WEBVTT - Talking Vision 752 Week Beginning 28th of October 2024 0:00:38.363 --> 0:00:44.183 From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's 0:00:44.183 --> 0:00:46.223 your host Sam Colley. 0:00:48.533 --> 0:00:51.833 Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And 0:00:51.833 --> 0:00:54.803 for the next half hour we talk matters of blindness 0:00:54.803 --> 0:00:55.913 and low vision. 0:00:55.913 --> 0:00:59.483 People with a disability within employment, they're more than just 0:00:59.483 --> 0:01:03.083 their disability. They have lots of skills and talent to 0:01:03.113 --> 0:01:06.503 offer an organisation. And it's just really important with a 0:01:06.503 --> 0:01:08.753 campaign like this, that we make it clear that it's 0:01:08.753 --> 0:01:11.842 not complicated and that you could get a really good 0:01:11.843 --> 0:01:14.573 person by being an inclusive workplace. 0:01:14.603 --> 0:01:19.673 Welcome to the program. This week we chat to Karen 0:01:19.673 --> 0:01:25.463 Strauss and Brooke Carter from the Australian Disability Network. They're 0:01:25.462 --> 0:01:30.023 here to talk all about the upcoming It's Not hard 0:01:30.043 --> 0:01:34.483 to be inclusive campaign running in the six week lead 0:01:34.513 --> 0:01:40.093 up to International Day of People with disabilities, as well 0:01:40.093 --> 0:01:44.863 as a mentoring program which will be opening in just 0:01:44.863 --> 0:01:50.233 over a month's time. That conversation is coming up very shortly, 0:01:50.233 --> 0:01:53.983 so make sure to stick around. Then after you hear 0:01:53.983 --> 0:01:58.873 from Cranbrook, I'm joined by Sarah Bloedorn, manager of the 0:01:58.873 --> 0:02:02.803 Vision Australia Library, here to chat to us all about 0:02:02.803 --> 0:02:06.703 some changes that are going on at the library. And 0:02:06.703 --> 0:02:09.822 we finish up today with a little bit of news 0:02:09.823 --> 0:02:14.293 and information. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of 0:02:14.293 --> 0:02:23.293 Talking Vision. With the Australian Disability Network are embarking on 0:02:23.293 --> 0:02:28.963 a couple of really exciting programs over the next few weeks, 0:02:28.972 --> 0:02:34.133 including the It's Not Hard to Be inclusive campaign in 0:02:34.133 --> 0:02:39.833 the lead up to International Day of People with disabilities 0:02:39.953 --> 0:02:43.193 to have a chat with us all about this, as 0:02:43.192 --> 0:02:47.453 well as the range of mentoring programs run through the 0:02:47.453 --> 0:02:51.922 Australian Disability Network. It's my great pleasure to be joined 0:02:51.923 --> 0:02:57.893 by Brooke Carter and Corinne Strauss. Corinne, Brooke, welcome back 0:02:57.893 --> 0:03:01.523 to Talking Vision. Thank you very much for your time today. 0:03:01.553 --> 0:03:02.422 Thanks, Sam. 0:03:02.423 --> 0:03:03.742 Thank you for having us, Sam. 0:03:03.773 --> 0:03:07.433 Corinne, I'll start with you. I'd love to have a 0:03:07.433 --> 0:03:11.722 chat about the Pace mentoring program today. So could you 0:03:11.752 --> 0:03:14.722 give us a bit of an overview of the program? 0:03:14.963 --> 0:03:17.843 I can, but I'll tell you that Brooke has got 0:03:17.873 --> 0:03:21.232 her hands all over it. Um, but the Pace mentoring 0:03:21.232 --> 0:03:26.692 program is established to provide mentoring support for job seekers 0:03:26.692 --> 0:03:30.972 with Disability and to connect them with mentors within our 0:03:30.972 --> 0:03:35.803 member organization. And it's over about a 16 week period. 0:03:35.833 --> 0:03:38.982 We do it twice a year, and it is quite 0:03:39.013 --> 0:03:45.073 a transformational experience, transformational for a person with a disability 0:03:45.103 --> 0:03:50.863 who is seeking guidance around career progression or job applications 0:03:51.403 --> 0:03:54.313 or whatever it is that is related to their career. 0:03:54.373 --> 0:03:57.432 No matter your age, and at the same time, for 0:03:57.433 --> 0:04:01.693 the mentors, very often the mentors don't have an understanding 0:04:01.693 --> 0:04:04.453 or a lived experience with disability. And so this is 0:04:04.453 --> 0:04:07.993 a great way to build understanding of the barriers that 0:04:07.993 --> 0:04:12.973 people with disability face in attaining jobs or getting career 0:04:13.003 --> 0:04:15.283 progression in their organization. 0:04:15.463 --> 0:04:19.392 Okay. Now, as you've said, Brooke does have her hands 0:04:19.393 --> 0:04:22.543 all over this one. So, Brooke, I'd love to come 0:04:22.543 --> 0:04:27.173 to you and get your insights on the pace, mentoring program. 