The Blind Skateboarder
Skateboarding is something that people may not normally associate with sight loss, but that didn’t stop Daniel Mancina from Michagan in America from getting back on his board. RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby spoke to Dan about skateboarding as a person with a visual impairment, and how he how had to change his style after he started loosing his sight.
9m Jan 26, 2018
9m
Sports Charity Has New Opportunity For Visually Impaired Young People.
British Blind Sport supports blind people, of all ages, to enjoy sport for fun, for fitness and to possibly spot a Paralympian of the future.  They also work with many of the sport governing bodies, local councils and private sports facilities around the UK to make sport accessible.  The Charity has a new project to help young blind people access sport and gain vital life skills and training ...
7m Jan 26, 2018
7m
Fancy A Trip To The Audio Described Theatre?
Each month we speak with Anne Hornsby from Mindseye Arts to highlight some forthcoming, touring, audio described theatre performances.  As well as looking at South Pacific and Flash Dance, we learn how museums and galleries are making their exhibits accessible for blind and partially sighted visitors.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne...  #RNIBConnect
13m Jan 26, 2018
13m
Diabetes Drug May Help With Memory Loss In Dementia
Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick chats about the stories behind the medical headlines, including a recent headline which suggests a diabetis drug may help with memory loss in dementia.
12m Jan 25, 2018
12m
US Sight Loss Charity Launches Adventurous Prize.
The Lighthouse For The Blind in San Francisco has been helping visually impaired people live fulfilling lives for over 100 years. This year’s sees the launch of the 3rd Holman Prize, where blind and partially sighted people can win $25,000 to make a challenging dream come true or make a difference to others with sight loss. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Max Levenson, from Lighth...
14m Jan 25, 2018
14m
Visually impaired, Edinburgh Creatives Wanted.
Edinburgh based Kirin Saeed is an established, blind, actor, writer & promoter of Audio Description for the theatre. She is looking for more blind & partially sighted people from in and around the Scottish capital, to get together in creative groups. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Kirin to learn more about her work and a free ticket offer, for visually impaired theatre lovers who...
14m Jan 25, 2018
14m
The Power Of Fairy Tales
Elena Sommers recently enjoyed success with the publication of her first children’s book. However since moving to the UK, from her native Russia, life hasn’t always been easy. RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell caught up with Elena to find out more.
7m Jan 24, 2018
7m
Big Walk to Highlight Eye Research.
Julian Jackson is embarking on The Big Blind Walk, from one end of the UK to the other. He’s looking to raise funds and awareness around sight loss research. Julian wants to highlight the lack of funding being put into sight loss prevention and cures by the government and set up a fund to help researchers carry out their vital work. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Julian to find ...
12m Jan 24, 2018
12m
Bizzare News - NEEIIINNNN
Blind journalist Paul Bryce picks out more quirky & alternative stories from around the globe, including one about a contentious bridge in Germany Paul is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
11m Jan 23, 2018
11m
School Fundraising To Create A Sensory Experience.
Research has shown that we are calmer and more open to listening and learning, if we find ourselves in a tranquil natural environment. That's why students and staff at Uddingston Grammar School, near Glasgow, have been charged with the task of fund raising and creating a sensory garden to be built within the grounds. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Uddingston student, Emily Gibbon...
4m Jan 23, 2018
4m
Paid Internships For Disabled Graduates
Leonard Cheshire's Change 100 programme is nearing it's deadline for applications. Disabled graduates, or those about to graduate, can apply for the chance to gain paid internships with some of the countries most prestigious companies. The organisations and the successful applicants will get disability awareness training, help with assistive technology and outlines of what constitutes reasona...
9m Jan 22, 2018
9m
Expecto Patronum! There's a Harry Potter exhibition coming to the British Library
Hocus Pocus Alakazam! The British Library in central London currently have a very special exhibition on, ‘Harry Potter – A History of Magic’! We sent RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby to speak to one of the co-curators, Joanna Norledge to find out exactly what it’s all about! If you want to visit, the exhibition ends on the 28th February and there are very limited tickets available. For more i...
5m Jan 19, 2018
5m
Blind Couple Rewarded For Their Work With Blind Community
2017 was a special year for one elderly blind couple who gained an amazing award for their hard work and dedication over a lifetime. The story of Fred and Etta Reid is told in the new issue of RNIB Connect Magazine which is out this month. Here’s a taste of their story…….. And if you’d like to hear more about Fred and Etta or get hold of the latest audio edition of RNIB Connect Magazine then g...
