An important event in the CBS calendar is the Society’s annual Overview information and technology display which took place this year on Friday 24th February. Overview is the only opportunity for people in Canberra and surrounding areas, to view the latest developments in a range of adaptive technology.
This year’s Overview displayed an array of equipment, aids and adaptive technology for people who are blind or vision impaired. Distributors included: Pacific Vision, Quantum Technology, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, ACT Deafness Resource Centre, Radio 1RPH, Magnifiers Australia as well as EFLC-CBS. National Gallery of Australia was also present displaying artworks from the NGA for a hands-on experience.
Two of the art pieces by artist Shaun Angeles Penangke were also on display. Shaun is an Arrernte and Kungarakan man from the Northern Territory who grew up in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Central Australia. It is very important to him that people with vision impairment engage with visual arts. He purposely made his sculptures available for visitors to touch.
Comments from the distributors was that they found the day to be productive and a great opportunity to network with other distributors. They also thanked EFLC-CBS for the opportunity to present at Overview once again.
Overview was preceded by a seminar on Friday morning – ‘Making the Invisible Visible’. Master of Ceremonies was CBS Patron, Roy Daniell who introduced the speakers and was inspired by their important research work into Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Longtime member and supporter of CBS, Ros Sackley provided the Acknowledgement to Country. The Keynote speaker was Dr Faran Sabeti, College of Health & Medicine ANU, who spoke about his study into AMD. Dr Ulrike Schumann spoke about her work in using Ribonucleic acid (RNA) to diagnose and treat retinal diseases. Dr Mei Ying Boon spoke about how to prevent injury in older people with vision impairment. Lastly we heard from Peter Ralston who promoted the Achilles walking and running club.
The presenters all mentioned that they felt the invitation to speak was rewarding, and they loved the engagement and chats afterwards. A number of those attending were interested to participate in the blood RNA study or the AMD study.