00:00:21
S1: From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Colley.
00:00:31
S2: Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And for the next half hour we talk matters of blindness and low vision. Welcome to the program. This week we have an interview with Steph Amir from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. She's here to chat to us about the upcoming census taking place on the 11th of August, including the accessibility features for residents who are blind or have low vision. And then after you hear from Steph, Jason Gipps is on the show. It's a recent interview he did at the Adelaide Independent Living Expo with Ben Webster, the founder of Keryx, a disability support service operating in the Adelaide area. And to finish off Francis Calendar's back with an Anzac Day reader. Recommended. I hope you'll enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. Coming up in just under four months time, the 11th of August, in fact. The Australian Census will be upon us once again, and to have a chat all about the ways that the census has been made more accessible for residents who are blind or have low vision this time around. It's my great pleasure to welcome Stephanie Amir, spokesperson for the census from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, to Talking Vision. Steph, welcome to Talking Vision. Thank you very much for your time.
00:02:14
S3: Great to be here. Thanks, Sam.
00:02:15
S2: No worries. Now, firstly, Steph, before we jump into the finer details, just tell us a bit about the census. Give us a bit of an overview for listeners out there. In case this might be their first census they're filling out.
00:02:30
S3: Sure. So the census is the largest data collection in Australia and provides some of the country's most valuable statistics. It happens every five years, and it's a bit of a snapshot of who we are as a country and how we're changing over time. So this year is a census year. The census is happening in August, on Tuesday the 11th. And so what will happen is there'll be form in most cases, there'll be an envelope for each household. People can either log in and answer some questions or there's different options, different ways to complete the census. But the way that it works is that we ask questions for every single person in Australia, people of all ages, including anyone who might be visiting on census night. Whether they usually live in Australia or not. And it asks a bunch of different questions. So there'll be questions about health, education, cultural background, work, living situation. And from that information that we get, that's obviously important for decision making across the country. And because we have every single person, hopefully we do get that really rich data set that we can understand the needs and patterns for small population groups, including small geographical groups, and then other small community groups across the country.
00:03:50
S2: And Steph, for census participants who are blind or have low vision, they might be wondering, is my form going to be confidential? How do I make sure my information is secure? All that sort of thing. Just, you know, regular concerns anyone would have, really. But what sort of information can you give them?
00:04:14
S3: Yeah, that's absolutely something that's front and center for us. Protecting privacy and keeping information safe and secure is a very high priority. And it's a key factor in designing all elements of the census, including the census, online form and all of the form types. There's very strict confidentiality and privacy processes in place in terms of going into the details. There's more information online. If you go to census.gov.au/privacy, I can repeat that. It's census.gov.au/privacy. For more information. Something else I also wanted to mention was if anyone did want to do their form separately from everyone else in the household, that's something we can absolutely do. People can call up and request their own form. That's just for them, not for the other people. And again, there's a range of different form types available, including large print form, Braille form and online form or standard print paper form so that hopefully people can have that confidentiality if they need to. And the ABS, as a government organization, is operating under strict rules under the legislation that protects the data very strongly. So we're certainly not sharing data with other organisations anything like that. The data is kept very safe and secure inside the ABS.
00:05:39
S2: And Steph, is there an online component to the census this year. Can people jump on the website and fill it out through there.
00:05:50
S3: Yeah. So you can certainly fill out the census online. There's an online household form that is the method that most people will use. So from late July into August, each household will receive a letter in the mail. That letter will have a code that people can use to log in that's linked to their specific house and access the census in that way. Um, but for people who can't access this in the sense in that way or would rather not do it online, there will be other options available. So people can request a paper form and there'll be other form types. So we'll have a large print form. We'll have a Braille form in grade one and two. So people can call up and request that we'll post it out to your house. You can fill in the form either using the answer booklet or answering the questions online, and we can get the answers in that way. And if anyone is worried about any of those different options or not sure what's best for them, there will be a census contact centre that will open in July and will be available with people to answer any questions and to help people out who need a bit more support or information.
00:06:58
S2: Perfect. Well, we'll get some back to a few of those things in a little bit. But let's jump into the core of things and why the census matters. You've touched on this a little bit, but why does the abbess want to hear from everybody around the country, and what sort of things can that assist with in planning for the future?
00:07:23
S3: So the census data informs planning for all levels of government for schools, health care, transport infrastructure for local services, for people, families, communities. So it's used at a very granular level, for example, by local councils or by non-profit organisations to help advocate for or make decisions in terms of the needs of service delivery, for example. And then it's also used at quite a macro level. So it's used for things like population estimates. And then those estimates are used for things like the distribution of government funding, setting electoral boundaries for elections, GST distribution, that sort of thing. That's why it's helpful to know who is living where, how old they are, what their needs are, so that hopefully all levels of government can make decisions not just for what we need now, but also planning in into the future.
