Wednesday 19th March
A kind reminder that nominations for the David Blyth Award and the BCA Certificate of Appreciation close on Sunday, 30th March. Access the nomination forms for the David Blyth Award and BCA Certificate of Appreciation.
Please note that the Diana Braun Aspirations Award also closes on the 30th of March. For details visit the National Women’s Branch webpage.
A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.
What’s Coming Up at BCA?
Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for March is available on our website, or you can access the calendar via audio by phoning 1800 033 660 and following the prompts.
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please feel free to contact us on events@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.
Trivia
Saturday, 22nd March at 8:00pm AEDT.
Are you interested in expanding your general knowledge in an easy going and fun atmosphere? If so, join this week’s trivia for an enjoyable night of team competition.
Please be aware that, to ensure the smooth operation of the game, Trivia will be limited to 25 players. To give everyone an opportunity, the Zoom waiting room will open to admit people who sign in from 7:45pm Sydney time and closes at 8:00pm.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile (via non-iOS)
- Join with one tap mobile using the number below (via iOS):
+61370182005,,889 0666 5580#,,,,*950883# - Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 889 0666 5580
- Passcode: 950883
BCA Inform – Accessible Health Services
Tuesday, 1st April from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEDT.
Accessing healthcare can be challenging for people who are blind or vision impaired, but it doesn’t have to be – if the right barriers were removed. In this session of BCA Inform we will explore topics such as accessible medical information, booking systems, and healthcare facilities.
We’ll also discuss the importance of accessible prescriptions, health related apps, self-testing kits, and getting to medical appointments.
Join us to share your experiences, discuss practical solutions, and learn how we can advocate for a healthcare system that truly meets the needs of our community.
To register for the event please visit the Humanitix website.
If you have any questions or if you require assistance registering, please feel free to contact us at events@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.
2025 BCA National Convention
Friday, 13th June to Sunday, 15th June 2025
Be part of this exciting event and register now for the 2025 BCA National Convention. To explore the latest program updates, discover our Buddy Program, and learn about financial assistance options, visit 2025 BCA National Convention.
Register to reserve your place today for an unforgettable experience! Secure your spot
Peer Connect Groups
The Peer Connect groups meeting in the next week are listed below. You can also find out more about all our peer connect groups, including session times and other details on the BCA Website.
Acquired Sight Loss Group
Monday, 24th March at 7:30pm AEDT.
Hosted by BCA’s National Advocacy Officer, Martin Stewart, this welcoming and friendly group is a forum for members to meet and talk with others with acquired sight loss.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 830 3001 8448
- Passcode: 391396
Gardening Group
Wednesday, 26th March at 7:30pm AEDT.
Gardening can be therapeutic and bring joy when plants are growing and thriving. Join Silvana and other gardening enthusiasts and share your knowledge, tips, and techniques for a flourishing home garden. All are welcome!
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 876 2151 0314
- Passcode: 242903
Music Group
Wednesday, 26th March at 7:30pm AEDT.
Are you passionate about music? Look no further and join the Music Group! Hosted by Jennifer Parry and open to musicians who are blind or vision impaired, of all skill levels, the group provides a welcoming space to discuss tunes, share your experiences and collaborate on creative pieces. Whether you’re an experienced performer, singer or have just recently picked up an instrument, you’re welcome to join this supportive and inspiring group.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 828 0072 5037
- Passcode: 014935
BCA Updates
Update from the CEO
Dear members,
I’m pleased to provide an update following our recent Vision 2020 Independent Participation Committee (IPC) meeting. It was a valuable opportunity to engage and learn more about the committees’ important work.
During the meeting, Jackson Reynolds-Ryan, our Senior Policy Officer, provided an update on our policy and advocacy initiatives. I also had the chance to present a brief overview of BCA’s key achievements over the past quarter and encouraged the committee to attend the BCA Convention.
In a separate discussion, I had the pleasure of connecting with Jane Cowan, Executive Officer of Orthoptics Australia. We took the opportunity to learn more about each other’s organisations and explore potential areas for collaboration. I look forward to seeing how we can work together to further our shared objectives.
As always, I’m grateful for the dedication of everyone involved, and I’m excited about what lies ahead as we continue our efforts toward creating a more inclusive and accessible future.