0:04:27.473 --> 0:04:31.493 Thanks, Sam. As Karins highlighted, it really is a great 0:04:31.493 --> 0:04:36.773 program with matching the mentors and the mentees together. We've 0:04:36.773 --> 0:04:39.952 been running the program for quite a few years. I 0:04:39.953 --> 0:04:42.653 do believe it turned ten last year. Wow. 0:04:42.683 --> 0:04:43.283 Oh my God. 0:04:43.313 --> 0:04:46.523 Happy birthday. Running. Thank you. We've been running it for 0:04:46.523 --> 0:04:49.553 a while. It's a really great program. It really teaches 0:04:49.553 --> 0:04:54.023 mentees the really important soft skills that you need to 0:04:54.053 --> 0:04:56.963 apply for a job and get through all of those 0:04:56.993 --> 0:05:01.103 steps that we all find really tricky. But having those 0:05:01.103 --> 0:05:04.523 extra conversations that you might need to have when you 0:05:04.553 --> 0:05:07.642 are a person that has a disability as well, and 0:05:07.643 --> 0:05:10.973 having the opportunity to flesh those out with a mentor 0:05:11.003 --> 0:05:14.243 is a really great experience. And that's where we see 0:05:14.243 --> 0:05:16.493 a lot of the growth come from from mentees at 0:05:16.493 --> 0:05:19.313 the start of the program, towards the end of the program. 0:05:19.313 --> 0:05:22.373 And as Corinne touched on as well, it's it's a 0:05:22.373 --> 0:05:25.703 great learning opportunity for the mentors as well. They really 0:05:25.723 --> 0:05:28.033 take a lot out of it for both their own 0:05:28.033 --> 0:05:32.202 professional career. They implement it into their own workplaces as 0:05:32.203 --> 0:05:35.593 well within their organizations, but they're also taking it out 0:05:35.593 --> 0:05:38.833 into their personal life as well. So there's so many 0:05:38.833 --> 0:05:42.973 areas around that inclusion that those lessons are being implemented. 0:05:42.973 --> 0:05:45.643 It really does make an impact, I guess, on everybody 0:05:45.643 --> 0:05:47.323 involved in the program as well. 0:05:47.353 --> 0:05:51.193 Brooke, I'd love to hear about your involvement in the program. 0:05:51.193 --> 0:05:55.693 I understand you've been quite heavily involved in the Pace 0:05:55.693 --> 0:06:00.703 mentoring program personally, so tell us a bit about that experience. 0:06:00.703 --> 0:06:05.203 So with the Pace mentoring program, I'm a program coordinator. 0:06:05.203 --> 0:06:09.793 So my role is to support and interact with all 0:06:09.823 --> 0:06:14.173 of the applicants that come through the programs. We do 0:06:14.173 --> 0:06:17.413 all the matching and we really get to hear about 0:06:17.413 --> 0:06:20.832 their stories through the program. I also do the mid 0:06:20.833 --> 0:06:26.063 program check ins with our mentors and our mentees, the 0:06:26.063 --> 0:06:30.233 one that I have had personal experiences with the stepping 0:06:30.233 --> 0:06:34.223 into program. But on a professional level, I've obviously had 0:06:34.223 --> 0:06:36.983 a lot of interaction with the Pace mentoring program, and 0:06:36.983 --> 0:06:38.753 I love it when we get to the end and 0:06:38.753 --> 0:06:42.443 we get to hear from guest speakers about their experiences 0:06:42.443 --> 0:06:44.753 and their stories and what an impact and just seeing 0:06:44.753 --> 0:06:47.183 that growth from the start of the program to the 0:06:47.183 --> 0:06:50.183 end of the program, it's really rewarding. 0:06:50.213 --> 0:06:54.233 Totally. And as a mentor in the program, Sam, it's 0:06:54.233 --> 0:06:57.082 great to see your mentees because I have mentored a 0:06:57.083 --> 0:07:00.293 few people in the Pace program myself, and it's great 0:07:00.293 --> 0:07:04.613 to see the mentees come into the program often lacking 0:07:04.613 --> 0:07:07.673 in confidence. And then by the end of 16 weeks, 0:07:07.673 --> 0:07:11.873 you actually see how they've built their confidence around their 0:07:11.873 --> 0:07:15.863 job seeking process and feeling confident to ask the questions 0:07:15.863 --> 0:07:19.403 that they maybe would have been reluctant to ask, or 0:07:19.403 --> 0:07:24.313 to imagine what they imagined was impossible. Initially. So, you know, 0:07:24.343 --> 0:07:27.793 dreaming big, encouraging them to think big and be bold 0:07:27.793 --> 0:07:30.733 in their actions. But at the same time, you know, 0:07:30.763 --> 0:07:34.903 as a mentor, we also learn the barriers that they face. 0:07:34.903 --> 0:07:38.503 And so in one of my cases, my mentee was 0:07:38.503 --> 0:07:42.853 facing incredible barriers around the job seeking process and the 0:07:42.853 --> 0:07:47.203 recruitment process because the job application forms were inaccessible to them. 0:07:47.203 --> 0:07:50.203 And so they didn't have somebody to contact to ask 0:07:50.203 --> 0:07:54.103 for an adjustment, or they wanted more information because they 0:07:54.103 --> 0:07:58.453 needed a lot more information before they could process the application. 