WEBVTT - Talking Vision 747 Week Beginning 23rd of September 2024 0:00:13.158 --> 0:00:18.948 From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's 0:00:18.948 --> 0:00:20.988 your host Sam Colley. 0:00:23.298 --> 0:00:28.038 Hello and welcome to this episode of Talking Vision. I'm 0:00:28.038 --> 0:00:30.768 on leave this week, but I'll leave you in the 0:00:30.768 --> 0:00:35.898 capable hands of Jason Gibbs, who recently caught up with 0:00:35.898 --> 0:00:41.418 a group of Career Visions graduates, three of which you 0:00:41.418 --> 0:00:45.858 already heard from earlier in the year, back in early May. 0:00:45.858 --> 0:00:52.128 But we have five of them. This time it's Michael, Serena, Samson, 0:00:52.128 --> 0:00:57.948 Karl and Sarah who were joined by Career Visions coordinator 0:00:57.948 --> 0:01:03.498 Harmony downs. Career visions is a uniquely tailored program to 0:01:03.528 --> 0:01:09.418 support participants to develop job readiness skills to enter the workforce. 0:01:09.418 --> 0:01:15.268 But to hear more from the participants themselves, let's head 0:01:15.268 --> 0:01:17.038 to Jason now. 0:01:21.298 --> 0:01:23.578 How about we get things started by asking Michael our 0:01:23.578 --> 0:01:26.728 first question. What did you enjoy the most about the program, 0:01:26.728 --> 0:01:29.068 and were there any standout moments for you? 0:01:29.098 --> 0:01:32.758 Um, I just enjoyed the fact, like everyone's had their 0:01:32.758 --> 0:01:36.568 own individual journey to where we are now, to the 0:01:36.568 --> 0:01:40.318 vision loss. But just when you you find it, you're 0:01:40.318 --> 0:01:42.628 not alone and you've got a good support system with 0:01:42.628 --> 0:01:47.428 Vision Australia, the program and it gives you. It gave me, uh, 0:01:47.428 --> 0:01:51.838 you know, self-confidence to, uh, realize that what I'd picked 0:01:51.838 --> 0:01:54.418 up along the way in my career wasn't going to 0:01:54.448 --> 0:01:57.418 go to waste, and that, um, I could still contribute. 0:01:57.448 --> 0:02:00.178 So the standout moment was, is that, um, uh, just 0:02:00.178 --> 0:02:03.928 a camaraderie, like that whole thing about being not being alone, 0:02:03.928 --> 0:02:05.738 that was all. And then though you had a good 0:02:05.738 --> 0:02:07.928 support network and then you had people had their backs 0:02:07.928 --> 0:02:10.898 to the thing and it gave me the confidence to 0:02:10.928 --> 0:02:12.878 to continue in the workplace. 0:02:12.908 --> 0:02:15.518 Yeah. Michael, we often say at Vision Australia that everyone's 0:02:15.518 --> 0:02:18.308 on their own vision loss journey. But I guess when 0:02:18.308 --> 0:02:21.128 you add the career path journey at the same time, 0:02:21.158 --> 0:02:23.528 I guess when you bring people together, everyone's in a 0:02:23.528 --> 0:02:27.188 very different headspace, and having everyone together perhaps helps you 0:02:27.218 --> 0:02:29.408 sort of put things into perspective. That's correct. 0:02:29.438 --> 0:02:30.038 Yes. 0:02:30.068 --> 0:02:32.648 Yeah. I might ask the same question to Serena then. 0:02:32.768 --> 0:02:35.648 What did you enjoy most about the program? The thing that. 0:02:35.648 --> 0:02:38.438 I took away from it was seeing how we, as 0:02:38.438 --> 0:02:42.038 career visions, worked as a team, um, how Vision Australia 0:02:42.068 --> 0:02:44.978 as a whole works as a team. And in my 0:02:44.978 --> 0:02:49.148 workplace and at my community directory, seeing that the different 0:02:49.148 --> 0:02:52.658 style of team and leadership that's there, forming the friendships 0:02:52.658 --> 0:02:55.418 that we have in each of our teams and each 0:02:55.418 --> 0:02:59.318 of our placements has been, yeah, amazing. When you've got 0:02:59.348 --> 0:03:04.388 teams that aren't basically held back and they're coming forward 0:03:04.388 --> 0:03:07.138 giving each other help with whatever they need. They, each 0:03:07.138 --> 0:03:11.968 of us, has our own areas of expertise or skill. 0:03:11.968 --> 0:03:14.788 We came together to work our way through the issues 0:03:14.788 --> 0:03:15.448 that we had. 0:03:15.478 --> 0:03:17.968 It's always daunting to start something new when you see someone. 0:03:17.998 --> 0:03:20.908 There's so many opportunities out there for us to apply 0:03:20.938 --> 0:03:23.068 for and take, you know, take part in. But it 0:03:23.068 --> 0:03:25.288 can be quite scary to get started. Did you have 0:03:25.288 --> 0:03:27.838 any sort of reservations about getting involved? 0:03:27.868 --> 0:03:31.588 Not really, because I came from having no work at all, 0:03:31.588 --> 0:03:35.578 no experience, no certs. But I came to the point 0:03:35.578 --> 0:03:38.698 where I'd said, I've got to start somewhere, I've got 0:03:38.698 --> 0:03:41.818 to go somewhere and start the process. And that's when 0:03:41.818 --> 0:03:45.208 I applied for Career Visions and was pleasantly surprised when 0:03:45.238 --> 0:03:48.058 Carmody contacted me saying, you want it. 0:03:49.318 --> 0:03:51.628 But how can you not be pleasantly surprised when Harmony 0:03:51.628 --> 0:03:54.328 contacts you? It's in the name itself. It just sounds 0:03:54.358 --> 0:03:58.528 upbeat and friendly, doesn't it? Music to your ears. What 0:03:58.528 --> 0:03:59.938 are your thoughts on that one? Sarah? 