Call for Submissions: July 2026 issue of The Educator
The International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) Publication Committee invites submissions for the July 2026 issue of The Educator. The theme of the issue is “Technology and Artificial Intelligence in the Education and Daily Life of Persons with Visual Impairment”.
As digital innovation accelerates globally, this issue will explore how technology and artificial intelligence are shaping inclusive education, accessibility, literacy, independence, and participation for learners who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.
Submission Deadline: 31 May 2026
For submission guidelines and further information, please see the ICEVI website.
CPD Opportunities
Orientation and Mobility Masterclass Series 2026
This online series has a specific focus on technology in the field of O&M and aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the resources currently available. This series will contribute 4 PD hours towards COMS re-certification with ACVREP as it addresses the Core Domains of the OMAA O&M Framework.
Sessions include:
- AI (Artificial Intelligence) for learners who are blind and low vision (Chris Tabb)
- Accessible Maps (Chris Tabb)
- Be My Eyes (Hans Jorgen Wiberg)
- GPS Apps (Chris Tabb)
- Plus two other sessions to be confirmed.
Note that you don’t need to attend live. You can sign up for Digital Access and watch the recordings in your own time.
More details can be found on the NextSense website.
Community of Practice Meeting – Emerging Tools in O&M
If anyone missed our first Community of Practice meeting for 2026 on 17 March and would like to access the recording, it is now available for viewing via the OMAA website. Guest presenters covered a range of new and emerging technologies including the WeWalk smart cane and ASHIRASE, as well as updates from the OMAA committees. Check it out!
Upcoming Conferences
- 2026 Round Table Conference, Adelaide, 23 – 26 May 2026.
- 2026 CVI Conference: The Collective Power of US: Boston, United States, 19 – 21 July 2026.
- 2026 AER International Conference: Louisville, Kentucky, United States, 29 July – 2 August 2026.
You can find other PD opportunities at the OMAA website.
Are you hosting or attending an upcoming CPD event? Would you like to be able to earn points towards ACVREP recertification at the same time? Click here to find out how you can register your event.
Job Vacancies
Have you looked at the Job Vacancies page on the OMAA website recently? You’ll find position vacancies listed for various agencies and locations across Australasia so remember to check it out.
Research
- Eye prosthesis restores some sight lost due to macular degeneration.
- AFB researchers identify employment risks of AI for people who are blind or have low vision.
Technology
- Hailo has launched the first pilot of its digital hailing app for public transport in Melbourne. The first of its kind globally, it works by using your phone to hail a vehicle and request it to stop. You can learn more about the pilot here.
- Apple and Google announce collaboration on AI glasses with haptic information for those living with blindness and low vision.
Other News
- Vision 2020 Australia has partnered with Mindtools Kineo to offer six free eye health and vision care modules for healthcare professionals. These courses are designed to build confidence among frontline professionals so they can recognise potential eye health issues early and connect people with the care they need. You can find out more about the courses here.
- Australian Red Cross TeleRedi offers free phone support to vulnerable people in South Australia and Western Australia to help them stay safe and well during periods of extreme heat. It is especially helpful for people who are living alone, housebound or frail, living with a disability or chronic illness, recovering from illness or injury, or experiencing mental illness.
- Uber has agreed to an external review of its operations after settling a Federal Court case brought by a Victorian woman who was refused more than 30 rides while travelling with a guide dog. You can read the full story here.
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