and to ourselves. Sunday 8th March 2pm, at the Brookside Cellars Community Arts Centre, 17 Moore St, Tranmere SA.  More information email: elovell@campbelltown.sa.gov.au Kathryn O'Toole, a client of Seeing Eye Dogs and Katie Farrell, SED Mobility Instructor, encouraged all to take part in the Trek for Vision Great Ocean walk, in May Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, spoke about financial abuse; signs to look out for; and ways to keep you and your loved ones safer. Resources: Trek for Vision: https://hs.inspiredadventures.com.au/visionaustralia-greatoceanwalk-2026-reg  Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr
  3. 25 Feb 2026

    25 FEB

    25 Feb 2026

    On FOCAL POINT: Nicola Ettridge is a highly respected and accomplished advocate. Nicola talked about losing her hearing at 21 and then becoming the advocate; support; role model and leader. Nicole also reflected on International Women's Day, and work finding employment opportunities for people of all abilities, especially in non metropolitan Australia. Dr Frances Gentle, chatted about the joint ICEVI and WBU global braille literacy campaign launched on World Braille Day 4th January 2026. Carlie Towns is days away from leaving for Base Camp Everest. Carlie is also fundraising for the Look for Life Foundation. Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, encouraging people who are blind or have low vision to use telephone voting at the 21st March SA State Election. Phil also offered his thoughts about the election campaign and more.  Resources: Inclusive Employment Australia: https://www.dss.gov.au/inclusive-employment-australia  ICEVI-WBU Global Braille Literacy Campaign: https://icevi.org/icevi-wbu-global-braille-literacy-campaign/  Carlie Townes: https://www.instagram.com/true_vision_towns/  South Australian State Elections 2026: https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    59 min
  4. 18 Feb 2026

    18 FEB

    18 Feb 2026

    On FOCAL POINT: Dr Kari Seeley is a researcher from Curtin University who  invited all Audio Description users & creators in Australia to share their experiences and thoughts about AD -  in March, in person and also online if you choose. (Details under Resources in the Podcast Notes) Rachel from Marketing, at Beyond Blindness, had news on a Wills and Estates information session; the travel club; news from their newsletter - including a story about Jobie (winner of the Trevor Frost Scholarship) and more. David Woodbridge, Blindness Product Specialist from Humanware, has been test-driving the Braille Note Evolve - a soon to be released 32 braille cell; fully functioning Windows laptop, based computer. Other versions coming out soon.  Kelly Schultz, Chief Curiosity Officer at Knowable Me, sharing research that 70& of the ASX top 200 listed companies, and how they make no public reference to disability, raising questions about productivity, workforce participation and organisational risk.  Resources: Audio Descritpio Sessions in Adelaide. In-person on Saturday 14th March, 2-3:30pm, in StepneyOnline on Tuesday 17th March, 6-8:30pmIn-person on Wednesday 18th March, 10-11:30am, in StepneyContact: AudioDescription@curtin.edu Beyond Blindness: http://www.beyondblindness.org.au Braille Note Evolve Information: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Fe4NoiICWUy1IPoiD9brFNqOyd2kKmBLnucxKK0Xv6lUM1RBWFhIRkc5NTJGR0JETVUyV042SEpNUS4u&route=shorturl  Knowable Me Insights: https://www.knowable.me/insights See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    59 min
  5. 11 Feb 2026

