For the second year running outback and remote community residents who are blind or have low vision are being given the opportunity to attend one of Australia’s annual leading assistive technology exhibitions.

Thanks to the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), Vision Australia is able to assist five Vision Australia clients from rural or remote areas to visit Texpo.

"Many of our clients living in rural and remote locations cannot afford the travel and accommodation costs to attend these fantastic exhibitions that are held each year in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne," says Vision Australia's National Manager for Assistive Technology Services, Luisa Ferronato.

"This grant will mean five Vision Australia clients (plus one nominated travel companion each), will get to sample all the latest assistive technologies that can make such a difference to their lives."

This year, Vision Australia's Texpo features:

• The latest products and demonstrations from key technology suppliers, including magnifiers, talking gadgets and computer access tools
• Information about Vision Australia's specialist services and a chance to speak with our professional staff
• The opportunity to visit Vision Australia's Equipment Solutions shop to try out or purchase assistive technology products
• The chance to meet a Seeing Eye Dog in training and find out how you can sponsor a puppy

The grants will be awarded to Vision Australia clients based on a written statement about how assistive technology has made or can make a difference. Entries must be submitted by 5pm Wednesday 25 July, 2012 and must be 300 words or less.

Money from the grants will go towards covering the costs of airline travel, taxi fares, accommodation and meals (valued at approximately $1000.)

This year Vision Australia's Texpo is being held in: Melbourne, Friday 24 August and Saturday 25 August, Sydney Friday 31 August and Saturday 1 September and Brisbane, Friday 7 September and Saturday 8 September.