On FOCAL POINT:

• Casey Hyde: Author of The Naughtiest Guide Dog: The Hungriest Guide Dog, sharing the story behind her book, using AI for accessibility, and launching a charity for retired guide dogs.

• Robert Simms: Leader of the Greens in the South Australian Upper House, discussing proposed legislation around smart glasses and changes to the NDIS.

• Mira Kim (CEO of the Béla Music Foundation) and Helen Shapiro (Artistic Director) discussing their international music competitions and initiatives for blind and visually impaired musicians - highlighting the 2026 competition details and the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall.

• Phil Vandepeer: Co-founder and co-presenter of Focal Point, sharing thoughts on the societal and legislative impacts of smart glasses on people with vision impairment.

Resources

• Béla Music Foundation: https://www.bellamf.org/

• Casey Hyde Contact: caseyhyde@guidedeyes.org.au (for book orders)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT:

• Carlie Towns is just back from making it to the Everest base camp - a physical, emotional and spiritual experience, connecting with her late father Ched.
• Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, alerted us to their current campaign, 'Illegal Firewood, The Cost is Wild' encouraging all to check that their firewood has been
  legally sourced and report suspicious activity.
• Jacky Hudson has been selected for Australia to go to Glasgow playing lawn bowls at the Commonwealth Games.
• Ben Harrington (Training officer from Traveller's Aid) and Ethan Ward (industrial Design Student at Monash University) sharing their partnership, making travel even more accessible, and enjoyable with innovative and imaginative ideas and initiatives.

Resources:

Carlie's Fundraising page: https://chuffed.org/project/carliedoeseverest

Crimestoppers Vic: http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.