0:03:59.968 --> 0:04:01.828 All of the holistic things that the guides have said, 0:04:01.828 --> 0:04:05.008 I absolutely agree with, but some pointed things that I 0:04:05.008 --> 0:04:08.368 really enjoyed. The placements were the absolute standout for me, 0:04:08.368 --> 0:04:10.828 and then with the time that the 12 weeks that 0:04:10.828 --> 0:04:13.708 we had at VA doing workshops and training, we had 0:04:13.708 --> 0:04:16.528 two really great workshops that really stuck with me. One 0:04:16.528 --> 0:04:20.758 was actually with our former CEO Ron Hooten and Simon Blumberg, 0:04:20.758 --> 0:04:23.998 and they did a workshop with us all about growth 0:04:23.998 --> 0:04:27.868 mindset versus having a fixed mindset. And that really, really 0:04:27.868 --> 0:04:30.538 affected me a lot. Um, because it was something that 0:04:30.538 --> 0:04:33.178 I definitely struggled with. Um, so that was really helpful. 0:04:33.178 --> 0:04:35.548 And also we did one on all of our interview 0:04:35.578 --> 0:04:38.308 techniques and how to ace an interview, and all of 0:04:38.308 --> 0:04:40.888 these guys did amazing in their mock interviews that we did. 0:04:40.888 --> 0:04:44.398 So those were the two real standout workshops for me. Yeah, right. 0:04:44.398 --> 0:04:46.408 And Sarah, you mentioned placement. Did you want to share 0:04:46.408 --> 0:04:48.208 where you did your placement and how that came about? 0:04:48.238 --> 0:04:51.868 Yeah, uh, it all came about through harmony. Um, I 0:04:51.898 --> 0:04:55.198 did my I did a split placement with two awesome 0:04:55.198 --> 0:04:57.868 places that she found that she had connections with. Um, 0:04:57.898 --> 0:05:01.198 the first one was a branch of Micah Projects called 0:05:01.198 --> 0:05:04.958 Lotus Place. They deal with victims of institutional child abuse 0:05:04.958 --> 0:05:08.198 and helping them get redress and also counselling services and 0:05:08.198 --> 0:05:11.648 just find community and things like that. Awesome organisation. And 0:05:11.648 --> 0:05:13.628 the other one was with Communify and they run a 0:05:13.628 --> 0:05:17.198 really broad range of services, all to do with psychosocial 0:05:17.228 --> 0:05:21.458 health and also emergency relief. Sally's on reception there. So 0:05:21.458 --> 0:05:22.988 it was amazing. Yeah, right. 0:05:23.018 --> 0:05:24.788 It sounds really diverse and that they do some really 0:05:24.788 --> 0:05:28.178 meaningful work in community. Samson, what did you enjoy most 0:05:28.178 --> 0:05:29.318 about the program? 0:05:29.348 --> 0:05:34.568 Oh well, yeah, basically it's a team work. Like everyone said, 0:05:34.568 --> 0:05:38.528 it's because I put. The other thing I enjoyed was, um, 0:05:38.648 --> 0:05:42.968 people reach out to, you know, give assistance and help 0:05:42.968 --> 0:05:45.908 when you need it. You know, when I needed the 0:05:45.908 --> 0:05:49.118 help in terms of, um, going out to toilets and 0:05:49.118 --> 0:05:50.888 all these sort of things. People wanted to, you know, 0:05:50.918 --> 0:05:52.808 reach out and, you know, just just want to give 0:05:52.838 --> 0:05:55.328 me a hand. That's what that's what I that's that. 0:05:55.328 --> 0:05:58.088 And that's what I like most. And even though I, 0:05:58.088 --> 0:06:02.228 I lost my vision and complete vision just eight years ago, 0:06:02.258 --> 0:06:05.208 now I've been trying to learn how to adapt to 0:06:05.208 --> 0:06:10.038 things and teamwork. And the last thing I want people 0:06:10.608 --> 0:06:12.858 coming out to give hands and help and yeah. 0:06:12.888 --> 0:06:17.088 Great answer Samson. And do you feel like after doing the, um, 0:06:17.088 --> 0:06:19.668 the course that you have a little bit more confidence 0:06:19.668 --> 0:06:22.068 now that you feel like your options might have broadened 0:06:22.098 --> 0:06:22.788 a little bit? 0:06:22.818 --> 0:06:26.478 Yes. Coming into this program gives me a lot of confidence. 0:06:26.478 --> 0:06:29.088 Some of the things that I thought I wouldn't do. 0:06:29.118 --> 0:06:33.168 But yeah, when I was through this program, I'm finding 0:06:33.168 --> 0:06:36.858 a lot of, um, confidence and, and taught me some 0:06:36.858 --> 0:06:38.898 of the skills that I never had. 0:06:38.928 --> 0:06:41.598 Okay. So what do you think some of the major 0:06:41.598 --> 0:06:44.748 challenges were that you experienced during the course of the 0:06:44.748 --> 0:06:45.798 work that you were doing? 0:06:45.978 --> 0:06:48.618 Some of the major challenges were, you know, getting around, 0:06:48.648 --> 0:06:54.408 navigating things, uh, because in new environments especially, you know, 0:06:54.438 --> 0:06:58.128 that was the most challenging I experienced. Yeah. 0:06:58.158 --> 0:07:03.748 So the the accessibility element and navigating spaces. Yes. Yeah. Samson, 0:07:03.748 --> 0:07:06.298 do you feel like the like do you have confidence 0:07:06.298 --> 0:07:08.908 after having spent more time with people at Vision Australia, 0:07:08.908 --> 0:07:12.898 that you will feel that you will have the support 0:07:12.898 --> 0:07:15.568 when you go into a new workspace down the track, 0:07:15.568 --> 0:07:17.758 whether that's in a month or a few months time. 0:07:17.788 --> 0:07:19.888 Do you feel like you've got the right supports through 0:07:19.888 --> 0:07:23.218 people at Vision Australia to to help you navigate those 0:07:23.218 --> 0:07:25.738 new spaces and, and perhaps, you know, go in there 0:07:25.738 --> 0:07:28.348 and work with that company to, to make sure that 0:07:28.348 --> 0:07:30.898 the space is, you know, workable for you. 0:07:30.928 --> 