0:07:58.453 --> 0:08:02.083 And so you see these barriers and you just wonder, 0:08:02.083 --> 0:08:04.363 why do we do that? You know, it should be 0:08:04.363 --> 0:08:07.933 accessible for everyone, never mind people with disability. But yeah, 0:08:07.933 --> 0:08:10.243 so great learnings for both ways. 0:08:10.303 --> 0:08:14.053 Oh certainly are great learnings. And as you've said Karen, 0:08:14.083 --> 0:08:18.343 there is quite a lot still to go in certain areas. 0:08:18.373 --> 0:08:22.943 As I understand, Australian Disability Network has just kicked off 0:08:22.943 --> 0:08:27.173 a six week campaign in the lead up to International 0:08:27.173 --> 0:08:32.362 Day of People with disability, entitled It's Not Hard to 0:08:32.393 --> 0:08:36.953 Be Inclusive. Now, this is a super important campaign involving 0:08:36.953 --> 0:08:41.093 a lot of businesses around Australia. So tell us a 0:08:41.093 --> 0:08:44.063 bit about that and the barriers that it's looking to 0:08:44.093 --> 0:08:49.673 knock down to enable employees and jobseekers with disabilities to 0:08:49.703 --> 0:08:52.763 find meaningful work around the country. 0:08:52.883 --> 0:08:55.672 Thanks, Sam. So yes, this is probably one of the 0:08:55.673 --> 0:08:59.153 biggest campaigns we've ever run at Australian Disability Network and 0:08:59.153 --> 0:09:02.513 it's super exciting. First thing to say is that we've 0:09:02.512 --> 0:09:07.163 created this amazing video, which people can see on our website, 0:09:07.163 --> 0:09:10.522 or if you go to our LinkedIn profile, and also 0:09:10.522 --> 0:09:13.612 very important to let people know that we've created an 0:09:13.612 --> 0:09:17.723 audio description version of the short film that's on our website. 0:09:17.723 --> 0:09:21.902 So it's inclusive for everyone to hear or see. But 0:09:21.902 --> 0:09:24.542 first of all, that's the big thing. Is this wonderful 0:09:24.543 --> 0:09:28.502 video about it's not hard and it's about comedy as well. 0:09:28.502 --> 0:09:32.042 It's got a comedic flavour around it, which is fabulous, 0:09:32.073 --> 0:09:33.632 and we've got a media pack. So if you go 0:09:33.632 --> 0:09:37.112 to our website, organizations can download the media pack and 0:09:37.112 --> 0:09:40.503 tap into it, and obviously our members get more information 0:09:40.502 --> 0:09:43.352 in advance. Whereas if you're not a member, you just 0:09:43.352 --> 0:09:46.233 get it every week as it rolls. But the first 0:09:46.232 --> 0:09:49.622 week we're going to be talking about choosing inclusion. The 0:09:49.622 --> 0:09:54.122 second week we will talk about inclusive communication, about creating 0:09:54.122 --> 0:09:59.402 accessible and understanding and engaging communications for everyone. Very often 0:09:59.402 --> 0:10:02.012 it's the thing that people forget to do. And then 0:10:02.012 --> 0:10:05.463 the third week we will do inclusive access. So we'll 0:10:05.463 --> 0:10:09.993 talk about creating environments where everyone can participate with ease 0:10:09.992 --> 0:10:13.923 and respect. And so what environment are we operating in 0:10:13.923 --> 0:10:18.062 where we are not being inclusive of people with disability, 0:10:18.063 --> 0:10:22.552 and that includes people with invisible disability or non-visible disability, 0:10:22.553 --> 0:10:26.963 as well as people with physical disability. The fourth week 0:10:26.963 --> 0:10:30.713 we're going to focus around inclusive recruitment. This is where 0:10:30.713 --> 0:10:34.433 we see loads of barriers for people with disability. And 0:10:34.433 --> 0:10:38.213 then the fifth week we're going to do workplace adjustments 0:10:38.213 --> 0:10:42.142 and talk about workplace adjustments and tools and resources around that. 0:10:42.173 --> 0:10:45.383 And we've done a huge amount of research in that space. 