S1 Ep364: Energy Saving Info And Grants Get The Accessibility Touch.
We're being told to heat and insulate our homes better to save energy and make sure we're getting the best deals out there for our gas and electricity. But how easy is it to get that information and complete forms to get help and support to do this if you are blind or partially sighted? A new project, funded by the Scottish Government, is helping to bridge the accessibility gap for those with v...
3m Mar 13, 2020
3m
S1 Ep363: World Stage Premiere Gets The Audio Description Touch.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from Mindseye Arts. They discuss the latest theatre and arts events that are being audio described for blind and partially sighted patrons. This month there is much excitement! Over a Sci Fi world premiere and there's even something for the tiny tots. www.mindseyedescription.co.uk (http://www.mindseyedescription.co.uk/) #RNI...
8m Mar 13, 2020
8m
S1 Ep362: Sight Loss Doesn't Mean Job Loss.
opportunities for blind and partially sighted people and that includes providing advice and support to individuals who start to lose their sight while in employment. The support comes in many forms and is there for the employee and the employer and shows the many ways of making a work place accessible and the financial support that exists to pay for things like accessible I T, P A support and t...
7m Mar 12, 2020
7m
S1 Ep361: How Can Sound Waves Help Us To See?
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Rob Appleby, Chris Edmunds and Robyn Watson to discuss science. The experts take off the lab coats to tell us about the exciting world of science and how it impacts our everyday lives, including those with sight loss. This month, what are sound waves and how can they be used to help us see what's around us. #RNIBConnect
10m Mar 11, 2020
10m
S1 Ep359: Where Did The Paralympic Sport Come From?
The game of Goalball is played around the world and was originally created for blind players. Now even sighted people can take part and the sport has gone from gym halls to become a major world and Paralympic fixture. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Clive Spencer, who many now credit as the person who brought the sport to the UK. www.goalballuk.com (http://www.goalballuk.com/) #RNIB...
8m Mar 09, 2020
8m
S1 Ep358: The Scottish Sight Loss Sector Conference
The Scottish Sight Loss Sector Conference, Towards a Scottish Vision Strategy, was held in Glasgow on Tuesday the 3rd of March. The conference was organised as part of a partnership collaboration between Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Royal Blind, RNIB Scotland, Scottish Council on Visual Impairment (SCOVI), the Thomas Pocklington Trust and Visionary, and in association with Vision UK. R...
6m Mar 06, 2020
6m
S1 Ep356: Campaigns Team Goes To Parliament.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with RNIB's campaigns team to learn more about the latest projects and encourage more blind and partially sighted people to get involved in campaigning. This month Costa and the team discuss the charity's recent visit to Westminster to sign up Champions! and what's happening around pavement parking in Wales. http://www.rnib.org.uk/campaigns #R...
7m Mar 04, 2020
7m
S1 Ep355: The Year Ahead And A New Chair For UK Sight Loss Charity.
The Chief Executive of the Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) Matt Stringer was at the charity's Scotland HQ in Edinburgh, along with the current Chair, Ellie Southwood. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell went along to talk to them about the year ahead for the organisation, a Charity Commission report, sporting challenges and the search for a new Chair. www.rnib.org.uk (http://www....
11m Feb 28, 2020
11m
S1 Ep354: RNIB Shape & Share Events For VI Kids and Young People
There are some exciting events coming up in Scotland and North East with the blind and visually impaired children and young people in mind.   Rosie Pybus and Craig Brown are Children, Young People and Families Support Officers for Scotland and North of England respectively, and spoke with us to explain what we can expect on the day and why it’s the perfect day out for whole families.    Rosie a...
6m Feb 27, 2020
6m
S1 Ep353: Seminars And Scholarships For Visually Impaired American Students.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with Chris Danielsen, PR Director, from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA. This time, they discuss the charity’s Washington Seminars, where Blind and partially sighted members speak to the people in power, and the launch of their Study Scholarships, which are now up for grabs. www.nfb.org (https://audioboom.com/posts/www.nfb.org)...
