RNIB Scotland’s ‘See No Borders’ Initiative
RNIB Scotland’s 'See No Borders' is an initiative which thanks to support from Alliance helped connect black African people living with sight loss in Glasgow.     But how did ‘See No Borders’ come to be and how can you get involved?   RNIB Scotland’s Diversity Lead Gozie Jo Adigwe spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about the project.    To see an (audio-described) video about ‘See No ...
11m May 28, 2019
11m
Milestones Of Sight Loss (With Paul Quigley)
Everyone’s journey through sight loss is personal, yet there are still some milestones that can hit us harder than expected.   Speaking about accepting that your sight is getting worse are RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley and Connect member Paul Quigley.   If you’re struggling and would like to speak with someone contact the RNIB Sight Advice Service on: 0303 123 9999 (Photo: Paul staring ahea...
12m May 28, 2019
12m
RNIB North West Awards Event
What’s it like to attend an awards event celebrating those making a difference for blind and partially sighted people? Danielle Calcombe is a Community Facilitator and she recently had the chance go to an celebration event in Manchester and speak to a number of award winners. Danielle reports from the RNIB North West Awards event celebrating 150 years of Making A Difference.
11m May 22, 2019
11m
Get On Your Bike For Charity.
The charity Retina UK supports individuals, and their families, who are effected by Retinitis Pigmentosa. To support their work, the organisation hosts a variety of fund raising events in the UK and abroad. In October 2019, they are asking you to get involved in their 100 mile, 48 hour, tandem cycle challenge. RNIB Connect Radio's Iain Wilson spoke to Deborah Lang, from Retina UK, to learn more...
6m May 22, 2019
6m
Collaborative Funding To Tackle Sight Loss.
The charity Fight For Sight UK raises funds to support research into common and rare sight loss conditions. They have now launched a new round of funding and are asking for submissions from clinical, and non clinical, researchers. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dr Rubina Ahmed, from Fight For Sight UK, and Sue Ricketts, CEO Nystagmus Network, to learn more about the criteria and wh...
10m May 22, 2019
10m
Audio Description Brings Theatre To Life.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts. They discuss the latest theatre productions and art events featuring audio description (AD). Which brings visuals to life for blind and partially sighted people. This month the touring theatre productions include Educating Rita and The Book Of Mormon. www.mindseyedescription.co.uk #RNIBConnect
10m May 21, 2019
10m
Support At The Point Of Most Need.
When someone is given the news that they are losing their sight, it can be emotionally devastating for the individual and their family. RNIB is working to provide Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) for every eye clinic to provide immediate and tailored support to help people on the path to recovery. There is a wide range of support from independent mobility training to learning how to use the ...
15m May 20, 2019
15m
Sports Taster Days For Visually Impaired People.
There are now many sports that can be enjoyed by blind and partially sighted people, including archery, target shooting, ice hockey and cricket to name but a few. The charity British Blind Sports hosts free taster days, around the UK, to allow people to try the different activities that are available in their own areas. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alex Pitts about the events and...
8m May 20, 2019
8m
High Court Backs Visually Impaired Voters Complaint.
It is your legal right, in the UK, to cast your vote, for elections, in privacy and in secrecy. Unfortunately for many blind and partially sighted people, the ability to do this is not always possible, because of what many think is an outdated and not fit for purpose system. Rachael Andrews took the government to the High Court to argue that she, like many other visually impaired voters, do not...
16m May 17, 2019
16m
Dance Gets The Audio Description Treatment.
Audio Description is usually delivered over a headset, or at home through your tv, and it gives a narrative which describes what is physically going on between actors dialogue. This makes shows and performances, more inclusive for blind and partially sighted people. It's becoming more common on tv, at the cinema and at more and more arts and cultural events. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell s...
9m May 17, 2019
9m
Is Global Accessibility Awareness Day Working?
The 16th of May, 2019 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day and it aims to promote better access, in all aspects of life, for people with Disabilities. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to NeateBox founder Gavin Neate, to get his views on accessibility and how his company strives to smash barriers that still exist for disabled people. www.neatebox.com #RNIBConnect
16m May 16, 2019
16m
Parliamentary Interest In Tackling Cluttered Streets.
RNIB Scotland recently held a meeting at it's Edinburgh HQ, giving visually impaired campaigners and customers the chance to discuss issues around cluttered streets. List MSP Jeremy Balfour, himself disabled, attended the meeting to hear people's concerns and ideas for further improving pavements. Everyone hoped to continue the momentum, started by Edinburgh City Council, to remove advertising ...
14m May 10, 2019
14m
Helping Employers Take A Dip In The Disabled Talent Pool.
