Wednesday 16th April
Join us on Tuesday, 6th May for an important conversation about employment for people who are blind or vision impaired. This interactive session, part of BCA’s Eye to the Future project, will feature a panel of guest speakers sharing their experiences and insights. It’s a great chance to ask questions, share your perspective, and help shape a more inclusive future.
Register via Humanitix, or contact us at events@bca.org.au or 1800 033 660 for help singing up.
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 April 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, 19th April at 8:00pm AEST.
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
2025 BCA National Convention
Friday, 13th June to Sunday, 15th June 2025.
There are only 2 months to go until the 2025 BCA National Convention!
Mark your calendars and get ready to be part of an unforgettable event. The convention promises exciting sessions, amazing networking opportunities and plenty of ways to connect with fellow members.
Don’t miss out – register now to secure your place! Plus, check out the latest program updates and learn about our Buddy Program via our website.
Secure your spot today and get ready for a weekend you won’t forget!
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.
Guitar Group
Saturday, 19th April at 2:00pm AEST.
The guitar group offers a welcoming space for players of all levels, from beginners to advanced, to come together to share tips and techniques. This group is an open platform for guitar enthusiasts where you can find support and share resources to help you along your musical journey.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 859 1306 9334
- Passcode: 505533
Gardening Group
Wednesday, 23rd April at 7:30pm AEST.
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, 23rd April at 7:30pm AEST.
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,
As we move through April, I’d like to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a very happy Easter. With the holiday approaching, a few of our team members, including myself, will be taking some time away next week. We appreciate your understanding and patience as our availability may be reduced during this period.
This week, the Disability Discrimination Commissioner Roundtable took place. The discussion centered on the complexities of intersectionality within the context of disability rights, with a particular focus on the implications for policy reform and advocacy. Commissioner Rosemary Kayess emphasised the significance of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in recognising the multifaceted identities of individuals with disabilities and the compounded discrimination they face. The conversation highlighted the necessity of integrating disability issues into broader policy frameworks through a human rights lens, addressing how various social categories influence discrimination and the need for systemic transformation to ensure equal rights.
During the Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs) information session, we explored the new and upcoming rules currently in development, including where they sit within the NDIS legislation and how they align with different stages of a participant’s experience with the scheme – from initial access and assessment, through planning and support, all the way to review.
Looking ahead, I want to remind everyone that our 50th Anniversary Convention is only two months away. We will be gathering from Friday, 13th to Sunday, 15th June at the Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley. If you haven’t registered yet, we encourage you to do so.To secure a ticket, visit our Humanitix event page.
For those attending for the first time, we’ll be running our Buddy Program again this year. It’s a great way to meet new people and feel more connected throughout the weekend.
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Policy Update - Jackson Reynolds-Ryan
The Department of the House of Representatives at the Australian Parliament is undertaking an initial examination of whether materials produced by the Department’s Committee Office meet accessibility requirements. This is a first step in a process of identifying accessibility shortfalls and possible improvements that could enhance their inclusivity and usability.
The Department has identified some initial webpages and reports for feedback, and are interested in any insights on whether they are easy to read and navigate, if they meet current accessibility standards, and suggestions for what action could be taken to improve them.
- Dealing with Parliamentary Committees
- Appearing as a witness at a public hearing
- Making a submission to a committee inquiry
- Report for the Inquiry into the Digital Transformation of Workplaces, The Future of Work
- Report for the Inquiry into Australia’s migration system, Migration, Pathway to Nation Building
- Report for the Inquires into the Australian Institute of Sport Revitalisation project; Southern Ocean Research Aquarium; and other public works
- Report for the National Redress Scheme, Easy read summary
If you have any comments or feedback about the readability or accessibility of any / all of these documents, please email jackson.reynolds-ryan@bca.org.au by Wednesday, 23rd April.
Please note: We cannot provide any feedback on the content of these reports, only their accessibility.
Around the Branches
Casino / Richmond Valley Branch
April Outing
When: Tuesday, 22nd April 2025
What: Lunch
Where: Hotel Cecil (100 Centre Street, Casino NSW 2470)
Time: 12:00pm
Cost: Pay your own
For any assistance contact Denise Green via email at deniseg.vip@outlook.com or call 0448 014 682.
News From Outside BCA
National
Call for carers with disability – Carers Australia
Would you be interested in participating in three paid online consultation sessions as a carer with disability about Carer Gateway services?
The Department of Social Services has commissioned this consultation, and Carers Australia is organising it. Through a series of facilitated online consultation sessions, Carers Australia will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by carers with disabilities when engaging with the Carer Gateway service across Australia, utilising your valuable experiences and insights to continually improve Carer Gateway services.
We are seeking to include a diverse range of views from various geographic locations, cultural and demographic backgrounds. We encourage you to express your interest in participating.
Participants are people who;
- Live with disability
- Have used, or registered, now or previously, for Carer Gateway services
- Who may be current or former carers
Three online workshops will facilitate discussion covering:
- How finding and accessing the Carer Gateway can be improved for carers with disability
- How Carer Gateway can be tailored for carers with disability
An experienced facilitator will facilitate each online workshop.
You must be available for all three consultation sessions. They will be held online on: Dates: Thursday, 6th May, Monday, 12th May and Monday, 26th May.
To express your interest in participating in these consultations, please contact projects@carersaustralia.com.au via email Friday, 16 April, with the subject line ‘Carer with Disability consultation YES’ and complete the participant criteria survey.
New South Wales
Strength in Community: Family Gathering – Resourcing Inclusive Communities
Friday, 30th May and Saturday, 31st May 2025
Calling all NSW families to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach!
Dive into the Strength in Community: Family Gathering and get charged up for building Inclusive communities. This is a unique opportunity to bring together people with disability and their families for meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and ideas to nurture genuine inclusive communities.
This event puts people with disability and their families at the heart of every conversation, ensuring all experiences and practical strategies help to advocate for inclusion and drive meaningful change in your community.
By connecting with others who understand the journey, you’ll build lasting relationships and find mutual support that can encourage you along the way. The aim is to create an environment that is more about collaborating than it is about sitting and listening.
Learn more and register to attend
Western Australia
National Care & Support Sector Conference
Friday, 25th July at the State Reception Centre, 60 Fraser Avenue Kings Park, WA.
This year’s theme, “Bringing Together Sectors, Inspiring Change,” reflects our commitment to fostering collaboration across these essential sectors. As each area undergoes significant reforms, the need for shared insights, collective action, and innovative solutions has never been greater. This conference will focus on advancing a unified vision for a high-quality, sustainable care and support system that serves all Australians.
We are excited to invite you to the National Care and Support Sector Conference, a pivotal event that brings together five key care sectors – Disability, Aged Care, Mental Health, Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), and Veterans’ Care. This conference will serve as a national platform for discussing the shared challenges and opportunities across these rapidly reforming sectors.
In light of significant ongoing reforms in these sectors, the National Care and Support Sector Conference will steward a national conversation that underpins the future of Australia’s care and support economy. Our aim is to explore the commonalities across these sectors, share learnings, and identify opportunities for providers to diversify their services.
For more information and to register visit the event page.
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.
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.