VisAbility Tasmania in Hobart, Tasmania | Non-profit organisation

VisAbility Tasmania

Locality: Hobart, Tasmania

Phone: +61 1800 484 333

Address: 164 Elizabeth Street 7000 Hobart, TAS, Australia

Website: http://www.visabilitytas.com.au

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• Local service
• Non-profit organisation
• Disability service

25.01.2022 For the safety of our staff and clients, our offices are still closed for walk ins. From today, July the 6th, people requiring assistive technology, or equipment demonstrations can make appointments to visit us in the Hobart and Launceston offices. Bookings must be made via email or phone prior to appointments. We are continuing our online therapy services and resuming face to face appointments so you can continue to see us from the comfort of your own home. To make a b...ook for our low vision services contact us on (03) 6232 1222. If you would like to make an appointment with the VisAbility Children's Therapy team please call the centre on (03) 6245 9232. We look forward to hearing from you! See more

24.01.2022 Today is International White Cane Day. It's the day to highlight the role the long white cane plays in mobility and independence for someone with blindness and low vision. The long white cane, also known as a mobility cane is used to discover obstructions early to allow a person to navigate them safely. With the borders to Tasmania opening soon, we asked white cane users what the biggest challenge was for them in the post COVID world. ... Peter from Glenorchy ‘Perhaps one of the biggest challenges is waiting in line at the self-checkout area at the supermarket. I find it pretty difficult to know where to stand on a marker, or behind a line and to know when a kiosk is available. When the markers and lines are not tactile, it makes difficult to be able to comply. The best encouragement I have for businesses in regards to people who use a white cane is to continue to be patient and thoughtful with blind and vision impaired shoppers. If businesses are in a position to make their floor markings (more) tactile or more visible that would be great. Having a smooth sticker on the ground in the shape of an X or a circle (which indicates where it's permitted to stand) does not have much utility for a person with limited vision. Historically I have missed these spots and while I was reminded of social distancing.’ #InternationalWhiteCaneDay #tasmania #hobart #hobarttasmania #independence #OrientationAndMobility #Covid19 #openingtheborders #family #fatherandson #LowVision #abcnews

23.01.2022 Black and white VisAbility logo

23.01.2022 Happy Father's day to all the Dad's out there! Today is Father's day, so don't forget to take the time to remind the special Dads in your life how important they are to you. Image is of a father and son sitting by the water.

23.01.2022 Audio Description trial on national broadcasters The ABC and SBS are currently trialling Audio Description (AD) programming, with both broadcasters set to launch a more comprehensive AD service by July 1. The implementation of AD on the ABC and SBS has been enabled by Australian Government funding announced late last year, following an extensive advocacy campaign by the blindness and low vision sector led by Blind Citizens Australia. To find out more about the broadcasters' AD services visit the ABC and SBS websites. https://www.abc.net.au/tv/audiodescription/

23.01.2022 Join woodworking artist Duncan Meerding from Thursday 30th July till Sunday August 2nd when he opens his woodworking studio to the public. Duncan will be showcasing his new work and recently updated work space. Duncan will conduct a tour of some of the new assistive technology he uses. These have been specially developed to help with his workshop processes as a legally blind designer maker. Some of these techniques will also be broadcast via social media. ... Starting Thursday night, with a live Facebook and Instagram event, join him online for an introduction to the space. Event times are: Thursday July 30: 5.30 pm FB / Instagram Live event (online only) Friday July 31: 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm Saturday August 1: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm Sunday August 2: 10.00 am to 3.00 pm Cost is Free Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1211628142501802/ Please be patient if you do visit the physical event, as we will be limiting numbers through the space to keep everyone safe and healthy. Also if you feel sick in any way, please help with keeping everyone healthy and stay at home. When responding as attending online, please let us know what time to expect you. This will really help us to manage attendance or adjust opening hours if necessary. Any further queries call Duncan on 0419 406 875