For decades now, charities and partners have worked hard to break down the barriers and out dated stereotypes that stop employers discovering the wealth of potential talent that exists amongst the disabled community, when it comes to recruiting. A new pledge, created by Virgin Media and Disability charity Scope, is giving support, guidance and encouragement to HR professionals to help them see ...
12m May 09, 2019
12m
Visually Impaired Writers Words Of Hope.
As a young person, Lynn Gordon didn't want her sight loss to define her or pigeon hole her. However, her deteriorating sight meant that she struggled to keep at the top of her class, all the way through her education journey. When assistive tech came along, her life changed, she found a job, accessed further education and got her life on track. She has now put pen to paper and written a book ab...
12m May 09, 2019
12m
Menna and Jen are running the RNIB Double Dash!
RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby spoke to Great Britain's most decorated Winter Paralympians, Menna and Jen to find out why they are taking part and how their training has been going.
6m May 08, 2019
6m
Is Scotland On The Brink Of Tackling Pavement Parking?
Many disability charities have been campaigning for years for governments, across the UK, to take action on the dangerous practice of vehicles parking on our pavements. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sandra White MSP, to learn more about her work to bring in new legislation to tackle the problem, educate drivers and gather cross party support for laws to be included in the New Tran...
9m May 08, 2019
9m
Can You Highlight Pavement Parking Obstructions?
Is there a situation that means parking on a pavement is acceptable? Or should we look at a UK wide blanket ban? The charity Guide Dogs, along with other 3rd sector organisations, has been campaigning for many years to end the practice which is not just inconvenient to pedestrians, but dangerous for many. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Niall Foley from Guide Dogs Scotland, www.guid...
8m May 08, 2019
8m
New Chief Exec for UK’s Leading Sight Loss Charity.
For some time now, the RNIB has been working hard to recruit a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation. The search is now complete and Matt Stringer has been introduced as the person to head up the charity’s ground breaking work, changing the lives of blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby spoke to RNIB Chair Ellie Southwood to find out more about the new app...
8m May 02, 2019
8m
RNIB Scotland Reaches Out During Ramadan
As the month of Ramadan approaches, RNIB Scotland is launching an appeal encouraging everyone to support the charity. RNIB -Scotland Community Facilitator and Diversity Lead Gozie Joe Adigwe spoke with us about the work RNIB is doing to aid diversity and support different communities. Gozie spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.
10m May 01, 2019
10m
One Of Liverpool's Finest Comedians Takes To The Road.
One Of Liverpool's Finest Comedians Takes To The Road. After starting a career in computer programming, the sight loss condition Retinitis Pigmentosa began to affect Chris McCausland's ability to succeed in the job he loved. Undaunted by this, he decided to take a different path and it was all down to a dare. He took to the comedy stage and found that he had a talent for entertaining people and...
13m May 01, 2019
13m
Is It The End Of The Road For Pavement Parking?
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Costa Asprou, from RNIB's campaigns team to look at some of the latest projects and to encourage more people to get involved in campaigning. This month there's some positive news on the problems surrounding pavement parking and they need your feedback on the positives, and negatives, surrounding the accessibility of casting votes... http:/...
12m May 01, 2019
12m
Should Blind TV & Movie Roles All Be Played By Blind Actors?
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the largest sight loss charity in the United States of America. Each month their PR Director, Chris Danielsen, speaks to RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell to discuss some of the big projects and topics they are involved in. This month they are lobbying the CBS TV network to use more blind actors in roles that are for blind characters. This comes af...
11m Apr 29, 2019
11m
People’s Postcode Lottery Helps Charity Smash Barriers
When people play the People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL) they not only stand a chance of winning cash, they also support UK charities to carry out their vital work. The latest recipient of support is the UK’s leading sight loss charity, RNIB. The funding will help the organisation to smash outdated stereotypes and barriers that stop blind and partially sighted people from leading positive and ind...
8m Apr 26, 2019
8m
RNIB Creative Making Workshops Exhibition 2019
This year’s RNIB Creative Making Workshops Exhibition will take place on the 9th of May from 5:30 PM at London’s Thenga Café near King’s Cross (120 Cromer St, London). We spoke with Natanya Mark who ran this year’s exhibition to hear about the workshops and what brought this creative initiative to life. Natanya spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley. For more information find ‘RNIB Con...
10m Apr 25, 2019
10m
My Life Story - Jackie Brown
Jackie Brown from Dunbar in Scotland talks about her experience of sight loss and the subsequent challenges she faced losing family, friends and her beloved guide dog, but also Jackie talks about the hope and confidence that she received by becoming part of RNIB. #RNIBConnect #TheDailyConnect
20m Apr 25, 2019
20m
Can Artificial Intelligence Save Sight?
