VisAbility

31/10/2026

Cooking up confidence:

Recently, we supported a teenager who was eager to become more involved in preparing meals at home. While cooking initially felt challenging and overwhelming, the right supports helped make everyday tasks safer, more accessible and enjoyable.

At VisAbility, we recognise that developing independence is about more than learning a new skill. It's about building confidence, creating opportunities for participation and supporting young people to achieve the goals that matter most to them.

By introducing low-cost assistive technology, including cut-resistant gloves, a talking kitchen scale and a talking air fryer, this young person was able to safely develop their cooking skills and take a more active role in family routines.

Over time, meal preparation became less daunting and more enjoyable. Small changes and the right supports made a meaningful difference, helping them build confidence, independence and greater participation in everyday life.

— Remy, Occupational Therapist

30/10/2026

Our 2027 Large Print Calendar is here.
Each A2-sized page proudly showcases pictures of VisAbility employees and clients in action.

Perfect for sharing with friends, family, or your workplace. The best part? Every purchase supports VisAbility services in both WA and Tasmania.

Visit our online shop to purchase or drop into our Shop located at 61 Kitchener Avenue in Victoria Park.

https://bit.ly/3THrsaH

30/10/2026

Our Chief Growth Officer Dana Wallace-Campbell had a chat on Vision Australia Radio this week about the Guide Dogs WA 75th anniversary celebrations, as well as the history behind the first Guide Dog arriving in Australia to Perth. You can listen to her interview at 28 minutes in.
Thanks Vision Australia Radio for shining a spotlight on our history and the important services we continue to provide for people with low or no vision.

On FOCAL POINT: Tori Bemold – App developer who created Crumbcade, an accessible match-three game designed for both blind/visually impaired and sighted players using AI. Kristy Stichter – Musician who shares her experience starting out with tap dancing as a person with low vision/blindness, alon...

29/10/2026

Low vision doesn't limit a child's potential

While vision plays an important role in how children learn, develop, play, and engage with the world around them, the right support can help children build confidence, independence, and meaningful participation in everyday life.

At VisAbility, our Occupational Therapists support children across home, school and community settings. We have access to vision-specific tools, resources, and expertise, allowing us to provide holistic support for children and families from early diagnosis through every stage of life.

Whether it's implementing sensory-based strategies, adapting environments, or recommending assistive technology and equipment, we focus on helping children and families achieve the goals that matter most to them. From play, self-care and schoolwork to preparing meals at home.

We also work closely upskilling families, teachers and collaborating with other health professionals to create supportive environments where children can safely learn, grow and succeed.

Have questions, looking for support, or interested in joining our team? We'd love to hear from you. Visit our website to learn more.

— Vien, Senior Occupational Therapist

28/10/2026

Digital Access, the way of the future

Meet David, Senior Advanced Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Specialist at VisAbility.

1 in 5 people in Australia are digitally excluded. Having the essential digital tools is crucial to navigating today’s online world.

People with vision impairment may use software like GuideConnect, ZoomText, Fusion, SuperNova and JAWS provide options to provide access to electronic information.

So what else is there if funding is not an option to purchase these solutions?

All modern computer operating systems provide accessibility options. From Microsoft to Apple, Chrome to Linux: all include options that can enable someone with vision impairment to get online.

Take Microsoft Windows 11 for example: within their accessibility options are options for addressing specific vision related tasks including: resizing text, changing the size and shape of your cursor and mouse pointer, magnifying all or part of your screen and even the ability to have all the content on your screen read out to you.

27/10/2026

During OT Week , I'd like to introduce one of my favourite colleagues, Hillman.

Hillman, also known as "Silly Beans", is one of our therapy dogs who supports children to engage in therapy sessions, build regulation skills and develop confidence in a fun and supportive environment.
One of Hillman's favourite activities is helping children work on buttons and zips. While children are developing important self-care and fine motor skills, Hillman is mostly excited about the opportunity to show off his ever-growing collection of dress-ups and costumes.

