Talking Vision by Vision Australia Radio

Sam caught up a while back with blind endurance runner, motivational speaker and all around thrill seeker Ben Pettingill, whose aim for 2024 is to run 3,249km for mental health in a project he calls 3249 Blind.

You'll also hear from Liz who's back to tell us about the latest issue of For Your Information, and we hear from Blind Australian of the Year Award winner Courtney Webeck who spoke with Marie from Vision Australia in Brisbane following her award win.

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This week on the show Sam speaks with father and son Peter and Rohan Rickards, alongside Kathy Leitch from Vision Australia.

Peter and Rohan are the inventors of Sensaball, a multi-directional cane tip designed to give greater feedback and less friction and vibration for white cane users.

Then after you hear from Peter Rohan and Kathy, Karan Nagrani is back on the show after catching up with Brisbane volunteer Marie for an interview at the Blind Australian of the Year Awards in Brisbane late last month.

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Sam is joined by Corene Strauss and Brooke Carter from the Australian Disability Network, who are here to tell us all about the PACE mentoring program for job seekers with disabilities, as well as their upcoming It's Not Hard to be Inclusive campaign running in the lead up to International Day of People with Disability on 3 December.

Then later in the show Sarah from the library is back to tell us all about the latest updates to the Vision Australia library, and we finish up with some news and information.

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Sam is joined by Samara Cunningham, artistic director of South Gippsland-based theatre company (It's no) drama who are hosting a production in November.

Very shortly they will also be running a training session to help locals make the performing arts more accessible for performers and staff in the region who are blind or have low vision.

Then later in the show Sam catches up with Harzita Hashim from the Children and Young People team at Vision Australia, as well as a very special guest from the North Pole, in the lead up to the Santa Fun Run taking place over two weeks in late November to raise vital funds for children who are blind or have low vision.

Finally to wrap up, we finish with some news and information and Frances joins the show with a Reader Recommended.

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Sam welcomes back Karan Nagrani to Talking Vision this week in the lead up to the Blind Australian of the Year Awards held on 26 October in Brisbane, where Karan will be the MC.

Then we hear from Vanessa Papastavros who's here to tell us about the latest news from Speak My Language, a series of national audio and video podcasts featuring stories, advice and lived experiences of cultural and linguistically diverse Australians with disabilities.

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World Sight Day is coming up on October 10 and to celebrate this week on Talking Vision Sam catches up with paediatric ophthalmologist Dr Stephen Hing from the Retina and Eye Clinic in Sydney. 

Stephen joined Sam to speak about this year's themes for World Sight Day: the importance of eye care in young people and inspiring children everywhere to love their eyes.

Later in the show you'll also hear from Maureen O'Reilly from the Vision Australia library, who's here to tell us about an upcoming event on November 6 covering the latest reading tools and accessible technology, and finally Liz joins the show to give us an update on the latest news from For Your Information (FYI).

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October is a busy month in the world of performing arts with Arts Centre Melbourne's disability led arts initiative, Alter State, kicking off from October 2 to 13. Sam speaks with access consultant Sarah Houbolt and CEO of Vitae Veritas Nilgun Guven all about what people can expect if they head along.

Then later in the show, The Other Film Festival is shortly upon us running from October 3 to 16, you'll hear from artistic director Fiona Tuomy as she fills Sam in on this year's festival, and what Arts Access Festival has planned to celebrate TOFF's 20th birthday.

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Sam is away this week but you'll hear from Jason Gipps who caught up with a group of graduates from the Career Visions program.

Career Visions is a Queensland based program run in partnership between Vision Australia and the Queensland government to give job seekers who are blind or have low vision important skills for their chosen careers, and gain the confidence to jump back into the workforce.

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Sam catches up on the show this week with comedian Jeremy Moses, who lives with a rare vision condition which has resulted in him being legally blind from birth.

In the past year Jeremy has taken to the stage to share his lived experience of disability, and he will be taking his talents to the Fringe Festivals in Sydney and Melbourne over the coming weeks.

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Sam is joined by Ross Joyce from the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) to discuss the news of federal NDIS minister Bill Shorten's retirement from politics in early 2025.

Then we hear from the National Gallery of Australia's Adriane Boag, who joins the show to tell us more about the monthly Art by Description series taking place every second Friday.

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Sam speaks this week with event manager of Ability Fest, Ashleigh O'Gara from Untitled Group.

Ability Fest will be kicking off over the month of October in both Melbourne and Brisbane, highlighting the talents of musicians with disabilities and ensuring an accessible and inclusive experience for the audience.

Then later on in the show we hear from Liz Dalakouras, the manager of For Your Information, and Frances wraps up the program with a Reader Recommended.

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As we approach the first day of the Paralympics on August 29 Australian time, Sam is joined by co-host of Studio 1 and four time Paralympian Sam Rickard, to give us a preview of the games and what he and Lizzie have in store for listeners over the next couple of weeks.

Then later in the show we hear from Belinda Wilson from Vision Australia to tell us about the range of programs available to children and young people now and in 2025, including the LEAP program for young people aged 14 to 18.

