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Kōrero – 25 July 2024

He maurea kai whiria!

Ignore small matters and direct effort toward important projects

This whakataukī encourages us to keep things in perspective, to not get bogged down by the small things, the little details, but instead to maintain our focus on the vision, on what is important.

Formats

Kōrero is available in the following formats:

  • HTML webpage of the latest edition is available at blindlowvision.org.nz/korero
  • Word document.
  • TIS (Telephone Information Service): Call TIS m341. Find your local TIS number on our Library Services webpage.
  • Braille: Call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 if you would like to receive Kōrero in Braille.

Message from Andrea

Learning, something so important to ‘workout’ our brain, to keep the brain functioning optimally, just like a physical workout for our bodies. A new section this month –

I learnt and did you know

Two apps that are great for people with blindness/low vision to be able to read a printed document.

  • Lookout for Android phones (e.g., Samsung),
  • Seeing AI for iPhones

I had the absolute pleasure of accompanying one of our ACATS Trainers, Neil Viduya, to a client visit in Tauranga. This client needed to be able to read a document sent to her in the post. Loading the app on her phone and showing how to use it was super easy and so very appreciated by the client.

This learning for me became so relevant when the very next day I had a call from a client, who is also a volunteer, in Wellington who had received the volunteering paperwork. He went into the Wellington office where he was kindly assisted by the team to use the OCR reader. The reason for his call was to let others know about this, however I suggested the app might be a great solution and this is now being sorted by Client Services team – great outcome!

It’s wonderful learning about all these new apps and support services, but it’s hard to keep up nowadays. If it weren’t for my attendance at a client visit, I wouldn’t have known about these tools. Perhaps you’ve experienced something similar, or you’re the tech wiz keeping your friends and family up to date? Tell me about it!

I’d like to start a new segment in this newsletter called Tell me about it where you share bite sized learnings from your experience as someone who is blind, deafblind or has low vision. Maybe you’ve got the latest gadget and can’t wait to tell others about it, or you’re an Excel star with expert knowledge on accessibility features. Whatever it may be, there’s bound to be someone else who could benefit from your knowledge sharing.

If you’d like to submit an idea, please email communications@blindlowvision.org.nz. We would love to hear from you!

Kia kaha,

Andrea Midgen       

Chief Executive

Thumbs Up

National Volunteer Week: Visit to the Government House

During National Volunteer Week which ran from 16th to 22nd June, Carol Johnston, our Volunteer Coordinator, and 28 volunteers from Wellington were invited to Government House. They toured the building, learned about the art, past governors, and the building’s history. After the tour, they had a delicious morning tea.

Heather and Richard, their hosts, led the tour. The Governor General wasn’t there that day.

Everyone was invited back in the future, along with members of Blind Low Vision NZ, to play indoor bowls in the ballroom. Hopefully, Dame Cindy Kiro will join in next time!

A big thanks to the staff at Government House for hosting our amazing volunteers from the Wellington Region. It was a special morning full of great memories.

Photo caption: Four members and volunteers having a lively discussion outside the Government House.

Four members and volunteers having a lively discussion outside the Government House.

It’s a Small World After All

At this year’s Fieldays, which took place from 11-14 June at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek, our lovely Library narrator Christina Cie had a delightful surprise. While wandering through the bustling event, she bumped into William Amstead and his family, who have been Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog volunteers for the past 12 months. What made the encounter even more special was meeting one of our Guide Dog breeding stock dogs, Nessa.

Nessa is a 2-year-old Labrador and the proud mum of the current S litter. The sprightly S litter is progressing well in the Puppy Placement and Development Programme in volunteer homes in Auckland, Wellington, and Tauranga.

Heartwarming moments like these remind us what a small world it truly is.

If you’re interested in volunteering for Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs, visit our puppy raising page for more information.

Photo caption: Christina from our Library studios with guide dog volunteer, William Amstead and breeding dog Nessa at Fieldays.

A woman with blonde hair and a wool hat, and a man with short brownm hair and glasses squat next to a Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog in a branded harness outdoors in a carpark. Both man and woman are smiling for the camera.

MSD Training and Support Funds Programme

The Ministry of Social Development offers Support Funds to help people with disabilities or health conditions get either Job Support or Training Support, depending on what you need help with. Support Funds can help with the additional costs incurred as a direct consequence of disability or health condition, when undertaking the same employment or training as a person without a disability or health condition.

