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. 18 Feb 2026

    6D AGO

    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
  2. 11 Feb 2026

    FEB 11

    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
  3. 04 Feb 2026

    FEB 4

    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
  4. 28 Jan 2026

    JAN 28

    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
  5. 21 Jan 2026

    JAN 21

    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
  6. 17 Dec 2025

    12/18/2025

    17 Dec 2025

    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.

    55 min
  7. 10 Dec 2025

    12/10/2025

    10 Dec 2025

    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: jack.crispin@tennis.com.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    59 min
  8. 03 Dec 2025

    12/03/2025

    03 Dec 2025

    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-cut See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    59 min
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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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