In Plain Sight

Vision Australia Radio

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. 1d ago

    Hear the Lights Sing

    This week on In Plain Sight we had the delight of talking with Cara Gilkison, one of the founding members of the singing group The Lights. This fabulous group of singers and musicians are a group of five legally blind people who all love playing  music and singing. They  came together, initiated by Cara who leads the group, to start singing for a Christmas event in 2024.They are also fond favourites at the music appreciation afternoon at Visibility. Cara shares her lifelong appreciation and love of all things music.It was wonderful to hear from Cara about her personal passions for music as well as how she values being part of a community. We learn how all the members of this group really value the opportunity to share their abilities and not just be confined to limitations arising from our disabilities. As Christmas is quickly approaching it’s fantastic to hear bout these types of community based groups who love to share their time and talents to help brighten the lives of others.And who doesn’t enjoy a good sing-along at Christmas or anytime.Cara’s story is just another fine example of fantastic people trying to make a positive difference and impact in the disability sector and their community. And it has been a great pleasure to bring you these stories every week, & shine a light on those who would be otherwise hidden in plain sight.   -  Many Thanks  Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Oct 27

    I see the I-Sight support group

    Lena Ladhams the Group Support, & co-ordinator of the Vision Australia I-Sight Community Group joins Simon and Andrew for an informative & interesting chat. We learn all about  what this monthly community group has to offer and its main purpose & aims.Lena has  been supporting this free community group since 2022, as a volunteer to assist with the coordination and facilitation of the group.  Hosted by Vision Australia Perth is available to anyone who is blind or low vision. The group offers the opportunity to connect, listen and share experiences with others in a friendly and social environment.Mostly the group learns from each other in a supportive friendly environment. They sometimes also might get in guest speakers or go on recreation activities & events.Lena’s passion and dedication is tremendous and we got a real sense of the value and importance of this type of group, bringing people together allowing them to explore and discover from each other different ways of living with blindness or low vision. Join like-minded individuals for a quick catch-up chat or a lengthy ‘Yarn’ and a cuppa once a month. Date: Third Wednesday of every month Time: 10.00am – 11.30am Venue: Senses WA - Level 4, 20 Parkland Road, Osborne Park    Lena LadhamsGroup Support VolunteerVision Australia.E: Lena.Ladhams@visionaustralia.org http://www.visionaustralia.org Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Oct 20

    IPS presents DADAA in Canberra

    Recently a team from DADAA, in Fremantle, Western Australia went to Canberra to conduct some interviews and other projects for Radio DADA. And, this week on In Plain Sight Simon has collated three samples of their fabulous work and reporting from Parliament House.We have chosen three interviews that the Radio DADA Reporters conducted with two politicians and one Parliament House staff person with links to Disability.  It’s fantastic to hear directly from people working in this space about both their personal and professional life experiences as people with a disability.It is estimated that from the 226 parliamentarians there are about  4 openly disabled people identified in a 2025 research analysis of Australia's federal Parliament. A 2025 Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplace Report found that 12.5% of the 56 parliamentarians who provided diversity information reported a long-term health condition, mental illness or disability affecting routine tasks. That is approximately 7 people in that responding group, not the full Parliament.And, we have captured the thoughts of 3 of this cohort.We really appreciated what DADAA have done here and think it is a fascinating group of conversations.A very interesting listen  - please Enjoy Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Oct 13

    Colleen rides for research

    This week we are talking with Colleen Ashby, who had a heart transplant in 2017, which due to complications left her also becoming blind.But, Colleen’s natural optimism, determination and generous spirit  used this life changing event as a motivational force.  She is also an example of someone who is driven by a strong sense of purpose linked to community and a desire to `Give Back`.         On Sunday 1st November 2026; Colleen wil join 19 other team leaders with heart or lung transplant recipients along with  hundreds of riders on either a 34km or 60km route through South Perth.For the Breaths And Beats ride fundraising for Heart and lung research.Now in its third year the Capital Limited Breaths and Beats Ride for Research is a great way to help change the lives of West Australians with advanced heart and lung disease by funding dedicated research.Colleen Ashby who never sits still and is always doing so much for other people and great causes is one of the many people who wil be participating in this bike ride to help raise essential funds to further research into heart and lung disease and research. Local support for heart and lung transplant patients in Western Australia is provided by the Heart & Lung Transplant Foundation of WA, which offers equipment loans, patient advocacy, and community programs connected with Fiona Stanley Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital. And will be one of the main beneficiaries  of this fundraising event in Perth in November. To support the Breaths And Beats ride fundraising for Heart and lung research.go to the CAPITAL LIMITED BREATHS AND BEATS RIDE FOR RESEARCH, website. Breaths and Beats Ride for Research 2026breathsandbeatsride.org.au To support Colleen Ashby specifically go to Colleen Ashby - Capital Limited Breaths and Beats Ride for Research 2026breathsandbeatsride.org.au  Join Colleen in changing the lives of West Australians with heart and lung disease by joining the ride or donating today. Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Oct 6