There are two types of Support Funds:

  • Job Support helps meet disability costs when in employment or self-employment.
  • Training Support helps meet disability costs when participating in work related training, or tertiary education.

To be eligible for Support Funds, you must meet MSD’s eligibility criteria (outlined on the Support Funds web page and application forms linked below), plus have a disability or health condition that has lasted or is likely to last longer than six months.

To apply for Support Funds, you need to complete either a Training Support Application (PDF) or Job Support Application (PDF) and send it, with supporting documentation to Support_Funds@msd.govt.nz. If the PDF forms are troublesome to fill out on your own, please call the MSD Job and Training Support Fund number 0800 551 001 so they can help you out.

Telefriend: Here to Support You

Telefriend offers empathetic, non-judgmental, and confidential peer support for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, as well as their caregivers, family, and friends. Whether you need guidance or just want a friendly chat, we’re here to help.

Call us at 0800 100 051, from 1 pm to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. If you call outside these hours, leave a message—we will return your call. Connect with a Telefriend today by dialling 0800 100 051.

Noticeboard

Vision Store Freight Charge Changes

We have received feedback from clients and members of Blind Low Vision NZ about freight charges related to purchases made on the Vision Store and we have some good news to share! We are pleased to announce that effective from 1 August 2024, the freight charge has been reduced from $23 to $16.10.

This reduction aims to make accessing products more affordable to everyone. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission.

If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out on shop@blindlowvision.org.nz.

Participate in Our Library Survey

Thank you to everyone who has sent us their responses to our Library survey. If you haven’t done so already, it’s not too late.

At Blind Low Vision NZ we are committed to enhancing our services and to do this we are conducting a survey to gather valuable feedback. Whether you are a current member or not, your insights and experiences are valuable to us.

Survey participation details:

  • Survey Length: Approximately 15-40 minutes.
  • Accessibility: The survey is designed to be fully accessible with screen readers and other assistive technologies.

To participate, please follow this link: Accessible Library Survey – June 2024.

Your feedback will play a vital role in helping us understand your needs better and make meaningful improvements. If you require any assistance in accessing or completing the survey, please do not hesitate to contact us at 0800 24 33 33.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to improving our library services. The Library Team looks forward to hearing from you.

Donor Survey

Every year, Blind Low Vision NZ helps Kiwis like you continue living the life they choose. Our dedicated team is here to offer the support and guidance you need. However, much of our work relies on the generosity of our incredible donors, as it does not receive government funding. For example, Guide Dogs Services, Library, some Adaptive Technology services and more.

To better understand and appreciate our donors, we’re launching a survey next month. This gives our donors the chance to share their experiences and thoughts with us. As a valued client, we want you to be aware of this upcoming communication since many of our clients, their friends, and family are also donors.

If you’re one of our amazing donors, thank you so much! We would love to hear from you. Your feedback is essential in helping us enhance our services and better meet your needs and expectations. By participating, you help us make our services even more impactful for everyone.

What You Need to Know

Launch Date of Donor Survey: Tuesday, 20th August 2024.

Audience: People who have donated to Blind Low Vision NZ.

What: A survey sent both digitally and by post.

Why: To better understand donors of Blind Low Vision NZ and why they like to support us.

Matua Flat in Tauranga unavailable for new bookings

We have an important update regarding the Matua Flat in Tauranga. From now on, the flat will no longer be available for new bookings. However, if you have an existing booking, don’t worry, we will honour all bookings up to September 2024.

The current economic climate has made it challenging to sustain the annual expenses for the flat, especially given its low usage over the past few years. That is why the RNZFB Board has made the decision to sell the property, and this process will begin in August.

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact Sefulu Calvert, Regional Manager Northern, by email to scalvert@blindlowvision.org.nz. Thank you for your understanding.

Upcoming events

Save the Date: Upcoming Product Demonstration Days with Vision Australia

Blind Low Vision NZ’s (BLVNZ) Equipment Solutions is excited to announce a partnership with Vision Australia to host three Product Demonstration Days. In October, one of Vision Australia’s Product Advisors will visit Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington to demonstrate products from the Vision Store, giving you the opportunity to touch and feel them first-hand.

