On FOCAL POINT:

• Emily Walter, National Spokesperson for the 2026 Census - 11th August, had all the relevant news on the census including it being available in large print, braille, just request it, you can do the census in braille,
• Hen Vaughan has just taken the role of audio description coordinator at Access 2 Arts. Hen invited all to the free audio-described City Lights Tour 14th July.
• Amelia Aberasturi and Eloy Mason are excited about The Open Curtain Presents - part of the Darwin Fringe Festival - an inclusive; accessible and amazing community project that was just an idea in November. 24th and 25th July at the Browns Mart Studio,
• Nicholas Gleeson, author, adventurer, athlete has just Launched a podcast, with some creative friends, Nick is just back from reconnecting with nature, Humaning with a Difference, inspiring and heartfelt, focusing on living life with a vision impairment while exploring the broader message that "difference" is a strength,

Resources:

Census: http://www.census.gov.au

Illuminate Adelaide: https://www.illuminateadelaide.com/

Access 2 Arts: http://www.access2arts.org.au

The Open Curtain: https://darwinfringe.org.au/organiser/the-open-curtain

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On FOCAL POINT:

• Angela Sosnowski, Low Vision Consultant (SA/WA/NT) for Quantum RLV, introduced the - just released - MirrorPad Pro. This is anew addition to the range of desktop magnifiers, combining powerful magnification with the ability to mirror your phone and control your Android smartphone, directly onscreen.
• Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, updated events; activities - including walking groups; pub lunches; tandem cycling; and a social group at Glenelg; as well as an invitation for young people studying music or art to apply for the Trevor Frost Award, with a $3,000 reward,
• Maureen O'Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, spoke about hearing highly acclaimed playwright Jane Harrison, who has written "Rainbow's End" great for those year 12 students in Vic. NSW, and Qld studying the play. Maureen also invited all to come along to "Meet the Librarian" and access to some excellent guests from Melbourne Writers Week.
• Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health Services and from the University of Qld, has concerns that many older people in particular may be underestimating the seriousness of RSV, Respiratory syncytial virus.

Resources:

Quantum RLV: http://www.quantumrlv.com.au

Beyond Blindness: http://www.beyondblindness.org.au

Vision Australia Library: https://visionaustralia.org/services/library

RSV Wise: http://www.rsvwise.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT:

• Dean Calder is one of the first people in Australia to have the Braille Note Evolve - the Windows-based braille computer from Humanware. Catch Dean's internet radio show, Thursday evenings on Super Stream on line.
• Rebecca Redman-Walsh, Disability Advocate/Intake officer for the Speak Out Association of Tasmania, shared news of recent meetings with local members of parliament - responding to SOA's concerns regarding cuts for clients on the NDIS.
• Meghan Hibbert, from AusAlert, "alerted" us to what will be happening around Australia 2pm AEST; 1:30pm Central and 12 Noon in Western Australia, Monday 247th July.
• Gerard Rennick, former Senator now President of the new "People First Party" running candidates at the 2028 federal election.

Resources:

Superstream Listen and Downloads: https://www.bchapman.id.au/

Speak Out Advocacy: https://www.speakoutadvocacy.org/

AusAlert: https://www.ausalert.gov.au/

Gerard Rennick's People First Party: https://peoplefirstparty.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.