    11 FEB

    11 Feb 2026

    On FOCAL POINT: Bill Stavreski, Head of Research at the Leukaemia Foundation, released research for World Cancer Day. This Research showing the grim news that First Nations Australians are dying at far higher rates from blood cancer, and challenged all to take part in the world's greatest Shave. Skye Bee, Operations Manager for Access 2 Arts, invited all to Celebrate the Opening of Fringe 2026 with an Intimate Aboriginal Cultural Tour this Sunday. Skye also shared news of grant writing workshops; audio describing courses; Unmothered (taking place at Murray Bridge and Goodwood), and so much more Tony Doyle, winner of the 2025 Mary Walker Fringe Award, strongly encouraged all to get along to "Turn a Blind Eye", Tony's new Fringe Show, Saturday 7th March 7th - cabaret-style setting, licensed bar open from 5:30 pm, show goes ntil 7:10pm at the Nexus Arts Venue, Lion Arts Courtyard, fully accessible and captioned. Book on the access line 8100 2089 Mac Bollella, from the Electoral Commission of South Australia, had key dates and phone numbers for telephone voting and other inclusive and accessible initiatives for the state election 21st March.  World's Greatest Shave: https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/ Leukaemia Foundation: http://www.leukaemia.org.au Access 2 Arts: http://www.access2arts.org.au SA Electoral Commisson: https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/telephone See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 4m
  6. 04 Feb 2026

    4 FEB

    04 Feb 2026

    On FOCAL POINT: David Rice OAM, recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours for his  roles as  voluntary Treasurer for ICEVI Pacific, SPEVI; and Round Table On Information Access For People With Print Disabilities. Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, shared information to help children be safe  -especially as they return to school. Jeremy Moses, comedian, invited all to his season during the Adelaide Fringe of "Jeremy Moses is Hard to Work With" 5th, 6th March and a matinee on holiday Monday 9th March, at Plant 4 Bowden.  David Tredinnick is finishing his time as Co-ordinator for audio production at Vision Australia. David reflected on his time and how technology has changed how clients can receive their material in their preferred format.  SPEVI - South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment: https://www.spevi.net/ Round Table On Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc.: https://printdisability.org/ ICEVI: https://icevi.org/ Crime Stopeeers Australia: https://crimestoppers.com.au/  Jeremy Moses is Hard to Work With: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/jeremy-moses-is-hard-to-work-with-af2026  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr
  7. 28 Jan 2026

    28 JAN

    28 Jan 2026

    On FOCAL POINT: Abey Finklea is the  Captain of the United States Women's Blind Cricket Team. The Team played in the first ever Women's World Cup - from no players knowing about the game to World Cup appearances in less than 5 months! Dylan Haar, Artistic Director for On The Fly Impro Theatre, with an invitation to "The Bat"  This format is unique because it is both completely improvised, and performed indarkness - a purely audio experience. They also have a season of their improvised show,"Maestro" and a come n try event/workshops Peter McDougall, CEO for Australian Camps Association, wrapping up a very successful, inclusive event in Victoria last week for people with disabilities, and an opportunity for camps in the future. Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, reflected on the Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight and the Australian of the year awards.  Blind Cricket USA: https://samarthanamusa.org/cricket-for-the-blind-in-usa/ Book Tickets to "The Bat": https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1519359  Australian Camps Association: http://www.peopleoutdoors.org.au www.auscamps.asn.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    58 min
  8. 21 Jan 2026

    21 JAN

    21 Jan 2026

    On Focal Point: Venkatesh Chari, President and CEO Orbit Research and co-Founder for Access Mind, updated us on the progress of the Optima - a modular Windows 11 computer with 40 cell braille display and so many other features.  Reuben Fairbank, Australian Blind Cricketer, spoke about South Australia's making the final at the National Cricket Inclusion Championships for Athletes who are Blind or have Low Vision. Reuben scored centuries in the semi and grand final. Jason Stubbs, coach of the NSW blind Cricket, chatted about the team taking out their 7th national championships in succession,  Maureen O'Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, shared up coming events including hearing from authors; narrators; writing workshops; and VCE students can access English Literature books from the library, as well as the 360 print pages you can have put into your preferred format.  Resources: Access Mind LLC: https://www.accessmind.io/  Orbit Research: https://www.orbitresearch.com/  Blind Cricket Australia: http://www.blindcricket.com Vision Australia Library: https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/library  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 4m
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A weekly program presented by Peter Greco, Focal Point covers services from blindness organisations and other providers, technology, current affairs, breakthroughs in advocacy campaigns about all manner of challenges and promoting activities and events for people who are blind or vision impaired.

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