VisAbility

08/05/2026

Calling all Community Activity Centre members!

Our new Curious Minds group is the place to get answers to all the questions that you never knew you had. Questions like:

• When someone says it’s walking distance, does that mean Perth to Brisbane?
• What is the process between an idea and a published book?
• What is a fairy circle, and how do they get there?

This week, we were joined by our first guest speaker, retired RAN Submariner Colin Prior, who spoke about the why submarines are boats, and frigates are ships – among a whole lot more that he learnt form over thirty years living his life below the waves.

Expand your mind and enjoy an afternoon of intelligent conversation on Mondays from 1pm to 3pm. You can find more about our next three speakers below:

Gary Wilmot – Someone who simply decided to try – May 11th
A man who decided that running a marathon wasn’t enough of a challenge, so he decided to walk to Brisbane.

After years of living a sedentary lifestyle, he made the decision in his 40s to get fitter, starting with walking and gradually building up to running. Over time, that led to completing a marathon — something that once felt completely out of reach.
Not long after, he set himself a challenge that would take things far beyond anything he had imagined when he first started.

His story isn’t about being exceptional. It’s about what can happen when an ordinary person keeps putting one foot in front of the other, even when things aren’t perfect.


Fiona Evans – Author: The Track – May 18th
Fiona is a mathematician and writer, who loves writing compressed stories and poetry. She published her first novel, The Track, in December 2025.

This story of self-discovery and life changing moments is set along the Bibbulmun track, a thousand-kilometre hiking trail through WA’s Southwest.

Join Fiona as she talks about the creative process, the journey to publishing, and her love of the books main character: The Track

Bronwyn Bell – Environmental Scientist, Mining and Sustainability Manager, Runner, Mother, and Fairy Circle expert – May 25th
Bronwyn is an experienced mining and sustainability manager with 20 years’ experience in the resources sector, predominantly in Western Australia.

In 2016, she found herself the subject of international media attention when a paper she co-authored detailed the discovery of Fairy Circles in Newman, Western Australia, and presented new explanations as to how these mysterious features formed in our landscape.

Join Bronwyn as she tells us about Fairy Circles, the Science, and what it’s like to have every media outlet in the world talking about you.

These sessions are also available to join remotely for our Tasmanian and regional clients!

Never heard of the Community Activity Centre, but want to learn more?
Please reach out to of Client Engagement Team through email at cetenquiries@visability.com.au or by phone on 9311 8202.

You can also visit the Community Activity Centre page on our website to see some the activates available. To do so, please go to: https://bit.ly/3P83dA4

08/05/2026

Join us for our Volunteer Open Day during National Volunteer Week (May 20, 10:30 – 11:30), where we’re celebrating “Your Year to Volunteer”, Volunteering Australia’s theme for 2026.

This is your chance to explore the wide range of volunteering opportunities available across our brands, VisAbility and Guide Dogs WA.

Whether you’re curious about supporting people with vision impairment, or helping future generations of guide dogs, this open day is the perfect way to discover how you can make a difference.

Come along, meet our team, and see firsthand the meaningful roles you could play in our community!

Please RSVP via the link below if you wish to attend (its FREE!)

**MUST be over 18 to Volunteer.

PARKING: We have limited bays and street parking, so public transport is recommended. We’re directly across from Victoria Park Station and easily accessible!

RSVP: https://bit.ly/3RssB4h

24/04/2026

Are you aged 18-25 and looking to enter (or re-enter) the workforce? The Youth Disability Advocacy Network - YDAN are running 4 workshops over May to help kickstart your professional plans!

The workshops will cover how to:
- Understand your rights at work.
- Feel better prepared to apply for and start work.
- Confidently share your lived experience and advocate for your rights in the workplace.

Each Workshop will focus on something different, so find the ones that interest you, or go along to all four!

Workshop 1 — Knowing Yourself (7th May)
Explore your strengths, values, and what drives you including how lived experience shapes what you bring to work.

Workshop 2 — The World of Work (8th May)
Understand different types of employment, what to look for in a workplace, and how to communicate your needs at work.

Workshop 3 — Tailoring Your Application (28th May)
Learn how to read a job ad and rework your existing CV to match the job.

Workshop 4 — Interview Skills (29th May)
Understand what employers are really asking, prepare your answers, and practise in a low-pressure setting.

Sessions run for 2 hours from 4:30pm to 6:30pm on the 7th, 8th, 28th, and 29th of May, and take place at Murdoch University Launchpad, Building 350 – Level 3.

Check out the poster below or reach out to Unleashed@ydan.com.au directly to learn more. You can also follow the link below to register.

Registration link: www.bit.ly/3QfZ5yc

This initiative is made possible thanks to the support of Murdoch University
and City of Melville.

17/04/2026

MAFS Meet Up – May Edition

Looking to get out, meet new people, and try something fun? Our monthly MAFS (Meeting a Friend Socially) catch-up is back!

Join Speech Pathologists, Alex and Emily, for an evening at Holey Moley Karrinyup, followed by dinner at Grill’d. 🍔⛳

It’s a relaxed social night designed for school leavers and young people from Kites and VisAbility who are at a similar stage in life and keen to make new connections.

