Kōrero - December 2024

Message from Andrea

I can hardly believe how quickly my first year at Blind Low Vision NZ has flown by! As we head towards Christmas, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for supporting me on this journey. Your kindness in sharing your stories, views, and experiences has been truly generous and much appreciated.

From all of us at Blind Low Vision NZ, I wish you a joyful and relaxing Christmas and New Year. I hope you enjoy time with your loved ones and find a chance to recharge. I’m excited about all we can achieve together in 2025!

Kia kaha
Andrea Midgen
Chief Executive, Blind Low Vision NZ

Tell me about it

This is your space to share bite-sized learnings from your experiences as someone who is blind, deafblind, or has low vision. Maybe you’ve got a new gadget you’re loving, or you’re an Excel expert with great tips on accessibility features. Whatever it is, your knowledge could help someone else. Whether it’s a tech trick, a daily living hack, or anything in between, we want to hear from you! Your insights could make a big difference to others in the community.

If you’d like to submit an idea, please email communications@blindlowvision.org.nz

This month, with the holiday and travel season coming up, we’re sharing a timely contribution from Blind Low Vision NZ member, Carolyn Peat.

Airport Travel and security

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting with the Aviation Security Team in Auckland to learn what our rights are when travelling through an airport. Whether it is International or Domestic travel we are all expected to go through the security screening process, however for a blind or vision impaired traveller this can be a confusing and frightening experience if you do not understand what is happening.

The first thing you will experience is having your bags scanned and do not worry if they need to search your bags. This will often happen if you have a Braille Display or Notetaker in your bag as these are devices the team do not often see. You will also be expected to walk through the metal detector. If you wear jewellery or have a Guide Dog, then you will set off the alarms.

Then what happens next is you will be given a choice. You can have a body pat-down at that location or be taken to another location. Alternatively, you can be taken to the body scanner. The security person will assist you on where to place your feet and show you how to raise your arms. Then the scanner will scan your body, and you will then leave the machine. If necessary, they may ask to give you a pat-down on specific locations on your body.

For those with Guide Dogs, if you opt for the body scanner you can take your dog with you to the scanner. Let the dog walk through and out the other side and leave it to wait while you have the body scan. The important thing to remember is that staff should be communicating with you and telling you at all times what is happening. Also do not be afraid to ask questions if you need clarification on what is happening.

I hope this information is useful and helps to lessen any anxiety you may have about travelling through an airport.
Aviation Security (aviation.govt.nz) also provides the following information about their machines:

• The Metal Detector uses magnets to check for metal. It does not use radiation of any kind. People with a pacemaker should notify security that they have a pacemaker, so they are not asked to pass through this piece of equipment.
• The Body Scanner (AIT) uses radio waves that bounce off the skin and will produce either a clear image or anomalies.T there is no radiation in these machines either. This is safe for pacemakers however, a person can still request a full pat down if they wish.
• Only the bag X-ray machine uses radiation to get an image of the bag. This is not harmful to a person as 3 layers of lead curtains protect the radiation from escaping the machine.
• Our officers are not allowed to touch another person without their consent so if an officer needs to perform a pat-down, they should always ask consent and explain how and where they will touch you.

Upcoming events

Accessible Performances at Auckland Arts Festival – March 2025

The Auckland Arts Festival is dedicated to ensuring everyone can enjoy extraordinary arts experiences. In collaboration with Deaf and disabled communities, and with support from Arts Access Aotearoa, the festival provides a variety of accessible programmes. For 2025, the festival includes audio description, NZSL interpretation, and relaxed performances. Tickets for accessible shows for the Deaf and disabled community are $20, with one free companion ticket per patron. However, this does not apply to three shows such as Six the Musical, A Mixtape for Maladies, Ration the Queen’s Veges, and Piers Lane, as these are booked through separate providers. Please note that some events have limited capacity, so early booking is highly recommended.

Audio Described Performances

Next year’s festival features five audio-described performances:

• Six the Musical: An international musical theatre sensation.

This 80-minute global sensation has won 35 international awards, including two Tonys, and earned a Grammy nomination. Audio Described tickets are available until 5pm, Tuesday, 25 February 2025, or until sold out.