0:07:34.138 Yes. I've, I've had a lot of support from the 0:07:34.528 --> 0:07:38.998 staff as well as, um, as arranged, um, through the, uh, 0:07:39.028 --> 0:07:43.918 job access program and, and trainer to give me trainings 0:07:43.918 --> 0:07:47.698 about going around and just basic orientation and all the things. So, 0:07:47.698 --> 0:07:51.268 so far I've adjusted myself and I can I'm able 0:07:51.268 --> 0:07:54.238 to do things as soon as, um, others left for 0:07:54.238 --> 0:07:57.298 the placing. And I was the only one who stayed 0:07:57.298 --> 0:08:00.238 back here that gave me confidence to come out myself 0:08:00.238 --> 0:08:03.268 and access all the other things that I was finding 0:08:03.648 --> 0:08:07.278 it pretty much. I got a lot of confidence and yeah, 0:08:07.278 --> 0:08:07.998 it helped me. Yeah. 0:08:08.028 --> 0:08:10.728 And sometimes confidence is one of the main things that 0:08:10.728 --> 0:08:12.678 hold us back. So really great to hear that you've 0:08:12.708 --> 0:08:15.678 boosted your confidence there. Does anyone else in the group 0:08:15.678 --> 0:08:17.988 want to share what challenges they faced and perhaps how 0:08:17.988 --> 0:08:18.828 they overcame them? 0:08:18.858 --> 0:08:23.208 Um, my biggest challenge was probably my own mindset. So 0:08:23.208 --> 0:08:25.638 I really tried to take on board what Harmony was 0:08:25.638 --> 0:08:27.738 trying to teach us through all of these workshops and 0:08:27.738 --> 0:08:31.128 also through her own advice. And I was able to 0:08:31.158 --> 0:08:33.828 overcome that and kind of open up my thinking and 0:08:33.828 --> 0:08:37.458 my own perception of myself, um, and unlock what I'm 0:08:37.488 --> 0:08:38.388 capable of. 0:08:38.418 --> 0:08:40.578 Yeah, just a bit more on what she was saying 0:08:40.578 --> 0:08:43.128 about accessibility, because there's a big, you know, it's a 0:08:43.128 --> 0:08:46.458 mix of Typhoon Monday, which is a totally new place 0:08:46.458 --> 0:08:48.588 over South Brisbane to a space none of us have 0:08:48.588 --> 0:08:52.038 been before. We had to navigate, you know, from a 0:08:52.038 --> 0:08:56.208 train station to there coming to Vision Australia. We worked in, uh, 0:08:56.238 --> 0:08:58.758 one 1st May or where we are now because of 0:08:58.758 --> 0:09:00.978 an air conditioning problem and we had to migrate to another, 0:09:00.978 --> 0:09:03.718 another room. And then we also helped out with a 0:09:03.748 --> 0:09:06.358 big open day they had up here as a as 0:09:06.358 --> 0:09:08.278 an exercise as part of the course. So there's all 0:09:08.278 --> 0:09:11.968 these different things structured to make you more adaptable, more 0:09:11.968 --> 0:09:16.318 flexible in getting about. And um, yeah, finding new ways 0:09:16.318 --> 0:09:17.998 to to find new places. Yeah. 0:09:18.028 --> 0:09:20.458 Great. And do you think that'll give you the confidence to, uh, 0:09:20.458 --> 0:09:22.588 come up against some curveballs in the future? 0:09:22.618 --> 0:09:25.408 Oh, for sure. Yeah. It's, um. Yeah, it does give 0:09:25.408 --> 0:09:27.868 you that because, you know, you've been in a in 0:09:27.898 --> 0:09:30.688 an unknown space before, but you've, you've worked out how 0:09:30.688 --> 0:09:32.098 to get from A to B, okay. 0:09:32.128 --> 0:09:34.828 And Carl, did you find that you were faced with 0:09:34.828 --> 0:09:36.988 any challenges during the period? Yeah, several. 0:09:36.988 --> 0:09:38.488 Challenges during the period. 0:09:38.518 --> 0:09:40.528 I suppose. Predominant one is with. 0:09:40.528 --> 0:09:41.308 The vision. 0:09:41.308 --> 0:09:43.498 And being able to, uh, get. 0:09:43.498 --> 0:09:44.008 Familiar with the. 0:09:44.008 --> 0:09:45.748 Technology to, uh, use. 0:09:45.748 --> 0:09:46.738 Computer more productively. 0:09:46.738 --> 0:09:49.078 With the vision loss. Yeah. And also, that was causing 0:09:49.078 --> 0:09:49.798 some ongoing. 0:09:49.828 --> 0:09:50.398 Issues. 0:09:50.398 --> 0:09:51.058 On placement. 0:09:51.058 --> 0:09:51.748 As well, where my. 0:09:51.748 --> 0:09:52.348 Vision was sort of. 0:09:52.378 --> 0:09:53.098 Unstable. 0:09:53.128 --> 0:09:57.508 Did you come across any assistive technology that had been 0:09:57.538 --> 0:09:59.938 that you found quite helpful, that you perhaps weren't aware 0:09:59.938 --> 0:10:00.778 of before, during. 0:10:00.778 --> 0:10:03.998 The program, we, uh, we used the Jaws program, the 0:10:03.998 --> 0:10:07.298 text to speech and using the computer. So that's another 0:10:07.298 --> 0:10:09.878 one that we use on the windows systems. Unfortunately, some 0:10:09.878 --> 0:10:12.758 programs that I need to use that doesn't really work 0:10:12.758 --> 0:10:14.438 well with. And so that was a bit of a 0:10:14.438 --> 0:10:15.368 challenge as well. 0:10:15.398 --> 0:10:18.128 Yeah. Right. Hopefully there's some developments there in the accessibility 0:10:18.128 --> 0:10:20.018 gets a little bit better on those programs that you need. 0:10:20.018 --> 0:10:22.868 And maybe Vision Australia can support you in some of that. 0:10:22.898 --> 0:10:26.138 What challenges did you face and how did you manage them? 0:10:26.168 --> 0:10:28.958 Ironically, the biggest challenge that I had, especially during the 0:10:28.958 --> 0:10:32.798 first week, week and a half of my placement, was 0:10:32.798 --> 0:10:37.298 the transportation system was completely in disarray. Mhm. So that 0:10:37.298 --> 0:10:42.038 made getting anywhere