2019 Round Table Conference

Conference Theme

The Changing Landscape for Accessible Information

Information access is important to all persons with print disabilities (including, but not limited to, people with vision impairment) and has many dimensions, including format (braille, large print, E-text, etc.), facilities (libraries, agencies, educational institutions, government bodies) and modes of access (mobile touch devices, laptop, refreshable braille). The 2019 Conference explored the ever-expanding opportunities presented to people with print disabilities for information access and creation, communication and learning.

This conference provided three full days of technical research, presentations and practical workshops on issues related to accessibility. There were also many opportunities for networking and socialising with key speakers, presenters and attendees.

The program included innovative Audio and Artificial Intelligence applications, a large number of workshops, provided updates on teaching strategies, copyright policies, accessible and inclusive practices and projects, Braille education, and much much more.

Dates and Venue

Sunday, 5 May to Tuesday, 7 May 2019
Rydges South Bank, Cnr Glenelg and Grey Streets, Brisbane, 4101 QLD, Australia

The Australian Braille Authority (ABA) Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, 4 May at Braille House Queensland, 507 Ipswich Road, Annerley, QLD.

Keynote and feature speakers

  • Jarek Beksa, Smart speakers and voice technologies – removing barriers for people with disabilities.
  • Professor Elizabeth Kendall, Little things can make a big difference.
  • Yuma Decaux, – The Universe is the limit – multi-dimensional access to science.
  • Matthew Butler, Partnering for Progress: Investigating the use of 3D Printing for Accessibility.
  • Jane Curry and Nick Gleeson, In the Mind’s Eye – Inclusive Publishing.
  • Bruce Maguire, Online, but Offtrack: Barriers to Online Learning Experienced by University Students who are blind or have low vision.
  • Emily White, Out of the box(es) and into the 21st century: Digital literacy and human rights for our most disenfranchised students.

Our international presence also continued with presenters from the USA, Denmark, The Netherlands and New Zealand.

Sponsors and Support

Round Table proudly acknowledges the following Sponsors of the 2019 Round Table Conference.

  • Platinum SponsorGriffith University believe in the potential for all people to be remarkable, to be courageous, to capture opportunity, to make a difference and change the future forever.
  • Bronze Sponsor – Queensland Government, through the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors.
  • Bronze SponsorPentronics is the sole importer and Master Distributor of Index Braille products for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
  • Australian Government’s Department of Social Services – providing funding for self-funded consumers.
  • Media PartnerThe Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)  is the professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector.

Round Table would like to acknowledge the generosity of the following businesses for their donations, including gifts for conference presenters and volunteers.

The support of the following organisations, for production of accessible format conference materials, is also gratefully acknowledged.

  • Blind Foundation New Zealand.
  • Braille House Queensland.
  • Griffith University.
  • Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC)
  • South Australia School for Vision Impaired (SASVI)
  • VisAbility.
  • Vision Australia.

The support of training for hotel staff and volunteers is also gratefully acknowledged.

Exhibitors Display

The following exhibitors were present and provided donations for the exhibitors quiz:

  • Pacific Vision International is a leading provider of hardware and software products for people who are blind or have low vision. We travel the world to source suitable products, specifically designed to improve life and assist at school, home or in the workplace.
  • Pentronics is the sole importer and Master Distributor of Index Braille products for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. With almost 40 years experience in braille production, Pentronics can assist with all your braille requirements.
  • Quantum Reading Learning Vision for over 30 years has provided products and services to people with print disabilities (low vision, blindness, or learning difficulty).
  • The Brailler BoysKevin Partridge and Ian Newham are “The Brailler Boys” and are Perkins certified level 3, technicians and can perform all necessary works, from basic clean and service to major overhauls and repairs to all Perkins braillers including warranty repairs.
  • VisAbility has a vision for independence. Everything we do, empowers people living with disability. We do things differently. We step inside your shoes. We try to see things from your perspective.

Proceedings

Australian Braille Authority meeting documents

Alternative Formats

Should you have any queries or require the conference documentation in an alternate format please do not hesitate to contact us.