Reflections and Renewal: Highlights from the UBL Lunch

At this year’s Blind Citizens Australia Convention in Melbourne from 13 to 15 June, the United Blind Leaders (UBL) lunch brought together a passionate group of fifty blind and vision-impaired people, (representing over a third of Convention attendees), to reflect on our shared journey and shape the future of our growing movement.

The gathering was filled with insightful contributions from attendees, covering a broad range of issues and ideas. Many spoke to the critical importance of increasing access to and training in adaptive technology, particularly in the wake of the NDIS’s failure to recognise the value of blindness-specific training programs. Concerns were raised about inaccessible ICT systems in employment and financial environments, and the need for UBL to amplify advocacy in this space. Several attendees also highlighted the challenges of running a business as a blind person and called for more peer support and visibility for entrepreneurs.

The UBL Committee reminded participants that UBL is committed to showcasing blind leadership across all walks of life—not only in executive positions, but in community, arts, education and small business. There were calls for UBL to foster visible role models, produce podcasts featuring blind leaders, and expand leadership training and development initiatives. This included support for both service providers and blind individuals themselves to better recognise and cultivate leadership potential.

There was also important discussion about UBL’s relationship with Blind Citizens Australia (BCA), with UBL noting that the organisations had met recently for the first of what they hope will be ongoing, productive conversations to build a meaningful partnership. While some participants expressed initial hesitation about creating a separate organisation, the conversation affirmed UBL’s desire to complement—not compete with—BCA. The UBL Committee reiterated that while the organisation will hold all blindness organisations accountable when necessary, including BCA, it is equally committed to working collaboratively wherever possible. Participants agreed on the importance of strengthening the entire ecosystem of blind-led advocacy and leadership.

The UBL Committee shared updates on current and future activities, including ongoing efforts to build national and international partnerships. Recent engagement has included Vision Australia, BCA, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and Victoria, the National Federation of the Blind in the US, and the World Blind Union. The Committee also shared progress on an environmental scan of blindness organisations, the launch of UBL Chat (our peer discussion list), and the upcoming series of webinars, including the next one on 3 July.

Plans are also underway for incorporation as a company limited by guarantee, with a proposed membership structure that includes three types of involvement: director members (who hold office), supporter members (blind and vision-impaired individuals with voting rights), and allies (sighted supporters and others without voting rights). The organisation will be governed by a democratic board, with a majority elected by members and provision for appointed directors with specialist expertise.

The lunch was a valuable reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much potential lies ahead. Whether through peer connection, structural reform, or international collaboration, United Blind Leaders remains committed to building a future where blind people lead from wherever we are, however we choose.