    Sharing a Sunflower with Sandee

    This week we present a fabulous conversation with Sandee Facy,  the Head of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia and New Zealand.The Sunflower and Hidden Disabilities are trying to  increase awareness, & understanding of non-visible disabilities, and helping to create communities where people feel seen, supported and included.We learn of what is a Hidden Disability and how the Sunflower campaign is helping to rase awareness with its subtle, and yet very effective approach.A global initiative working in partnership with organisations such as airports and large companies to provide training and assistance to them so that they can provide customer service to people with a Hidden Disability in an accessible and inclusive manner.Living with a Hidden Disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to recognise, acknowledge or understand the challenges faced. Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to staff, colleagues and health professionals that the wearer has a hidden disability and may need additional help or simply more time.    Hidden DisabilitiesWebsitehttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https://hdsunflower.com/au/?_gl=1*j80eq5*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzE0NzI0Njk0LjE3OTExNzc3MTc.*_ga_QH2Q9GE934*czE3OTExNzc3MTYkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTExNzc3MTYkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_9NBHMF5E90*czE3OTExNzc3MTYkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTExNzc3MTYkajYwJGwwJGgw__;KioqKioqKioq!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!G7JnTH00c-d65ruMBYpTmf715hIDen0VBRV1doPoz7oLMBSiXlyZqTChrp9nxMV4F-B03ftWf5HM-DmfuVi4HXGOsvfAFN6m$Sandee FacyHead of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Aus/NZsfacy@hdsunflower.com Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Sep 29

    Connections Community & Dance

    This week on In Plain Sight we have a very pleasant conversation with Darryl Davenport; Principle of Ballroom Fit, & Chairperson of Para Ability Dance WA.Darryl shares his passion and insights into these wonderful dance opportunities for people with disabilities, in both the social and competitive spaces.Darryl has successfully transitioned his life-long participation and many years of being a dance coach to creating a supportive & thoughtful accessible, inclusive dance environment.  Both the Ballroom Fit dance classes, predominately for vision impaired & other sensory disabilities, and social dance events and the Para & Ability competitive dance sport events are very popular with great participation levels.           The Para Ability Dance groups participate in several events and competitions throughout the year including the 2026 Australian DanceSport Championship, which will be held in Melbourne on 3 December 2026.A Bingo Night is being held to raise funds to assist our dancers with disability to attend this highly prestigious event.  Both the Ballroom Fit & ParaDance participants are active members of the community who regularly support other major charity events as well as conducting fundraising events to help support their dancers, coaches and dance assistants or partners. Dance is a fabulous way to get active, find a place to join in with a supportive group that is fun to commit your time to which helps give a sense of belonging which is fantastic for your mental health and well-being.Contact Ballroom Fit to  learn more.Whether you’re interested in classes, DanceSport, NDIS support, or inclusive dance opportunities.Contact -Email”info@ballroomfit.com.auFor further information about Para & Ability Dance WAWebsite: - https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://padwa.org.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!D316uPoF6jOhKhcjRxuYJEkiQpS5WknlRSoY7AFHdiXYSgGJSeOJ4dLPJGj2pfpWqzAUoAhJapmM3FWUUFLExT21DGbOxjQu$Email: Secretary@padwa.org.auChairpersonchairman@padwa.org.au Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Sep 15

    Exploring Auslan with Linda de Rozario 

    In recognition of International Day of Sign Languages that falls on  Wed 23 September we are revisiting a fabulous conversation with Linda de Rozario, CEO of Vital Interpreting Personnel.  In Australia, we celebrate & acknowledge  National Week Of Deaf People from 21-27 September; which incorporates International Day of Sign Languages. Auslan is the sign language used in Australia. In Australia in 1991 the government formally recognized Auslan as a community language and the unique language of the Australian Deaf community. And since 2021 Auslan was included as an explicit, marked choice of language on the Census form. Given all of this we thought it would b great to hear from Linda with her vast personal and professional background & experiences with Auslan and Interpreting. Linda de Rozario, a professional Auslan interpreter, with a family background of living with a Deaf parent,  is a brilliant communicator who is a passionate advocate for the Deaf community and strongly believes in full access and inclusion for all. During this very engaging conversation held with Abby Green, & Simon Chong with Linda in February 2025 they explore many fascinating topics surrounding Auslan and being Deaf, including the sub-groups within the broader deaf community and representation of deaf people in all forms of life and media.Together, we show that sign language rights are fundamental human rights of Deaf people.This was a wonderfully  informative episode, that we’re sure you wil enjoy. Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Sep 8

    Colleen Ashby a dedication & passion hard to beat

    Hi this week we bring you a revisit to an excellent interview with the dynamic and positive Colleen Ashby;an author athlete and fundraising champion. Colleen is involved in so many wonderful things and we share this episode now to highlight a fundraiser that is literally close to Colleen’s heart.Colleen will be captain of a team participating in the the Breaths and Beats Ride for Research,scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026, to support heart and lung disease research.  In 2017, Colleen Ashby received a life-saving heart transplant. The operation saved her life but resulted in the loss of around 95% of her vision.Colleen is someone who does not sit still and let things happen. She is a life-long competitive swimmer and now a keen cyclist. As the Chairperson of WATCAC (Western Australia Tandem Cycling Advisory Council), Colleen proves nothing will stand in her way.Colleen uses this enthusiasm & undaunting passion to encourage others to get involved and to promote great fundraising events.    Join Colleen in changing the lives of West Australians with heart and lung disease by joining the ride or donating today.Breaths and Beats Ride https://www.breathsandbeatsride.org.auColleen’s fundraising page;https://www.breathsandbeatsride.org.au/colleen-ashby Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    In Plain Sight

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