Finally this week, Frances drops in for a Reader Recommended, and we finish with some news and information.

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Sam speaks to deputy CEO of People With Disabilities Australia, Megan Spindler-Smith, about the government's recent response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

Then later on in the show, Vision Australia library manager Sarah Bloedorn catches up with Sam to tell us about the latest events and new releases available for library members over the next few weeks.

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Sam catches up with Kelly Schulz, founder and managing director of Knowable Me, an organisation providing market research services and key insights into needs and preferences of people with disabilities.

We also hear from Vision Australia Radio's Jason Gipps, he's here to tell us about some exciting new shows for people to look forward to, and invites all in the Bendigo region to come visit the studios at 20 Bridge St this Friday 18 August for the Vision Australia Radio Bendigo Open Day.

Finally this week, Frances joins the show for a Reader Recommended, and we wrap up with some news and information.

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We take a trip around regional Victoria on the show this week as Bruce Lees catches up with Graeme Knight, they're both members of the Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club (BAREC) which are holding a Radiofest on August 18.

Then we head over to Geelong as Sam speaks with Eddy Kontelj from Achilles Geelong, a new chapter of Achilles Australia which is launching on the Bellarine Peninsula with their first run at the Geelong Botanical Gardens on September 8.

And finally this week, we wrap up with the latest from Liz Dalakouras, the editor of For Your Information (FYI).

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Sam is joined by Daniel Fenech, the director of independent documentary The Blind Sea which follows the life of paralympian and blind surfer Matt Formston as he rides the world's biggest waves.

The Blind Sea is out in cinemas from August 15 to 18, and 50% of proceeds from ticket sales go towards Vision Australia.

Then later on in the show, there's some big news to share as Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton is stepping down after 11 and a half years as CEO.

Ron will be finishing up on 2 August, but before then he caught up with Sam this week to say goodbye to our listeners.

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Tanya Thomas from the Frankston and District Basketball Association is on the show this week to tell us about their blind and low vision basketball program, taking place every Tuesday morning at the Frankston Basketball Centre.

You'll also hear from Maureen O'Reilly from the Vision Australia Library, who's here to tell us about a couple of events over the next few weeks for children to enjoy.

Finally this week, Frances joins the show with a Reader Recommended and we wrap up with some news and information.

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Sam is joined by Dr Brian Ang, an ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist who is campaigning for proactive glaucoma care, a series of strategies to lower the risk factors and prevent the onset of glaucoma.

You'll also hear from Peter Greco later in the show, he catches up with Andrea Summerell from the NSW electoral commission, and the ways in which voters who are blind or have low vision can cast their votes safely and accessibly in upcoming the local government elections.

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This week on Talking Vision Sam speaks with Ben Dew from Tennis Australia about the upcoming Blind and Low Vision Tennis Championships on July 19.

Then later in the show Sarah from the Library is back to tell us about some upcoming events for people to look forward to, and we mark NAIDOC Week with some first nations reads featuring first nations histories and experiences. 

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Sam speaks with CEO of Ageing with Grace, Esis Tawfik, about the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and the ways it can foster connections and long lasting friendships for older Australians experiencing vision loss.

You'll also hear from Verity Hunt-Ballard from Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, who have collaborated with Amazon to launch Story Sauce, an audio-based story platform for primary aged kids to inspire them to tell their own story.

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Coming up over the month of July, Arts Access Victoria are celebrating on a couple of fronts with the organisation turning 50, but also celebrating Disability Pride Month. Sam caught up with CEO Caroline Bowditch to find out more.

We also hear from editor of For Your Information, Liz Dalakouras, about the latest edition of FYI and what people can expect in the most recent issue, then Frances is back with a Reader Recommended and we finish up with some news and information.

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We say farewell this week but certainly not goodbye forever to Stella Glorie as she finishes up at Vision Australia after 15 years.

Sam caught up with her to look back over the 15 years, and share her favourite moments and interviews from her time both on and off air.

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Sam is joined this week by Narelle Gatti, a passionate digital access advocate with lived experience of vision loss.

Narelle speaks about how she managed life with her family after the change, her work and podcast addressing accessibility needs, and appearing on Vision Australia Radio program Kintsugi Heroes.

Then after we hear from Narelle, Associate Professor Matthew Butler is back on the program to tell us about a new PhD scholarship opportunity at the Monash Assistive Technology Society centre.

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The Disrupting Sighted Ableism series is holding its third and final session at the Arts Centre in Melbourne on June 25, and we're joined by Lauren Hayes and Micaela Schmidt to tell us about the panel discussion they'll be running on the day.

Then later in the show, Bill Jolley celebrated six months in his role as chair of the Vision Australia board, and he joined Sam this week to have a look back over the past six months and what he's looking forward to in the rest of 2024 and beyond.

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This week we pay tribute to braille music pioneer Dorothy Hamilton OAM, who sadly passed away recently at the age of 97.

Dorothy appeared several times over the years on Talking Vision, and today you'll hear from three different people who caught up with her for an interview.

