Talking Vision

On this weekly radio program you can hear:

• Discussion of issues relating to blindness and low vision
• Stories of inspiration and achievement from people living with vision loss
• How one can access services from Vision Australia
• How one can become involved in assisting Vision Australia to 'make a difference' for people who are blind or have low vision

We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please email [email protected]

Keep in touch with the program through Twitter by following @talkingvision1

Use this RSS feed link so you can always receive the latest program. (Google Chrome users; open the link in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari.)  

---

Latest Program

Talking Vision 737 Week Beginning 27th of May 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 737

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Talking Vision 2023 Vision Australia AGM Special

Vision Australia held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday October 26. In this special Talking Vision you can hear highlights from the AGM and other proceedings including:

• Chair Andrew Moffat
• CEO Ron Hooton
• Client Reference Group Member Paul Hedley

You can listen to the special here

---

Broadcast frequencies and schedules

Vision Australia Radio

Station	Day(s) & time(s)
Adelaide 1197 AM & VAR Digital	Wednesdays 8:00pm (Repeat) &  Saturdays 7:30pm
Albury 101.7 FM	Wednesdays 3:30pm & Sundays 7:30pm
Bendigo 88.7 FM	Wednesdays 3:30pm & Sundays 7:30pm
Geelong 99.5 FM	Wednesdays 3:30pm & Sundays 7:30pm
Melbourne 1179 AM & VAR Digital	Wednesdays 3:30pm & Sundays 7:30pm
Mildura 107.5 FM	Wednesdays 3:30pm & Sundays 7:30pm
Perth 990 AM & Iris Digital	Wednesdays 8:00pm (Repeat) &  Saturdays 7:30pm
Shepparton 100.1 FM	Wednesdays 3:30pm & Sundays 7:30pm
Warragul 93.5 FM	Wednesdays 3:30pm & Sundays 7:30pm
Warrnambool 94.5 FM	Wednesdays 3:30pm & Sundays 7:30pm

Other RPH stations

Stations	Day(s) & Time(s)
1RPH Canberra 1125 AM	Thursdays 4:00pm (Repeat) & Saturdays 8:30pm
1RPH Wagga Wagga 89.5 FM	Thursdays 4:00pm (Repeat) & Saturdays 8:30pm
2RPH Sydney 1224 AM, 100.5 FM & Digital	Fridays 8:30pm
2RPH Newcastle 100.5 FM	Fridays 8:30pm
4RPH Brisbane 1296 AM & Digital	Mondays 2:30pm & Tuesdays 7:30pm
7RPH Hobart 864 AM	Thursdays 3:00pm
7RPH Launceston 106.9 FM	Thursdays 3:00pm

Other Community Radio stations

Station	Day & Time
Voice FM Ballarat Vic 99.9 FM	Fridays 3:00pm
Triple U FM Shoalhaven NSW 104.5 FM	Tuesdays 9:30am
Coral Coast Radio Bundaberg QLD 94.7 FM	Saturdays 4:00pm
My 105.9 FM Mackay QLD	Sundays 3:30pm
My 88.0 FM Proserpine QLD	Sundays 3:30pm

Pages you might like

Stephen Jolley's Favoured Live Streams (http://members.optusnet.com.au/stephenjolley/livestreams)

---

Older Programs

Talking Vision 736 Week Beginning 8th of July 2024

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. 

Listen to or download program 736

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 735 Week Beginning 1st of July 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 735

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 734 Week Beginning 24th of June 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 734

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 733 Week Beginning 17th of June 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 733

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 732 Week Beginning 10th of June 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 732

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 731 Week Beginning 3rd of June 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 731

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 730 Week Beginning 27th of May 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 730

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 729 Week Beginning 20th of May 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 729

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 728 Week Beginning 13th of May 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 728

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 727 Week Beginning 6th of May 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 727

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 726 Week Beginning 29th of April 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 726

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 725 Week Beginning 22nd of April 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 725

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 724 Week Beginning 15th of April 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 724

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 723 Week Beginning 8th of April 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 723

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 722 Week Beginning 1st of April 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 722

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 721 Week Beginning 25th of March 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 721

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 720 Week Beginning 18th of March 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 720

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 719 Week Beginning 11th of March 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 719

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 718 Week Beginning 4th of March 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 718

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 717 Week Beginning 26th of February 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 717

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 716 Week Beginning 19th of February 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 716

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 715 Week Beginning 12th of February 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 715

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 714 Week Beginning 5th of February 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 714

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 713 Week Beginning 29th of January 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 713

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 712 Week Beginning 22nd of January 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 712

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 711 Week Beginning 15th of January 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 711

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 710 Week Beginning 8th of January 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 710

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 709 Week Beginning 1st of January 2024

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.

Listen to or download program 709

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 708 Week Beginning 25th of December 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 708

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 707 Week Beginning 18th of December 2023

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. 

Listen to or download program 707

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 706 Week Beginning 11th of December 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 706

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 705 Week Beginning 4th of December 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 705

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 704 Week Beginning 27th of November 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 704

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 703 Week Beginning 20th of November 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 703

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 702 Week Beginning 13th of November 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 702

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 701 Week Beginning 6th of November 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 701

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 700 Week Beginning 30th of October 2023

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!

Listen to or download program 700

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 699 Week Beginning 23rd of October 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 699

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 698 Week Beginning 16th of October 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 698

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 697 Week Beginning 9th of October 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 697

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 696 Week Beginning 2nd of October 2023

Sam speaks with Nicole Lee, president of People with Disability Australia, following the publication of the final report in the disability royal commission tabled to the Australian government on September 28. 

Then after you hear from Nicole, Stella is back on the show with Rebecca Kent from the Vision Australia Library who is running a series of sessions to help parents practice self-care and live their best lives.

Listen to or download program 696

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 695 Week Beginning 25th of September 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 695

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 694 Week Beginning 18th of September 2023

We have a bit of a radio theme today as Sam speaks with three members of the RPH board who recently visited Kooyong for a series of meetings and workshops to discuss the future of community radio and how to best make radio accessible for people with a disability.

We also hear from another RPH board member, Ben Signor, but he's wearing a different hat here as a dad who is blind or has low vision, you'll hear from Ben as part two of our Father's Day conversations on Talking Vision.

Listen to or download program 694

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 693 Week Beginning 11th of September 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 693

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 692 Week Beginning 4th of September 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 692

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 691 Week Beginning 28th of August 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 691

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 690 Week Beginning 21st of August 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 690

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 689 Week Beginning 14th of August 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 689

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 688 Week Beginning 7th of August 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 688

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 687 Week Beginning 31st of July 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 687

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 686 Week Beginning 24th of July 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 686

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 685 Week Beginning 17th of July 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 685

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 684 Week Beginning 10th of July 2023

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. 

Listen to or download program 684

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 683 Week Beginning 3rd of July 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 683

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 682 Week Beginning 26th of June 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 682

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 681 Week Beginning 19th of June 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 681

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 680 Week Beginning 12th of June 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 680

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 679 Week Beginning 5th of June 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 679

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 678 Week Beginning 29th of May 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 678

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 677 Week Beginning 15th of May 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 677

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 676 Week Beginning 8th of May 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 676

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 675 Week Beginning 1st of May 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 675

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 674 Week Beginning 24th of April 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 674

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 673 Week Beginning 17th of April 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 673

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 672 Week Beginning 10th of April 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 672

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 671 Week Beginning 3rd of April 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 671

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 670 Week Beginning 27th of March 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 670

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 669 Week Beginning 20th of March 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 669

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 668 Week Beginning 13th of March 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 668

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 667 Week Beginning 6th of March 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 667

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 666 Week Beginning 27th of February 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 666

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 665 Week Beginning 20th of February 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 665

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 664 Week Beginning 13th of February 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 664

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 663 Week Beginning 6th of February 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 663

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 662 Week Beginning 30th of January 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 662

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 661 Week Beginning 23rd of January 2023

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. 

Listen to or download program 661

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 660 Week Beginning 16th of January 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 660

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 659 Week Beginning 9th of January 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 659

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 658 Week Beginning 2nd of January 2023

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.

Listen to or download program 658

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 657 Week Beginning 26th of December 2022

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.

Listen to or download program 657

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 656 Week Beginning 19th of December 2022

This week it's a Christmas special as we feature a couple of performers with their own contributions to the ever growing catalogue of Christmas favourites.

Stella catches up with Simon Gleeson, quickly becoming a familiar face at Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight. You'll hear from him and his rendition of "The Holy City".

Then later in the show Sam chats with Connor Wink, a blind multi-instrumentalist and recent top 48 finalist on The Voice Australia. Sam chats with him to look back on his year, and introduce his new Christmas song "Weather Man" which will wrap up the show.

Listen to or download program 656

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 655 Week Beginning 12th of December 2022

Sam catches up with NSW electoral commissioner John Schmidt and Blind Citizens Australia CEO Sally Aurisch to speak about the technology assisted voting review currently taking place in NSW, which is open for submissions until January 13.

You'll also hear from a few Vision Australia favourites as we wrap up for the year. Sam has the opportunity to chat this week with Helen the editor of For Your Information (FYI), Telelink coordinator Maria Markou and media aficionado Ainsleigh Sheridan to get a highlight package of the year and look forward to 2023. 

Listen to or download program 655

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 654 Week Beginning 5th of December 2022

Stella is back this week with a great show for everyone as she catches up with  Vision Australia Radio manager Conrad Browne to celebrate the upcoming 40 year anniversary of the RPH network.

You'll still hear from Sam though as he speaks with Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton about the upcoming Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve, and we hear from Sue Moore, a Perth-based white cane user.

And finally on the show this week, Frances Keyland joins us for a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 654

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 653 Week Beginning 28th of November 2022

It's a special episode this week as we celebrate International Day of People with Disability.

You'll hear a new voice on the show this week as Mark Jackman joins the show. Mark is a puppy trainer from Seeing Eye Dogs but he's also an avid golfer and he catches up with World Blind Golf CEO, Neil Herdegen, to speak about the ways World Blind Golf is innovating and making golf accessible for the blind and low vision community.

You'll also hear from Tess, she's back this week chatting with Rina Gocaj and Flo Elmazi from Sisterwould, an inclusive haircare brand featuring products which have been designed to be accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. 

And finally on the show this week, Helen catches up with Tony Wu from the Vision Store to speak about the some possible gift ideas from the shop as we approach the holiday break.

Listen to or download program 653

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 652 Week Beginning 21st of November 2022

Sam is joined by Loc Tang, a participant in the Speak My Language podcast series which documents the stories of people from culturally diverse backgrounds with disabilities in 24 different languages.

Tess is back as well with Leeanne from the Library to have a look back over the year just gone in the Vision Australia library, look forward to some exciting news events coming up in 2022 and give us some new book recommendations.

Listen to or download program 652

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 651 Week Beginning 14th of November 2022

Vision Australia manager of advocacy and government relations Chris Edwards joins Sam on the show this week, to speak about Vision Australia's priorities for an incoming Victorian government, particularly in the areas of travel, employment and pedestrian safety.

You'll also hear from Amazon Echo user Val Smyth, who was a participant in Vision Australia's 12 week Smart Speaker course, she chats to Sam about what this has meant for her independence, and the skills she's gained when using her smart devices around the home.

Listen to or download program 651

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 650 Week Beginning 7th of November 2022

This week on Talking Vision Peter Greco catches up with Sue Lang from the Victorian Electoral Commission, who tells us about all the ways in which voters who are blind or have low vision can cast their votes in the Victorian State election on November 26 in a way that is safe, verifiable and above all confidential.

We’ll also hear from Helen who catches up with Sam to chat about the latest issue of FYI, otherwise known as For Your Information, and Frances Keyland joins the program for a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 650

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 649 Week Beginning 31st of October 2022

It's Stella filling in for Sam this week as he is up in Cairns for the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia awards, but you will hear from Sam as he catches up with a recent Holman Prize Winner.

Her name is Abby Holmes, originally from Ethiopia she was one of the 3 recipients of the $25,000 prize to provide her community in her home town of Wolayta with vital braille and adaptive technology resources.

Before that though, Stella catches up with Member for Higgins Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, who recently visited Vision Australia to hold discussions on how the government can best support people who are blind or have low vision.

And finally this week, the Vision Australia Annual General Meeting recently took place and you'll hear from a very familiar voice who Stella had the pleasure to speak with her after she received a Vision Australia award for her lifelong contribution to the community.

Listen to or download program 649

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 648 Week Beginning 24th of October 2022

Conrad Browne catches up for a chat with Dr Geraldine Lane, a teaching fellow from Curtin University whose PhD explored the positive impact of dog guides on their users' wellbeing.

She discusses how her own guides have changed not only her life but the lives of those around her in her work.

Then later on in the show Stephen Jolley is joined by Brittnee Watson as part of the Let's Talk About Vision Loss series, featuring 8 people who share their personal stories of vision loss to help others facing similar experiences.

Listen to or download program 648

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 647 Week Beginning 17th of October 2022

Sam catches up with Ainsleigh from Vision Australia for a wrap up of the latest news and campaigns Vision Australia is involved with around the country, including Seeing Eye Dogs, Amazon and more.

Then later on this week Sam is joined by another Holman Prize winner, Zimbabwean DJ and radio presenter Tafadzwa Nyamuzihwa, who is excited to fulfill his dream of opening up studios in Zimbabwe and Uganda to train and employ members of the blind and low vision community.

Listen to or download program 647

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 646 Week Beginning 10th of October 2022

Join guest host Tess Herbert this week as she takes over for a special episode of Talking Vision to celebrate White Cane Day on October 15.

Sam interviews Diane Lucantoni, a white cane user from Ballarat who has taken up using her cane after losing her vision shortly before the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020.

Then later in the show Tess is back to speak with Graeme Innes and Maryanne Diamond, who have both been recently admitted to the board of the National Disability Insurance Agency.

And finally this week, Frances Keyland joins the program for a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 646

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 645 Week Beginning 3rd of October 2022

On this week's episode Dan Casey chats to father of two Darren Moyle in the last of our fortnightly vox pops with dads who are blind or have low vision.

Then later on in the show, Sam catches up with Adelaide programmer and Holman Prize winner Cassie Hames. Cassie is the developer of See Me, an app which helps people access their bus route safely and accessibly.

And finally this week, Helen joins the show to tell us all about the latest news in Vision Australia's newsletter For Your Information, or FYI for short.

Listen to or download program 645

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 644 Week Beginning 26th of September 2022

Sam catches up with Liz Wheeler, long time Parramatta resident and dog guide user, to speak about making roads and footpaths safe and accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. 

Sam is also joined by Leeanne from the library to tell us all about some exciting events the library is holding later in October, as well as the new additions to the Vision Australia Library catalogue.

Then finally keeping on the book theme this week, Frances Keyland is back with a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 644

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 643 Week Beginning 19th of September 2022

Sam speaks to Chris Harrop from Telstra, head of the 5G Touch and Track project. 5G Touch and Track is a tactile device with built in vibrations designed to improve the gameday experience for Australian Rules football fans who are blind or have low vision.

Dan Casey also returns to the show this week, with the second of our three-part vox pop series where he speaks with fellow dads about their experiences. This week you'll hear from father of two Cameron Roles.

Listen to or download program 643

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 642 Week Beginning 12th of September 2022

Sam catches up with Nicole Willing from Blind Citizens Australia to speak about the upcoming Entrepreneurial Mindset webinar series, to help business owners who are blind or low vision to get the most out of their business.

One of the presenters, Janelle Colquhoun, also joins Sam on the show to speak about her own experiences. Janelle is the director of Salubrious Productions, a Brisbane-based performing arts company which she has been running since 1999.

Then finally on the show this week, Helen catches up with 2016 Further Education Bursary recipient Sadam, to hear about how the bursary helped him at a crucial time in his life. 

Listen to or download program 642

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 641 Week Beginning 5th of September 2022

Join Dan Casey this week for the first of our 3 part Father’s Day Vox Pop series, where we chat with dads who are blind or have low vision. This week Dan speaks with Grant Wilson, father of two adult children who is legally blind.

Then later on in the program Helen Velissaris chats with Josh Wintersgill from Open Inclusion, a UK-based organisation which is running the Simply Open Awards. Registrations close soon on September 14 so make sure to get your nominations in today.

And last but not least Helen is back with Sam to talk all things For Your Information, or FYI for short.

Listen to or download program 641

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 640 Week Beginning 29th of August 2022

Stella catches up on the show this week with Deb Deshayes, general manager of projects and engagement from Blind Citizens Australia. Stella and Deb chat about the upcoming BCA Connect conference which is taking place on the 17th of September, and that kicks off the show this week.

After we hear from Stella and Deb, Stephen Jolley is on the program speaking with Ben Page who shares his experiences as part of Vision Australia's Let's Talk About Vision Loss series, which explores the lives of people who are blind or have low vision who have experienced vision loss later in life.

Then last but certainly not least, Frances Keyland joins the program with a Reader Recommended

Listen to or download program 640

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 639 Week Beginning 22nd of August 2022

We're very excited this week to welcome Commonwealth Games dual gold medalist and Vision Australia ambassador Jess Gallagher to the program.

Jess was the recent winner of two gold medals in the cycling program but she’s also competed in everything from athletics to skiing to rowing, and she catches up with Sam to celebrate following the conclusion of the Games.

Then after Sam chats with Jess, Helen joins the show to catch up with Alexandra from the Vision Store in Bendigo with some Father's Day gift ideas for dads out there who are blind or have low vision.

Listen to or download program 639

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 638 Week Beginning 15th of August 2022

Tess Herbert joins the show this week to have a chat with Leeanne from the Library about the upcoming In Conversation event in September between writers Sulari Gentill and Robert Gott, and Leeanne also gives us some new book recommendations 

Then later on in the program Sam speaks with Nicole Lee from People with Disabilities Australia to celebrate the organisation's 40th birthday, with both a look back over the highlights of the past 4 decades and also a look ahead to the future.

Listen to or download program 638

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 637 Week Beginning 8th of August 2022

Stella Glorie speaks with Cassandra Chiu and Andrew Chew, chair and board member of K9 Assistance based in Singapore, an organisation which launched in 2020 to provide assistance dogs for people with disabilities throughout Singapore.

Both Cassandra and Andrew are blind and Cassandra is one of the first Seeing Eye Dog users in Singapore, and they recently visited Vision Australia to gain knowledge and expertise from the Seeing Eye Dogs branch of Vision Australia to bring back to K9.

Then later in the program this week Bethany Cody catches up with Brittnee Watson. Both Bethany and Brittnee have tattoos and through their shared lived experience with low vision, they seek to bust the misconceptions and discrimination faced by people from the blind and low vision community who are interested in getting tattoos.

Listen to or download program 637

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 636 Week Beginning 1st of August 2022

Vision Australia manager of commercial services Michael Linke joins the show this week to chat about the new Vision Store website, which recently launched with a new range of products and videos.

Sam also speaks with Vision 2020 policy and advocacy manager Carly Iles about the organisation's advocacy plans regarding the new federal government, and then finally Sam catches up with Helen Velissaris to chat about the latest issue of For Your Information, otherwise known as FYI.

Listen to or download program 636

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 635 Week Beginning 25th of July 2022

This week on Talking Vision you’ll hear from Brenda, a disability advocate, volunteer and keen lawn bowler who lost her vision late in life. Brenda catches up with Matthew Layton as part of the Let’s talk about vision loss series, which explores the lives and achievements of people who have experienced vision loss.

Policy and advocacy team leader Jane Britt from Blind Citizens Australia also joins the show to speak about her work advocating for people who are blind or have low vision.

It was this advocacy work which saw Jane win a Vision Australia youth award in 2020. She joins Stella to talk about the awards, which are now open for nominations until the 12th of August.

Then finally on the show this week, Sam catches up for a super quick chat with retinitis pigmentosa advocate and Big Brother superfan Bethany Cody. We get her thoughts and share in the exciting news about winner of Big Brother Reggie Sorensen who, like Bethany, has lived experience with RP.

Listen to or download program 635

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 634 Week Beginning 18th of July 2022

Sam catches up with Graham Pearce, a Wikipedia administrator from Busselton in Western Australia. Graham has been working as an administrator for the past 17 years, and he speaks to me all about the highlights of this time as well as the connections and friendships he’s made in the Wikipedia community along the way.

Then later in the show we’re very excited to welcome Blind Australian of the Year finalist and PhD candidate Arkan Yousef to Talking Vision. Arkan joined Sam recently to speak about his life teaching in Iraq, moving to Australia after experiencing vision loss later in life, and his volunteer work in Western Sydney over the past 16 years.

Listen to or download program 634

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 633 Week Beginning 11th of July 2022

Sam is joined on the show this week by Darren Britten from ADCET – the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training, who have recently launched a pair of resources aimed at tertiary educators to improve the lives of students who are blind or have low vision.

Then later on this week, Stella Glorie catches up with blind cook, author and Holman Prize winner Penny Melville-Brown to talk about her new book A cook’s tour: Baking blind goes global, capturing the highs and lows of Penny’s life over the past five years while travelling the world, meeting with world class chefs, and overcoming near tragedy and arduous physical recovery to keep doing what she loves.

Listen to or download program 633

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 632 Week Beginning 4th of July 2022

This week on Talking Vision Stella Glorie chats to Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton for a quarterly update of the latest news and events happening around the organisation, such as the recent Career Sampler events and some upcoming news in the world of Seeing Eye Dogs.

Then later in the show Sam catches up with Leeanne from the Library about their event Treat Your Shelf taking place on July 29 in celebration of National Library and Information Week, and Helen Velissaris joins the show to give us a highlight package from the July issue of Vision Australia's newsletter For Your Information, or FYI for short.

Listen to or download program 632

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 631 Week Beginning 27th of June 2022

This week on Talking Vision Sam speaks with Telelink coordinator Maria Markou and volunteer coordinator Jordan Ashby about the upcoming Special Interest Telelink program running for the month of July, and expressions of interest for volunteer positions in the Telelink program.

Sam also catches up with Jana and Milos from Kikiriki Games, who recently launched their first title To The Dragon Cave, an audio-based mobile game designed first and foremost for users in the blind and low vision community.

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

Listen to or download program 631

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 630 Week Beginning 20th of June 2022

Sam speaks with Reeni Ekanayake from Vision Australia about It’s Time to See What’s Possible, a digital awareness campaign aiming to bust the myths and misconceptions around hiring employees who are blind or have low vision.

Then later in the show Stella chats with mum of two Sarah who has low vision. Sarah is the facilitator of parents’ groups for Vision Australia both online and through the Quality Living program, and she talks about the highs and lows of being a mum with low vision.

And finally we have a sneak peek of Sam's conversation with blind cricketer Steffan Nero who recently broke the batting record which had stood for 24 years, that full interview will be available shortly on the Talking Vision podcast just above this episode.

Listen to or download program 630

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 629 Week Beginning 13th of June 2022

A very special treat this week, in honour of Radiothon Stephen Jolley and Jamie Kelly pay tribute to the role radio plays in their lives.

Jamie discusses his passion for radio and treats us to sounds of his impressive audio catalogue.

Listen to or download program 629

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 628 Week Beginning 6th of June 2022

On this week's Talking Vision, Stella Glorie takes the reins to celebrate Vision Australia Radiothon. She chats to long time avid Vision Australia Radio listener, Sheila. Sheila talks about her involvement in the early days of the station, how it’s evolved over the years, her favourite programs and why the service remains as vital as ever for people who are blind like herself.

Also on the program, we hear from Vision Australia orthoptist Melissa who discusses the work orthoptists do especially when working with someone with low vision.

And Frances Keyland is on the program with a cosy murder Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 628

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 627 Week Beginning 30th of May 2022

Beth Cody catches up for an interview with Reggie Sorensen, who speaks about what it means to her to take part in the latest season of Big Brother Australia as someone who lives with retinitis pigmentosa. Beth is a huge fan of Big Brother as well as somebody who shares lived experience with RP, and you can hear a fair portion of their conversation coming up very shortly.

Then later on in the program Sam has the opportunity to speak with Matthew Layton and Sam Rickard from Studio 1 as we kick off Radiothon at Vision Australia Radio for the month of June, and Sam also catches up with Helen Velissaris to chat all about the latest issue of For Your Information, or FYI for short.

We also pay tribute to RPH and Blind Citizens Australia pioneer Neville Kerr, who recently passed away at the age of 82.