When: Wednesday 5 March 2025, 7:30pm.

Where: The Civic, 269-287 Queen Street, corner of Queen Street & Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD.

Audio Described tickets are $70 each (plus fees), with companion tickets available at the same price. Guide dogs are welcome – please notify staff when booking.

A free touch tour starts at 6:15pm, offering a closer look at costumes and props. Arrive at The Civic foyer by 6:00pm for staff assistance. To book, call 09 970 9745 or email groups@ticketmaster.co.nz. A $8 service fee applies to phone bookings.

• Smashed: The Nightcap: A cabaret experience.
• Mixtape for Maladies: A blend of New Zealand theatre and live music.
• Animal: A family-friendly circus show from Montreal.
• A Streetcar Named Desire: A narrative ballet by the Scottish Ballet, based on Tennessee Williams’ iconic play.

Two shows will include pre-show audio description notes:

• Ration the Queen’s Veges: A New Zealand production exploring te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• HEDY! The Life and Inventions of Hedy Lamarr: A one-woman show.

Additionally, six shows are mostly audio-based and naturally accessible for blind or low vision audiences, and two others will offer resources in accessible formats.

If you’re interested in arts events, you can find accessible shows, book tickets, or download a large-print brochure from the Auckland Arts Festival Website (aaf.co.nz).

For audio-described performances, visit Audio-Described shows on the Auckland Arts Festival Website (aaf.co.nz).

For questions, please email Hannah Slade at access@aaf.co.nz or call 022 123 9759.

Work Ready Webinar Recordings and 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.

Save the date: Innovation in Retina Research 2025

Retina NZ invites you to the Innovation in Retina Research 2025 Summer Symposium in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau in February 2025.

The event will be held at Blind Low Vision NZ South Auckland office, 20 McVilly Road, Manurewa, Auckland 2102.

For professionals, the symposium will take place on Friday, 21st February 2025, from 1 pm to 5 pm.

For members, supporters, and anyone else interested, the event is scheduled for Saturday, 22nd February 2025.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Professor Robyn Guymer, Deputy Director at the Centre for Eye Research Australia, and Professor of Surgery in Ophthalmology at the University of Melbourne. Professor Guymer will speak about what’s new in Age-related Macular Degeneration, covering the latest treatments for both wet and dry AMD, as well as upcoming developments.
• Associate Professor Lauren Ayton from the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Eye Research Australia will provide updates on inherited retinal diseases, including gene therapy clinical trials.
• Dr. Odunayo (Lola) Mugisho, Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Director of the Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, will share insights on advances in Diabetic Retinopathy.

More speakers to be announced soon, please visit retina.org.nz for the latest.

Community Bulletin

Aotearoa Community Feedback Line

Stay connected with what’s happening in Aotearoa! The Community Feedback Line is your Telephone Information Service (TIS) to share your thoughts and hear about general updates. Whether you want to comment on community news or simply stay in the loop about lesser-known community events, this line is here for you.

It’s easy to connect—–just call your local TIS number, extension 5411. This is your line, designed for you.

A list of TIS numbers is available via the Library Services page of our website.

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

Surveys

Blind Low Vision NZ shares research relevant to the blind and low vision community for information only. We are not involved in or responsible for the research. For more details or to decide whether to participate, please contact the relevant organization.

Have your say on Supermarket Accessibility Survey

Do you find shopping at supermarkets challenging? Are there things that could make the experience easier for you?

The Supermarket Accessibility Survey is now open until 20 December and is designed to capture your experiences and ideas for improving supermarket access for people with disabilities, such as those who are blind, have low vision, or for family members or those who support a person with a disability across the country. The survey is accessible for screen readers, including JAWS, and should take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Your feedback will help advocate for changes that can make shopping more inclusive and enjoyable.

Share your experiences, from navigating aisles to finding products, and tell us what stores could do better. Every voice matters!

Here is the link to complete the Supermarket Accessibility Survey (surveymonkey.com)

If you have any questions or issues when completing the survey, please contact Rebecca at rebecca@allisforall.com

Job opportunities at Blind Low Vision NZ

The latest job opportunities at Blind Low Vision NZ are available on TIS m346 and on our Careers website