We begin with Glen Morrow, producer and presenter of Meet Dorothy Hamilton, a half hour documentary which originally aired on Talking Vision in September 2015.

You'll also hear from Stella as she speaks with Dorothy for World Braille Day in 2018.

Then finally this week Tess Herbert, a former student of Dorothy's at the annual braille music camp in Mittagong, caught up with her to celebrate her lifetime achievement award from Vision Australia, received at the 2021 Vision Australia Annual General Meeting.

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Coming up on 8 June the Vision Australia Open Day is taking place at the Coorparoo office in Brisbane. Hear from Courtney McKee, Anish Chamoli, Mel Bligh and Donna Dyson as they catch up with Sam to speak about the day.

Then later in the show, we celebrate National Volunteer Week as Sam is joined by Barry Leviny, long time volunteer for Vision Australia including his role as co-host of The Uncertainty Principle on Vision Australia Radio for the past 14 years.

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It's Global Accessibility Awareness Day on Thursday May 16, and to celebrate Sam catches up with two guests with a deep involvement in the accessibility sector.

Kicking off the show this week you'll hear from Dr Scott Hollier, the founder and CEO of the Centre for Accessibility Australia, who is here to speak about artificial intelligence and its benefits and drawbacks for the sector.

Then later in the show Polly Goodwin makes her return to Talking Vision to tell us all about her collaboration with Dr Xiaochun Zhang from University College London, AD4Games, which they recently presented at a workshop in Japan.

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Sam is joined this week by three participants in the Career Visions program, Sarah McKaskill, Serena O'Brien and Michael Backstrom, alongside program coordinator Harmonie Downes. They speak about their experiences in the program and how it can help Brisbane-based job seekers who are blind or have low vision.

Then later on this week we hear from Blind Citizens Australia CEO Deb Deshayes, who has recently reached six months in the role. Sam caught up with her to take a look back over some of the highlights from the first six months.

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Kicking off the show this week Sam catches up with Vision Australia marketing lead Chris Edkins. Chris is one of the minds behind the Pupil Project, a series of five videos highlighting the everyday experiences of people with low vision.

Then after we hear from Chris, Sam is joined by Australian Disability Network CEO Corene Strauss. Corene is here to tell us about the upcoming ADN awards night and Impact Conference, taking place over 8 and 9 May in Melbourne.

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Coming up on May 9 the Department of Transport and Planning is holding a Try Before You Ride event at Southern Cross station in Melourne, and Sam caught up with customer relations and disability advocate Fiona Demark to find out all about it.

Later on the show this week we celebrate International Guide Dog Day on Wednesday April 24 as Sam speaks with Harriet Moffat, Seeing Eye Dogs community engagement coordinator and host of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show on Vision Australia Radio.

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The Reading Writing Hotline recently turned 30 and to celebrate Sam is joined by the manager of the Hotline, Vanessa Iles.

Vanessa tells us all about the work the Hotline has been doing over the past 30 years, and the ways in which they have helped members of the blind and low vision community to access the literacy and numeracy resources they need.

Then later in the show, Sam speaks to artistic director of the Melbourne Writers' Festival, Michaela McGuire.

Michaela tells us all about the upcoming festival taking place between 6 and 12 May, including a double header taking place at Vision Australia in Kooyong on the evening of Friday May 10.

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We head over to Adelaide this week to speak with Sam Rickard and Lizzie Eastham from Studio 1 on Vision Australia Radio Adelaide, as they tell us all about how they're going on their 100K Your Way challenge over the month of April.

Later in the show Frances is back with a Reader Recommended, and we finish up with some news and information.

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Sam is joined by Vision Australia Radio Perth volunteer Kate Leaversuch, who is taking part in the 100K Your Way challenge over the month of April to raise funds for Vision Australia Radio.

Then later on this week Stella catches up with Telelink coordinator Maria Markou who gives us some updates on the latest things happening in the world of Telelink, including some new language groups and volunteer opportunities.

Finally on the show Frances is back with a Reader Recommended, and we wrap up with a bit of news and information.

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Sam is joined by William Chen, developer of the Theia mobile healthcare app which brings Covid RAT tests to users who are blind or have low vision, in a way they can access the information and results they need in a way that's safe, private and independent.

We'll also hear from Steph from the Comms team to give us the latest news and events happening that Vision Australia is involved with around the country right now and into the month of April.

Then finally this week we finish up with a bit of news and information about some upcoming events taking place at the Vision Australia Library as part of the Melbourne Writer's Festival in May.

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This week features the second of our interviews with paraclimbers heading to the IFSC World Cups starting in May in Salt Lake City. Sam catches up with Jason Whiter, a climber with very low vision in his right eye who joined the show alongside his coach and sighted guide Ben Dalby.

Later on in the program, Leeanne from the Library is back to tell us about some upcoming events in the Vision Australia Library, and we take a look back over the most popular reads of 2023.