Listen to or download program 627

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 626 Week Beginning 23rd of May 2022

This week on Talking Vision Sam catches up with Mildura volunteer Andrea Gorham to celebrate National Volunteer Week which recently took place between the 16th and 22nd of May. Andrea chats all about the work she’s been doing as a driver and swish umpire for the best part of 7 years, and her favourite memories over the time.

Then later in the show Sam chats with blindness and low vision specialist teacher Marc Angelier and occupational therapist Marie Oddoux from the Lego Foundation, they join the program to speak all about the foundation’s Lego Braille Bricks which are now celebrating 12 months in Australia.

Listen to or download program 626

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 625 Week Beginning 16th of May 2022

Kicking off the show this week Sam is joined by Vision Australia Queensland youth services manager Courtney McKee to chat all about the annual Careers Sampler taking place on the 4th of June in locations all around Australia as well as online.

Then after Sam’s conversation with Courtney, Stella catches up for a chat with mother of three Ranmali this week as part of our celebrations for Mother’s Day, Ranmali has low vision and she chats with Stella about some of the challenges she’s faced as a mum but also the strategies and ways she’s adapted.

And finally this week keeping on the mother’s day theme Sam speaks with Leeanne from the Library about their upcoming event on the 8th of June called We’ve Got This: In Conversation with Leah and Ben van Poppel where they discuss life as parents who are blind or have low vision.

Listen to or download program 625

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 624 Week Beginning 9th of May 2022

It’s an election special episode of Talking Vision this week with interviews from Peter Greco as he catches up with Vision Australia manager of advocacy and government relations Chris Edwards, kicking off the show with a discussion around the progress that has been made in the field of accessible voting, and why it is so crucial to the rights of voters who are blind or have low vision.

On this topic Peter also speaks with Australian Electoral Commission director of media and digital engagement Evan Ekin-Smyth to discuss the accessible voting options that are available to voters at this upcoming federal election on May 21, and how voters can sign up to register for phone voting and receive electoral information in their preferred format.

Then finally this week, we play a series of 2 minute grabs from three politicians Peter had the chance to speak with over the last few weeks, where he discussed key issues facing the disabled community with Bill Shorten from the ALP, Jordon Steele-John from the Greens and finally Malcolm Roberts from One Nation.

Listen to or download program 624

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 623 Week Beginning 2nd of May 2022

Sam speaks with Victorian Disability Worker Commissioner Dan Stubbs about a new campaign the commission has launched to ensure the quality of support for people with disabilities. He gives an overview of the ways in which the commission is able to assist with complaints people may have, and the avenues people can pursue if they wish to raise a concern.

Then later in the program, Helen Velissaris joins the program with Sarah from the shop to chat about some gift ideas for Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday the 8th of May, and then finally this week Sam and Helen are back to provide the latest news from For Your Information or FYI for short.

Listen to or download program 623

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 622 Week Beginning 25th of April 2022

Sam speaks with AFL disability and inclusion manager Tim Nield about the AFL’s work with the disabled community both on and off the field, as well as the plans for competitions in the disability sphere including AFL Blind in 2022.

Then later on in the program this week we commemorate Anzac Day with a series of stories and poems presented by Dorothy Fletcher from Afternoon Live, with excerpts from her recent Anzac Day special.

Listen to or download program 622

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 621 Week Beginning 18th of April 2022

Sam catches up with Shannon Rees from the National Disability Insurance Agency to talk about the MyNDIS app for mobile, and some updates which NDIS clients can look forward to.

Then later on in the show Helen Velissaris speaks with Brisbane university student and Vision Australia bursary recipient Ambrose Bub, who shares his experience of vision loss and adapting to life at university.

Finally this week, Telelink coordinator Maria Markou joins Sam to share the latest news in the world of Telelink.

Listen to or download program 621

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 620 Week Beginning 11th of April 2022

We celebrate Audio Description Awareness Day coming up this Saturday the 16th of April, as Sam speaks with Vision Australia manager of audio description Michael Ward. Michael gives us an overview of what’s going on in the world of audio description, and provides hints and tips about how to set up audio description on your device, how to find info about audio description at the theatre and more.

Then later in the show Sam chats to audio describer and keen audio description advocate Polly Goodwin who joins the show to tell us all about Audio Description Awareness Day itself, and why raising awareness of audio description is so crucial to improving the service for the blind and low vision community.

Listen to or download program 620

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 619 Week Beginning 4th of April 2022

Vision Australia head of policy Bruce Maguire joins Sam to talk about the importance of ensuring voters who are blind or have low vision can enjoy the same rights and protections as their sighted peers, as well as the developments around the recently discontinued iVote system in NSW and what this means for the blind and low vision community.

Then later on in the show Sam catches up with Rhyce and Caren Ellis. They speak with Sam about their life together as a newlywed couple who are both blind or have low vision, from when they first went out together to the recent challenges and wins they faced when organising their wedding and honeymoon.

And finally before we wrap up this week Helen joins Sam to chat about April’s issue of For Your Information or FYI.

Listen to or download program 619

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 618 Week Beginning 28th of March 2022

Sam speaks to Shannon Jones and Ingrid McKenna, two players from the premiership winning St Kilda blind football club, to celebrate the start of the AFL men’s footy season. They join the show to promote not only blind football but also blind sports and recreation more broadly.

Paul Hedley also joins Sam on the show this week to talk about his time as one of the participants in Let’s Talk About Vision Loss, featuring eight people who share their very personal stories of blindness or low vision to help others facing similar experiences.

Listen to or download program 618

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 617 Week Beginning 21st of March 2022

Coming up on the show this week Sam speaks with Callum Padgett, host of a new children’s program on Vision Australia Radio called Happy Pants, taking place every Saturday at 10am starting April 2. Happy Pants is aimed at kids who are blind or have low vision or a print disability to learn and play in a way that’s fun, engaging and, most importantly, accessible.

Later on in the show Conrad Browne catches up with head of ophthalmology at Flinders University Professor Jamie Craig who shares some take home messages for people to look after their eye health and prevent glaucoma in particular. You’ll also hear from Jamie about some exciting new developments in testing to detect the early signs of glaucoma before it’s able to cause severe damage.

Jamie's research team at the Australian and New Zealand Registry of Advanced Glaucoma (ANZRAG) would be happy to hear from anyone who would like to provide a blood or saliva sample for our genetic research.

They are especially interested in those glaucoma cases with severe vision loss, and young age of diagnosis. To find out more you can visit their website at www.anzrag.com, or send them an email on [email protected]

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

Listen to or download program 617

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 616 Week Beginning 7th of March 2022

On this week’s special International Women’s Day episode of Talking Vision, Ria Andriani has a chat with blind climate activist, journalist and disability advocate Aine Kelly-Costello about ways in which climate action can be made more accessible for people with disability, what people can do to bring change and encouraging people who are blind or have low vision to demand more from governments and organisations regarding not only the environment but also accessibility and the rights of people with disabilities. If you'd like to hear more from Aine, you can read her thesis here.

Then later in the show Tess Herbert catches up with Grace Fowler, creator of craft beer Nas XPA in collaboration with ABC disability affairs reporter Nas Campanella for International Women’s Day. Tess Herbert recently caught up with Grace to talk about the ways in which Akasha and Reckless have made the packaging accessible for customers who are blind or have low vision, including a QR code with an audio description of the can read by Nas herself.

Listen to or download program 616

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 615 Week Beginning 28th of February 2022

Helen chats with Queensland-based student and Vision Australia bursary recipient Layla who is entering her 2nd year of uni studying a bachelor of business online through Deakin University in Melbourne.

Then later on in the program Stella catches up with Hobart-based seeing eye dog owner Jen. Jen is taking part in this year’s Bay of Fires walk with her Seeing Eye Dog Nelly in November, which is now open for registrations to raise vital funds for Seeing Eye Dogs.

And finally this week Helen joins Sam on the show to chat about this month’s issue of For Your Information or FYI for short.

Listen to or download program 615

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 614 Week Beginning 21st of February 2022

On the show this week Sam has a quick chat with chief operating officer of the attorney-general’s department Cameron Gifford about the new digital statutory declaration form made accessible for users who are blind or have low vision, which is available on their website to download.

Then later on in the show you'll hear from deputy chair of Vision Australia and member of the federal government’s aged care council of elders, Bill Jolley, about the highlights from the first meeting, what he’s looking forward to in his time with the council and more.

Listen to or download program 614

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 613 Week Beginning 14th of February 2022

Vision Australia Radio presenter and audio describer John Westland joins Sam on this week’s program to celebrate World Radio Day which recently took place on Sunday the 13th of February, inaugurated by UNESCO in 2011 to commemorate the importance of radio as the medium reaching the widest audience in the world.

Then later on in the show Tess Herbert catches up with Sarah Bloedorn from the library to chat all about Library Lovers Day, find out about some upcoming events at the Vision Australia library and share some Valentine’s Day book recommendations. 

And finally this week we wrap up with a little bit of news and information.

Listen to or download program 613

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 612 Week Beginning 7th of February 2022

This week on Talking Vision, Sam catches up with Jenine from Aira to find out more about how they can help during the pandemic.

Then Helen Velissaris catches up with engineer and board game creator Aaron Titilius to chat about Torkings, an accessible board game for players who are blind or have low vision quite similar to Connect 4.

And finally this week Sam has a quick chat with Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton about the organisation’s plans to improve the lives of older Australians who are blind or have low vision in 2022.

Listen to or download program 612

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 611 Week Beginning 31st of January 2022

This week on Talking Vision Sam speaks with executive director of customer operations at Transport for NSW, Lewis Clark, about the new Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme smartcards and a pair of upcoming information sessions Transport for NSW will be running with Vision Australia.

Then later on in the show, Stella is on the program chatting with Maud Rowell, one of three winners of the 2021 Holman Prize, and Lee Kumutat from Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired about the prize and how you can enter.

Then finally we wrap up the show this week with some news and information.

Listen to or download program 611

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 610 Week Beginning 24th of January 2022

This week on Talking Vision Sam speaks with Vision Australia Career Start coordinator Melissa Rattle about the Career Start program for 2022, which is very shortly opening for applications on the 1st of February.

Then later in the show Sam catches up with director and past president of Blind Citizens Australia John Simpson to look back over his time with BCA and what he’s excited about for 2022.

And finally to wrap up this week Helen Velissaris has a chat with Sarah from the shop about some handy new gadgets for students heading back to school or uni in the next few weeks.

Listen to or download program 610

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 609 Week Beginning 17th of January 2022

Tess Herbert catches up this week with organiser and coordinator Tina Brunet and past model Peggy Soo to talk about This Is Me, an annual fashion event which features women from diverse backgrounds.

The event seeks to empower women to overcome the various obstacles or challenges in their lives which have impacted on their self-esteem and self-worth, including women who are blind or have low vision or women with disability more broadly.

As mentioned Peggy is a past participant of This Is Me, who has low vision. Peggy took part in the 2020 event as a model, and she shared her experiences with Tess. That conversation with Tina and Peggy kicks off the show this week, and then we finish up with some news and information.

Listen to or download program 609

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 608 Week Beginning 10th of January 2022

Blind Citizens Australia is undergoing a couple of leadership changes with new faces stepping up in the roles of president and CEO, and Sam recently had the opportunity to welcome incoming CEO Sally Aurisch to the program to talk about her new role.

Then later in the show, Sam chats with Vision Australia Radio manager Conrad Browne and broadcast technician Dale Simpson, winners of the awards for station leadership and excellence in technical services at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia awards last month.

Listen to or download program 608

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 607 Week Beginning 3rd of January 2022

Welcome to this special World Braille Day episode of Talking Vision, to start off this week you'll hear a small excerpt from a piece of music called “Follow Me”, a favourite of listeners from past years which comes to us from the annual braille music camp, taking place in Mittagong in New South Wales for both young students and seasoned veterans of braille music alike across Australia.

We have an all-braille program lined up today in celebration of World Braille Day, which marks the anniversary of the birth of the inventor of braille, Louis Braille, every 4th of January.

You may remember back in 2020 Stella Glorie caught up with Jordie Howell and Micala Schmidt to talk all things braille music, that interview is coming up later in the show, but first Sam catches up with avid braille reader Tess Herbert, who talks about the highlights and challenges of reading as someone who is totally blind, and to finish up today we feature another popular favourite song from the annual Braille Music Camp, "How Lovely are the Messengers".

Listen to or download program 607

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 606 Week Beginning 27th of December 2021

This week on the show Melaine Robinson talks about the feeling as a journalist and documentary maker when you capture a perfect moment, and the unforgettable experiences she shared with her support worker Zoe.

Melaine is the winner of the CBAA award for Best Feature or Documentary for Rideability, which highlights the important role horses play in animal-assisted therapies, and the power of the bonds between animals and humans.

Melaine’s documentary is up next, and then later in the show Sam catches up with her to chat about Rideability, to help get to know a bit more about the person behind the mic.

Listen to or download program 606

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 605 Week Beginning 20th of December 2021

Carols favourite David Hobson joins the show this week to talk about what he finds most special about the experience of being involved with Carols by Candlelight every Christmas Eve.

David was recently the recipient of a Vision Australia award for his services to the Carols over the years, and he caught up with Helen Velissaris to chat about this as well as all things Carols in the lead up to this year’s event, that interview’s coming up later in the show.

After Helen’s interview with David, you’ll hear one of David’s most iconic Carols numbers, The Holy City.

But first, Sam catches up for a quick chat with Vision Australia library manager Sarah Bloedorn to share some important news about the Vision Australia braille library.

Listen to or download program 605

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 604 Week Beginning 13th of December 2021

Sam talks to Gleb Zevkov about the future of accessibility apps and his ideas for increased accessibility on apps and devices in coming years.

Gleb is an app developer and co-founder with Katja Danilova of Voxmate, an audio-based accessibility app for Android phone aimed at users who are blind or have very low vision that are interested in an alternative to screen readers or audio described graphics.

This interview takes up a large portion of the show this week, but stay tuned for some news and information.

Listen to or download program 604

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision 603 Week Beginning 6th of December 2021

Sam chats with producer and presenter of New Horizons for BCA Vaughn Bennison there talking about why he loves radio as a medium of communication to listeners who are blind or have low vision. Vaughn was the recent recipient of a Blind Citizens Australia certificate of appreciation for his work with the organisation, and you’ll hear from him to kick off the show.

Then later on Sam catches up with Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton to chat about this year’s Carols By Candlelight coming up in just over 2 weeks’ time, and you’ll also hear from guitarist and songwriter Jason Resch from the band Darlinghurst, making their debut at the Carols in 2021.

Listen to or download program 603

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 602 for 29th November, 2021

It’s an action packed episode of Talking Vision this week as we celebrate International Day of People with Disability, coming up this Friday, December 3.

Queensland psychologist Courtney McKee joins Sam to talk about why International Day of People with Disability and days like it are so important for the community, and chat about her recent article for the ABC about her work as a psychologist with a disability.

Then later in the show Sam catches up with manager of advocacy and government relations Chris Edwards to chat with him about his thoughts on the day which he recently shared on the IDPwD website, and then finally Stella chats to journalist, musician and transcriber Ria Andriani about her new video series exploring the experiences of musicians with disability.

Listen to or download program 602

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 601 for 22nd November, 2021

Sam catches up with policy advisor from Victoria Walks, Duane Burtt, to talk about their Victorian Walking Survey which will be running until December 15. They’re also looking to hear in particular about how people navigate on foot with mobility aids so if you’d like to have your say, make sure to listen out to find out more.

Then later on in the show you’ll hear from Vision Australia general manager of client services Karen Knight, she catches up with a close friend and long time colleague of hers, Maryanne Diamond AO, to congratulate her on her recent Vision Australia award for her services to the blind and low vision community.

Listen to or download program 601

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 600 for 15th November, 2021

It’s a special milestone edition of Talking Vision this week as we celebrate our 600th show!

To celebrate with us on the program Sam begins by catching up with Vision Australia Radio manager Conrad Browne who shares what he enjoys most about the show, and what he’s most excited about for Talking Vision and other programs on Vision Australia Radio in the future.

Then later on in the program you’ll hear from two figures from Talking Vision royalty as Stephen Jolley and Stella Glorie join Sam to take a look back over the last 11 years of Talking Vision, share their fondest memories and talk about why the show has been and continues to be so important for members of the blind and low vision community.

Listen to or download program 600

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 599 for 8th November, 2021

Client Reference Group member Dino Farronato talks about his work in the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse portfolio, and how it has intersected with his lived experience with retinitis pigmentosa. Dino was a guest speaker at the 2021 Vision Australia Annual General Meeting, and you’ll hear more from him to start off this week’s episode.

Then later in the show, Peter Greco catches up with Dr Andrew Rochford from Digital Health to talk about how people who are blind or have low vision can access their vaccination certificate, and take part in a survey to have their say about their experience with digital health platforms.

Finally this week Helen Velissaris catches up with a new voice from the Vision Australia Store, it’s Sarah from the shop talking about gift ideas as Christmas approaches.

Listen to or download program 599

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 598 for 1st November, 2021

It’s an episode of award winners this week on Talking Vision as Peter Greco chats with David Blyth Award winner Claire Tellefson, they caught up on Vision Extra recently to talk more about her work bringing digital literacy to people in the deafblind community, and working to make telecommunications more accessible.

Then later in the show you’ll hear from Tess Herbert, she catches up with blind music pioneer and long-serving Vision Australia staff member and volunteer Dorothy Hamilton to talk about music, life and being honoured with a lifetime achievement award by Vision Australia at the 2021 Annual General Meeting.

Listen to or download program 598

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 597 for 25th October, 2021

President and CEO of Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria, Maurice Gleeson OAM, joins Sam on the program this week to talk about the fondest memories of his time in the role over the past 30 years.

Maurice was recently honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the 2021 Victorian Disability Awards, and it was a pleasure to be able to catch up with him to celebrate all he has done within the blind and low vision community.

Then after the interview with Maurice, we wrap up the show this week with some news and information.

Listen to or download program 597

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 596 for 18th October, 2021

Sam catches up with Mimi Taye from the Vision Australia library to talk about an upcoming event on November 14 called “Read My Way”, an exploration of accessible formats which will be taking place online featuring a tour of the Vision Australia Radio studios, panel discussion by library staff and more.

Author Cameron Algie also joins the show to talk about his new book, “I Can See Clearly Now: Understanding and Managing Vision Loss”. Cameron was born with retinitis pigmentosa and it’s this lived experience which not only has seen him run quality living groups for people with vision loss for 14 years, but also motivated him to share his experiences and observations in his new book.

Listen to or download program 596

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 595 for 11th October, 2021

Parents’ group member Melissa Fanshawe joins Talking Vision this week to talk about Vision Australia’s Client Reference Group, which is seeking expressions of interest from new members to take part and have their say.

Sam also catches up with disability discrimination commissioner Dr Ben Gauntlett from the Australian Human Rights Commission to talk about their IncludeAbility initiative, which seeks to provide resources for job seekers with disability, as well as raising awareness of their needs and building dialogue with prospective employers.

Then finally we wrap up the show with some news and information.

Listen to or download program 595

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 594 for 4th October, 2021

It’s a special White Cane Day edition of Talking Vision as Sam catches up with vice president of Blind Citizens Australia Fiona Woods to talk about the upcoming David Blyth Award which will be held on the evening of White Cane Day on October 15.

Vision Australia client Ed Tap also joins the show with his orientation and mobility instructor Carolina Canavezzi to talk about the journey they’ve been on together to improve Ed’s independence after he experienced further vision loss.

Then to wrap up the show, Stella Glorie pops in for a quick chat about Vision Australia’s monthly newsletter For Your Information or FYI.

Listen to or download program 594

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 593 for 27th September, 2021

Sam catches up with Rita Peker from Uber to talk about an accessible COVID vaccine transport voucher program Uber is involved with that looks to subsidise riders with mobility needs to get to and from their local vaccination hubs.

Also later on in the show, founder of Platinum Creative and legally blind musician Duncan Steward joins Sam to chat about White Stick Fest, a 2 hour online concert which showcases performing artists from Australia and around the world who are blind or have low vision.

Then finally we wrap up the show this week with some news and information.

Listen to or download program 593

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 592 for 20th September, 2021

Stella catches up with Lexie from Crime Stoppers, who is involved with a new show on Vision Australia Radio called SafetyVision, a 15-minute weekly program which aims to keep the blind and low vision community safe.

You’ll also hear from LEAP graduate mentor Caitlin, she chats with Stella about the experiences and skills she gained from taking part in the 2020 LEAP program, and why she was so keen to become a mentor in 2021.

Then finally this week, we have a new voice debuting on the show as Helen Velissaris joins Talking Vision to chat with Julie from the shop about the latest spring offerings from the Vision Store.

Listen to or download program 592

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 591 for 13th September, 2021

Sam has a chat with Vision Australia online training specialist and father of five Jamie Kelly, along with manager of government relations and father of three Chris Edwards, as part of this year’s Father’s Day panel.

They talk about the importance of support networks and independence for dads who are blind or have low vision, and share not only the more challenging aspects of being a dad but also their fondest memories.

Listen to or download program 591

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 590 for 6th September, 2021

Sam catches up with Vision Australia’s Belinda Wilson about an upcoming podcast on Vision Australia Radio she’s hosting called The Career Path. Belinda recently launched a survey to gain perspectives from the blind and low vision community on employment, and what topics would be useful to hear about.

Then later in the show, Stephen Jolley sits down with paratriathlete Katie Kelly in the second of our Paralympics interviews. Katie has low vision as a result of a degenerative condition, and she speaks about her experiences after taking part in the triathlon at her second Paralympics in Tokyo.

Listen to or download program 590

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 589 for 30th August, 2021

It’s a special Paralympics-themed episode of Talking Vision this week as Stephen Jolley chats with Scott Nicholas from Paralympics Australia about the Australian paralympic team, the latest achievements from our athletes who are blind or have low vision, and the work Paralympics Australia does more broadly.

Then to wrap up the show Sam chats with Stella Glorie about the latest news from the upcoming issue of Vision Australia’s monthly newsletter For Your Information or FYI for short.

Listen to or download program 589

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 588 for 23rd August, 2021

Wayne Hawkins from the Accessible Telecoms project is on the program this week, talking about how he and his team sought to create a resource for users with disabilities that is independent, informative and, most importantly, accessible.

Wayne is blind himself, and among other things he talks about his lived experience as a phone and tablet user who is blind, and the ways in which a resource like Accessible Telecoms can help users who are not only blind or have low vision, but also those with disability in general.

Listen to or download program 588

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 587 for 16th August, 2021

Blind jazz musician Nelson Rufatt and braille music transcriber Jordie Howell join Tess Herbert this week to chat about the various aspects of braille music, as well sharing their experiences as long-standing participants in the annual braille music camp, both as students and now mentors.

Although due to COVID this year’s camp couldn’t go ahead, Nelson and Jordie also discuss the plans for some virtual events to take place over the next couple of months, and provide some words of wisdom for young musicians who are blind or have low vision.

Listen to or download program 587

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 586 for 9th August, 2021

Vision Australia library manager Sarah Bloedorn joins Stella on the program this week to talk about just a small portion of the 2,000 new additions to the Vision Australia Library catalogue, as well as some exciting virtual library events coming up over the next few weeks, you'll hear from Sarah later in the program.

But first, Stella pops up again to chat with Julie Scott from the Vision Australia Store about some gift ideas for Father’s Day which is coming up just around the corner, then finally on the show we wrap up with a bit of news and information, and Frances Keyland joins the show with a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 586

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 585 for 2nd August, 2021

Susan Clift from the team at Census 2021 joins the program to provide some important information about the upcoming Census, and talks about the accessible formats available for Australians who are blind or have low vision to complete their Census form on August 10. Peter Greco recently caught up with her to chat about the census, and that interview’s coming up later in the show.

But first, you'll hear from radio student Sam Valavanis who recently received a Vision Australia further education bursary, he joins the show alongside bursary coordinator Joy King to chat about the bursaries which have recently opened up for prospective students in 2022.

Then later on we wrap up the show with some news and information.

Listen to or download program 585

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 584 for 26th July, 2021

Vision Australia deputy chair Bill Jolley was recently the recipient of a World Blind Union life membership for his services to the blindness and low vision community, he caught up with Vision Extra’s Peter Greco for a chat earlier this month and that interview’s coming up later in the show.

But first, Sam has a quick chat with education services coordinator Claire Nolan about LEAP, a careers and life skills program for students who are blind or have low vision which is opening up for applications very shortly. If you'd like to know more, you can visit the LEAP web page.