00:08:18
S2: Okay, now, Steph, let's have a bit of a recap around what accessibility supports are in place for people who are blind or have low vision or otherwise have a print disability. Let's get the rundown there.
00:08:35
S3: So yeah, as I said, we definitely want everyone to participate in the census, whether people fill in the forms themselves, or they can ask a trusted friend or family member or carer to help them answer. So some of what we'll have available is we'll have information in different ways. So accessible formats in print and online, we'll have audio files. Also, the census online form will be compatible with screen readers and include keyboard navigation to support assistive technologies. And then I guess some of the more specific things are there'll be different types of census forms so people can answer the same questions in different formats. So there'll be a large print form which people can call up and request. There'll be a Braille form. So we'll have a grade one and grade two version where people will be sent out that Braille form and along with an answer booklet. So people can either use a Braille to answer in the answer booklet, or they can read the Braille questions and then say their answers for someone else to put an online form. Whatever combination works for people, there'll be downloadable audio files with the questions. There'll be alt text descriptions and video transcripts. And then if anyone needs any extra help, the census contact centre will be open from July so people can call up and get extra help and I guess, information about their specific circumstance. For example, there'll also be some pop up hubs and fill in form sessions at specific locations. So for people who live near one of those locations, they can go and get help in person if that's helpful for them. But all of that information will be available closer to the census about those specific locations.
00:10:14
S2: Okay, perfect. Now, Steph, for the time being, can people access any contact details around the census at this time? Or should they be waiting until July until everything opens up? Where can they perhaps once they hear this and they jump off and think, okay, where could I go to find out a little bit for the time being? Where can they go for now?
00:10:43
S3: So the census website has quite a lot of information up there already. That's something that's been building over the last year or so with more and more information being added. So a lot of the general information is already online. And as I think I mentioned, the website is set up to be screen reader accessible and have those accessibility features. And further information will be added closer to the census date, including the phone number and contact details for the contact center will be from early July, I think.
00:11:15
S2: Okay, so let's just get that website for people out there.
00:11:20
S3: So it's abs.gov.au/census and it has the information. And there'll be more and more information added in the coming months.
00:11:30
S2: Perfect. Well there you go abs.gov.au/census. And make sure to keep tabs on the website as details emerge and we head towards the census date. Steph, thank you so much for your time today. It was great to catch up with you and get all the comprehensive rundown of the Australian census and the ways that it's made more accessible than ever. Thank you so much.
00:12:00
S3: Thanks so much for having me.
00:12:01
S2: That was Stephanie Amir there, said census spokesperson from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Catching up with me to chat all about the census and the accessibility features in the census in 2026. And don't worry if you want to find out more. Steph will be back on the show in a couple of months time, when things like the contact centre and email portals for the census will be set to open in July. On Sam Collier and you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio. Associated stations of the Radio Reading Network and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation there with Stephanie. If you missed any part of that chat with Steph or you'd love to hear it again. Talking vision is available on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia Library. You can also find the program on the Vision Australia Radio website. Simply head to VA radio.org. That's VA radio, all one word.org. And now here's Jason Gibbs with Ben Webster, founder of kid X, at the recent Adelaide Independent Living Expo.
00:13:32
S4: You're listening to the Adelaide ASA Independent Living Expo Special program on Vision Australia Radio and Radio Adelaide. It's great to be here with you. My name is Jason Gibbs, and as mentioned, I'm having a bit of a chat now to Ben Wacha from W. What am I saying W I'm making things up here. Ben. Kid X managing director of kid X how are you going? Ben?
00:13:53
S5: I'm very good, mate. Yourself.
00:13:55
S4: I'm all right. A little bit frazzled. I think we've spoken about 6 or 7 times now on air, and I should actually know how to say kid. But look, for those that are unaware, why don't you, uh, start the conversation with me today, telling me a little bit about the organisation and how it came about.
00:14:11
S5: No worries. So kids is a charity here in South Australia. Um, which we started um based on the fact that my son has cerebral palsy. Uh, so he was diagnosed at two. He's now 12. Um, we basically started an expo because we couldn't find any information out there back in 2014 when the NDIS was starting, um, we could find information about different therapies and that sort of thing overseas, but we couldn't find out who was here in South Australia. Yeah. So we started our expo and then from that we started the charity and um, yeah, we just basically are creating opportunities for people to have everyday experiences every day.
00:14:58
S4: It's interesting that point, isn't it, where you're, you know, online, you're trying to find a service or a support and you're like, there must be there. Like, what am I getting wrong? I'm wording it wrong. And then there's this little moment in your head that thinks, you know, Actually, I think it's me. I think I'm the one that has to step up and do something about this. And that's clearly what you did, right?