0:10:45.382 --> 0:10:48.742 And we've got lots of recommendations and tools and tips 0:10:48.742 --> 0:10:52.762 for people to be better at introducing workplace adjustment policies 0:10:52.762 --> 0:10:56.273 in their organisation, and also for people with disability to 0:10:56.303 --> 0:10:59.693 know how to ask for their adjustments. And then the 0:10:59.693 --> 0:11:05.122 final week, week six is inclusive attitudes. This is actually 0:11:05.122 --> 0:11:08.663 about fostering a culture of respect and understanding and equality 0:11:08.663 --> 0:11:11.872 in the workplace. And then the final week is a 0:11:11.872 --> 0:11:16.283 celebration and reflection of the progress we've made over the 0:11:16.283 --> 0:11:20.532 period of time. So great campaign, a great campaign for 0:11:20.533 --> 0:11:24.882 all Australians to participate in all employers, no matter how 0:11:24.882 --> 0:11:27.883 big or small you are. And all the material we've 0:11:27.882 --> 0:11:32.833 created is fully inclusive for everyone. And hopefully by doing 0:11:32.833 --> 0:11:37.213 this six week campaign, we can build better understanding and 0:11:37.213 --> 0:11:39.852 break down barriers for people with disability. 0:11:39.882 --> 0:11:42.552 I want to touch on that a bit with both 0:11:42.553 --> 0:11:46.362 of you about that progress that is being made, but 0:11:46.362 --> 0:11:51.733 also things you've observed that still need to be tackled, 0:11:51.732 --> 0:11:54.882 and you've spoken a little bit about the barriers a 0:11:54.882 --> 0:11:58.122 few of your mentees have faced and all that sort 0:11:58.122 --> 0:12:01.512 of thing. But, um, Brooke, I might start with you. 0:12:01.512 --> 0:12:05.682 I'd love to chat to you about the importance of 0:12:05.683 --> 0:12:09.943 a campaign. Like it's not hard to be inclusive, given 0:12:09.943 --> 0:12:13.393 both of us are people who have low vision. What 0:12:13.392 --> 0:12:16.122 does this sort of campaign mean for you? And being 0:12:16.122 --> 0:12:19.973 involved with such a big campaign over the next six weeks. 0:12:20.183 --> 0:12:23.273 Thanks, Sam. Yes. As being a person that does have 0:12:23.303 --> 0:12:27.563 low vision, these campaigns are really important. It's great that 0:12:27.563 --> 0:12:30.982 we have a day to celebrate, but we need campaigns 0:12:30.982 --> 0:12:35.063 like this to start the conversation early and continue the 0:12:35.063 --> 0:12:40.522 conversations as well. The employment space. It has improved a 0:12:40.522 --> 0:12:43.612 little bit, but there's still a lot of work to 0:12:43.642 --> 0:12:48.953 do in creating those opportunities. And a campaign like this 0:12:48.953 --> 0:12:52.403 really highlights some of the things that may be considered 0:12:52.433 --> 0:12:56.512 being complex to do, but they're actually not. They might 0:12:56.512 --> 0:13:01.163 be small, but they're so important. You know, having inclusive communication, 0:13:01.193 --> 0:13:05.183 having an inclusive recruitment process, making sure the environment is 0:13:05.183 --> 0:13:10.672 accessible beyond just the physical environment as well. What does 0:13:10.673 --> 0:13:14.512 that look like digitally? And simple things, just as being 0:13:14.512 --> 0:13:17.882 independent and having dignity to go through your workplace on 0:13:17.882 --> 0:13:21.662 your own. That's so important. They might seem complicated to 0:13:21.693 --> 0:13:24.423 put in place, but really they're not. And I guess 0:13:24.453 --> 0:13:27.213 a campaign like this, and as big as this, provides 0:13:27.213 --> 0:13:30.933 lots of different resources for different organizations and really assist 0:13:30.933 --> 0:13:33.843 them to have those conversations. And I think really we 0:13:33.843 --> 0:13:36.152 just need to have it grow wider and wider and 0:13:36.152 --> 0:13:42.002 having more conversations so that people like yourself and myself, Sam, 0:13:42.002 --> 0:13:45.453 that do have an extra added thing to be concerned 0:13:45.453 --> 0:13:48.543 about that doesn't have to be a concern anymore. People 0:13:48.543 --> 0:13:52.412 with a disability within employment, they're more than just their disability. 0:13:52.413 --> 0:13:57.122 They have lots of skills and talent to offer an organisation, 0:13:57.122 --> 0:13:59.523 and it's just really important with a campaign like this, 0:13:59.522 --> 0:14:02.492 that we make it clear that it's not complicated and 0:14:02.492 --> 0:14:05.132 that you could get a really good person by being 0:14:05.132 --> 0:14:06.662 an inclusive workplace. 0:14:06.693 --> 0:14:11.012 Definitely. And Karen, I'd love to get your thoughts as well. 0:14:11.043 --> 0:14:13.532 In a similar vein, what would you like to let 0:14:13.533 --> 0:14:15.122 our listeners know about? 