Accessible Mid-Term Voting In The United States
The National Federation of the Blind, in the United States, campaigns for better access to services on behalf of blind and partially sighted people. November 6th will see Americans go to the polls to vote in the Mid-Term Elections and that includes visually impaired voters. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Chris Danielsen, PR Director at the NFB, to learn how they are working to make...
9m Oct 30, 2018
9m
Attitude Is Everything are on A Little Alternative
Attitude Is Everything are an organisation who aim to make going to gigs easier and better for anyone with a disability. They have launched a new survey and hope YOU will get involved in helping to make indoor (and outdoor) music more accessible for all. Jacob from the charity has been speaking to David Hogg on A Little Alternative.
11m Oct 26, 2018
11m
Blind Sitar Maestro Baluji Shrivistav Talks To RNIB Connect Radio
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats with one of India’s most recognisable and accomplished musicians… www.balujimusicfoundation.org (http://www.balujimusicfoundation.org/)
15m Oct 26, 2018
15m
“Beyond the Deepening Shadow: The Tower Remembers” Installation
A new installation will commemorate the centenary of the end of First World War by filling a moat with thousands of individual flames. The stunning light and sound spectacle will be available at the Tower of London from the 4th till the 11th of November, with audio-described tours available on the 6th and 7th of November. Creative Producer, Eva Koch-Schulte, spoke with us about the installati...
9m Oct 26, 2018
9m
Blind Dave Goes “Teary-eyed” For His Operation
Our favourite adventurer came back last week from sprinting along the Great Wall of China only to find that he is being summoned to fix his ‘teary eye’. So even before he had a chance to relax, Dave had to pop by the hospital to have needles poke around his eye. Find out how Dave coped with the experience as he chats with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. You can follow 'Blind Dave Heeley' ...
11m Oct 25, 2018
11m
150th Anniversary Feature: Dean Dunbar, Blind And Dangerous
This year marks charity RNIB’s 150th Anniversary and to celebrate we’ve reached out to inspiring figures to talk about their achievements and living with sight loss. Dean Dunbar lost his sight when he was 27-years-old and two years later, a charity tandem skydive changed his life forever. Since then the daredevil took part in over 100 activities around the world, ranging from adventure racing...
13m Oct 23, 2018
13m
White Cane Warrior Chats ‘Just Ask, Don’t Grab’ Campaign
A recent campaign by Dr Amy Kavanagh has called into question the way we interact with those with disabilities. The ‘Just Ask, Don’t Grab’ initiative highlights the importance of asking before you force ‘well-meaning’ assistance onto someone who might not necessarily require it. White Cane Warrior Paul Quigley and RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley discuss the campaign and what challenges it br...
9m Oct 23, 2018
9m
‘Vision In Song’ - Blind Veterans UK First Community Choir
Earlier this year Blind Veterans UK launched their very first community choir called ‘Vision in Song’. Having performed for the first time at ‘The Lawn’ in Essex the choir, which comprises of vision-impaired ex-Service men, performs an assortment of numbers from war-time classics to patriotic anthems and jazz hits. Speaking with us about how ‘Vision in Song’ came to be and what the choir mean...
10m Oct 22, 2018
10m
150th Anniversary Feature: Blind Lutenist Matthew Wadsworth
This year marks charity RNIB’s 150th Anniversary and to celebrate we’ve reached out to inspiring figures to talk about their achievements and living with sight loss. Matthew Wadsworth is a world-renowned lutenist who has performed in festivals and concert halls across Europe and North America. Throughout his career Matthew has worked with talent from all over the world, amongst them vocalists...
14m Oct 22, 2018
14m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews ‘La Traviata’
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng talks to us about the Welsh National Opera’s audio described production of ‘La Traviata’. Giuseppe Verdi’s three act opera tells the story of a doomed love affair between a famous courtesan and a young man from the provinces. Vidar is speaking with RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
7m Oct 19, 2018
7m
Rik Jones Chats New Album ‘What Can’t Speak, Can’t Lie’
Rik Jones is a visually impaired singer/songwriter and musician from Wigan who has been passionate about music since the age of five. Rik’s new album ‘What Can’t Speak, Can’t Lie’ dropped this month and the young man caught up with RNIB Connect Radio to tell us all about the latest release. Rik is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. To get Rik’s album visit his website: http://r...
