Access Unlocked: Innovating for Information Equity
It’s countdown time for Conference, we look forward to seeing you all in Melbourne.
Date
Saturday, 24 May 2025 – Tuesday, 27 May 2025
Venue
Stamford Plaza Hotel Melbourne
111 Little Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9659 1000
Program
2025 Conference Program (docx 58 KB)
(current as at 19 May 2025)
New legal frameworks are significantly altering the accessibility landscape. At the forefront of this transformation is technology, a powerful enabler that has reshaped how information is accessed and shared. This conference will explore the dynamics between legislative changes, technological progress, and advocacy efforts that collectively enhance information equity. The 2025 conference is dedicated to deepening the understanding of information equity as an essential element of social justice. It emphasises the critical need for cross-sector collaboration to overcome the obstacles faced by individuals with print disability and to pave the way for a society where inclusive participation is the norm.
This conference provides three full days of technical research, presentations and practical workshops on issues related to accessibility. There are also many opportunities for networking and socialising with key speakers, presenters and attendees.
The Australian Braille Authority (ABA) Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday and the Round Table AGM on Sunday.
Special Thanks to our Sponsors and Exhibitors
Platinum Sponsor
Blind Low Vision NZ provide emotional and practical support so that people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision can continue to live independently and thrive in their daily lives. Whether it is in someone’s home or at one of our local offices, we work alongside each individual to support their goals.
We also advocate for accessible and inclusive communities. Everyone deserves equal access to public spaces, information and employment opportunities. Through education, advocacy and the removal of barriers, we strive to make this a reality.
Our platinum sponsorship reflects our deep commitment to accessibility and inclusion. We are honored to support this important conference and stand alongside others working to improve information access for people with print disabilities.
Website: https://blindlowvision.org.nz
Silver Sponsors
NextSense is a not-for-profit organisation supporting people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision across Australia. We work with both children, adults, and their families to educate and create an individual program of care that meets their unique needs. We’re a registered NDIS provider, and we work with you to achieve your goals and potential. With the support of generous donations, NextSense provides vital support for children and adults, more cochlear implants than any other service in Australia, and is a world leader for research, technology, and professional education in our field. Also, with a long history of producing accessible information, NextSense help individuals, community groups, businesses and organisations that need to access printed materials in their choice of alternative format.
To learn more, visit: https://www.nextsense.org.au/
Vision Australia is the leading national provider of personalised technology, services, and information for anyone experiencing or supporting those with vision loss. We help our clients achieve independence, stay safe, and increase participation in everyday life. We support more than 25,500 people of all ages and circumstances. We do this through our online services and at Vision Australia centres located in Victoria, New South Wales, ACT, NT, Queensland, and Western Australia. We’re also a major participant and partner in the international blindness community.
To learn more, visit: www.visionaustralia.org
Bronze Sponsors
Disability Media Australia joined Round Table as a member organisation earlier this year. Powerd Media is a disability-led media platform, featuring original journalism, podcasts, videos, and articles that amplify the voices of people with disability. Through storytelling, reporting, and training, Powerd ensures people with disability are not just represented in the media—they are shaping it. As a proud sponsor of the 2025 Round Table Conference, Powerd supports inclusive, accessible information for all.
Website: https://www.powerd.media/about-powerd
EverAbility Group provides diverse therapy services across the ages, vision specialists, Guide and Assistance Dogs, Early Childhood Intervention. Their professional therapy and support services are available to clients at any stage of life, in homes, at school, at work and in the community. Their personalised support has been changing lives for over 100 years.
VisAbility, one of EverAbility’s key brands, operates as a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping people with low or no vision across Western Australia and Tasmania do the things they love and live the life they want. VisAbility is at the forefront of accessibility, providing workplace training for employees consulting on physical and digital best practices for inclusion. Through their wide range of services and collaborations with sister brands like Guide Dogs WA and Kites Children’s Therapy, VisAbility is recognised as a leading advocate for inclusivity and empowerment in the low vision community.
To learn more, visit: https://www.everabilitygroup.org.au/
Exhibitors
HumanWare specialises in the design and manufacture of highly intuitive and intelligent solutions for people living with vision loss or visual impairment. From electronic magnifiers to talking GPS to braille devices, HumanWare solutions help all users live independently and participate successfully in today’s world. Available in more than 25 languages, our full range of products make us the global leader in our industry.
Pentronics is the sole importer and Master Distributor of Index Braille production 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.
They are:
- The Australian and New Zealand distributor for SwellForm Tactile Imaging products (previously Zychem).
- The representative for Eurobraille braille displays and note takers.
- The provider of service for a wide variety of adaptive technology devices from braille note-takers and displays to Perkins braillers, from Classic to Smart Brailler.
Quantum RLV is a leading Australia and New Zealand provider of assistive technology for people with a print disability. Quantum is the master distributor for Freedom Scientific software including Zoomtext Fusion, JAWS and OpenBook. Our high-quality electronic range includes the CloverBook, Clearview, Focus, Mountbatten and Index embossers, as well as optical magnifiers and the OrCam text-to-speech devices. Working alongside employers, educators, families and students since the 1980s, Quantum RLV has decades of deep experience within our highly mobile and responsive team of equipment consultants, customer service staff, and a full-time service and repair technician. With long-standing supplier relations, Quantum RLV influences new product design, with a view to introducing – and continuously improving – the best assistive technology from around the World.