Welcome to Zest - a place for youth, by youth.

Competition winner


As a prize for completing our Zest survey we were offering up one Google Home from our Vision store to the most creative response to the question “what would your ideal online blind or low vision forum look like”

Congratulations to Nic from NSW who won with the response:


“The platform would have: * have simple and effective search (– )so that I can simply type in or say what I'm interested in and the site would return relevant
Results); * notify me of new content relevant to my interests (by allowing me to subscribe to particular topics or keywords by email or RSS or within a
Designated app with push notification support) * provide reviews about the accessibility of venues, products and services; * provide guides/tips/workarounds
For using inaccessible or partially accessible products/services; * allow users to request reviews of particular venues, products or services so that those
Who have used them (or have the means/inclination to do so) can provide a review, informing decisions; * provide a space and a method for young people
To organise, advocate and lobby on for issues of interest to young people with vision impairment; * work on all Apple platforms like Mac, iOS and Apple
Watch.”

Survey results


Recent posts



Zest 101

If you're a first time visitor, welcome! If you're a regular Zest reader or contributor, welcome back. Here's a quick snapshot of Zest.

Zest is an online space for people around the ages of 18 to 35 who live with blindness or low vision. Whether it’s talking about dating, socialising, travelling, your studies, working or simply useful things to do when you are chilling in your own time, we want this to be the place where you can ask questions and interact with others who have similar experiences to yourself. Zest is your community, and we hope you introduce yourself and share. Don’t be shy.


Quick Links

Note: some links will display a new page, others will update sections further down this page.
Sign Up Log in Guest Book and Introductions Forums News Feed Useful Links

Subscribe for updates!

We put together a short newsletter every couple of weeks to summarise the latest Zest topics, conversations and news.

Subscribe to the mailing list by entering your email address in the text box on this page. Y ou can do this by pressing the letter E on your keyboard or navigating via headings by pressing H.


Check out our audio guide on navigating Zest or our tips on navigating Zest with a screenreader

The Zest team welcomes suggestions and ideas to improve the site. To contact us or make a suggestion simply email: zest@visionaustralia.org


While we try to ensure the Zest pages have accurate information and resources, Zest is a place for people to share personal experiences and solutions. The information on these pages is not meant to be a substitute for professional assistance or advice.

Competition winner


As a prize for completing our Zest survey we were offering up one Google Home from our Vision store to the most creative response to the question “what would your ideal online blind or low vision forum look like”

Congratulations to Nic from NSW who won with the response:


“The platform would have: * have simple and effective search (– )so that I can simply type in or say what I'm interested in and the site would return relevant
Results); * notify me of new content relevant to my interests (by allowing me to subscribe to particular topics or keywords by email or RSS or within a
Designated app with push notification support) * provide reviews about the accessibility of venues, products and services; * provide guides/tips/workarounds
For using inaccessible or partially accessible products/services; * allow users to request reviews of particular venues, products or services so that those
Who have used them (or have the means/inclination to do so) can provide a review, informing decisions; * provide a space and a method for young people
To organise, advocate and lobby on for issues of interest to young people with vision impairment; * work on all Apple platforms like Mac, iOS and Apple
Watch.”

Survey results


Recent posts



Zest 101

If you're a first time visitor, welcome! If you're a regular Zest reader or contributor, welcome back. Here's a quick snapshot of Zest.

Zest is an online space for people around the ages of 18 to 35 who live with blindness or low vision. Whether it’s talking about dating, socialising, travelling, your studies, working or simply useful things to do when you are chilling in your own time, we want this to be the place where you can ask questions and interact with others who have similar experiences to yourself. Zest is your community, and we hope you introduce yourself and share. Don’t be shy.


Quick Links

Note: some links will display a new page, others will update sections further down this page.
Sign Up Log in Guest Book and Introductions Forums News Feed Useful Links

Subscribe for updates!

We put together a short newsletter every couple of weeks to summarise the latest Zest topics, conversations and news.

Subscribe to the mailing list by entering your email address in the text box on this page. Y ou can do this by pressing the letter E on your keyboard or navigating via headings by pressing H.


Check out our audio guide on navigating Zest or our tips on navigating Zest with a screenreader

The Zest team welcomes suggestions and ideas to improve the site. To contact us or make a suggestion simply email: zest@visionaustralia.org


While we try to ensure the Zest pages have accurate information and resources, Zest is a place for people to share personal experiences and solutions. The information on these pages is not meant to be a substitute for professional assistance or advice.

