VisAbility

21/12/2025

Ever since Glenn's first connection with VisAbility, he's had access to training and technology that make everyday activities much easier.

He uses Topaz OCR (Optical Character Resolution) on his computer to check email, write, read articles and follow the news.

With tools like the PenFriend, he can identify items at home and work, with an audio label. In the kitchen, he can cook a meal, use the microwave and pour a cup of tea with assistive technology and talking appliances.

But not everyone in the community has the confidence or opportunity to find out about these things out. You can help make sure everyone knows about the support that's possible.

You can give more West Australians access a whole range of innovative services and live with greater confidence, independence, and hope, with a connection to Guide Dogs WA and VisAbility.

Please give before December 25. You will help change lives forever.
https://www.visability.com.au/christmas-appeal-glenn-and-walter/

17/12/2025

Pouring yourself a cup of tea.

Taking charge in the kitchen and making a meal.

Taking two buses and a train to get to work – and home again, late at night.

Can you imagine doing any of this while legally blind?

These are the everyday activities Glenn didn’t think would be possible – but today, he can do them all.

Guide Dogs WA and VisAbility has been at Glenn’s side every time he’s needed support, whether it was a phone call, training session, technology, his wonderful Guide Dogs, compassionate advice or a listening ear.

It’s all been made possible because of the generosity and kindness of people like you.

As this is a special time of giving, will you please help more West Australians like Glenn discover what's possible?
https://www.visability.com.au/christmas-appeal-glenn-and-walter/

17/12/2025

Meet Nicki – Your Assistive Technology (AT) Mentor at VisAbility 🌟
For almost four years, Nicki has been empowering people to use technology to live more independently and confidently in their daily lives.
What drives her most is seeing the difference that the right tools can make — whether it’s mastering a screen reader, exploring wearable tech, or learning Braille.

✨ How Nicki can support you:
• Smart device screen reader familiarisation, set up & training (VO, TalkBack)
• Laptop screen reader familiarisation, set up & training (VO, Narrator, NVDA, JAWS, GuideConnect)
• Mobile device familiarisation, set up and training (Olitech EasyFlip Smart, BlindShell Classic)
• Wearable device familiarisation, set up and training (Meta Ray-Ban glasses, OrCam MyEye Pro, OrCam Read, Ally Solos glasses)
• OCR / TTS device familiarisation, set up & training
• Braille technologies: learning Braille, device familiarisation, set up & training

👉 If you know someone who could benefit from Nicki’s expertise, refer them today and help them unlock greater independence through technology.
Nicki is based in our Bunbury office, and we have four Perth based AT Mentors who are ready to support you.
Contact our Client Experience Team on 9311 8202 or cetenquiries@visability.com.au to find out more or book some time with our AT Mentors.

15/12/2025

New name, same amazing experience! 🌟

Our popular LEGO® Group sessions are now called Social Builders Group Therapy – and they’re back for the new year!

Across four exciting sessions, kids aged 6–10 years will come together to create incredible LEGO® builds while learning essential social and communication skills. It’s all about collaboration, confidence, and creativity in a fun and supportive environment.

Facilitated by our experienced therapists, children will:
🌀 Build friendships and teamwork skills
🌀 Strengthen fine motor skills and problem-solving
🌀 Practice turn-taking and working towards shared goals

Spots are limited – RSVP by 19 December to secure your place!

For event details and to register your interest, head to: https://www.visability.com.au/services/group-programs/childrens-group-programs/social-builders-group-therapy/

11/12/2025

Ever since Glenn’s first connection with VisAbility, he’s had access to training and technology that makes everyday activities much easier.

Glenn can check email, write, read articles and follow the news using screen reader technology and create audio labels for household items with the PenFriend. He uses assistive technology for travel and navigation and talking appliances to cook and prepare food.

In fact, Glenn was so passionate about how technology can help people who live with low or no vision, he retrained as an Assistive Technology mentor.

“I like to help out, talk to people, and test out the technology available for people like me who live with low or no vision. Technology is so accessible and so good for us.
Please help Guide Dogs WA and VisAbility this Christmas. Their support changes lives."

You can bring joy and independence to people like Glenn this festive season - please give before December 25.
https://www.visability.com.au/christmas-appeal-glenn-and-walter/

09/12/2025

The Curtin University School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry is excited to host Curtin Razor, its annual showcase for the final year Screen Arts students tomorrow night from 6.45pm-8.45pm

Held at Rixon Theatre at Penrhos College, the event is a great opportunity for Curtin students to showcase their hard work to industry professionals, special guests, family and friends.

Tickets to attend the screening are free through the link below :

The event is fully accessible with AD headsets available, closed captions and an AUSLAN interpreter for the formal proceedings.

On the Jot Form please indicate your access needs.

The School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry is excited to host Curtin Razor, its annual showcase for the final year Screen Arts students....

08/12/2025

As a valued partner of Intopia we are seeking your assistance to participate in the survey below.

Intopia in partnership with Disability Advocacy Groups and Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities, is inviting people in Australia or New Zealand, aged 18 and over, who use assistive technology or adjust device settings to complete tasks online, to take part in the Assistive Technology Survey 2025.