0:14:15.183 --> 0:14:19.403 I would say to people who are listening today who 0:14:19.433 --> 0:14:23.273 may not have a disability, that inclusion is not hard. 0:14:23.273 --> 0:14:26.693 People with disability want to be given the same opportunity 0:14:26.723 --> 0:14:29.903 as anyone else. And if you put the right adjustments 0:14:29.903 --> 0:14:33.503 in and support and create an inclusive environment, you will 0:14:33.503 --> 0:14:38.723 find that they are incredible, great contributors to our community 0:14:38.723 --> 0:14:42.383 and to our workplace. And really, I think open your 0:14:42.383 --> 0:14:45.922 mind to what are you doing day by day that 0:14:45.923 --> 0:14:49.103 is creating barriers for people with disability. And a great 0:14:49.103 --> 0:14:52.673 example is things like our documents. When we create documents 0:14:52.673 --> 0:14:56.363 and emails and reports, are we making sure that those 0:14:56.363 --> 0:14:59.633 documents are accessible for everyone to read? You know, when 0:14:59.633 --> 0:15:02.333 we have meetings or we checking to see that people 0:15:02.333 --> 0:15:06.413 with physical disability can access the venue? Let's just think 0:15:06.413 --> 0:15:10.493 about everyone when we plan to do stuff. And so 0:15:10.493 --> 0:15:13.343 I think this campaign is a really good reminder of 0:15:13.343 --> 0:15:16.993 the small things that we can do to be welcoming 0:15:16.993 --> 0:15:20.743 and inclusive of all people with disability, not just as employees, 0:15:20.743 --> 0:15:22.933 but as customers and as friends. 0:15:22.993 --> 0:15:27.883 Absolutely. And now, Corinne, I'll stay with you finally to 0:15:27.913 --> 0:15:32.023 just get some details about how people can find out 0:15:32.023 --> 0:15:37.062 a little bit more about the Australian Disability Network. The 0:15:37.063 --> 0:15:41.113 programs that they are running, such as the Pace mentoring program, 0:15:41.113 --> 0:15:44.893 or just a bit more information about the It's Not 0:15:44.893 --> 0:15:47.113 hard to be inclusive campaign. 0:15:47.773 --> 0:15:50.203 I guess. I am so happy to do that. So 0:15:50.203 --> 0:15:52.633 the first thing I'd say to people who are listening 0:15:52.663 --> 0:15:57.403 to this, jump on to our website, Australian Disability Network, 0:15:57.403 --> 0:16:01.603 and you will find in the website there is a 0:16:01.603 --> 0:16:04.663 spot called News and Events, and you'll be able to 0:16:04.693 --> 0:16:07.543 find the link to the it's not hard to be 0:16:07.543 --> 0:16:11.833 inclusive material. And the video, the awesome video that's there. 0:16:11.863 --> 0:16:14.933 Also on LinkedIn and Facebook. We're putting a lot of 0:16:14.933 --> 0:16:19.673 stuff on socials. Australian disability network. The other thing is 0:16:19.673 --> 0:16:22.823 to let people know is that Australian Disability Network is 0:16:22.823 --> 0:16:27.653 an organisation that is there to help employers, biggest Australian 0:16:27.653 --> 0:16:30.623 employers that you can think of right through to the 0:16:30.623 --> 0:16:34.403 Prime Minister and Cabinet Office, right through to, you know, federal, 0:16:34.403 --> 0:16:38.153 state government, local government and all the biggest brands. Our 0:16:38.153 --> 0:16:42.383 job is to help build their capability and confidence to 0:16:42.413 --> 0:16:46.253 welcome and include people with disability in their organisation. And 0:16:46.253 --> 0:16:49.253 so we provide a whole range of tools and resources. 0:16:49.283 --> 0:16:53.693 We also provide opportunities to connect people with disability into 0:16:53.693 --> 0:16:57.953 our organisation, into our member organisations and through the Pace 0:16:57.953 --> 0:17:01.822 mentoring program, as well as through the internship program, which 0:17:01.823 --> 0:17:05.543 is amazing and I think it's gold standard. I don't 0:17:05.573 --> 0:17:08.393 know of many organisations around the world that do what 0:17:08.393 --> 0:17:12.413 we do around our mentoring and internship program. So if 0:17:12.413 --> 0:17:14.493 you want to learn more about what we do and 0:17:14.493 --> 0:17:17.403 how we do it, just jump on our website or 0:17:17.403 --> 0:17:21.872 otherwise contact us at Australian Disability Network. Our website is 0:17:21.873 --> 0:17:25.653 fully inclusive and accessible, and we're more than happy to 0:17:25.683 --> 0:17:28.173 chat to anyone who would like to know more. But 0:17:28.173 --> 0:17:30.423 LinkedIn is also a really good place to follow us 0:17:30.423 --> 0:17:33.153 as well, and all the work we do and follow 0:17:33.153 --> 0:17:36.633 Brooke's amazing work. She's a great team member. We love 0:17:36.633 --> 0:17:39.423 having her on her team. She's the most calm and 0:17:39.423 --> 0:17:43.562 collected person I know, and she's a great contributor to 0:17:43.593 --> 0:17:47.133 the organisation and an advocate for people with disability. 