Finally this week the 100k Your Way fundraising campaign is ramping up, Sam speaks to Vision Australia Radio's Jason Gipps to tell us all about the campaign and how people can get involved to raise vital funds for Vision Australia over the month of April.

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Sam speaks to Sarah Larcombe from the Australian Paraclimbing team, as part of a two part series featuring paraclimbers from the team before they head to the IFSC Paraclimbing World Cups in Salt Lake City in May.

We also hear from Vision Australia's business lead for home care packages, Meghan Hird, as Stella catches up with her to find out all about the home care packages Vision Australia can offer for older Australians who are blind or have low vision.

And finally this week, to mark World Glaucoma Week taking place from 10 to 16 March, we feature Sam's interview with ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist Dr Nathan Kerr, who provides an update on the prevention and treatment of glaucoma.

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Sam is joined by Antony Rako, a singer with very low vision who also writes, produces, mixes and promotes his own songs by himself under the name Tony Lowkey.

After we hear from Antony, Vision Australia manager of audio description services Michael Ward is back on the show to tell us all about the latest audio described offerings.

Then to wrap up this week Frances joins the show with a Reader Recommended, and we finish with some news and information.

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The Trek for Vision is under way in just over a week's time and heading over to New Zealand for the week is Vision Australia Parramatta's Karen Pritchard, who is out to prove that blindness or low vision is no obstacle to tackling hiking trails in Australia or around the world.

We also head back to Perth to chat with Kerry Fasolo and Sandra Martin, volunteers on The Digest, a show broadcasting from Vision Australia Perth across the network which has recently changed things up a bit, and is always looking for more people to put their hand up and get involved.

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The Variety Braille Music Camp is coming up in April, and to tell us more about it Sam is joined by camp organiser Lee Strickland whose business, Dotted Beats, has partnered with Variety in Queensland to help bring the camp to life.

You'll also hear from the Happy Pants team in Perth, they're seeking new volunteers for people to get involved with the show so if you're interested feel free to get in touch today.

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First proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011, World Radio Day takes place on 13 February every year to shine a spotlight on radio as a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity.

In this spirit this week we hear from three people with a love for radio: Kath Letch from Australia, Camuran Albanoi from Albania and Jambay Tshering from Bhutan.

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World Radio Day is just around the corner on 13 February, and we have another voice from the sector this week as Sam catches up with Chris Corcoran from Reading Radio in Brisbane.

Later in the show, you'll hear from Sam Foulkes joining the show all the way from Cincinnati, Ohio. Sam is head of braille production at Clovernook, an organisation which is hosting the Ohio Braille Challenge in a couple of weeks time.

And finally this week, Santiago Velasquez is back to tell us about Hailo, a new app set to roll out for bus passengers who are blind or have low vision to help them get around their network much more easily and reliably.

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Sam is joined by Madhuka de Silva, whose PhD research at Monash University is looking into the ways that assistive technology can make dance more accessible and inclusive for people who are blind or have low vision.

We also hear from employment consultant Harmonie Downes who tells us about Career Visions, a five month traineeship program run in partnership with the QLD government, and Steph from the media team joins the show to give us a wrap up of the big things going on at Vision Australia over the holiday break.

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It's a special Midsumma Festival edition of Talking Vision this week as we share a highlight package of the interviews from Carnival Day on Sunday 21 January.

We start off with Sam and Tess speaking with Karan Nagrani, blindness and low vision ambassador for Midsumma.

Later on in the show Sam and Tess are back again with Nilgun Guven from Vitae Vertias who joined them to speak about the latest audio description services available for the festival.

And finally to wrap up, Sam and Yvette catch up with Lena Molnar from Women with Disabilities Victoria, who are committed to providing a more safe and inclusive state for women with a disability.

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First up this week Sam speaks with chair of the Vision Australia Radio committee in Shepparton, Peter Simpson. Peter was involved in the early days of Vision Australia Radio in the 80s, but returned to volunteer six years ago after moving to Shepparton.

After you hear from Peter, Jason Gipps is on the program to tell us about a special broadcast taking place live at the opening day of Midsumma on January 21 between 10am and 1pm.

And finally on the program this week, Sam from the shop is back to tell us about the latest from the Vision Store, and we wrap up with some news and information.

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Sam speaks with Lizzie Eastham, new permanent co-host of Studio 1 with Sam Rickard on Vision Australia Radio's Adelaide station.

We also hear from Sarah from the library, who gives us an update on some upcoming programs and exciting new books now available in the Vision Australia library.

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We celebrate World Braille Day this week on Talking Vision with some special interviews celebrating the life changing impact braille has had and continues to have for users around the world.

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This week we take a look back over the past year of Talking Vision with a best of 2023, featuring favourite interviews from the year just gone.

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This week we've got a Carols theme in the lead up to Christmas and the Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight taking place as always on CHristmas Eve, December 24.

To start off with Sam catches up with singer, pianist and music therapist Lara Nakhle who will be returning to Carols for the 2nd time in as many years.

After we hear from Lara Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton is on the show for a quick chat about the Carols, and the important role they play every year in raising vital funds for services to the blind and low vision community. 

