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Bass Coast’S Good VisionLast week Vision Australia presented Bass Coast Shire Council with a prestigious award for best practice. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 24th May 2007 - Back to News The "Making a Difference Award" recognises the positive steps Bass Coast Shire Council is taking by going the extra mile to ensure that people who are blind or have low vision are able to live life to the fullest.
The relationship between Vision Australia and Bass Coast Shire Council has been developing over the past five years. In that time the Council has made its newsletter ‘Coastell’ and other major publications available on audio cassette and CD, and in large print for people with print disability. The Council also makes all other information available in accessible formats upon request.
Council’s Communications Officer, Louise Alexander said she hoped the award would encourage other large businesses within the Shire to offer their publications in formats for those with vision impairments.
"Alongside Vision Australia, we can certainly provide advice to businesses on setting up a system where their information can be available in alternative formats.
"We are also working with Vision Australia to make our website more useable," said Ms Alexander.
Esis Tawfig, Coordinator of Volunteers at Vision Australia Warragul also hoped the award would encourage other local businesses.
"Vision Australia works in positive partnership with Australians who are blind or have low vision to ensure they can better adapt to their surroundings and overcome the barriers they encounter", said Ms Tawfiq.
"Making a difference in local communities is something that we all strive to achieve. We applaud the efforts of this year’s Making a Difference Award recipients and hope that individuals and businesses in the local community will follow their lead."
Combining the skills and resources of five leading blindness organisations to create one national voice, Vision Australia is committed to delivering exceptional and efficient services that open up exciting possibilities for our community.
Vision Australia depends on generous support from individuals, businesses and groups who care about the community. For more information or to support Vision Australia call, 1300 84 74 66 or visit www.visionaustralia.org
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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