8m Feb 27, 2020
8m
S1 Ep352: Can You Help Revenue And Customs Be More Accessible?
When it comes to tax, we often think of complicated websites, forms and information, with many deadlines for those who have to submit accounts. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are looking for blind and partially sighted people who are accountants or have to submit self assessement returns to help make the service more accessible. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gina Jordan,...
5m Feb 25, 2020
5m
S1 Ep351: Conference To Grow Visually Impaired Young Leaders.
The charity British Blind Sport promotes opportunities for blind and partially sighted people, of all ages, to get involved in a huge variety of sports and leisure activities. BBS also work with public and private bodies to improve access to these opportunities at a local and national level. They are currently looking for more blind and partially sighted young people to take part in various cou...
7m Feb 24, 2020
7m
S1 Ep350: Can You Influence The Future Of Audio Description On TV?
Audio Description (AD) is a narrative which plays inbetween actors dialogue and gives a description of what is happening, visually, on screen or stage. The service opens up tv, cinemas, theatres, museums and many art and visitor attractions to blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jonathan Penny, from ITV, to discuss AD and ask for your help to develop ...
11m Feb 21, 2020
11m
S1 Ep349: Gene Therapy Research Into Sight Loss Condition, Stargardts.
The charity Fight For Sight UK is a major funder of sight loss research and provides financial support to the next generation of research scientists. The organisation has helped, via it's grant scheme, Professor Robert MacLaren to develop and continue his work to develop a gene therapy for a rare sight loss condition called Stargardts Syndrome. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Doctor...
7m Feb 20, 2020
7m
S1 Ep348: Have Your Say On Fireworks.
Guide Dogs Scotland are looking for your feedback on the laws around the use of Fireworks. Although much of the legislation is reserved to Westminster, The Scottish Parliament has a working group looking at changes to the rules. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne-Marie Barry, from Guide Dogs, to learn more about the discussions and why the misuse of fireworks can be a danger to ma...
7m Feb 19, 2020
7m
S1 Ep347: Imagine Getting Important Health Information You Can't Read?
Many blind and partially sighted people in Scotland are struggling to get important health and medical information in a format that they can read independently and in privacy. Imagine getting a hospital appointment, that needs urgent acceptance, that you can't read? or post-operative information that's crucial to your recovery, that's not in an accessible format? RNIB Scotland have launched the...
11m Feb 18, 2020
11m
More International Volunteering Opportunities For VIP's
At some point in our lives, many of us will think about volunteering for a variety of reasons. Volunteer Services Overseas works in many of the world's poorest areas and strives, with it's volunteers, to make a positive impact. The charity offers places to blind and partially sighted young people, with funding provided, to help build new skills while allowing them to show their abilities, stren...
8m Feb 17, 2020
8m
S1 Ep346: There's More To Audio Description Than Tv And Movies.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks to Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts. They discuss some of the latest arts events, touring theatre productions and more, that use Audio Description to fully immerse blind and partially sighted visitors. This month there's news from Wordsworth's House, kids movies and the Beautiful Carole King. www.mindseyedescription.co.uk (http://www.mindseyede...
9m Feb 14, 2020
9m
S1 Ep345: Personal Independence Payment To Transfer To The Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government is in the process of taking responsibility for the administration and payment of certain social security benefits, from the Westminster Department for Work and Pensions. The new Social Security Scotland Dept will look after a percentage of benefits including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for Scottish claiments. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Cabinet Se...
9m Feb 10, 2020
9m
S1 Ep344: First Steps Gets Visually Impaired Kids Active.
The charity British Blind Sport supports and encourages blind and partially sighted people, of all ages and abilities, to participate in sport and leisure activities., in and around their local areas. They also work with sporting governing bodies, sports clubs and gyms to make their facilities and services more accessible for people with sight loss. February 2020 sees the launch of the First St...