23.01.2022 Do you know we have a range of fantastic online activities you can access for free?? Art Project Group: Mon Wed 11 am 2 pm Learn to focus on a specific type of art which is suited to participants who are blind or vision impaired. Book Club:... Monday 11 am 2 pm A reading group, usually consisting of a number of people who read and talk about books based on a topic or an agreed-upon reading list. Stretch: Tuesday 11.30 am 12 pm A targeted exercise class to improve strength, flexibility and proprioception. Cooking Chatter: Mon 3 pm 5 pm The skills learned, recipes and meals prepared are very basic in nature with tips on kitchen safety in a fun, friendly and informal atmosphere. This group basically revolves around socialisation and eating! Discussion: Wed 3 pm 5 pm A discussion of current affairs, points of interest, jokes, some quizzes and occasionally we host guest speakers on varied subjects. Exercise Therapy: Mon- Thurs 11 am 2 pm Mon- Thurs 3 pm 5 pm Improve your level of strength, fitness and flexibility in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. Fully supervised by staff who specialise in working with people who are blind or vision impaired. We are happy to recommend a program to help you achieve your physical goals. Italian Language: Beginners: Tues 3 pm 5 pm Advanced: Thurs 3 pm 5 pm Both beginners and advanced Italian language classes are offered throughout the week. Japanese Culture: Thurs 11 am 2 pm Learn about the culture, arts way of life, history and even the language of the mystical land of Japan in an informal, fun, friendly and intimate atmosphere. Mens interest: Tues 3 pm 5 pm A discussion of current affairs, points of interest, jokes, sports, tool time banter and even some low impact exercise in the gym for the fitness conscious! Mental Focus: Thurs 11 am 2 pm Join in a fun discussion group using various games, crosswords and quizzes to hone your thinking and engage your memory. Music appreciation: Mon 3 pm 5 pm Appreciating and discussing various types of music, composers, groups, singers etc. Some broadcasting of musical videos and occasionally a musical guest. Scrapbooking: Mon 11 am 2 pm A fun paper crafting experience with weekly themes guiding you to create beautiful crafts, cards and memory evoking pieces. Contact us Its easy to join in, just ring Alessia on 0412 751 542 Email: Alessia at. [email protected]. https://www.visability.com.au//keeping-it-social-online-g/

22.01.2022 It is national diabetes week and this year's campaign in 'Heads up' on Diabetes. Diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes. It affects blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye). If you have diabetes, its important for you to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.... This year Diabetes Australia launch their Heads Up campaign to talk about mental health and diabetes to find out more check out their website https://headsupdiabetes.com.au/ See more

21.01.2022 It is very exciting to see the new range of inclusive dolls in Kmart! https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/kmart-inclusive-doll-win-has

20.01.2022 Have cane, will travel! Check out Queensland musician Peter Vance white cane inspired song. He takes a light hearted look at some of his memorable moments when travelling with the long white cane. Let us know what you think ... https://www.youtube.com/watch

19.01.2022 This Saturday June 6th, Kary Macliver, Executive Manager for Client Services at VisAbility will be joining the BCA (Blind Citizens Australia) Tasmania Catchup. If youd like to hear about the latest developments with VisAbility, or want to have the chance to have your say about services affecting you in the future. Join us! You need not be a BCA member or a VisAbility Client to join the chats, but you must have an interest in blindness or vision impairment. ... simply copy and paste the link below into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88156659186 If you have trouble logging in contact Vaughn at [email protected]

18.01.2022 We have established four Client and Carer Reference Groups and need your involvement. Members of these groups help us by sharing their views and opinions. To continue providing quality services across our organisation, we seek valuable feedback into what we are doing well; or not so well and how we can improve. A chairperson for each group has been appointed meet:... Trish Filby, Senior Physiotherapist at the Royal Hobart Hospital, who is chair of the Kites Childrens Therapy Group. Phil Menzies, who has been a Guide Dog handler for over 30 years, is leading our Dog Service Group. Jenny Dawson, a long-standing advocate for people with vision loss, also a VisAbility Board director, is chair of the Vision Specialist Group. Gawain Siu, who runs our Tai Chi community classes at Perron Place is the chair of this group. To join us, you must be able to commit to the meetings regularly. Meetings are held bi-monthly (thats every two months) via phone or Zoom. Youll meet other clients, carers and family members all from a variety of different backgrounds and ages. Contact us by emailing [email protected] and we will send you an Expression of Interest form.