00:15:15
S5: Yeah. Like we, we could find stuff in England and South America and Italy. But yeah, nothing here in South Australia. So. So we, um, yeah, just, uh, basically it was a bit of a selfish moment where I just wanted everyone to come to me. And then then I could find out about everything that they did.
00:15:33
S4: Well, I'm glad you where selfish because it's worked out well for the community. Um, so can we just have a little bit of a conversation, firstly about the expo and how long it's gone for and what that might look like this year, um, or in the years to come.
00:15:44
S5: Yeah. So basically, uh, we started that in 2016. So, um, this is our, I think 10th year. I know last year was our 10th, 10th expo. Um, yeah. And, um, basically we've, uh, got too big for me to do by myself. So we brought in a management team and then, um, they were willing to take it over. So, so Cjcs or sorry, Kim Jones exhibitions. Yeah. So they, they actually now run that expo, which has been awesome. So, um, yeah, this year it's going to be December 4th and five.
00:16:18
S4: Oh, it's already set.
00:16:18
S5: Yeah, yeah. Here, here here at the Showgrounds actually.
00:16:21
S4: Oh there you go. We might just stick around and get some hot chocolate in the meanwhile. Yeah. Oh that's great. Look. And evermore so important as we just heard from Occupational Therapy Australia. So important that people are aware of the supports that are out there for in the pediatric space for children and young people. And, uh, and just to have all of those services in one place. So that's fantastic. Yeah, absolutely. But what can you do to help people, uh, with, uh, children with lived experience with disability across the year? Ben, what kind of services and supports do you offer?
00:16:52
S5: Well, just based on the, the, the issues that we come across with, with Harry, um, every day experiences like going to the toilet, um, where we've had to go to an accessible toilet and look at taking him out of his wheelchair and then put him on the floor of a public toilet.
00:17:09
S4: Not so accessible.
00:17:10
S5: No. That's right. So it's it's not very dignified. It's not safe for both the participant or the person with the disability or the carers because, you know, w w, you know, states that, you know, we're not supposed to lift below our knees or above our shoulders, and yet we're still having to put people on the floor of a public toilet. So yeah, so we created our own off the floor accessible toilets, which is a eight metre trailer that we can lower to the ground. So it sits on its belly. Um, that increases the accessibility. It's got an automatic door. It's like a regular accessible toilet. Um, but it has the extra features of an adult sized change table. It's got ceiling hoist and, and a working toilet.
00:17:55
S4: It's amazing. I was very excited to see it yesterday because I know we've spoken about it over a few years and I, I even did a little bit of a video and sent it to my partner, who's an architect who got a kick out of it as well. Um, so absolutely fantastic design and accessible in its truest sense. Because a lot of people say things are accessible, they're not always as accessible as they need to be. So I would highly encourage anyone that's involved in public events, uh, expos and things like this to get in touch with Ben and Kid and inquire about that, because there absolutely should be one of these at every large event. I'm thinking Moomba in Melbourne, the Adelaide show everywhere. Right?
00:18:33
S5: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. We um when we designed it, we made sure that it met the um, the Australian standards for accessible toilets and that sort of thing as well. Um, but yeah, we, we love it. And the fact that it's semi permanent, you can sit there for weeks and months or you know, currently we've got one at the Garden of Earthly Delights which has been there for, you know, the last two months. Great. And then when you just don't need it there, you just raise it up, hook it onto the back of your back of your ute and just take it to the next event.
00:19:05
S4: Too easy. Ben, thank you so much for joining us today at the outset Independent Living Expo. Great to have you on and have another chat. And by the way, how did Harry go at basketball last night? Did he do all right or was it just a practice?
00:19:16
S5: Oh no. That was um frame running that he was.
00:19:18
S4: Oh. Frame running. Oh. We didn't get frame run. We have to spend a second talking about frame running, please. Yeah.
00:19:23
S5: Um, yeah. So basically we have no um we had no group programs for Harry. A lot of his therapies are one on one with an adult. Um, we wanted to create something where he would get that footy team experience or the cricket team experience, you know, going weekly to a training session with his peers. So, so we created a program called frame running SA, um, where we've got, uh, frame runners, which are three wheeled bikes that have no pedals. So it's like a Flintstone bike and you just run. Yeah. Um, so he exercises with his mates. He has plays, games, they race and all that sort of thing. And um, yeah, one of these inclusive programs that we run.
00:20:07
S4: Amazing. You again identified a gap and you did something about it. Absolutely. I really appreciate you bringing that up, because it was an important element of the conversation and I didn't want to miss it. Ben, how can people find out more about kid X and your products, your services, your supports?
00:20:23
S5: We've got a website, kids.org.au. We're quite prevalent on Facebook and Instagram as well. So, um, or that just if you Google kid, so it's KYD hyphen x fantastic.
