Confident Steps

26/08/2025

Registrations for Explorers United group programs these school holidays are now open. If you have been on an EU program before you should have all the details in an email sent yesterday. If you would like more information or to be sent the registration form, please get in contact via phone or email.

25/08/2025

In this photo, a lift button has been repurposed to serve as “up” — the arrow works visually and tactually but the braille tells a different story. To a braille reader, both buttons say down, and one is even upside down, making it unreadable.
A small change with good intentions has ended up removing access for those who rely on braille. It’s a reminder that true accessibility means thinking beyond the surface.

21/08/2025

I couldn’t resist capturing this image of a client walking along a train platform as the sun was setting ahead of her! She is making such huge gains towards independent travel into the city and this sunset felt like the perfect way to finish the session.

Image shows the back of a person walking along a train platform. Her long cane is on the Tactile Ground surface indicators. In front of her the sun is big and bright and low in the sky as it sets.

03/03/2025

Explorers United Kids 7-14 years O&M programs 2025.

We are excited to launch our calendar for 2025 and January 2026.
Reach out if you have any questions or would like more information. We look forward to seeing you at an Explorers United event!

Image description:
Flyer with images of children having fun in different settings.
Text reads -
Come and join us in 2025 for group Orientation and Mobility programs! Our programs run over 2 days each school holidays.
Join Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists to develop skills and confidence through these fun school holiday programs.
1. Risky Business
April 14 & 15
Learn how to assess and manage risks in various environments through fun, hands on activities.
Includes a trip to Inflatable world and Gumbuya world.
2. Raise your Voice
July 14 & 15
Develop self advocacy skills to confidently express your personal needs, request accommodations, and navigate new environments with independence. Enjoy a live show and have a go at an improvisation class!
3. Little Foodies
September 29 & 30
Learn basic kitchen skills, utensil safety, and simple recipes. Plan, shops and prepare delicious snacks and treats. This program is run with the support of an Occupational Therapist.
4. Amazing Race
January 19 & 20, 2026
Just like the TV show, we will use O&M skills including public transport, self advocacy, technology and more to complete challenges, overcome road blocks and win the Amazing Race.

Contact Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0424 860 836 to find out more or email explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com

03/03/2025

Upcoming Explorers United programs for Youth 14-24 years.

We are excited to launch our group programs for 2025!
We hope to see you at an Explorers United event soon!

Image description:
Flyer with images of a theme park ride, a young woman with a microphone, young people cooking, and a group of people doing a high 5.
Text reads -

Youth 14-24 years 2025
Come and join us in 2025 for group Orientation and Mobility Programs! Our programs run over 2 days each school holidays.
Join Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists to develop skills and confidence through these fun school holiday programs.

1. Fearless Factor
April 16 & 17
Learn how to assess and manage risks in various environments through fun, hands on activities. Includes a trip to indoor rock climbing and Gumbuya theme park
2. Mic Drop Moments
July 17 & 18
Develop self advocacy skills to confidently express yourself and communicate effectively with the general public. Enjoy a live show and have a go at an Improvisation class.
3. The Foodie Quest
October 2 & 3
Build confidence by making simple meals as a group. Research recipes, plan and budget for your shopping. Includes a delicious foodies tour of Melbourne. This program is run with the support of an Occupational Therapist.
4. Amazing Race
January 22 & 23, 2026
Just like the TV show we will use O&M skills including public transport, self advocacy, technology and more to complete challenges, overcome road blocks and win the Amazing Race around Melbourne.

Contact Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0424 860 836 to find out more or email explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com

20/11/2024

This will be the last Explorers United group program for the year! What a busy 2024 we have had!
Reach out if you have any questions or would like to register.

05/10/2024

Another fun and productive week of group programs completed. Here are the "Explorers United Kid's" learning all about maps.

22/08/2024

School holiday program registrations are now open!

Registrations for the September/October school holiday programs are now open! Let us know if you have any questions or would like to come along.
For those that have been to an Explorers United program before you will have an email today with the link to register.

Job Skills
October 2 & 3 2024
Welcome to Explorers United - a collaboration of 3 experienced, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists. Come and join us over the September/October school holidays to learn something new, have some fun and meet new friends.

Learn about
- skills you need to know about for getting a job.
- the variety of work types at different businesses.
- Hear from people with lived experience of low vision and blindness in the workforce

The details:
Times: 10am - 4pm on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd October
Where: The program will run from Ross House, Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
We will meet participants at the venue, or Flinders St or Southern Cross stations.
Who: 14-24 years
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, your mobility aid and either bring your own lunch or money to purchase lunch. Snacks will be provided. You will also need you VI travel pass and Companion Card if you have one.
Transport to and from the program may be able to be supported. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

Book now! Limited places available. Bookings close September 27th or when places are gone. Email explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com or call Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0414 083 652

22/08/2024

School holiday program registrations are now open!

Registrations for the September/October school holiday programs are now open! Let us know if you have any questions or would like to come along.
For those that have been to an Explorers United program before you will have an email today with the link to register.

Map it Out
September 30 & October 1, 2024
Welcome to Explorers United - a collaboration of 3 experienced, certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists. Come and join us over the September/October school holidays to have some fun and meet new friends while we learn all about maps.
- Learn to make and use different types of maps including audio, large print and tactile.
- Scavenger hunt in teams using audio, large print and tactile maps.
- Use your mapping skills to get to and find your way around at a
mystery destination.

The details:
Times: 10am - 4pm on Monday 30th September and Tuesday 1st October.
Where: we will start and end our days at Hub Local, corner of Carrington Road and Thurston st, Box Hill.
Who: 7-14 years
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, myki or VI travel pass, Companion card (if you have one), your mobility aid and bring your own lunch on both days. Snacks will be provided.

Book now! Limited places available. Bookings close September 20th.
Email us at explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com or call
Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0414 083 652

21/07/2024

The recent school holidays marks one year of Explorers United. As O&M's, we love our 1:1 work but also really enjoy coming together to plan and run group programs that allow for peer learning and social connections.

Here are the dates for the September/October programs:
Kids 7-14 years - September 30th & October 1st
Youth - 14-24 years - October 2nd & 3rd
More information coming soon. Add the dates to your calendar!

08/07/2024

Another busy school holidays with programs for Explorers United Adults, Youth and Kids.
Before you know it, we will be planning our programs for 2025!

22/05/2024

Planning is well underway for the next school holiday programs and registrations are now open.

Last 'Kids' program there was a vote held which resulted in a chosen destination for our tram adventures instead of a 'mystery destination', so you if love a Bounce! and you want to learn all about tram travel come along.

The youth program 'On the Fly' is all about air travel - how to plan and book a trip, how to navigate the airport from SkyBus to the gate, and what supports are available as you do this independently.

Cataract Kids Australia UsherKids Australia Albinism Fellowship of Australia Glaucoma Australia SVRC - Statewide Vision Resource Centre Batten Disease Support & Research Association Australia Blind Sports & Recreation VictoriaBlind Citizens Australia