7m Jan 18, 2018
7m
Get Sporty With Bucks Charity.
Bucks Vision provides a variety of services for visually impaired people in the Buckinghamshire area. Their latest taster day is coming up on February 3rd at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium and will give blind and partially sighted people, of all ages, the chance to try the game of Goalball.  The game can be played for fun, or if your aiming high, you may get the chance to represent your country...
7m Jan 18, 2018
7m
Why We Break Our New Year Resolutions
New Year is a time when many of us set resolutions, things like quitting smoking or planning to get more active by joining a gym. However new research shows that almost half of us have thrown in towel by the mid-January. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell spoke to Professor Richard Wiseman to find out why.
6m Jan 17, 2018
6m
Ofcom Are Looking For Feedback From Visually Impaired TV Fans.
The Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) gives information on channel content on our televisions, allowing us to see what programmes are on, when there on and on what channel, via an on demand pop up on the screen.  Unfortunately very few television sets have accessible EPGs that can be accessed by blind or partially sighted people.  The regulator Ofcom has launched a consultation which will look...
7m Jan 17, 2018
7m
The Benefits Of Volunteering
January is a time that traditionally sees people looking for ways to give back and maybe 2018 is a time to begin volunteering as new research shows that it is not only beneficial to the community but also to the volunteer. RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell spoke to Oxfam’s Anne Webb & also to Dr Jeremy Howick to find out more…
6m Jan 16, 2018
6m
Blind Man Fulfills A Lifelong Dream
It may have taken him more than 80 years but blind man John Allison has finally achieved his lifetime aim of flying high... Here’s  a preview of his story featured in the new edition of RNIB Connect Magazine available this month.
6m Jan 16, 2018
6m
Are You Willing To Throw The Dice On A Roleplaying Game?
No longer solely the passion of freaks & geeks, roleplaying games (or RPGs) are enjoying a resurgence thanks to television shows such as Stranger Things. But how accessible are desktop games (like Dungeons & Dragons) or online roleplaying games to the blind & partially sighted community? Connect Radio’s Kris Wallace has been talking to author Oliver Kennett and RNIB’s Lisa Foulkes-Arnold about ...
20m Jan 16, 2018
20m
Refusing Access To A Guide Dog Is Illegal.
The charity Guide Dogs is campaigning for councils to demand new, and existing, taxi and mini cab drivers take Disability Awareness Training before they are allowed to be licensed.  This is because of the rising number of refusals by the drivers, and other service providers like hotels and restaurants, that are not only illegal but distressing for the assistance dog owners.  RNIB Connect Radi...
8m Jan 16, 2018
8m
Fundraiser Proves That Age Is Just A Number
Shirley Price, MBE is an extraordinary lady, A fundraiser for the blind, Shirley has been helping people with sight loss for more than sixty years. To mark her recent 85th birthday, Shirley paraglided over the Alps to raise money for The East Sussex Association of Blind and Partially Sighted People (ESAB). It may sound bizzare but Shirley is no stranger to extreme challenges. RNIB connect R...
10m Jan 15, 2018
10m
Bizzare News - Patriotic Cat
Blind journalist Paul Bryce picks out more quirky & alternative stories from around the globe, including one about a patriotic cat... Paul is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
9m Jan 15, 2018
9m
Assistive Technology Innovation Competition Open!
US based National Braille Press are dedicated to the promotion, and production, of braille and assistive technology.  Each year they award the " A Touch Of Genius Prize" and call for submissions that use braille to improve the everyday lives of blind people.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to NBP President Brian MacDonald, to learn more about the organisation and the global competit...
10m Jan 15, 2018
10m
Eye Health and Visual Impairment in Westminster
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Eye Health and Visual Impairment is an RNIB supported initiative looking at everything to do with eye health and eye care. RNIB’s Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby spoke to the co chair about what the group hope to achieve.
10m Jan 12, 2018
10m
A Unique Experience Of Sight Loss
William Skipworth was a succesful dentist until Glaucoma robbed him of his vision in one eye, to make matters worse he then lost the vision in his second eye, rendering him completelyblind. Although the vision in this eye would return, it has given William a real insight into life as a blind person. RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley caught up with William to hear his unique story.
19m Jan 12, 2018
19m
Scotland v Canada On The Ice, With A Difference.