00:20:37
S4: Or just, you know, get on your favourite podcast platform, search for Vision Australia radio kid X you'll hear a ton of stuff from over the years. All very good content, all very good quality. Uh, look, we are towards very close towards the end of our two days of live broadcasting from ASA Independent Living Expo. It's been wonderful to have the support of our Radio Adelaide volunteers and staff. Again, Radio Vision Australia, Radio Adelaide staff and volunteers, and of course, to our shared listening audience that have come together.
00:21:06
S6: I know it's it's wonderful to think, you know of the community getting together not only on this side of the mic, but also on the other side, of course, and encouraging to sort of seek out more community radio content because it's all good, isn't it?
00:21:22
S4: Absolutely. And I think this is the beauty of community radio and the community radio sector as a whole. We do cover events that commercial radio probably wouldn't touch unless there was a dollar amount associated.
00:21:32
S6: That's exactly.
00:21:32
S4: Right. We had some wonderful support from well, I won't. Yes, they did sponsor us. I must say that helping keep us on air and helping us cover our production costs for in the broadcast like this offered the space a wonderful space, and it really does help us engage with the community and remind people what offer, what vision Australia Radio's accessible news and information service is all about. That's right. Just encouraging more people to come along to events like this. Because that's right. You might not yourself or be connected to someone with disability. You're going to cross paths with someone. You want to be armed with the facts and know what's out there. And you know how to support people because we're all in it together.
00:22:08
S6: That's right. Well, the.
00:22:09
S4: Accessible.
00:22:09
S6: World. Talking of that, before we wrap up, we need to thank all the people who have made this broadcast possible. First, the presenters, of course, including yourself, Jason. Uh, Gibbs. Uh, to to close off the broadcast, but also Cameron Stark, Lizzie Eastham, Sam Rickard, Peter Greco, and then of course, the Radio Adelaide team, Michelle Smith and Paul Davis. Now I produced this program. My name is Guillaume Vitu. But of course, I had a lot of help from other producers and engineers on all sides of the microphone Indigo wood, Chrissy Roberts, Hakeem, uh, and Sarah Bailey at Radio Adelaide and of course, the fabulous Dale Simpson's at, uh, Vision Australia Radio. Uh, additional thanks to Pam Green from Vision Australia Radio, who helped us with some content today, as well as, of course, Abigail Johns and Melanie Robertson from assistive technology suppliers Australia. And finally, but not least, of List, of course. Tim Burgess from the South Australian Community Broadcasters Association.
00:23:18
S2: And now here's Frances Kelland with a reader recommended.
00:23:22
S7: This week's reader recommended is in honour of our Anzac Day, and it's a book by Roland Perry called Bill the bastard bill was massive. He had power, intelligence and unmatched courage in performance and character. He stood above all the other 200,000 Australian horses sent to the Middle East in the Great War. But as war horses go, he had one serious problem. No one could ride him but one man, Major Michael Shanahan. Some even thought Bill took a sneering pleasure in watching. Would be riders Hit the dust, bill the bastard is the remarkable tale of a bond between a determined trooper and his stoic but cantankerous mount. They fought together. They depended on each other for their survival. And when the chips were down. Bills, heroic efforts and exceptional instincts in battle saved the lives of Shanahan and four of his men. By September 1918, Bill the bastard was known by the entire Light Horse Force, who used his name not as an insult but as a term of endearment. Bill had become a legend, a symbol of the courage and unbreakable will of the Anzac Mounted Force. There was no other horse like Bill the bastard. Let's hear a sample of this book by Roland Perry. It's narrated by David Tredinnick.
00:24:39
S8: Before Banjo Paterson could revive his career as a war correspondent, he had a duty in his role as a would be vet, on board ship, in charge of his own horse, and a score of others, including Bill the Bastard. Paterson was travelling with 27 qualified vets in the main medical ship. In all, there were more than 8000 horses in the 38 transport ships and their minders were kept busy with inevitable equine sickness. Patterson loved his own mount, a sleek, smaller whaler he called Trumper after the cricketer Victor Trumper. But as they steamed into the Indian Ocean, he grew fonder of Bill than of any other animal. Everyone knew the temperamental bastard's reputation, and Patterson was cautious with him. Yet he found an unusual connection. Patterson reckoned this exceptional animal tackled his world in the same way he did his. Bill bowed to no human or thing.
00:25:42
S7: And that was Bill the Bastard by Roland Perry. If you would like to order that book, or if you would like to join the library. If you're not a member, you can always call to see how you can get the book and many others that are available. The phone number is 1300 654 656. That's 1300 654 656, or you can email library@australia.org. That's library at vision australia.org.
00:26:10
S2: And that's all the time we have for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you. So please get in touch anytime on our email at talking vision at vision australia.org. That's talking vision all one word at vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam Colley saying bye for now.
00:26:45
S1: You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on 1300 847 466, that's 130847466, or by visiting vision australia.org. That's Vision australia.org.