9m Feb 04, 2020
9m
S1 Ep343: “Let’s Be Well” Midlands Event
VISPA (Visually Impaired Sport & Physical Activity) is holding a Wellbing Taster Day with RNIB North West among the partners involved in the project.    The event called ‘Let’s Be Well’ will feature a full schedule of activities such as Meditation, Mindfulness, 3D Movement, Tai Chi, Laughter Yoga and many more. Plus a very special guest speaker, as blind adventurer and motivational speaker Mile...
8m Feb 03, 2020
8m
S1 Ep342: New Accessible £20 note.
In the UK, The Bank Of England has the right to produce Pound Sterling Bank Notes. For many blind and partially sighted people, the notes have been, on the whole, distinguishable due to their different sizes or by using note guides or smart apps. The Bank has worked, previously, with RNIB to make its new polymer £10 note more accessible and that collaboration continues with the new £20 note whi...
8m Jan 31, 2020
8m
S1 Ep341: Poor Funding Of Sight Loss Research In The Spotlight.
The charity Fight For Sight UK is calling on central government to increase it’s funding of sight loss research. At present only 1% of health research funding goes into the area of vision loss and with 20% of the population directly affected by poor vision, the time is now for more investment. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Sherine Krause, CEO of Fight For Sight UK, to learn more a...
6m Jan 29, 2020
6m
S1 Ep340: Sight Loss On The Agenda For US Senators.
Each year the National Federation of the Blind, in the USA, takes hundreds of it's members to Washington DC to meet their Senators. The event places blind and partially sighted people face to face with their elected representatives, so they can speak, directly, about issues that are important to them on a daily basis. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Chris Danielsen, PR Director for ...
9m Jan 28, 2020
9m
S1 Ep339: How Does Radiation Fight Eye Cancer?
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Rob Appleby, Chris Edmunds and Robyn Watson to take the white coat off science and learn more about a world that's opening up, educationally and vocationally, to blind and partially sighted people. This month we learn how we can control radiation and how it can be used to treat eye cancer. #RNIBConnect
10m Jan 28, 2020
10m
S1 Ep338: Get Involved With RNIB’s Connect Voices
Charity RNIB wants you to get involved! One of RNIB’s key values is being ‘led by people with sight loss’ and their initiative Connect Voices is allowing people living with sight loss to get involved with the work RNIB does.   We spoke with Charlotte Jones, National Involvement Coordinator with RNIB and RNIB service user Ross Meegan about Connect Voices and why it’s important to get involved. C...
10m Jan 27, 2020
10m
S1 Ep337: International Volunteering Opportunities For Visually Impaired People.
At some point in our lives, many of us will think about volunteering for a variety of reasons. Volunteer Services Overseas works in many of the world's poorest areas and strives, with it's volunteers, to make a positive impact. The charity offers places to blind and partially sighted young people, with funding provided, to help build new skills while allowing them to show their abilities, stren...
10m Jan 21, 2020
10m
S1 Ep336: RNIB launches Code Jumper in the UK
The RNIB are always looking for ways to make tech more accessible, we sent RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby to find out more about their latest educational tool. [Image shows code jumper pieces, a laptop with code on the screen, and the code jumper logo]
11m Jan 20, 2020
11m
S1 Ep335: Family Charity Looks Forward To 2020.
The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) is a charity which provides help and support to children and young people, who are blind or partially sighted, and their families. The organisation is forward thinking, helps everyone understand and embrace technology, and is guided by it's service users and their needs. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to their Chief Exec, Tom Pey, to learn m...
6m Jan 20, 2020
6m
S1 Ep334: Audio Description News For Theatre And Galleries.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks to Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts to look at some touring theatre productions and arts venues supporting Audio Description. This month, we have news on AD audience figures, a classic crime drama and how do galleries and museums include blind and partially sighted visitors on tours? www.mindseyedescription.co.uk (http://www.mindseyedescriptio...
10m Jan 17, 2020
10m
Sailing Week For Blind And partially Sighted People.