18.01.2022 We're taking a well-deserved break over the Christmas period . Our offices in Hobart and Launceston are closed from 12pm Thursday 24th of December and will reopen, Monday 4th of January 2021 at 9am. We wish you all a very happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Guide Dogs Tasmania VisAbility Tasmania

17.01.2022 Do you want to increase your strength, flexibility, and bond with your best 4-legged friend? Why not challenge yourself at home to 30 minutes of Doga every day in August. Dog or no dog, experienced yogi or new to the mat, it's the perfect way to take care of yourself as the days start getting colder!... Funds raised by Doga Challengers come directly to Guide Dogs Tasmania, to change the lives of Tasmanians living with vision impairment, disability or illness. Register today at https://www.dogachallenge.com.au/

17.01.2022 We are currently experiencing difficulties with our phone system. Please contact us via messenger or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively feel free to contact us on our Western Australia number on (08) 9311 8202 or Toll free: 1800 847 466 or 1800 VISION)

17.01.2022 We are experiencing some technical issues today. Our phones are currently down. We’re working towards fixing the issue, so hopefully it won’t be long until they are up and running again. In the meantime, if you need to contact us please send us a message via messenger, and Emily our receptionist will do her best to answer your query. Sorry for any inconvenience!... Guide Dogs Tasmania VisAbility See more

16.01.2022 We had some great answers to Monday's secret sound! . If you had trouble guessing what the sound was in Monday's post, we have the answer below! It was the sound of the long cane which is also called a mobility cane, on concrete, using the constant contact technique. ... October 15th is International White Cane Day. It's a day to remember the importance of the white cane and how it can aid the mobility and independence of a person with blindness or low vision. The cane is used like an extension of an arm, reaching out to things on the ground and in front. It enables a person to use the cane to detect obstacles within their path of travel by either sweeping or tapping the cane along the ground in front of them. Changes in ground surfaces such as grates, paths, grass, curbs etc are detected through the feel of the ball-like tip of the cane. The mobility cane helps to discover these obstructions to navigate around them safely. At VisAbility we offer orientation and mobility training with our highly skilled instructors to learn how to use the mobility cane. So please drop us an email at [email protected] to book an appointment or find out more. #independence #internationalwhitecaneday #freedom #orientationandmobility

16.01.2022 It's the show day public holiday here in Hobart! Our Elizabeth street office is closed today, but we will be back at 9am Friday morning. For all enquiries our team in the Launceston are still working so please call 1800 484 333 for assistance!

16.01.2022 Here is some great news Dylan Alcott and the team have launched a new business called Able Foods. The best news is they deliver to Tassie!! You may have seen the man himself on The Project last night. Just in case you missed it here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=667032934004510

16.01.2022 The building next to the VisAbility / Guide Dogs Tasmania office in Hobart in under construction for the next few months. Please be careful when visiting our Hobart office as the footpath to Brisbane street is often obstructed with obstacles. We will keep you updated on the progress.

15.01.2022 https://twitter.com/i/status/1290832901945188352 Exciting news for train commuters! Aira is now free for those navigating Sydney trains. For the next few months Sydney train commuters who are blind or have low vision will temporarily have free access to a navigation service to help them get around the citys stations, with advocates now pushing to make the change permanent.... Graeme Innes, who is the former Australian disability discrimination commissioner, and Susan Thompson led a campaign for the four main train stations in Sydney, and won! Hopefully this will have a flow on for the rest of the capital cities across Australia! Find the full story below: https://probonoaustralia.com.au//free-navigation-help-is/

14.01.2022 Does your child need help with achieving their goals? What about with handwriting? Or dressing? Or making their own breakfast? Then an Occupational Therapist can help. Occupational Therapists provide strategies to help children and families live their best life. ... This could be strategies to manage time, develop fine motor skills, build a routine or concentrate in class. At VisAbility Children's Therapy centre in Bellerive we are back to seeing clients face to face. We still offer an online service if you prefer. The best news is we don't have a waiting list at the moment to see our Occupational Therapists, so why don't you give us a call on (03) 6245 9232 See more