difficult. Um, and very expensive. I've got 0:10:42.038 --> 0:10:45.998 support work. Uh, gave me a hand through all of that. Thankfully, 0:10:45.998 --> 0:10:49.958 I didn't have any major issues with assistive technology. Um, 0:10:49.988 --> 0:10:52.058 I had a couple of issues with a few things 0:10:52.058 --> 0:10:55.988 like Salesforce, but that's just you've just got to try 0:10:55.988 --> 0:10:59.798 and find similar ways to do the same thing. And 0:10:59.798 --> 0:11:02.388 sometimes that means going to a teammate and man going, 0:11:02.418 --> 0:11:05.358 can you do this particular thing for me? Because I 0:11:05.388 --> 0:11:06.708 literally cannot do it. 0:11:06.738 --> 0:11:09.558 Yeah, that's worth remembering, isn't it? Because even your sighted 0:11:09.558 --> 0:11:12.948 co-workers will sometimes not be capable, or perhaps something might 0:11:12.948 --> 0:11:14.688 not be accessible to them, and they need to lend 0:11:14.688 --> 0:11:16.158 on some help from you? 0:11:16.188 --> 0:11:17.568 Yeah, exactly. 0:11:17.568 --> 0:11:19.788 So I guess that's what a team is, isn't it? Really? Yeah. 0:11:19.818 --> 0:11:22.038 And that's as I said before, that's the thing I 0:11:22.038 --> 0:11:26.538 think I found the most interesting and the experience was 0:11:26.538 --> 0:11:29.208 something I've not had before was the fact of, you know, 0:11:29.238 --> 0:11:32.748 each of us in the team had different strengths. Pretty 0:11:32.748 --> 0:11:35.538 much everyone in the group came to me for assistive 0:11:35.538 --> 0:11:37.908 technology help. At some point, I went to them for 0:11:37.908 --> 0:11:39.318 visual help at some point. 0:11:39.348 --> 0:11:40.878 All right, I'm going to work down my list and 0:11:40.878 --> 0:11:42.978 we'll go back to Carl. Carl, I'd like to know 0:11:42.978 --> 0:11:45.588 perhaps the the main skill that you think you're walking 0:11:45.588 --> 0:11:49.218 away with after this exercise and after the the weeks 0:11:49.218 --> 0:11:51.168 of training, you feel like you're a little bit more 0:11:51.168 --> 0:11:52.008 confident again. 0:11:52.038 --> 0:11:54.678 Exactly right. So it does. I was going to say 0:11:54.678 --> 0:11:57.198 that was one of the skills is, um, is it 0:11:57.198 --> 0:12:00.768 fully defining of confidence in all manner of things with 0:12:00.798 --> 0:12:04.828 regards to, interacting with people and things with the vision loss. 0:12:04.858 --> 0:12:07.888 Thanks, Carl. Yeah. Great answer to a pretty sloppy question 0:12:07.888 --> 0:12:09.778 that I presented to you. Well done. 0:12:10.018 --> 0:12:10.498 Nice. 0:12:12.088 --> 0:12:14.368 Okay. Michael, what sort of skills do you feel like 0:12:14.398 --> 0:12:15.628 you're walking away with? 0:12:15.658 --> 0:12:17.728 I think it's just a realization that the skills you 0:12:17.728 --> 0:12:21.358 have are transferable though your training. You know, not in 0:12:21.358 --> 0:12:24.238 the industry that you're that you're in. You sort of 0:12:24.268 --> 0:12:26.248 have that. It's sort of a bit, um, a bit 0:12:26.248 --> 0:12:28.708 wary of that when you go to a new place. Yeah. 0:12:28.738 --> 0:12:31.258 And if you're coming with the business initially, you're sort 0:12:31.258 --> 0:12:33.958 of that with the assistive technology, and the guys are 0:12:33.958 --> 0:12:36.568 using Jaws as a whole new world I've never seen before, 0:12:36.568 --> 0:12:39.538 but just, um, just being mesmerized by hearing these voices 0:12:39.568 --> 0:12:42.958 going on the wall now and then, um, and wondering 0:12:42.958 --> 0:12:45.298 how they, you know, that would have been good auctioneers 0:12:45.298 --> 0:12:49.198 or something, but just a little bit. All the shortcut keys, 0:12:49.198 --> 0:12:51.328 which I never heard of. And now we learn about 0:12:51.328 --> 0:12:53.518 those and they come in handy. So just just picking 0:12:53.518 --> 0:12:56.518 up what you need. Yeah. Transferable skills, but also picking 0:12:56.518 --> 0:12:58.828 up new skills on the way. You know. And you 0:12:58.828 --> 0:13:00.868 can always teach an old dog new tricks or the 0:13:00.868 --> 0:13:01.558 thing which is good. 0:13:01.598 --> 0:13:04.508 I've been interviewing folk on Vision Australia radio for some 0:13:04.508 --> 0:13:08.228 time about their vision loss journeys and the anxiety that 0:13:08.228 --> 0:13:10.718 was there for people that lose vision later in life, 0:13:10.718 --> 0:13:13.718 and the situations where career paths have to change because 0:13:13.718 --> 0:13:16.628 of that low vision diagnosis. The interesting thing about that 0:13:16.628 --> 0:13:18.638 is the anxiety that's there about, you know, what your 0:13:18.638 --> 0:13:21.488 skills will be and what will be transferable. I guess 0:13:21.488 --> 0:13:23.798 I'd like to know from people in the group if 0:13:23.798 --> 0:13:27.368 anyone's experienced vision loss later in life and and had 0:13:27.368 --> 0:13:30.308 to go through that process of re-evaluating the skills you 0:13:30.308 --> 0:13:32.948 have and, and the concern you've had about perhaps how 0:13:32.948 --> 0:13:35.138 they will translate to something else. Has there been any 0:13:35.138 --> 0:13:38.498 sort of positive experiences there where you've gone? You know what? 0:13:38.498 --> 0:13:40.628 I've actually got some pretty decent skills here, and I 0:13:40.628 --> 0:13:42.488 might have been in this industry, but I've got every 0:13:42.488 --> 0:13:44.228 confidence that I'm going