0:17:47.163 --> 0:17:50.403 Yes, I can definitely attest to that one. Karen, I 0:17:50.613 --> 0:17:53.163 have had quite a lot to do with Brooke over 0:17:53.163 --> 0:17:56.283 the years, and it's always been a pleasure to work 0:17:56.283 --> 0:17:59.193 with you, Brooke, and great to have you and Karen 0:17:59.223 --> 0:18:02.763 back on the show today. So thank you both very 0:18:02.763 --> 0:18:04.083 much for your time. 0:18:04.113 --> 0:18:05.133 Thanks, Sam. 0:18:05.343 --> 0:18:06.423 Thank you. Sam. 0:18:06.453 --> 0:18:11.193 That's Karen Strauss and Brooke Carter. They're from the Australian 0:18:11.193 --> 0:18:15.413 Ion disability network. Chatting to me today all about the 0:18:15.413 --> 0:18:20.183 Pace mentoring program and the upcoming It's Not Hard to 0:18:20.213 --> 0:18:31.733 Be Inclusive campaign. I'm Sam Culley and you're listening to 0:18:31.763 --> 0:18:37.223 Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio. Associated Stations of Reading 0:18:37.223 --> 0:18:42.083 Radio and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed 0:18:42.083 --> 0:18:46.163 that conversation there with Corin and Brooke from the Australian 0:18:46.163 --> 0:18:51.023 Disability Network. If you missed any part of that conversation 0:18:51.023 --> 0:18:54.563 or you'd love to hear it again. Talking vision is 0:18:54.563 --> 0:18:59.483 available on your favorite podcast platform or through the Vision 0:18:59.513 --> 0:19:03.563 Australia library. You can also find the show on the 0:19:03.563 --> 0:19:09.803 Vision Australia Radio website at RVA radio.org. That's RVA radio 0:19:09.803 --> 0:19:16.273 all one word.org. If you are a Vision Australia Library member, 0:19:16.273 --> 0:19:20.533 you may have heard the exciting news about the recent 0:19:20.533 --> 0:19:26.053 changes to the library over the past week or so. Well, 0:19:26.083 --> 0:19:28.783 to have a little bit of a chat about this, 0:19:28.783 --> 0:19:32.743 I'm very pleased to be joined by a regular of 0:19:32.743 --> 0:19:37.213 ours on Talking Vision. Sarah Bloedorn, manager of the Vision 0:19:37.213 --> 0:19:42.282 Australia Library. Sarah, welcome back. Thanks so much for your time. 0:19:42.283 --> 0:19:43.302 Thanks for having me. 0:19:43.333 --> 0:19:48.103 Now there's some exciting changes going on at the Vision 0:19:48.103 --> 0:19:51.943 Australia Library. So what is changing? What can people look 0:19:51.943 --> 0:19:52.693 forward to? 0:19:52.723 --> 0:19:54.763 Yeah, we're always trying to keep people on their toes 0:19:54.763 --> 0:19:57.703 at the library for sure, but very excited to share 0:19:57.703 --> 0:20:00.433 about a systems change that we've had. I know often 0:20:00.433 --> 0:20:02.593 I come on here and talk about programs and books, 0:20:02.593 --> 0:20:04.903 but we don't often think about the system that actually 0:20:04.903 --> 0:20:08.383 runs our library. Everything happening kind of behind the scenes 0:20:08.383 --> 0:20:11.303 to make sure it works well and we've just implemented 0:20:11.303 --> 0:20:14.663 a new and improved library system. So what does that 0:20:14.663 --> 0:20:17.723 mean in real speak? Well, what we've done is we've 0:20:17.723 --> 0:20:20.963 made it easier for you to use your library and 0:20:20.963 --> 0:20:23.243 to find the things that you want to read, which 0:20:23.243 --> 0:20:25.103 is really what we're all looking for, isn't it? In 0:20:25.103 --> 0:20:28.403 terms of a library service. Certainly we've introduced many more 0:20:28.403 --> 0:20:31.703 categories that when you're searching, you can get more accurate 0:20:31.703 --> 0:20:34.313 search results. So you're really finding the things that you 0:20:34.313 --> 0:20:37.433 want to read. And you can also use these categories 0:20:37.433 --> 0:20:40.793 when you're setting up your preferences. So we can automatically 0:20:40.793 --> 0:20:45.623 allocate library resources to you. We've made some other changes 0:20:45.623 --> 0:20:49.853 around how the catalogue searches for languages other than English, 0:20:50.243 --> 0:20:53.153 so that you can find different languages, should you like 0:20:53.153 --> 0:20:56.513 to read in that way. And our categories have now 0:20:56.543 --> 0:21:01.433 moved from 50 to over 200 categories. So to explain 0:21:01.433 --> 0:21:03.533 that in real time, I guess, you know, someone might 0:21:03.533 --> 0:21:05.783 come to us and say, I really love romance books. 