The sport of curling for people with disabilities is a rapidly growing one, around the globe.  A new club has launched in Scotland and they have invited a team from Canada, where the game is huge, to play in a tournament over several rinks around the country.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales, Scottish Disability Golf and Curling, Canada's Donna Hawkins and Scotland skip ...
10m Jan 12, 2018
10m
Direct Line Looks To Make Roads Safer With First Smart Pedestrian Crossing
The Smart Crossing, a prototype that alerts drivers when pedestrians are crossing the road and lets them know when it is safe to walk, was unveiled in London recently. Developed by insurance company Direct Line, it can see what is happening around it using computer vision and update the road markings without manual control. RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley spoke with Wendy Pearson from Direc...
7m Jan 11, 2018
7m
Menna Fitzpatrick And Jennifer Kehoe Announced As One Of The VI Alpine Skiing Teams For The 2018 Winter Paralympics
We sent RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby to speak to Menna Fitzpatrick and her guide, Jennifer Kehoe shortly after they were announced as being team members in the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Paralympics.
5m Jan 10, 2018
5m
Millie Knight And Brett Wild Announced As One Of The VI Alpine Skiing Teams For The 2018 Winter Paralympics
We sent RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby to speak to Great Britain’s youngest ever Paralympian, Millie Knight and her guide, Brett Wild about Visually Impaired Alpine Skiing.
5m Jan 10, 2018
5m
The Easiest Way To Touch Phone
RNIB's technology officer Paul Porter reviews the BlindShell, a new smartphone for blind and partially sighted people. Paul is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
8m Jan 09, 2018
8m
New Curling Club For The Blind.
The Scottish Disability Golf Partnership has now introduced a new curling club to it’s ranks, allowing anyone with a disability to learn to play, or improve their game, on the ice. Scottish Disability Golf and Curling aims to grow the game by providing taster days for people to come along and have a go. Participants can join and play for fun or develop their competitive side, with the help of s...
8m Jan 09, 2018
8m
First 2018 Winter Paralympians Announced.
The British Paralympic Association (BPA) has announced its first round of athletes, to take part in the winter games in South Korea this year.  Among the skiers and snowboarders unveiled recently were the visually impaired Paralympians who will take to the slopes, skiers, for team GB.  RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby spoke with Penny Briscoe, Chef De Mission for this year's games, to learn ...
6m Jan 09, 2018
6m
Chief Exec On The Move.
Fiona Sandford has, over the past 20 years, transformed the West of Scotland sight loss charity, Visibility, into a 21st century grass roots support service for blind and partially sighted people.  However in 2018, it's new career, new job for the Chief Executive. Fiona will be saying goodbye to the organisation to take up the CEO post for the national charity Visionary.  RNIB Connect Radio's...
12m Jan 08, 2018
12m
Support Disability Snowsport UK and #Ski2Paralympics
Get on the slopes this winter with Disability Snowsport UK and look forward to this year's Winter Paralympics with the hashtag #Ski2Paralympics. Robert Kirkwood finds out more.
8m Jan 05, 2018
8m
Calls For More Funding Into Sight Loss.
8m Jan 05, 2018
8m
More Advances In Audio Description Availability.
Audio Description (AD) is a narration track, between actor's dialogue, which describes what's happening visually on screen, on stage or at other art venues or visitor attractions. The Royal National Institute for Blind people (RNIB) works hard to grow the availability, and quality, of the service. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sonali Rai, from RNIB, to learn about some of the late...
8m Jan 04, 2018
8m
The Great Cane Debate.
To bling or not to bling? Should those who use the white cane, to indicate they are visually impaired, dress them up? The UK's leading sight loss charity, the Royaal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB), wants to grow the discussion and ask if bling or adding colours to the traditional white cane are a sign of progression, fashion, or a big mistake! RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby report...
10m Jan 03, 2018
10m
Vision Pioneer Awards Big Night.
The Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) held it's 2nd awards ceremony in London, earlier this week. The night recognises individuals, teams or groups who have been pivotal in improving the everyday lives of blind or partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby went along to the glittering event. #RNIBConnect
11m Dec 22, 2017
11m
Sight Loss Charity's Campaigns successes.
It's the end of 2017 and RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jessica Hall from the RNIB, to look back at some of the sight loss charity's campaigns successes of the year. You can keep up to date on current campaigns and learn how you can get help, or involved in campaigning, each month on RNIB Connect Radio's Early Edition show. For more details, go to www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk #RNIBC...