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Sam is joined by Kristen Morris and Gillean HIlton from the Disability Liaison Officer program, set up to enable patients with disability to access the healthcare they require.

Then later on in the show, Telelink volunteer coordinator Jordan Ashby is here to tell us all about a series of Zoom webinars taking place in January with three prominent figures from the blind and low vision community achieving great things.

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Matt Lee catches up with Achilles member Claudia Stephenson who along with her guide recently completed the New York Marathon.

You'll also hear from Conrad, he's back with Fiona Tuomy from the Other Film Festival, a festival featuring movies made by and accessible for people with disability, including audio description, captions and more.

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The Feelix library celebrated 20 years recently, and Sam caught up with acting library manager Sarah Bloedorn to have a chat all about the kits and the impact they've had on the lives of toddlers and young children who are blind or have low vision.

Stella is also back on the show speaking with a participant from this year's LEAP program, we have one more trip back into the radio archives with an article from the first reading program on the 1179AM frequency, and Frances joins the show with a Reader Recommended.

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It's part two of our 40th anniversary special on Talking Vision as this week Sam catches up with John Simpson, a figure central to many corners of the RPH network in the 80s and 90s and well into the 2000s.

We also hear a small clip from the launch of the 1179AM frequency on the 19th of August 1990, with speeches from Norman Spencer and Stephen Jolley.

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Vision Australia Radio is turning 40! We're celebrating over the next two weeks by looking back at some historic moments on the air, this week including the first evening broadcast on 22 September 1983 with Stephen Jolley, Ian Beath, Neville Kerr and Elaine Harris.

Then later on in the show this week Sam also catches up with long time volunteer Judi Meese who has been involved with Vision Australia Radio since its inception.

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Sam speaks with Danielle Gullotta from the Art Gallery of NSW. Danielle is here to tell us all about their Tactile Archibald Prize exhibition, an accessible exhibition for visitors who are blind or have low vision which is touring around Australia in coming months.

Then later in the show, we feature some highlights from the 2023 Vision Australia Annual General Meeting, featuring incoming board member Amber Collins, Client Reference Group member Paul Hedley, and Vision Australia Award winner Lara Nakhle.

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Sam Colley presents an hour long AGM Special featuring highlights from the 2023 Vision Australia Annual General Meeting, which took place at 10am on Thursday 26 October at the Vision Australia head office in Kooyong.

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It's finally here! We celebrate Talking Vision's 700th episode by taking a walk down memory lane with interviews from Stephen Jolley, Stella Glorie and Sam Colley spanning the past 12 years of Talking Vision.

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Sam is joined by referee, coach and player Sebastian Petrovic to chat about the recent blind football (soccer) series which took place in Melbourne, and spread the word about the sport to clubs and schools around Australia.

Then after we hear from Sebastian this week, Sam chats with Lara, Jemma, Erin and Amy from the Vision Australia office in Brisbane who are all heading off together on the Trek for Vision, taking place next March in New Zealand to raise vital funds for Vision Australia's Quality Living Groups and Vision Australia Radio.

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We celebrate White Cane Day on Talking Vision this week as Sam catches up with Duncan Steward, the owner and founder of Platinum Cre8ive, and Jordan Ashby, volunteer coordinator for Vision Australia in NSW.

Duncan and Jordan have both been involved in White Cane Day events over the years, including White Stick Fest which is now available to watch on demand at whitestickfest.org featuring artists who are blind or have low vision from Australia and around the world.

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The third book in the Big Visions series, Dressed for Success, is now available and Stella joins the show this week to chat all about it with the star of the book, fashion designer Nikki Hind, alongside Vision Australia library manager Vildana Praljak.

Then after you hear from Stella Nikki and Vildana, Sam catches up with Leeanne from the Library about some more upcoming events in the library this October and some new additions to the library catalogue, and finally this week Frances joins the show with a Reader Recommended.

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On October 28 the Blind Australian of the Year Awards will be taking place in Brisbane, and Sam is joined by engagement and inclusion manager Marie Bampton from Link Vision, the host of the awards, to have a chat all about them.

Nominations for the awards are still open so if you would like to find out more, or nominate a person or organisation you feel has made a difference in the blind and low vision community this year, head to the Blind Australian of the Year website today.

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Sam catches up with Tiana, a university student and audio description user from Brisbane.

Tiana has started a petition to bring audio description to shows such as Gilmore Girls on Netflix with the potential to expand to other shows and streaming platforms.

Then later on this week, Vision Australia Radio manager Conrad Browne joins the show to chat about the Vision Australia Radio listener survey, Stella chats with us about the latest issue of For Your Information (FYI), and Frances wraps up the show with a Reader Recommended.

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It's a special Father's Day edition of Talking Vision this week as we chat with a couple of dads who are blind or have low vision.

Sam catches up with president of RPH Australia and father of two James Manders, who gives us an insight into life as a dad with a vision condition, and the adaptations and supports he's found most beneficial over that time.

Later on in the show, Stella is joined by new dad Matt Collins as he shares some stories of being a dad and how he and his partner navigated a few unique situations!