0:21:05.783 --> 0:21:07.913 I'd love to read a romance book, but they might 0:21:07.913 --> 0:21:10.573 want a really specific romance, and they might be getting 0:21:10.573 --> 0:21:13.153 books that they're not enjoying. So now you can break 0:21:13.153 --> 0:21:16.333 down a category like romance, which is quite broad really, 0:21:16.363 --> 0:21:22.003 to things like historical romance or modern romance. You can 0:21:22.033 --> 0:21:24.823 be a bit more selective. So hopefully say if we 0:21:24.853 --> 0:21:26.893 send you five books, you know, four of them are 0:21:26.893 --> 0:21:29.923 going to be right instead of potentially previously, if it 0:21:29.923 --> 0:21:31.573 was a little bit broad, you might only get one 0:21:31.573 --> 0:21:33.703 that you really loved. So this way you can be 0:21:33.703 --> 0:21:37.183 really specific. Another example is thinking about kind of your 0:21:37.183 --> 0:21:40.813 crime and mystery genre, which we know is our most popular. 0:21:40.843 --> 0:21:43.873 Within that, there's so many subgenres that you might not 0:21:43.873 --> 0:21:46.333 think of, but you might really like. So for example, 0:21:46.333 --> 0:21:50.323 something like spy fiction, or you might like thrillers, or 0:21:50.323 --> 0:21:53.353 you might just like your classic detective mystery, so you 0:21:53.353 --> 0:21:56.713 can choose those. And then hopefully with that, find lots 0:21:56.713 --> 0:21:58.393 of great books that you enjoy. 0:21:58.663 --> 0:22:02.833 Okay, so there's lots of changes out there, lots of 0:22:02.833 --> 0:22:07.062 different things going on. But what isn't changing, Sarah? What's 0:22:07.063 --> 0:22:08.543 staying the same? Yeah. 0:22:08.573 --> 0:22:11.123 Great question. And we know that with change, people can 0:22:11.153 --> 0:22:13.553 be a bit concerned that something will be taken away. 0:22:13.553 --> 0:22:16.223 But I can assure you that the library system is 0:22:16.223 --> 0:22:19.133 working as it always has been. So for anybody that 0:22:19.133 --> 0:22:21.532 hasn't used the library for a little while and are 0:22:21.533 --> 0:22:24.323 listening to this, when you go to log on, it 0:22:24.323 --> 0:22:26.633 will all log you on as usual, you don't need 0:22:26.633 --> 0:22:29.603 to change your username or password, and when you go in, 0:22:29.633 --> 0:22:32.183 you're going to find your books that you had there before, 0:22:32.183 --> 0:22:36.593 your subscriptions, etc. so really nothing changes unless you want 0:22:36.623 --> 0:22:39.143 it to. And in terms of the categories, you can 0:22:39.143 --> 0:22:41.753 go in and change those. And I can explain about 0:22:41.753 --> 0:22:43.823 that a little bit more. But if you don't want to, 0:22:43.853 --> 0:22:45.953 if you're really satisfied with the books that you're getting 0:22:45.953 --> 0:22:48.113 at the moment, no worries, just leave it and keep 0:22:48.113 --> 0:22:49.973 reading and enjoying your library. 0:22:50.273 --> 0:22:54.263 Okay, so let's go into a little bit more detail 0:22:54.263 --> 0:22:57.953 about how people can explore the new library and find 0:22:57.953 --> 0:23:01.673 their way around all the new features that are available. 0:23:01.703 --> 0:23:04.733 Sure. So once you've logged in to the system, we 0:23:04.733 --> 0:23:07.303 encourage you to have a look around and to explore 0:23:07.303 --> 0:23:10.153 the new features. For example, just do a search and 0:23:10.153 --> 0:23:12.733 try out the new search functionality. That's a really simple 0:23:12.733 --> 0:23:15.193 way to get to grips with some of the changes. 0:23:15.193 --> 0:23:19.513 With your advanced search experience, we encourage you to use 0:23:19.513 --> 0:23:23.653 the new categories and subcategories to get more accurate results. 0:23:23.653 --> 0:23:26.143 And if you've set up your library resources to be 0:23:26.143 --> 0:23:29.052 auto allocated, then please check and have a look at 0:23:29.053 --> 0:23:32.683 the new categories which I mentioned previously, which we now have. 0:23:32.683 --> 0:23:35.653 So for example, we've got the category of action, intrigue, 0:23:35.653 --> 0:23:40.213 crime and War. And below that is 16 different subcategories 0:23:40.213 --> 0:23:43.123 to choose from. So like I mentioned you've got crime fiction, 0:23:43.123 --> 0:23:46.753 but you've also got suspense fiction or psychological fiction. So 0:23:46.753 --> 0:23:48.973 have a look through that and tick the boxes that 0:23:48.973 --> 0:23:51.463 you want. Any that you don't tick, you won't receive 0:23:51.463 --> 0:23:53.983 those ones. So that's great. If you're wanting to exclude anything, 0:23:53.983 --> 0:23:56.863 just don't tick the box. Of course, if you would 0:23:56.863 --> 0:23:59.443 like any help with this, we're very happy to take 0:23:59.443 --> 0:24:02.173 you through the process of the categories. Probably a few 0:24:02.173 --> 0:24:04.513 minutes on a phone call with one of our librarians. 