S1: From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Colley.
00:00:31
S2: Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And for the next half hour we talk matters of blindness and low vision. Welcome to the program. This week we have an interview with Steph Amir from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. She's here to chat to us about the upcoming census taking place on the 11th of August, including the accessibility features for residents who are blind or have low vision. And then after you hear from Steph, Jason Gipps is on the show. It's a recent interview he did at the Adelaide Independent Living Expo with Ben Webster, the founder of Keryx, a disability support service operating in the Adelaide area. And to finish off Francis Calendar's back with an Anzac Day reader. Recommended. I hope you'll enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. Coming up in just under four months time, the 11th of August, in fact. The Australian Census will be upon us once again, and to have a chat all about the ways that the census has been made more accessible for residents who are blind or have low vision this time around. It's my great pleasure to welcome Stephanie Amir, spokesperson for the census from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, to Talking Vision. Steph, welcome to Talking Vision. Thank you very much for your time.
00:02:14
S3: Great to be here. Thanks, Sam.
00:02:15
S2: No worries. Now, firstly, Steph, before we jump into the finer details, just tell us a bit about the census. Give us a bit of an overview for listeners out there. In case this might be their first census they're filling out.
00:02:30
S3: Sure. So the census is the largest data collection in Australia and provides some of the country's most valuable statistics. It happens every five years, and it's a bit of a snapshot of who we are as a country and how we're changing over time. So this year is a census year. The census is happening in August, on Tuesday the 11th. And so what will happen is there'll be form in most cases, there'll be an envelope for each household. People can either log in and answer some questions or there's different options, different ways to complete the census. But the way that it works is that we ask questions for every single person in Australia, people of all ages, including anyone who might be visiting on census night. Whether they usually live in Australia or not. And it asks a bunch of different questions. So there'll be questions about health, education, cultural background, work, living situation. And from that information that we get, that's obviously important for decision making across the country. And because we have every single person, hopefully we do get that really rich data set that we can understand the needs and patterns for small population groups, including small geographical groups, and then other small community groups across the country.
00:03:50
S2: And Steph, for census participants who are blind or have low vision, they might be wondering, is my form going to be confidential? How do I make sure my information is secure? All that sort of thing. Just, you know, regular concerns anyone would have, really. But what sort of information can you give them?
00:04:14
S3: Yeah, that's absolutely something that's front and center for us. Protecting privacy and keeping information safe and secure is a very high priority. And it's a key factor in designing all elements of the census, including the census, online form and all of the form types. There's very strict confidentiality and privacy processes in place in terms of going into the details. There's more information online. If you go to census.gov.au/privacy, I can repeat that. It's census.gov.au/privacy. For more information. Something else I also wanted to mention was if anyone did want to do their form separately from everyone else in the household, that's something we can absolutely do. People can call up and request their own form. That's just for them, not for the other people. And again, there's a range of different form types available, including large print form, Braille form and online form or standard print paper form so that hopefully people can have that confidentiality if they need to. And the ABS, as a government organization, is operating under strict rules under the legislation that protects the data very strongly. So we're certainly not sharing data with other organisations anything like that. The data is kept very safe and secure inside the ABS.
00:05:39
S2: And Steph, is there an online component to the census this year. Can people jump on the website and fill it out through there.
00:05:50
S3: Yeah. So you can certainly fill out the census online. There's an online household form that is the method that most people will use. So from late July into August, each household will receive a letter in the mail. That letter will have a code that people can use to log in that's linked to their specific house and access the census in that way. Um, but for people who can't access this in the sense in that way or would rather not do it online, there will be other options available. So people can request a paper form and there'll be other form types. So we'll have a large print form. We'll have a Braille form in grade one and two. So people can call up and request that we'll post it out to your house. You can fill in the form either using the answer booklet or answering the questions online, and we can get the answers in that way. And if anyone is worried about any of those different options or not sure what's best for them, there will be a census contact centre that will open in July and will be available with people to answer any questions and to help people out who need a bit more support or information.
00:06:58
S2: Perfect. Well, we'll get some back to a few of those things in a little bit. But let's jump into the core of things and why the census matters. You've touched on this a little bit, but why does the abbess want to hear from everybody around the country, and what sort of things can that assist with in planning for the future?
00:07:23
S3: So the census data informs planning for all levels of government for schools, health care, transport infrastructure for local services, for people, families, communities. So it's used at a very granular level, for example, by local councils or by non-profit organisations to help advocate for or make decisions in terms of the needs of service delivery, for example. And then it's also used at quite a macro level. So it's used for things like population estimates. And then those estimates are used for things like the distribution of government funding, setting electoral boundaries for elections, GST distribution, that sort of thing. That's why it's helpful to know who is living where, how old they are, what their needs are, so that hopefully all levels of government can make decisions not just for what we need now, but also planning in into the future.