13m Oct 19, 2018
13m
Dave Heeley Reflects on His Chinese Adventure
Charity champion Blind Dave Heeley has scaled the heights of one of the seven ‘new’ wonders of the world in a charity trek. Dave was joined by his wife Debbie and three daughters – Grace, Georgie and Danni – for the trek along the Great Wall of China which finished at the weekend. Cash raised from the challenge will be donated to Dave’s long-term supporters and West Brom’s charitable cause, T...
13m Oct 18, 2018
13m
Charlotte Kelly's Story
Soul 2 Soul are a Grammy award winning band who had huge success during the 1990’s. However a lot of people probably don’t know that one of their members, Charlotte Kelly, has a visual impairment. RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell caught up with Charlotte to hear her inspiring story. @CharlotteRKelly (https://twitter.com/charlotterkelly?lang=en)
17m Oct 18, 2018
17m
Stars Unite For Charity Gig
The charity Sound for Sight recently partnered with Sightsavers to hold a fundraising gig in London, which featured a wide array of musical talent. RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell caught up with charities founder Laura Westcott, to hear how the evening went. www.soundforsight.com (https://www.soundforsight.com/)
8m Oct 17, 2018
8m
150th Anniversary Feature: On The Importance Of Volunteering With Hussein Patwa
This year marks charity RNIB’s 150th Anniversary and to celebrate we’ve reached out to those without whom the charity could not continue its important work, the volunteers. Hussein Patwa is an Accessibility Consultant who also works with Mobility and Access within transport in Scotland. Hussein has been volunteering with RNIB for a number of years and also happens to be visually impaired. Spe...
11m Oct 15, 2018
11m
RNIB’s 150th Anniversary Feature: Advances In Technology Through The Years
This year marks charity RNIB’s 150th Anniversary and to celebrate we’ve looked back at how technology has changed through the years to help aid blind and partially sighted people. Blind Photographer Brian Negus is a retired Director of Computing Services at Loughborough University and has been using accessible technology since he was a child. Brian is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon ...
13m Oct 12, 2018
13m
RNIB’s 150 Anniversary Feature: “Speed Demon” Billy Baxter
This year marks charity RNIB’s 150th Anniversary and to celebrate we’ve reached out to inspiring figures to talk about their achievements and living with sight loss. Billy Baxter is a blind motorcyclist who in 2003 broke the world record for the fastest solo blind rider. In 1997, whilst serving with the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery in Bosnia, Billy lost his sight after contracting a rar...
17m Oct 12, 2018
17m
RNIB’s 150th Anniversary Feature: Blind Aviator Miles Hilton-Barber
This year marks charity RNIB’s 150th Anniversary and to celebrate we’ve reached out to inspiring figures to talk about their achievements and living with sight loss. Miles Hilton-Barber is a blind British adventurer that is most notably known for his 55-day microlight flight from London to Sydney. But things weren’t always easy for Miles and it took him 30 years to accept losing his sight and...
16m Oct 12, 2018
16m
Black History Month 2018 Is Back In Glasgow
Black History Month has once again arrived in Glasgow with a wide range of events on offer, including theatre, exhibitions, talks, films, tours and more. The events will be running throughout the next few weeks and explore the heritage and history of those that in the past, have been forgotten. Gozie Joe Adigwe is RNIB Scotland’s Community Facilitator and Diversity Lead and she joined us in t...
13m Oct 11, 2018
13m
RNIB’s 150th Anniversary Feature: "With A Little Help From My Friends" Blind Dave Heeley's Story
This year marks charity RNIB’s 150th Anniversary and to celebrate we’ve reached out to inspiring figures to talk about their achievements and living with sight loss. Blind Dave Heeley, British athlete, adventurer and fundraiser is an inspiration to many. When all hope was lost Dave turned his life around, eventually becoming the first blind person to successfully complete the challenge of sev...
