Talking Vision is Vision Australia Radio’s flagship program, discussing the latest news and issues from a blindness and low vision perspective.
October 15 was International White Cane Day, a celebration of the mobility and independence that the white cane has provided countless members of the blind and low vision community.
It’s also a day to celebrate the tremendous achievements of people who are blind or have low vision, raise awareness around issues people continue to face, and highlight the importance of advocacy and education about these issues within the general public.
Over the past few years the day has featured a celebration of the talent on display from performing artists who are blind or have low vision in the form of the White Stick Fest concert, which is available to watch any time through the White Stick Fest website.
Sam spoke this week to two of the people who have been involved with White Stick Fest and various other White Cane Day events over the years, Duncan Steward from Platinum Cre8ive and Jordan Ashby from Vision Australia.
Duncan has lived experience with low vision and founded Platinum Cre8ive to highlight and promote the talents of people with disabilities and seek to enable them to compete on a level playing field within the music industry.
White Stick Fest features artists from not only Australia but all over the world, and for Duncan, being able to play a role in organising a place for them to share their talent is something that he is incredibly proud of.
“To see how honoured and happy they are to be part of it is just wonderful to see that music is really alive, and that people who are blind or have low vision can have an outlet for their music and get that heard all over the world,” Duncan said.
“It’s great to be involved and help people to get their music out there, and for their amazing talent to be seen. For them to build a music career and have a great team behind them that are passionate about what they do and help them achieve their own goals and dreams, being part of that is just a fantastic feeling,” he said.
Listen to the full interview via Omny or in the player below:
Tell us your story by emailing [email protected].