Background
For some time it had been a matter of discussion that Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities (Round Table) should institute a Life Membership category for people who had made an outstanding contribution to the Print Disability sector.
As the Executive pondered the matter it became apparent that it was not appropriate to create a Life Membership category for individuals as Round Table does not have any membership categories for individuals. Round Table is an organisation of organisations. However, the concept of public recognition for outstanding service was both appealing and long overdue. This was the genesis of the Round Table Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Award
Round Table Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are presented with a memento in the form of a twin plaque. Each memento comprises two separate rosewood timber circular plaques, 24 cm in diameter. The plaques are connected by a metal hinge allowing, if preferred, the two plaques to stand upright when rested at an angle. Alternatively, they can be displayed by being hung on a wall. On the front of each plaque is a silver metal plate on which the Round Table logo and the following words are written: “Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities, Lifetime Achievement Award, ‘the person’s full name’, and ‘the year in which it was awarded’. Why two attached plaques? Because on one plaque the words are in print and on the other they are in braille.
Tammy Axelsen
Tammy was the administration officer for Round Table and sadly passed away in June 2015. The Lifetime Achievement was renamed in her honour in 2016.
Nominations
Nominations open on the day following each Annual General Meeting. Any Round Table Member Organisation, Round Table Executive Committee Member, Round Table Sub-Committee or Round Table Working Party can nominate.
- The Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award Nomination Information (doc, 106 KB)
- The Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award Nomination Form.
2026 Award
Celebrating Annette Sutherland, 2026 Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Photo: Annette Sutherland (left), 2026 TALAA recipient with Agata Mrva-Montoya, President, Round Table.
We are delighted to acknowledge Annette Sutherland as the recipient of the 2026 Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at the Round Table Conference Dinner, held on Monday 25 May 2026, where Annette was acknowledged by colleagues and peers from across the sector.
Annette was nominated by the Northern Sydney Vision Team, the Department of Education and the Sydney Braille Forum in recognition of her outstanding service to the print disability sector and to Round Table, where she has worked, attended, presented and volunteered for more than 20 years.
Annette’s contribution to the production of braille and tactile resources for students who are blind or vision impaired has ensured equitable access to the curriculum. Her work has enabled students to access timely and accurate braille materials and tactile diagrams throughout their schooling, including in their chosen subjects for the Higher School Certificate.
For more than 20 years, Annette has worked in education to produce braille documents and tactile diagrams in accordance with print disability guidelines, supporting students to receive the resources they need at the same time as their peers. Her dedication, attention to detail and commitment to timely alternative format production have made a significant difference to students, families, educators and colleagues.
Annette completed the Braille Literacy Course through Renwick College in 2003. She went on to work as a School Learning Support Officer supporting students in both the Catholic and Department of Education systems, including producing braille and accessible materials for a student from Year 7 through to the Higher School Certificate. She has also worked as a braille transcriber with Braille and Large Print Services and as a Braille Outpost Operator with the Department of Education’s Northern Sydney Vision Team.
In addition to her paid employment, Annette has undertaken further professional development in her own time, including the Trans-Tasman Braille Proficiency Examination and technical mathematics courses, to stay up to date with changes in the braille code. She also learnt Japanese braille to support one of her students.
Annette has been an active member of the Australian Braille Authority and the Sydney Braille Forum for many years. She has chaired the Sydney Braille Forum, served as secretary across a number of re-elections, and played an integral role in the Sydney Braille Writing Competition. Through this work, she has helped recognise students’ achievements in braille accuracy and creativity, while supporting the growth and success of the Awards Night.
Annette has also contributed significantly to Round Table. She has volunteered at many Round Table Conferences, co-chaired sessions, introduced speakers, supported attendees with disabilities, and assisted with orientation and mobility at events. She was part of the working group that developed the latest Guidelines for Producing Accessible Graphics and chaired a Round Table session to explain the guidelines.
Annette’s career is defined by an unwavering belief that students who are blind or vision impaired deserve access to the same information, at the same time, and in a format that works for them. Her contribution has significantly improved access to information for people with print disability.
Round Table warmly congratulates Annette on this very well-deserved recognition. Her dedication, leadership and long-standing commitment continue to inspire our community and the wider accessible information sector.
Past Reward Recipients
- 2025 – Neil Jarvis
- 2023 – Kathy Riessen
- 2019 – Tom Macmahon
- 2018 – Christine Simpson
- 2017 – Ramona Mandy
- 2016 – Nigel Herring
- 2015 – Elisabeth Wegener
- 2014 – Bill Jolley, Janet Reynolds
- 2013 – Frances Gentle
- 2012 – Josie Howse
- 2011 – Jacqueline Booty, Jan Smark Nilsson
- 2010 – John Simpson
- 2009 – Bruce Maguire, Mary Schnackenberg (inaugural awards)
Read more about past Round Table Lifetime Achievement Award winners.