Each year, a flotilla of yachts takes to the waters around the South of England with crews made up of sighted and visually impaired sailors. Whether you are an experienced sailor, or have never stepped on a yacht before, you will be welcomed with open arms and shown how to enjoy life onboard. There are places up for grabs, on the week long, experience and who knows, you might love it so much th...
7m Jan 16, 2020
7m
S1 Ep332: Is Employment Gap Improving For Visually Impaired People?
It is well known that it is harder for blind and partially sighted people to enter the job market, due to outdated stereotypes and a lack of awareness of individual's strengths and potential. Add to the mix a poor understanding of the Access To Work scheme, to help with any extra costs of making a work place accessible, and you have a difficult set of circumstances to overcome. However a longit...
8m Jan 16, 2020
8m
S1 Ep331: New Online Accessible Activity And Sport Resource.
Blind and partially sighted people now have a way to check if there are accessible activities and sporting opportunities in their own area. The charity British Blind Sport has an online search tool, launching on January 20th 2020, that can direct people to opportunities that are accessible for anyone with sight loss. The site is in it's early days and BBS are encouraging individuals and groups ...
7m Jan 15, 2020
7m
S1 Ep330: Calls For More Government Funding Into Sight Loss.
When people lose, or begin to lose, their sight, it can have a major impact on their lives, their job and their independence. The UK is one of the leading countries in the world for sight loss research but the burden of funding this has fallen, in a major way, to charities. Fight For Sight is calling for more government money to be invested in this research, sight loss being far down the fundin...
7m Jan 15, 2020
7m
Calls For More Funding For Visually Impaired Pupils
Sight loss charity RNIB Scotland has, for some time now, been highlighting the attainment gap that exists between sighted and visually impaired pupils. Their concern is the lack of dedicated classroom support to maintain standards for blind and partially sighted children, and the effect this can have on their vocational and social development. The Scottish Government has committed more funding ...
7m Jan 14, 2020
7m
S1 Ep329: Sight Loss Charity’s Big Campaigns of 2019.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with Costa Asprou, and guests, from the Royal national Institute of Blind People’s campaigns team. This month the team are looking back at some of the big campaigns of 2019, including accessible travel in Wales, pavement parking in Scotland and of course, on going work, around this year’s General Election… http://www.rnib.org.uk/campaigns #RN...
12m Dec 24, 2019
12m
S1 Ep328: Making Science Accessible.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell looks at different areas of science and how it can be more accessible for blind and partially sighted people, to consider for study or as a career. This month Allan is joined by Rob Appleby, Chris Edmunds and Robyn Watson to look at particles. #RNIBConnect Image: Proton particles
13m Dec 23, 2019
13m
S1 Ep324: National Federation of the Blind (USA) Review Of 2019.
Each December, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with some of the Chief Executives of some of the UK's, and worlds, leading sight loss charities. Today we look back at 2019, and ahead to 2020, with Chris Danielsen, PR Director with the NFB, in the United States. www.nfb.org (http://www.nfb.org/) #RNIBConnect Image: Chris Danielsen, PR Director with the NFB
8m Dec 18, 2019
8m
S1 Ep327: Positives Of Sight Loss
Living with sight loss comes with its own challenges and we don’t often consider that there can be a more positive side to it.   Holly Tuke, who was recently recognised as the Social Media Influencer of the Year at the RNIB See Differently Awards, believes that sight loss is not always a bad thing.   Holly spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   Follow's Holly’s blog on: www.lifeofablin...
10m Dec 17, 2019
10m
S1 Ep326: Fancy An Audio Described Panto for 2019?
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts. They look at some of the latest touring theatre productions, or arts events, that include audio described performances for blind and partially sighted visitors. This month, As we approach the height of the festive season, we take a look at some audio described pantos, oh yes we do!!! www.mindseyedescriptio...
11m Dec 17, 2019
11m
S1 Ep323: CNIB's Chief Exec's Review Of 2019.