to be able to use these 0:13:44.228 --> 0:13:45.188 somewhere else. 0:13:45.218 --> 0:13:45.548 Yeah. 0:13:45.998 --> 0:13:49.388 Absolutely. I just lost my vision many years ago. I 0:13:49.388 --> 0:13:53.948 was completely, 100% now. And when I was working in 0:13:53.948 --> 0:13:56.318 the mines and when I first started lost my vision, 0:13:56.318 --> 0:13:59.228 I thought it was the end of my life. I 0:13:59.228 --> 0:14:01.238 thought I would never come back and find a job 0:14:01.238 --> 0:14:04.578 or anything like that. When I got here, I got 0:14:04.608 --> 0:14:09.258 advisors and I got counselling from people, and then they 0:14:09.258 --> 0:14:13.698 started giving me good, positive talks and debates about, you know, 0:14:13.728 --> 0:14:16.998 people like me. They they have their they have my name. 0:14:17.028 --> 0:14:19.908 Why not? You can do it. So that motivated me 0:14:19.908 --> 0:14:22.368 to go. You know, I thought, okay, so I can 0:14:22.398 --> 0:14:26.058 I can start again. So that actually motivated me to 0:14:26.088 --> 0:14:29.448 think positive. And here I am. When I read the 0:14:29.448 --> 0:14:33.288 email about this career program, I thought, I think is 0:14:33.288 --> 0:14:36.108 the time I have to reach out and just get 0:14:36.108 --> 0:14:39.198 out and experience and get some skills training and just 0:14:39.198 --> 0:14:40.818 start again to find a job. 0:14:40.848 --> 0:14:43.908 Fantastic. You must have some pretty unique skills, having worked 0:14:43.908 --> 0:14:46.968 in that industry, that will translate to many other industries. 0:14:46.968 --> 0:14:49.638 So it's going to be exciting to keep tabs on 0:14:49.668 --> 0:14:51.198 you and hear what's next for you. 0:14:57.768 --> 0:15:01.558 I'm Sam Coley and you're listening to Talking vision on 0:15:01.558 --> 0:15:06.988 Vision Australia Radio, associated stations of Reading Radio and the 0:15:06.988 --> 0:15:12.178 Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed part one of 0:15:12.178 --> 0:15:17.908 Jason's conversation today with the five graduates from the Career 0:15:17.938 --> 0:15:22.828 Visions program at Vision Australia. If you missed any part 0:15:22.858 --> 0:15:28.618 of that conversation today between Jason and the participants, the 0:15:28.618 --> 0:15:34.018 full interview is available as a podcast on our Interview 0:15:34.048 --> 0:15:40.198 Highlights feed, which you can access through VA radio.org. That's 0:15:40.228 --> 0:15:46.108 v e radio all one word.org, but you can also 0:15:46.108 --> 0:15:50.488 find the program on the podcast app of your choice 0:15:50.488 --> 0:15:55.768 or through the Vision Australia library. And now back to 0:15:55.798 --> 0:16:00.478 part two of Jason's conversation as he chats with Sarah. 0:16:00.938 --> 0:16:03.188 Sarah. What sort of skills do you think you're walking 0:16:03.188 --> 0:16:03.938 away with? 0:16:04.208 --> 0:16:08.108 A few. Mostly it's been things that I already may 0:16:08.108 --> 0:16:10.718 have had but have been expanded on. So the one 0:16:10.718 --> 0:16:13.388 that stands out for me is probably my interpersonal skills. 0:16:13.418 --> 0:16:15.968 I've always been pretty outgoing and I can chat with 0:16:15.968 --> 0:16:18.998 people that I'm working with, but I'm also really introverted, 0:16:18.998 --> 0:16:21.158 so just walking up to people and making friends is 0:16:21.158 --> 0:16:24.728 not really my forte. Yeah. Um, but as Harmony likes 0:16:24.728 --> 0:16:27.008 to do, throw me in the deep end. Uh, we 0:16:27.008 --> 0:16:29.438 had a networking event, so that's exactly what I had 0:16:29.438 --> 0:16:31.718 to go do and walk up to people I never 0:16:31.718 --> 0:16:34.508 met before and just strike up conversation and try and make. Yeah, 0:16:34.508 --> 0:16:37.958 it was super scary. Um, but it really helped a lot, 0:16:37.958 --> 0:16:41.168 and I feel. Yeah. Much more confident now in just 0:16:41.168 --> 0:16:42.878 walking up to people and being like, hi, we're going 0:16:42.878 --> 0:16:43.928 to be friends. Um. 0:16:45.608 --> 0:16:47.348 And my girlfriend's friends. 0:16:47.378 --> 0:16:47.768 Well. 0:16:48.488 --> 0:16:52.148 You've joined Harmony's social butterfly network. 0:16:52.358 --> 0:16:52.958 That's right. 0:16:52.988 --> 0:16:57.038 Exactly, exactly. Yeah. So I feel. 0:16:57.038 --> 0:16:57.848 Good or bad. 0:16:57.878 --> 0:17:00.108 Or good or bad? Michael. 0:17:00.138 --> 0:17:01.578 Michael, how about yourself? 0:17:01.608 --> 0:17:03.078 You have these skills, but you don't know how they're 0:17:03.078 --> 0:17:05.538 going to transfer to a new place. But. But when 0:17:05.538 --> 0:17:07.848 they do, you go, well, that's been great. Yeah. So, um, 0:17:07.878 --> 0:17:10.488 it's good to have that. Um, the more you use 0:17:10.488 --> 0:17:13.008 the skill, you know, and you use another skill, the 0:17:13.008 --> 0:17:15.858 more clients you have that go. Well, I'm here in Australia. 0:17:15.858 --> 0:17:18.018 I'm doing something I haven't done before. I go this 0:17:18.018 --> 0:17:19.968 new place where I got, you know, my place and, 0:17:20.478 --> 0:17:22.698 and and and you know that those skills will work 0:17:22.728 --> 0:17:24.168 there as well. And then you pick up something new 0:17:24.198 --> 0:17:26.568 there as well. So it's just the, as I say, 0:17:26.598 --> 0:17:29.058 using the skills you've had and improving on them and 0:17:29.058 --> 0:17:31.608 pick up new skills. So it's it's good. It just 0:17:31.608 --> 0:17:32.388 gives you that confidence. 