This page includes some recordings of sessions from our most recent conventions and forums, and other events that may be of interest to people who are blind or vision impaired. Please note that due to limited resources, we are not able to record all state events.
Visit our Events page to find out what’s coming up at BCA.
- BCA Inform
- BCA Connect 2023
- BCA Connect 2022
- BCA Awards Ceremony 2021
- BCA Connect 2021
- National Reconciliation Week 2021
- BCA Connect 2020
- Health Forum 2020
- 2019 National Convention
- 2017 National Convention
External events
BCA Inform
Held on the first Tuesday of every month, BCA Inform sessions are an engaging and fun round-table discussion focusing on a new topic each month. BCA Inform gives members the opportunity to engage in discussion with their peers, learn, and hear from guest speakers. BCA staff also often provide updates on various projects.
BCA Connect 2023
BCA Connect on Policy gave members the opportunity to share their thoughts on BCA’s current and future work. During our conference, members made suggestions on things they would like the organisation to address or focus on; from systemic advocacy to project ideas, peer support opportunities and anything else that promoted connecting, empowering and informing people who are blind or vision impaired.
BCA Connect 2022
BCA Connect 2022 was a dynamic and engaging event that brought together members to explore and discuss a range of important topics. Chosen through a member survey earlier in the year, the topics covered a variety of areas relevant to the community. Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to hear from a diverse group of guest speakers and subject matter experts, gaining valuable insights and contributing to meaningful discussions.
BCA Awards Ceremony 2021
The BCA Awards Ceremony (held online) was on International White Cane Day, the 15th of October. A night where BCA recognises the contributions that others have made to the People of the Blind and Vison Impaired Community. The event included the beautiful singing of Julee-Anne Belle, presentations of the David Blyth Award, the Dianna Braun Aspirations Award, and the BCA Certificates of Appreciation.
Listen to the Awards Ceremony.
BCA Connect 2021
BCA Connect was a virtual conference where we shared information on important issues, provided a forum to ask questions on a variety of topics, and as is tradition with all BCA events – offered plenty of opportunities to socialise and reconnect.
Our virtual conference for 2021 was held on Saturday, 29th May. Access recordings from the sessions below.
- Session 1: Raising Your Voice – Welcome, Keynote Address, and panel discussion on communications technology
- Session 2: Having Your Voice Heard – the path to an independent, secret, and verifiable vote
- Session 3: Where to Next? – wayfinding in today’s world
- Session 4a: Taking Charge – resilience
- Session 4b: Taking Charge – the entrepreneurial mindset
National Reconciliation Week 2021
National Reconciliation Week 2021 was an insightful and thought-provoking event that brought together key voices to discuss the importance of reconciliation in Australia. Hosted by Tim Haggis, the event featured special guests including June Riemer, Deputy Director of the First Peoples Disability Network, and John Simpson AM, BCA President.
Happy Hour: Sleep with Dr. Bei Bei
Dr. Bei Bei, a sleep expert, guided us through the essentials of sleep hygiene and the key factors that contribute to poor sleep. Whether you’re struggling to fall asleep, dealing with restless nights, or simply looking to improve your overall sleep quality, Dr. Bei Bei will share practical tips and insights on creating a healthy sleep environment, managing stress and adopting routines that promote restful sleep.
BCA Connect 2020
Our first virtual conference, held via Zoom, took place on Saturday, 17th October 2020. Recordings and presentations from the event are listed below.
- Audio Description – with Paul Fletcher, Michael Coonan, Gerry Neustatl, Alison Myers and Dr Lynne Davis
- Disability Royal Commission – with Prof Ron McCallum AO, Clara Crompton, Rikki Chaplin and Emma Vardy
- Making a Complaint – with Dr Ben Gauntlett, Daniel Stubbs, Robert Griew, Janet Anderson and Martin Stewart
- BCA Connect Full Transcript
- NSW State Forum presentation
Health Forum 2020
Held by the Sydney Branch on Saturday, 26th September 2020, the Health Forum focused on empowering people who are blind or vision impaired to take control of their wellbeing. The event explored practical strategies and resources for navigating the journey to better health, with a particular emphasis on how individuals can put themselves in the driver’s seat of their own care.
National Convention 2019
In 2019, the National Convention was held in Hobart from Friday, 29th March to Sunday, 31st March. Recordings of Workshops and Convention Sessions are below.
Workshops
- Doing It Our Way: Listen to Workshop 1A
- Beyond the Bare Minimum, the Future of Audio Description in Australia: Listen to Workshop 1B
- Braille Music: From the Perkins to the World: Listen to Workshop 2A
- Diverse Experiences of Blindness: Listen to Workshop 2B
Convention Sessions
- Opening: Listen to Session 1
- With an Eye to the Future: Listen to Session 2
- Blindness Services in the 21st Century: Listen to Session 3
- New Developments in Australia’s Blindness Service: Listen to Session 4
- From Past to Present: Listen to Session 5
- Ultimate Independence: Listen to Session 5A
- Life Hacks for Surviving Hospital: Listen to Session 5B
- Taking the Stress out of Travelling Alone: Listen to Session 5C
- When Blindness is Not Your Only Impairment: Listen to Session 5D
- The NDIS and My Aged Care: Listen to Session 6
- BCA Your Way: Recommendations: Listen to Session 7
- Award Presentations: Listen to the Convention Dinner
National Convention 2017
In 2017, the National Convention was held in Melbourne on Tuesday 13th, Wednesday, 14th and Thursday, 15th October. Recordings of Convention Sessions are below.
- Opening: Listen to Session 1
- Blindness an Information Disability: Listen to Session 2
- Emerging Technologies: Listen to Session 3
- Enchanted Hills Camp: Listen to Session 4
- Emotional Wellbeing: Listen to Session 5
- Frances Gentle: Listen to Session 6
- Getting a Job Session A: Listen to Session 7
- Getting a Job Session B: Listen to Session 7b
- Recommendations and Close: Listen to Session 8
- My Age Care: Listen to Workshop 4a
- The NDIS: Listen to Workshop 4b
- Living in the Country: Listen to Workshop 5a
External Events
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (V/Line Victoria)
Martin Stewart was a special guest speaker at V/Line Victoria’s 2021 International Day of Persons with Disabilities event. His insightful address focused on advocating for greater inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities, highlighting the importance of improving public services and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
To listen to recordings older than , visit our Past Publications page.