On International Day of People with a Disability, national ABC disability affairs reporter
Nas Campanella hosted The World Today. There was nothing unusual in the broadcast from this accomplished journalist and presenter except for something that she explained about accessibility.
“I can’t actually see the screen in front of me,” she said. “In fact, I can’t even see the studio desk. That’s because I’m blind – I can’t see anything. I’m actually presenting this show using Screen Reading software.”
She then treated listeners to what it sounds like when she hears the transcript that she speaks in presenting the program.
This window into Nas’s working life has unlocked hearts and minds, even that of steadfast critic of the national broadcaster, Chris Kenny. It has also opened eyes and ears closer to home.
Disability Care People is adjusting some features of the website to make it more amenable to Screen Reader technology. People with vision impairment might like to examine the site, including what is displayed in photographs.