With an ageing population, we are facing a sight loss time bomb from conditions like Age Related Maculaar Degeneration (AMD). So could artificial intelligence (AI) be used to crunch decades of research and data to come up with treatments, using new combinations of existing drugs, to stop the condition in its early stages and save sight? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dr Wen Hwa Lee...
13m Apr 25, 2019
13m
Pilot Course Could Be A Game Changer.
The RNIB are launching a brand new pilot course that's open to anyone who may be interested in campaigning. The free 10 session course will offer all sorts of useful training, from media skills to confidence building and a Q&A session with an MP to improve your interview skills. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Rebecca Swift, from RNIB Campaigns, to learn more about the Birmingham b...
8m Apr 24, 2019
8m
A Show To Remember (with Paul Quigley)
To mark RNIB’s 150th Anniversary the charity will be celebrating blind and partially sighted people with a night full of music, comedy, and great food. Talking more about the event is Connect Member and musician Paul Quigley who will be performing on the night. 150th Celebration awards evening will take place on Saturday, May 4th 2019 from 7pm at the Lowry Hotel in Salford. For more informat...
14m Apr 23, 2019
14m
Audio Description Brings The Arts To Life.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts to look at some theatre productions, and arts events, which have audio description. AD is a narration delivered via headphones, between any dialogue, that verbally describes what is visually happening. This month, the menu includes touring productions of Annie, Ghost and the Manchester International Festival...
15m Apr 18, 2019
15m
A New Vision Of Architecture.
Architectural design is, to all intense purposes, a visual vocation. But does it have to rely on vision? There are blind architects who are busting the myth that having no sight means that you can’t aspire to succeed in the industry, In the UK, there are now opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to take a first step on the ladder to study this once out of reach subject. RNIB Conn...
10m Apr 17, 2019
10m
City Councillors Bowled Over By Visually Impaired Cricketers.
Blind and partially sighted cricket is a massive sport around the globe with leagues, tournaments and world championships taking place. Despite the growth, there is still a desire to promote and encourage more people to get involved in the game, for fun and for competition. RNIB Scotland, Cricket Scotland and Glasgow City Council decided to put on a match with sighted and visually impaired play...
10m Apr 17, 2019
10m
Could Gene Therapy Be The Answer?
You might have heard that gene therapy has been breaking ground in the medical world. RNIB’s connect member and white cane warrior Paul Quigley has Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and found the recent medical developments fascinating. Paul spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about what he found out and what the clinical trials could mean for his eye condition.
11m Apr 16, 2019
11m
Lord Blunkett And Maleeka, 12, Discuss Education.
The quality of education and future aspirations of blind and partially sighted people, has changed dramatically over the decades. The inclusion of mainstream education and smart technology has made studying, as a visually impaired person, easier and more accessible, or has it? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan spoke to Lord David Blunkett and 12 year old Maleeka Abbas, to learn about the differences i...
23m Apr 12, 2019
23m
New Business Empowers Employers And Employees.
Despite being visually impaired, Dave Smith has worked in a variety of roles from manufacturing to I T support and the police force. During this vocational journey he received a variety of training from the union, UNISON and became involved with equality rights. This allowed him to develop his skills to advise his employers on disability rights laws and to make the work place and employment pra...
14m Apr 11, 2019
14m
Sight loss didn't mean job loss for Rupa
On this morning's The Daily Connect, Steven Scott spoke with former teacher Rupa Ray, who talks about her experience of being diagnosed with sight loss, and the incredible support she received from RNIB's Sight Loss Advice service. To learn more about Rupa's journey back to work, please visit www.rnib.org.uk/rupa. You can also follow that link should you wish to make a donation. We'd love you...
27m Apr 09, 2019
27m
European Blind Union Looks to 2019 and beyond.
The European Blind Union is a campaigning, and representative, body which supports sight loss organisations across Europe. Their goal is to assist in improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people in all aspects of everyday life. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Wolfgang Angermann, EBU President, to learn more about the organisation, some of it's big projects and it's plan...
10m Apr 09, 2019
10m
Eye Donations Can Change Lives, Have You Signed Up?
With more countries in the UK bringing in opt out legislation for organ donations, the challenge remains to educate the public on the life changing differences it can bring. A bigger challenge is showing people how donating their eyes can give people their lives back and encouraging their surviving families to see this as a positive. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dr Neil Ebenezer,...
13m Apr 08, 2019
13m
RNIB Fundraiser Shares His Incredible Story
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats to RNIB Volunteer Keith 'Sooty Man' Ainsworth, who has been fundraising for the past 35 years, raising an incredible £450,000. This is Keith's story…
8m Apr 05, 2019
8m
Open Days At Specialist College.