0:17:32.388 --> 0:17:35.898 So I might ask Carl the next question if you're ready. Carl, 0:17:35.898 --> 0:17:37.698 what do you think is next for you. 0:17:37.728 --> 0:17:41.658 Machine learning. Um, which many people call artificial intelligence these days. 0:17:41.658 --> 0:17:45.798 It's it's growing quite significantly and it's changing every day. 0:17:45.798 --> 0:17:49.908 There's new software and new models, new technology coming out. Um, 0:17:49.908 --> 0:17:52.488 so I've been very active in that space, and I'm 0:17:52.488 --> 0:17:55.218 looking for opportunities around the place to, to help give 0:17:55.218 --> 0:17:56.508 value in that space. 0:17:56.508 --> 0:17:59.028 That sounds great. Uh, there's quite a bit of anxiety 0:17:59.028 --> 0:18:02.398 around our eye and its impact on humanity. Are you 0:18:02.398 --> 0:18:06.028 optimistic or concerned more than anything else changes. 0:18:06.208 --> 0:18:08.818 What those changes are, we don't really know yet. You 0:18:08.818 --> 0:18:12.088 can probably imagine, similar to the Industrial Revolution and other 0:18:12.088 --> 0:18:15.118 changes in history, where there's been massive shifts in the 0:18:15.118 --> 0:18:18.778 way people work and how they interact with the internet. 0:18:18.868 --> 0:18:21.028 Because we're going into a new phase of interacting with 0:18:21.028 --> 0:18:25.108 the internet now as well. Mhm. With agency, what are 0:18:25.108 --> 0:18:27.748 the things that. Yeah, it could be positive. It could 0:18:27.748 --> 0:18:30.508 also be very negative but it's like a tool. Um 0:18:30.538 --> 0:18:32.398 it's like a knife. Some people use it for bad. 0:18:32.428 --> 0:18:33.328 We use it for good. 0:18:33.418 --> 0:18:36.358 Carl I'm looking forward to you being Vision Australia Radio's 0:18:36.478 --> 0:18:38.578 in-house eye specialist. 0:18:38.608 --> 0:18:39.118 Oh. Thank you. 0:18:41.098 --> 0:18:44.158 Michael, how about yourself? What's coming up for you? I've 0:18:44.158 --> 0:18:44.548 been fortunate. 0:18:44.548 --> 0:18:48.778 Enough. Through this course, we're encouraged to apply for a, um, 0:18:48.808 --> 0:18:52.828 some disability awareness of work course through the Brisbane City Council, 0:18:52.828 --> 0:18:55.528 and I was lucky enough to get a position there. 0:18:55.528 --> 0:18:58.678 So I'm doing another part time job, 16 week program 0:18:58.678 --> 0:18:59.338 with Brisbane. 0:18:59.338 --> 0:19:00.248 City Council. 0:19:00.248 --> 0:19:00.578 In the. 0:19:00.578 --> 0:19:02.378 Olympics area. They feel like. 0:19:02.798 --> 0:19:06.278 It's going to be happening in 2042 or something. So anyway, 0:19:06.278 --> 0:19:09.458 so if it goes tits up, it's my fault. There 0:19:09.458 --> 0:19:11.258 we go. Yeah. Yeah, it feels. 0:19:11.258 --> 0:19:13.748 Very far away, but in reality, it's probably only a 0:19:13.748 --> 0:19:16.118 few weeks away that the world is spinning quicker and quicker, 0:19:16.118 --> 0:19:20.138 I think. I feel like I've been neglecting Serena a 0:19:20.138 --> 0:19:22.388 little bit. Serena, what's next for you? Oh, there's. 0:19:22.388 --> 0:19:26.078 A few things we are looking at. Potentially having me 0:19:26.108 --> 0:19:30.488 train the next, uh, cohort coming through career visions. Um, 0:19:30.518 --> 0:19:34.088 because I am a nerd at heart. I love computers 0:19:34.088 --> 0:19:38.768 and electronics. I've been a screen reader user for, uh, 25, 0:19:38.798 --> 0:19:42.098 30 years, I think. I just haven't got the certs 0:19:42.098 --> 0:19:44.588 at the moment, but we're looking into that. Yeah. And 0:19:44.588 --> 0:19:48.068 I've also applied to things like Apple. Um, because again, 0:19:48.098 --> 0:19:51.848 accessibility for them is a huge thing. They need more 0:19:51.848 --> 0:19:54.698 of us in there because we're the only ones that 0:19:54.698 --> 0:19:57.098 can really advise them. You know what's good, what's bad, 0:19:57.098 --> 0:20:00.228 what's not wearing. Having one of us on the sales 0:20:00.228 --> 0:20:03.138 floor is also useful for those people with vision impairments 0:20:03.138 --> 0:20:05.478 are coming and going. Hey, how can I use technology? 0:20:05.508 --> 0:20:10.608 Absolutely. And hopefully some feedback before the system upgrades. 0:20:10.638 --> 0:20:11.298 Yeah. 0:20:12.288 --> 0:20:13.878 Fantastic. Sarah. 0:20:13.908 --> 0:20:17.028 I was actually lucky enough to get two jobs. One 0:20:17.028 --> 0:20:19.488 as a service support officer in the children and Young 0:20:19.488 --> 0:20:21.798 people team here at VA, and then one as an 0:20:21.798 --> 0:20:25.788 administration assistant in the redress team at Micah Projects, where 0:20:25.788 --> 0:20:28.668 I did my placement. So I just plan on fully 0:20:28.668 --> 0:20:30.048 enjoying those. 0:20:30.078 --> 0:20:32.568 Amazing. You guys are kicking goals, Samson. 0:20:32.598 --> 0:20:35.718 I'm actually, uh, what I'm thinking now is just wanting 0:20:35.748 --> 0:20:39.948 to do a bit more training on my skills, like, uh, 0:20:39.948 --> 0:20:43.308 computer job skills, you know? And then I wanted to 0:20:43.338 --> 0:20:48.528 do another, uh, set three course again at type. So 0:20:48.558 --> 0:20:50.928 that's what I'm looking at. And probably look at a 0:20:50.928 --> 0:20:53.508 part time job somewhere. Yeah. I just wanted to learn 0:20:53.508 --> 0:20:55.788 more skills on the jobs because. 