14.01.2022 If you are blind or vision impaired and would love to learn new skills, make new friends and perhaps get a new hobby, we have exciting news! VisAbility has joined forces with international award-winning furniture and lighting designer Duncan Meerding to bring you a woodworking workshop with a difference. Woodwork beyond sight Through this six-week course you can learn how to use hand woodworking tools and techniques. Working with locally sourced wood you will make your very ...own box to take home. Specifically tailored for those with low vision or blindness to learn tactile woodworking techniques, design basics, tool usage and workshop safety. No previous woodworking experience required. Sighted volunteers will be on site to assist participants as required. Join Duncan on this journey. Workshop details When: Starting on 3 October 2020, Saturday workshops for 6 weeks Where: Shed 1, 45b Burnett St, North Hobart, Tasmania How long: 10:00am 3:00pm (4-hour session with breaks included) Cost: $360 Contact: VisAbility, 03 6232 1222, or email Vaughn at [email protected] to register your interest If you live out of town, CTST - Community Transport Services Tasmania are a great option to get you there! Follow the link to find out more https://www.visability.com.au//woodworking-with-vision-lo/

14.01.2022 Orthoptists are eye health professionals who care for patients with eye disorders. Today is World Orthoptic Day! It's a chance to recognise the great work Orthoptists do! #WorldOrthopticDay #eyesurgeons

13.01.2022 International White Cane Day is today (15th October). It's a day to highlight the role the long white cane plays in mobility and independence for someone with blindness and low vision. The long white cane also known as a mobility cane, is used to discover obstructions to allow a person to navigate them safely. This year we asked white cane users what their biggest challenges were in the post COVID world.... James from Newstead 'As I use a LONG White Cane, approximately 56 inches in length, it is reasonably easy for me to ensure I am being responsible and physically distancing from others to the 1.5 metre requirement. However, where the biggest challenges arise are with the sighted community. For instance, in public people are continually complacent about this distancing requirement and overstep the 1.5 metre into your personal space when shopping, queuing, to talk, etc., and become ‘put out’ when you have to ask them to remember to maintain distancing. This also occurs when walking in public; especially with joggers, groups of more than two taking up whole footpaths and not moving to one side, forcing you to gingerly step down into bike lanes until they have passed. In addition, if they are coming from behind you, again not slowing down and keeping distance but instead running around you on either side. How can the public help? 'Firstly, not being complacent about the 1.5 metre physical distancing requirements. Secondly, if they see someone with a white cane, assume they can’t see you and provide appropriate verbal directions to sanitiser stations, distancing stickers on floors, etc'. #InternationalWhiteCaneDay #tasmania #launcestontasmania #launceston #independence #OrientationAndMobility #Covid19 #openingtheborders

13.01.2022 Last month we received nominations in the Disability Support Awards. This month were a finalist for providing Excellence in Age Services which is organised by the peak body representing providers of aged services: Leading Age Services Australia (LASA).

13.01.2022 2020 has been a very interesting year. Although there has been plenty of challenges, there have been some fantastic and inspirational stories though out the year. Over the next few days leading up to 2021 I’ll share some of the fantastic stories from the blind and low vision community from 2020. Teenager Sean Kendrick is on the cusp of being possibly the youngest blind cricketer to represent Australia. https://www.abc.net.au//blind-teen-cricketer-sean/11852954

12.01.2022 We are thrilled to announce that VisAbility's Children's Therapy Centre in Bellerive has had a name change, and are now known as Kites Children's Therapy. We have a new website, Facebook page Kites Children's Therapy Tasmania and Instagram account. Please like and share our socials as we would love to hear your feedback and comments. The team celebrate with their Brady Bunch rendition, check it out below!

