Welcome to the Special 50th Anniversary Edition of Blind Citizens News! You can download the Word version or listen to the audio within each article.
List of Articles
- Editorial – Lynne Davis, Carmel Jolley and Amy Curran – This editorial introduces the special 50th anniversary issue of Blind Citizens News, celebrating the history of Blind Citizens Australia. The editors reflect on the evolution of the organisation and its publications, highlight key historical contributions, and honour the collaborative effort behind this commemorative edition.
- Why a Mag for Blind People – David Blyth (Reprinted from NFBC newsletter, 1976) – Originally published in 1976, David Blyth explains the critical need for a publication created by and for blind people. He champions communication and representation, urging community members to contribute to future issues and create a strong collective voice.
- A Charter for the Blind of the World (Reprinted from BUFF, 12,1, 1988) – First adopted in 1969, this charter outlines the fundamental rights of people who are blind or vision impaired as equal citizens. It calls on governments and organisations to support independence, accessibility, and representation, and emphasises that people who are blind or vision impaired should speak for themselves and be actively involved in decisions affecting their lives.j
- A History of Australia’s National Organisations of the Blind – David Blyth (Reprinted from Blind Citizens News, 2003) – Blyth traces the development of blindness advocacy in Australia from the early 20th century, focusing on the formation and achievements of organisations led by people who are blind or vision impaired. He highlights key milestones such as income support reforms and the evolution toward the inclusive, member-based structure of Blind Citizens Australia.
- BCA at 50: How and Why it all Began – Bill Jolley – BCA began in 1975 as a grassroots movement by people who are blind or vision impaired, seeking a stronger, more inclusive national voice. Built on passion, partnership and persistence, it laid the foundation for the member-led organisation we know today.
- Evolution or Leapfrogging? A Personal Technology Retrospective – Susan Thompson – From braille and cassettes to smartphones and Zoom, technology has transformed life for people who are blind or vision impaired. Susan reflects on how these advances empowered individuals and enabled BCA to connect and support members nationally.
- ‘Don’t be too polite, girls’: Women in BCA and beyond – Fiona Woods – Women have played vital but often unrecognised roles in BCA’s history. Fiona highlights their contributions, the founding of the Women’s Branch, and the need to keep pushing for gender equity and visibility in leadership.
- Personal Perspectives on the WBU Young Women’s Forum – Jodie Holdback and Jordie Howell (Reprinted from Blind Citizens News, 2000) – This article recounts the experiences of Jodie Holdback and Jordie Howell at the second World Blind Women’s Forum. They reflect on the inspiration they gained, particularly from women in Africa, and the importance of networking and leadership development in the global blindness community.
- BCA Advocacy: A Global Perspective – Ben Clare – This piece explains that BCA has played a significant role in international advocacy, contributing to the Marrakesh Treaty, supporting global leadership, and leading projects in countries like Fiji and Vietnam. Its work continues through partnerships with organisations such as the World Blind Union and the Pacific Disability Forum.
- Tribute to Ivan Molloy (Extract from New Horizons, 2022) – Ivan Molloy was honoured for decades of international outreach, particularly in Sri Lanka, through BCA’s Overseas Cultural Branch. He provided practical aid and cultural exchange, demonstrating deep personal commitment to supporting people who are blind or vision impaired in Asia.
- Braille Literacy in Vietnam – Bill Jolley (Reprinted from Blind Citizens News, 1997) – BCA’s early international aid efforts included a major braille literacy project in Vietnam, training women – many of whom were blind or vision impaired – in teaching, mobility, and vocational skills. Funded by AusAID, the project aimed to empower women and expand access to literacy in underserved areas.
- Other Voices – This reflective piece acknowledges that while inclusion and human rights have progressed, some voices within BCA – such as those of people who are deafblind, LGBTQIA+, culturally diverse, or Indigenous – have not always been heard equally. It calls for continued efforts to amplify all perspectives within the community.
- Blind Out and Proud – Amanda Tink (Reprinted from Blind Citizens News, 2003) – Amanda Tink recounts the push for recognition of LGBTQIA+ members within BCA, advocating for a dedicated group to represent their experiences. Though the group didn’t form, the piece remains a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive representation.
- Are all voices heard? Blindness and cultural difference in Australia – Parimala Srikanteshwara (Reprinted from Blind Citizens News, 2002) – Srikanteshwara discusses her struggles as a woman from a diverse cultural background with vision loss, facing stigma and barriers in accessing support. She found connection through BCA’s Women’s Branch and hopes to contribute to raising cultural awareness in the vision-impaired community.
- Deafblind Issues – Di Hartmann (Reprinted from Blind Citizens News, June 2002) – Hartmann advocates for recognising deafblindness as a distinct condition, highlighting the challenges faced by those with dual sensory loss in areas like education, mobility, and employment. She calls for improved services and support for the deafblind community.
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Editor’s Note
Blind Citizens Australia refers to our members as people who are blind or vision impaired. However, we respect the right of individual authors to use whatever language is most comfortable for them.
Publication Information
COPYRIGHT: Reproduction of articles appearing in Blind Citizens News is permitted provided Blind Citizens News and the author(s) are acknowledged.
Large Print ISSN 1441-449X Braille ISSN 1441-5658
Blind Citizens News is distributed in Large Print, Braille, and Audio. Electronic copies in text format are available from our webpage, on CD or by email. The audio edition is available as a podcast by searching for Blind Citizens Australia in your favourite podcast app or can be accessed via the Vision Australia library service. If you would like to receive Blind Citizens News in a different format please contact us.
Funding and Donations for BCA
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BCA would like to acknowledge the generous work of the Jeffrey Blyth Foundation. The Foundation was formed in 1995 with BCA being the primary beneficiary. And the Shirley Fund, which now sits with the Jeffrey Blyth Foundation following the merger of BCNSW with BCA.
We would also like to acknowledge our funding partners: the Federal Department of Social Services (DSS), the National Disability Insurance Agency, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) NSW; the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Victoria, DSS via the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO), Vision Australia, Guide Dogs Australia, EverAbility, and our generous members and BCA Backers.
If you would like to make a donation to Blind Citizens Australia, you can call 1800 033 660 and use your credit card. You can also donate online https://www.givenow.com.au/blindcitizensaustralia. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Feedback for BCA
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Do you have any compliments, suggestions or concerns you wanted to let BCA know about? You can do this anonymously by going to our website and completing a feedback form or you can call the BCA Office toll free on 1800 033 660. Your feedback will be used to improve our services to better meet the needs of our membership.
How to make a complaint about BCA
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Any member, client, volunteer, or their advocate, can lodge a complaint about the services provided by BCA. Complaints can be made in the following ways:
Phone: 1800 033 660
Email: bca@bca.org.au
Website: www.bca.org.au/feedback
Post: Blind Citizens Australia, Level 3, Ross House
247 – 251 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Vic 3000
If there are complaints of a serious nature, the Chief Executive Officer will ask that the complaint be put in writing.
Complaints will be recorded in accordance with the requirements for complaints management outlined by The Office of Disability Services Commissioner. Member and client privacy will be respected and protected in relation to the recording, management and resolution of the complaint. For a full copy of BCA’s complaints policy, please go to our website www.bca.org.au/feedback or call BCA.