Then finally Stella Glorie joins the show to chat about the upcoming issue of Vision Australia’s monthly newsletter For Your Information, or FYI for short.

Listen to or download program 584

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 583 for 19th July, 2021

All abilities bodybuilder and weightlifter Jason Whiter talks about the accessibility challenges he’s experienced as a gym user after losing his vision, and some strategies he’s found useful to overcome them.

He joins Sam on a panel discussion this week with blind soccer referee and personal trainer Sebastian Petrovic to talk about accessible ways to keep fit and healthy this winter, and promote some fun upcoming blind sports and recreation events.

Then later in the show we wrap up with some news and information, and Frances Keyland joins the show with a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 583

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 582 for 12th July, 2021

Former member of Parliament Christopher Pyne joins the show this week to talk about his life in politics, his proudest achievements and the family connection to ophthalmology and eye health that has him eager to take on his recent new role as chair of Vision 2020 Australia.

Stephen Jolley recently caught up with Christopher following the commencement of his new role as well as Vision 2020’s recent 21st anniversary, and their conversation continues for the duration of the show this week.

Listen to or download program 582

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 581 for 5th July, 2021

This week on the program Stella speaks with Phillip, a retired mathematician and computer scientist who talks about how his work in the way robots process visual information led him to ask the same question of humans, and how his own experiences with vision loss influenced his research.

But first, Sam briefly catches up with Seeing Eye Dogs puppy trainer Paige Coleman to talk about the upcoming Puppy Games on July 22, and Frances joins the program with a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 581

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 580 for 28th June, 2021

Francois talks about what he’s discovered through Vision Australia Radio, and why he’s enjoyed listening to the various programs on Vision Australia Radio over the years. Stella sat down with him a little while back to share his story as part of this month’s Radiothon, and that interview is coming up later in the program.

But first we hear from Caleb, an information technology student from Federation University in Ballarat. Caleb was this year’s recipient of the Fairhall Memorial Award, which awards $500 to one student around Australia who is blind or has low vision, he talks about how this has helped him hit the ground running in his degree and what path of IT he hopes to follow in the future.

Then to wrap up the show Sam catches up with Stella to chat about the latest news from For Your Information, and Frances joins the program with a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 580

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 579 for 21st June, 2021

We hear from Harriet Moffat, host of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show on Vision Australia Radio, talking about dispelling some misconceptions members of the public have had about the life of a Seeing Eye Dog. Sam recently had a chat with her to highlight her show as part of this month’s Radiothon, and you can hear that interview later in the program.

Coming up first though, Sam catches up with Telelink coordinator Maria Markou to chat about the Special Interest groups that are coming up as part of the Telelink program in July, and then we wrap up the show with a bit of news and information.

Listen to or download program 579

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 578 for 14th June, 2021

We hear from blind triathlete and motivational speaker Nathan Johnston about what he enjoys most about competing in triathlons, and the experiences that have stuck with him while taking part as a triathlete.

Before that though, Sam has a quick chat with Jason from Vision Australia Radio about this month’s Radiothon, and then we wrap up the show this week with a bit of news and information.

Listen to or download program 578

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 577 for 7th June, 2021

Diana Fisk is on the show this week talking about her latest film True Vision, which explores how people deal with unexpected obstacles in their lives, and the perceptions that go with diagnosis and disability.

Then later in the show as part of this month’s theme of Radiothon, Stella catches up with long time Vision Australia Radio Adelaide presenter Peter Greco to talk about life behind the mic, his fondest memories and where it all started for him.

Listen to or download program 577

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 576 for 31st May, 2021

On this week’s episode Sam catches up with Blind Speed managing director Ben Felten who talks about the rush of excitement he still feels to this day every time he jumps on the motorbike, as well as the extra challenges he faces as a rider who is blind. Ben lost his vision in his late 20s as a result of retinitis pigmentosa, but since then he has established a new world motorcycle land speed record in March 2018, and has aspirations for new records to come.

Listen to or download program 576

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 575 for 24th May, 2021

We catch up with Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton and diversity officer Ranmali McCormack to talk about Vision Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan, along with the initiatives the organisation has planned over the coming weeks and months both within Vision Australia and the community.

Later in the show Jamie Usher talks about life after losing his vision, his journey going back to study as a psychologist, and subsequently the motivation behind his podcast, the Mind Tradie, which focuses on mindfulness and positive mental health.

Listen to or download program 575

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Talking Vision Edition 574 for 17th May, 2021

Audio journalism group facilitator Max Rowley is on the show this week to talk about the workshops he’s been running over the past year for people who are blind or have low vision, but also to share his love for radio and podcasts and encourage people to get involved. 

We also have a piece from one of his participants, Melaine Robinson, who documented her experience late last year of living through the 8 month lockdown in Melbourne, and the sense of community that grew out of the challenges of the pandemic.

Listen to or download program 574

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 573 for 10th May, 2021

We hear from Sarah Hartley, an advocacy advisor at Vision Australia who’s recently joined the Queensland Accessible Transport Advisory Council to share her lived experiences as a transport user with low vision.

Tess Herbert and Polly Goodwin also join the show to talk about Nothing’s Off Limits, a new podcast series they’ll be hosting over the next 2 months on Vision Australia Radio, Frances joins the program for a reader recommended, and we wrap up the show with some news and information.

Listen to or download program 573

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 572 for 3rd May, 2021

It’s a special Mother’s Day edition of Talking Vision this week, as Sam sits down for a chat with Wanda Egerton and Anna Dal for this year’s Mother’s Day panel. They talked about their experiences as mums who are blind or have low vision, what challenges they faced and how they educated those around them to understand more about being a parent with a vision condition.

Listen to or download program 572

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 571 for 26th April, 2021

It's International Guide Dog Day this week on April 28, and to celebrate we have a couple of young dog guide owners on the show.

First up on this week's episode Sam catches up with Ollie Fanshawe, who recently joined with his mum Melissa and Seeing Eye Dogs trainer Brooke Anderson to talk about the difference his Seeing Eye Dog Sadie has made to his independence.

Then Stella has a chat with high school student Tegan about the benefits of having a guide dog that she had observed in her time around them from a young age, which prompted her to get her own guide dog Louis when she turned 16.

Listen to or download program 571

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 570 for 19th April, 2021

We talk to Dr Theresa Ruig from Vision Australia this week about an upcoming series of Career Samplers taking place around Australia on the 8th of May, which connects children and young people with mentors to chat about education, employment and life.

Courtney McKee also catches up with Niky Hepi, who talks about the benefits of pottery as a way of keeping mentally active and practicing mindfulness, as well as how she makes her classes accessible for participants who are blind or have low vision.

Later in the show Frances Keyland joins us for a Reader Recommended, and we wrap up with some news and information.

Listen to or download program 570

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 569 for 12th April, 2021

We chat with Vision Australia Radio manager Conrad Browne this week to talk about the exciting changes happening at Vision Australia Radio.

Later in the show Sam catches up with Dino Farronato, who talks about his role in the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse portfolio of the Vision Australia Client Reference Group, and to wrap up the show we finish with some news and information.

Listen to or download program 569

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 568 for 5th April, 2021

It’s a very special episode of Talking Vision today as Sam chats with Junior Finau who, with his wife Rosa, recently founded a choir in Brisbane called Ikuna Voices for singers who are blind or have low vision to get together, share their talents and passion for music, and form long lasting friendships and connections.

Be sure to listen in as Junior tells of the challenges and setbacks he and Rosa have overcome together, and their push to raise awareness of blindness and low vision in the community.

Listen to or download program 568

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 567 for 29th March, 2021

This week on Talking Vision, Heather Mack from the Centre for Eye Research chats to Stella about the advances that are being made in gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases, and why their latest survey is so important in understanding what patients know so they can get the word out to the patients who need it.

Sam also catches up for a chat with writer and facilitator Anna Dal about a series of upcoming creative writing workshops she’ll be running for writers who are blind or have low vision kicking off in early April for 6 to 8 weeks, then later in the program Frances joins us for a reader recommended, and we wrap up with a bit of news and information.

Listen to or download program 567

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 566 for 22nd March, 2021

This week on Talking Vision, Marion Rivers talks about her time as an orthoptist working in Australia and around the world for the best part of 5 decades. She recently received an Australia Day honours award for her services to the field of orthoptics, and she has a chat with Vision Australia orthoptist Nabill Jacob.

Later in the program Stella also catches up with Rowena, a life long horse lover who is saddling up to ride her horse Ice 5000km from Queensland all the way down to Victoria in 2022 in the name of charity, raising vital funds and giving back to the organisations that helped her when she became totally blind later in life.

Listen to or download program 566

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 565 for 15th March, 2021

It’s a week of Lego and literature on Talking Vision this week as Tony Wu chats with host of Behind the Scenes Chris Thompson about why Vision Australia is so excited to announce the launch of braille Lego bricks in schools around Australia.

You’ll also hear from author Colleen Ashby whose memoir I Can See Clearly Now is coming out on the 20th of March, we caught up with her about writing the book as well as her experiences and approach to life with vision loss, then to wrap up the show Frances Keyland joins the program with a special reader recommended in the lead up to the Vision Australia library’s From Paddock to Page event on the 30th of March.

Listen to or download program 565

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 564 for 8th March, 2021

This week it's a program dedicated to International Women's Day. We hear from psychologist Courtney McKee who investigates the complexities of shopping when you’re blind or have low vision. And we shine a spotlight on the trail-blazing librarians whose hard work and innovation still impacts braille production today.

Listen to or download program 564

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 563 for 1st March, 2021

On this week’s episode of Talking Vision, we talk about Vision Australia's priorities for the upcoming state election in Western Australia for people who are blind or have low vision.

We’ll also be chatting with an audio describer about some exciting events they'll be involved with at the Melbourne Fashion Festival later this month, and you can find the link to the events here.

And Stella chats with author and cook Maribel Steel about a great opportunity this month for avid cooks out there to follow along at a blind baking event taking place soon.

Listen to or download program 563

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 562 for 25th February, 2021

February is Retinitis Pigmentosa Awareness Month and we hear from a young woman who’s going to share her story of being diagnosed and living with the condition, plus a Vision Australia orthoptist chatting about some of the specific ways an orthoptist can support and assist people with RP.

Plus, news from the Centre for Eye Research Australia about about a survey on genetic therapies for inherited retinal diseases. 

Listen to or download program 562

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 561 for 18th February, 2021

We chat with the Victorian Law Reform Commission about its review on reforming the law to make it easier for people who are  deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision to serve on juries. The commission wants to hear from people about their experiences.

Also on the program, information about the Seeing Eye Dog masterclass series for all dog handlers and Frances is on with a Reader Recommended from the Library.

You can find out more about the Victorian Law Reform Commission and access the survey here 

You can find out about the Seeing Eye Dog masterclass plus register here

Listen to or download program 561

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Talking Vision Edition 560 for 11th February, 2021

Victoria’s blind and low vision community are celebrating increased access to public transport after an expansion to the state’s Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP).

We speak with the Uber’s General Manager for Mobility, Dom Taylor plus Government Relations lead here at Vision Australia, Chris Edwards about this exciting development.

Also on the program, if you’ve been involved in NDIS feedback Vision Australia’s NDIS team wants to hear from you, and Frances Keyland is on the program with a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 560

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 559 for 4th February, 2021

Offering $25,000 in prize money, the Holman Prize is open to anyone the world over who is blind or legally blind. We chat with LightHouse CEO Bryan Bashin about how to enter and what makes a Holman Prize winner.

We also feature the first of a series of interviews from psychologist Courtney McKee, who catches up with a young musician to talk about the way transformed his life after he lost his vision.

And we hear from a young writer about her piece in a new anthology Growing Up Disabled in Australia as well as other topics like siblings, the role of humour and navigating life with a disability.

Listen to or download program 559

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 558 for 28th January, 2021

We speak with Michelle Bowler from the Australia wide free legal service Your Story which was established to give advice to people who are interested in sharing their story in the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

And we chat with Donna Fahie from Vision Australia's Perth office about a regular social group event and other news about the Perth office.

Plus news and information including news from Talking Vision host Stella Glorie

Listen to or download program 558

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 557 for 21st January, 2021

On this week’s episode of Talking Vision, Tess Herbert sits down for a chat with Holman Prize winner and two-time Paralympian Tyler Merren.

Tyler is the creator of the Revision Audio Fitness App, which enables users who are blind or have low vision to access a wide range of exercise and fitness programs in an accessible format on their phone, tablet or computer.

Listen to or download program 557

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 556 for 14th January, 2021

This week on Talking Vision Tess Herbert has a chat with Nikki Hind, who is Australia's first blind fashion designer, and she also recently received the Vision Australia Individual Award in 2020. 

Nikki talks about her experiences with blindness and low vision, raising her two children as a mum who is blind as well as what motivated her to get into fashion design, and you can hear the whole of Nikki's interview with Tess here.

Listen to or download program 556

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 555 for 7th January, 2021

We celebrate World Braille Day on the program this week, which takes place on the 4th of January every year to celebrate the birth of its inventor, Louis Braille.

Tess Herbert chats with Rea Andriani who is a singer and braille transcriber, and later in the show Tess reads her piece dedicated to Braille entitled "Under My Fingers".

Frances Keyland also joins the program with a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 555

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 554 for 31st December, 2020

Ken Brandt has led a fun and adventurous life and had a successful business career despite, or perhaps in part because of, having low vision. He recently published his book Positive Vision, he chats with Sam Colley about his decision to write the book and why he believes having low vision is no barrier to a full and rewarding life.

Listen to or download program 554

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 553 for 24th December, 2020

A musical Talking Vision to celebrate Christmas and to end the year on a positive (and lyrical) note. We hear songs from some of the stars Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight over the years.

Listen to or download program 553

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 552 for 17th December, 2020

We chat with Vildana Praljak from the Vision Australia library about the exciting changes and events taking place for the next year.

Telelink is running its special interest program once again in January and we hear from Polly Goodwin who’s facilitating a group on audio description on TV.

And Frances Keyland joins us for a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 552

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 551 for 10th December, 2020

We chat with singer David Campbell who this year was honoured with a Vision Australia award for his contribution and services to Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight.

Also on the program, Telelink coordinator Maria Markou talks about the range of special interest groups throughout January and we hear from Adalberto who is facilitating one of the travel programs.

Listen to or download program 551

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 550 for 3rd December, 2020

We chat with Vision Australia Radio manager Conrad Browne about audio description for the upcoming Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve.

Julie Scott from the Vision Store is also on the program with some Christmas gift ideas, and later on in the show Frances Keyland joins us for a special Reader Recommended. 

Listen to or download program 550

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 549 for 26th November, 2020

We speak with disability advocate and lawyer, Graeme Innes AO about a monthly teleconference which gives people the opportunity to hear first-hand and to ask questions about the accessibility app Aira.

Also on the program, we continue our series on the 40anniversary of Vision Australia’s social program Telelink and chat with language group participant Tracy.

There’s also information about an upcoming in conversation with Professor Ron McCallum AO about his memoir Born at the Right Time Wednesday 2 December at 6.30pm AEDT

Listen to or download program 549

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 548 for 19th November, 2020

Vision Australia's LEAP program is for young people aged 14 to 18 to develop and act of their future personal and vocational goals and expressions of interest are now open for 2021. We cat with program coordinator Claire Nolan on what makes this such a unique and exciting program.

Also on the program, there's a new podcast series on the way where nothing is "off limits" and you can help by completing the survey.

And Frances Keyland's on the program with a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 548

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 547 for 12th November, 2020

We continue the celebration of Telelink’s 40th anniversary and hear from Program Supervisor Nemoy Malcom about the way the program can connect people from all around Australia.

Also on the program, we catch up with a well-known voice on Vision Australia Radio, Peter Greco – host of Focal Point and Leisure Link – who’s recently been nominated for a Community Broadcasting Association Award.

And Julie from the shop is on the program to chat about the Vision Australia Calendars for 2021.

Listen to or download program 547

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

Edition 546 for 5th November 2020

Vision Australia’s Graduate Career is a 12-month paid placement for people who are blind or have low vision.

We hear from three this year’s graduates who share their experiences of the past 7 months and the gains they’ve received.

Program Coordinator, Melissa, is also on the program to give us all the information on applying and why people should apply.

Listen to or download program 546

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 544 for 28th October 2020

Happy anniversary to Vision Australia’s Telelink program, which for 40 years has been connecting like-minded people in a variety of interests for group chats through phone and video conferencing.

We chat with the founder of this program Jennifer Gibbons about what it took to get the program up and running and the impact it has had on both the organisation and wider community.

Also on the program, Ana Dal loves online shopping and she takes us through the good, the bad and the wonderful of shopping with your fingertips when you are blind.

Listen to or download program 544

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 542 for 14th October 2020

We celebrate White Cane Day and chat with a young white cane user Sam, his father Jim and orientation and mobility specialist Darren.

Also on the program, Donna Dyson has chosen White Cane Day to release her latest single I Close My Eyes to See. We talk with Donna about her motivation to write the song and what White Cane Day means to her.

Listen to or download program 542

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 539 for 23rd September 2020

Cocky Guides provides adventure tours for people who are blind or have low vision. It recently celebrated its second anniversary and we chat with founder (and head adventurer) Buck McFarlane along with regular participant Cathy, who says the tours provide her with the adventure she had longed for.

Listen to or download program 539

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 537 for 9th September 2020

Victorians will be voting the upcoming local council elections this October. Running for the first time is Jason Whiter who has low vision and is a very active member of his community. He’s on the program to chat about some of the positive impacts council can implement for disabled people.

Also on the program, Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) is going virtual for its upcoming conference. We hear from BCA’s Sally Aurisch about what this will look like and how people can get involved. And Frances Keyland is on the program with a reader recommended.

Listen to or download program 537

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 536 for 2nd September 2020

The Paralympics documentary, Rising Phoenix has been launched on Netflix – on the date when the Paralympics was due to begin. We hear from Tess Herbert who’s in conversation with Matt Collins about their thoughts on the documentary including the audio description.

Also on the program, we chat with Maurice Gleeson who’s been recent appointed as president of the International Blind Tennis Association has garnered much applause.

Plus we have some news and information.

Listen to or download program 536

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 534 for 29th July 2020

We speak with Associate Professor Lyndell Lim from the Centre for Eye Research Australia about new research into diabetic retinopathy and the ways in which people with diabetes can maintain eye health.

Also on the program, we hear about an exciting new social inclusion program from Vision Australia including online workshops in creative writing and English conversation.

Plus we have an audio guide to putting on a mask safely and efficiently.

Listen to or download program 534

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 532 for 15th July 2020

We hear from a couple of listeners and their reviews and recommendations on the newly arrived audio description services on free-to-air television.

Also on the program, the National Music Therapy Research Unit at the University of Melbourne is running online programs for music loving people with disabilities. We chat with Dr Katrina Skewes McFerran about the program and the transformative power of music.

Listen to or download program 532

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 531 for 8th July 2020

Seeking employment during a pandemic may seem like mission impossible. Vision Australia’s Pre-Employment Coordinator, Belinda Wilson, says it’s a good opportunity to strengthen those skills that employees will want in the future. She’s is in conversation with Tess Herbert to explain what those skill are and also what the future of employment might look like.

Also on the program – what do we need at this time? A bit of light entertainment and some fun while raising awareness. Seeing Eye Dogs is hosting the Puppy Games which will see puppy dogs who are in training take part in a series of challenges. We chat with Puppy Development Trainer, Paige, about the games.

And Frances Keyland is on the show with Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 531

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 530 for 1st July 2020

Blind news reader and journalist, Nas Campanella recently moved into the newly recreated Disability Affairs role with the ABC. We chat with her about what it means for people with disability to have media representation, the progression of her own career and what advice she might have for a young blind person considering a career as a journalist.

Also on the program, Vision Australia is calling for nominations for its annual awards and we catch up with CEO Ron Hooten on how to nominate someone and the important role the awards play within the blindness and low vision community.

And, Frances Keyland presents a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 530

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 528 for 17th June 2020

Vision Australia will be providing a response to the Disability Royal Commission Emergency Response Consultation. We talk with Vision Australia’s Lead Policy Advisor, Bruce Maguire, on how people who are blind or have low vision can provide their feedback on their experiences on the recent bushfires and Covid-19 emergencies.

We chat with David Woodbridge about an upcoming gaming and coding webinar and catch up with Matthew Layton, from Vision Australia Radio’s Studio 1 on some of his recent interviews.

Listen to or download program 528

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 526 for 3rd June 2020

June 1 to 6 is Orthoptics Awareness week, a time to celebrate the work and the contribution orthoptists make to eye health and eye care. Certified orthoptist Tony Wu is on the program to discuss the range of work of an orthoptist can undertake.

We hear from Tess and Sam about living in lockdown when you are blind or have low vision. Tess was two weeks into a new job when she had to relocate from the city to rural NSW and begin working from home.

Sam says his life isn’t so much different although as a sports fan he is missing that aspect.

Listen to or download program 526

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 525 for 27th May 2020

Earlier this year President of Blind Citizens Australia, John Simpson AM, was acknowledged in the Australia Day Honours list with Member in the Order of Australia (AM) for outstanding service to people who are blind or vision impaired.

John is deeply committed to the information needs of people with a print disability and has been recognised through a number of important awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Roundtable on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc.

He’s also built a strong career within the blindness and low vision sector.

John is in conversation with musician, singer and braille music transcriber, Jordie Howell.

Listen to or download program 525

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 524 for 20th May 2020

Thursday 21st may is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GADD) a day that focusses on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities and impairments.

Jamie Kelly, from the Library, is in conversation with Vision Australia’s National Manager of Digital Access, Neil King about the work his team does and what inclusion looks like in the digital landscape.

Also on the program, we celebrate volunteer week with a chat with Christopher who has clocked up over 45 years volunteering service plus Vision Australia Radio’s Peter Greco brings us two volunteering stories.

Listen to or download program 524

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 519 for 15th April 2020

Stella speaks with Mona Minkara, one of the Holman prize winners for 2019 – a major international award for people who are blind or have low vision and their ambitious project.

With her prize money, Mona filmed a documentary series called Planes, Trains and Canes, where she navigated the public transportation systems of six cities around the world.

Listen to or download program 519

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 518 for 8th April 2020

We chat with Courtney about Vision Australia's Check in and Chat webinar series. The webinars cover a range of topics and activities to help you stay connected during this isolation period – as Courtney says isolation is not something that is entirely new to many folk who are blind or have low vision.

For the sake of personal hygiene people are being told to not to touch too many things and to keep their personal distance. What does this mean though for people who are blind or have low vision who often rely on touch for everyday situations such as navigation or reading? We hear from O&M Specialist Bashir, who has extensive knowledge in this area, and his suggestions. He says many of those are things blind and low vision people have been practicing for years.

Listen to or download program 518

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 517 for 1st April 2020

We hear about Vision Australia’s Telehealth service - a mode of service delivery to allow people to access vision Australia services remotely.

Plus we hear the fabulous audio described hand washing how-to thanks to the good folk at Blind Citizens New Zealand.

Frances Keyland presents a reader recommended and there’s some news and info at the end of the program.

Listen to or download program 517

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 515 for 18th March 2020

We chat with Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton about the organisation’s response to COVID-19.

Ron said while these were challenging times for all Australians, Vision Australia is committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and clients and is committed to doing its bit to slow the spread of the virus.

Also on the program, if you’re feeling isolated, Telelink program coordinator Maria Marku might have the program for you.

Plus news and information and an uplifting article on the legacy of Paralympic cyclist Kieren Modra.

Listen to or download program 515

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 514 for 11th March 2020

March 8-14 is World Glaucoma Week. Over 300,000 Australians live with glaucoma making it one of the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. But that might be about to change.

We speak with the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) Managing Director, Professor Keith Martin who is leading the team into research into gene therapy and glaucoma with the aim of restoring lost vision.

We speaks with Alastair mall who was diagnosed with glaucoma four years ago about some of the challenges of living everyday with the condition and some of the supports he’s found useful.

And France Keyland presents a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 514

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 513 for 5th February 2020

Vision Australia Radio’s new program, Studio 1, takes a look at a topic of the week from a blindness and low vision perspective. We chat with host, Matthew Layton on how people can get involved.

Stephen Jolley has extended and lively conversation with Jan Miller OAM who was recently acknowledged with an Australia Day Honour for her considerable work in radio.