00:08:18
S2: Okay, now, Steph, let's have a bit of a recap around what accessibility supports are in place for people who are blind or have low vision or otherwise have a print disability. Let's get the rundown there.
00:08:35
S3: So yeah, as I said, we definitely want everyone to participate in the census, whether people fill in the forms themselves, or they can ask a trusted friend or family member or carer to help them answer. So some of what we'll have available is we'll have information in different ways. So accessible formats in print and online, we'll have audio files. Also, the census online form will be compatible with screen readers and include keyboard navigation to support assistive technologies. And then I guess some of the more specific things are there'll be different types of census forms so people can answer the same questions in different formats. So there'll be a large print form which people can call up and request. There'll be a Braille form. So we'll have a grade one and grade two version where people will be sent out that Braille form and along with an answer booklet. So people can either use a Braille to answer in the answer booklet, or they can read the Braille questions and then say their answers for someone else to put an online form. Whatever combination works for people, there'll be downloadable audio files with the questions. There'll be alt text descriptions and video transcripts. And then if anyone needs any extra help, the census contact centre will be open from July so people can call up and get extra help and I guess, information about their specific circumstance. For example, there'll also be some pop up hubs and fill in form sessions at specific locations. So for people who live near one of those locations, they can go and get help in person if that's helpful for them. But all of that information will be available closer to the census about those specific locations.
00:10:14
S2: Okay, perfect. Now, Steph, for the time being, can people access any contact details around the census at this time? Or should they be waiting until July until everything opens up? Where can they perhaps once they hear this and they jump off and think, okay, where could I go to find out a little bit for the time being? Where can they go for now?
00:10:43
S3: So the census website has quite a lot of information up there already. That's something that's been building over the last year or so with more and more information being added. So a lot of the general information is already online. And as I think I mentioned, the website is set up to be screen reader accessible and have those accessibility features. And further information will be added closer to the census date, including the phone number and contact details for the contact center will be from early July, I think.
00:11:15
S2: Okay, so let's just get that website for people out there.
00:11:20
S3: So it's abs.gov.au/census and it has the information. And there'll be more and more information added in the coming months.
00:11:30
S2: Perfect. Well there you go abs.gov.au/census. And make sure to keep tabs on the website as details emerge and we head towards the census date. Steph, thank you so much for your time today. It was great to catch up with you and get all the comprehensive rundown of the Australian census and the ways that it's made more accessible than ever. Thank you so much.
00:12:00
S3: Thanks so much for having me.
00:12:01
S2: That was Stephanie Amir there, said census spokesperson from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Catching up with me to chat all about the census and the accessibility features in the census in 2026. And don't worry if you want to find out more. Steph will be back on the show in a couple of months time, when things like the contact centre and email portals for the census will be set to open in July. On Sam Collier and you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio. Associated stations of the Radio Reading Network and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation there with Stephanie. If you missed any part of that chat with Steph or you'd love to hear it again. Talking vision is available on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia Library. You can also find the program on the Vision Australia Radio website. Simply head to VA radio.org. That's VA radio, all one word.org. And now here's Jason Gibbs with Ben Webster, founder of kid X, at the recent Adelaide Independent Living Expo.
00:13:32
S4: You're listening to the Adelaide ASA Independent Living Expo Special program on Vision Australia Radio and Radio Adelaide. It's great to be here with you. My name is Jason Gibbs, and as mentioned, I'm having a bit of a chat now to Ben Wacha from W. What am I saying W I'm making things up here. Ben. Kid X managing director of kid X how are you going? Ben?
00:13:53
S5: I'm very good, mate. Yourself.
00:13:55
S4: I'm all right. A little bit frazzled. I think we've spoken about 6 or 7 times now on air, and I should actually know how to say kid. But look, for those that are unaware, why don't you, uh, start the conversation with me today, telling me a little bit about the organisation and how it came about.
00:14:11
S5: No worries. So kids is a charity here in South Australia. Um, which we started um based on the fact that my son has cerebral palsy. Uh, so he was diagnosed at two. He's now 12. Um, we basically started an expo because we couldn't find any information out there back in 2014 when the NDIS was starting, um, we could find information about different therapies and that sort of thing overseas, but we couldn't find out who was here in South Australia. Yeah. So we started our expo and then from that we started the charity and um, yeah, we just basically are creating opportunities for people to have everyday experiences every day.
00:14:58
S4: It's interesting that point, isn't it, where you're, you know, online, you're trying to find a service or a support and you're like, there must be there. Like, what am I getting wrong? I'm wording it wrong. And then there's this little moment in your head that thinks, you know, Actually, I think it's me. I think I'm the one that has to step up and do something about this. And that's clearly what you did, right?