Each December, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with some of the Chief Executives of some of the UK's, and worlds, leading sight loss charities. Today we look back at 2019, and ahead to 2020, with John Rafferty, CEO of Canada's CNIB. www.cnib.ca (http://www.cnib.ca/) #RNIBConnect Image: John Rafferty, CEO of Canada's CNIB
8m Dec 17, 2019
8m
S1 Ep322: British Blind Sport's Chief Exec's Review Of 2019.
Each December, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with some of the Chief Executives of some of the UK's, and world's, leading sight loss charities. Today we look back at 2019, and ahead to 2020, with Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport. www.britishblindsport.org.uk (http://www.britishblindsport.org.uk/) #RNIBConnect Image: Alaina MacGregor CEO BBS
9m Dec 16, 2019
9m
S1 Ep321: Ramble Tag Update
The Ramble Tag is a guidance aid, designed to be worn on the arm of a guide with a visually impaired person. It acts as a simple alternative to linking or holding arms, offering more independence to the user while increasing comfort for both users.   It was designed by two friends and neighbours – Laura Maclean and Tom Forsyth. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up with them both, to find ...
8m Dec 12, 2019
8m
S1 Ep320: Charities Come Together For Important Research
RNIB, Guide Dogs and Thomas Pocklington Trust are jointly commissioning an exciting and important piece of research.   Through it, the charities will look at audience segmentation to create a real step-change in the sector-wide understanding of the 2 million people in the UK living with sight loss.    We spoke with Hilary Ingleton Head of Research, Evaluation and Design at RNIB to find out more...
11m Dec 10, 2019
11m
S1 Ep319: Titch & Santa Have Letters For Visually Impaired Kids, Want One?
Santa and his Elves are hard at work in the Grotto, getting ready to deliver lots of fantastic toys to all the good boys and girls. They're also working with the RNIB Elves to send out accessible emails, from Santa, to blind and partially sighted children. If you know a little one who would love a special message from the big man himself, listen up, because time is running out. You only have un...
9m Dec 06, 2019
9m
S1 Ep318: Charity Celebrates International Volunteers Day.
The United Nations has created International Volunteers Day to celebrate the priceless work that volunteers do to help charities around the globe. This year, 2019, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Cassandra Kamara from RNIB, to learn more about volunteering opportunities and what volunteers mean to the sight loss charity. We also hear from Minhal and Linda to find out why they volunt...
18m Dec 05, 2019
18m
S1 Ep317: Legal Rights Team Can Help With Universal Credit.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Dominic Milne from RNIB's Legal Rights Service. We look at the support that they can provide to blind and partially sighted people on a variety of topics. This time they're looking at the controversial welfare payment known as Universal Credit. Dominic explains what UC is, the new tool kit to help people apply and, if things don't go the...
10m Dec 05, 2019
10m
S1 Ep316: Campaigns Team Turn Their Attention To Politics.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Costa Asprou from the charity's campaigns team. They discuss some of the big topics and projects that they are working on to improve the everyday lives of blind and partially sighted people and to encourage more of us to get involved in campaigning. This month, with a general election on the horizon, they are looking at how you can help ...
9m Dec 04, 2019
9m
S1 Ep313: Making Science Accessible.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell looks at different areas of science and how it can be more accessible for blind and partially sighted people, to consider for study or as a career. This month Allan is joined by Rob Appleby, Chris Edmunds and Robyn Watson to look at particles and particle accelerators and you’d be surprised where you will find them! #RNIBConnect Image: Proton particles
11m Dec 02, 2019
11m
RNIB Scotland Hustings Event 2019
RNIB Scotland is holding a General Election hustings event on Thursday, November 28th, at the University of Strathclyde's Technology and Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, Glasgow.    The event is free to attend and will be held between 6.30 and 7.30pm, with doors opening at 6pm.   This will give blind and partially sighted people a chance to put questions to candidates standing in Scottish c...
5m Nov 20, 2019
5m