When it comes to digital accessibility, this week's guest is both passionate and knowledgeable. Dr Scott Hollier is the CEO and co-founder of Centre For Accessibility Australia (CFAA), and chatted to Simon about what's new and emerging in the technology spaces that can be of assistance to people with a disability.

CFAA is calling for nominations for the Australian Access Awards, which celebrate organisations and individuals demonstrating outstanding commitment to digital accessibility - recognising excellence across websites, applications, and advocacy initiatives. Categories span a wide range of sectors, including government, education, corporate, and not-for-profit.

To nominate an organisation or an individual, you can complete the form here on the CFAA website.

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Maxine Drake: a powerful voice for inclusion and human rights.

As an advocate with Developmental Disability WA, Maxine stands up for students with disabilities and brings passion, heart, and action to the disability movement.

In this thought-provoking chat, Simon and Maxine explore advocacy, pride, dignity, and what it really takes to create an accessible world where everyone belongs. Acknowledging that sometimes activism is needed to make change happen; social change is easier when we bring people together and are there beside them.

Find out more about the work of Developmental Disability WA by visiting their website: ddwa.org.au

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on In Plain Sight, we revisit a fabulous conversation from the beginning of our program's journey with the very talented Eliza Hull, musical artist, writer, journalist, and disability advocate based in Victoria. They have a fascinating chat in which Eliza openly shares insights about her struggles and successes.

Be sure to connect with Eliza through her website or Facebook page. You can view the video clip spoken about during the interview for 'Running Underwater' on YouTube. Plus, you can find out more about Eliza's books here on her publisher's website. Be sure to look out for her future book releases.

Thanks to Andrew Williams, who is standing in as Simon's co-host and producer in Abby Green's absence.

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deafblind Awareness Week (the last week of June) honours Helen Keller’s birthday and shines a light on the Deafblind community. To mark the occasion, Deafblind West Australians have a special event celebrating connection, creativity, and advocacy.

This week on our podcast, meet Deborah Kazich, Deafblind advocate sharing her vibrant, active life, and Linni Oliver, a dedicated Communication Guide.

Deb has many interests including public speaking training with Toast Masters, and she never misses an opportunity to share her passion for her community and to help bring awareness of people living with Deafblindness.

• Event Details:
• Tuesday 24 June 2025
• Perth City Farm
• Activities: DBWA will unveil a new tactile art piece, alongside the 2023 community mosaic
• Inspiring stories, sensory art, and community connection

Be part of this powerful celebration! If you can't attend on the day, head down to Perth City Farm anytime to experience the artwork installation.

More information about Deafblind West Australians can be found on their website.

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the lead-up to International Albinism Awareness Day on June 13th, we speak with Karin Boulton, a third-year physiotherapy student, disability advocate, and member of the Albinism Fellowship of Australia. Karin shares her lived experiences with albinism and her role in creating spaces for community, support, connection, and leadership as a founding member of Emerging Voices of Young Leaders (EVYL). Tune in to learn about the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and foster a stronger, more connected albinism community.

Link to Albinism Fellowship of Australia (AFA): https://albinismaustralia.org

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Don't give people a hand-out, give them a hand up."

A motto that this week's guest, Dr Rita Kleinfeld-Fowell, lives by every day.

Legally Deaf and blind, Rita has faced - and overcome - immense challenges. Through resilience, strength and determination, she has transformed adversity into advocacy, using her lived experience to support and uplift others.

Now Head of Disability Law Practice at Sussex Street Community Legal Centre, Rita is passionate about empowering people with disability through knowledge, rights and representation.

Her journey and her conversation with Simon on the show this week is not just inspiring - it's a reminder that true leadership is built on empathy, experience and a commitment to making a difference.

For more information about Rita's work and the legal services available at Sussex Street Community Law Service, go to their website: sscls.asn.au

To find out more about the People with disabilities WA State Conference that Rita will be speaking at, please go to the PWdWA website: pwdwa.org/whats-happening/events/state-conference-2025/

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Simon and Abby chat with two guests. First up, Vanessa Jessett from People with disabilities Western Australia (PWdWA) about their upcoming State Conference; what’s planned, and why it matters.

Also joining us is the fabulous Mallika Macleod from Empowered Connections (a role linked with Valued Lives), sharing her work in peer support and her conference session on supporting homeschooled young people entering adulthood.

A lively and inspiring conversation with two passionate advocates!

People With disabilities WA State Conference
Thursday 19 and Friday 20 June 2025
The Esplanade Fremantle - by Rydges
For more information about the PWdWA conference and to register, head to their website: pwdwa.org/whats-happening/events/state-conference-2025

To find out more about Valued Lives, where Mallika works as Peer Groups Network Coordinator, head to their website: valuedlives.org.au

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ritchell Lim is a musician, singer, producer and sound engineer, devoted to her art and a natural at her craft. Ritchell is an extremely talented, highly intelligent, bright woman who is just launching herself into to a career as a sound engineer. And, she also happens to be blind.

Ritchell grew up playing the piano, and wrote songs every chance she got. She describes the studio as her second home and has experienced playing in parts of Asia and Australia. We shared a fascinating and educational conversation - hope you enjoy.

Listen to some of Richell's music on her Soundcloud page: https://soundcloud.com/user-540746094

And connect with Ritchell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ritchelllimmusic/

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.