When: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Time: 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Holey Moley & Grill’d, Karrinyup Shopping Centre

Spots are limited, so don’t miss out!
For more information and to register, head to: https://www.visability.com.au/services/group-programs/childrens-group-programs/mafs/

We’d love to see you there!

15/04/2026

Oh, Oh, Oh, Orthoptist?

With so many ‘O’ words in vision care, it’s easy to get confused. Orthoptists, Optometrists, Ophthalmologists… who does what?

At VisAbility, our Orthoptists are university‑qualified allied health professionals who help people make the most of their remaining vision. In our low vision services, they assess how vision affects everyday life and support people with conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.

Orthoptists can provide detailed vision assessments, help you develop practical strategies, and recommend low vision aids and assistive technology. Their goal is to support independence and improve quality of life for people living with permanent vision loss.

Want to learn more about what an Orthoptist can do for you?
Read the full article on our website:

Yes, we know, there are a lot of ‘O’ words in Vision Services. Don’t worry, it’s not just you! Between Orthoptists, Ophthalmologists and Optometrists (and…

13/04/2026

Knowing your rights isn't always as easy as it seems. That's why our friends at People With disabilities WA has partnered with Sussex Street Community Law Service to help spread the word and help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act.

So, drop into the Discrimination Café and:
- Get advice in a relaxed, welcoming space
- Chat with a lawyer and community advocates
- Get help, advice, or simply connect

Learn about your rights and responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act

Drop in anytime between 9.00am and 11.00am
Tuesday, 14 April
Tuesday, 21 April
Tuesday, 28 April
Tuesday, 5 May

@ The Launchpad
Room 350.3.003
The Geoffrey Bolton Library
Murdoch University

Closest ACROD parking is in Carpark 4 at the top of the hill.

This initiative is made possible thanks to the support of Murdoch University and City of Melville.

09/04/2026

Calling all 18–25-year-olds! Go along to one of Youth Disability Advocacy Network - YDAN's upcoming SPARK workshops to understand your disability rights and build your self-advocacy toolset.

Dates: Thursday 16 and Thursday 23 of April
Time: 3.30pm to 8.00pm
Where: Murdoch University, The Launchpad (Geoffrey Bolton Library)

For more information, check out the flier below or reach out to Saskia at park@ydan.com.au

To register, scan the QR code included on the flier and complete the registration form.

This project is proudly supported by the City of Melville and Murdoch University.

08/04/2026

Curious about lawn bowls?
If you’re vision‑impaired or blind, join Geraldton Bowling Club on April 22nd for a Try Out Day!

To Register or find out more, email griswold6155@bigpond.com

Registrations Close: April 15th
Address: Geraldton Bowling Club, 140 Onslow St, Geraldton

And a big thankyou to everyone involved in making this event happen:
WA Vision Impaired & Blind Lawn Bowlers, Bowls WA, WA Disabled Sports Association Inc, and Australian Blind Bowlers Association.

08/04/2026

Important information for NDIS families.

We’ve been hearing from more and more families who are receiving unexpected “cold calls” from NDIS planners or delegates to complete plan reviews.

If this has happened to you, please know you do NOT have to proceed if you feel unprepared, rushed, or uncomfortable.

You have the right to:
• decline the call
• ask to reschedule for another day or time
• request a face‑to‑face meeting
• have a support person with you (including a Social Worker)

At VisAbility, our Social Workers support clients before, during, and after NDIS reviews, helping you understand what’s being asked, clarify your priorities, and advocate for what is reasonable and necessary. They can also attend meetings or calls with you, if that’s helpful.

We’re sharing this flyer as a reminder that NDIS reviews do not need to happen via cold call, and support from a Social Worker is reasonable and appropriate.

If you’re facing an upcoming review or have received a call and don’t know what to do next, our Social Work team is here to help. Reach out to book support or have a conversation about your options via (08) 9311 8202 or info@visability.com.au.

07/04/2026

Curious about inclusive lawn bowls?
If you’re vision‑impaired or blind, join Middleton Beach Bowling Club in Albany on 18–19 April for a Try Out Day
✅ No experience needed
✅ Accessible, social & competitive
✅ Supportive community
📩 Register by 7 April: blindbowlswa@gmail.com
📍 Middleton Beach Bowling Club
WA Vision Impaired & Blind Lawn Bowlers

01/04/2026

Centre for Accessibility Australia is offering a FREE workshop to assist businesses, government organisations, and individuals to implement digital accessibility in their workplace and environment.

Learn how to write in plain language, increasing clarity and reach. Delve into the world of accessible social media, where you'll discover how to craft engaging posts that include alt text for visual accessibility, accessible hashtags, and more!

In this FREE workshop, you’ll gain an understanding of:
• Practical accessibility techniques – including hands-on accessibility activity
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards and overview
• Legal compliance
• Plain language guidance
• The future outlook for accessibility with the emergence of AI

Places are limited - reserve your spot now: https://bit.ly/4c6TWA2