17m Oct 11, 2018
17m
RNIB's 150th Anniversary Feature: Blind Astronomer 'Touches' The Stars
Dr Nicolas Bonne dreamed of exploring Galaxies ever since he was a little boy and watching the stairs from his home in Australia. He chose to pursue a career in astronomy when he was only 5 years old and is currently leading a project in the UK that lets blind and visually impaired people ‘feel’ the universe. With it, he hopes to encourage more young people to study astrophysics. But studying...
13m Oct 09, 2018
13m
RNIB'S 150th Anniversary Feature: Caroline Casey Proves Disability Can Be A Strength
This year marks charity RNIB’s 150th anniversary and to celebrate we’ve reached out to inspiring figures to talk about their achievements and living with sight loss. Visually Impaired Caroline Casey is the founder of business inclusion company, Binc, and is demonstrably passionate about the need to put disability on the global business agenda. Her story is one of defiance. As an adult, she ke...
20m Oct 04, 2018
20m
Dave Gets Set For China
RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley caught up with blind Dave Heeley, to find out how preparation's are going for his Great Wall challenge, which will see Dave and family trek an energy-sapping 60-miles for charity. Cash raised from the challenge will be donated to West Brom's charitable cause, The Albion Foundation. www.wba.co.uk/foundation (https://www.wba.co.uk/foundation/)
13m Oct 04, 2018
13m
News Review: Specsavers Advert Debate
In a special News Review this week, we get into a strong debate following an advert put out by Specsavers in Australia, that has started a firestorm online. Producer Kris has surveyed the RNIB Connect Radio office for everyone's opinion. We'd really love to hear what you think about this advert - we're on all the main social media channels, so please comment and join the conversation! #RNIBCo...
14m Oct 04, 2018
14m
Boy Of Ten Who Was Born Blind Helps Design £25m GOSH Unit
A boy who was born blind and may lose his hearing has helped design the UK’s first dedicated hospital unit for sight and sound loss. Josh Horrobin, ten, was one of 12 young patients who advised architects and the redevelopment team at Great Ormond Street Hospital on the £25 million outpatient centre. RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley spoke to his mum Wendy Horrobin to find out more.
8m Oct 04, 2018
8m
How To Make Sure Online Shopping Deliveries Are Accurate
RNIB Connect Radio contributor Paul Quigley has had a chat with this local Tesco, to see if they can put in place, a policy where online delivery drivers check an order off for blind and partially sighted customers. A simple suggestion that can help avoid wrong orders and wasted time and resources having to redeliver the correct order. Paul is speaking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
13m Oct 02, 2018
13m
Mobility Guide Could Be A Game Changer
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell finds out about an exciting new invention, which could be set to revolutionise blind and partially sighted people’s everyday mobility.
10m Oct 02, 2018
10m
Connect Conversation: Audio Description
Today's Connect Conversation follows a theme we have running all this week on the Daily Connect, which is around audio description. Joining us for a lively discussion this week was Tech Talk's Shaun Preece and Allan Russell from RNIB's Early Edition, as they share their views on AD for films, TV and on demand. Let us know what you think of these issues via the usual social media channels. Join...
18m Oct 02, 2018
18m
Ólafur Arnalds is on A Little Alternative
Fans of ITV's Broadchurch will immediately recognise the haunting and beautiful work of Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds - Broadchurch alone saw him win the 2014 BAFTA TV Craft Award for Best Original Music and release the single Not Alone. But Ólafur Arnalds is also a highly regarded Alternative Classical musician (currently promoting his fourth album Re:member), part of the techno project Ki...