Expressions of Interest to become a Peer Connect Group Leader for an Employment Group
Are you passionate about supporting others in their employment journey? We’re looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic leader for our Employment Peer Connect Group!
This is a great opportunity to facilitate discussions, share experiences, and help others navigate workplace challenges and opportunities. As a leader, you’ll play a key role in fostering a supportive and empowering space for peers to connect.
If you’re interested, please contact Layal Hage via email at layal.hage@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.
BCA Convention Updates
Premium Transport Offer for BCA Members and BCA Convention Attendees – Blue Diamond Transfers
Blue Diamond Transfers, a premium accessible transport provider with a fleet across Australia, is offering BCA members an ongoing 10% discount for all BCA members on their services.
BCA Convention attendees receive a special one-time 15% discount on rides to and from the event – contact them for a custom quote. Please note this cannot be combined with the ongoing 10% discount.
Blue Diamond’s premium experience includes meet-and-greet services, luggage assistance, and drivers who are trained in disability awareness and dog guide etiquette.
You can download the accessible app from the Google Play store at RideMinder Passengery or from the App Store at Rideminder Apps
To access these discounts, BCA members can register as a client on Blue Diamond Transfers or download the Rideminder passenger app from the app store (using the provider code BLUEDIAMOND if prompted). Once registered, simply make contact to have the discount applied to your account.
For more details, to book your ride and to secure the discount contact Blue Diamond Transfers via phone on 1300 258 847 or email bookings@bluediamondtransfers.com.au
United Blind Leaders Lunch at BCA National Convention
Join us for an informal United Blind Leaders lunch at the Blind Citizens Australia National Convention. This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and discuss the future of blind leadership.
Date: Saturday, 14th June 2025
Time: From 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Venue: Kulam Room, Novotel Glen Waverley
To RSVP, please use the contact form on our website and write RSVP UBL lunch in the message field. Please also advise us if you have any access requirements.
To register to attend the Blind Citizens Australia National Convention in Melbourne from Friday, 13th June to Sunday, 15th June, visit the BCA website or call them on 1800 033 660.
We look forward to catching up with you!
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gathering
Join us for a special lunchtime gathering on Sunday, 15th June 2025, during Blind Citizens Australia’s 50th Anniversary Convention! This event warmly welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are blind or vision impaired, and BCA members and friends eager to connect and share. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet with mob, listen, yarn and foster relationships between our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
Together, we’ll meet each other and explore ideas on how Blind Citizens Australia can continue to be a movement embracing the beliefs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are blind or vision impaired. Let’s connect and create a much stronger and more inclusive community into the future.
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Policy Update - Jackson Reynolds-Ryan
These past few weeks have been busy with important discussions on issues that matter to our community. At the NSW Disability Advocacy Network, we focused on election priorities ahead of May. I also joined the NSW Accessible Transport Advisory Committee, where updates on e-bikes and accessibility were shared. At the Vision 2020 IPC meeting, I provided a BCA update, and the AFDO member forum covered the upcoming election and key NDIS-related campaigns, including Every Australian Counts and Fair Australia. Today, I’ll be participating in the AFDO Education working group and a Disability Health sector meeting to continue our advocacy.
Around the Branches
Tasmania Branch
Branch Committee Information and Conversations Catch-Up
The Tasmanian Branch is facilitating a gathering via Zoom to enable as many people as possible to participate and meet the new committee and discuss whatever local issues are on your mind.
It will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, 22nd March.
The Zoom link will be: https://utas.zoom.us/j/85073135651
If you would like any further information about the meeting or about how to use Zoom, then please contact Jodie on 0448 475 939 or jacobsjodie@hotmail.com
We look forward to meeting as many Tasmanians at this meeting.
National Women’s Branch
Please join us for our next Women’s Branch 2025 workshop on Communicating with family and friends about vision loss.
As women with vision loss, whether we are new to it, or have been living with it for a long time, we all have our unique experiences. In the workshop we will explore and share our strategies, hints and tips with each other.
All Women’s Branch members are welcome!
Facilitator: Chire Fulford.
Date: Thursday, 27th March 2025.
Time: 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEDT.
RSVP to chirefulford1@gmail.com
New Horizons
In this episode, we hear the second part of the extended conversation with Ben Clare. Ben continues his review of the recently held SPEVI conference.