00:15:15
S5: Yeah. Like we, we could find stuff in England and South America and Italy. But yeah, nothing here in South Australia. So. So we, um, yeah, just, uh, basically it was a bit of a selfish moment where I just wanted everyone to come to me. And then then I could find out about everything that they did.
00:15:33
S4: Well, I'm glad you where selfish because it's worked out well for the community. Um, so can we just have a little bit of a conversation, firstly about the expo and how long it's gone for and what that might look like this year, um, or in the years to come.
00:15:44
S5: Yeah. So basically, uh, we started that in 2016. So, um, this is our, I think 10th year. I know last year was our 10th, 10th expo. Um, yeah. And, um, basically we've, uh, got too big for me to do by myself. So we brought in a management team and then, um, they were willing to take it over. So, so Cjcs or sorry, Kim Jones exhibitions. Yeah. So they, they actually now run that expo, which has been awesome. So, um, yeah, this year it's going to be December 4th and five.
00:16:18
S4: Oh, it's already set.
00:16:18
S5: Yeah, yeah. Here, here here at the Showgrounds actually.
00:16:21
S4: Oh there you go. We might just stick around and get some hot chocolate in the meanwhile. Yeah. Oh that's great. Look. And evermore so important as we just heard from Occupational Therapy Australia. So important that people are aware of the supports that are out there for in the pediatric space for children and young people. And, uh, and just to have all of those services in one place. So that's fantastic. Yeah, absolutely. But what can you do to help people, uh, with, uh, children with lived experience with disability across the year? Ben, what kind of services and supports do you offer?
00:16:52
S5: Well, just based on the, the, the issues that we come across with, with Harry, um, every day experiences like going to the toilet, um, where we've had to go to an accessible toilet and look at taking him out of his wheelchair and then put him on the floor of a public toilet.
00:17:09
S4: Not so accessible.
00:17:10
S5: No. That's right. So it's it's not very dignified. It's not safe for both the participant or the person with the disability or the carers because, you know, w w, you know, states that, you know, we're not supposed to lift below our knees or above our shoulders, and yet we're still having to put people on the floor of a public toilet. So yeah, so we created our own off the floor accessible toilets, which is a eight metre trailer that we can lower to the ground. So it sits on its belly. Um, that increases the accessibility. It's got an automatic door. It's like a regular accessible toilet. Um, but it has the extra features of an adult sized change table. It's got ceiling hoist and, and a working toilet.
00:17:55
S4: It's amazing. I was very excited to see it yesterday because I know we've spoken about it over a few years and I, I even did a little bit of a video and sent it to my partner, who's an architect who got a kick out of it as well. Um, so absolutely fantastic design and accessible in its truest sense. Because a lot of people say things are accessible, they're not always as accessible as they need to be. So I would highly encourage anyone that's involved in public events, uh, expos and things like this to get in touch with Ben and Kid and inquire about that, because there absolutely should be one of these at every large event. I'm thinking Moomba in Melbourne, the Adelaide show everywhere. Right?
00:18:33
S5: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. We um when we designed it, we made sure that it met the um, the Australian standards for accessible toilets and that sort of thing as well. Um, but yeah, we, we love it. And the fact that it's semi permanent, you can sit there for weeks and months or you know, currently we've got one at the Garden of Earthly Delights which has been there for, you know, the last two months. Great. And then when you just don't need it there, you just raise it up, hook it onto the back of your back of your ute and just take it to the next event.
00:19:05
S4: Too easy. Ben, thank you so much for joining us today at the outset Independent Living Expo. Great to have you on and have another chat. And by the way, how did Harry go at basketball last night? Did he do all right or was it just a practice?
00:19:16
S5: Oh no. That was um frame running that he was.
00:19:18
S4: Oh. Frame running. Oh. We didn't get frame run. We have to spend a second talking about frame running, please. Yeah.
00:19:23
S5: Um, yeah. So basically we have no um we had no group programs for Harry. A lot of his therapies are one on one with an adult. Um, we wanted to create something where he would get that footy team experience or the cricket team experience, you know, going weekly to a training session with his peers. So, so we created a program called frame running SA, um, where we've got, uh, frame runners, which are three wheeled bikes that have no pedals. So it's like a Flintstone bike and you just run. Yeah. Um, so he exercises with his mates. He has plays, games, they race and all that sort of thing. And um, yeah, one of these inclusive programs that we run.
00:20:07
S4: Amazing. You again identified a gap and you did something about it. Absolutely. I really appreciate you bringing that up, because it was an important element of the conversation and I didn't want to miss it. Ben, how can people find out more about kid X and your products, your services, your supports?
00:20:23
S5: We've got a website, kids.org.au. We're quite prevalent on Facebook and Instagram as well. So, um, or that just if you Google kid, so it's KYD hyphen x fantastic.