When it comes to education, New College Worcester is very much a mainstream school, although it specialises in education for blind and partially sighted students. The holistic philosophy is to deliver a high standard of education, evening activities and independent living skills to prepare students for the next step in their education or vocational journey. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sp...
9m Apr 05, 2019
9m
Ramping Up Pressure To Get More Visually Impaired People Into Work.
The news around employment seems to be positive, the number of people who are out of work is falling with more of us moving into jobs. Is that statement strictly true? Not if your blind or partially sighted, as it's even harder than before to get onto the employment ladder, or even re-enter employment after losing your sight. RNIB's Costa Asprou joins us every month for a Campaigns update an...
13m Apr 04, 2019
13m
‘Flying Aces’ Teaches VI Youth How To Fly
A new project aims to help blind and partially sighted young people find their confidence by learning how to fly a plane. The ‘Flying Aces’ programme was set up by RAF Air Cadets and takes place at the Dundee flight school: Tayside Aviation. Tom McMorrow from ‘Flying Aces' spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about the thrilling initiative. Find more information at: www.taysideaviati...
7m Apr 02, 2019
7m
A Warm Welcome For Visually Impaired Theatre Goers
The Royal Shakespeare Company is world famous for its traditional and contemporary productions, which tour the globe. The organisation is also keen to make its performances as accessible and as enjoyable as possible for any blind and partially sighted visitors. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Emily, Becky and Gethyn from the RSC to find out more. #RNIBConnect
12m Mar 28, 2019
12m
‘Seeing Beyond the Eyes’ Project
A new initiative aims to help provide a more comprehensive and supportive care system for those living with sight loss. Dan Williams from Visualise Training and Consultancy spoke with us about ‘Seeing Beyond the Eyes’ project and what it wants to achieve. Dan is talking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information about ‘Seeing Beyond the Eyes’ visit: https://www.visualisetra...
13m Mar 27, 2019
13m
BBC Show Has A New Vision Of Tourism
Amar Latif is the founder and owner of Traveleyes International, a travel company that provides holidays, around the globe, for sighted and visually impaired people. Whether you want a beach holiday, explore the Amazon Jungle or throw yourself out of a plane in Cuba, there's something for everyone. Despite being blind, Amar is passionate about experiencing everything the world has to offer an...
16m Mar 22, 2019
16m
Can You Have A Successful Career In Architecture If You Are Blind?
Chris Downey had a successful career as an architect and managed a team of designers in the USA.  When he suddenly lost his sight, many thought that his career was over but he proved them wrong. By looking at design tools and IT in a different way, and by drawing on his sighted experience, he began to show his peers that not having sight gave him a greater insight into the built environment. ...
15m Mar 20, 2019
15m
Help With NHS Form-Filling – With Paul Quigley
Connect member and white cane warrior, Paul Quigley, recaps his latest trip to the charity Henshaws local meeting. Paul also looks back at his recent dentist visit and how form-filling is not always the easiest when you have no sight. Paul spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.
10m Mar 19, 2019
10m
S1 Ep92: International Glaucoma Week
International Glaucoma Week takes place once a year to raise awareness of the condition. RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby spoke to Professor Philip Bloom who is the chairman of the International Glaucoma Association to find out more about it. Image - Philip Bloom
4m Mar 15, 2019
4m
S1 Ep93: Maleeka's Vision Of Sight Loss.
Maleeka Abbas is a schoolgirl from Berkshire with a very different outlook on her sight loss. The passionate blogger and vlogger has her own website where she aspires to inspire others and let the world know that losing your sight is no barrier to your dreams, aspirations and enjoyment of daily life. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Maleeka "and her mum Fizz" to learn more about her ...
17m Mar 15, 2019
17m
Upcoming Diversity Events in Scotland
Would you love to learn some blind cooking tips and hints? Or perhaps you’ve never tried VI sports but would like to give it a go. There are some exciting Diversity events coming up in Scotland’s Dundee area this March that will give you an opportunity to do just that. Gozie Joe Adigwe, a RNIB Scotland’s Community Facilitator and Diversity Lead for Scotland, stopped by our studios to tell us ...
10m Mar 14, 2019
10m
S1 Ep91: Who Deserves An Award?
Last year, RNIB celebrated it’s 150th birthday and to celebrate this milestone anniversary, a dinner and party is being organised. Do you know anyone within the Visually Impaired community who you think deserves an award? Well now is your chance to get them recognised! RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby spoke to Kim Jaye to learn more about the celebrations, the awards and how you can nominate. ...
6m Mar 14, 2019
6m