0:24:04.513 --> 0:24:07.853 So please, if that feels more comfortable, give us a call. 0:24:07.883 --> 0:24:13.853 Our number is 1300 847 466. And we can either speak to 0:24:13.853 --> 0:24:15.893 you over the phone then, or we can organise a 0:24:15.893 --> 0:24:17.903 call back in your time. And we can go through 0:24:17.903 --> 0:24:19.163 the categories with you. 0:24:19.193 --> 0:24:26.573 Okay. Perfect that number again one 308 47466. And Sarah, 0:24:26.603 --> 0:24:30.143 would there be some other contact details that people could 0:24:30.143 --> 0:24:33.203 get in touch with you? I guess some other ways, 0:24:33.203 --> 0:24:36.713 if they do have some questions or some issues, is 0:24:36.713 --> 0:24:39.443 there maybe an email or a there might be an 0:24:39.443 --> 0:24:41.153 FAQ on a website somewhere? 0:24:41.183 --> 0:24:44.963 Yeah, absolutely. So we've got lots of information about the changes. 0:24:44.963 --> 0:24:47.303 So feel free to check out our website which will 0:24:47.303 --> 0:24:50.273 be updating. And we do have a very extensive frequently 0:24:50.273 --> 0:24:55.373 asked questions section. So that's Vision Australia. Org slash services 0:24:55.373 --> 0:24:58.043 slash library. And if you go to the library news 0:24:58.043 --> 0:25:01.433 section there'll be information there. And you're very welcome to 0:25:01.463 --> 0:25:07.813 email us as well where Vision Australia library at Vision australia.org. Sorry, 0:25:07.813 --> 0:25:09.553 that's a bit of a long one. I'll say it again. 0:25:09.583 --> 0:25:15.223 Vision Australia library at Vision australia.org. Email us with any 0:25:15.223 --> 0:25:17.263 questions or to request a call back. 0:25:17.293 --> 0:25:21.463 Cool. Thanks so much Sarah. I've been speaking today with 0:25:21.463 --> 0:25:25.873 Sarah Bloedorn, manager of the Vision Australia Library, here to 0:25:25.903 --> 0:25:29.773 chat to me all about the latest changes in the 0:25:29.773 --> 0:25:35.383 library to improve the service and the experience for library 0:25:35.413 --> 0:25:39.433 members who are blind or have low vision. Sarah, thank 0:25:39.463 --> 0:25:41.863 you so much for your time today. Great to catch 0:25:41.863 --> 0:25:51.553 up with you. You too. Thank you. Now, we caught 0:25:51.553 --> 0:25:56.233 up with Brooke and Karen from the Australian Disability Network 0:25:56.233 --> 0:26:00.373 earlier in the show, but the Australian Disability Network is 0:26:00.373 --> 0:26:05.033 also putting out the call out for people with Disabilities 0:26:05.033 --> 0:26:09.713 in Greater Melbourne to join a 45 minute in-person user 0:26:09.713 --> 0:26:14.933 testing interview for a major banking organisation. The purpose of 0:26:14.933 --> 0:26:18.203 this session is to gather feedback that will help improve 0:26:18.203 --> 0:26:23.813 online and mobile banking services to better meet accessibility needs. 0:26:23.843 --> 0:26:28.283 As we said, the session will run for 45 minutes. 0:26:28.313 --> 0:26:34.223 It's located at a suitable in-person venue, and participants will 0:26:34.223 --> 0:26:40.643 be compensated $150 for their time. If you're interested, please 0:26:40.643 --> 0:26:45.383 complete the User Experience Questionnaire by November 4th by heading 0:26:45.413 --> 0:26:49.973 to the Vision Australia Radio homepage and clicking through the 0:26:49.973 --> 0:26:55.283 link to the User Experience Questionnaire. Now that Vision Australia 0:26:55.283 --> 0:27:02.173 Radio home page again, that's VR radio.org. VR radio.org. Org 0:27:02.203 --> 0:27:05.443 to have your say. And that's all the time we 0:27:05.443 --> 0:27:10.033 have for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision. Talking 0:27:10.033 --> 0:27:14.113 vision is a Vision Australia radio production. Thanks to all 0:27:14.113 --> 0:27:18.253 involved with putting the show together every week. And remember, 0:27:18.253 --> 0:27:21.013 we love hearing from you. So please get in touch 0:27:21.013 --> 0:27:26.593 any time on our email at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. 0:27:26.593 --> 0:27:31.783 That's talking vision all one word at Vision australia.org. But 0:27:31.783 --> 0:27:35.473 until next week it's Sam Collins saying bye for now. 0:27:38.863 --> 0:27:43.033 You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during 0:27:43.033 --> 0:27:54.883 business hours on 1300 847 406. That's 1300 847 406 or by visiting Vision australia.org. 0:27:54.913 --> 0:27:57.433 That's Vision australia.org.