Welcome to the online version of Blind Citizens News. You can also read the Word version or listen to the audio version within each article.
List of Articles
- Editorial
In my last editorial, I wrote about my belief that communication, through stories and conversations, is the beating heart of our community. But now I want to look outward, to briefly examine the challenges of communicating our unique needs in a society where competing priorities and the constant push for progress make it harder than ever to consider marginal groups… - Letter to the Editor
Several weeks ago I encountered an upsetting incident on our train… An elderly woman next to me suddenly started talking loudly about her neighbour’s grandson being diagnosed as blind, and how terrible that was… - Report from the CEO
As always, a lot has been happening at BCA. I want to give you a summary and then offer some reflections on a recent personal highlight… - Closing the Gap on Melbourne’s Trains
In June 2019, the Victorian government will begin the roll-out of 65 new high capacity trains on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, with plans to introduce more if they prove successful. BCA and other organisations were consulted during the procurement process, and as a result, we recognised four critical design flaws in a prototype train… - Come to BCA’s 2019 National Convention
It has been less than a year since our last National Convention, but we’ve decided to bring the next one forward slightly for a couple of reasons… - Lainey Feingold Presents at A11y Camp in Melbourne
Structured Negotiation is an alternative dispute resolution process with a powerful track record. Without lawsuits, the Law Office of Lainey Feingold and others have used the method for more than 20 years to negotiate comprehensive agreements with some of the largest organisations in the United States… - Life Hacks Coming to Blind Citizens News
Whether we are totally blind, have some useful vision, or are parents with vision impaired children striving to be independent, we all face challenges living with vision impairment which the power of peer support can lessen… - Important Announcements from our National Women’s Branch
The Annual General Meeting of the National Women’s Branch will take place on Saturday, 3rd November, 2018 at 11am EST… - In the Scheme of Things
In March this year, I attended a panel discussion at the State Library as part of the Bold Series presented by Latrobe University. The panel broadly examined the NDIS since its roll out began in the Geelong trial site in 2013… - NSW/ACT State Division Update
You may recall that the Division was formed when Blind Citizens NSW and BCA consolidated in late 2017. So what has the Division been up to?… - Can a New Phone System Really be Revolutionary?
If you’ve called the BCA office lately, you will have noticed the options the new system presents when your call is answered. The ability to provide these options is a great step forward for members, but I want to tell you about what it’s like to use the system as a staff member… - National Policy Council Report
We have been working on a policy which outlines what we expect from the agencies which provide services to people who are blind or vision impaired. By the time you are reading this, we will have prepared a background paper and a series of consultation questions…. - Farewell to SoundAbout
For nearly thirty years, SoundAbout has provided local, state-specific and nationally significant information which has informed, entertained and challenged its listeners… - How to Submit to Blind Citizens News
- Directory of Contact Details
- New Horizons Radio Broadcast Schedule
Blind Citizens Australia is the united voice of Australians who are blind or vision impaired. Our mission is to achieve equity and equality by our empowerment, by promoting positive community attitudes and by striving for high quality and accessible services which meet our needs.
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.
Correction
The article “Domestic Violence: Notes from the Womentalks Teleconference” written by Vicki Alipasinopoulos for the July issue of Blind Citizens News was incorrectly titled.
No notes are ever compiled from Women’s Branch teleconferences about this topic and all information discussed is treated as strictly confidential. The title of Vicki’s article should have read: “Violence and Abuse against Women who are Blind or Vision Impaired”.
How to make a complaint about BCA
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 1441-565
Blind Citizens News is distributed in Large Print, Braille, and Audio. Electronic copies in text format are available on CD or by email. If you would like to receive Blind Citizens News in another format, please contact us.
Other Publications
SoundAbout Audio Magazine
Blind Citizens Australia Annual Report
Funding and Donations for BCA
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.
We would also like to acknowledge our funding partners: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Victoria, Vision Australia, the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, Guide Dogs Victoria, and our generous members.
If you would like to make a donation to Blind Citizens Australia, you can call the Office on 1800 033 660, and use your credit card. You can also donate online. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Feedback for BCA
Do you have any compliments, suggestions or concerns you wanted to let BCA know about? You can do this anonymously by 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
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: BCA complaints policy
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.