Join us at one of the below regional offices for a special presentation by Sarah Selvadurai, a Vision Australia Product Advisor. Sarah will showcase a selection of the latest products, including some innovative technology items. These demonstrations will take place at the following office locations:

Auckland

30 McVilly Road, Manurewa, Auckland. Date and Time: 22nd October, 1pm to 2:30pm.

Christchurch

96 Bristol Street, St Albans Christchurch. Date and Time: 23rd October, 10am to 11.30am.

Wellington

121 Adelaide Road, Mount Cook, Wellington. Date and Time: 24th October, 1pm to 2:30pm.

This initiative aims to empower you with better knowledge for making informed product decisions. If you have product demonstration requests for particular items, please email shop@blindlowvision.org.nz. We would love to ensure that your needs are met during these demonstrations.

If this event is successful, Vision Australia plans to organise more of these demonstrations in New Zealand.

Stay tuned for more details and mark your calendars! An email will be sent out to clients in the relevant regions closer to the event date.

Webinar: Employment Law – Tuesday 13 August 2024

On Tuesday 13 August at 10.00am, the Employment and Youth Transition team is offering a webinar as part of its ongoing professional development series. Next month we will be looking at the topic of Employment law.

We will be joined by Paul Hutcheson a life-time client of Blind Low Vision NZ and employment lawyer and mediator. During this one-hour webinar, Paul will cover:

  • The “lows and highs” of working as a blind person through unemployment, under-employment and professional success.
  • Some core believes, tips and tricks that have worked and sometimes not worked.
  • Employment law.
  • Navigating many job interviews and presentations.
  • The place and time for good advocacy.

About Paul Hutcheson

Having been totally blind since the age of eight, Paul attended both the School for the Blind and a mainstream secondary school. He graduated university with a law degree, following which he worked in Probation and HR. In the United States, he completed a master’s degree in communication and Mediation and subsequently lectured at Massey and AUT universities.

Paul then worked as a senior Mediator for Government Departments before 17 years ago setting up his own mediation, facilitation and training practice. Paul has worked with more than 6,000 disputes helping people to have those ‘Hard-to-Have Conversations’.

This professional development offering is part of Blind Low Vision NZ’s Work Ready webinar serries and will be available live via Zoom and the recording will also be uploaded onto our website.

Join the Employment Law Zoom Meeting.

We look forward to you joining this webinar on Tuesday 13 August 2024 at 10.00am.

Work Ready Webinar Recordings & Resources

Explore a series of standout webinars covering topics from cutting-edge accessible technology to vital support funds. Listen to Work Ready Webinar Recordings at your leisure on the Blind Low Vision NZ website.

Community Bulletin

Kōrero for Change: Housing and the Built Environment Webinar Recording and Survey

On behalf of Access Matters Aotearoa, we are excited to announce that the recording of their recent webinar is now available. “Kōrero for Change – Housing and the Built Environment,” was held on Wednesday, 19 June.

This impactful event featured vital discussions on the role of housing and the built environment in fostering inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities. The webinar included insights from politicians, not-for-profit organisations, academics, thought leaders in the building industry, people with disabilities, and experts on universal design. We gathered decision-makers, thinkers, creators, and doers to engage in courageous conversations, and it was truly inspiring!

YouTube link to the Kōrero for Change Webinar.

Complete the Survey

We would love to hear your feedback! Whether you attended the live webinar or checked out the recording, please take a moment to complete our quick survey. Your input is essential for our reports to funders and helps us continue delivering impactful projects like this one.

Kōrero for Change Attendee Survey (123formbuilder.com).

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to fostering accessible and inclusive environments for all. Together, we can drive positive change!

Talking About Seeing

In 2022 and 2023, the New Plymouth Community Support Committee adopted a vision of Dr Geoff Aiken. Geoff initiated the Talking About Seeing Project and was a proud member of the New Plymouth Community Support Group. They hosted a project to capture conversations between blind low vision people and their supporters. The project revealed how they cope with their disabilities. At the Committee’s mid-winter social the book of conversations was formally launched.

A comment heard on the radio one day: “I was 18 when I first got glasses. No one had ever told me that you could see people’s faces on the other side of the road, or that you could see individual leaves on a tree.” Getting glasses enabled that person with a disability to see what was normal. These conversations attempt to provide the reverse: to let those with normal vision get a glimpse of what life is like for those with limited vision. An observation by a woman whose husband slowly went blind: “If I had heard these conversations as my husband’s vision was declining, I would have understood more what he was going through, and how I could have been more supportive”.

