Richard Barker commenced as General Manager of Braille House in 2021. With more than 40 years of media and commercial radio experience at B105 and Triple M, Richard was responsible for revenue generation, audience development and fundraising initiatives, including the Brisbane Royal Children's Hospital Christmas Appeal.
In 2016, he became Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Rugby Union and has served on a number of boards and charity committees. At Braille House, Richard works closely with the Management Committee to provide strategic leadership and governance, guiding the organisation's mission to empower people of all ages who are blind or have low vision through alternative formats.
Learn more about Richard's passion for inclusion, literacy and the future of braille.
What inspires you about Braille House?
At Braille House, we are helping create a more inclusive community by providing access to information, literature and education through braille. The difference we make is giving people who are blind or have low vision greater independence, choice and opportunity.
One of the first things I noticed when I joined the organisation was the extraordinary dedication of the people here. There are wonderful people doing wonderful work, driven by genuine kindness and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Being part of an organisation where compassion is turned into action is something I find both inspiring and rewarding.
What does accessibility and inclusion mean to you?
To me, accessibility and inclusion are about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in everyday life. It means providing access to information, education and opportunity, while recognising the dignity, value and potential of every individual.
Creating an inclusive community is not just about removing barriers. It is about ensuring people feel connected, empowered and able to make their own choices.
What would you like more people to understand about braille?
Braille remains an essential tool for literacy, education and independence. Through the power of braille, people who are blind or have low vision can access knowledge, build skills and participate fully in their communities.
Greater awareness of the importance of braille literacy will help ensure it continues to be recognised, supported and available to the people who rely on it.
What are your hopes for the future?
I would like to see greater advocacy and awareness around the importance of braille, particularly at a government level. There is an opportunity to strengthen support for braille readers, promote policies that recognise the value of braille literacy and create more opportunities for organisations like Braille House to expand their impact.
Ultimately, I hope braille continues to be recognised as an essential pathway to independence, education and inclusion, and that the people who rely on it have every opportunity to thrive.