Talking Vision
Let 'Talking Vision' be your national radio reference on blindness and low vision.
On this weekly radio program you can hear:
- Discussion of issues relating to blindess and low vision
- Stories of inspiration and achievement from people living with vision loss
- How one can access services from Vision Australia
- How one can become involved in assisting Vision Australia to 'make a difference' for people who are blind or have low vision
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please email talkingvision@visionaustralia.org.
Recent programs
30 August 2010
This program takes you to the Vision Australia Texpo 2010.
We hear from several of the technology providers who represent a small sample of the dozens of exhibitors on display at Vision Australia's Texpo events in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney in August and September 2010.
- John Price from the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston demonstrates the Next Generation Perkins Brailler
- Greg Elchon from the NSW Department of Education explains how with his vision impairment, the accessibility features of Apple products are a great asset
- Trevor Boyd from Quantum Technology explains what his company offers in the technology market
- Ramona Mandy, Blindness Products Consultant from Humanware, who herself is blind, explains what her company has to offer.
23 August 2010
This program examines the growing information and entertainment service offered via Audio Description.
Stephen Jolley is joined by John Simpson, Vision Australia's National Manager Audio Description Services, to explore what audio description really is, what's new and how people can access it.
Sound clips from the feature movies Australia and Rogue are used to illustrate the striking impact of Audio description.
Other guests in the program include:
- Sheilah Blanchfield who regularly attends theatre thanks to the availability audio description
- Emma Bennison who can now fully enjoy a DVD with her family and who also tells us of her work with Access Arts in Queensland
- Joel Snyder, an international authority on Audio Description from the United States, who visited Australia recently.
16 August 2010
This is the second of two programs addressing the issue of employment. It highlights the success of people with vision loss in the work force and identifies remaining barriers to reducing unemployment and under employment numbers for this group.
We hear from:
- Ron Woods, NSW Executive State Manager for Booth Transport, who has employed a number of people with low vision
- Damien Nicholls, Trainee Youth Worker
- Alf O'Neill, Office Business Customer Service Manager
- Maryanne Diamond, Vision Australia General Manager International and Stakeholder Relations and President of the World Blind Union
- Jody Holdback, National Advocacy Officer with Blind Citizens Australia
- Amelia Ukovic, Vision Australia National Manager Employment Services
9 August 2010
This is the first of two programs addressing the issue of employment, looking at the challenges people who are blind or have low vision may face in taking up a place in the workforce.
Stephen Jolley speaks with:
- Amelia Ukovic, National Manager Employment Services with Vision Australia
- Maranatha Sao-Mafiti, a recent graduate who is looking for work
- Gerard Mugavin, who after years of experience in the workforce, is now seeking to return to employment after having lost most of his vision in recent years.
Also in the program, Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library will be along to preview more titles in Reader Recommended.
02 August 2010
This program focuses on how disability issues are being addressed during the current Federal Election campaign.
- Stephen Jolley speaks with Maryanne Diamond, Vision Australia General Manager responsible for Government Relations and Robyn Gaile, Executive Officer of Blind Citizens Australia.
- We explain how people who are blind or have low vision can vote anonymously at the election
Also in the program:
- Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library introduces more titles in 'Reader Recommended';
- From our 'Tips and Tips' series, Katherine Swalwell a Vision Australia orientation and mobility specialist from Newcastle has some ideas on how to be a good neighbour to someone who has vision loss.
26 July 2010
This program highlights the special arrangements enabling people who are blind or who have low vision, to cast a secret vote at the 2010 Federal election.
- Robyn Gaile, Executive Officer of Blind Citizens Australia, explains the significance of this initiative for Australians with vision loss
- Phil Diak, spokesperson for the Australian Electoral Commision, outlines the arrangements for people to access voting options
- Stephen Jolley, program presenter, participates in a simulated telephone vote with Judy Birkenhead, an AEC representative
- Michael Simpson, Vision Australia General Manager Policy and Advocacy, comments on this breakthrough for Australians who are blind or who have low vision.
19 July 2010
This program explores the emotional and psychological impact of vision loss.
- Bert Siebot from Geelong, Victoria explains the impact of his vision loss and the support provided to him by Vision Australia
- Sam Coad, Vision Australia Project Officer, Service Development explains what is offered for clients to address the emotional and psychological impacts of vision loss
- Gwyn Rees from the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), tells of work being carried out to better understand the link between vision loss and the onset of depression.
Also in the program:
- Frances Keyland previews titles in the Vision Australia Library in reader recommended
- John Simpson, Vision Australia's National Manager of Audio Description brings news of agreement to equip cinema's around the country with facilities for people with vision loss to have access to audio description along with the same availability of captioning for people who are deaf.
12 July 2010
This program explores the strategies and associated products that people use to offset the inconvenience of being blind or having low vision in accomplishing daily tasks.
- Barry Chapman, who is totally blind, and Eve Lustig, who has low vision, explain approaches they each use and devices that make a difference for them.
- Luisa Ferronato, National Manager of Vision Australia's Equipment Solutions, explains what this service offers and how it operates. Julie Scott, Customer Service Officer, outlines some of the products available through the various retail outlets of Equipment Solutions.
Also in the program, Frances Keyland from the Vision Australia Library introduces recently added titles in 'Reader Recommended'.
05 July 2010
To mark NAIDOC Week, this program focuses on Indigenous Australians living with vision loss. On this occasion, Stephen Jolley is joined by Sheelagh Daniels-Mayes, Client Representative Council member and Chair of the Indigenous Working Group. Other guests include Caitlin Buxton from Reconciliation Australia and Ted Thorburn of Torres Strait Islander descent, who chairs the Vision Australia Regional Client Committee in Northern Australia.
Frances Keyland also draws upon the Vision Australia Library's collection of works of Indigenous writers for the 'Reader Recommended' segment.
03 July 2010 - A 45 minute Talking Vision special covering the farewell of Vision Australia's Woolloongabba site
On Saturday 19 June 2010, Vision Australia hosted clients, staff and other key stakeholders of Vision Australia's Kent Street site in Woolloongabba, QLD at a commemorative function.
Vision Australia's CEO, Gerard Menses explains the significant role that the Kent Street site played in the provision of blindness and low vision services in Queensland and looks ahead to our new facility in Coorparoo. Former employees reminisce and there is the ceremonial final ringing of the old school bell.
Archived programs
Broadcast frequencies and schedule
| Vision Australia Radio | Day and time |
|---|---|
| Albury 101.7 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Bendigo 88.7 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Geelong 99.5 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Melbourne 1179 AM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Mildura 107.5 fm | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Shepparton 100.1 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Warragul 93.5 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| Warrnambool 94.5 FM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 7.30pm Sundays |
| RPH Stations | Day and time |
|---|---|
| 2RPH Sydney 1224 AM | 2.00pm Wednesdays and 8.30pm Fridays |
| 2RPH Newcastle 100.5 FM | 2.00pm Wednesdays and 8.30pm Fridays |
| 4RPH Brisbane 1296 AM | 2.30pm Mondays and 7.30pm Tuesdays |
| 1RPH Canberra 1125 AM | 3.00pm Thursdays and 8.00pm Saturdays |
| 1RPH Wagga Wagga 89.5 FM | 3.00pm Thursdays and 8.00pm Saturdays |
| 7RPH Hobart 864 AM | 3.00pm Thursdays |
| 7RPH Launceston 106.9 FM | 3.00pm Thursdays |
| 1296 RPH Adelaide 1197AM | 7.00pm Saturdays |
| 6RPH Perth 990AM | 3.30pm Wednesdays and 9.45pm Saturdays |