The current bushfire situation across the country is impacting a number of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, their families, carers and providers. We chat with General Manager, Chris Faulkner from the National Disability Insurance Agency

Listen to or download program 513

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 511 for 22nd January 2020

Can going blind ever be funny? We chat with blind comedian Tom Skelton about his upcoming show 2020 Visions: What if I hadn’t of gone blind? Tom believes that laughing about blindness can reduce stigma and make it seem less of a frightening ordeal.

Also on the program, university which can be doubly daunting if you’re blind or have low vision. Vision Australia is hosting a stand-up for your rights webinar and we chat with former university student and webinar panelist, Jane about the event and how to advocate for your rights as a student.

Listen to or download program 511

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 510 for 15th January 2020

In a first, the Melbourne Fashion Festival is providing audio description in its 2020 event.

We chat with Melbourne Fashion Festival General Manager Yolanda Finch and Vildana from Vision Australia’s Service Design team about this exciting initiative and the role fashion plays for all people with a disability.

Also on the program, we chat with Project Manager Adelina Holloway about Vision Australia’s new program for seniors who blind or have low vision. ‘Be Connected’ is aimed at increasing the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians to use the internet and everyday technology to thrive in our digital world.

Listen to or download program 510

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 509 for 8th January 2020

“A place where people can talk to each other is one of the most effective ways they can get back to restoring a life that they feel like they’ve lost (after vision loss).”

This week we feature an extended conversation with Cameron Algie who reflects on 14 years of working as a Quality Living Group Coordinator for Vision Australia.

Listen to or download program 509

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 506 for 18th December 2019

With ABC Radio declining to broadcast coverage of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games. Advocate and sports-enthusiast, Stephen Jolley, believes this will exclude the blindness and low vision community from a national conversation. We replay an interview with Peter Greco and Stephen how people can lobby the national broadcaster to change their decision.
Also on the program, President of Blind Citizens Australia, John Simpson, on highlights for 2019 and what’s coming up for the association in 2020.  

Listen to or download program 506

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 505 for 11th December 2019

In the lead up to Christmas we hear about a hippo on a roof eating Christmas Cake. Sarah from our Felix Library chats with Children’s book author, Hazel Edwards, and Frances Keyland presents a reader recommended.

Listen to or download program 505

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 504 for 4th December 2019

Vision Australia has launched its 2020 audio description schedule 
for 2020. We chat with Audio Manager, Conrad Browne about some of the highlights including the upcoming Carols by Candlelight. 
Also on the program, Julie from the Vision Store with some great Christmas present ideas and we discuss the launching of a new website for disabled travelers.

Listen to or download program 504

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 503 for 27th November 2019

Blind Citizens Australia has secured two-year funding to support people who wish to make a submission to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabilities. We speak to BCA’s National Advocacy Projects Officer,  Rikki Chaplin on this most important work.

Also on the program, we chat with blind singer and pianist Paul Kapeleris whose success on Australia’s Got Talent has lead him to performing at this year’s Carols by Candlelight. 

Listen to or download program 503

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 502 for 20th November 2019

Gene therapy, for retinal disease, has been approved for clinical use in the US and Europe. It’s anticipated that many more gene therapies will become available in the next few years.

We chat with Dr. Tom Edwards Principal Investigator in retinal gene therapy research at the Centre for Eye Research Australia about the possibilities this might offer to someone living with a retinal disease.

Also on the program, Stephen Jolley and Peter Greco reflect on the life of Paralympian Kieran Modra who was tragically killed recently while out riding.

Listen to or download program 502

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 501 for 13th November 2019

We chat with Lee Strickland who’s been nominated for an ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Award for her work with children who are blind or have low vision with other disabilities. She is dedicated and committed to enabling her students to enjoy all the benefits of music and playing musical instruments.

Also on the program, Sonali Marathe, president of the Round Table on Information Access for People with a Print disability and the call out for abstracts at the 2020 Conference.

And Frances Keyland is on the program with a reader recommended.

Listen to or download program 501

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 500 for 6th November 2019

Happy Birthday to Talking Vision as we celebrate our 500th episode. It’s been almost ten years since the program began in April of 2010 with Stephen Jolley at the helm. We look back on the past ten years with regular guests Jordie Howell, Julie Scott, Peter Greco, Frances Keyland, Stephen Jolley and of course, host, Stella Glorie.

Listen to or download program 500

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 499 for 30th October 2019

We play guest speak Ben Petingill’s speech recorded from Vision Australia’s recent AGM. Ben lost his vision aged 16 and decided he still needed to live his life on his own terms.

Also on the program we chat with pre-employment consultant Belinda Wilson on the importance of the NDIS in your career search.

Listen to or download program 499

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 498 for 23rd October 2019

Exam time is upon us and Sam Colley chats with tertiary student Bashir about reducing stress and making sure your accessibility needs are met.

Also on the program, Stella talks with Vision Australia Career Sart graduate Katherine about the benefits of the program and how it’s given her springboard for her future employment prospects.

Listen to or download program 498

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 497 for 16th October 2019

Stephen Jolley joins the program along with Caren and Jim to chat about White Cane Day.

Vision Australia CEO, Ron Hooten, gives us the update on the new program to further assist people with their NDIS plans and reviews. Julie from the shop talks about the range of white and coloured canes available.

Listen to or download program 497

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 496 for 9th October 2019

We chat with MP Dr Katie Allen. Dr Allen was a guest at the launch of the tactile twenty dollar note at our Kooyong centre.

Also on the program, we talk Vision Australia bursaries and we hear from our Gosford office and its big day of festivities planned for White Cane Day.

Listen to or download program 496

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 494 for 25th September 2019

We play an episode from the wellbeing audio series Don’t Eat the Whole Elephant on Identity.

Vildana thought she was doing a great job of hiding her low vision until she was asked to leave a venue for being drunk. She chats with Nicholas and Jane about the balancing act of claiming who you are when you lose your vision and being more than just someone with vision loss.

Listen to or download program 494

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 493 for 18th September 2019

We launch the first of our Career Path series to help people navigate the sometimes rocky path of employment.

We speak with children’s book writer Susan Gervay whose book The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses has landed in the Felix Library.

Also on the program, Frances Keyland with a reader recommended plus we have a whip around of Vision Australia news and information.

Listen to or download program 493

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 492 for 11th September 2019

This week we bring you all the joy and music from the Braille Music Camp 2019. Held in Mittagong NSW every year the camp gives young singers and music makers the opportunity to be empowered by other blind people in a place where braille is the norm and blindness is the majority.

Listen to or download program 492

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 490 for 28th August 2019

Sleep is fundamental to our mental and physical wellbeing. But many people who are blind or have low vision experience chronic sleep problems (circadian rhythm disorder) leaving them chronically tired and feeling hopeless.

Stephen, Bruce and Susan discuss their lived experience with sleep issues as blind people, what its causes are, coping mechanisms and knowing you’re not alone and a cure for the future.

Listen to or download program 490

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 489 for 21st August 2019

We play part two of our conversation with Holman Prize winner Yuma Decuax. Yuma hopes to build an online community to make astronomy more accessible to blind people.

Also on the program, France Keyland with a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 489

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 488 for 14th August 2019

Yuma Decaux is one of the winners, and the first Australian, to win the Holman Prize 2019. He plans to build an online community to make astronomy more accessible to blind people. Stella chats with him and retired scientist and self-confessed astronomy geek, Robert Dorin about their love of astronomy and what motivates them to searching among the stars and planets despite vision loss.

Listen to or download program 488

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 487 for 7th August 2019

We chat with Ria Adriani a soprano with the Sydney Chamber Choir and an expert on choral music. She also works with Vision Australia as a braille music transcriber.

Also on the program, we speak with job seeker Amid on how to stay motivated and where to get assistance.

Listen to or download program 487

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 485 for 24th July 2019

This week, part two of Bruce Maguire’s excellent conversation with Tom Macmahon – recent recipient of the Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award.

Also on the program, we chat with CEO of Vision Australia, Ron Hooten, about the Vision Australia awards and Sally Aurisch discusses a new survey from Blind Citizens Australia..

Listen to or download program 485

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 484 for 17th July 2019

Vision Australia Radio is calling for government funding to keep the network running. We speak with network manager Conrad Browne about what closure could mean for people with a print disability and how people can take action to assist.

Tom Macmahon is the  2019 recipient of the Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award for contribution to print disability. In part one of a two part conversation with Bruce Maguire about his life’s work and the future of print accessibility.

Listen to or download program 484

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 483 for 10th July 2019

A repeat of the Braille Music Camp episode that first aired in August 2019

This week, tune in to the joy of braille and music with our most popular show of the year, the National Braille Music Camp. Every year in late June, blind music students and their mentors from around Australia come together for the National Braille Music Camp at Mittagong in the New South Wales Southern Highlands. Camp leader, musician and braille music teacher, Jordie Howell, co-hosts the program. She speaks with two camp participants, violin player Karmae and trumpet player Sydney and some of the music created during the week of celebration and fun learning.

Listen to or download program 483

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 480 for 19th June 2019

In 1969 Owen Jones became the first blind telephonist to work at the Australian Council for Trade Unions (ACTU) which was then headed by Bob Hawke (who went on to become Prime Minister of Australia). Owen recounts his time working at the Council and meeting Mr. Hawke. Owen also shares his story on how he lost his vision.  

 

Also on the program, details on Vision Australia’s Stand Up For Your Rights webinar.

Listen to or download program 480

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 479 for 12th June 2019

We chat with Braille House general manager, Sally Balwin, about the Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition for 2019. The competition is a must for all writers who are blind or have low vision.

 

Also on the program, we hear about an upcoming Vision Australia Facebook live event for young people who are on the career path.

Listen to or download program 479

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 478 for 5th June 2019

 

Listen to or download program 478

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 477 for 29th May 2019

As part of National Reconciliation week, May 27 –June , Frances presents an extended Reader Recommended that focuses on some of the finest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers in Australia.

 

Also on the program, Cassie Hassall from our volunteer programming team about an upcoming Dinner in the Dark event and we hear from a Vision Australia Radio volunteer who’s just celebrated 35 years of service.  

Listen to or download program 477

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 476 for 20th May 2019

Global Access Awareness Day, celebrated each year on 16 May, aims to raise awareness of the importance of inclusiveness and accessibility in technology. Jamie Kelly, Vision Australia’s online support officer, chats with Neil King, our national manager for digital access, about what accessibility in technology means.

Also on the program, Sam Colley from our communications team speaks with Santiago Velasquez Hurtado, an electrical engineering student who is heading off to the United Nations to speak at the Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Listen to or download program 476

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 475 for 15th May 2019

We celebrate national volunteer week and chat with Ben Page a young volunteer with low vision who moderates one of Vision Australia’s Telelink programs.

 Also on the program, we talk with a recent visitor to Australia, (Shmuel) Alan Siegel  from Israel’s Lighthouse Foundation for the Blind. Working for over 40 years as an orientation and mobility specialist, Alan discusses the positive changes that have taken place in O&M and the joy that he gets from his work.

Listen to or download program 475

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 474 for 8th May 2019

This week, Talking Vision celebrates Mothers’ Day.
We hear from first time new mum Vildana, and mother of three, Beth. They discuss the joys and challenges of being a mother when you are blind or have low vision and the commonalities shared by all mothers.

Listen to or download program 474

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 473 for 1st May 2019

In honour of International Guide Dog Day, April 24, we replay an interview with Chris Edwards and Carmela Carey and their Seeing Eye Dogs Odie and Rosie to discuss the life changing benefits of having a dog alongside the discrimination that they’ve faced when out in the community with their dog.

Listen to or download program 473

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 471 for 17th April 2019

Paul Larcombe is an independent QLD candidate for the Australian senate in the upcoming federal election. If elected he’ll be the first blind person in Australian Parliament. He speaks with Stella about his motivation to enter politics, some of the unique challenges he’s facing and where he is gathering support.

Also on the program, the State Library of Victoria is holding a sensory story time in conjunction with Vision Australia for World Book Day. We chat with Felix Library coordinator, Sarah Bloedorn about the event. 

Listen to or download program 471

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 470 for 10th April 2019

We speak with Maribel Steel author of Blindness for Beginners – a renewed vision of possible. Part memoir and part self-help, the book demystifies the reality of living with blindness while providing practical suggestions to those facing vision loss.

Also on the program, Blind Citizen Australia recently held its biennial convention and members Susan Thompson and Stephen Jolley discuss the key events of the weekend and important role the event plays for community.

Listen to or download program 470

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 467 for 20th March 2019

Joana d’Orey-Novo is a Senior Investigator/Conciliator and Policy and Education Officer at the Australian Human Rights Commission and also one of the speakers at a recent Vision Australia career day. Joana offer insights and advice on technology, recognising great opportunities and the importance of communication skills for a person who is blind or has low vision.

Also on the program, Janene Sadhu, president of BCA women’s branch chats about what the branch can offer women and how to get involved.

Listen to or download program 467

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 466 for 13th March 2019

As part of World Gluacoma Week, March 11-16, we speak with Gaela Hilditch who lives with Glaucoma and runs a regular support group.  Glaucoma is a complex condition and often presents with little to no prior symptoms. Vision Australia orthoptist, Anita Egan, discusses some treatment options and the importance of eye health care. 

Listen to or download program 466

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 465 for 6th March 2019

It is a special talking vision this week as March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a day that celebrates the achievements of all women. 
We chat with actor, artist and performer Sarah Houlbot and her busy time on stage and film. Also on the program, Vildana Praljak discusses the upcoming Vision Australia event Leadership, Fashion and Wine with guest inspirational speaker Fur Wale. 

Listen to or download program 465

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 464 for 27th February 2019

We catch up with CEO of Vision Australia, Ron Hooton to chat about the developments in Vision Australia’s Children Services area. 

Anthea Taylor is also on the program with library information and the exciting progress on the Marrakesh Treaty. 

Jonathan Craig editor of Blind Citizens Australia magazine discusses the latest edition just out. 

Listen to or download program 464

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 463 for 20th February 2019

We hear from Norman “Ed” Bailey who was recently acknowledged on the Australia Day Honours list for his services to the performing arts. Ed established a well-known youth theatre and served on the drama league board. He lost his vision ten years ago but is still involved in theatre. 
Also on the program, Kate from our Advocacy and Engagement Team gives up an update on all the work taking place around audio description and silent cars campaigns.  

Listen to or download program 463

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 462 for 13th February 2019

Ross McGregor is a musician, songwriter and music producer and was recently inducted into the Tamworth Music Hands of Fame for his services to country music. He’s also one of the few blind music producers in Australia. He chats about what he loves about music and his work for the past 40 years.
Also on the program, Frances Keyland presents a very special reader recommended with No Friend But the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison by Behrouz Boochani which recently won The Victorian Prize for Literature, and the Prize for Non-Fiction. 

Listen to or download program 462

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 461 for 4th February 2019

According to new research Universities across Australia are failing to adequately address the needs of students who are blind or have low vision. We speak with Vision Australia Lead Policy Advisor at Vision Australia about the findings and recommendations.
Also on the program, we give a snap-shop of just some of the fabulous audio described theatre taking place over the next couple of months. 

Listen to or download program 461

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

 

Edition 460 for 30th January 2019

Musician and braille music teacher Dorothy Hamilton was recognised in the Australia Day Honours list for her services to music. In honour of her achievement we replay a documentary about Dorothy called Meet Dorothy Hamilton. 
This documentary was produced and presented by Glen Morrow from his Stories of You podcast series. It originally aired on Talking Vision in September 2015.

Listen to or download program 460

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 459 for 23rd January 2019

Listen to or download program 459

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 458 for 16th January 2019

Stacy’s Holman Prize ambition is to research, develop and launch a website for travellers who are blind or have low vision. The Blind Travelers Network would give blind individuals crowdsourced knowledge about the accessible places and services that they can’t currently access anywhere else.

The Holman Prize is an international competition that supports the emerging adventurousness and can-do spirit of blind and low vision people worldwide.  The Prize provides financial backing – up to $25,000 – for three individuals to explore the world and push their limits.

Listen to or download program 458

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 457 for 9th January 2019

We speak with one of the 2018 Holman Prize winners Red Szell. Red’s “Extreme Triathlon” includes a 10-mile ride through a notably hazardous bog-land, a 200-foot abseil followed by a swim through open ocean, and a climb up the 213-foot ocean spire called Am Buachaille. Red plans to document the whole endeavor, a message to other blind people not to give up their passions because of a change in vision.

The Holman Prize is an international competition that supports the emerging adventurousness and can-do spirit of blind and low vision people worldwide.  The Prize provides financial backing – up to $25,000 – for three individuals to explore the world and push their limits.

Listen to or download program 457

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 456 for 26th December 2018

This week, tune in to the joy of braille and music with our most popular show of the year, the 2018 National Braille Music Camp. Every year in late June, blind music students and their mentors from around Australia come together for the National Braille Music Camp at Mittagong in the New South Wales Southern Highlands. One of the camp leaders Jordie Howell, co-hosts this program with Stella in which they speak with two camp participants and play some of the music created during the week of celebration and fun learning.

Listen to or download program 456

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 455 for 19th December 2018

It’s all about books this week. We speak with Louise Curtin, who is retiring after 21 years with Vision Australia. Louise began as a teacher at our Burwood school and went on to establish the wonderful children’s library Feelix where she worked for the past 16 years.

Also on the program, Frances Keyland from the library presents a summer reading guide to get you through those long lazy days of summer.

Listen to or download program 455

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 454 for 12th December 2018

We catch up with Kenyan disability advocate Paul Mugambi who has been in the country for the past two year studying at the ANU in Canberra. Paul is passionate about advocacy also the power and potential of radio as an information tool. Our conversation with him is also a sobering reminder of how fortunate many of us are to live in Australia.

Also on the program, we hear from a couple of organisations that were present at Vision Australia’s recent open day in Kooyong.

Listen to or download program 454

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 453 for 5th December 2018

This week we hear from Melissa Fanshaw and Dr. Melissa Cain about their research project, Perceptions of students with a vision impairment their parents and teachers in mainstream schooling.

Also on the program, our Kooyong office at Vision Australia recently held an open day and we had the chance to speak with a range of people responsible for some of the  wonderful services on offer.

Listen to or download program 453

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 451 for 21st November 2018

This week on the program we speak with Gerrard Gossans, patron of International Day of People with Disability here in Australia. The day aims to increase public awareness and acceptance of people with a disability. Co-hosting this interview is James Malone.
Once again, retail coordinator Julie Scott from the Vision store is back on the show. This time, we talk Christmas gift ideas.
Finally, audiobook giveaways.
Be sure not to miss this one!

Listen to or download program 451

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 450 for 12th November 2018

The National Boys Choir was recognised with a youth award at the Vision Australia Awards this year. The choir has performed at Carols by Candlelight, every year since 1988. Stella speaks with artistic director Peter Casey about the choir and some of the changes in the last thirty years.  
The tables are then turned with Stella being interviewed as a producer for a new wellbeing audio series on wellbeing from a blindness and low vision perspective. 
 

Listen to or download program 450

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 449 for 5th November 2018

We have an extended conversation with John Rafferty from Canada’s CNIB. John discusses some of the major changes that have taken place in the organisation in the last decade including the four ambitions they have for Canadians who are blind or have low vision.  Plus there’s news and information. 

Listen to or download program 449

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 448 for 29th October 2018

We speak with Sara Lui who is a research fellow at the Monash Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) about a report by Vision Australia and MUARC  on the impact of quiet cars and bicycles on pedestrians who are blind or have low vision.

We hear from young writer Olivia Muscat about her recent publication and writing as a blind person and Frances Keyland presents a reader recommended. 

Listen to or download program 448

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 447 for 22nd October 2018

Before her vision loss Margaret Connell was a keen scuba diver and began painting to capture the beautiful coral reefs she had seen over the years. Her work will appear in Vision Australia’s 2019 large print artist calendar. Stella chats to Margaret about her scuba diving experiences and her joy at rediscovering painting.

Also on the show – tickets are now on sale for Vision Australia’s Carol’s by Candlelight and you can find out how to get involved in the lead up to the big event plus we have all the details of our career start program. 

Listen to or download program 447

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 446 for 17th October 2018

Vision Australia recently held an event to preview the new $50 note which includes the important accessibility feature of tactile markings. Amongst the guests was Australia’s federal treasurer and member for Kooyong the Hon. Josh Frydenberg and also Assistant Governor for the Reserve Bank of Australia Lindsay Boulton.

Stephen Jolley got an opportunity to speak with both Josh and Lindsay about the new note and what these means for the blindness community.

We also hear from members of Vision Australia’s Advocacy and Engagement Team about the upcoming Victorian state election and Vision Australia’s election priorities and call to action.

Julie Scott from the Vision Store chats to us about Vision Australia’s calendar’s and diaries.

Listen to or download program 446

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

 

Edition 445 for 10th October 2018

October 15 is White Cane Day – a day where we celebrate the white cane as a symbol for inclusion.

We hear from a range of white cane users including Donna Dyson who chats about how using the white cane has the possibility to educate the broader community.

Chris Edwards from Vision Australia’s Advocacy and Engagement team talks about keeping his skills honed, Lauren Henley discusses how her white cane gave her back her independence after losing her vision in a car accident and Janian Baron tells us where her white cane takes her.

Listen to or download program 445

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 444 for 3rd October 2018

Stella chats with Children and Youth Services Librarian Sarah Bloedorn about the Vision Australia Library’s upcoming webinar on dyslexia – from diagnosis to support.

We also hear from Patricia Izzard about day in the life of an early childhood specialist teacher and we talk soccer with Sebastian Petrovic from Australian Blind Football on the team’s first international tour to India.

Listen to or download program 444

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 443 for 26th September 2018

This week we chat with a number of Victorian MPs who attended a recent Vision Australia event about their understanding of the issues that affect people who are blind or have low vision.

Also on the program, Dr Fernando Albertorio co-founder of the Sunu Band, a sonar smart band and Chris Muldoon Research Development Manager at Guide Dogs UK.

Listen to or download program 443

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 441 for 12th September 2018

This week, we speak with film-maker, Cecilia Rumore, about her short animated documentary on blind newsreader Nas Capenella. Following this we replay an interview with Nas about her determination to realise the career of her choice. We also chat with Joy King from our Employment Services team about Vision Australia’s Further Education Bursary program. The bursaries provide adaptive technology to help the students fully participate and succeed in their chosen studies.

Listen to or download program 441

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 440 for 5th September 2018

This week, with two audio described performances of Ruth Park’s iconic and beloved Harp in the South at the Sydney Theatre Company planned for later this month the show pays a special homage to the books. Stella chats with playwright Kate Mulvany about the process for adapting the books for the stage and what audience members can look forward to and Frances Keyland presents a special Reader Recommended.

Also on the show, we speak with Belinda Wilson from our Building Stronger Futures team about two upcoming employment programs.

Listen to or download program 440

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 439 for 29th August 2018

This week, tune in to the joy of braille and music with our most popular show of the year, the National Braille Music Camp. Every year in late June, blind music students and their mentors from around Australia come together for the National Braille Music Camp at Mittagong in the New South Wales Southern Highlands. Camp leader, musician and braille music teacher, Jordie Howell, co-hosts the program. She speaks with two camp participants, violin player Karmae and trumpet player Sydney and some of the music created during the week of celebration and fun learning.

Listen to or download program 439
Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 438 for 22nd August 2018

This week we play the final episode of An Interesting Place to Be – Martin Wright’s vision loss story. The series takes an in-depth look at a year in the life of Martin Wright, who lost his vision in November 2016. Martin takes us through the changes and challenges he’s dealing with and we get to know Martin, his wife, Pat, his family and learn about how his vision loss has impacted on his life.

Also on the program, Frances Keyland with a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 438
Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 437 for 15th August 2018

Michele Pouliot has been a professional guide dog instructor with the largest US guide dog school serving the blind, since 1974. She was in Australia recently and Stella took the opportunity for an extended conversation with her about her life’s work as a trainer and researcher.

Also on the program, Dr Sara Liu who is a Research Fellow at the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) and is conducting research on the impact of electric and hybrid cars and bikes on the road for people who are blind or have low vision.

Listen to or download program 437

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 436 for 8th August 2018

Stella speaks with Vision Australia’s Heritage Collection Librarian on the importance and value of having a collection and some of the wonderful pieces in contains.