0:20:55.788 --> 0:20:56.568 I just got. 0:20:56.568 --> 0:20:59.998 Introduced to jobs 2 to 3 years ago, and it's 0:21:00.028 --> 0:21:04.798 actually interesting to learn more in terms about speech freedom 0:21:04.798 --> 0:21:05.608 on the same side. 0:21:05.818 --> 0:21:07.888 Oh sounds great. And I think that's the thing we 0:21:07.888 --> 0:21:10.198 always talk about, isn't it, Harmony that everyone's on their 0:21:10.198 --> 0:21:13.258 own career path journey. And it doesn't matter what you're 0:21:13.258 --> 0:21:15.418 aiming for, as long as it's meaningful. And it's something 0:21:15.418 --> 0:21:17.878 that you'd like to do with your time. And, um, and, 0:21:17.908 --> 0:21:19.618 you know, there's a reason to get up each day, 0:21:19.618 --> 0:21:21.748 then that's really what's most important, isn't it? 0:21:21.928 --> 0:21:22.408 Agreed. 0:21:22.408 --> 0:21:25.558 And just to notice that no one said that they 0:21:25.558 --> 0:21:26.248 were going to come. 0:21:26.248 --> 0:21:28.468 For my job. So I'm quite disappointed. 0:21:28.588 --> 0:21:28.888 That. 0:21:30.028 --> 0:21:32.368 You're in safe hands just for now, Harmony. 0:21:33.388 --> 0:21:35.248 So, I mean, you know. 0:21:36.508 --> 0:21:37.888 Uh, I might mix it up a bit and go 0:21:37.888 --> 0:21:41.998 for your job, and you can do interviews on the radio. Well, finally, 0:21:41.998 --> 0:21:43.408 I think I might ask each of you if you've 0:21:43.408 --> 0:21:46.258 got any, um, supportive words that you might be able 0:21:46.258 --> 0:21:48.658 to pass on to the next generation of folk that 0:21:48.658 --> 0:21:51.808 think they'll apply for the program if it is to happen. Uh, Carl, 0:21:51.808 --> 0:21:53.968 did you want to get started with that one? Yeah, you. 0:21:53.968 --> 0:21:56.338 Get the opportunity to just make a go of that. Um, 0:21:56.338 --> 0:21:59.208 it's a great opportunity, and you get a lot of skills. 0:21:59.208 --> 0:22:01.758 So it's it's it's well worth doing because it's going 0:22:01.758 --> 0:22:04.128 to get you from a place that you work to 0:22:04.158 --> 0:22:05.088 a better place. 0:22:05.118 --> 0:22:06.678 Well, said Serena. 0:22:06.708 --> 0:22:10.908 In many of our cases, we are coming from, you know, 0:22:10.938 --> 0:22:14.568 no real work experience. Um, and this gives you a 0:22:14.568 --> 0:22:16.968 starter to work with. And you can, you know, build 0:22:16.968 --> 0:22:20.238 from here on. But this is a really good starting 0:22:20.238 --> 0:22:23.268 point to work with to, to get yourself familiar with 0:22:23.268 --> 0:22:24.288 the working environment. 0:22:24.318 --> 0:22:24.828 Amazing. 0:22:24.828 --> 0:22:27.858 Michael Austin. Uh, just you're never too old. Just went 0:22:27.858 --> 0:22:31.098 home and wrote both off. Made this me aware of 0:22:31.098 --> 0:22:33.318 the program. I was going to be an intern at 0:22:33.318 --> 0:22:36.468 the age of 60 and they went, yeah, so that's good. 0:22:36.498 --> 0:22:38.718 So you're never too old. And as I said, your 0:22:38.718 --> 0:22:40.548 skills are transferable. Go for it. 0:22:40.578 --> 0:22:43.758 Absolutely. And your other life skills obviously add to what 0:22:43.758 --> 0:22:46.248 you can offer to a new team at a workplace 0:22:46.248 --> 0:22:50.298 as well. So I absolutely agree. Never too late to start. Uh, Sarah. 0:22:50.538 --> 0:22:52.608 Just to add a little bit to what Karl and 0:22:52.608 --> 0:22:56.748 Serena already very eloquently put is that you may come 0:22:56.748 --> 0:22:58.558 into this thinking, oh, it's not going to teach me 0:22:58.558 --> 0:23:00.808 anything new. And it may not teach you anything new, 0:23:00.808 --> 0:23:04.018 but you will definitely expand on your skills and have 0:23:04.018 --> 0:23:06.808 a lot of new experiences and things like that. And 0:23:06.808 --> 0:23:09.778 I think also don't come into it with a certain 0:23:09.778 --> 0:23:13.048 destination in mind. Just go with the flow, see where 0:23:13.048 --> 0:23:15.718 this leads you, because it might be somewhere completely different 0:23:15.718 --> 0:23:16.798 than what you thought it would be. 0:23:16.828 --> 0:23:19.018 Sam said. Do you have any advice for the next 0:23:19.018 --> 0:23:20.668 round of participants? 0:23:20.698 --> 0:23:23.968 Yeah, uh, it is a great, great program. When the 0:23:23.968 --> 0:23:27.118 opportunity comes to take it, one thing I'd like to 0:23:27.118 --> 0:23:30.568 say is that and that's I think I didn't mention before, 0:23:30.568 --> 0:23:33.538 but I still applied for some jobs out there. But 0:23:33.568 --> 0:23:35.908 if I don't get any, I don't get a job. 0:23:35.938 --> 0:23:39.358 I would like to do volunteer job. So volunteering is 0:23:39.358 --> 0:23:41.248 a very good skill where you can learn how to 0:23:41.248 --> 0:23:44.488 work and you can learn more skills and gain experience that. 0:23:44.848 --> 0:23:48.238 You're not wrong. Sometimes those volunteer opportunities do lead to 0:23:48.268 --> 0:23:50.848 paid work as well. And you've all got some radio 0:23:50.848 --> 0:23:53.248 skills now. So Sam said, you either want to get 0:23:53.248 --> 0:23:55.408 in touch with us at Vision Australia Radio, or perhaps 0:23:55.408 --> 0:23:58.188 for RBA in Brisbane and see what volunteer roles are 0:23:58.188 --> 0:24:00.918 available because I think you'd all do a bang up job. 0:24:00.948 --> 0:24:03.438 You know, this started as a radio interview, everyone, but 0:24:03.438 --> 0:24:06.798 I think it was perhaps Harmony's cheeky way of bringing 0:24:06.798 --> 0:24:10.068 us all together for a networking opportunity. But it's been 0:24:10.068 --> 0:24:12.858 a wonderful, uh, opportunity to have a chat to you 0:24:12.858 --> 0:24:16.578 all and learn about your involvement and what's coming up. Finally, Harmony, 0:24:16.608 --> 0:24:18.798 can I just ask you, can we expect the programme 0:24:18.798 --> 0:24:20.718 to return in 2025? 