Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

Hosted by Peter Greco

Technology Education Society Culture

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

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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60 recent

June 10, 202658 min

10 Jun 2026

On FOCAL POINT: Rachael Leahcar, Advocate and singer/song-writer, is inviting all to the Workability Expo in Adelaide - Wayville Showgrounds 26th and 27th June 26th and 27th.  Jude Gaffney, Audio Description Coordinator at Access 2 Arts, with audio described opportunities; live shows; Illuminate and a chance to experience AD at home. Linni Oliver, from Deafblind WA: an exciting Awareness week coming up at  Perth City Farm - 1 City Farm Place, WA, 24th June; and celebrating Helen Keller's birthday on the 27th by playing lawn bowls.  RSVP: linni@dbwa.org.au David Woodbridge, Braille products Specialist at Humanware, is very excited about the Braille Note Evolve; had news on Apple's WWDC.  David will be at Tech Fest with all the Humanware products 17th June at U City, 43 Franklin Street Adelaide.  Resources: Adelaide Disability Expo: https://adelaidedisabilityexpo.com.au/ Impact Institute Disability Expos: https://www.impactinstitute.com.au/disability-expos/ No Strings Attached: Hamlet the Loneliest:https://nostrings.org.au/listing/hamlet-the-lonelies Illuminate Access Tours and Sessions: https://www.illuminateadelaide.com/access-events-2026/ Cabaret Festival: Rags to Riches Exhibition: https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/rags-to-riches-exhibition State Theatre - Uncle Vanya: https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/uncle-vanya/ Humanware: http://www.humanware.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 3, 202659 min

03 Jun 2026

On FOCAL POINT: Anne-Marie Banfield, First Nations Partnership Specialist at Hearing Australia,  wrapped up The Vision 2020/Guide Dogs Victoria,  National Reconciliation Week "All In as Allies, From Good Intentions to Meaningful Action" Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, spoke about retail crime - the impact on those working in the industry; owners; those people shopping, and how taking notice of some happenings may provide vital clues Debra Simons, President of the National Women's Branch of Blind Citizens Australia, updated us on events,  activities, peer support, and Launched their Facebook group. Dr Anna Wright, former Founder and CEO of Bindimaps - now Director Australia/APAC for  Mappen Inc, a way finding solution provider and digital mapping, invited all to come and try out their technology at Tech Fest, June 17th, U City, 43 Franklin Street in Adelaide made possible thanks to See Differently, Blind Citizens Australia Women's Branch Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/959469346984250/ (Any questions or concerns are to be directed to Facebook administrators, Debra: Dsim1000@bigpond.net or Erica:  e.chiandotto1@gmail.com  Mappen: http://www.mappedin.ca   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 28, 20261 hr 4 min

27 May 2026

On FOCAL POINT: Annette Sutherland is this year's very worthy recipient of the Tammy Axelsen's Lifetime Achievement Award from the Round Table on information Access for People with a Print Disability.  Annette's vast array of contributions include guidelines for producing accessible graphics and being part of the Sydney Braille Forum - enabling students who are blind or have low vision access to information in braille, Maureen O'Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, with information on the Melbourne Writers Festival, accessible tools for writing workshop and audio described shows at the Sydney Film Festival. Chenturan Aran, playwright, inviting all to a season of "The Supposed To Be" at the Footscray Community Arts Centre. Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, paying tribute to Neile Daniher. Phil shared his thoughts about the Federal Budget and the Budget in Reply - and a suggestion to use the accessible Community Radio Plus app when Vision Australia Radio ceases to broadcast on 1197am in Adelaide 1st July., Resources:  Vision Australia Library: http://www.visionaustralia.org/library The Supposed to Be: https://2026.rising.melbourne/program/the-supposed-to-be (use the code, TSTB20 for 20% off when you book through the Footscray Community Arts Centre's website) https://footscrayarts.com/event/the-supposed-to-be/     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 20, 20261 hr 3 min

20 May 2026

On FOCAL POINT: Francois Jacobs is so excited and looking forward to his new role at Blind Citizens Australia. Francois is Systemic Advocacy Lead. Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, has news on member benefits; volunteer celebrations; a visit to a minature horse therapy farm at Lenswood; and more Ranjit Jacob, owner of Visitech Magnifiers and Andrew White, Managing Director, let us know what they will be featuring at Tech Fest 17th June U City, 43 Franklin Street in Adelaide Hayley Percy, from Rising Melbourne, invites all to a number of inclusive, accessible shows and activations, including some free events.  Resources: Blind Citizens Australia: http://www.bca.org.au Beyond Blindness: http://www.beyondblindness.org.au Visitech Magnifiers: http://www.visitechmagnifiers.com.au Tech Fest: https://seedifferently.org.au/support-us-and-donate/events/techfest2026/  Rising Melbourne: https://2026.rising.melbourneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 13, 20261 hr 0 min

13 May 2026

On FOCAL POINT: Demelza Werly shared news about work she is doing to one day enable a person who is blind or vision impaired to drive a car independently.  Demelza is working with Dr Samantha Horseman at the JCU Ideas lab James Cook University with thePilgari Systems - an AI solution and hardware that can be installed into any vehicle. Jude Gafney, Audio Description Coordinator for Access 2 Arts, had news on audio-described events at the South Australian Museum; ILLUMINATE Adelaide having audio description; and the State Theatre Company putting on "The Importance of Being Earnest" Christo Sarantakis has  mild hearing loss and is using hearing aids which have made an enormously positive difference to his quality of life.  Christo encouraged others to explore such an opportunity, Peter Rickards is the inventor of the Sensaball - a unique tip for mobility canes.  Brent Franklin has been involved with testing the product for over 5 years.  Peter and Brent will be at Tech Fest 17th June 17th at U-City, 43 Franklin Street. Resources: Pilgari: http://www.pilgarisystems.com.au/ Pilgari Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6ydtYcIwJw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7HfkXcARzM  Access 2 Arts: http://www.access2arts.org.au  Sensaball: https://www.sensaball.com.au/  Techfest 2026: https://seedifferently.org.au/support-us-and-donate/events/techfest2026/     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 6, 202659 min