We also hear from Lead Policy Advisor Bruce Maguire on the concerns over accessibility on the My Health Record and Frances Keyland presents a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 436

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 435 for 1st August 2018

Alpine skier, Melissa Perrine describes her experience of racing down-hill at speeds of up to 100km as one of total freedom. Melissa returned from the PeyongChang Winter Paralympics with two bronze medals. Stella chats with her about the event and her motivations in participating in such an extreme sport.

Also on the program Jonathan Craig editor of Blind Citizens Australia newsletter and the call for contributions and Phil McCaroll from Vision Australia’s communications’ team with news and information.

Listen to or download program 435

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 434 for 25th July 2018

This week, Stella has an extended conversation with Emeritus professor David Walker OAM who was acknowledged recently on the Queens Birthday Honours list for significant service to education as an academic in the field of Australian studies, and to international relations. A distinguished Australian cultural historian, Professor Walker is a leading authority in the study of Australian perceptions of Asia. His eyesight deteriorated suddenly at the end of 2004 as a result of macular degeneration. When his ophthalmologist told him that he was now "legally blind", his immediate response was to ask if it was possible for him to be "illegally blind" instead. He wrote the personal history Not Dark Yet – a book that has been described as “funny, scholarly, driven in its own quiet way to bring the darkness of the past to light.”

Listen to or download program 434

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 433 for 18th July 2018

Vision Australia’s Dandenong office recently held a gaming day and we speak with, Access Technology Specialist, Gavin Cahill, about the importance of sound engineering and overall accessibility in computer games for blind players.

We speak with Vaughn Bennison who is the Chair of RPH Australia and station manager Print Radio Tasmania. Vaughn discusses his passion for radio and his desire to see more people who are blind or have low vision actively involved in radio.

Julie Scott from the Vision Store joins us to talk products for personal care and Frances Keyland brings us a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 433

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 432 for 11th July 2018

This week we celebrate NAIDOC week which celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We have a conversation with Nicole Damarra who holds the Indigenous portfolio on Vision Australia’s Client Reference Group. We hear from Sally Edwards from our Mildura office about a partnership focusing on Aboriginal eye health and we hear a fabulous tune encouraging people to get an eye test.

Listen to or download program 432

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 431 for 4th July 2018

Each year Vision Australia presents awards to people who have made a valuable contribution to the blindness and low vision sector. To explain more about the awards we chat with Vision Australia board member Professor Sharon Bentley.

We head to Perth and chat with Vision Australia Radio Perth Program Coordinator Gemma Sidney.

Also on the program, Frances Keyland with a reader recommended from Richard Fidlers Ghost Empire and Stephen Jolley joins us to discuss the difference smart speakers can make to life at home.

Listen to or download program 431

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 430 for 27th June 2018

IrisVision is wearable technology especially designed for people with low vision. This week on Talking Vision, Orthoptist and Product Advisor, Tony Wu takes the reigns to chat with IrisVision founder and vision scientist Professor Frank Weblin and Vice President, Professional and Consumer Outreach and IrisVision wearer Tom Perski.

Also on the program Maria Marcou from Vision Australia’s Telelink program on new special programs taking place in July.

Listen to or download program 430

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 429 for 20th June 2018

This week, Michael Ward, Vision Australia’s, National Coordinator of Audio Description, chats about the process and work involved in bringing audio description to the opening and closing Gold Coast commonwealth games ceremonies earlier this year.

Also on the program, Jamila Savoy from our communications team joins us with a whip around of news and events in the blindness and low vision community. Plus Frances Keyland presents Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 429

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 428 for 13th June 2018

The Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award recognises people who have made outstanding contributions to the Print Disability Sector. This year’s recipient was Christine Simpson. In this week’s Talking Vision, Jordie Howell, Chair of the Australian Braille Authority, music transcriber and lifelong braille user, chats with Christine about her life’s work: including establishing the telephone information line for the Association for the Blind, her work at RVIB (Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind) as a braille and other communications instructor and her work on the introduction of UEB (Unified English Braille).

Also on the program, we hear from Adam Morris who moderates a number of email forums on technology especially for people who are blind or have low vision.

Listen to or download program 428

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 426 for 30th May 2018

This week, Stella has an extended and engaging conversation with echolocation expert Daniel Kish. President of the World Access for the Blind and a high-profile speaker, Daniel is also the first totally blind person to be a legally Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. He believes that echolocation empowers blind people to move beyond the negative expectations of what they can and cannot do.

Listen to or download program 426

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 425 for 23rd May 2018

AIRA (Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality) is an assistive technology that connects people who are blind or have low vision with an agent who can see and describe what is in front of them. This week on Talking Vision, Vision Australia board member, Cameron Roles is in conversation with Kevin Phelan, Vice President of Aira. They both believe that Aira will revolutionise the way that people who are blind will be able to move and access the world around them.

With the 2018 Federal Budget released in early May there has been a lot of discussion about how does it affect people who are blind or have low vision. You’ll hear from Jamila Savoy from our communications teams talking with Chris Edwards and Scott Jacobs from our Advocacy and Engagement team on how the Budget might affect you.

And Julie from the shop is on the program.

Listen to or download program 425

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 424 for 16th May 2018

This week, Talking Vision celebrates Mothers’ Day.

We hear from first time new mum Vildana Prajlak, and mother of three, Beth Tonissen. They discuss the joys and challenges of being a mother when you are blind or have low vision and the commonalities shared by all mothers.

Also on the program, human rights activist Graeme Innes shares his insights for National Law Week (14-20 May) on being a lawyer when you are blind.

Listen to or download program 424

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 423 Repeat for 9th May 2018

During the month of May Australia celebrates volunteer week, 21- 27 May. We speak Keith Rutherford, who volunteers at Vision Australia’s Wollongong office assisting people with phone and computer applications, and client Aileen Muscat who attends the computer classes. Aileen believes that Keith’s lived experience of low vision makes him the perfect tutor to teach other people who are blind or have low vision. She credits his work on enabling her to fully access all that technology has to offer.

Also on the program, we hear from Jane Britt and a new recreational program opening up in Brisbane specifically for people with disabilities.

And Frances Keyland is on the show with a reader recommended.

Listen to or download program 423

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 422 Repeat for 3rd May 2018

This week we talk science with a conversation with Dr. Gabby Watson and Dr. Erica Tandori from the Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University about an open day at the end of May specifically designed for people who are blind or have low vision. The exhibition will include tactile, sound, olfactory and low vision accessible display.

Dr.Erica Tandori, who is legally blind, is the project designer and artist in resident at the Institute and believes that art and science are perfectly aligned.

Also on the program, we hear about news and information from Vision Australia’s Seeing Eye Dogs, including their presence at the Melbourne Dog Lover’s Show and some puppy carer information sessions. Frances Keyland is on with a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 422

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 421 Repeat for 25th April 2018

This week we talk employment. Vision Australia has recently secured five additional sites for its employment service. We hear from Vision Australia’s National Employment Services Manager Jan Hauser about what this means for Vision Australia and job seekers who are blind or have low vision.

We also hear from our Government Relations and Policy Advisor Kate Begley about a rather important development in disability employment and the signing of a statement by some prominent disability organisations and peak bodies.

Then we bring you a segment on tips and tricks for supermarket shopping and Julie from the Vision Shop is on the program with present ideas for Mothers’ Day.

Listen to or download program 421

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 420 Repeat for 18th April 2018

This week we pay tribute to ANZAC day, we hear about Vision Australia’s unique and valued relationship with the Department of Veteran affairs and the ways in which Vision Australia supports it veteran card holders and their families. Plus a conversation with our Retail Service manage and his own time in the armed forces.

We hear some moving recorded letters sourced from the National Library of Australia’s Trove database of newspapers from nurses on the frontline hospitals during World War 1. Frances Keyland is also on the program with a special ANZAC day Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 420

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 272 Repeat for 11th April 2018

It’s another classic from Talking Vision this week all the way back from June 2015 and a special interview with opera singer Michael Vaiasinni. Michael has the degenerative eye condition retinitis pigmentosa which will eventually lead to total blindness. His condition has led him to work closely with many blindness and low-vision organisations, and to share his voice and story to inspire those affected by vision loss. A passionate student of opera and classical music, Michael has performed on Australia’s leading stages and has been awarded some of the most prestigious scholarships.

Also on the program, Frances Keyland presents Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 272

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 418 for 4th April 2018

The final in the best of Talking Vision series we reply the podcast from the Stories of You series. Emily Davison is a journalist and also a you tuber who goes under the name of Fashioneyesta – Emily aims to challenges people’s perceptions of sight loss through her love of fashion, beauty and style and to make fashion accessible for everyone.

Produced and presented by Glen Morrow, Stories of You is a conversational show with interviews and documentary style presentation. Guests share stories about their lives, experiences and personal journeys.

(This edition originally aired on the 7 June 2017)

Listen to or download program 418

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 417 for 28th March 2018

Another best of Talking Vision. This week we replay the radio documentary, It’s the Satanic Verses, Love.

One of the first audio books Ruth Mercer read after joining the Association for Blind Library (now Vision Australia library) some 30 years ago was Salman Rushdie’s, The Satanic Verses. The postman delivered all 32 tapes to her front door and announced, “It’s the Satanic Verses, love”.

Ruth is now part of the first Friday book group: a group of self-described feisty women who have been meeting for the past 15 years. While they are all blind or have low vision but that hasn’t stopped them from enjoying their passion for books and reading.

(This episode originally aired 15 October 2015)

Listen to or download program 417

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 416 for 21st March 2018

This week, a best of with a replay an interview from the UK’s RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) Connect radio with filmmaker Peter Middleton, who along with producer James Spinney, created the incredible documentary Notes on Blindness.

The 2016 documentary profiles writer and theologian John M. Hull, who became totally blind after decades of steadily deteriorating vision. To help him make sense of the upheaval in his life, Hull began documenting his experiences on audio cassette which forms the basis on the film.

The film was recently nominated for four British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards, or BAFTAs.

Following on from this is a soundscape from the film featuring the voice of John Hull.

(This particular program originally aired on the 1 March 2017)

Listen to or download program 416

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 415 for 14th March 2018

This week we speak with Marcus Bleechmore Vision Australia’s outgoing program manager for NDIS and My Aged Care. Marcus leaves the organisaiton after close to eight years. Hebe discussing his work with Vision Australia and his insights with the NDIS and My Aged Care .

Also on the program Daniel Pritchard from Victorian Goalball Association about the upcoming new season and we hear from Julie Scott from the vision shop.

Listen to or download program 415

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 413 for 28th February 2018

We speak with Rob Last AM, who was recently acknowledged on the Australia Day Honours list for his work as an early childhood educator for children who are blind and deaf blind and their families. And we speak with life long radio fan Stephen O'Connor from Vision Australia Radio's Shepparton studio.

Listen to or download program 413

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 414 for 7th March 2018

Talking Vision celebrates International Women’s Day, 8th March, a day that both celebrates women’s achievements and highlights the ongoing concerns and the discrimination women face. This week we replay a speech from Theresa Smith-Ruig from Vision Australia’s 2017 Annual General Meeting held in October.

Theresa received a Vision Australia Award for her contribution to the blindness and low vision sector. Theresa’s diligent work began in 2003, when she joined the Board of Blind Citizens Australia (BCA).

She was elected to the Board of Vision Australia in 2007 and in the past 10 years has performed her duties as Director with diligence and dedication while juggling her career and parenting. As a PhD graduate in the area of career management and Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management at the University of New England, Theresa has brought incredible insight to her role as member and, ultimately, the Chair of the People and Culture Committee.

In her speech, Theresa recalls the pivotal moments in her life from losing her vision as a young girl, growing up on a rural property, life in a small town and how her mother, and then later herself, advocated for her right to choose her own education path.

Also on the program, a special reading of letters sent to our library from library members.

Listen to or download program 414

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 412 for 21st February 2018

Vision Australia is currently developing a range of guides to assist people to stand up for their rights when faced with discrimination. This week, we speak with Janet Renew from our Advocacy team who developed the guides and Nadia Mattiazzo who recently stood up for her rights when she was asked to leave a restaurant with her Seeing Eye Dog.

Also on the program, Julie Scott from the Vision Shop.

Listen to or download program 412

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 411 for 14th February 2018

Tuesday 13 February was world radio day with the theme of sport and its ability to unite people, break down barriers and show case diversity. We speak with 17 year old Lucy who is playing her first season of blind cricket and president of BVIT (Blind and Low Vision Ten Pin Bowling) Glen Barwick about the national championships coming up in March. And Frances Keyland joins us for a special Valentine’s Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 411

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 408 for 24th January 2018

Professor Elizabeth Rakoczy recently won the prestigious Florey Medal for her work on a gene therapy for age-related wet macular degeneration. The Florey Medal is awarded biennially to an Australian biomedical researcher for significant lifetime achievements in biomedical science and / or human health advancement.

Professor Rakoczy speaks with Peter Greco from Vision Australia Radio’s Leisure Link program about the project that began twenty years ago with over 50 scientists involved.

Also on the program, Dans Le Noir (Dining in the Dark) has arrived in Melbourne. Guests enjoy a unique sensory experience and are served by staff who are blind or have low vision. Stella speaks with Chanael LENOIR from Dans Le Noir and Vision Australia National Employment Services Manager, Jan Hauser, about how the innovative project helps to highlight the many organisation that support people who are blind or have low vision in their everyday lives.

Listen to or download program 408

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 407 for 17th January 2018

As a broadcaster, Stephen Kingsberry sets out to challenge the notion of what people who are blind can do. He has been winched up in a helicopter, has climbed though a submarine and has interviewed a range of subjects including Jeffery Archer.

Stephen presents his program on UK audio news and magazine service National Talking Express in the UK. He has also recently become an ambassador for UK charity Henshaws.

Stephen has an extended conversation with Stella on his early career, his love of audio and the people he has met over the years.

Listen to or download program 407

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 406 for 10th January 2018

A Cane Called Wanda is the latest episode from the Stories of You podcast series produced and presented by Glen Morrow. Kitty Barry shares her honest and uplifting reflections of motherhood (she has twin girls), her achievements, which includes writing a children’s book, and very raw experiences of life as a person with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).

Listen to or download program 406

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 405 for 3rd January 2018

January 4 is World Braille Day and the birth date of the inventor of the braille system Louis Braille. As the pre-eminent system of touch reading for people who are blind or have low vision, braille is an essential tool for literacy. Enabling direct access to the written word, braille plays a vital role in many aspects of life, whether it be to label canned food, reading books or to convey complex mathematical equations.

In this week’s Talking Vision, two guests discuss how braille was instrumental in attaining their higher education goals. Caitlin McMorrow is a young history and law graduate and uses both traditional and electronic refreshable forms of braille. Dorothy Hamilton is a musician and braille music teacher and was the first blind woman in the Southern Hemisphere to obtain a degree in music. Both say that without braille their achievements would be far fewer.

Listen to or download program 405

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

Edition 404 for 27th December 2017

This week, tune in to the joy of braille and music with our most popular show of the year, the 2017 National Braille Music Camp. Every year in late June, blind music students and their mentors from around Australia come together for the National Braille Music Camp at Mittagong in the New South Wales Southern Highlands. One of the camp leaders Jordie Howell, co-hosts this program with Stella Glorie in which they speak with two camp participants and play some of the music created during the week of celebration and fun learning.

Listen to or download program 404

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 403 for 20th December 2017

This week, with the summer holidays upon us it’s the perfect time to relax with a book. Frances Keyland is on the program to chat about her Summer Reading Guide which focuses on books that became films in 2017.

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express , Daphne du Maurier’s My Cousin Rachel, R.J. Palacio’s Wonder and many more, these books are available at Vision Australia’s Library Service.

Also on the program, Vision Australia’s Lead Policy Advisor Bruce Maguire brings an update on the Audio Description Working Group.

Listen to or download program 403

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 402 for 13th December 2017

This week, our Enfield office has recently closed after over 40 years of operation. It began as the Royal Blind Institute of NSW becoming Vision Australia with the merger some 10 years ago.

We catch up with Vision Australia’s General Manager for Client Services NSW, Michael Simpson, who first came to Enfield as a young man after losing his vision. Michael shares his personal and professional memories of the place that became a community meeting ground and encouraged and supported people to live a full life.

Also on the program, Julie Scott presents a guide holiday gift guide from our Vision Shop.

Listen to or download program 402

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 401 for 6th December 2017

This week, TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers is a global movement bringing together people with disabilities and Makers to develop open source assistive technology to address everyday challenges. Vision Australia was involved in the Melbourne TOM. We speak with Anna Dal who had two challenges to address, an adjustable dog harness and a roaming app.

Also on the program:

 

• Vision Australia’s is opening two new offices in NSW – Parramatta and Ashfeild. This means the closure of our Enfield office after 40 years. We hear from Regional Manager Jane Wicks with all of the details about the offices including public transport options.
• Vision Australia’s career start graduate program is now open. It’s a national opportunity for people providing 12 months’ work experience for people who are blind and have low vision. We hear from Melissa Currulli who oversees the program plus recent graduate, Chris Page.
• And Frances Keyland is on the show with a reader recommended.

 

Listen to or download program 401

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 400 for 29th November 2017

This week, Talking Vision celebrates its 400th episode.

For over seven years the program delivered interviews, news and information to keep its community of interest up to date, and to provide a national radio reference on blindness and low vision.

Stella is joined by former host and creator of the program, Stephen Jolley, for this milestone program. They take a look back on the programs that have special meaning for them and they welcome some special guests and long-time regular guests.

These include broadcaster and host of Vision Australia Radio’s Focal Point program, Peter Greco; lawyer, advocate and former Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes; musician and Braille Music Camp teacher Jordie Howell and Vision Australia retail coordinator Julie Scott.

We also hear from Reader Recommended’s Frances Keyland and VA Radio National Network Manager, Conrad Browne.

Listen to or download program 400

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 399 for 22nd November 2017

This week, we have the great honour of speaking with Chief Accessibility Officer for Microsoft Jennie Lay Flurrie. Jenny discusses the role that technology can play in people reaching their goals, especially people with disability. Jenny is profoundly deaf and says that it was revealing the full details of her disability that made the most difference to her working life.

Also on the program, 

• Tim Nield from AFL Victoria discussing the development of blind footballs squads and how people can become involved.
• We catch up with Holman Prize Winner Penny Melville-Browne (A.K.A the Blind Chef) and her travels in so far in China and Australia.

Listen to or download program 399

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 398 for 15th November 2017

This week on Talking Vision, we speak with a heritage braille globe created by Richard Frank Tunely in the 1950s is being replicated through the efforts of the State Library of Queensland. We hear from Director of Content Management, Margaret Warren, about the history of the globe, its cultural significance and about Tunley himself.

Karen Knight was a young school girl in the 1970s and joins us to discuss her memories of the globe and explain its tactile features.

Also on the program, Distinguished blind Australian, Emeritus Professor Ron McCallum AM was recently honoured with the David Blyth Award in recognition of his work to improve the quality of life of blind and vision impaired Australians. Stephen Jolley speaks with Ron to reflect on his achievements over the years.

Listen to or download program 398

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 
 

---

 

Edition 397 for 8th November 2017

This week on Talking Vision, we hear from Jane Britt and Kate Begley who are two of the working group participants for Vision Australia’s new online youth platform Zest.  They chat about the inspiration for the platform and their own experiences of vision loss in their 20s and the dearth of information and stories relevant to their experiences as young people. 
Staying on the topic of young people, Jack Missen Program and Support Coordinator for Vision Australia Radio is also on the show chatting about the development of a radio program for blind and low vision youth. The station is seeking young people to get involved and no experience is necessary. 
Also on the program,
• Karen Knight, General Manager for Advocacy and Engagement, discusses Vision Australia’s election campaign in the lead up to the Queensland election.
• Frances Keyland presents a Reader Recommended.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

 

Edition 396 for 1st November 2017

 

This week we replay a speech from Theresa Smith-Ruig from Vision Australia’s recent Annual General Meeting held on 25 October at our Kooyong Centre. 
Theresa received a Vision Australia Award for her contribution to the blindness and low vision sector.  Theresa’s diligent work began in 2003, when she joined the Board of Blind Citizens Australia (BCA).
She was elected to the Board of Vision Australia in 2007 and in the past 10 years has performed her duties as Director with diligence and dedication while juggling her career and parenting. As a PhD graduate in the area of career management and Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management at the University of New England, Theresa has brought incredible insight to her role as member and, ultimately, the Chair of the People and Culture Committee. 
In her speech, Theresa recalls the pivotal moments in her life from losing her vision as a young girl, growing up on a rural property, life in a small town and how her mother, and then later herself, advocated for her right to choose her own education path.

Also on the program, Julie Scott from the Vision Shop talking about the exciting new range of puzzle books right in time for Christmas.

 

 

Listen to or download program 396

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 395 for 25th October 2017

Ahmet Ustunel is one of three winners of the Holman prize that funds the dreams and adventures for people who are blind or have low vision. Ahmet is a kayker and plans to cross the 3km Bosphorus Strait, a strait that forms the continental boundary between Europe and Asia. To achieve this Ahmet is developing a suite of non-visual guidance technology.

Ahmet talks about his early life in Turkey and his love of the Bosphorus Strait, and water in general, and the initial inspiration behind developing the technology.

Also on the program, Vision Australia’s retail services manager Andrew Wheeler chats about the exciting new range of merchandise now available from our shops – just in time for Christmas.

 

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

 

Edition 394 for 18th October 2017

This week, Dr Fred Schroeder, President of the world blind union, was recently in Australia on invitation from Blind Citizens Australia for its 2017 national convention. While in the country Dr Schroeder visited other blindness organisations and we were honoured to have the opportunity to speak with him.

Stephen Jolley leads this conversation, which ranges from Dr Schroeder’s early life; his denial of being blind and his eventual acceptance, to his education and self-advocacy in his early career and his on-going advocacy for all people who are blind or have low vision.

It’s an illuminating conversation and Dr Schroeder he is an eloquent, intelligent and inspiring speaker.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 393 for 11th October 2017

It’s a special Talking Vision this week as we celebrate International White Cane Day, 15 October and take a walk down to the shops with white cane user, Martin Wright. Throughout the walk, Martin explains how the different ways he can employ his cane to navigate the world around him without sight and the independence using a white cane gives him.

Following this we speak with Orientation and Mobility Specialist Luke Price about the types of canes that people use and how people arrive at the decision to use a cane.

Martin is the focus of the podcast series An Interesting Place to Be. The series follows Martins journey through the first year of his vision loss.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 392 for 4th October 2017

Blind Citizen’s Australia’s national convention is just around the corner, 13 to 15 October. Prue Watt from the planning committee joins us to discuss the workshops, panels and keynote speakers taking place over the weekend.

Also on the program, we’re joined by casting agency founder Graeme de Vallance who is on the lookout for people who are blind or vision impaired for a documentary on finding a dream job.

Then we will hear from Kate Begley from our advocacy team about Vision Australia’s recommendations at the recent public hearing into to school to work transition.

And then Frances Keyland presents Reader Recommended.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 391 for 27th September 2017

This week on Talking Vision, on September 20th the Reserve Bank of Australia rolled out the new tactile $10 note.

In early September Vision Australia hosted a pre-launch for this momentous occasion. Stephen Jolley was there on the day on behalf of Talking Vision and you’ll hear speeches and interviews from the day including federal Member for Higgins and Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, Kelly O’Dwyer and Samantha Marsh from Blind Citizens Australia.

Also on the program, we chat with Nemoy Malcolm about Vision Australia’s Peer Support Program and the many ways it can assist people who are blind or have low vision.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 390 for 20th September 2017

Chef Penny Melville Brown is the creator of Baking Blind a YouTube series that features Penny cooking with a range of different people from all walks of life. Her aim is to connect people through the “universal language of food and cooking”.

Penny is Holman Prize winner and is using her prize money to travel Penny will travel to Costa Rica, Malawi, Australia, China and the United States, all over the course of a year. Along the way, she will meet chefs, teach blind people and community leaders the techniques and panache of blind baking, and film these encounters to ensure that people change their assumptions about the capabilities of blind chefs.

She chats with Stella on the eve of her departure date about the thrill of winning the prize, her own vision loss and what a chef takes with her when packing her bags.

Also on the program Nemoy Malcolm, Peer Support coordinator at Vision Australia discusses how the Peer Support program can assist people through life’s challenges.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 389 for 13th September 2017

With the announcement of the inaugural Holman Prize this week it seems fitting to replay an interview with CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired based in San Francisco, Bryan Bashin.