0:24:20.748 --> 0:24:21.558 Yeah. If you can. 0:24:21.558 --> 0:24:23.148 Convince the funders to. 0:24:23.178 --> 0:24:28.248 Uh, approve my application, um, then did. Most definitely. So, um, 0:24:28.488 --> 0:24:32.268 so if we, um, received the funding because it is 0:24:32.268 --> 0:24:35.448 an annual funding, I will be running two intakes next 0:24:35.448 --> 0:24:39.678 year over 2526, which is a big expansion from only 0:24:39.678 --> 0:24:42.318 six per year to 12 per year. And looking at 0:24:42.318 --> 0:24:46.488 other innovations within the programme, potentially hybrid delivery with people 0:24:46.488 --> 0:24:50.598 in regional locations, if that is going to come together, um, 0:24:50.598 --> 0:24:53.358 next year and run it a little bit more expanded 0:24:53.358 --> 0:24:56.358 so that we can include more people in Queensland. But 0:24:56.358 --> 0:24:57.408 if not, um, the. 0:24:57.408 --> 0:24:57.888 Program will. 0:24:57.888 --> 0:25:01.248 Kick off on the 7th of April and run until 0:25:01.248 --> 0:25:02.568 April 2026. 0:25:02.598 --> 0:25:05.298 Yeah, right. Well, I don't carry. Unfortunately, I don't carry 0:25:05.298 --> 0:25:07.368 around a rubber stamp, but I think it seems like 0:25:07.368 --> 0:25:09.828 a no brainer to me to to approve funding for 0:25:09.828 --> 0:25:12.228 another round. Everyone's had some meaningful experiences and it's going 0:25:12.228 --> 0:25:14.418 to be great to see what's next. Harmony. How will 0:25:14.448 --> 0:25:16.698 our listeners be able to keep tabs on if another 0:25:16.698 --> 0:25:18.708 program is delivered? I mean, we'll obviously have you back 0:25:18.708 --> 0:25:20.718 on radio to to have a chat about it, but 0:25:20.718 --> 0:25:22.728 I guess, can people just go to the Vision Australia 0:25:22.728 --> 0:25:25.848 website type career Visions and they'll hopefully find what they're 0:25:25.848 --> 0:25:26.388 looking for? 0:25:26.418 --> 0:25:30.438 Yeah. So, um, at this point in time, um, a 0:25:30.438 --> 0:25:34.278 recruitment will start mid January until the end of February. 0:25:34.278 --> 0:25:37.158 And yes, there'll be an expression of interest on the 0:25:37.158 --> 0:25:42.738 Vision Australia website. Vision Australia. Org or people can start 0:25:42.738 --> 0:25:45.708 to send me their expressions of interest. Now I'm more 0:25:45.738 --> 0:25:49.278 than open to getting people who they're keen to get 0:25:49.308 --> 0:25:52.188 on board and they can email me harmony h a 0:25:52.188 --> 0:25:55.278 r m o n I e dot downs d o 0:25:55.278 --> 0:25:59.428 w n e s at Vision region australia.org. So if 0:25:59.428 --> 0:26:02.338 anyone out there is super keen to find out more 0:26:02.338 --> 0:26:06.058 about what the work skills traineeship involves as an earn 0:26:06.058 --> 0:26:08.728 to learn model has an idea of where they would 0:26:08.728 --> 0:26:11.428 like to have a host placement, because I'm also talking 0:26:11.458 --> 0:26:15.178 to lots of hosts to and basically just wants to 0:26:15.208 --> 0:26:19.138 connect with peers, develop some new skills, get out into 0:26:19.138 --> 0:26:22.918 the workforce has that will and motivation to move beyond 0:26:22.918 --> 0:26:25.258 where they are now. Then I want to hear from you. 0:26:25.288 --> 0:26:30.598 Sounds great. Samson, Sarah, Serena, Michael especially Carl. Thank you 0:26:30.598 --> 0:26:32.458 so much for joining us today and making this a 0:26:32.458 --> 0:26:34.828 very exciting podcast. And I've learnt a lot and I 0:26:34.858 --> 0:26:36.418 wish you all well, and I do hope you stay 0:26:36.418 --> 0:26:39.358 in touch with us and remember our email radio at 0:26:39.358 --> 0:26:41.608 Vision Australia. Org if you've got anything to share about 0:26:41.608 --> 0:26:43.708 your career path journey going forward, we'd love to have 0:26:43.708 --> 0:26:45.628 you back on the radio to chat about it and 0:26:45.628 --> 0:26:47.698 harmony of course. Thank you so much for being with 0:26:47.698 --> 0:26:51.238 us today. Harmony downs, Employment consultant with Vision Australia's Service 0:26:51.238 --> 0:26:52.978 Excellence and compliance team. 0:26:59.618 --> 0:27:02.738 And that's all the time we have for today. You've 0:27:02.738 --> 0:27:06.968 been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision 0:27:06.998 --> 0:27:11.138 Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the 0:27:11.138 --> 0:27:15.338 show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you. 0:27:15.338 --> 0:27:18.638 So please get in touch any time on our email 0:27:18.638 --> 0:27:23.948 at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org that's talking vision all 0:27:23.948 --> 0:27:28.748 one word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's 0:27:28.748 --> 0:27:31.208 Sam Colley saying bye for now. 0:27:34.478 --> 0:27:38.648 You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during 0:27:38.648 --> 0:27:50.528 business hours on 1300 847 406. That's 1300 847 406 or by visiting Vision australia.org. 0:27:50.528 --> 0:27:53.048 That's Vision australia.org.