Belinda O’Connor

Belinda O’Connor is passionate about access to independent travel for people living with vision impairment and more broadly disability. Born with a significant vision impairment, Belinda was told not to ride a push bike and will never drive a car. Today she is Australia's first bioptic motorcyclist, holds a driver's licence and is a keen cyclist.

Tens of thousands of Australians are being told they can’t drive because of vision issues. Variability of regulations regarding visual requirements for driving licensure is not consistent with public safety or with fair treatment for Australians for economic participation. Research shows that vision standards for driving are not evidence based but rather, evidence informed and political will decisions.

Belinda believes all Australians deserve the same opportunity seen overseas that embed human rights into law, policy and programs to allow dignity of ability to be assessed and continue to ensure road safety outcomes are achieved.

Awarded a Churchill fellowship, in 2023 Belinda is traveling to the USA, Canada and The Netherlands to investigate success factors and barriers for low vision and telescopic driving.

In 2017 Belinda founded Bioptic Drivers Australia with three others to successfully advocate to ensure bioptic driving continues following the 2016 review of the national medical licencing regulations. They continue to advocate for human rights inclusion for driving and transport.

Belinda is currently undertaking postgraduate study to become a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Belinda’s purpose is to professionally contribute in this field towards pre-driver, road safety and low vision driving skills.

Belinda has 20 years experience working in public policy, statutory compliance and program management in the Australian Government. Belinda is a member of the Disability Leadership Institute, Women with Disability ACT and People with Disability Australia. She holds a Bachelor of International Business.