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!

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Simon and Andrew talk with Aaron Burnette about his experience living with Parkinson's Disease as April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. Parkinson's is a progressive, degenerative condition of the central nervous system that has no known causes or cure. The disease is complex, with more than 50 symptoms, and can often be misunderstood.

Aaron tells his story from being diagnosed in 2012 offering insight into the physical challenges, emotional adjustments and resilience required to keep moving forward. One of the ways Aaron stays both mentally and physically fit is by attending Fazio's PD Fighters; a boxing rehabilitation program for individuals with Parkinson's.

'Developed by former Australian Boxing Champion Rai Fazio and Neurologist Professor David Blacker, then backed by science from the Perron Institute and a published research paper in the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, this program blends powerful boxing techniques with targeted movement therapy tailored to the unique challenges of PD.' You can read, watch or listen to more about this program on their website here.

We hope you enjoyed this insightful discussion and personal perspective on an often misunderstood disease.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show join Simon and Andrew as they chat to Joe Teakle about his career as a filmmaker and host of Film Talk on radio DADAA. He recounts his experience making the documentary 'Theatricality' (2024) for SBS and future plans for acting and film making.

His love of movies has expanded to hosting the show Film Talk on the newly launched Radio DADAA every Wednesday from 11am to 12pm (Perth Time). You can find the accessible website here to see program rosters and learn more. Joe's show discusses films, old and new, diving into stories, the production process and the state of the industry.

We also discuss how Joe's Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) affects his life currently and his goals for the future.

We hope you enjoy this episode and check out Rad Joe's new show.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode join Simon and Andrew as they chat to Cassandra Hughes, the CEO of Down Syndrome WA, about the importance of World Down Syndrome day. The day, this year on the 21st of March, is themed around the phrase 'together against loneliness' meant to combat social isolation and promote inclusion for individuals with Down Syndrome. The campaign highlights that true inclusion requires welcoming spaces, meaningful relationships, and active participation in community life.

If you'd like to be involved in World Down Syndrome day or make a donation you can click here.

We hope you enjoy listening to this insightful and uplifting conversation.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on In Plain Sight join your hosts Simon and Andrew as they talk with Gaela Hilditch, the volunteer coordinator for the Perth Glaucoma Support Group. In her twenties Gaela was hit in the eye during a game of squash, which years later she discovered had been a trigger behind her glaucoma diagnosis. Since this discovery she has been a strong advocate for increasing awareness of the disease and understanding how it affects people.

Gaela says the "support group brings people out of isolation. You meet people with all kinds of challenges, you have a good laugh and you form friendships, it's very therapeutic." If untreated, Glaucoma can lead to blindness but there are many forms of treatment which, if detected early enough, can stop the effects permanently. World Glaucoma Week exists as a reminder to get tested and monitor issues with sight.

Gaela reminds us that support is vital when learning to live and thrive with a disease like Glaucoma. Support groups can help alleviate anxieties and fears around sight loss and give advice for daily life.

If you'd like to learn more you can visit the Glaucoma Australia website here.

During Glaucoma week don't forget to use the hashtags #GlaucomaWeek and #SavingSight

You can click here to learn how you can help save sight.

If you're interested in joining the support group you can find Gaela's contact details here.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.