Now in its third year, this is the most comprehensive survey across both countries examining how assistive technology is used online. It explores emerging trends, including the growing influence of AI and gathers real-world experiences to help shape better policy, product design and accessibility innovation.

If you use assistive technology or adaptive strategies, your insights are vital. The survey is accessible, anonymous and open from 3 December 2025 to 6 February 2026.

Your participation will help build a more inclusive and equitable digital future for everyone.

Here is the survey: https://surveys.intopia.digital/assistive-technology-survey/

06/12/2025

"I’ve discovered exactly what’s possible."

Glenn was in his 30s when he was told he would be legally blind within 20 years. But that’s not what happened.

Six months later, a bleed left him legally blind in his left eye. Vision loss continued in his right eye, and five years later, he was legally blind in his right eye as well.

When Glenn found out he was losing his vision, his goals didn't change. He still wanted to be able to work, travel, and do all the things he enjoyed.

He just needed to know what was possible - and how to navigate his new reality.

From the moment he connected with Guide Dogs WA and VisAbility, Glenn had all the support he needed every step of the way.

From assistive technology and equipment to help him at work and home, to his match with incredible Guide Dog, Walter and new navigation, he has built confidence and freedom.

Having help from Guide Dogs WA and VisAbility has been life-changing for Glenn. You can bring this change to other West Australians in need. Find out more here: https://www.visability.com.au/christmas-appeal-glenn-and-walter/

05/12/2025

Where would we be without our volunteers? 🫶

Today, on International Volunteers Day, we celebrate the incredible people who give their time, energy, and heart to make a difference.

Across the EverAbility Group – including Guide Dogs WA, VisAbility, and Kites Children's Therapy – more than 500 volunteers help us deliver life-changing services to West Australians living with low or no vision, disability, or illness.

From Audio Narrators all the way through to Building Maintenance Assistants, every role matters. Your generosity and countless hours of hard work make everything we do possible. We couldn’t do it without you!

Interested in joining our amazing volunteer team? 👉 Visit our website to learn more: https://www.visability.com.au/join-our-team/volunteer-with-us/

04/12/2025

On International Day of People with Disability, our very own Ryan Honschooten - part of our Children and Youth Services and Assistive Technology teams - was invited by the Western Australian Electoral Commission to share his lived experience as a person with vision impairment. His powerful speech captivated the room, sparking questions, conversations, and genuine connection.

Ryan spoke about his journey with vision impairment and the support of VisAbility, as well as the game-changing assistive technology that has opened doors for him over the years. He reminded everyone that disability should never define a person - people with disability are just normal people, like everyone else. He highlighted the irony that while people with disability can achieve extraordinary things like sky-diving or sailing from Sydney to Hobart, they still face barriers to employment.

Ryan challenged organisations to shift their focus to what people can do, not what they can’t. He asked the audience to consider whether something like not having a driver’s licence due to vision impairment should really stop a qualified candidate from getting a job. Often, small adaptations are all that’s needed to give someone the chance to thrive. He encouraged organisations to listen directly to people with disability when designing workplaces, projects, and services, because most of the time they already know the solutions.

He also praised the Electoral Commission for the strides they’ve made in accessibility, allowing him to vote independently and with dignity. He reminded everyone that every day is still a fight for inclusion and accessibility - the fights are getting smaller, but they remain.

👏 We’re proud of Ryan for sharing his story and helping break down barriers. His message was clear: change happens when accessibility is built in from the very start.

03/12/2025

Today is International Day of People with Disability – a chance to recognise ability, not limitation, and to champion inclusion in every community.

This year’s theme is “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” Through the services we provide at VisAbility, Kites Children's Therapy, and Guide Dogs WA, we’re making this vision a reality.

Across our teams, we work together to create connection, accessibility, and inclusion. We’re advancing social progress by ensuring people living with disability are not only supported, but celebrated.

Swipe through to discover some of the many ways we support people with disability across all our brands.

EverAbility Group is proud to support people living with disability, not just today but every day. Together, we’re breaking down barriers and building communities where inclusion drives social progress.

Find out more about how EverAbility Group supports people living with disability: https://www.everabilitygroup.org.au/

02/12/2025

What a day to remember! 🤩

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our annual VisAbility Family Picnic on Saturday, where clients, families, and friends enjoyed a sunny celebration of community and connection.

🍔Guests enjoyed a delicious BBQ while soaking up the sounds of the Grand Delusions, who set the perfect vibe with their live music.
🏐 Thanks to Blind Sports WA, everyone got active with goalball and an exciting obstacle course.
🎨 Face painting and stunning arts & crafts created by our talented clients at the Community Activity Centre were a highlight.
💃 The Dara Thai Dancing School ดารานาฏศิลป์ไทย wowed the crowd with interactive performances that had everyone moving.
🌿 And for something truly unique, Educated by Nature brought sensory muddy play - with mud, clay, and gumnuts offering a slow, tactile way to explore, create, and connect.

It was a day filled with laughter, creativity, and shared experiences - a true celebration of what makes our community so special.

Read more about this special event here: https://www.visability.com.au/events/visability-family-picnic-a-day-of-joy-connection-and-community/