Take a listen to the New Horizons podcast or find out how to tune in live.
Do you have any ideas for stories, or feedback about the show? Contact us on new.horizons@bca.org.au.
News From Outside BCA
National
Accessible Voting for the Upcoming Federal Election – Australian Electoral Commission
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is committed to ensuring people with disability have equitable access to voting. With the federal election approaching, a range of accessible voting options and information services will be available for voters who are blind or have low vision.
- Key updates include:
Expanded eligibility for postal and pre-poll voting for people with disability and their carers - Telephone voting for voters who are blind or have low vision.
Accessible information in large print, audio, braille, and online. - Text-to-speech pens at select polling places.
- Mobile voting teams for residential and healthcare facilities.
You can learn more about accessible voting at the Australian Electoral Commission website or call 13 23 26.
Complete our Member Engagement Survey. – People with Disability Australia (PWDA)
We’d love to hear from you! Your feedback can help us improve how we communicate and connect with our community. By completing our Annual Membership Engagement Survey, you can help shape the future of PWDA’s events, activities, and communication.
The survey will close on Monday, 7th April 2025 at 11:59pm AEST.
If you’d prefer to give feedback in another way, such as over the phone, contact PWDA on 1800 422 015.
New South Wales
Short online course on assisting people with blindness or low vision – Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
As part of the “Good Access is Good Business” campaign, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is offering hospitality businesses in Sydney’s Local Government Area (LGA) free access to a short online course on assisting people with blindness or low vision. This course is easy to complete and offers simple actions that can make your business more inclusive.
By completing the course, you will gain confidence in assisting customers with blindness or low vision. You’ll learn how to guide people to their destination, navigate narrow spaces or stairs, and describe spaces with appropriate details. These actions improve the experience for all customers and make your business more welcoming.
For hospitality staff in Sydney LGA contact us for free voucher code socialchange@guidedogs.com.au
Victoria
The blind bard is back – in a show 157 years in the making! – Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Wednesday, 26th March to Sunday, 30th March at 7:40pm AEST.
In lockdown, comedian Jeremy Moses wrote and performed 100 slam poems in 100 days, receiving moderate acclaim on social media for his searing political commentary and silly wordplay. Going on to cover multiple elections, he single-handedly saw off countless Australian political heavyweights – or so he thinks.
…but beneath/behind his trademark pink beret/sunglasses lies (lays?) a visually-impaired Australian/Indian/Singaporean/Iraqi Jew with a story to tell.
“Arguably one of the funniest visually-impaired Australian/Indian/Singaporean/Iraqi Jews performing at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival.” Jeremy’s family.
Join Jeremy as he presents the funny side of living with a disability, the not-so-funny side of losing a parent and the poetic nonsense that captured his daily life for 157 long years!
For more information and to book your tickets visit the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website.
Making Accessible and Usable Digital Health Platforms – University of Melbourne
This research project is part of a larger PhD thesis that aims to look at how easy it is for people who are blind or vision impaired to use and find information about health from online platforms of health agencies in Australia. The project will examine the experience of VIP in using these online platforms with their assistive technology.
To check your eligibility criteria and to register visit the survey website.
Length of interview and usability test: 30 – 60 minutes
Platform/Location: In-person: To be determined (within Victoria)
Closing Date to Register: Monday, 31st March 2025 or until maximum participants reached.
If you would like more information about the project, please reach out to John Paul Cruz, Email: johnpaulc@student.unimelb.edu.au
Support our work
By donating to BCA, you contribute to important programs and services that empower our community. Every dollar goes a long way in helping us achieve our purpose and enhancing the lives of those we serve.
Supporter Highlights: Sharing heartfelt message from our generous donors, highlighting why they support BCA and how they’d like their contributions to make a difference.
“Thank you, you are doing a great job.”
Have you got something to contribute?
If you have something you would like included in the Member Update, please send it to memberupdate@bca.org.au or call us on 1800 033 660. Items received by 12:00pm Monday will be considered for publishing in the Wednesday update.
Blind Citizens Australia
Email: bca@bca.org.au
Website: www.bca.org.au
ABN: 90 006 985 226
BCA acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea, and community. We also pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders past, present, and future.