10m Dec 22, 2017
10m
Blind Dave Heeley Puts The Finishing Touches on Christmas
It's been an action packed year for Dave as he became the first blind runner to complete The Great Run series, which he finished in Ethiopia last month. RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley caught up with Dave for the final time in 2017 as he looked forward to the festivities.
8m Dec 21, 2017
8m
CEO Annual Review.
Each year RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to the CEOs of some of the world's leading sight loss charities. We look back at 2017 at some of the year's highlights and challenges, ahead to what's in store for 2018 and a personal highlight of the year from the Chief Exec. Today it's the turn of John Rafferty, CEO of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. #RNIBConnect
12m Dec 21, 2017
12m
CEO Annual Review
Each year RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to the CEOs of some of the world's leading sight loss charities. We look back at 2017 at some of the year's highlights and challenges, ahead to what's in store for 2018 and a personal highlight of the year from the Chief Exec. Today it's the turn of Michele Acton, CEO of Fight For Sight UK. #RNIBConnect
10m Dec 21, 2017
10m
Get Into The Audio Described Panto Spirit.
It's that time of year when many of us will head to the panto for some festive laughs and maybe even a sing song. Blind visitors can benefit from performances which are audio described and RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby from Mindseye Arts to find out what's touring and what's popular for a festive treat... #RNIBConnect
12m Dec 20, 2017
12m
US Sight Loss Charity Reviews 2017.
Each year RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to the CEOs, or Directors, of some of the world's leading sight loss charities. We look back at 2017 at some of the year's highlights and challenges, ahead to what's in store for 2018 and a personal highlight of the year from the Chief Exec or Director. Today, we speak to Chris Danielsen, PR Director for the National Federation of the Blind in...
10m Dec 20, 2017
10m
Blind Chef Ian Jentle Is Ready For 2018
On New Years Eve Kris Wallace chatted to blind chef, and regular Morning Mix contributor, Ian Jentle about what New Year means to him. Ian discusses the importance of audiobooks, how parties can be quite overwhelming, and he also gives Kris the recipe for the perfect New Year's Day hangover breakfast!
12m Dec 19, 2017
12m
Nicki Kelly Invites You To See The Funny Side in 2018
Nicki Kelly has had an incredibly busy year. She has run The VIP Project, been a brand ambassador for RNIB at Glastonbury, been a roving reporter at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and is now helping to organise the See The Funny Side project - and she has done all of this with sight loss. Nicki spoke to Kris Wallace on New Year's Eve to discuss how her celebrations have changed since sight loss...
14m Dec 19, 2017
14m
Quite A Year For The Movies!
Early Edition presenter Allan Russell drops in on the final Saturday Show of 2017 to discuss the movies of the year with Kris Wallace. Hear the boys talk about the films that made them cry, the soundtracks that had them rocking, and how much Audio Description is improving the experience on the big screen...and on the small screen! If you enjoy the movies be sure to tune in to Sounds Of The Sil...
17m Dec 19, 2017
17m
David Hogg Reflects On An Incredible Year
David Hogg dropped in on the Saturday Show to discuss an incredible year which saw him become the new host of RNIB Connect Radio's A Little Alternative. He chats to Kris Wallace about how much the RNIB Transition Team has helped him, why his version of A Little Alternative offers something different, and how important it is for regular concert goers to declare their visual impairment to the ven...
10m Dec 19, 2017
10m
A 3D Puzzle For, By, & For The Benefit Of Blind & Partially Sighted People
Are you interested in puzzles, but find your options limited due to sight loss? Well Eric Westbrook has created an incredible 3D Puzzle Calendar that works just as well for blind and partially sighted people as for those who are fully sighted. Even better, all sales go to raise money for RNIB Pears Centre and BBC Children In Need. RNIB Connect Radio’s Kris Wallace has been chatting to creator o...
14m Dec 19, 2017
14m
The Royal National Institute for Blind people (RNIB) runs events throughout the UK called Swap With Me.
It gives bus drivers and visually impaired passengers the chance to swap places and give each other an understanding of what it's like to be in their shoes. The drivers find out how difficult it can be to stop a bus, board, pay for a journey and find a seat when you have sight loss. The passengers find out what it's like being responsible for a passenger service vehicle and those on board. RNIB...
8m Dec 19, 2017
8m