Lena Ladhams the Group Support, & co-ordinator of the Vision Australia I-Sight Community Group joins Simon and Andrew for an informative & interesting chat. We learn all about what this monthly community group has to offer and its main purpose & aims.

Lena has been supporting this free community group since 2022, as a volunteer to assist with the coordination and facilitation of the group. Hosted by Vision Australia Perth is available to anyone who is blind or low vision. The group offers the opportunity to connect, listen and share experiences with others in a friendly and social environment.

Mostly the group learns from each other in a supportive friendly environment. They sometimes also might get in guest speakers or go on recreation activities & events.

Lena’s passion and dedication is tremendous and we got a real sense of the value and importance of this type of group, bringing people together allowing them to explore and discover from each other different ways of living with blindness or low vision.

Join like-minded individuals for a quick catch-up chat or a lengthy ‘Yarn’ and a cuppa once a month.
Date: Third Wednesday of every month
Time: 10.00am – 11.30am
Venue: Senses WA - Level 4, 20 Parkland Road, Osborne Park

Lena Ladhams
Group Support Volunteer
Vision Australia.
E: Lena.Ladhams@visionaustralia.org
http://www.visionaustralia.org

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently a team from DADAA, in Fremantle, Western Australia went to Canberra to conduct some interviews and other projects for Radio DADA. And, this week on In Plain Sight Simon has collated three samples of their fabulous work and reporting from Parliament House.

We have chosen three interviews that the Radio DADA Reporters conducted with two politicians and one Parliament House staff person with links to Disability. It’s fantastic to hear directly from people working in this space about both their personal and professional life experiences as people with a disability.

It is estimated that from the 226 parliamentarians there are about 4 openly disabled people identified in a 2025 research analysis of Australia's federal Parliament.

A 2025 Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplace Report found that 12.5% of the 56 parliamentarians who provided diversity information reported a long-term health condition, mental illness or disability affecting routine tasks. That is approximately 7 people in that responding group, not the full Parliament.

And, we have captured the thoughts of 3 of this cohort.
We really appreciated what DADAA have done here and think it is a fascinating group of conversations.
A very interesting listen - please Enjoy

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are talking with Colleen Ashby, who had a heart transplant in 2017, which due to complications left her also becoming blind.But, Colleen’s natural optimism, determination and generous spirit used this life changing event as a motivational force. She is also an example of someone who is driven by a strong sense of purpose linked to community and a desire to `Give Back`.

On Sunday 1st November 2026; Colleen wil join 19 other team leaders with heart or lung transplant recipients along with hundreds of riders on either a 34km or 60km route through South Perth.For the Breaths And Beats ride fundraising for Heart and lung research.Now in its third year the Capital Limited Breaths and Beats Ride for Research is a great way to help change the lives of West Australians with advanced heart and lung disease by funding dedicated research.
Colleen Ashby who never sits still and is always doing so much for other people and great causes is one of the many people who wil be participating in this bike ride to help raise essential funds to further research into heart and lung disease and research.

Local support for heart and lung transplant patients in Western Australia is provided by the Heart & Lung Transplant Foundation of WA, which offers equipment loans, patient advocacy, and community programs connected with Fiona Stanley Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital. And will be one of the main beneficiaries of this fundraising event in Perth in November.

To support the Breaths And Beats ride fundraising for Heart and lung research.go to the CAPITAL LIMITED BREATHS AND BEATS RIDE FOR RESEARCH, website.
Breaths and Beats Ride for Research 2026breathsandbeatsride.org.au
To support Colleen Ashby specifically go to
Colleen Ashby - Capital Limited Breaths and Beats Ride for Research 2026breathsandbeatsride.org.au

Join Colleen in changing the lives of West Australians with heart and lung disease by joining the ride or donating today.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we present a fabulous conversation with Sandee Facy,
the Head of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia and New Zealand.
The Sunflower and Hidden Disabilities are trying to increase awareness, & understanding of non-visible disabilities, and helping to create communities where people feel seen, supported and included.

We learn of what is a Hidden Disability and how the Sunflower campaign is helping to rase awareness with its subtle, and yet very effective approach.
A global initiative working in partnership with organisations such as airports and large companies to provide training and assistance to them so that they can provide customer service to people with a Hidden Disability in an accessible and inclusive manner.

Living with a Hidden Disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to recognise, acknowledge or understand the challenges faced. Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to staff, colleagues and health professionals that the wearer has a hidden disability and may need additional help or simply more time.


