This week we present a special program in collaboration with Blind Sports WA, featuring Ben Rowe, Executive officer at Blind Sports WA. Simon was moved and inspired by a recent BSWA podcast by Ben called "How do we perceive ourselves as blind or vision impaired?" This episode serves as a clip show of this great discussion by Ben to generate a conversation around perception and personal confidence.

Here at In Plain Sight we like to help create a sense of community and highlight the strength in vulnerabilities, while acknowledging things aren't always easy, but might not be as bad as it seems as long as we find ways to connect with others.

Ben Rowe is a dynamic leader in his community with many strings to his bow, including being a disability advocate, sports person and musician. Ben has several fabulous albums well worth checking out, including the song "Feeling Like Home" which you hear a clip of in this episode. Ben's music can be found on music streaming services as well as Bandcamp, where you can also connect with Ben.

Here is the link to Ben's Bandcamp https://bennyrowemusic.bandcamp.com/

We hope you enjoyed this personal conversation and collaboration from Ben recorded for the Blind Sports WA Podcast. You can listen to the whole episode or other episodes through this link https://www.blindsportswa.com.au/resources/blind-sports-wa-podcast

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This week on In Plain Sight we had the pleasure of interviewing Glenn Wilson a Digital Accessibility Analyst for the Centre for Accessibility Australia. Glenn discusses his background as an educator in fields including computing and manual arts, and how that serves as a scaffold to his current role of ensuring that websites and digital documents are accessible for people with disability.

Simon and Glenn discuss what makes a website more accessible, particularly for those who are blind or have low vision. Glenn is legally blind, and through his personal background he shares fabulous insights into the technical aspects of best practice in regards to digital accessibility.
Including explaining how websites can be designed to have accessible narration, large text or other modifiers that help to improve independent navigation. The centre offers other services too such as setting up computers with accessible software, IT help and training workshops.

The Centre for Accessibility Australia is looking for donations of old, unused computers to pass on to people who need them. You can contact them through the link to inquire how to send old technology in.https://www.accessibility.org.au/contact/

On a similar note, this Thursday the 21st of May is the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day. The theme is Digital Access and Inclusion and the more than 1 billion people with disabilities or impairments. Click the link to learn more or participate. https://accessibility.day/

We hope you enjoy this episode and our chat with Glenn. We found it to be insightful and useful, highlighting the importance of accessibility in the digital age.

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This week on the show Simon and Andrew have a chat about the recent changes to NDIS funding and the role this scheme plays in the life of those receiving support.

Our feature interview for this episode is with the ever positive Melanie Hawkes, the WA Director for Physical Disability Australia and disability advocate recognised for her creativity, leadership and commitment to strong inclusive communities. She joined to discuss her role in the DPO (Disability Peoples Organisation), how they support members and how you can join the community. If you're interested in becoming a member or learning more you can click the link here to visit their website.

Melanie gives anecdotes from her experience living with a physical disability, using a power chair and problems with accessibility while traveling to different cities. A true powerhouse, she was in the top 2 votes in the Discovery Awards in 2024 for innovation for inventing a stick that served as a sort of multi tool to point, click and assist in daily tasks. You can read her blog on the experience here. Melanie plans to take time away from work soon to start on her memoir detailing the joys of dating and finding true love.

We hope you enjoy listening to this insightful, honest chat.

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This week we are revisiting an insightful conversation from last year with prominent author, lawyer and Attorney General of Western Australia Tony Buti. The discussion delves into his personal experience as a father raising a child with Cri-du-chat, and the struggles Tony and his wife Mandy faced along the way.

On the 5th day of the 5th month we recognise 5P or Cri Du Chat Syndrome with an international awareness day to shine a light on the condition. Cri Du Chat Syndrome is a rare genetic condition cause by a deletion on chromosome 5, affecting 20,000 to 50,000 births. On this day we not only recognise a rare condition but amplify lived experiences like Alkira's.

We very much appreciated Tony coming in to talk with us; it was a moving and informative conversation.

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This week on In Plain Sight, Simon Chong and Andrew Williams have a chat with two very special guests. Fabulous passion and dedication alongside a lifelong association with dog guides are some of the motivations behind the great work of Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Katie Crawford. It was wonderful to learn about all that is required to train dogs as guides and trusted companions.

It was a pleasure to also have Eric Seery in the studio to share his experiences having Guide Dogs to assist him over a number of years. It was thought-provoking and engaging to hear Eric speak about his connection to dogs and how much they have given him. We are very grateful for his personal insights and appreciate his knowledge and anecdotes.

As a part of International Guide Dog Day, observed on April 29th, we ask: why a guide dog? This theme aims to focus on celebrating and exploring the diverse benefits dog guides provide to their owners beyond their essential role in safe, independent mobility.

Please remember to observe polite and respectful Guide Dog access and etiquette when interacting with someone using a dog guide. It is against the law to refuse service to someone who is vision impaired relying on the guidance and support from these specially well trained dogs.

Thanks for tuning in!

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Nothing brings people together like group sports.

This week on the show join Simon and Andrew as they have an enlightening conversation with Julie Cavallo, Development Officer for Blind Sports WA. Julie takes us inside her journey with the Australian Women’s Blind Cricket team at the 2025 T20 World Cup in India, revealing the passion, inclusion, and electric atmosphere of blind cricket in one of the world’s most cricket-loving nations.

Julie highlights how Blind Sports WA is building confidence, resilience, and community through inclusive programs from children's initiatives like “Let’s Get Visible” to competitive sport pathways. It’s a powerful reminder that sport doesn’t just build skills—it builds belonging, and helps create a stronger more inclusive community.

The great work that Blind Sports do to provide these opportunities does require not only support from volunteers and dedicated participants it also requires funding and financial support. Blind Sports WA are frequently conducting fundraising to help with their services and to make it easier for their participants to take part in the activities they choose.

You can click here to learn more or make a donation at Blind Sports WA.

Thanks for listening!

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This week on In Plain Sight we re-visit Simon and Abby's insightful conversation with Lisa Burnette from last year. Lisa is a passionate advocate, volunteer and double amputee as a result of Meningococcal Disease. She talks about her passion for volunteering in multiple roles and communities, and her personal connection to our recent highlighted topic, Parkinson's Disease, which her Husband Aaron has.

This episode is timely in the lead up to National Volunteer Week which runs from the 18th to the 24th of May to give recognition to all the hard working dedicated people giving freely of their time to give something more to their communities.

We hope you enjoy revisiting this interesting conversation!

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This week on the show, join Simon and Andrew as they chat to the CEO of Parkinson's WA, Yasmin Naglazas, about how this disease affects West Australians with Parkinson’s and what they do to make their lives less restricted. With a focus on community through support groups and connections, those effected can find hope and meaning.

This episode is the second in our spotlight during Parkinson's Awareness month, a time of education and acknowledgement of the disease and its impact. If you'd like to learn more about the disease and how you can spread awareness click here to visit the Parkinson's WA website.

April 11th is World Parkinson's Day and to celebrate Parkinson's Australia and The Global Alliance to End Parkinson's Association are inviting everyone to #sparkthenight. You can help by following the link here to ask public landmarks to light up in blue.

In the words of Simon, shining a light on things that are often hidden in plain sight.

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