Angela Schiller aims to blaze a trail in local government, even if she won’t be able to see it for herself.

The visually impaired Victor Harbor resident will nominate as a candidate in the upcoming council elections and could become the first elected member who is blind.

A disability advocate, Angela Schiller has been blind from birth and is running with the unexpected slogan ‘Seeing things differently’.

She has held many roles with disability organisations and has been on the City of Victor Harbor’s Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee for more than 10 years.

She has been involved with advocacy, advice, training and assistance with developing adaptive technology.

She sees an elected member role as a chance to provide a better disability voice in local decisions, as well as showing that people with a vision impairment have much to offer.  

“My lived experience of disability, using many of the community services provided by the council, will provide unique insights to help shape a more-inclusive Victor Harbor community,” Angela says.

“With more than 30 per cent of our community identifying as living with a disability, according to the latest Census figures, it is important they have a voice at local government level who understands their challenges and their dreams for the city.”

Angela’s interests go beyond the realm of disability.

“My background in primary industry, as a small business owner and a mother will also give me greater scope for understanding the local needs of ratepayers and residents generally, beyond those living with a disability.”

Having recently battled and survived breast cancer, Angela is confident in overcoming any challenges if elected in November.

“I’ve been through a lot in my life and always been able to adapt and contribute through finding alternative ways to tackle the issue, so my approach to being on council would be no different. 

“I live by the motto where there’s a will there’s a way.

“I’ve confidently used adaptive technology to read documents, emails, messages and websites, as well as manage tasks and calendar appointments throughout my years serving on committees at local, state and national level,” she says.

“I’ll have Oreo (her guide dog) by my side, but other than that I intend to be able to operate independently and not have barriers to being a valuable part of the next term’s council.

“As someone without the sense of sight it means I have more focus on listening to people, which I believe is an important trait for anyone in government.  

“You don’t have to be able to physically see someone to listen, understand and voice their views.”

Some of the issues Angela wants to bring to council include practical planning to enable better access to services and transport, affordable and accessible housing options, youth engagement and an even greater focus on positive ageing.

Nominations for all council elections open on Tuesday 23 August and close on Tuesday 6 September.

Voting will be conducted by postal ballot, distributed in October, with voting closing on 10 November.