12.01.2022 Do you have a story to share? Disability voices are reaching out to Tasmanian's with a disability to have their voices heard and create change in the community. To share you story please register your interest by contacting Disability Voices Tasmanias Project Coordinator, on 0428 612 299 or [email protected] Find out more on their facebook page Disability Voices Tasmania https://www.theadvocate.com.au//a-new-united-voice-for-pe/

12.01.2022 Would you like to learn tips on how improve your life with vision loss? VisAbility's Living Well Group provide an opportunity for those who experience blindness or vision impairment to: Learn about common eye conditions and the effects.... Discuss strategies and aids that assist those who experience vision loss to achieve their potential. Learn more about services provided by VisAbility. Gather information about valuable services provided by other groups in the community. For more info check follow this link https://www.visability.com.au//living-well-with-vision-lo/

11.01.2022 Coronavirus (COVID-19) has bought huge change to everyone and has had a significant impact on the disability community. As the community works hard to follow government advice and best practice, the NDIS has put together some tips to stay safe and feel supported mentally and physically. Here's what Dylan Alcott had to say about keeping each other safe.... https://youtu.be/WNuUgjmbj38

11.01.2022 As restrictions are lifted and we start moving back to the new 'normal' everyone needs a little help to adjust. For people who are blind or vision impaired, COVID-19 presents unique challenges. When you rely on touch to navigate your way around in your day to day life it can be scary to venture out. Will the COVID-19 recovery plan leave people living with disability behind? Rebecca St Clair explores this in the below article https://www.disabilitysupportguide.com.au//covid-1...9-recove #BeThatPerson See more

10.01.2022 Most of us don’t have cash floating around in our wallets these days, but the reserve bank have now released the new $100 note. The new note has five embossed dots on the corner and is the final note to be circulated. This means that all denominations of Australia’s bank notes, all have a tactile feature and are now accessible to people who are blind or have low vision. The $5 note was the first Australian banknote to include the tactile feature in 2016 following a petitio...n launched by teenager Connor McLeod and the RBA has launched one new with the tactile features each year since then. You can watch Connor’s Ted Talk via the link below https://tedxsydney.com//a-blind-teenagers-vision-for-chan/ See more

09.01.2022 One of our commitments as an organisation is to encourage a culture that supports gender equality. We treat our workforce the same and want both women and men to thrive in their individual roles. Everyone is valued and we have a zero-tolerance of discrimination. https://www.visability.com.au//achieving-gender-equality-/

09.01.2022 Christmas is just around the corner! At VisAbility, we can produce your personalised Christmas greetings into Braille messages for your cards. If you would like to send someone a special message this Christmas, just email your request to [email protected] . Our Braille Officer Leone shows Santa a Christmas card with a Braille message in the video below;... #ChristmasAlready

08.01.2022 To navigate safely and independently Suzanne received orientation and mobility instruction from VisAbility. The lady who trained me in using the cane has helped me with the buses as I often cant see them coming. You have to get the right one or you could end up anywhere. She made me signs with the big numbers of the bus I want to catch. I hold them up when the bus is coming and then the driver knows when to stop. There are all sorts of different ways that VisAbility h...as helped me. VisAbility assisted Suzanne with a range low vision aids for around the home to keep her safe. Tactile markers and bumpons help Suzanne to use her tactile senses to locate buttons on appliances and TV remote. Suzanne used to burn herself when making cups of tea as she couldnt see the level of the hot water in the cup, so VisAbility organised a liquid level indicator. These attach to your cup and notify you audibly when the water reaches a certain level. She also received magnifiers to help with reading and a ambutech lightweight mobility cane.

07.01.2022 It has been a very busy month for the team at VisAbility and Guide Dogs Tasmania in Launceston. We have moved out of our old office in Invermay and will be moving in a new office shortly. In the meantime we will still be providing our services, please call 1800484333 for assistance. Guide Dogs Tasmania