The prize, which funds the ambitions of blind people worldwide, is an initiative of The Lighthouse and in this interview from February 2017 Bryan discusses the history of the organisation, its main philosophy and also the exciting news about the Holman Prize.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 388 for 6th September 2017

This week we speak with Vision Australia Radio volunteer Rosemary Penn. Rosemary has been volunteering with the Adelaide station for close to 35 years and has recently been honoured with a nomination for Outstanding Volunteer Contribution award with the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. We chat with Rosemary about her early connection with Vision Australia Radio and what motivates her to continue to keep volunteering.

We also speak with Haylee Revel from Vision Australia’s marketing team chats about the launch of the organisations 2018 diaries and calendars.

And, Frances Keyland is on with a Reader Recommended and this time around it Kerry Greenwood’s Taman Shud.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 387 for 30th August 2017

Talking Vision celebrates Father’s Day and speaks with two dads: dad to five boys (and grandfather to one)Jamie Kelly and dad to two boys Cameron Roles. Both Jamie and Cameron are totally blind. They discuss the specific challenges of joy of being a dad when you are blind and the universal similarities that all fathers share.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 386 for 23th August 2017

This week, we reply a little bit of the best of with a program from November 2016 with an interview with Samantha Little our guest from RNIB’s Connect Radio based in Glasgow in Scotland. Samantha presents the music show, A Little Alternative, and produces a weekly audio blog where she shares her insights with living with vision loss.

Samantha discusses her passion for radio and music, how she became involved with radio and shares her thoughts on travelling to Australia.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 385 for 16th August 2017

Founded in 1988 and exhibiting in over 41 countries, Dialogue in the Dark is a fully immersive experience in total darkness. People are led by guides who are blind or have low vision, and learn to interact and communicate by relying on other senses. We speak with guide Francois Jacobs about the experience and what people can gain from it and what it might mean for the blind and low vision community.

Also on the program, Julie Scott from the Vision Shop with some handy implements to keep you sewing.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 384 for 9th August 2017

This week, tune in to the joy of braille and music with our most popular show of the year, the National Braille Music Camp. Every year in late June, blind music students and their mentors from around Australia come together for the National Braille Music Camp at Mittagong in the New South Wales Southern Highlands. One of the camp leaders Jordie Howell, co-hosts this program with Stella Glorie in which they speak with two camp participants, and play some of the music created during the week of celebration and fun learning.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 383 for 2nd August 2017

This week on Talking Vision, we replay a reading and an interview from H.E. Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove when he visited Vision Australia Radio in Kooyong. Sir Peter said, "I became aware that there was a station for the print handicapped in Canberra and thought what a logical and sensible thing to do so, I wandered over and asked if they would mind if I did a couple of volunteer reading sessions".

Also on the program, Cathy Lambert from the Australian Paralympic Committee on an upcoming classification opportunity and we pay tribute to Yankunytjatjara elder and activist Yami Lester who passed away in July. Mr Lester suffered vision impairment after being blinded by a nuclear test bomb that blew though his homelands in the far north of South Australia during the 1950s.

And Frances Keyland presents a Reader Recommended.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 382 for 26th July 2017

This week, we chat with Carmel Jolley who recently retired as case manager for Vision Australia. Carmel talks about her work life over the course of 17 years as a person with low vision, the changes she has experienced and her pleasure of working with people.

Also on the program, Belinda Wilson from our Advocacy and engagement team discusses Vision Australia’s further education bursary program which is opening shortly for all higher education students.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 381 for 19th July 2017

This week, we speak with athlete, adventurer, motivational speaker and author Nick Gleeson about the launch of his memoir, The Many Ways of Seeing.

Nick’s life changed forever at age seven when an electronic swinging supermarket door hit him on the side of his head, causing a retinal detachment.

Nick’s story is one of triumph over adversity and his memoir charts his childhood in the working class suburb of Melbourne through to his university years and subsequent career.

Also on the program we hear from Marcus Bleechmore from our Policy Advocacy & Engagement team with a My Aged Care Update.

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 380 for 12th July 2017

This week, Stella speaks with Tess Herbert who is young, blind and gay to discover what it’s like to be a part of two minorities and a generation that is lambasted for having it too easy. Tess is confident, positive and proud of who she is and thinks she is part of a lucky generation both as someone who is blind and someone who is gay.

Also on the program, we celebrate Christmas in July and Julie from the Vision Shop talks computers.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 379 for 5th July 2017

This week on the program Stella speaks with Sarah Barton director of the new Australian documentary Defiant Lives – the rise and triumph of the disability rights movement.

The documentary features interviews with over 30 leading disability rights activists and more than 600 pieces of archival footage from around the world. Defiant Lives reframes disability as a human rights issue to sit along-side the civil rights and the gay rights movements.

Also on the program, Frances Keyland with a reader recommended for NAIDOC week.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 378 for 28th June 2017

June 27th is Helen Keller’s birthday and we honour her outstanding legacy with a conversation with Bruce Maguire, who details her early years and her political activities and writings.

June 24th to the 30th is the international Deaf-Blind Awareness Week. We speak with Justin Elk from Able Australia’s Deafblind Services team about this often-misunderstood condition of dual sensory loss.

And Frances Keyland is on the program with a reader recommended on Helen Keller’s Memoir.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 377 for 21st June 2017

This week, we feature an extended conversation with Dr Kevin Murfitt who was recently included in the Queens birthday honours list for significant service to people who are blind or have low vision.

As a young man, Kevin envisioned his future in the restaurant and hospitality industry until a car accident and vision loss made him reassess his career options. He returned to university and studied psychology and journalism. He went on to complete his PHD in attitude change in employment with people with disability.

Since the 1990s Kevin has been involved in the leadership of major blindness organisations.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 376 for 14th June 2017

This week, a visitor from across the ditch. Blair Gilbert is the National Manager for Community and Life Enrichment at the Royal New Zealand Blind Foundation. The organisation has a strong history and is a well-known and prominent organisation within New Zealand. Its focus is to support people in living their life on their own terms.

Blair was part of a visiting team with an aim to discover what was taking place in Australia around blindness and low vision and to share information and knowledge with Australian sister organisations. He chats with us about what he has seen and the comparisons and similarities between New Zealand and Australia.

Also on the program:

• Leona Holloway is a representative on the International council of English braille. Leona is on the program to talk about a survey in regard to possible changes to braille. 
• Scott Jacob from Vision Australia’s advocacy team discusses last month’s federal budget and what this means for people who are blind or have low vision.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 375 for 7th June 2017

We are delighted to present another podcast from the Stories of You series.

Emily Davison is a journalist and also a you tuber who goes under the name of Fashioneyesta – Emily aims to challenges people’s perceptions of sight loss through her love of fashion, beauty and style and to make fashion accessible for everyone.

Produced and presented by Glen Morrow, Stories of You is a conversational show with interviews and documentary style presentation. Guests share stories about their lives, experiences and personal journeys.

Also on the program, Julie Scott from the Vision Shop with a pen friend!

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 374 for 31st May 2017

The Vision Australia Awards are given to individuals who have made a significant or exceptional contribution to the blind and low vision community.

We speak with a 2016 recipient Cliff Jackson. Cliff, aged 90 is an active volunteer with 20 years of service. Cliff first began volunteering in June 1996 with the Royal Blind Society Enfield, now Vision Australia. He has consistently volunteered since, devoting four days a week to Vision Australia clients and services. This is the second Vision Australia award Cliff has received. In 2006, he was awarded the Client Service Award for his service as a dedicated volunteer and a strong believer in peer support. Ten years on, Cliff’s Vision Impaired Persons Support Group has more than 22 groups and over 500 members. He also gives presentations on Vision Australia’s behalf to businesses and community groups and provides tours of our head office in Sydney.

Also on the program, Bruce Maguire who is the Lead Policy Advisor at Vision Australia chats to us about the challenges of using technology when you are blind. and the proliferation of the touch screen.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 373 for 24th May 2017

This week we focus on Macular Degeneration Week, an annual event to raise awareness of the disease. One in seven Australians over 50 has some evidence of macular degeneration with the likelihood increasing with age.

Thelma Dowell lost her vision while on a ski trip 17 years ago. She speaks with Stella about the early days of living with vision loss and the period of adjustment and acceptance that followed.

We speak with orthoptist Andy Tao about what macular degeneration is, its intricacies, how it might present itself and the best possible outcomes for someone after diagnosis.

Also on the program, an extended reader recommended with Frances Keyland.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 372 for 17th May 2017

This week’s guest is Ramona Mandy who was recently awarded the Tammy Axelson Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Print Disability sector at the Roundtable (on Information Access for People with Print Disability, held in Perth.

Ramona has a major commitment to the blindness sector, starting work in the community as a braille instructor, teaching adults how to access and use braille-related technology. She then worked for the global technology company Humanware as a blindness product specialist, assisting trainers to match people with the right technology.

During this time, she served on the national executive for the Australian braille authority and chaired the Victorian sub-committee.

She chats with Stella about her passion for all things braille and print access-related and about the legacy of print disability advocate and administrator Tammy Axelson.

Also on the program:

• Content maker Glen Morrow reports back on the presentations from the Roundtable
• Frances Keyland presents a reader recommended

 

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 371 for 10th May 2017

May 8 to the 14 is National Volunteer week.

Many people who are blind or have low vision rely on the support of volunteers to assist them in day-to-day life. This can include recreational and leisure activities, at home, in the work place and in school or further education.

We speak with Cassie Hassel, Volunteer Program Consultant, about the difference a volunteer can make, how people who are blind or have low vision can volunteer themselves and what motivates people to volunteer.

We also chat with Alison Davies a volunteer reader at Vision Australia radio.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 370 for 3rd May 2017

A special Talking Vision this week as we celebrate Mothers’ Day.

Kate Begley hosts the program and speaks with Fiona Woods and Carmela Carey. They discuss the joys and challenges of being a mother when you are blind or have low vision.

Some of their children also make a visit to the program and share insights and special stories of living with parent with a parent who is blind.

Also on the program, France Keyland with a reader recommended.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 369 for 26th April 2017

Joan Solaga became an athlete as a way of addressing her balance issues after sight loss. Now at the age of 90 she is competing in the Masters Games in a number of events including javelin, shot-put and walking.

Joan discusses the importance of having a goal and the tactics she will use to navigate her way through the events as a person with vision loss.

Also on the program, Executive Officer of Blind Citizens Australia Emma Bennison talks about the Onkyo Braille Essay – a contest that promotes braille literacy, the organisation’s national conference taking place in October and her appearance in the recent ABC program You Can’t Ask That.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 368 for 19th April 2017

This week Stella chats with Sandra Knight, who is heading off to Spain as part of a five person Australian blind tennis team for the International Friendlies Tournament. The results from the tournament will determine the sport’s first world rankings.

Sandra is an all-round sports woman and participates in 10 pin bowling and hiking, but she only ever dreamed of participating in tennis. Until now.

Also on the program, Scott Jacobs, Government Relations Advisor at Vision Australia, reports back on the Australian Blindness Forum (ABF) summit. The summit, recently held in Melbourne, featured a wide range of organisations and consumers in attendance, including the Minister for Communications Mitch Fifield, who made an exciting announcement in relation to audio description.

And, Julie Scott from the Vision Shop is on the program talking about talking microwaves.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 367 for 12th April 2017

Lyndel Wischer is an arts curator and the judge for submissions to Vision Australia’s 2018 large print calendar. She believes that art can enrich life and provide enjoyment for people not matter their circumstance.

Lyndel speaks with Stella about how people with a vision impairment can approach art for the first time and what type of painting or drawing might be suitable for the calendar.

Also on the program, David Dopel CEO of the film distribution company Demand Film discussing up-coming titles of interest to the blindness and low vision community.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 366 for 5th April 2017

This week, Stella chats to Paul Mugambi, a Kenyan student and activist who is in the third month of a two-year scholarship at Australia National University in Canberra. He speaks about what life is like in Kenya for a person is blind - where poverty, misunderstanding from the general public about what blindness is and a lack of basic human rights can take its toll.

Paul began his career in advocacy and policy by chance after a university professor complained that his braille machine was too noisy. Paul spoke up and has never looked back.

He is proud of all of his affirmative action achievements but thinks his greatest legacy is establishing the first sports and activity club for students with disability. Until that time, students with disability were excluded from all sports and activities.

Also on the program, Michael Simpson, General Manager of Client Services at Vision Australia, discusses the upcoming print disability review and how you can get involved.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 365 for 29th March 2017

Stella speaks with Chris Edwards manager of Inclusion at Vision Australia about the new Careers in Focus initiative, a Linkedin group designed to bring together people who are blind or have low vision to assist and mentor each other on how to take that next step in their career.

Also on the program, Quality Living coordinator Cameron Algie highlights some of the positive transformation stories he has encountered within the groups and Frances Keyland brings us another Reader Recommended.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 364 for 22nd March 2017

It's technology and young people on this week's Talking Vision.

David Woodbridge joins the show to explain Vision Australia's Adaptive Technology Help Desk, while Jack Missen from radio network SYN discusses the issues facing Australia’s young people in the lead up to National Youth Week, 31 March – 9 April.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 363 for 15th March 2017

The Australian Network on Disability (AND) is a national, membership based organisation that supports organisations to advance the inclusion of people with disability in all aspects of business.

It recently held its quarterly member forum and Vildana Praljak and Kate Begley from Vision Australia’s Advocacy and Engagement team attended. They report back on the discussions and presentations that took place and the relevancy to the blindness and low vision community.

Also on the program, Jamie Kelly from Vision Australia’s library service discusses the many ways people can access the wealth of reading material from the library.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 362 for 8th March 2017

Talking Vision celebrates International Women’s Day, 8th March, a day that both celebrates women’s achievements and highlights the ongoing concerns and the discrimination women face.

Composer and Songwriter Donna Dyson was awarded APRA ASA Songwriter of the Year (2016) for her song Spirit of Australia (co-written with Damien Leith). Donna began song writing only three years ago after losing her vision through a stroke. She talks with Stella about her song writing process and the excitement of winning this most prestigious award.

Also on the program, Beth Tonnisen is a member of Vision Australia’s Telelink Women’s Group. She talks about how she enjoys being part of the all-female monthly telephone support group whose members encourage and inspire each other by sharing ideas, knowledge and experiences.

And, France Keyland presents a specially themed Reader Recommended.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 361 for 1st March 2017

This week a very special and different Talking Vision as we share an interview from the UK’s RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) Connect radio with filmmaker Peter Middleton,  who along with producer James Spinney,  created the incredible documentary Notes on Blindness. 
The 2016 documentary profiles writer and theologian John M. Hull, who became totally blind after decades of steadily deteriorating vision. To help him make sense of the upheaval in his life, Hull began documenting his experiences on audio cassette which forms the basis on the film.  

The film was recently nominated for four British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards, or BAFTAs.  

Following on from this is a soundscape from the film featuring the voice of John Hull.  

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 360 for 22 February 2017

This week, Stella chats with Dr Karen Wolff, an employment counsellor specialising in employment programs for people who are blind or have low vision. 

Karen explains the aims of the program, how its success is measured and why this unique program exists. Karen also reflects on her own life and what drove her to specialise in this area of employment consultation.

Also on the program, Nicole from the Vision shop explains the use of liquid measures. 

Listen to or download program 360

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 359 for 15 February 2017

This week, Stella interviews Bryan Bashin, the CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, based in San Francisco.

Bryan tells Stella his compelling story about his early working life in journalism, “coming out of the closet” as a blind person, and the career path that led him to the top of The Lighthouse, northern California’s largest and most prominent agency for people with blindness and low vision.

He also discusses the blind-positive philosophy of The Lighthouse, and his hopes for the future of the blind and low vision community around the world.

Also on the program, Frances Keyland presents a special Reader Recommended for Library Lovers Day with a vignette on the joy and pleasure that a library can offer.

Listen to or download program 359

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 358 for 8 February 2017

The iVote system is a form of voting using a telephone or the internet. The service has been designed specifically to enable voters who are blind or have vision to cast a secret ballot as their sighted counterparts are able to do. The system is now available to eligible voters in the forthcoming WA election, 11th March.

Stella speaks with the Western Australian electoral commissioner, David Kerslake, about how the iVote works and the exciting possibility it presents for those who finally get to vote independently and to exercise their democratic right to vote in secret.

Following on from this conversation, we speak with Susan Thompson, a voter who used the service in the 2016 NSW election. She explains how she used iVote and the significance of this service to a blind voter such as herself.

Listen to or download program 358

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 357 for 1 February 2017

This week on the program, Janine Sadhu president of the Women’s Branch of Blind Citizens Australia. The branch provides peer support for women who are blind or have low vision and hosts a range of events and seminars throughout the year including telephone support networks.

Janine speaks with Stella about the positive impact the branch serves for women and how you can get involved.

Also on the program, Maurice Gleeson from Blind Sports Victoria talking about the great range of activities available, from yachting and tennis to comradely walking groups.

And Julie Scott is on the program to discuss what’s new in the Vision Shop.

Listen to or download program 357

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 356 for 25 January 2017

January 26th is Australia Day, a day that is marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards, and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new members of the Australian community.

Michael Abjoujundi was welcomed as an Australian citizen six years after fleeing his worn torn country of Syria.

Michael has Stargardt’s disease and he recalls arriving in Australia with ‘no English, no family and no vision.’ His story is one of great courage and over-coming adversity both as an asylum seeker and a person with low vision.

He speaks with Stella Glorie about his life in Syria, his journey and settlement into Australian life as and his life at present and his plans for the future.

Listen to or download program 356

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 355 for 18 January 2017

This week we replay one of the most popular programs of 2016 an extended conversation with advocate Maryanne Diamond. At the time of this interview (September 2016) Maryanne had just been awarded the Louis Braille Medal. This most prestigious award is granted to individuals who have made a substantial and outstanding contribution to the World Blind Union (WBU) over a long period of time.

Maryanne is a former president of the WBU, former Executive Officer of Blind Citizens Australia, the founding Executive Officer of Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) and former General Manager of Advocacy and Engagement at Vision Australia. She is currently the General Manager for the NDIA’s Media, Communications and Engagement.

Her work has included developing training workshops in Mongolia on leadership for women who are blind and establishing a PNG blind union and to provide leadership and advocacy training to people who are blind or have low vision in PNG. Maryanne has also tirelessly advocated for the Marrakesh Treaty for the Marrakesh Treaty, and for leading World Blind Union’s Right to Read Campaign and the global effort to end the book famine.

She discusses her school and university years and the choices she made that took her through her adventurous career path for the past 20 years.

Listen to or download program 355

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 354 for 11 January 2017

The Australian Blind Cricket team is heading to India at the end of January for the world T20. We speak to young new recruit Ned Brewer Maiga about the tournament and his predictions on how Australia will fair. Ned lost his vision barely a year ago and up until that time he was a passionate sportsman. While still adjusting to his vision loss he is delighted to find an entire community within blind cricket.

Also on the program, Vision Australia’s upcoming pre-employment program is aimed at high school graduates who blind or vision impaired to assist them in transitioning to full-time work. The program covers all aspects including practical skills of resume writing and interviews and also confidence building. Program coordinator Courtney Mckee talks about how interested young people can get involved.

Frances Keyland brings us Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 354

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 353 for 4 January 2017

Darren Fittler was diagnosed with retinal dystrophy at the age of five and was blind from the age of 13. He is now a lawyer who has worked with the united nations on the International Convention of Rights of Persons with Disability. In 2014 he was the recipient of the 2014 Human Rights Commission Law Award.

He sits on the NSW Attorney Generals Disability Advisory Council and he also recently joined the board of Vision Australia.

Darren discusses the processes of establishing the convention and what led him to become a lawyer.

Also on the program we wish Louis Braille a happy birthday who was born January 4th in 1809. He was the inventor of the reading and writing system known now as Braille.

Listen to or download program 353

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 352 for 28 December 2016

This week, tune in to the joy of braille and music with our most popular show of the year, the 2016 National Braille Music Camp. Every year in late June, blind music students and their mentors from around Australia come together for the National Braille Music Camp at Mittagong in the New South Wales Southern Highlands. One of the camp leaders Jordie Howell, co-hosts this program with Stella Glorie in which they speak with two camp participants and play some of the music created during the week of celebration and fun learning

Listen to or download program 352

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 351 for 21 December 2016

Noni Casey is a volunteer book narrator for Vision Australia’s library service. She also is a library member having developed an eye condition in the last decade. Thanks to some simple modifications she is able to contribute to the service she enjoys so much. We talk to Noni about the books she’s narrated and what she enjoys most about her volunteer role.

Also on the program:

 

• A treat for young and not so young. Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight takes place Christmas Eve and we present one of the most popular acts on the night High-5
• Frances Keyland also presents reader recommended

 

Listen to or download program 351

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 350 for 14 December 2016

The 2nd annual Disability Confidence Survey report from the Disability Australia Network (AND) was released in early December.

The only study of its kind, the report investigates the attitude and awareness of 500 small to medium sized enterprises on welcoming customers and employees with disability.

This year’s results show an overall positive shift in attitude and awareness and, almost 90% of businesses that employ people with disability shared the significant positive business benefits they have experienced as a result. However, there is still a long way to go with the report also revealing a passive attitude amongst businesses to making changes.

Stella speaks with CEO of AND, Suzanne Colbert AM, about the role of the organisation, the objectives of the survey and what steps need to be taken next.

Also on the program, the Honourable Martin Foley Victorian minister for disability talks about the recently released State Disability plan “Absolutely Everyone” for 2017 to 2020.

Also on the program, we board ship and sail away on the tall-ship the Tenacious a purpose built ship for people with all abilities to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of sailing.

Listen to or download program 350

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 349 for 7 December 2016

Alison Jones had lived her entire life in the tight knit community of a small country town located some 500km from the capital of Brisbane. Alison was passionate about sport which she centred her life around spending most weekends playing and travelling long distances to other towns to compete. This all changed in 2014 when a work place accident caused her to lose her vision. Alison’s vision loss was life changing and she decided she then needed to make her own life saving decision and move to the city full-time. Stella speaks with Alison about her life leading up to the accident, her new life in the city and her re-engagement with sport.

Also on the program, we board ship and sail away on the tall-ship the Tenacious a purpose built ship for people with all abilities to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of sailing.

Listen to or download program 349

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 348 for 30 November 2016

To mark International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) Saturday 3rd December, Stella has an extended conversation with IDPwD Patron, Karni Liddell about the day and the importance of changing attitudes toward people with disability. She cites in particular attitudes around employment and parenthood.

Karni was born with a neuro-muscular wasting disease which left her unable to walk. She went on to become a medal winning Paralympian, and is now international speaker, radio broadcaster and social commentator. She is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) QLD Ambassador, a member of Dame Quentin Bryce’s Domestic and Family Violence Council and she sits on the United Nations Women’s Board.

In her first TED speech she received a standing ovation.

Listen to or download program 348

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 347 for 23 November 2016

It’s almost Christmas and Stella visits Julie Scott from Equipment Solutions about the range of gifts on offer in all of Vision Australia’s shops. From the very special, and now iconic, Vision Australia calendars and diaries to talking clocks and watches and tactile games there is sure to be something for nearly everyone.

Also on the program, we hear Stephen Jolley, former host of Talking Vision, and Kate Begley, from Vision Australia’s Advocacy team, who both recently attended the Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) Victorian Forum held in Melbourne. Stephen and Kate give an overview of the proceedings of the day including guest speakers and panel discussions and talk about the important role BCA plays in people’s lives.

Listen to or download program 347

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 346 for 16 November 2016

This week on Talking Vision, Stella has an extended conversation with Samantha Little from RNIB’s Connect Radio based in Glasgow in Scotland. Samantha presents the music show, A Little Alternative, and produces a weekly audio blog where she shares her insights with living with vision loss.

Samantha discusses her passion for radio and music, how she became involved with radio and shares her thoughts on travelling to Australia.

Listen to or download program 344

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 345 for 9 November 2016

It’s that time of year again, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight takes place at Melbourne Sidney Myer Music bowl Christmas Eve, 24th December! The event is a high-light of the organisation’s calendar and just over six weeks away. Stella speaks with Renee Jess from Vision Australia’s Fundraising team about the anticipation leading up to the big night.