  • Survey results

    about 1 month ago

    We recently conducted a survey of Zest and participants. Thank you for those who took part. The uptake wasn’t as high as we had hoped but we appreciate that everyone has lives to live. Please see the main findings of the survey results below.


    · Many of the people who took part were unaware that Zest existed before the survey went out.

    · A significant amount of participants aren’t particularly interested in blind and low vision online forums.

    · The current layout, set-up and usability of the Zest site aren’t ideal for some users at the moment and seem to...

    We recently conducted a survey of Zest and participants. Thank you for those who took part. The uptake wasn’t as high as we had hoped but we appreciate that everyone has lives to live. Please see the main findings of the survey results below.


    · Many of the people who took part were unaware that Zest existed before the survey went out.

    · A significant amount of participants aren’t particularly interested in blind and low vision online forums.

    · The current layout, set-up and usability of the Zest site aren’t ideal for some users at the moment and seem to function better as a blog rather than a conversation space to some users.

    · The ability to privately connect with other users, have guest speakers and share events is welcome going forward.

    · Zest would be ideal if accessible from a mobile device and was part of a larger Vision Australia website and Vision store.


    Thank you for giving us your thoughts. We really appreciate all feedback as it is the only thing that allows us to build a clear picture of client’s thoughts and wishes.






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  • AIRA! Your own trained set of eyes in the palm of your hand

    4 months ago

    Using wearable smart glasses or a smartphone that beams live stream footage, Aira connects people who are blind or have low vision to a trained professional
    agent who then becomes their ‘eyes’, helping to navigate the built environment, colour match clothes, read a whiteboard, navigate a work-site, travel with
    confidence and so much more.
    You can trial Aira for free by downloading the app and using it between a Vision Australia office and it's nearest train station.

    Please see the Aira site below for more information.

    AIRA



    Using wearable smart glasses or a smartphone that beams live stream footage, Aira connects people who are blind or have low vision to a trained professional
    agent who then becomes their ‘eyes’, helping to navigate the built environment, colour match clothes, read a whiteboard, navigate a work-site, travel with
    confidence and so much more.
    You can trial Aira for free by downloading the app and using it between a Vision Australia office and it's nearest train station.

    Please see the Aira site below for more information.

    AIRA



  • Useful links

    4 months ago


    Job accessFind a job and access workplace modifications if needed.

    My future websiteexplore tasks, skills and qualifications for particular job occupations and careers

    National companion cardAccess 2 tickets for the price of 1 for you and a companion to selected events and venues.

    Photo idProve your age, anytime, anywhere.

    disabled parking permitPark with ease and with less restrictions.

    My govYour point of entry for the NDIS, Centrelink and other government related programs.


    NDISFind out how the NDIS can help you.

    Contact ministers, members and senatorsContact your local representatives to advocate for yourself...


    Job accessFind a job and access workplace modifications if needed.

    My future websiteexplore tasks, skills and qualifications for particular job occupations and careers

    National companion cardAccess 2 tickets for the price of 1 for you and a companion to selected events and venues.

    Photo idProve your age, anytime, anywhere.

    disabled parking permitPark with ease and with less restrictions.

    My govYour point of entry for the NDIS, Centrelink and other government related programs.


    NDISFind out how the NDIS can help you.

    Contact ministers, members and senatorsContact your local representatives to advocate for yourself or your community.

    Blind gamers.comsee a comprehensive list of computer games and their respective ratings by users.

    Blind sports AustraliaFind out what sports are available in your area and how to get involved.





  • Navigating Zest with a screenreader

    5 months ago

    On Zest you will find navigating by heading your best friend. Simply press the letter H on your keyboard and each time you do so you will be moved down the page to the next main area.
    You will also find pressing the letter E on your keyboard will transport you through the text boxes that allow you to create forums, enter replies or other content.
    If there is anything else you find hard while navigating or using the site please let us know by emailing us at

    zest@visionaustralia.org







    On Zest you will find navigating by heading your best friend. Simply press the letter H on your keyboard and each time you do so you will be moved down the page to the next main area.
    You will also find pressing the letter E on your keyboard will transport you through the text boxes that allow you to create forums, enter replies or other content.
    If there is anything else you find hard while navigating or using the site please let us know by emailing us at

    zest@visionaustralia.org