Sport is a religion for most Victorians. Thanks to organisations like the AFL, avid sports fans that are blind or have low vision can also stay on top of the game.

2007 marks the fifth year that the AFL has worked in partnership with Vision Australia to produce its footy fixtures in braille, audio and large print.

“It’s great to see that the AFL is on the ball - both on and off the field,” said Gerard Menses, CEO Vision Australia.

AFL is one of a number of organisations and individuals that have been presented with a prestigious Making a Difference Award, for striving to consider the needs of people who are blind or have low vision in our local communities.

The awards have been presented by Vision Australia in Victoria, NSW, the ACT and Queensland during the past six weeks.

Other recipients have included local councils and government departments, schools, community groups, local radio stations, individuals and large organisations like Telstra, AFL, AGL and Weightwatchers Australia.

“The recipients have demonstrated that they are committed to the inclusion of people who are blind or have low vision. By working in partnership with Vision Australia, they have opened up the world of print, recreation and employment to thousands of Australians who are blind or have low vision,” said Mr Menses.

“Vision Australia works in positive partnership with Australians who are blind or have low vision to ensure they can better adapt to their surroundings and overcome the barriers they encounter,” commented Mr Menses.

“Making a difference in local communities is something that we all strive to achieve. We applaud the efforts of this year’s Making a Difference Award recipients and hope that others in local communities will follow their lead,” added Mr Menses.

Combining the skills and resources of five leading blindness organisations to create one national voice, Vision Australia is committed to delivering exceptional and efficient services that open up exciting possibilities for our community.  For more information or to support Vision Australia call 1300 84 74 66 or visit www.visionaustralia.org