15m Oct 01, 2018
15m
"Art in Aid of Blind Soldiers and Sailors"
RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell finds out about a commemorative exhibition taking place at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and museum, which is fully accessible to blind and partially sighted people. The emotive display by artist Frank Brangwyn reflects on the impact of war and the life-changing injuries serviceman can sustain. Five lithographic prints tell the moving story of a young soldier goi...
6m Oct 01, 2018
6m
The Hairy Biker And National Eye Health Week
It’s National Eye Health Week, and we’re all being encouraged to look after our eye health and make sure that we have our regular eye checks to keep our vision in top shape. Hairy Biker Dave Myers has teamed up with RNIB and Specsavers to urge everyone to think about the importance of vision and get an eye test. RNIB Connect Radio’s Robert Kirkwood spoke to Dave and optometrist Dr Josie Foste...
10m Sep 28, 2018
10m
Veterinary Nurse Saves Blind Dogs From Being Put Down
RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell chats with Katy Orton, Katy runs the charity Blind Dogs Rescue UK (BDRUK), which involves liaising with and providing funding to rescuers across Europe, to try and get blind and partially-sighted dogs off the streets or out of kill shelters and into permanent, loving UK homes. www.bdruk.org (https://www.bdruk.org/)
6m Sep 27, 2018
6m
Connect Conversation - Books and Accessibility
On this week's Connect Conversation we're joined by Gordon Anthony & Hazel Kelly, to discuss the subject of books, and accessibility for blind and partially sighted people - how do you access books? Are you a fan of audiobooks, listening through smart speakers, or do you prefer large print or braille? We'd love you to join the conversation, and let us know your experiences and how you feel - yo...
21m Sep 25, 2018
21m
Leading Musicians To Hold Concert In London for World For World Sight Day
Sound for Sight is a unique concert being held on World Sight Day to raise money and awareness for preventable sight loss conditions. The audience will be asked to wear sight loss simulators whilst being taken on a musical safari across multiple genres curated by Sound for Sight Founder, Laura Westcott and ‘Mo Pleasure’ the iconic keyboard player for Michael Jackson and former Music Director o...
9m Sep 24, 2018
9m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews 'Taj Express'
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats to ITV's Vidar Hjardeng (MBE), who recently attended the audio described performance of 'Taj Express' at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
8m Sep 21, 2018
8m
A Little Alternative Gig Reviews - Garbage @ Glasgow Barrowlands
The first in a series of A Little Alternative LISTENER Gig Reviews, Kris goes to the iconic Glasgow Barrowlands to check out one of the bands who defined his youth - the almighty Garbage, on their 20 Years Paranoid tour. Submit a gig review to A Little Alternative by getting in touch on social media, or email radio@rnib.org.uk - we can't wait to hear where you've been spending your evenings!
9m Sep 18, 2018
9m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews ‘Othello’
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng talks to us about Globe Theatre’s audio described production of ‘Othello’. This Greek tragedy tells the story of General Othello, a self-made man and a Moor, employed by the republic of Venice to defend its overseas territories. But as the Turkish threat closes in, Othello's jealousy grows fueled by the machinations of his junior officer, Iago. Vidar is chatting with RNI...
11m Sep 14, 2018
11m
Keeping The Dream Alive - Nancy Sumner's Story
Nancy Sumner is an accomplished artist, who just two years ago, lost her sight overnight. However, she didn’t let that stop her from creative expression and continued to pursue her love of art. Now, Nancy’s photographic skills are being recognised as she’s in the running to be part of Royal Photographic Society’s Hundred Heroines Exhibition. Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, N...
18m Sep 13, 2018
18m
Conquering The Great Pacific Race
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell speaks to Steve Sparkes and Mick Dawson, the two-man crew of the Cockleshell Pacific Endeavor, who have just created their own unique piece of sporting history
9m Sep 13, 2018
9m
Blind Dave Elated After Great North Run 2018
We caught up with our favourite adventurer Blind Dave Heeley to hear how he did at this year’s Great North Run. Dave describes the atmosphere, the music, the crowds, and perhaps most importantly, a run-in with Elvis himself. Dave is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’d like to get in touch with Dave you can do so through his website: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk (https://bl...