06 May 2026

On FOCAL POINT: Alex Sar shared highlights of the recent Deafblind Camp in Victoria -  attended by campers from all around Australia. Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had information regarding Bystanders playing a vital role in preventing elder abuse. Sarah Richardson, CEO for Health-Bright, spoke about many phobias affecting Australians every day. Emma Lawrence, Operations Director for Kids Alive, launched free CPR training to equip parents for life-or-death emergencies in and out of the water.  Free training is available throughout May in Australia.  Resources: Able Australia: http://www.ableaustralia.org.au Crimestoppers Australia: https://crimestoppers.com.au/  Online Psychologists: https://www.onlinepsychologist.com.au/  Phobias Online Quiz: https://www.onlinepsychologist.com.au/post/phobia-quiz  Kids Alive: https://kidsalive.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 29, 20261 hr 1 min

29 Apr 2026

On FOCAL POINT: Jarrod Sandell-Hay, Vice President for People with Disabilities Australia, sharing his concerns; insights and observations from the recently announced planned cuts to the NDIS.  Tony Scott, previewing the Australian Nationawn Bowls Championships from 13th May at Club Tweed.  Tony has an invitation to a come n try day 24th May 24th at the Kensington Bowling Club, Kensington Gardens, from 10am. , all welcome,  Maureen O'Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, chatted about the Library being an access and inclusion Partner with the Melbourne Writers Festival and a number of opportunities to attend In Conversations with some highly regarded and respected authors.  Phil Vandepeer, Co-Founder and Co-Presenter for Focal Point, responding with some frank and forthright thoughts about the NDIS proposed cuts.  Resources: People with Disability Australia: http://www.pwd.org.au Blind Bowles Australia: Email: abbaenquiries@gmail.com Internet: https://blindbowls.bowls.com.au Vision Australia Library: http://www.visionaustralia.org/library See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 22, 20261 hr 1 min

22 Apr 2026

On FOCAL POINT: Iconyx, a proud Indigenous award-winning singer/song writer, chatted about an illustrious career so far and the recently released album Black on Track - as well as being on the ABC's The piano. Sophie Slattery, assistance dog Instructor at See Differently, spoke about the 12 years of Operation K-9 - a program making huge difference to our returned service people better manage PTSAID. The program is funded by DVA, you can also be involved as a volunteer, helping the puppies prepare for their roles. Nathan Johnson, ultra distance athlete; motivational speaker and fund raiser, launched Nathan's website - supported by Cinta Graves from My Designer. Bev Walker lost sight later in life.  She has shown great determination; resilience; and persistence -  taking on assistive technology; using the Envoy for reading; the Ray-Ban meta glasses enabling independence; and  sharing peer support with the "check in and chat" program from Vision Australia Resournves:  See Differently: http://www.seedifferently.org.au Inspire and Empower: Email: info@inspireandempower.com.au or go to:  https://www.inspireandempower.com.au/  My Designer: http://www.mydesigner.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 15, 20261 hr 2 min

15 Apr 2026

On FOCAL POINT: Molly Smith, has returned with the Aussie Belles Goalball team from Europe.  Molly was equal highest goal scorer in the tournament, and the team placed 3rd, Rachel, from Beyond Blindness marketing, had news on events and activities, including, volunteering opportunities; walking groups; 10 pin bowling; "moving into dance" can do from a chair and a sausage sizzle at the Windsore Gardens Bunnings. Kristy Stichter shared doing the survey on braille literacy and quality of life using NVDA and Windows. Kristy also spoke about her love of music, braille music, book clubs and using the Meta glasses.  Hannah Illingworth, Director for the Darwin Fringe Festival, previewed the event. Tickets on sale in May, commencing in July - inclusive, accessible, all are invited, Resources: Beyond Blindness: www.beyondblindess.org.au Braille Literacy Survey: https://surveys.unisq.edu.au/index.php/147465?lang=en Darwin Fringes Tickets; www.darwinfringe.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 8, 20261 hr 0 min

08 Apr 2026

On FOCAL POINT:  Aasha Rose is a PHD student at the University of Southern Queensland doing research into braille literacy and people's quality of life.  Aasha would love you to take part in the survey. (Available under "Resources" in the podcast notes. Jude Gafney, Audio Description Co-ordinator from Access 2 Arts, with news on the tactile tour and audio description of RBG of Many - about Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  Jude gave fabulous insights into tactile tours before audio described shows; their  benefits adding so much to the full experience of performances. Professor Connie Katelaris, Professor of Immunology and Allergy at the University of Sydney , let us know about an Australian-discovered Breakthrough therapy for hereditary angioedema,  Andembry? (AN-dem-bree), now available on the PBS. Connie also spoke about ocular disorders including allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Bec Golding, Sales Manager for Brooks, shared a timely message to check or have someone check our smoke alarms.  Resources Braille Literacy and Satisfaction Survey: https://surveys.unisq.edu.au/index.php/147465?lang=en  Access 2 Arts: http://www.access2arts.org.au HAE Australasia: https://haeaustralasia.org.au Brooks Australia: https://www.brooks.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.