Members unite for World Sight Day

Join the World Sight Day Breakfast Forum 2026, led by Braille Tactile Signs Aust. and supported by organisations including Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV), Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), CVGT Employment, and Bendigo Bank Ringwood, Boronia & Bayswater.

Taking place on 17 September, the forum will bring together leaders from business, education, government, accessibility and community sectors to explore how organisations can help create more inclusive environments for people who are blind or have low vision.

Held in the lead-up to the global World Sight Day #LoveYourEyes campaign, this annual Melbourne Breakfast Forum, supported by a great network of partners and sponsors, connects lived experience with the people who design, specify, build, employ and make decisions that shape our communities.

Collaboration with impact

While the event centres on accessibility and inclusion, it also demonstrates something equally important: the power of member-to-member collaboration.

By bringing together organisations from different sectors, the forum aims to create conversations that connect community perspectives with practical action, helping leaders better understand the role they can play in creating inclusive workplaces, public spaces and customer experiences.

Braille Tactile Signs Aust.

“The Braille Tactile Signs Aust. World Sight Day Forum was created to connect people, bridge perspectives and bring together lived experience, government, education, industry, community organisations and the corporate sector to create more accessible and inclusive communities.

"We want attendees to leave with a deeper understanding that behind every policy, workplace decision, specification and accessibility solution are people who rely on those decisions every day."

Guide Dogs Victoria

"Accessibility challenges still exist across every part of daily life for people with low vision and blindness because access is too often treated purely as a physical challenge rather than an environmental and experiential one. The opportunity is to move beyond compliance and embrace universal design: creating environments, services and technology that work for everyone from the outset.

"That’s why collaboration matters. It is through working together that we can have the biggest impact and improve the whole experience, with employment one of the greatest opportunities for change."

GDV and CVGT Employment are leading by example, delivering a strong collaboration where GDV supports the candidate to become work ready with orientation and mobility, CVGT provides interview preparation and identifies the right employer, and together work with the employer to support both physical accessibility and wellbeing. 

Bendigo Bank Ringwood, Boronia & Bayswater

"At Bendigo Bank Ringwood Boronia & Bayswater, we align with the Bank’s founding philosophy, which is to feed into the prosperity of communities, not off it. Supporting initiatives like the World Sight Day Forum aligns perfectly with the Bank’s Accessibility and Inclusion Action Plan, which is rooted in the belief that inclusive and accessible design benefits everyone.

"Beyond improving internal operations, businesses have a responsibility to collaborate with community partners to advocate for and improve accessibility. Ultimately, businesses must recognise that investing in inclusive design is not just a social responsibility, but a core business imperative that drives shared value for everyone."

Swinburne University of Technology

"Education and research play a critical role in improving accessibility outcomes by ensuring that products, services, environments and systems are designed with inclusion in mind from the outset. Through research, we can generate evidence on what works, evaluate the impact of new technologies and approaches, and accelerate the translation of innovative ideas into practical solutions that improve participation, independence, and quality of life.

We are pleased to support the Forum and contribute to conversations that promote inclusion, participation and community impact."

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

“Accessibility is important because everyone should be able to participate fully in events, regardless of their physical, cognitive, intellectual or sensory needs. Most of our wayfinding signage includes braille and we partner with organisations such as Travellers Aid and ensure all Customer Service team members complete Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training, helping every visitor feel supported and confident navigating our venue.
 
At a large public venue like MCEC, prioritising accessibility helps remove barriers, creates more inclusive experiences and ensures people feel welcomed, safe and able to engage meaningfully."

Register now and contribute to a most inclusive Melbourne

Join this breakfast forum as we explore accessibility, inclusive design, eye health, employment and community participation through meaningful conversations that inspire practical action.

Proceeds from tickets will be donated to Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria (BSRV) to support opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision to participate in sport and recreation.

Register now: World Sight Day Breakfast Forum 2026.