For the third year in a row outback and remote community residents who are blind or have low vision are being given the opportunity to attend one of Australia’s annual leading assistive technology exhibitions.
Thanks to the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), Vision Australia is able to assist up to five Vision Australia clients from rural or remote areas to visit Texpo.
Many of our clients living in rural and remote locations cannot afford the travel and accommodation costs to attend these fantastic exhibitions that are held each year in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne
says Vision Australia’s National Manager for Assistive Technology Services, Luisa Ferronato.
This grant will mean that up to five Vision Australia clients (plus one nominated travel companion each), will get to sample all the latest assistive technologies that can make such a difference to their lives.
This year, Vision Australia’s Texpo features:
- The latest products and demonstrations from key technology suppliers, including magnifiers, talking gadgets and computer access tools
- Information about Vision Australia’s specialist services and a chance to speak with our professional staff
- The opportunity to visit Vision Australia’s Equipment Solutions shop to try out or purchase assistive technology products
- The chance to meet a Seeing Eye Dog in training and find out how you can sponsor a puppy
The grants will be awarded to Vision Australia clients based on a written statement about how assistive technology has made or can make a difference. Entries must be submitted by 5pm, Wednesday 31 July 2013 and must be 300 words or less.
Money from the grants will go towards covering the costs of airline travel, taxi fares, accommodation and meals.
This year we are also using the funding to bring client groups from regional areas to Texpo. If you have a group of people interested in coming to Texpo and you are within 5 hours drive of a centre you can apply for a grant to cover the hire of a mini-bus. Note that this grant does not cover driver costs; vehicle hire only.
This year Vision Australia’s Texpo is being held at Coorparoo in Brisbane on Friday 30 August and Saturday 31 August, Kooyong in Melbourne on Friday 6 September and Saturday 7 September and at Enfield in Sydney on Friday 13 September and Saturday 14 September.
For further information please call Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66, visit www.visionaustralia.org/texpo or email to [email protected].