11m Sep 13, 2018
11m
Coming To Dublin Fringe Festival 2018: ‘My Dad’s Blind’
Anna Sheils-McNamee grew up with a dad who couldn’t see. For her, it was nothing out of the ordinary, yet for others her dad would either be classed as a ‘hero’ or treated as a ‘child’. Inspired by her life, Anna wrote a play that breaks down boundaries and challenges the infantalisation of people with disabilities. Chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Anna explains what we can ex...
14m Sep 12, 2018
14m
How Can We Help Protect Marine Life?
A few summers ago, RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley travelled all the way to the beach-side to meet with a marine biologist. Speaking with Sarah Brown, Simon finds out what we can do to help preserve marine wildlife and minimise our environmental impact. For more information visit: www.thegreenblue.org.uk (https://www.thegreenblue.org.uk/)
17m Sep 11, 2018
17m
What Barriers Do You Face As a VI Person?
Charity RNIB have extended their ‘barriers survey’, which will now stay open until Friday 14th of September. Through the survey you can share your views on which barriers have the biggest impact on your life as a person affected by sight loss. In the light of this survey, Connect member Paul Quigley and RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley chatted about the biggest barriers that they face in the...
14m Sep 11, 2018
14m
What’s Your Understanding Of Sight Loss?
It's a question that has thrown up a host of answers, some of which are very outdated and re-enforce some long held stereotypes. RNIB's #HowISee poses the question and tries to educate people on different sight loss conditions and take a modern look at how blind and partially sighted live their everyday lives. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Annalisa D'Innella and Luka Kille, who ar...
13m Sep 11, 2018
13m
Blindness And Bee Keeping Can Go Together
In memory of Ian Craig, MBE and former President of the Scottish Beekeepers Association, who sadly passed away earlier this year; we’re sharing a very special interview. A few springs ago, RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley met with Ian and the two went on a scenic stroll through the beehives. If you would like to learn more about bees and find out how you can help protect them visit: www.bbka...
16m Sep 10, 2018
16m
Blind DJ Roger Cole is on A Little Alternative
The fantastic host of Pure 70s and Pure 80s jumped forward in time this week to be on a show dedicated to the best in new music - A Little Alternative. Roger joined David Hogg to discuss how musicians have made packaging accessible through the years. The boys also mused over which bands from the 70s and 80s would make a show like A Little Alternative had it existed back then and Roger goes into...
19m Sep 10, 2018
19m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews ‘Matilda The Musical'
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng reviews the audio described performance of RSC’ ‘Matilda the Musical’, which he recently saw at the Birmingham Hippodrome. This stage musical is based on a 1988 children's novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, and centres on Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl who loves to read and discovers that she has the gift of telekinesis. Vidar is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio's...
11m Sep 07, 2018
11m
Blind Dave Heeley Can’t Wait For Great North Run 2018
Our favourite adventurer, Blind Dave Heeley, caught up with us to let us know how his preparations for the Great Wall of China Challenge are getting along. This year also marks Dave’s 17th time joining the Great North Run and he couldn’t be more excited to take part in his favourite half-marathon. Dave is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio's Simon. For more information on what Dave is up to, y...
12m Sep 06, 2018
12m
Carving A Successful Career After Sight Loss.
Chris Fisher was a successful mechanic and family man until one morning he woke with blurry vision. The diagnosis was not good and he lost his sight rapidly. His pragmatic outlook meant he was determined not to let his life stop right there, but his positivity had a sting in the tail. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Chris about his sight loss journey and his remarkable drive that me...
16m Sep 06, 2018
16m
Campaigning for Visually Impaired People Across The Globe.
The World Blind Union is an organisation that represents visually impaired people, and sight loss charities, across the globe. They are recognised by the United Nations, so campaign and lobby for legislation that can make a huge difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people who have common barriers to face on a day to day basis. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to WBU Pr...
12m Sep 05, 2018
12m