Also on the program:

 

• Jane Britt who shares the youth portfolio on Vision Australia’s Client Consultation group discusses the aims of the group and also the importance of the youth portfolio
• Frances Keyland joins Stella in the studio for an extended Reader Recommended

 

Listen to or download program 344

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 344 for 2 November 2016

This week on Talking Vision, Stella enjoys a delightful conversation with the very funny and engaging Tommy Edison. Blind since birth, Tommy has gained popularity for producing a self-deprecating and humorous videos titled The funny Side of Being Blind’. Tommy is also known as the Blind Film Critic and has worked as a DJ and traffic reporter. Stella speaks with Tommy about the motivation for his work and his audience.

Also on the program, Narelle Keevers only began painting shortly after losing her sight four years ago. One of her paintings appears in Vision Australia’s 2017 calendar.

Listen to or download program 344

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 343 for 26 October 2016

This week, the second and final part of our extended conversation with Bill Jolley. Bill is a well- known and well respected advocate and identity in the blindness and low vision community. He currently sits on the Vision Australia board of management and has worked over the years in a number of blindness organisations. Last week the conversation focused on his early life and university studies and his project management work in Vietnam. This week we focus on his work with the World Blind Union, his work in China plus his family life.

Listen to or download program 343

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 342 for 19 October 2016

This week on Talking Vision, part one of a two-part interview with Bill Jolley. Bill was the first blind man in Australia to gain an honours degree in mathematics and statistics and went on to forge a career both outside and within the blindness a low vision community. A strong braille advocate, Bill developed braille programs for developing countries and communities including Vietnam where he was awarded for his work. Most recently he was invited to China to speak on advances in technology for the blind and is currently on the board of the Asia Pacific region of the World Blind Union (WBU). He is a well-respected identity within the blindness and low vision community.

Listen to or download program 342

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 341 for 12 October 2016

Talking Vision celebrates White Cane Day, 15th October, a very important day in the blindness and low vision calendar. It’s a day which highlights the independence achieved by people making use of this essential mobility tool.

Stella speaks with passionate white cane user Bernadette Jolley. Bernadette says the cane is an ‘extension of herself’ and recounts being introduced to the white cane and the excitement of going out on her own for the first time plus how she uses her cane today.

Also on the program, Orientation and Mobility Specialist Margaret Harvey discusses how the white cane enables someone’s confidence to grow while also being a very clear indicator to the sighted public.

Listen to or download program 341

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 340 for 5 October 2016

A special Talking Vision this week when we head to, a city of 31,000 people on the Victorian side of the mighty Murray River and the centre of the Sunraysia area. Stella speaks with local resident Rhonda Griffiths about the pros and cons of living in a regional town when you have low vision.

Also on the program:

 

• Sally Edwards: Service Engagement Consultant at Vision Australia in Mildura
• Patricia Izzard: Childhood educator and Primary Service Provider at Vision Australia who works alongside families and education facilities in the Sunraysia area.

 

Listen to or download program 340

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 339 for 28 September 2016

Molly Burke is a young Canadian motivational speaker who uses her own story of vision loss to give hope and inspire other young adults. Molly believes her story as a person with a disability being bullied in high school is not unique and that is why it needs to be told. Molly discusses her life as a 22 year old sharing her story speaking to thousands of people, where she finds her strength to tell her story and her hopes and plans for the future.

Also on the program: Applications for Vision Australia’s 2017 graduate program Career Start open in early October. Program coordinator Melissa Curulli and 2016 graduate Chris Paige discuss criteria for applicants, the rewards of being a part of the program and how people can become involved.

Listen to or download program 339

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 338 for 21 September 2016

John Lindley has been a farmer all of his life working with sheep and cattle on his property outside of Gundagai in NSW. He feels a deep connection with the land and his animals. John was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration almost 15 years ago and the condition has worsened in the last four years. He speaks with Stella about some of the changes he has made so he can continue to farm and also how he manages to farm safely with low vision.

 

• Upcoming news on Blind Citizens NSW state convention
• Frances Keyland with Reader Recommended

Listen to or download program 338

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 337 for 14 September 2016

This week, Stella enjoys an extended conversation with advocate Maryanne Diamond who was recently awarded the Louis Braille Medal. This most prestigious award is granted to individuals who have made a substantial and outstanding contribution to the World Blind Union (WBU) over a long period of time.

Maryanne is a former president of the WBU, former Executive Officer of Blind Citizens Australia, the founding Executive Officer of Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) and former General Manager of Advocacy and Engagement at Vision Australia. She is currently the General Manager for the NDIA’s Media, Communications and Engagement.

Her work has included developing training workshops in Mongolia on leadership for women who are blind and establishing a PNG blind union and to provide leadership and advocacy training to people who are blind or have low vision in PNG. Maryanne has also tirelessly advocated for the Marrakesh Treaty for the Marrakesh Treaty, and for leading World Blind Union’s Right to Read Campaign and the global effort to end the book famine.

She discusses her school and university years and the choices she made that took her through her adventurous career path for the past 20 years.

Listen to or download program 337

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 336 for 7 September 2016

“The introduction of the tactile feature on banknotes is one of the most significant inclusive actions to take place in my life. Having to rely on other people or a device to identify banknotes just isn't the kind of independence and participation in community life that leads to dignity, equality and inclusion,” says Vision Australia Lead Policy Advisor, Bruce Maguire.

This week on Talking Vision we present the audio recording of the launch of the tactile currency at Vision Australia’s Enfield office. Emceed by Vision Australia’s CEO Ron Hooton we hear from the shadow minister for Disability and Aging (NSW) Sophie Kotsis, Bruce Maguire and young advocate Connor McLeod on this most important event.

Listen to or download program 336

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 335 for 31 August 2016

National Literacy and Numeracy Week is held during the week 29th August to 4th September and works toward raise awareness of the importance of literacy and numeracy at school and beyond.

Stella speaks with Louise Curtin coordinator of Vision Australia’s Feelix Children’s Library about the vital importance Braille plays in teaching a child who is blind literacy and numeracy skills.

Also on the program, Brendan Paholski is one of the founding editors of SNAP Journal, a new online literary journal publishing works by people with disability, mental illness or who are deaf. He discusses the impetus behind establishing the journal and how people can get involved.

Listen to or download program 335

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 334 for 24 August 2016

With Father’s Day just around the corner (Sunday 4th September) Talking Vision pays tribute and speaks with two dads about the specific challenges and joys of being a father when you are blind or vision-impaired, and what all fathers have in common. The program features Glen Morrow who has a two year old son and Michael Simpson father of three adult sons in their late 20s and early 30s.

Listen to or download program 334

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 333 for 17 August 2016

Vision Australia’s Telelink program enables people to connect with others to share hobbies, interests, social chats and support. Stella speaks with Telelink participant and facilitator Debbie Lenehan about the range of groups available and the important role this service plays in people’s lives.

Also on the program, Bruce Maguire Lead Policy Advisor at Vision Australia discusses the end of the ABC’s 15 month audio description trial on its on-line streaming service iView.

Frances Keyland brings us a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 333

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 332 for 10 August 2016

On 1st September the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will be releasing the next generation five dollar banknote which includes a tactile feature especially designed for the blindness and low vision community. Stella speaks with Bruce Maguire, lead policy advisor at Vision Australia, and Michael Anderson, Head of Note Issuing at the RBA, about the events that lead to the inclusion of the tactile feature and why the feature is so important.

Listen to or download program 332

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 331 for 3 August 2016

“It’s about blind people being empowered by other blind people. It’s the one week of the year where braille is the norm and blind is the majority.”

Jordie Howell, former student and now teacher at the Braille Music Camp.

“It’s inspired many students to go on and pursue music as a career.”

This week, tune in to the joy of braille and music with our most popular show of the year, the 2016 National Braille Music Camp. Every year in late June, blind music students and their mentors from around Australia come together for the National Braille Music Camp at Mittagong in the New South Wales Southern Highlands. One of the camp leaders Jordie Howell, co-hosts this program with Stella Glorie in which they speak with two camp participants and play some of the music created during the week of celebration and fun learning.

Listen to or download program 331

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 330 for 27 July 2016

This week, it’s a special Talking Vision with a conversation with former Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes AM, who has just launched his autobiography, Finding A Way, and the former presenter of Talking Vision, Stephen Jolley.

Graeme discusses the meaning of the title of his book, memories of his early formative years, life during his university years and the key decisions that have lead him to where he is today.

Also on the program, Frances Keyland brings us a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 330

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 329 for 20 July 2016

This week on Talking Vision Stella speaks with Vildana Praljak an aerialist with the Women’s Circus in Victoria.

Vildana was encouraged to try circus skills by sighted colleague who could see no reason why vision impairment should be a barrier. Initially sceptical she eventually found a way to express herself creatively and describes the circus skills as one of the best avenues of her life.

Also on the program, 9th August 2016 is Census night. This year, for the very first time, the Census form is fully accessible for all disabilities. The Census form is available on-line and also in a variety of hard copy options. Samantha Palmer from the Australia Bureau of Statistics is on the program to discuss the importance of being involved in the Census and the range of assistance options available should they be needed.

Listen to or download program 329

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 328 for 13 July 2016

In the lead up to the 2016 Rio Paralympics Vision Australia has launched its Get Your Sport On campaign to celebrate the way people engage in sport and leisure activities. Stella speaks with down-hill skier Debbie King who, when she lost her vision, who was able to continue with her life’s passion thanks to technology and community assistance.

Also on the program, Business Director Llewylln Praine on the transformative power of learning braille both professionally and personally.

Listen to or download program 328

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 327 for 6 July 2016

This week on Talking Vision, we celebrate the signature ofthe 20th country on the Marrakesh Treaty, the Treaty will come into effect on 30 September 2016.

The Marrakesh Treaty is international agreement that will help an estimated 285 million people worldwide have greater access to books published in accessible form at such as large print, braille or audio.

Tohelp us understand what this means for the blindness and low vision community Stella is joined by Anthea Taylor, Manage rAccessible Information Library Service at Vision Australia. Anthea is a passionate advocate of accessible information and a copyright expert.

Also on the program, we catch up with Tanya Savva and her Road Unseen journey and Stella has an extended chat with Frances Keyland and a special edition of Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 327

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 326 for 29 June 2016

This week, Stella has an extended conversation with Australian songwriter Donna Dyson. Prior to composing full time Donna was an lecturer and published author. This changed in 2012 when she became suddenly blind after suffering a stroke caused from brain tumour.

At the time her other passion was music and she was able to change her direction in life and become boldly active in the music industry. She has collaborated with Australian idol winner Damien Leith and they have become a national recognised and awarded team.

Listen to or download program 326

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 325 for 22 June 2016

Vision Australia is asking all parties in the 2016 Federal Election for a commitment to act on these five priority areas:

• Create meaningful employment for people with disability
• Ensure quality education for improved learning outcomes
• Support Senior’s access to blindness and low vision services
• Mandate Audio Description on Australian free-to-air television
• Introduce accessible voting through iVote

This week we conclude our series with an interview with the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Shadow Minister for Disability Reform, followed by a conversation with independent Senator Nick Xenophon.

Listen to or download program 325

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 324 for 15 June 2016

Vision Australia is asking all parties in the 2016 Federal Election for a commitment to act on these five priority areas:

• Create meaningful employment for people with disability
• Ensure quality education for improved learning outcomes
• Support Senior’s access to blindness and low vision services
• Mandate Audio Description on Australian free-to-air television
• Introduce accessible voting through iVote

This week Stella speaks with the Honourable Christian Porter the Minister for Social Services, about the coalition's plans to address these concerns and improve the lives of those in the blindness and low vision community.

Also on the program, Jacob Clifton the outgoing Manager of Government Relations and Policy at Vision Australia reflects on his time in the organisation.

And Frances Keyland presents Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 324

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 323 for 8 June 2016

Vision Australia is asking all parties in the 2016 Federal Election for a commitment to act on these five priority areas:

• Create meaningful employment for people with disability
• Ensure quality education for improved learning outcomes
• Support Senior’s access to blindness and low vision services
• Mandate Audio Description on Australian free-to-air television
• Introduce accessible voting through iVote

 

Stella speaks with Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia, Rachel Siewert, who holds the portfolios for Ageing and Community and Disability Services about her party’s planned steps to address the issues that affect those in the blindness and low vision community.

Also on the program, David Truong is a singer song-writer based in Queensland and has just released his first album, Happy Sad. He talks with Stella and reveals an extraordinary story.

Listen to or download program 323

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 322 for 1 June 2016

On Talking Vision this week, nominations for this year’s National Disability Awards are now open. In honour of this day we reply a conversation with Dr Frances Gentle who was one of the joint winners in the 2015 Excellence in Accessible Technology category for pioneering the world’s first eLearning Braille course, UEB Online
 

Also on the program:

 

• Scott Jacobs from the Advocacy and Engagement team at Vision Australia talks about the new self-advocacy tool kits available
• News of a gritty realist radio drama from the UK’s RNIB radio

Listen to or download program 322
 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 321 for 25 May 2016

On Talking Vision this week, we introduce the Manager of the Vision Australia Radio network, Conrad Browne. Conrad loves community radio and has established a strong career. He see the service as essential in providing a voice and representation to those often ignored.
 

Also on the program, a special treat as Frances Keyland brings an extended Reader Recommended with three books including the much loved Australian classic Caddie.

Listen to or download program 321
 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 320 for 18 May 2016

National Law Week (16th – 20th May) is an annual event designed to promote public understanding of the law and its role in society.

On Talking Vision this week, lawyer and university lecturer Cameron Roles and law student Henry Macphillamy. They discuss their experiences of being blind and working in the legal sector, why they chose law and whether the law serves to protect individual rights or to enforce our responsibilities.

Listen to or download program 320

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 319 for 11 May 2016

For mother, Tanya Savva, the past seven years have been a rollercoaster ride. Independently raising her daughter Mackenzie who is blind, developmentally delayed, and with significant medical complications has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. Tanya has recently made the radical decision to provide intense therapy and home schooling to Mackenzie, now seven, for six months whilst travelling around Australia in a campervan. It is their ‘The Road Unseen’ journey and Tanya also hopes to raise awareness in local communities of people who are blind or have low vision, just like Mackenzie. Stella speaks with Tanya about Mackenzie’s own journey up until this time, the hopes she has for her daughter and the decision making process behind the trip.

We also play a song to send them on their way.

Frances Keyland is also on the program with a reader recommended.

Listen to or download program 319

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 318 for 4 May 2016

This week on Talking Vision, Gabi Hollows is the founding director of the Fred Hollows foundation and considered to be an Australian national living treasure. Earlier this year she was the inaugural recipient of the Ryman Prize, an award of $250,000 for the world’s best development or achievement that enhances quality of life for older people.

Also on the program, writer and editor of the online fanzine Dark Matter Zine, Nalini Haynes.

Listen to or download program 318

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 317 for 27 April 2016

Happy Mothers’ Day.

In honour of Mothers’ Day Stella speaks with three mothers about the specific trials and joys of motherhood when you are blind or have low vision and also the universal commonalities that all mums share.

The program features Mary Lovett mother of three adult children, Dr Theresa Smith-Ruig who has two school aged children and a two year old and first time young mother Sarah Hocking.

Listen to or download program 317

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 316 for 20 April 2016

This week on Talking Vision, 27th April is International Guide Dog Day, a day that celebrates the incredibly hard working service dogs that make a difference to many in the blindness community.

We are joined by Chris Edwards and Carmela Carey and their Seeing Eye Dogs Odie and Rosie to discuss what was the deciding factor on getting a dog, what has been the major difference in having a dog and if you need to love dogs to have a Seeing Eye Dog. They also highlight the discrimination that they have faced when out in the community with their dog.

Listen to or download program 316

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 315 for 13 April 2016

This week, Government Relations Advisor at Vision Australia, Marcus Bleechmore, demystifies the new centralised system for aged care in Australia, known as My Aged Care. My Aged Care is part of the Australian Government’s changes to the aged care system which have been designed to give consumers more information, choice, control and easier access to a full range of aged care services.

Also on the program:
 

• There’s been a couple of positive steps toward full accessibility on social media. Megan Bishop from the communications team at Vision Australia, talks about the developments and also how people can join in the conversation on Vision Australia’s social media pages.

• We also feature an interesting piece from the BBC World Service produced by Australian Journalist Lee Kumutat and titled Why I’m Not Just Blind.

• And there’s a reader recommended with Frances Keyland.

Listen to or download program 315 Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 314 for 6 April 2016

This week on Talking Vision, Andrew Follows has a great passion for photography. Andrew has exhibited his work both here in Australia and overseas. He also has Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Thanks to Digital photography however, and his Guide Dog Eamon, Andrew has been able to continue to develop his passion in surprising and innovative ways.

Also on the program, Stella speaks with Research Fellow at the Centre for Eye Research Australia and clinical phycologist, Bonnie Sturrock about pilot of an acceptance-based guided self-help program to prevent and reduce depression in people who are blind or have low vision.

Listen to or download program 314

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 313 for 28 March 2016

This week on Talking Vision, Stella speaks with Professor Hugh Taylor AC Chair of the Harold Mitchell Foundation and also lead of the Indigenous Eye Health unit at the University of Melbourne. The unit recently received 2.5million dollars in funding (over three years) to assist in bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian eye health. Professor Taylor sheds light on the complexities of the preventable health crisis that is happening to our most marginalised citizens and what the solutions might be.

Also on the program, Frances Keyland with a reader recommended.

Listen to or download program 313

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 312 for 21 March 2016

This week on Talking Vision, the 2016 Paralympics is less than six months away and as part of its Road to Rio series Talking Vision brings you a conversation with Peter Greco and Anna Muldoon, classification manager with the Australian Paralympic Committee. Anna takes us through the classification process for blind and vision impaired athletes.

This interview was first aired in March of 2015.

Listen to or download program 312

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 311 for 14 March 2016

This week on Talking Vision, Stella speaks with champion archer, Hazel Hockley about the upcoming Para and VI Archery Championships. Hazel lost her sight in 2000. In 2015 she won a bronze medal in the Para World Championships.

Also on the program, we feature music from blind musician David Truong. David is from Queensland and has just released his debut album.

Frances Keyland presents a Reader Recommended.

Listen to or download program 311

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

 

Edition 310 for 7 March 2016

This week, Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. During World Glaucoma week (6th 12th March)  Stella speaks with CEO of Glaucoma Australia about those at risk of developing the disease ,the importance of regular eye checks and where people can seek assistance.

Also on the program, Janene Sadhu president of Blind Citizen’s Australia’s National Women’s Special Interest Branch. The National Women’s Branch is made up of a group of Australian women who are blind or vision impaired, whose mission is to improve the lives of blind and vision impaired women in Australia.

Plus, there’s a giveaway!

Listen to or download program 310

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 309 for 1 March 2016

This week on Talking Vision, in honour of International Women’s Day Stella speaks with singer, MC, writer and entertainment agent Janelle Colquhoun. Janelle went blind through diabetes but that didn’t stop her from still being able to sing. She also established Salubrious Productions an entertainment agency that represents a 200 diverse artists with disability.

Also on the program, France Keyland brings our attention to Harper Lee the much loved American author who recently passed away. 

This week, Stella speaks with the Honourable Kelly Vincent Dignity for Disability Party’s representative in South Australian Parliament. She was elected to the Legislative Council in 2010 in an event that made history.

She is the first South Australian politician to permanently use a wheelchair for mobility, the youngest woman ever elected to an Australian parliament and the first Australian to be elected on the platform of disability rights.

Kelly talks to Stella about the genesis of the Dignity for Disability Party plus her own political career and how people can best navigate the political landscape when disability issues are a major concern.

There is also a giveaway with a bite!

 

Edition 307 for 17 February 2016

This week, Stella speaks with blogger Sarah Hocking. Sarah lost her vision less than a year ago while pregnant with her now seven month old son. Her  blog, Blind Intuition charts her challenges, discoveries and  resourceful adaptation with her new life with both grace and humour.

Also on the program

 

• Jacob Clifton, Government Relations and Policy Manager at Vision Australia explains the recent government appointments and changes and what they might mean for our community.
• Frances Keyland is on with a Reader Recommended.

Edition 306 for 10 February 2016

In the month of February we celebrate the day of love Valentines Day, (14th). For some, it’s a festival of romance and for many other’s it’s a day designed to make you feel worse about yourself. 

This week Stella asks how does dating, romance or coupling up play out for people who are blind or have low vision?  How do you meet people? When should people reveal they have vision loss? Or does any of this even matter in matters of love? 
To help answer these questions, Stella is joined by special guests Kate Begley and Jim Luscombe.

Listen to or download program 306

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

 

 

Edition 305 for the week of 1st February 2016

This week, Stella speaks with para-triathlete Katie Kelly who is bound for the Paralympics in Rio this year. Katie has the deaf blind condition Usher Syndrome and she discusses her training regime and her delight at being an elite athlete in her 40s.

 

Also on the program:

 

• Vision Australia says good-bye to general manager Jan Chisholm who headed the department responsible for fundraising and communications. Jan reflects on her time at Vision Australia.
• And there’s a giveaway!

Listen to or download Program 305

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 304 for the week of 25th January 2016

This week, the 1st ODI of the The Lord’s Taverners International Blind Cricket Series Australia vs. England played this week in Adelaide and Talking Vision was live on ground. We hear from the 12th Man, Vaughn Roles about the series.Also on the program

• A story about a young  voice over actress who uses Braille scripts
• Frances Keyland with a Reader Recommended
• Music and a give away

Listen to or Download Program 304

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 303 for the week of 18th January 2016

On this week’s program Stella speaks with Tony Clark who is the Labor candidate for the seat of Deakin in the coming federal lection. If elected, Tony will be the first blind person in parliament. Tony discusses the issues that concern him most and the public’s perception of him as a person with vision loss.

Also on the program, 

• Glen Barwick president of the Blind and Vision Impaired Ten Pin Bowlers Australia (BVIT) and  the championships in Queensland in March.
• Musician and singer Harmonie Downes 

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Vision Australia's 2015 AGM

 

Vision Australia held it’s Annual General Meeting  on Thursday 29th of October. In this special Talking Vision you hear can highlights from the AGM and the lunch which followed including:

• Outgoing chair Dr Kevin Murfitt

• CEO Ron Hooton

•  Federal Member for Higgins Kelly O’Dwyer,

• Incoming chair Andrew Moffet and

• Vision Australia graduate program participants Jack Tyrrell and Kate Begley                                                                                                      

 

Listen to or download the 2015 AGM Program

 

---

Edition 302 for the week of 11th January 2016

Many of us are still on holiday so we have a nice light mixed bag for this week’s show. 

Singer, performer and voice over artist Karen Jacobsen  is the voice of Siri and other applications that may be familiar to those in the blindness and low vision community. Most recently Karen sang at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight. Peter Butler chats with Karen about her career and her early days in Queensland.

Also on the program, Stella talks with ukulele player, singer/songwriter and performer Phillip Chalker and plays one of his songs dedicated to his guide dog Roddy. 

And finally, Frances Keyland brings us a reader recommended.

 

---

Edition 301 for the week of 4th January 2016

India is home to the world’s largest population of blind children, with estimates ranging from approximately 200,000 to 700,000. The future for many of these children is bleak with a high mortality rate and  90% unable to obtain education However, much of this blindness can be avoided or treated. Project Prakash works across north central India conducting screening camps in villages across north-central India to identify children with treatable eye problems, and also provides sight treatment free of cost.  Stella speaks with Sheila Lalwani, Executive Director of Project Prakash about the genesis of the project and the amazing work it undertakes and its humanitarian and scientific objectives. Also on the program, in honour of Louie Braille’s Birthday we play Terry Kelly’s song Merci Louie.  Listen to or Download Program 301 Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 300 for the week of 28th December 2015

This week, tune in to the joy of braille and music with our most popular show of the year, the 2015 National Braille Music Camp. Every year in late June, blind music students and their mentors from around Australia come together for the National Braille Music Camp at Mittagong in the New South Wales Southern Highlands. One of the camp leaders Jordie Howell, co-hosts this program with Stella Glorie in which they speak with two camp participants and play some of the music created during the week of celebration and fun learning. Listen to or Download Program 300
Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.
 

---

 

Edition 299 for the week of 21st December 2015

This week on Talking Vision. Vision Australia has announced it will partner with the Blind Cricket Australia when the teams takes on England in Adelaide in January. Stella spoke with three members of the Australian Blind Cricket team, Raymond Moxly, Brendan Spencer and Daniel Pritchard about the forth coming series. For some on the team, this is the first time they have played an international on home ground and their sense of excitement and readiness is palpable.

Also on the program, Mitch Medcalf is a full-time DJ. Blind since birth and going by the name of GalleonDJ he chats to Stella about his passion for soul and funk and his experiences as a DJ. This interview was recorded back in September at Vision Australia’s Open Day in Brisbane.