06.01.2022 As 2020 draws to an end, I’d like to thank all our staff, clients, volunteers and stakeholders for their flexibility and grit in one of the most challenging years we have seen. Our team has shown great resilience. By adapting to a new way of working at a moment’s notice during COVID restrictions, ensuring we could continue to provide service to our valued clients. We have embraced the challenges. We have welcomed new team members and farewelled others. During COVID and beyond... we have brought our therapy services online. Our dedicated children’s therapy centre expanded and is now known as Kites Children’s Therapy. We revamped the Bellerive building, logo, and website. The Guide Dogs Tasmania team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes training puppies for the Guide and Autism Assistance Dog programs. We were able to hold our Guide Dogs Tasmania graduation this year, thanks to the team’s innovation and quick thinking to continue to train dogs throughout COVID lockdown. The Engagement & Development team launched our new Guide Dogs TAS website, and created a new range of Australian-made merchandise. Finally, we launched our new look for our VisAbility brand. A new logo that is accessible, and a dedicated VisAbility Tasmania website to promote our blind and low vision speciality services across the state. Our organisation is lucky to have committed employees, their hard work makes us who we are. I hope this Christmas season brings you and your families enough joy and laughter to last a lifetime. It is time to have a well-earned break. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year in 2021. Kind Regards, Elizabeth Barnes, Chief Executive Officer | VisAbility | Guide Dogs WA/TAS | Kites.

06.01.2022 Our online group therapy programs for kids have been so successful, theyre returning in Term 3 . This range of programs is tailored for school aged children and will keep your kids engaged, busy, active and working on skills to reach their therapy goals. Social Thinkers - Speech Pathology Group Ages: For 9 - 12 year olds Begins: Thursday 23 July, 5:30pm EST... Develop conversation skills and social awareness strategies to develop self-regulation and friendships. Suitable for children who have goals around social skills, self-regulation and resilience. Cost: $64.66 per session Hands on Handwriting - Occupational Therapy Group Ages: 6 - 11 year olds Begins: Tuesday 21 July, 3:30pm EST. An interactive group that focuses on developing letter formation, speed and legibility. Suitable for children with handwriting goals. Cost: $64.66 per session Training Team - Physiotherapy Group Ages: 5 - 11 year olds Begins: Monday 20 July, 3:30pm EST. Practise strength and balance -based goals through games with other kids. Cost: $74.87 per session Contact us for more information or sign-up now using our easy online form: https://bit.ly/3gvTLQg #VisAbilityAU #onlinetherapy #therapygoals #term3 Image shows children laying on grass and drawing on paper with textas.

06.01.2022 Today 27th June, marks Helen Keller's Birthday one the world's most famous deafblind people. DeafBlind Awareness Week is commemorated the week of Helen Keller's birthday each year . Deafblindness means a person has either partial or complete loss of both their vision and hearing. The theme this year is Connection = Deafblind Proud. VisAbility Client Carol Brown who is deafblind, lives in Launceston in Tasmania and has worked at Coles for 35 years.... "I enjoy my job and have lovely work colleagues and can get around on public transport. My husband and I like to socialise and meet up with family. I'm a member of church and in my spare time I like to swim and read so I'm quite independent." Carol made use of our Assistive Technology Services. For more info: https://lnkd.in/gCjHENf

06.01.2022 Great news!!! At our Children's therapy centre we are back and are now seeing clients face to face! We also don't have a waiting list at the moment to see our amazing physiotherapist The movement skills we learn as children are the skills we build on for the rest of our lives. They allow us play with friends at lunch time, join a sports team and feel confident in our bodies. Physiotherapists can help your children with:... - Concerns about head shape after birth - Delays in crawling and walking - Trouble throwing and catching - Difficulty hopping and jumping - Decreased balance and confidence - Increasing independence and function - Prescribing appropriate equipment - Helping with joints that are either more flexible or less flexible than usual - Building strength Call us today on (03) 6245 9232 to see us at our Bellerive centre. See more

05.01.2022 Congratulations Monique!! VisAbility Speech Pathologist Monique Ziegelaar who is based in Western Australia, has been announced as a joint winner of the Excellence in Innovation Award for this year's Disability Support Awards.

03.01.2022 What does the 'new norm' mean for those who are vision impaired or blind? Forbes news, in the UK explores the issue. https://www.forbes.com//new-normal-of-social-distancing-/

03.01.2022 Are you looking for a great read as the days become cooler? Sue Ellen is a dual Paralympian and Grand Prix-level dressage rider from Dubbo has competed at World Championships. She's also completed 10 long distance rides over 16,000km raising millions for charities. Sue Ellen has just published her first book, 'Johno and The Blind Chick.' Told through the eyes of Johno, (her horse) the book tells the heart-warming story of how they met and their journey together.... https://www.thesenior.com.au//from-the-horses-mouth-john/ If you experiencing vision loss we have a range of options that can help you live the life you want! Our team can assist you with low vision aids and assistive technology, so feel free to drop a message at [email protected]