The conversations were mostly recorded in the studio of Access Radio Taranaki, who also included them in their broadcast schedule. They were also lodged with the National Library, as part of their audio archives. In total 26 conversations were recorded, including one with John Mulka, then CEO of Blind Low Vision NZ. Geoff Aiken says that there was no defined plan of topics, but one conversation often led to another being initiated. Conversations were initially between local Taranaki Blind Low Vision NZ members, but the net spread to include national figures such as then CE of Workbridge, Jonathan Mosen, and Amanda Stevens, Executive Officer for Deaf Blind Association NZ Charitable Trust. The range of topics touched on, also became wide, from coping with daily living, to the impact of genetics, to the help from technology, and more.

As the team realised what a treasure was being captured, they resolved to make them more readily available to Blind Low Vision NZ members and supporters, and to the wider public. So initially the podcasts were converted into a Daisy audio book in the Blind Low Vision NZ library. Then followed a huge exercise to transcribe all the conversations into text. This text has now been used to create an ebook version, and a printed book. These formats can be accessed via the following:

Update from Human Rights Commission Te Kāhui Tika Tangata

Shared from the July edition of the Human Rights Commission Te Kāhui Tika Tangata newsletter.

Can landlords refuse to rent to me a property or treat me differently because I have a disability or disability assist dog?

No. The Human Rights Act protects you from disability discrimination in access to housing and accommodation. The Human Rights Act explicitly protects people who rely on a disability assist dog from discrimination.

This means landlords or their agents cannot refuse to rent their property to you, treat you unfairly during your tenancy, or end your tenancy because of your disability.

Landlords and agents should not make assumptions about whether a property is suitable for your disability. You should be allowed to make your own decision about whether accommodation is suitable for you, rather than a landlord or agent ruling it out.

If someone refuses you commercial or rental accommodation because of your disability, or because you rely on a disability assist dog, you can contact the Commission for information, support or to make a complaint.

Email infoline@hrc.co.nz or call 0800 496 877.

Human Rights Commission frequently asked questions (tikatangata.org.nz).

Sign up to the Human Rights Commission’s communications (tikatangata.org.nz).

The Blind History Lady

The Blind History Lady introduces to you blind people and their varied, unexpected lives.

For more than three decades, US based Peggy Chong has been gathering information, stories, lists, news articles, books and more. For the past ten years, she has been analysing what she’s found and then re-researching the subject. The facts and stories are enlightening, surprising and inspiring for everyone. Such a rich history those, in the United States have been left by blind people whose stories have rarely been told. Their lives have changed the lives of each American and many did not even know it.

She lovingly tells the stories of so many blind men and women who defied the stereotype of a poor blind person, living off of public assistance. Relying on themselves, blind men and women found a place to contribute to their home communities and thrived.

A story from the archives, The End of an Era (Word doc), explores the extraordinary life of Charles Smith, the blind telegraph operator whose speed and skill left a lasting legacy.

Contact the Blind History Lady by email to theblindhistorylady@gmail.com to sign up for her email list.

Sight Unseen

For Paul Harrop, audio describer, the 2017 film ‘Blade Runner 2049’ was a magnum opus. The main character in ‘Blade Runner 2049’ does not talk very much, there are wide shots of sandy deserts misted over in orange-yellow, and futuristic cities assault your eyes with neon. But it’s a very different experience for a blind or low vision person to watch that film with and without audio description.

Sight Unseen, North & South Magazine article (thepost.co.nz).

Tune into this week’s accessible TV programmes

How to access Audio Descriptions: In general, Audio Description (AD) can be switched on or off by pressing the AD button on a TV Remote Control. However, some TVs have a different label on the remote button, and others require AD to be switched on or off via the menu.

Listings of audio described programmes for this week on the Able website.

News from the Royal New Zealand Foundation of The Blind (RNZFB) Board

Thank you note to Hamilton staff

On Friday 5 July, the Board visited the Blind Low Vision NZ Hamilton office for a tour and to meet with staff, and really enjoyed talking to everyone and having morning together. The Board thanks everyone for the warm welcome, Karakia and opportunity to explore the office space together, and extended special thanks to the staff for their outstanding support during the two days of meetings.

Strategic Plan

In June, the Board shared the full strategic plan with clients and members and invited them to attend a question-and-answer session with the CEO and Board on Friday 5 July, including a link for submitting questions in advance. The CEO and Board have prepared an answers sheet, which is available in the Questions and Answers Event section of the Blind Low Vision NZ Strategic Plan webpage.

