I was asked this question a few days ago, and my initial response was,
‘Well, it all depends on what you’re talking about.’
Of course, I was just joking. I knew exactly what the lady was referring to.
It happened at the official opening of the new Guide Dogs Sensory Campus in Kew, Victoria. I was invited to play my harp, Heavenly, providing background music while everyone mingled, ate, drank non-alcoholic beverages, and admired the new surroundings.
My Harp and Me
There was a huge crowd. Naturally, there was a strong turnout from the blind and vision-impaired community, along with their supporters, family, friends, as well as several government officials and media representatives.
At one point, I was asked to stop playing for an interview. Dutifully, I followed the request. While waiting, I began to feel a bit nervous. I straightened my skirt, fluffed my hair with splayed fingers, and rummaged through my bag for some lip gloss. Finally, I dusted down my boots and gave my harp a once-over with an unused tissue—just to be sure—though I wasn’t quite sure if anyone from the sighted world could actually see the dust. And maybe there wasn’t any there anyway.
The interviewers made a beeline— but not for me
I was ready, albeit with a few butterflies in my stomach, for the interview. The room eventually went quiet, and I thought, the media would be coming over any second now. But what I hadn’t realised, the Honourable Bill Shorten was in the room, so naturally, the interviewers made a beeline—not for me—but for Bill.
Now, I can’t say I was disappointed about Bill stealing my spotlight, because to be honest, he’s quite the hero. For anyone who doesn’t know, and I’m sure you must be a rare one, the Honourable Bill Shorten is a household name in the disability community. He’s the man behind the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and a passionate advocate for all people with disabilities.
Almost a Brush with Fame
After Bill’s interview, I thought this could be a great opportunity to interview him for my blog. Or at least tell him how much I admire the work he’s doing with the NDIS. But not a snowball’s chance in hell. He was whisked away by his minders, and the next time I saw him was on the 6 pm news. Then the 7 pm news. Then the late news at 10:30 pm.
So, with Bill Shorten now long gone, I settled back into playing my harp.
String heaven
The crowds started thinning out and Heavenly and I became more visible – at least to some. A few people wandered over to my little corner of this huge complex. Some stopped for a chat, though I could tell they were more interested in Heavenly.
I invited them to pluck her and stroke her and guide their fingers across the strings. And everyone made such beautiful sounds. And then the room became quiet again. That is until a lady approached and asked if I minded if she touched it.
She assured me it was the harp she wanted to touch.
‘Go for it, love,’ I said.
She was in string heaven. And that’s how my harp got her name. When I was volunteering at a palliative care home, one of the patients once said to me, ‘listening to the harp makes me I feel like I’ve gone to heaven already.’
It stuck with me because she looked so happy, even though she was close to the end of her life.
The importance of engaging the senses
This moment got me thinking about the importance of engaging the senses, especially for people who are vision impaired. It’s not just about touch, but also the need to name and describe the thing/s you are referring to. Engage all the senses – sounds, touch, smell, and even taste – whenever possible.
A heartfelt thank you to Guide Dogs for inviting me to this wonderful event and allowing me to play my harp.
Featured photo of me playing harp at the event, taken by Mal Padgett. Thanks Mal.
Please Support Vision Loss Programs
Learn more and donate via the link below.
https://vision-australia.grassrootz.com/abeltasman-2025/annette-leishman