Dog Assisted Therapy can be a wonderful way to increase motivation, engagement and participation in therapy. For some children, having a friendly dog involved can make all the difference in helping them feel comfortable enough to try new things and work towards their goals.

Interested in Dog Assisted Therapy for your child, or curious about a career working alongside therapy dogs? Visit the Kites Children's Therapy website to learn more about our program and opportunities to join our team. 🐾

— Maddy, Occupational Therapist, and Hillman ("Silly Beans"), Therapy Dog

27/10/2026

🦯💃 Who knew the Nutbush could bring so many people together!🕺🐾

To celebrate International White Cane Day, our teams from EverAbility Group, VisAbility and Guide Dogs WA joined clients and volunteers to put their best foot forward (and show off a few dance moves!) to the classic Nutbush City Limits!

There were plenty of laughs, some impressive moves and, most importantly, a wonderful sense of community and connection.

While International White Cane Day is an important opportunity to recognise the independence, confidence and freedom that white canes provide for people who are blind or have low vision, it's also a chance to celebrate the people in our community.

And what better way to do that than with a little music, movement and fun!

🎥 Turn up the volume and enjoy our take on the Nutbush!

26/10/2026

A different solution may be available tomorrow
Meet Sinead, Senior Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Specialist at VisAbility.

During OT Week Australia, I’m reflecting on how quickly assistive technology can change lives.

Recently, a client with vision impairment trialled Rayban Meta glasses for the first time. She became emotional as the glasses described pictures and read the text in a children’s book aloud. She could then repeat the words as though reading the story herself, creating the possibility of reading to her grandchild again.

In the kitchen, she also used the glasses hands-free to summarise a recipe, hear the method and check an ingredient measurement. Everyday activities that had become challenging suddenly felt more accessible.
In my 13 years as an occupational therapist specialising in assistive technology for people with vision impairments, I have seen the pace of innovation accelerate dramatically. A barrier without a suitable solution today may have one tomorrow.

OTs are constantly learning, testing and upskilling on the job, so we can connect people with emerging technology that supports participation, independence and the moments that matter most.

26/10/2026

🌐 Breaking barriers and building a more accessible digital future!

Digital technology should adapt to us as we age, not the other way around.

That's the theme of the 2027 Perth Digital Accessibility Conference (PDAC) returning to Perth on Thursday 11 February at Edith Cowan University (ECU)'s City Campus.

We're proud that VisAbility is once again helping shape this important event alongside the team at Perth Digital A11y Group with our team members David Vosnacos and Vithya Vijayakumare contributing to the conference organising committee.

Under the theme Breaking Generational Barriers in Digital Spaces, PDAC27 will bring together designers, developers, content creators, advocates and accessibility professionals to explore how we can create more inclusive digital experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

Held in-person and online, this one-day conference brings together professionals, advocates, and innovators working to make digital content, services, and technology accessible to all.

At VisAbility, we know how important accessible technology is in supporting independence, connection and participation, particularly for people who are blind or have low vision.

Whether you're passionate about accessibility, work in digital technology or simply want to learn more about inclusive design, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn and share ideas.

📅 Thursday 11 February 2027

📍 ECU City Campus, Perth, or join online

⏰ 8.30am – 4.30pm AWST

🎟️ Register here: https://bit.ly/4smn4eb

Let's help build a digital future where no one is left behind.

A one‑day conference focused on digital accessibility and inclusive digital design, held in Perth, Western Australia.

25/10/2026

This week, we’re celebrating our OTs! 💚

OT Week is an opportunity to recognise the contribution Occupational Therapists make every day, helping people build skills, confidence and independence to participate in the activities that matter to them.

At VisAbility and Kites Children’s Therapy, our OTs work alongside clients and families to find practical, personalised ways to support participation in everyday life.

And that makes this year’s OT Week theme particularly fitting: Participation Matters.

A huge thank you to our fantastic OT teams for the difference you make every day. We will be sharing some stories and experiences from our team this week - watch this space.