Hidden Disabilities
Website
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://hdsunflower.com/au/?_gl=1*j80eq5*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzE0NzI0Njk0LjE3OTExNzc3MTc.*_ga_QH2Q9GE934*czE3OTExNzc3MTYkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTExNzc3MTYkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_9NBHMF5E90*czE3OTExNzc3MTYkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTExNzc3MTYkajYwJGwwJGgw__;KioqKioqKioq!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!G7JnTH00c-d65ruMBYpTmf715hIDen0VBRV1doPoz7oLMBSiXlyZqTChrp9nxMV4F-B03ftWf5HM-DmfuVi4HXGOsvfAFN6m$

Sandee Facy
Head of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Aus/NZ
sfacy@hdsunflower.com

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on In Plain Sight we have a very pleasant conversation with Darryl Davenport; Principle of Ballroom Fit, & Chairperson of Para Ability Dance WA.
Darryl shares his passion and insights into these wonderful dance opportunities for people with disabilities, in both the social and competitive spaces.

Darryl has successfully transitioned his life-long participation and many years of being a dance coach to creating a supportive & thoughtful accessible, inclusive dance environment. Both the Ballroom Fit dance classes, predominately for vision impaired & other sensory disabilities, and social dance events and the Para & Ability competitive dance sport events are very popular with great participation levels.

The Para Ability Dance groups participate in several events and competitions throughout the year including
the 2026 Australian DanceSport Championship, which will be held in Melbourne on 3 December 2026.
A Bingo Night is being held to raise funds to assist our dancers with disability to attend this highly prestigious event. Both the Ballroom Fit & ParaDance participants are active members of the community who regularly support other major charity events as well as conducting fundraising events to help support their dancers, coaches and dance assistants or partners.

Dance is a fabulous way to get active, find a place to join in with a supportive group that is fun to commit your time to which helps give a sense of belonging which is fantastic for your mental health and well-being.

Contact Ballroom Fit to learn more.
Whether you’re interested in classes, DanceSport, NDIS support, or inclusive dance opportunities.
Contact -
Email”
info@ballroomfit.com.au

For further information about Para & Ability Dance WA
Website: -
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://padwa.org.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!D316uPoF6jOhKhcjRxuYJEkiQpS5WknlRSoY7AFHdiXYSgGJSeOJ4dLPJGj2pfpWqzAUoAhJapmM3FWUUFLExT21DGbOxjQu$
Email: Secretary@padwa.org.au
Chairperson
chairman@padwa.org.au

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LeadAbility delivered by Leadership WA, aims to empower Western Australians with disability to become confident leaders and explore their full potential in a dynamic practical leadership program.
This week on In Plain sight we enjoyed the company of Meagan Shand who has just begun her role as the Leadership Development Manager at LeadAbility.

Meagan shared many interesting aspects about this fabulous inclusive program, including that she is the first person in this role who has a disability.
She is an experienced Disability Leader with a rich and diverse experience working across the disability, higher education and social sector across Australia.

To find out more or to apply, or share this opportunity with someone in your community who may be interested in LeadAbility:
leadershipwa.org.au/leadability
Meagan’s email:
Meagan.shand@leadershipwa.org.au

Disability led solutions are the solution

It was a great pleasure to meet and talk with Meagan, and we hope you enjoy this very informative conversation.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyra Cullton is a recent participant of the CPActive Changemakers leadership program conducted by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Australia. The 12 week CPActive program aims to bring people together to make Australia more inclusive, whilst developing young leaders advocating for change.

This dynamic & impressive young person who lives in the town of Australind, 2 hours South of Perth, made quite an impact on us during our conversation. Kyra has already demonstrated her determination and skill as an advocate with a strong voice and has produced two short films as part of the Focus on Ability Film Festival. Keep a look out for her latest film project “You’ve Got This!” (2026). This documentary was inspired by the mental health challenges Kyra has faced alongside her Cerebral Palsy.

Kyra who has just turned 19 is a fabulous example of leadership in action who is highly motivated to make our Community more inclusive while encouraging others to participate and get involved in their community and beyond.

The CPActive course is an online program offered Australia wide.
We learnt from out time with Kyra Leadership programs such as this participants gain much more than formal skills & training, they can also gain valuable insights into their personal development and growth.
And, small actions can bake a big difference


CPActive website
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://cpactive.org.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!DDIE7utTVW2-19iI3ZLVYZ6KTP0WWMCs3iE2x4EitcBNB1Lz7ymX27s6Cn68FVnyinkQbu29Kc9WayFweDSIISfIWInDUGCb$

Kyra’s film - “Dear Cerebral Palsy’. (2003).
Kyra Culloton - Dear Cerebral Palsy
Focus on Ability Film Festival
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://youtu.be/PABybvPR2RM?si=zluymuPanTIZ2pAM__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!DDIE7utTVW2-19iI3ZLVYZ6KTP0WWMCs3iE2x4EitcBNB1Lz7ymX27s6Cn68FVnyinkQbu29Kc9WayFweDSIISfIWBGn9df7$

2023 Australian Open Documentary - Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. Full details at
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.focusonability.com.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!DDIE7utTVW2-19iI3ZLVYZ6KTP0WWMCs3iE2x4EitcBNB1Lz7ymX27s6Cn68FVnyinkQbu29Kc9WayFweDSIISfIWFtXDpnt$

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.

THIS IS A PROGRAM ENCORE, initially published Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 6:00 AM

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.