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 298 for the week of 14th December 2015

This week, Lee George is the mother of young Jasper George. At just five years of age Jasper has been helping Vision Australia with the marketing of its Carols by Candlelight for 2015. Jasper was born with albinism and Lee speaks with Stella about learning her new baby boy had a vision impairment and her first experiences with Vision Australia.

Also on the program, it’s almost holiday time and Frances Keyland brings us as extended reader recommended.  

Listen to or Download Program 298

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

 

---

 

Edition 297 for the week of 7th December 2015

This week on Talking Vision: Friday 11th December marks Tilly Aston’s birthday. Born in 1873 Tilly Aston is a true pioneer and remembered for her remarkable achievements for the advancement of the rights for people who are blind. In honour of Tilly Aston we present the 10 minute documentary Tilly Aston – The Girl from Carisbrook, reproduced with the kind permission from the Maryborough Midland Historical Society. 
The original piece can be viewed through the Culture Victoria website here.

Also on the program, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight was officially launched on 2nd December at Eastland and John Sheridan caught up with some of the visitors on the morning including Lisa Eid whose son Jack is a young client with Vision Australia.
And, it’s cricket season and Stella got along to blind cricket where she had the opportunity to speak to three women players about their enjoyment of the game. 

Listen or Download Program 297
 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

 

 

Edition 296 for the week of 30th November 2015

This week on Talking Vision: It’s almost Christmas and Stella talks gift ideas with Julie Scott from Equipment Solutions about the range of Vision Australia calendars and diaries for 2016.  Also on the program, writer blogger and white cane enthusiast Maribel Steel. Plus Frances Keyland with Reader Recommended. 

 

Listen or Download Program 296

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations

 

---

Edition 295 for the week of 23rd November 2015

This week on Talking Vision Stella speaks with two of the finalists of the National Disability Awards, Dr Frances Gentle, team leader responsible for pioneering the world’s first eLearning Braille course, UEB Online and Julie Phillips, tireless advocate for fair treatment and equal opportunity for students with disability.
Listen to or Download Program 295

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.    
 

---

 

Edition 294 for the week of 16th November 2015

This week on Talking Vision Stella speaks with Kevin Murfitt who earlier this month stepped down as chair person for Vision Australia after 10 years. Kevin talks about his experiences as chair  both challenging and rewarding. He also discusses his life and career before vision loss and how he adapted to blindness.  
Also on the program, Braille tutor Jordie Howell discusses Braille classes for adults. 

Listen to or Download Program 294

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.    

 

 

---

Edition 293 for the week of 9th November 2015

This week on Talking Vision, Stella speaks with Michelle Hardisty and Rebecca McLean from Vision Australia’s Communications and Marketing Team about the refocus of Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight and its message, Be the Light.
Also on the program, Reader Recommended with Frances Keyland. This week Frances brings us three books, including The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham. 

Listen to or Download Program 293

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.   

 

 

---

Edition 292 for the week of 02nd November 2015

The Vision Australia office in Coorparoo (Brisbane) held its Open Day on the 16th and 17th of October. The Open Day showcased some of the latest technology and devices available to support people in their day to day lives and featured a range of seminars on topics such as the NDIS, My Aged Care, employment and education.
Stella Glorie attended the event and recorded some conversations with visitors,

exhibitors and staff. In this week’s program you can hear:

 

• Brett Smith community support worker at Vision Australia

• Fortunato Isgro professional singer and client at Vision Australia,  providing some of that day’s entertainment 

• Tammy Jo Sheehan president of Brisbane’s Swish club, demonstrating how the game is played

• Jordan and Maree Carol,  a mother and son whose enterprise Defining Senses is both supporting clients and raising money and the same time

• Jacinta Edwards,  the mother of one of Vision Australia’s littler (and cuter) clients Peyton who attended the day to trial some canes 

• Andy Chlonta, promoting the pleasure of wood turning

The program features some music from Fortunato from one of his recent CDs plus there’s a CD giveaway! 

Listen to or Download Program 292

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.  

 

---

Edition 291 for the week of 26th October 2015

This week on Talking Vision: The radio documentary, It’s the Satanic Verses, Love.

One of the first audio books Ruth Mercer read after joining the Association for Blind Library (now Vision Australia library)  some 30 years ago was Salman Rushdie’s, The Satanic Verses. The postman delivered all 32 tapes to her front door and announced, “It’s the Satanic Verses, love”.

Ruth is now part of the first Friday book group: a group of self-described feisty women who have been meeting for the past 15 years. While they are all blind or have low vision but that hasn’t stopped them from enjoying their passion for books and reading. 

Listen to or Download Program 291

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 290 for the week of 19th October 2015

This week on Talking Vision - Radio broadcaster and producer, Glen Morrow, believes all of us have a story to tell. His podcast series Stories of You focuses on ordinary people and their stories. This week Stella has a lengthy chat with Glen about his passion for radio, his extensive community radio experience and overcoming obstacles and finding opportunities when you have a vision impairment. 

Listen to or Download Program 290

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 289 for the week of 12th October 2015

Thursday October 15th is International White Cane Day. Maryanne Diamond, General Manager for Advocacy and Engagement for Vision Australia is on the program to discuss the history of white cane use and the purpose of the day. 

Also on the program, 20 year old Ben Pentingill professional speaker and passionate white cane user. 

Listen to or Download Program 289

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 288 for the week of 5th October 2015

World Sight Day is Thursday October 8th an initiative of Vision 2020 International to highlight the importance of eye-health. Brandon Ah Tong, director of Advocacy and Policy of Vision 2020 Australia is on the program to discuss the day and how people can get involved. Also on the program, Orthoptist Anita Egan to discuss the role of an orthoptist. It’s Vision Australia’s Open Days in the Brisbane office and Karen Knight, General Manager for Client Services in Queensland chats about the theme of the Open Days – Discover the Possibilities. Listen to or Download Program 288 Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.    

---

 

Edition 287 for the week of 28th September 2015

1st October is International Music Day which celebrates the harmony of music. Stella speaks with two blind musicians: jazz pianist Scott Erichsen and singer, songwriter and piano player Emma Bennison. The program features music performed and written by Scott and Emma.
You can find Scott’s music on his website www.scotterichsen.com
You can find Emma Bennison’s music on her website www.emmabennisonmusic.com 

Listen to or Download Program 287

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 
 

---

Edition 286 For the week of 21st September 2015

A special Talking Vision this week. Meet Dororthy Hamilton was the first podcast produced by Glen Morrow for his Stories of You podcast series. The stories are conversational with interviews and documentary style presentation. Guests share stories about their lives, experiences and personal journeys. Glen is a broadcaster with substantial experience in community radio, hosting music and talk shows. He is also vision-impaired. He believes that everyone has an interesting story to tell. Dorothy Hamilton was the first blind woman in the southern hemisphere to obtain a music degree. She worked as a music teacher at an all-girls school in Melbourne, raised four children and established the Braille Music Camp which in 2015 celebrated its 30th year. The documentary also features Garry Stinchcombe who worked as a teacher with Dorothy for twenty years. Garry is totally blind himself and recounts what it has been like to know and work with her. Jordie Howell is also on this show. Jordie was a former student of Dorothy’s and also worked with her as a teacher. You can find out more about the podcast at: Stories Of You Podcast website. All the piano playing was performed by Dorothy.

 

Listen to or Download Program 286
 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 285 For the week of 14th September 2015

This week Stella Glorie speaks with Jack Tyrell, one of Vision Australia’s graduate program recipients. Jack lost his vision at age 20 and now, only three years later, he has embarked on a path to a promising career. His attitude of perseverance and acceptance has also allowed him to develop new skills assisting him to maintain many aspects of his life from before he lost his vision. Also on the program, Frances Keyland presents Reader Recommended.

Listen to or Download Program 285
 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

 

---

Edition 284 For the week of 07th September 2015

This week it’s the joy of music and fellowship at the National Braille Music Camp. At the end of June each year, young music students come together for a week that’s so good they keep going back! Jordie Howell, musician and one of the camp organisers, talks with Stella about the event and the delights of music and braille. Two students talk about their camp and music experience and we hear performances from the camp choir.

 

 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

 

---

Edition 283 For the week of 31st August 2015

 

For Fathers Day, Stella speaks with three fathers about the specific challenges and joys of being a father when you are blind or vision-impaired, and what all fathers have in common. The program features first-time dad Glen Morrow, Grant Wilson who has two teenage children and Craig Gordon, a father of five.

Listen to or Download Program 283

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

 

 

Edition 282 for the week of 24th August 2015

This week, Stella Glorie speaks with Leah Van Poppel, the newly appointed CEO of Blind Citizens Australia (BCA). With the BCA is celebrating its 40th anniversary and the upcoming conference in Perth in October, it’s an exciting time for the organisation. Also on the program, vocational consultant with Vision Australia Belinda Wilson talks about the organisation’s Further Education Bursaries. Friend and blindness advocate Stephen Jolley discusses his petition lobbying the government around audio description on free to air television. 

 

Listen to or Download Program 282

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 281 for the week of 17th August 2015

This week on Talking Vision, Rosemary Boyd talking about the fabulous program for Retina Australia’s national congress Global Eyes 2015 happening in Melbourne in October. Also on the program, Spanish artist Antoni Abad and the exciting Blind Wiki project happening in Sydney in September

Listen to or Download Program 281

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 280 for the week of 10th August 2015

On this week’s show Stella speaks with Public Transport Victoria CEO Mark Wild, who was also the keynote speaker at Vision Australia’s recent Employment Pathways Expo. Mark and Public Transport Victoria have made a commitment to employment diversity inclusive of all abilities. There is also a conversation with ABC journalist and expo guest speaker newsreader Nas Campanella about her determination to realise the career of her choice. Listen to or Download Program 280 Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 279 for the week of 3rd August 2015

As part of International Assistance Dog week Stella speaks with Jacquie Stevens about her hard working Guide Dog, Dana. 
Stella also talks with Alimata Abdul Karimu who is from Ghana in Africa about her three month internship at Vision Australia as part of the Institutional Development Programme of the World Blind Union. We hear about Alimata’s insights, experiences, what she has learnt and maybe what Australia can learn from in return.

Listen to or Download Program 279

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 278 for the week of 27th July 2015

Former presenter of Talking Vision, Stephen Jolley, returns to the air waves to talk to Stella about what he’s been up to in the months since his retirement. He discusses his recent trip to China and gives his insights, tips and advice on travelling as a person who is blind. Frances Keyland presents a reader recommended as part of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week: Walk A Crooked Mile – A Father’s Journey in the Footsteps of his Son by Greg Jones. 

Listen to or Download Program 278

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 277 for the week of 20th July 2015

This week we’re on the Road to Rio! We speak with rowers Kate Murdoch and Sara Waitzer who are heading to the championship in Europe this August with the aim of qualifying for the Paralympics in 2016. And did you know that according to recent research, 55% of people with a seeing eye dog have been refused access to a public space? Leigh Garwood, General Manager of Seeing Eye Dogs Australia talks about a new public education campaign aimed at stopping discriminatory behaviour. 

Listen to or Download Program 277

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 276 for the week 13th of July 2015

This week we focus on employment. Neslihan Sari was unemployed for a number of years until recently gaining employment as a paralegal at Transport Victoria. She shares her story as a skilled vision-impaired person negotiating the job market, with her tips for staying motivated while job hunting and her views on the importance of networking. Also, Vision Australia is hosting the Pathways to Employment Expo next week - Kelly Swanson, Vision Australia event officer, tells us all we need to know about it.

Listen to or Download Program 276

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.  

---

Edition 275 for the week 6th of July 2015

In celebration of NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week, we speak with Suzy Engert, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander - Community Engagement Worker at Vision Australia. Suzy, a proud Aboriginal woman, talks about NAIDOC Week’s importance and how organisations can become more culturally sensitive. Also on the program, Anna Morse, an optometrist who co-ordinated an Aboriginal eye health project in the NT - Anna reports on the project’s significant achievements in just under four years. 

Listen to or Download Program 275

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 274 for the week 29th of June 2015

Jenna Jones is a 14-year-old swimmer with cone-rod dystrophy but that didn’t stop her from breaking nine Australian records at the recent Australian Swimming Championships. Also on the program, Scott Darkin from Able Australia talks about his organisation’s upcoming events and initiatives and about the fabulous ways technology is helping address communication challenges affecting people who are deaf and blind.

Listen to or Download Program 274

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 273 for the week 22nd of June 2015

In this week’s program, a special interview with opera singer Michael Vaiasinni. Michael has the degenerative eye condition retinitis pigmentosa which will eventually lead to total blindness.  His condition has led him to work closely with many blindness and low-vision organisations, and to share his voice and story to inspire those affected by vision loss. A passionate student of opera and classical music, Michael has performed on Australia’s leading stages and has been awarded some of the most prestigious scholarships.

Also on the program, Frances Keyland presents Reader Recommended.

Listen to or Download Program 273

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 272 for the week 15th of June 2015

In this week’s program Greg Madsen, president of Blind Citizen’s Australia talks about the audio description currently trialling on the ABC’s online streaming service iView. There’s also a review from Kate Begley who is vision impaired and a regular ABC watcher on her experience with the trial. Then something for car lovers with Katie Brooks’ report on the Angus Suttor driving day.

Listen to or Download Program 272

---

Edition 271 for the week 8th of June 2015

On this week’s program Stella Glorie has an enjoyable and illuminating conversation with Dr Lauren Ayton, Bionic Eye Clinical Research Team Leader at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne, and trial participant Dr Dianne Ashworth for an update on the latest bionic eye research developments. This Saturday, June 13th 2015 is the inaugural International Albinism awareness day and Dr Shari Parker from the Albinism Australia Fellowship discusses how the day came into being. While at times a more sobering and confronting conversation the day’s ultimate aim is one of celebration and solidarity.

 

Listen to or Download Program 271
 

---

Edition 270 for the week of 1st June 2015

On this week’s program Stella Glorie speaks with Doug Sloane OAM,  President of Blind Golf Australia, about the Blind Golf Nationals held in Adelaide at the end of May, and there's some news about an upcoming sponsorship development with Vision Australia. Also on the program, sighted volunteer caddy/guide Dave Collins discusses his involvement in the event. Then, a quick chat with Janene Sadhu from Blind Sports and Recreation (BSRV) about its new walking program, Looking Both Ways. There is also a 'reader recommended' with Frances Keyland.

Listen to or Download Program 270

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

---

Edition 269 for the week of 25th May 2015

This week is Macular Degeneration week and Peter Greco speaks with June Campbell who was diagnosed with the condition many years ago. Also in the program Peter is introducing Stella Glorie, client communications advisor at Vision Australia and soon to be the new producer and presenter of Talking Vision. Also Frances Keyland will present reader recommended.

    Listen to or Download Program 269

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations. 

 

---

Edition 268 for the week of 18th May 2015

 In this edition of Talking Vision, Stephen Jolley joins us and talks to Dr Karen Wollfe about employment. Karen is an internationally-renowned careers counselor and consultant, who recently spent three months in Australia. During her time here, she worked with people who are blind or have low vision, to support them in securing employment. She also spent time with trainers and employers, to educate them on how they can best support employees from the blind and low vision community. We hear about Karen’s journey in the employment and training industry, and her involvement in Project Aspiro, an online employment resource created in partnership with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the World Blind Union. 

Listen to or Download Program 268

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

 

 

Edition 267 for the week of 11th May 2015

This week we celebrate National Volunteer Week. This year’s theme is Give Happy: Live Happy - based upon research that suggests volunteers are happier as a result of their altruistic efforts. Peter Greco speaks to John Doherty, who has been a volunteer broadcaster on RPH radio for the last nine years. John built an extensive career in the media, starting in radio on 5KA, before switching to television and working his way up to newsreader at Channel 9. Peter also talks with Roger Soren and Rocky Berlingeri. Rocky is a client of Vision Australia, and Roger is a volunteer. In tandem, their story is a perfect example of the difference a committed volunteer can make.  Listen to or Download Program 267 Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

 

---

 

Edition 266 for the week of 4th May 2015

Today we hear about how the international blind and low vision community is working together on a number of initiatives, to improve the lives of the people who are blind or have low vision across the world, including Australia. First up, Peter talks to Vision Australia’s General Manager of Advocacy and Engagement Maryanne Diamond about three of these major initiatives: the DAISY Consortium, the Marrakesh Treaty and the development of a low-cost refreshable braille display. He also speaks with Alimata Abdul Karimu. Alimata is from Ghana, Africa and is involved in a three-month professional fellowship at Vision Australia, as part of the Institutional Development Programme of the World Blind Union. We hear about the aims of the fellowship, as well as Alimata’s life story and experiences of living with blindness in Africa.

Listen to or Download Program 266

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 265 for the week of 27th April 2015

The 29th of April is International Guide Dog Day and the perfect time to learn more about what goes into breeding, training and looking after the health of these amazing working dogs. We’ll hear from Nicola Cotton, a vet from Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, who talks Peter Greco through the steps involved in preparing a Seeing Eye Dog to work with a handler. Peter then speaks with Caren Burns who tells us the difference her Seeing Eye Dog Reba has made in her life as she prepares to graduate from University.

Listen to or Download Program 265

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

 

Edition 264 for the week of 20 April 2015

Today we hear from in commemoration of ANZAC Day, we hear from Elton Reid. Elton who is from Devonport in Tasmania is 82 and served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for 20 years. In the course of Elton's career he flew with dignitaries like Prince Phillip, Sir Robert Menzies, Harold Holt, William McMahon and Gough Whitlam. Also we will hear from Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library with a preview of some Reader Recommended titles from the library.

Listen to or Download Program 264

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

 

Edition 263 for the week of 13 April 2015.

Today we hear from Oxfam Trailwalker, Peter Edwards. This year, Peter, who has Retinitis Pigmentosa, participated in the tough challenge for the fourth consecutive year. Also, Emma Whitfield talks about a driving experience day that she has set up in memory of her brother Angus Suttor. And finally, Toby Sullivan shares his experience of what it is like to be behind the wheel as a blind driver.

Listen to or Download Program 263

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

 

Edition 262 for the week of 06 April 2015

This week we hear a special feature conversation as Peter Greco speaks with music teacher Christine Casey. Blind since early childhood, Christine shares her journey from her own education through to becoming a teacher and her adventures working overseas.

Listen to or Download Program 262

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

 

---

Edition 261 for the week of 30 March 2015

Quality Living Groups enable people who are blind or have low vision to meet others and discuss similar issues in a friendly and confidential environment. This week, we hear from Nemoy Malcolm, Quality Living and Telelink Program Coordinator at Vision Australia in Sydney, Beth Tonissen, a Quality Living Group participant from Victoria and Bruce Blackshaw also from Sydney. Bruce lost his sight overnight, to a form of optic neuropathy known as Non-Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION).

Listen to or Download Program 261 

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 260 for the week of 23 March 2015

This week we hear an interview with Susan Thompson, an Advocacy Adviser with Vision Australia. Also we'll hear a conversation between the Leader of The NSW Greens Dr John Kaye and the Travelling Visionaries who are a group of four client advocates. 

Listen to or Download Program 260

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 259 for the week of 16 March 2015

This week we hear an interview with Anna Muldoon, Classification Manager, Australian Paralympic Committee who explains how parathletes begin their journey on the Road to Rio with the international classification process. 

Listen to or Download Program 259

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 258 for the week of 09 March 2015

This week we hear an interview with Ben Felton, a world champion in blind rowing and cricket, who talks to Peter Greco about how he attempted to break the Guinness World Record for fastest land speed on a motorcycle, ridden while blindfolded. Also Peter talks with Cynthia Stevens, who is credited by the International Game Fishing Association with being the first blind person to achieve a Royal Slam, and the only female in the word to win three freshwater Royal Slams.

Listen to or Download Program 258

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 257 for the week of 02 March 2015

This week we hear an interview conducted by Peter Greco with Michael Ward, National Coordinator Audio Description at Vision Australia. Also Peter speaks with Janelle Colquhoun, an avid TV and movie watcher even after losing her sight. Janelle relies on audio description, and is a passionate advocate for its further availability. 

Listen to or Download Program 257

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 256 for the week of 23 February 2015

This week we hear an interview conducted by Peter Greco with Jamie Kelly, Training and Support Officer at Vision Australia Library. Also we hear from three Vision Australia Library clients - Chrystal Alexandroff, Joy Nuske and Leonie O'Farrell. 

Listen to or Download Program 256

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 255 for the week of 16 February 2015

This week we hear an interview Peter Greco conducted with Jonathon Goerlach, a member of the Australian paratriathlon team and recipient of the University of Canberra's 2014 Athlete of The Year, and we also hear from Susie Barrington, a recipient of one of Vision Australia's Further Education Bursaries who tells Peter Greco about her experience with higher education. 

Listen to or Download Program 255

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.  

---

Edition 254 for the week of 9 February 2015

This week we hear an interview Stephen Jolley conducted with Patrick Moore - the President of the Macular Vision Loss Support Society and we also hear from Julie Hall, an Orthoptist from Vision Australia who tells Peter Greco about the treatment for Macular Degeneration and other related conditions. 

Listen to or Download Program 254

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 253 for the week of 2 February 2015

This week in the final program presented by Stephen Jolley, we talk education. A number of prominent blind Australians and New Zealanders reflect on special learning in their formative years. We bring you the sound track of a video which is the product of research conducted by Shane Doepel a vision support specialist with the NSW Department of Education. We hear candid insights in to the benefits of braille and other skills which they believe have been crucial to their achievements as citizens and in particular in their professional lives.

In the program you can hear:

• Shane Doepel, Assistant Principal Support Teacher vision with the Goonellabah Public School in NSW;
• The sound from the video The Experience of Blind Education.

Listen to or Download Program 253

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 252 for the week of 26 January 2015

This week we hear of research to develop an interactive sound emitting ball and meet an Australia Day ambassador. An electronic engineer at the University of Queensland explains the interactive ball, I-Ball project to produce what will initially be a soccer ball for use by people with vision loss. It emits sounds for location and can even be programmed to vary the sounds as required. Also, Australia Day ambassador James Pittar talks about his busy life including how he accomplishes distance open water swimming as someone who is totally blind.

Program participants this week are:

• Surya Singh, an electronic engineer with the University of Queensland;
• James Pittar, an Australia Day ambassador.

Listen to or Download Program 252

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 251 for the week of 19 January 2015

This week, we hear from a guest who was a caller of horse racing for over 50 years. John Russell began his career in 1949, finishing up in 2003. In fact, as he explains to Stephen Jolley, he would have gone on for longer but for the onset of Aged Macular Degeneration. A highlight of the program, is a race broadcast from John of an event back in March 1957.

Also this week, Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library previews another title in Reader Recommended.

Download or Listen to Program 251

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 250 for the week of 12 January 2015

This week, we have information for the Queensland blind and low vision community in the run up to the state election and a TEDx address from a blind Australian at a United Nations event in Geneva. With polling day for the QLD election as soon as January 31, we bring you information on arrangements for voters who are blind or have low vision wishing to exercise a secret and independent vote. Vision Australia’s Karen Knight, explains the options for Queenslanders of telephone voting and e-Assist. Immediate past President of the World Blind Union and Vision Australia leadership team member Maryanne Diamond gave a TEDx talk at an international event at Geneva in early December 2014. We bring you that address, comprising Maryanne’s life story through to the 2013 signing of the Marrakesh Books across Boundaries Treaty which she led on behalf of the WBU.

Program participants this week are:

• Karen Knight, General Manager Queensland Client Services with Vision Australia;
• Maryanne Diamond AO, General Manager Advocacy and Engagement with Vision Australia.

Listen to or Download Program 250

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

Edition 249 for the week of 5 January 2015

Distinguished blind Australian, Emeritus Professor Ron McCallum AM, has recently completed six years of service with the United Nations Committee monitoring the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Stephen Jolley marks this significant milestone through an extended chat with him. In the conversation, Ron reflects on a number of areas of his life including: personal background; family; academic career; United Nations Work; directorship of Vision Australia and people who have influenced him.

Also in the program, to acknowledge the 206th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, we play a tribute ‘Merci Louis’, written and performed by blind Canadian, Terry Kelly.

Listen to or Download Program 249

Let Talking Vision be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision. A Vision Australia Radio production, it is broadcast nationally each week on over 25 RPH and other community stations.

---

 

Contact us

Email: [email protected]