00:20:37
S4: Or just, you know, get on your favourite podcast platform, search for Vision Australia radio kid X you'll hear a ton of stuff from over the years. All very good content, all very good quality. Uh, look, we are towards very close towards the end of our two days of live broadcasting from ASA Independent Living Expo. It's been wonderful to have the support of our Radio Adelaide volunteers and staff. Again, Radio Vision Australia, Radio Adelaide staff and volunteers, and of course, to our shared listening audience that have come together.
00:21:06
S6: I know it's it's wonderful to think, you know of the community getting together not only on this side of the mic, but also on the other side, of course, and encouraging to sort of seek out more community radio content because it's all good, isn't it?
00:21:22
S4: Absolutely. And I think this is the beauty of community radio and the community radio sector as a whole. We do cover events that commercial radio probably wouldn't touch unless there was a dollar amount associated.
00:21:32
S6: That's exactly.
00:21:32
S4: Right. We had some wonderful support from well, I won't. Yes, they did sponsor us. I must say that helping keep us on air and helping us cover our production costs for in the broadcast like this offered the space a wonderful space, and it really does help us engage with the community and remind people what offer, what vision Australia Radio's accessible news and information service is all about. That's right. Just encouraging more people to come along to events like this. Because that's right. You might not yourself or be connected to someone with disability. You're going to cross paths with someone. You want to be armed with the facts and know what's out there. And you know how to support people because we're all in it together.
00:22:08
S6: That's right. Well, the.
00:22:09
S4: Accessible.
00:22:09
S6: World. Talking of that, before we wrap up, we need to thank all the people who have made this broadcast possible. First, the presenters, of course, including yourself, Jason. Uh, Gibbs. Uh, to to close off the broadcast, but also Cameron Stark, Lizzie Eastham, Sam Rickard, Peter Greco, and then of course, the Radio Adelaide team, Michelle Smith and Paul Davis. Now I produced this program. My name is Guillaume Vitu. But of course, I had a lot of help from other producers and engineers on all sides of the microphone Indigo wood, Chrissy Roberts, Hakeem, uh, and Sarah Bailey at Radio Adelaide and of course, the fabulous Dale Simpson's at, uh, Vision Australia Radio. Uh, additional thanks to Pam Green from Vision Australia Radio, who helped us with some content today, as well as, of course, Abigail Johns and Melanie Robertson from assistive technology suppliers Australia. And finally, but not least, of List, of course. Tim Burgess from the South Australian Community Broadcasters Association.
00:23:18
S2: And now here's Frances Kelland with a reader recommended.
00:23:22
S7: This week's reader recommended is in honour of our Anzac Day, and it's a book by Roland Perry called Bill the bastard bill was massive. He had power, intelligence and unmatched courage in performance and character. He stood above all the other 200,000 Australian horses sent to the Middle East in the Great War. But as war horses go, he had one serious problem. No one could ride him but one man, Major Michael Shanahan. Some even thought Bill took a sneering pleasure in watching. Would be riders Hit the dust, bill the bastard is the remarkable tale of a bond between a determined trooper and his stoic but cantankerous mount. They fought together. They depended on each other for their survival. And when the chips were down. Bills, heroic efforts and exceptional instincts in battle saved the lives of Shanahan and four of his men. By September 1918, Bill the bastard was known by the entire Light Horse Force, who used his name not as an insult but as a term of endearment. Bill had become a legend, a symbol of the courage and unbreakable will of the Anzac Mounted Force. There was no other horse like Bill the bastard. Let's hear a sample of this book by Roland Perry. It's narrated by David Tredinnick.
00:24:39
S8: Before Banjo Paterson could revive his career as a war correspondent, he had a duty in his role as a would be vet, on board ship, in charge of his own horse, and a score of others, including Bill the Bastard. Paterson was travelling with 27 qualified vets in the main medical ship. In all, there were more than 8000 horses in the 38 transport ships and their minders were kept busy with inevitable equine sickness. Patterson loved his own mount, a sleek, smaller whaler he called Trumper after the cricketer Victor Trumper. But as they steamed into the Indian Ocean, he grew fonder of Bill than of any other animal. Everyone knew the temperamental bastard's reputation, and Patterson was cautious with him. Yet he found an unusual connection. Patterson reckoned this exceptional animal tackled his world in the same way he did his. Bill bowed to no human or thing.
00:25:42
S7: And that was Bill the Bastard by Roland Perry. If you would like to order that book, or if you would like to join the library. If you're not a member, you can always call to see how you can get the book and many others that are available. The phone number is 1300 654 656. That's 1300 654 656, or you can email library@australia.org. That's library at vision australia.org.
00:26:10
S2: And that's all the time we have for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you. So please get in touch anytime on our email at talking vision at vision australia.org. That's talking vision all one word at vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam Colley saying bye for now.
00:26:45
S1: You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on 1300 847 466, that's 130847466, or by visiting vision australia.org. That's Vision australia.org.
