Building Momentum: New Leaders, New Partnerships, and a Growing Movement
On 26 March, United Blind Leaders (UBL) brought together members and supporters from across Australia and internationally for a webinar that showcased just how far the movement has come—and where we’re heading next.
From welcoming new board members to sharing major organisational updates, the session reflected a movement that is growing in confidence, capability, and global reach.
Listen to the recording here, and read the transcript here.
Welcoming New Board Members
A key highlight of the webinar was the introduction of four new directors, strengthening UBL’s leadership with international experience and diverse perspectives.
Following a strong response to our call for expressions of interest—with candidates from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the United States—the board welcomed:
Bryan Bashin (USA)
Daniel Searle (Australia)
Dave Williams (UK)
Ryan McLean (New Zealand)
These appointments expand UBL’s board to nine members and significantly deepen our international representation.
Each new director brings a powerful combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to advancing blind leadership globally.
We heard directly from our new directors during the webinar:
Bryan Bashin reflected on his journey from hiding his blindness to embracing blindness training and leadership, and his work across journalism, government and the global tech space.
Ryan McLean shared his experience growing up blind in New Zealand and his current role as a senior public servant, emphasising the importance of confidence and resilience in shaping leadership pathways.
Daniel Searle spoke about his transition from clinical work into advocacy and governance, and his passion for representation.
Dave Williams highlighted the principle at the heart of UBL’s work: nothing about us without us, and the importance of Braille to his leadership development.
Organisational Progress: From Momentum to Structure
The past few months have been a period of significant organisational development.
UBL has now formally incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in Australia, providing a strong governance foundation for future growth. Work is also underway to secure charitable status, which will enable tax-deductible donations and support long-term sustainability.
This is a critical step as UBL transitions from a campaign-driven movement to an enduring organisation with global impact.
Strengthening Relationships Across the Sector
A major focus of recent work has been building constructive relationships with key organisations.
Vision Australia
UBL and Vision Australia recently held a highly constructive meeting, resulting in a joint public statement and a shared commitment to future collaboration.
This marks a significant shift—from advocacy and challenge to partnership and shared purpose—demonstrating what can be achieved through strong, values-based engagement. You can read the statement on our website.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
UBL leaders also met recently with the new CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, beginning what is expected to be a productive partnership, including opportunities for international collaboration.
Blind Citizens Australia (BCA)
UBL also provided an update on discussions with Blind Citizens Australia, particularly regarding the principle that lived experience should be appropriately recognised and remunerated.
While some issues remain unresolved, both organisations have engaged in dialogue, and UBL has committed to continuing this work while progressing its own policy development in partnership with others.
Looking Ahead
The webinar reinforced that UBL is no longer just responding to individual issues, it is shaping a broader global movement.
Key priorities moving forward include:
Launching the Survey of Blind Leadership in Australia
Expanding membership and engagement
Developing policy on valuing lived experience
Building international partnerships
Supporting the next generation of blind leaders
Be Part of the Movement
United Blind Leaders is growing, but this movement only works if it is powered by our community.
If you believe in a future where blind people lead—in our organisations, our communities, and our own lives—we invite you to become a member of United Blind Leaders.
Membership is free and is open to people who are blind or vision impaired living anywhere in the world, as well as allies who share our commitment to genuine inclusion and leadership.
Join United Blind Leaders today via our online membership form: