transcript
Download mp3 - (mp3 29mb, 70 minutes)
Nicholas Gleeson, Vision Australia,
talk to Powerhouse Museum staff and volunteers
30 June 2008
Have you ever wondered how to best offer help when you see a person with a guide dog or a cane? Nick Gleeson, a Community Development Officer from Vision Australia, gave a number of presentations for staff and volunteers of the Powerhouse Museum in mid 2008, to help them to be more understanding and sensitive in dealing with people who are blind or have a vision impairment, and to help them prepare for the exhibition 'Living in a sensory world: stories from people with blindness and low vision' which opened at the Powerhouse in December 2008.
When he was seven years old, Nick was struck on the side of his head by an automatic door at a supermarket. The accident caused retinal detachments in both eyes, permanently blinding him. His personal story is full of courage and humour. His indomitable spirit has led him on quests that would defeat most of us - including running the New York Marathon (twice), tandem skydiving, bungee jumping and scuba diving. He has also climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest peak in Africa. This presentation is both inspiring and humbling.