Margo Carwardine joined Braille House as a volunteer in late 2021, bringing with her almost four decades of experience in education and school leadership. Inspired by the work of the organisation, her involvement with Braille House grew, as did her role within the team.
In 2023, Margo was appointed Executive Assistant and Special Projects Manager for the Accessible Tourism Enabler Grant, awarded to Braille House as part of the Queensland Government's Year of Accessible Tourism initiative. She now supports a range of organisational projects, submissions, applications, and initiatives that help advance accessibility and inclusion. Margo is a passionate advocate for the recognition of braille as a fundamental human right for people who are blind or have low vision.
Margo holds a Diploma of Teaching, Bachelor of Education, Graduate Diploma of Arts, and Master of Education.
Learn more about Margo's passion for literacy, inclusion, and creating opportunities for others:
What inspires you about Braille House?
What inspires me most is knowing that the work we do helps improve access to information, literacy and opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision. Much of my role happens behind the scenes, but I know that supporting projects, helping secure resources and removing barriers all contribute to meaningful outcomes for the people we serve.
I am proud to be part of an organisation that turns accessibility and inclusion into practical actions that make a difference in people's everyday lives.
What does accessibility and inclusion mean to you?
Accessibility and inclusion mean ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be included, valued and treated with dignity.
I believe people should have equitable access to information, services and opportunities, and that communities are stronger when everyone can participate fully.
For me, inclusion is about creating opportunities and removing barriers so people can engage, contribute, and thrive.
What would you like more people to understand about braille?
My background is in education, so I understand the important role literacy plays in a person's ability to learn, connect and participate fully in the world. For many people who are blind or have low vision, braille is literacy.
Braille is much more than an alternative format. It supports independence, confidence, education, and lifelong learning, and remains an essential tool for many people.
What are your hopes for the future?
I would like to spend more time progressing projects and seeing their impact directly. While securing funding is an important part of my role, I am passionate about helping meaningful initiatives move forward and creating opportunities that improve accessibility and inclusion.
I hope to continue building partnerships, supporting new projects, advocating for braille, and helping create positive outcomes for the people Braille House serves.