RNZFB Board Elections 2024

Key dates to pencil in your diaries:

  • 23 August – Call for nominations to stand as a Director.
  • 20 September – Last day for nominations.
  • 11 October – Voting packs circulated.
  • 8 November – Last day to vote.

Call for Nominations for Directors. Information about the call for nominations to stand as a director is being sent out to all registered voting members in their preferred format on Friday 23 August. Only nominations on the prescribed form are valid. To receive a nomination form, please phone the Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33. All completed nominations must be received at Blind Low Vision NZ by 4:00 pm on Friday 20 September.

If you would like more information about Board elections, becoming a director, the Constitution or the voting process or timeline, please contact the Returning Officer boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or phone the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

Updating RNZFB Board Election Voting Information

A reminder that Blind Low Vision NZ will be contacting all its registered voting members through until August to check in and see if they want to continue to be a voting member.

Special Meeting of Members Proposal

At its March meeting, the RNZFB Board approved resolutions to put to its registered voting members to vote on later this year through a postal ballot from 11 October, finishing with a Special Meeting of Members to be held in South Auckland on Saturday 16 November 2024 just before the AGM.

The proposal setting out the rationale for all the changes proposed will be circulated for discussion on Friday 2 August via normal channels of mass-communication.

If you are not currently a voting member and wish to take part in the preliminary discussion and consultation or vote, you must let the Board Secretary know no later than 4:00pm on Friday 20 September by contacting boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or phoning the BLVNZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

RNZFB Board of Directors Meeting

The next RNZFB Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Saturday 14 September 2024. This meeting will be held at BLVNZ Wellington. If you would like to attend this meeting as an observer, please contact the Board Secretary boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or phone the BLVNZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

  • In accordance with the RNZFB Constitution, members and members of the public are welcome to observe at RNZFB Board Meetings in person, via teleconference or online, with the permission of the Chair.

The confirmed meeting minutes of the 4 May full Board Meeting and the draft meeting minutes of the 6 July full Board meeting are available. If you require a copy of any of these minutes, please email the Board Secretary boardscretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or phone the BLVNZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33. The Board meeting minutes are also available on the telephone information menu 3 1 3.

Meet and Greet Event in Wellington

The next RNZFB Board Meet and Greet event is set to take place on Friday 13 September, at BLVNZ Wellington. The session will run from 1:00pm – 3:00pm and will be followed by tea, coffee and biscuits. At the session you will be introduced to the Board Members of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind and find out more about the Board’s key priorities. You will also have an opportunity to raise any concerns or ask any questions you may have. And you will get to meet BLVNZ’s new Chief Executive Andrea Midgen.

Chair’s Award

The Chair’s Award is presented each year at the AGM. The award is for a blind, deafblind or low vision client who has demonstrated an outstanding level of achievement in any field of endeavours. The award comprises a trophy to be held for one year, a cheque for the sum of $500 and a framed certificate.

If you have someone in mind who would be a worthy recipient, please provide your nomination with supporting information to the Board Secretary at boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or by phoning 0800 24 33 33.

Chair’s Newsletter

For more detail on Board activities and decisions from recent meetings, check out the Chair’s newsletter at BLVNZ Governance webpage, and on the Telephone Information Service at option 3 1 1.

Clive Lansink

RNZFB Board Chair

In the News

New Zealand

Disclaimer: The webpage linked below may not be user-friendly for screen readers.

Former model Michael Whittaker, 34, has transitioned from the fashion runways to pursuing Paralympic dreams as a visually impaired athlete. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, Michael’s vision deteriorated in his mid-twenties. After moving back to New Zealand, he took up running during the 2020 lockdown on Waiheke Island. He quickly progressed, setting national records and aiming for the 2028 Paralympic Games. Supported by his fiancé, Meike van Roij, and by his guide dog Tane, Michael balances his training with his PhD studies. Running provides him with a vital balance to his academic life and a source of joy and purpose. Learn more about Michael’s journey from runway to running (nowtolove.co.nz).

International

Job Opportunities at Blind Low Vision NZ

The latest job opportunities at Blind Low Vision NZ are listed below. For the complete list, go to the Blind Low Vision NZ Careers website.

Ka kite anō

Please let us know what you think of Kōrero. We welcome suggestions for what you would like us to include and any tips or stories you would like to share with the community. Get in touch on 0800 24 33 33 or via communications@blindlowvision.org.nz.

Did you know that you can request Kōrero in Braille? Call our contact centre on 0800 24 33 33 if you would like to receive Kōrero in this format.