03.01.2022 Guide Dogs can't read signs about COVID-19 precautions and white canes can't measure the required 1.5m distance. For people who are blind or vision impaired, COVID-19 presents unique challenges. When you rely on touch to navigate your way around in your day to day life it can be scary to venture out. The #BeThatPerson campaign is a collaboration between Blind Citizens Australia and The Kindness Pandemic. The project encourages community members to approach someone who ...is blind or vision impaired - to introduce themselves and ask if they can help. Remember kindness costs nothing! 1.Approach us. 2, Introduce yourself. 3.Ask if you can help. #randomactsofkindness #BeThatPerson Blind Citizens Australia

02.01.2022 David Vosnacos, Access Consultant and Coordinator of VisAbilitys Assistive Technology department, is passionate about accessibility. He had a chat with Vaughn Bennison on Blind Citizens Australia's New Horizon Podcast about some of the monumental changes in access to digital, online, software and hardware products. If you missed the chat here is the link https://www.bca.org.au/new-horizons/

02.01.2022 Christopher McLeod-Barrett is footy and cricket-mad and his sports-calling dream has just become a reality. At just 10 years old he has become a regular correspondent on ABC Grandstand. https://www.abc.net.au//abc-mount-isa-ten-year-ol/12128390

02.01.2022 Would you like to have your say on how we can improve our services here in Tasmania? The Client and Carer Reference Group is an important part of VisAbilitys commitment to providing people-centred services. This is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, ideas and feedback on how we can improve our services for you and the community.... We still have a couple of spaces available if you would like to join! If you or a family member whom you support, has received services from VisAbility Tasmania in the last twelve months, we would love to hear from you. For any VisAbility clients who would like to participate, please call Vaughn on 6232 1250 for more information or email [email protected] For any Children's Therapy Centre parents who would like to join, please contact Tennille at VisAbility's Children's Therapy Centre on 6245 9232 or email [email protected]

01.01.2022 In 2016 we made an unusual find: the discovery of 40,000 digital cassettes, hidden away in a room at the VisAbility building in Western Australia. These are now being digitised. They will eventually join our collection. VisAbility is part of a wider global initiative to give greater access to books to those who need them the most. Under the Marrakesh Treaty, we help an estimated 285 million people to have greater access to books published in accessible formats such as la...rge print, Braille or audio. Amazing facts about our audio books: On average 150 books go out through the post every day We have one of the largest collection of books in the Southern Hemisphere We try to respond to all requests to convert new titles into audio books Why not investigate our online downloads at https://visabilitylibrary.com.au/ #accessibility #accessiblebooks

01.01.2022 Janelle Gleeson is mum to nine-year-old Jordy, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Jordy participated in VisAbility's Social Thinkers online group program last term, and loved it so much he'll be returning again in term 3 . During the first few sessions he was quiet, but when he got to know everyone, there was real comradery. Jordy was eager to meet his friends online every week. He was greeted with warm enthusiasm, Janelle explains. As the weeks went on, I could see... he was leaning to be patient, not to butt in when others were talking. He became what I would call an active participant and a contributor to discussions. Jordy took part using a mobile phone, so the sessions were easy to access. It was Jordy who asked if he could continue with the program into Term 3. He just said Mum Id love to do it again, thats a real testament that hes found it very engaging and interesting." We're running the Social Thinkers online group program again in Term 3, as well as Training Team and Hands on Handwriting programs. Sign up today at https://bit.ly/3gvTLQg #VisAbilityAU #OnlineTherapy #TherapyGoals Image: Jordy is pictured cuddling his rescue kitten

01.01.2022 Have you recently upgraded your phone, assistive technology, tablet or laptop? Launching this Father's Day, we are asking people to donate a device (DAD). If you have any devices that are in good working order with all the cables, batteries and carry cases we can pass them on to people who need them. To find out how just follow this link https://www.visability.com.au/latest-n/donate-a-device-dad/ #assistivetechnology #DAD #DonateADevice