Then last but not least this week Frances is back with a Father's Day Reader Recommended.

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There's some exciting news for travelers on the Melbourne tram network as Yarra Trams is trailing a new mobile app called Navilens, designed to help passengers who are blind or have low vision navigate around the network more safely and accessibly.

We also hear from outgoing CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, Sally Karandrews, who is finishing up at BCA in late September to take up an academic opportunity. 

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Milos from Kikiriki Games is back on the show this week joining Sam to chat about their latest accessible game, Brave Brain. 

This is the second game from the Czech developers after releasing To The Dragon Cave last year.

After you hear from Milos this week, Sam is joined by a new regular to Talking Vision, Sam from the Shop to give us the latest news from the Vision Store.

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It's a reunion of sorts on Talking Vision this week as we hear from two familiar voices: Ria Andriani and Stella Glorie.

Ria is here to chat with Sam about the difficulties she's faced in being provided utility bills that are accessible and understandable for customers who are blind or have low vision.

Then after we hear from Ria, Stella is on the show to give us the latest news and updates from the Vision Australia Library, including some events and programs that are coming up for people to get involved in.

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In our final interview leading up to the IBSA Games in Birmingham, Sam speaks with B3 tennis number one Phoebe David who, along with 10 others, will be heading to the Games in just over a week's time.

We also hear from director of government relations and advocacy Chris Edwards, he has some exciting news to share about audio description which is now available for certain programs on free to air streaming services.

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Ben Dew from Tennis Australia is on the show this week to chat about the recent National Blind and Low Vision Tennis Championships which took place in Melbourne, we look ahead to the IBSA Games later this month and let people know how they can get involved in blind and low vision tennis at a court near them.

Then after Sam chats with Ben, Helen is back on the show to give us the latest info from For Your Information, otherwise known as FYI.

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The second edition of the popular Big Visions series, Cooking Up a Storm, is now available through all major retailers and the Vision Australia Library. 

Sam chats with the star of Cooking Up a Storm, Craig Shanahan, a blind chef from Sydney who is the founder of Blind Chef Cafe in Penrith.

Craig is also the winner of a Blind Australian of the Year award for his work promoting inclusion and awareness of disability in the local community.

Then after we have a chat with Craig, Frances Keyland is back on the show with a Reader Recommended.

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Sam is joined this week by Sam and Erin, a husband and wife who have started Tantalising Tours, a Melbourne-based business which focuses on accessible tours to enable guests who are blind or have low vision to jump into the world of food and wine.

You'll also hear from Vision Australia director of government relations and advocacy Chris Edwards, he's here to chat about Dark Memory Lane, an exhibition coming up on August 11 at the National Gallery of Victoria held in collaboration with Vision Australia to raise public awareness about life after experiencing vision loss.

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Join Sam this week as we chat with the second of our athletes heading to the IBSA Games in Birmingham, taking place in late August. This time it's Sam Byrne, senior member of the men's goalball team the Aussie Storm.

After you hear from Sam and Sam, Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton is back on the show with LEAP participant Cassie, who recently had the chance to be CEO for a day as part of the LEAP work experience open day at Kooyong. 

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Julie Neumann is heading to the IBSA Games in Birmingham next month as captain of the history-making women's blind cricket team, she joins Sam on the show this week to chat all about it.

Later on this week, Sam catches up with Nick Owen, an engineer and founder of his own engineering consultancy Nuvotion, but most importantly Nick is also running a Telelink webinar on July 17 to let students know all about how they can design and build their own racing car in the Formula SAE Australasia series.

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Sam catches up with health and wellness coach Andy Hampson, who is the facilitator of Inspiring a Healthier You, a four part Telelink Zoom webinar series running every Tuesday morning in July.

Then later in this week Stella is back with Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton. Ron has some exciting news about an upcoming 50km hiking trip taking place in March 2024, where a small team of 12 to 15 people hike across the South Island of New Zealand to raise vital funds for Vision Australia.

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Sam is joined this week by Roma Dix, the organiser of an online campaign to support young musicians who are blind or have very low vision to attend the annual Braille Music Camp in Mittagong.

After we hear from Roma, Lara from Vision Australia's children and young people team is on the show to chat about Life Ready, a new program designed to give people from age 0 to 25 the best start at life.

And finally this week, Stella is back with a new issue of For Your Information, or FYI for short.

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Sam catches up with Dominique Parker, one of the creators of Honeycomb Festival, a game available for download on PC which has been created for players who are blind or have low vision.

Then later in the show, Leeanne from the Library is back with another update from the Vision Australia library to let us know all about some upcoming events and new additions to the library catalogue, and in keeping with the book theme Frances joins the show with a Reader Recommended.

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Here's the latest from our team at Talking Vision. Talking Vision can be found on a number of popular podcast services including but not limited to, Apple, Google, Amazon and Spotify.

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We wrap up National Volunteering Month as Sam chats with president of Blind Bats, Paul Szep. Blind Bats is an organisation bringing blind cricket to members of the community with an innovative beeping ball which he's had in development for the past 30 years.

