VisAbility Tasmania

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Hobart, TAS
VisAbility Tasmania

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Supporting Tasmanians living with low or no vision. Every support at any stage.

31/10/2026

Cooking up confidence:

Recently, we supported a teenager who was eager to become more involved in preparing meals at home. While cooking initially felt challenging and overwhelming, the right supports helped make everyday tasks safer, more accessible and enjoyable.

At VisAbility, we recognise that developing independence is about more than learning a new skill. It's about building confidence, creating opportunities for participation and supporting young people to achieve the goals that matter most to them.

By introducing low-cost assistive technology, including cut-resistant gloves, a talking kitchen scale and a talking air fryer, this young person was able to safely develop their cooking skills and take a more active role in family routines.

Over time, meal preparation became less daunting and more enjoyable. Small changes and the right supports made a meaningful difference, helping them build confidence, independence and greater participation in everyday life.

— Remy, Occupational Therapist

29/10/2026

Low vision doesn't limit a child's potential

While vision plays an important role in how children learn, develop, play, and engage with the world around them, the right support can help children build confidence, independence, and meaningful participation in everyday life.

At VisAbility, our Occupational Therapists support children across home, school and community settings. We have access to vision-specific tools, resources, and expertise, allowing us to provide holistic support for children and families from early diagnosis through every stage of life.

Whether it's implementing sensory-based strategies, adapting environments, or recommending assistive technology and equipment, we focus on helping children and families achieve the goals that matter most to them. From play, self-care and schoolwork to preparing meals at home.

We also work closely upskilling families, teachers and collaborating with other health professionals to create supportive environments where children can safely learn, grow and succeed.

Have questions, looking for support, or interested in joining our team? We'd love to hear from you. Visit our website to learn more.

— Vien, Senior Occupational Therapist

28/10/2026

Digital Access, the way of the future

Meet David, Senior Advanced Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Specialist at VisAbility.

1 in 5 people in Australia are digitally excluded. Having the essential digital tools is crucial to navigating today’s online world.

People with vision impairment may use software like GuideConnect, ZoomText, Fusion, SuperNova and JAWS provide options to provide access to electronic information.

So what else is there if funding is not an option to purchase these solutions?

All modern computer operating systems provide accessibility options. From Microsoft to Apple, Chrome to Linux: all include options that can enable someone with vision impairment to get online.

Take Microsoft Windows 11 for example: within their accessibility options are options for addressing specific vision related tasks including: resizing text, changing the size and shape of your cursor and mouse pointer, magnifying all or part of your screen and even the ability to have all the content on your screen read out to you.

27/10/2026

During OT Week , I'd like to introduce one of my favourite colleagues, Hillman.

Hillman, also known as "Silly Beans", is one of our therapy dogs who supports children to engage in therapy sessions, build regulation skills and develop confidence in a fun and supportive environment.
One of Hillman's favourite activities is helping children work on buttons and zips. While children are developing important self-care and fine motor skills, Hillman is mostly excited about the opportunity to show off his ever-growing collection of dress-ups and costumes.

Dog Assisted Therapy can be a wonderful way to increase motivation, engagement and participation in therapy. For some children, having a friendly dog involved can make all the difference in helping them feel comfortable enough to try new things and work towards their goals.

Interested in Dog Assisted Therapy for your child, or curious about a career working alongside therapy dogs? Visit the Kites Children's Therapy website to learn more about our program and opportunities to join our team. 🐾

— Maddy, Occupational Therapist, and Hillman ("Silly Beans"), Therapy Dog

27/10/2026

We were absolutely thrilled to team up with Bloom Studios and St Lukes Tasmania for an accessible community Pilates class over the weekend proving that puppies and pilates are a winning combination.

All of our exceptionally well-behaved pups in training ensured that everyone had an experience to remember and most importantly reinforce the positive outcomes that come from ensuring an inclusive environment for all.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to our amazing Volunteer Puppy Raisers for bringing the puppies in training to help us spread the message that activity should be accessible for all. And a huge shout out to the teams at Bloom and St Lukes for making this wonderful event possible.

https://bit.ly/4ijj4X4

26/10/2026

A different solution may be available tomorrow
Meet Sinead, Senior Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Specialist at VisAbility.

During OT Week Australia, I’m reflecting on how quickly assistive technology can change lives.

Recently, a client with vision impairment trialled Rayban Meta glasses for the first time. She became emotional as the glasses described pictures and read the text in a children’s book aloud. She could then repeat the words as though reading the story herself, creating the possibility of reading to her grandchild again.

In the kitchen, she also used the glasses hands-free to summarise a recipe, hear the method and check an ingredient measurement. Everyday activities that had become challenging suddenly felt more accessible.
In my 13 years as an occupational therapist specialising in assistive technology for people with vision impairments, I have seen the pace of innovation accelerate dramatically. A barrier without a suitable solution today may have one tomorrow.

OTs are constantly learning, testing and upskilling on the job, so we can connect people with emerging technology that supports participation, independence and the moments that matter most.

25/10/2026

This week, we’re celebrating our OTs! 💚

OT Week is an opportunity to recognise the contribution Occupational Therapists make every day, helping people build skills, confidence and independence to participate in the activities that matter to them.

At VisAbility and Kites Children’s Therapy, our OTs work alongside clients and families to find practical, personalised ways to support participation in everyday life.

And that makes this year’s OT Week theme particularly fitting: Participation Matters.

A huge thank you to our fantastic OT teams for the difference you make every day. We will be sharing some stories and experiences from our team this week - watch this space.

20/10/2026

Office Closures

The Hobart offices of Guide Dogs WA/TAS, VisAbility and Kites Children's Therapy will be closed from Thursday 22nd October until Monday 26th October.

Please visit our websites if you need to contact us during that time and we will respond to your request on Monday.

Thank you for your understanding.

19/10/2026

💙 Come along, connect and be part of our community!

VisAbility Tasmania warmly invites people who are blind or have low vision to join us for a relaxed and welcoming morning at our **Vision Impaired Community Social Group**.

It's a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, share experiences, enjoy a friendly chat and build connections with others in your community.

Whether you're a familiar face or joining us for the first time, we'd love to see you!

📅 Thursday 5 November 2026
🕥 10.30am – 12 noon** (doors open at 10.15am)
📍 Red Cross Office, 146 Elizabeth Street, Hobart
💙 Free to attend!

You don't need to be a VisAbility client to join us. Everyone is welcome!

📞 RSVP is essential so we can accommodate everyone. Please call (03) 6232 1222 or email [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming you! 💙

15/10/2026

🦯 International White Cane Day – Celebrating independence and inclusion

Today, on International White Cane Day, we recognise the importance of the white cane as a symbol of independence, confidence and freedom for people who are blind or have low vision.

More than a mobility aid, the white cane enables people to navigate their surroundings, travel independently and participate in their communities with greater confidence.

At VisAbility, our Orientation and Mobility specialists work alongside people who are blind or have low vision, helping them develop the skills and confidence to move safely and independently through the world around them.

International White Cane Day is also an important reminder that accessibility is everyone's responsibility.

Whether it's keeping footpaths clear, making public spaces more accessible or simply being aware of people using white canes, we can all play a part in creating a more inclusive community.

💙 Today, we celebrate the independence a white cane represents and the right of everyone to move through their community with confidence and dignity.

Address

164 Elizabeth Street
Hobart, TAS
7000

Telephone

1800484333

Website

http://www.visabilitytas.com.au/

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