Celebrating Blind Leadership on International Day of People with Disability

Dear United Blind Leaders supporter,

On 3 December, people around the world marked International Day of People with Disability. For United Blind Leaders, it’s been a moment to recognise and celebrate blind and vision impaired people who are leading in all kinds of ways, in our communities, workplaces, families, and movements for change.

This year, we’ve been especially pleased to see blind and vision impaired leaders promoted, appointed to and recognised in key roles, including:

• Dan Stubbs, Public Advocate, Office of the Public Advocate, Victoria

• David Williamson, CEO, Vision Australia

• Jonathan Craig, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Vision 2020 Australia

• Emma Bennison, CEO, Disability Advocacy Network Australia

• Jonathan Mosen, Executive Director, National Federation of the Blind (US)

• Tony Clark, Mayor, Shire of Hepburn

We’re also celebrating:

• Jordie Howell and Garth Humphries, who welcomed a new baby and stepped into the leadership role of parenting

• Julee-anne Bell, who toured a new musical show and produced a Christmas event for the Kingaroy community

• The Australian Blind Women’s Cricket Team, who played on home soil for the first time against an international team and made it through to the semifinals in the Women’s T20 World Cup

These are just a few examples of the many blind and vision impaired leaders making a tangible difference every day, showing what’s possible when lived experience leads. We know there are many more, and we look forward to continuing to spotlight their stories in 2026.

Change of Plans: 11 December Webinar

Due to a number of board members being heavily involved in events for International Day of People with Disability, as well as significant work commitments in the lead-up to the festive season, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the webinar we had scheduled for 11 December.

We’re disappointed not to connect with you on this occasion, but we’re committed to bringing you more opportunities to engage with United Blind Leaders in the new year, including further webinars and conversations about growing blind leadership globally.

Thank You and Season’s Greetings

On behalf of the United Blind Leaders board, thank you for your ongoing support, advocacy and encouragement this year. United Blind Leaders is only possible because of a community of blind leaders and allies who back the idea that we should lead in our own lives, our organisations and our communities.

We send our warmest wishes to you, your families and your communities for a safe, restful and hopeful festive season, and we look forward to working alongside you in 2026.

With appreciation,

The Board of United Blind Leaders