Paul has been a volunteer in various capacities for a large amount of his life, and he is a keen advocate for the positive impact volunteers can have in their communities.

Then after we chat with Paul, Helen is back with the latest issue of For Your Information (FYI) and Frances wraps things up for this week with a Reader Recommended.

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We celebrate a couple of special days on the Talking Vision calendar this week, as mums around the country head into the week after being pampered on Mother's Day this past Sunday, and on Thursday May 18 we focus on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).

To kick off the show Sam catches up with mother of two Deena for Mother's Day. Deena talks about how she and husband Thomas have navigated raising two daughters together as parents who are both blind or have low vision.

Then later on in the program we hear from digital access consultant Rosie to celebrate GAAD. She tells us all about the latest digital accessibility survey from Vision Australia, and some priorities that have emerged to improve digital accessibility for the blind and low vision community.

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Sam speaks with Vision Australia director of advocacy and government relations Chris Edwards about the ongoing electric vehicle pedestrian safety survey, which is still open for submissions until May 21.

Then later on this week we hear from Dina Bassile. Dina is the founder of Groove Tunes, an accessible music festival which will be taking place at the Corner Hotel in Melbourne on June 3. 

After you hear from Dina, Frances is back with a Reader Recommended, and we wrap up with some news and information.

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Stella is back on the show this week with writer and comedian Jennifer Wong, whose standup comedy show "No Peripheral Vision" is currently touring around the country. Jennifer lives with retinitis pigmentosa, and she loves a pun, so for her the name of the show was a perfect fit.

Then later on in the show this week, the Vision Australia Career Start program is still open for applications until May 12. Sam catches up with a current Career Start participant, Georgia Parsonson, to tell us all about her experience over the past year in the program.

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We celebrate International Guide Dog Day this week as Jane and Kim from Seeing Eye Dogs join Sam all the way from the International Guide Dog Federation conference in Canada, to celebrate the day and talk about why dog guides are so crucial to the mobility and independence of their owners who are blind or have low vision.

Then later in the show Leeanne from the Library is back as well with Tess to chat about all the latest news from the Vision Australia Library, and last but not least we hear from CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, Sally Aurisch, with a wrap up of all the things going on at BCA.

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The host becomes the guest as Stella interviews Sam about his experiences at the Australian Grand Prix which took place in Melbourne between March 30 and April 2 this year. 

Then later on Sam is back in the interviewer's chair with Nicole Kontos. Nicole is a participant in 100K Your Way, a Vision Australia campaign which sees members of the blind and low vision community walk, run, swim, ride 100km over the month of April, to raise funds for Vision Australia while also keeping fit and active.

And finally on the show this week we hear from Helen, the editor of For Your Information (FYI), with a preview of what's in store for subscribers in April.

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This week we feature part two of our Last Seen conversations as Sam catches up with UN youth advocate, entrepreneur and public speaker Santiago Velasquez, who joins the show along with artist Kathleen O'Hagan who worked together with Santiago to bring his most cherished visual memories to life.

We also celebrate Audio Description Awareness Day which is coming up on April 16, as Vision Australia audio description manager Michael Ward joins the show to chat about a new partnership with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne, and fills us in on the latest offerings from the world of audio description.

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Sam is joined this week by musician and disability advocate Jane Britt as she discusses her participation in Last Seen, a multisensory art exhibition exploring the most cherished visual memories of 10 Australians who have experienced vision loss.

We also hear from Barb Lemin from the Bendigo SES as she tells us about her involvement in the upcoming Vision Australia Bendigo Easter Egg Hunt, and Vision Australia Radio manager Conrad Browne joins the show to have a quick chat about Radiothon which is running from April 1 to 30.

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Sam celebrates the 100 year anniversary of blind cricket with long term player, administrator and volunteer Doug Sloan, who was also one of the main organisers of a 100th anniversary celebration dinner held at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Centre.

We also hear from Erik van Vulpen, a senior researcher at La Trobe University who is leading a project to improve the safety and accessibility of autonomous public transport vehicles for people with disability.

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We celebrate the official launch of the first Big Visions book, Surfing in the Dark, as Sam catches up with blind surfer and protagonist Matt Formston.

Matt joined Talking Vision along with his mum Lorraine to chat about the book but also share some stories from their life together as a family.

After we hear from Matt and Lorraine, Helen is back on the show with the latest edition of For Your Information otherwise known as FYI, and to wrap up the show Frances joins us for a Reader Recommended.

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It's a jam packed episode of Talking Vision this week as we hear from ophthalmologist Dr Nathan Kerr and orthoptist Renata de Lazzari, who join Sam to talk about World Glaucoma Week taking place from March 12 to 18.

Sam also catches up with a couple of organisations later in the show as first up we hear from Vision Australia's Phil McCarroll with an update of the latest happenings in Vision Australia, and then Vision 2020 CEO Carly Iles pops in for a quick chat about the upcoming Barry Jones Vision Oration on March 22.

Then to finally wrap up the show Frances Keyland is back with a Reader Recommended.

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Talking Vision celebrates International Women's Day on March 8 as Tess Herbert takes over the airwaves to host an all female lineup!

You'll hear from Linda Agnew, dean academic from the department of health at Griffith University, the first female professor and dean of faculty in Australia to have lived experience with blindness or low vision.

Later on in the program, Tess catches up with Judith Bowtell, a career coach and mentor working as part of Front and Centre, a program to help women and non-binary people with disabilities gain confidence and achieve their career objectives.

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Sam is joined by Maysa Abouzeid, a Melbourne-based athlete competing in blind judo competitions around the world. She speaks about her experiences as a judoka with lived experience of blindness, and her path to the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.

You'll also hear from Leeanne from the library about some upcoming events and new book releases, and Sarah from the shop is back to chat about the latest products available in the Vision Store.

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Sam catches up with Jess Strudwick, the founder of Jessica's Choco Yum which sells biscuits with an inclusive focus, for instance braille sugar cookies featuring messages on top of the biscuit.

You'll also hear from Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria's Miriam Bilander, she joins Sam on the show to talk about an upcoming event for children and young people aged 12 to 25 to head along to a guided tour of the Sydney Road Street Party on March 5.

And finally this week, we wrap up with some news and information.

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It's a special World Radio Day episode of Talking Vision as Sam catches up with chair of RPH Australia, James Manders, to speak about the power of radio.

James has lived experience with vision loss, and he speaks about how this and his work in the finance and technology sectors has stood him in good stead for his role with RPH, but also why radio means so much to him.

After Sam chats with James we also hear from Vision Australia librarian Victoria Rogers, who has some exciting news about some new resources available to high school students, and Frances Keyland joins the show for a Reader Recommended.

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This week we have a special anniversary to celebrate as Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton joins Talking Vision to chat with Sam about 10 years in the job at Vision Australia.

You'll hear from him in 2 parts this week as he looks back over the past 10 years but also speaks about what he's excited to get involved with in 2023 and beyond.

Then after Sam catches up with Ron, Helen is back on the program for the new year to give us the latest updates about what's in store for readers in this month's edition of For Your Information, or FYI for short.

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Blind low vision tennis champions Courtney Webeck and Mick Leigh join Sam on the show this week to give us a recap of a BLV tennis exhibition match they took part in at the Australian Open against former world number 8 Alicia Molik.

Then later in the show blind cricket is turning 100 this summer, and to celebrate we have Blind Sports Recreation Victoria president and CEO Maurice Gleeson on the show to fill us in on all the details about the upcoming festivities taking place on March 24.

And finally this week Frances Keyland joins the show with a Reader Recommended.

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Sam chats with Angela Schiller, the first councillor in South Australia who is blind or has low vision. Angela was recently elected as councillor in Victor Harbour about an hour south of Adelaide and she speaks about what she's looking forward to, her role on the Disability Access and Inclusion Committee and much more.

Then later in the show you'll hear from award-winning podcaster Melaine Robinson who is joined by her support worker Zoe Duncan to speak with Sam about the highs and lows of Melaine's experiences at large events as a dog guide user, such as the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia conference in Cairns late last year. 

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Sam catches up with Max McDonnell, a musician, cricketer and speaker of 3 languages who was a recent participant in the LEAP program at Vision Australia. Max also joined Sam and the team at Vision Australia Radio for a week late last year and you'll hear from him first up on the show today.

Then later in the show, Tess Herbert is back with Leeanne from the library to give us some new book recommendations, tell us about some exciting events coming up from the library in February, and preview the Big Vision series of books featuring figures from the blind and low vision community achieving great things which will be launching in March.

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To kick off the new year it's a special episode of Talking Vision as Stella presents the rich and interesting history of the audible pedestrian button in Australia, featuring the Power House Museum's documentary Push to Walk: A People's History of the Pedestrian Button

You'll hear from John Jacobs, the producer of Push to Walk, as well as Vision Australia's own Bill Jolley, who had a major role to play in the implementation of the button, which has of course had a huge impact on accessibility and mobility for the blind and low vision community.

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We celebrate World Braille Day this week as Stella catches up with a Talking Vision favourite, Dorothy Hamilton, as she speaks about the role braille has played in her life as a musician and teacher.

Then later in the show Tess chats with Georgia Parsonson, a braille user and Vision Australia Career Start Graduate who came to braille after experiencing vision loss as a teenager.

And finally this week Stella is back with Timothy from the Vision Australia Library to fill us in on all the details around the catalogue of braille books that are available.

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We look back on the year in this week's show with a couple of interviews from earlier in 2022.

It's a sporting theme this week to tie in nicely with the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne as well as the recent Blind Cricket T20 World Cup, as you'll hear from Steffan Nero who Sam caught up with after he hit a triple century mid year in Brisbane.

You'll also hear once more from Jess Gallagher, as Sam caught up with the Commonwealth Games gold medalist in cycling after she returned from the Games this year in Tokyo.

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