Leadership in Plain Sight

Leadership in Plain Sight

This week on In Plain Sight we have compiled a very special show to highlight some of the prominent people who have featured in Simon’s life who have demonstrated leadership and acted as role-models, within the Blind Community in Perth and beyond. We start the program with a fresh conversation with Dr Scott Holier as we explore & examine aspects of leadership, community connections and how role-models can assist us and inspire us.  It is always great to speak with Scott and we are very appreciative that he could share some of his valuable time and provide us with some fabulous positivity and insights. Several years ago when we began this program Simon wanted to start with one of the most dynamic and active advocates for the Blind and all people with a disability and we chose Erika Webb. We have selected some of the highlights from her engaging interview, to give a brief insight into her strengths and determination. To accompany this we have also selected some highlights from an interview with Zel Iscel, to highlight her long involvement with Blind Citizens WA and her passion in advocacy for better “Rights” for people with disabilities. And, finally we allow Simon to be a little indulgent to pay tribute to his friend Dave Regan (born 09/06/1969 - died, 02/11/2016). On what would have been his 57th birthday Simon praises his good friend who was one of motivations and inspirations for creating and producing this podcast program.  We also play a song he wrote called "Not Forever" covered by Bernie Pickett and the Fish Whisperers.         *Note: - special thanks to Andrew Williams, for all his hard work, dedication & extra time working on editing & production with this complex project — which resulted in a wonderful program & high quality content. Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate [https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Young leaders finding their voices with Emma Vardy

This week we have the pleasure of talking with Emma Vardy, who has recently participated in the Young Leaders program conducted and organised by DeafBlind Western Australians (DBWA). Emma describes the complexities of becoming a leader and exploring one's own internal leadership. She proudly illustrates her journey from little knowledge to demonstrating her strength and confidence gained from participating in such a wonderful, inclusive program. The DBWA program touched on concepts like self-advocacy, citizenship keys, finding inner strength and discovering the inner knowledge to become a competent, confident person in leadership.  Emma shares her passions and interests both inside and outside of future work. She is a wonderful singer, looking to explore professional avenues and demonstrate her talent. Whilst exploring the concepts of leadership, Emma describes leaders she has had in her world that have inspired her and modelled behaviours she admires. We hope you enjoy this pleasant conversation where we discover the many adventures of this young leader and strong community member.  If you would like to learn more about DeafBlind WA you can click the link here to explore their events, opportunities or visit their Connect Hub Drop In Centre in Maylands. https://dbwa.org.au/ [https://dbwa.org.au/]   Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate [https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Blind Leading the Way with Ben Rowe

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/ [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 [https://www.blindsportswa.com.au/resources/blind-sports-wa-podcast]   Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate [https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Digital Accessibility with Glenn Wilson

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/ [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/ [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.  Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate [https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Physical Disability Australia with Melanie Hawkes

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 [https://www.pda.org.au/] 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 [https://www.pda.org.au/2025/11/04/the-stick-that-changed-my-life/]. 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.        Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate [https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.