Predictable Britain
New research shows that three quarters of Brits follow the same routine every single day. From leaving the house at the same time to finding your favourite spot on the platform and booking train tickets in advance, as a nation we are hard-wired to find happiness in the predictable. RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley spoke withpsychologist Jo Hemmings, beahavioural psycholgist, to find out why ...
7m Feb 02, 2018
7m
What is Raynauds Disease?
Despite being as common as hay fever and arthritis, many people in the UK are unaware of the phenonomen known as Raynauds disease { Pron: Ray – Noz) RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell spoke with Sue Farrington , Chief Exec of SRUK (Raynauds and Scleroderma UK) to find out more about the condition.
7m Feb 01, 2018
7m
S1 Ep12: New Braille Tech Hits The Right Note.
A new piece of braille technology will soon be available to buy and it's ground breaking.  The Canute is like a portable tablet and book reader that can also display graphs and musical notation.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Stephanie Sergeant to learn more about Canute.  #RNIBConnect
6m Feb 01, 2018
6m
S1 Ep11: US Charity's Concerns Over Assistance Dogs Rights.
Delta Airlines, USA, has announced that it is reviewing the provision of access to its aircrafts for assistance animals and this is a concern for the National Federation of the Blind in the states.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Chris Danielsen to learn more about this and about an award linked to driverless/autonomous vehicles.  #RNIBConnect
10m Feb 01, 2018
10m
S1 Ep10: Lizzie Capener - First ever female visually impaired TV judge
Lizzie Capener is the first ever female visually impaired TV judge on a new BBC music talent show, she spoke to RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby about what it was like working on a show like this as a person with a visual impairment and why she’s excited to be a part of it.
5m Jan 31, 2018
5m
S1 Ep9: Charity's Campaigning Can Make A Difference For Everyone.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) works hard to make every day better for people living with sight loss. Each month we speak with their campaigns team to look at the latest projects and encourage listeners to get involved. This month RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jessica Hall to learn about a Street Charter success in Newcastle, a call to let Ofcom know how impor...
13m Jan 31, 2018
13m
RNIB On PIP Payments
It’s been confirmed that every person in the UK currently receiving Personal Independence Payments which are known as PIP are to have their claim reviewed. RNIB Connect Radio's Iain Wilson reports.
8m Jan 30, 2018
8m
The Benefits Of Wireless Multifunction Keyboards
RNIB's technology officer Paul Porter looks at the pros and cons of using wireless multifunction keyboards. Paul is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
6m Jan 30, 2018
6m
S1 Ep8: MPs, Lords & The Press Go Flipping Mad!
Each year members of the Lords and Commons gather, along with members of the political press, to compete against each other in a contest that can have only 1 winner!  The hard fought Parliamentary Pancake Race sees team huddles and dodgy tactics come together to deliver a thrilling spectacle, that also aims to raise funds, and awareness, for the brain injury charity, Rehab.  RNIB Connect Radi...
8m Jan 30, 2018
8m
Play Your Part January 2018
Iain Wilson chats to RNIB's Natalie Swiderska to find out the latest news from the charities Play Your Part project.
8m Jan 29, 2018
8m
S1 Ep7: The Welsh Connection.
Finding out what what blind and partially sighted people are up to in and around Wales, including a ballet class at Cardiff Institute for the Blind.
58m Jan 29, 2018
58m
How I See in 2018
RNIB’s How I See campaign is preparing to enter its third year with ambitious plans for 2018. RNIB Connect Radio's Iain Wilson has this report……
12m Jan 29, 2018
12m
Bizzare News - Supermayor
RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley caught up with blind journalist Paul Bryce for more quirky & alternative news stories from around the globe, including one about the Turkish Mayor, who recently dived off a pier to rescue a stricken diver.
8m Jan 29, 2018
8m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews '101 Dalmatians'
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng reviews the AD performance of '101 Dalmatians', which he attended recently at the Birmingham Rep. Vidar is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby.
10m Jan 29, 2018
10m
Free Monthly Assistive Tech Update.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Tristan Parker from E-Access Bulletin, a free monthly publication that packs in assistive tech news, interviews and readers' questions.  We give you a flavour of what's to come in the latest issue, including an audit of theatre accessibility, making tech accessible for older people and an interview with Jackie Brown from British Computer ...
9m Jan 29, 2018
9m
Loss Of Sight Inspires Motivation To Help Others
With a permanent smile on his face, a humble nature and determination to make a difference, Sonwabo Somyali has not only overcome his own disability but is seeking to make other lives brighter. RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell spoke to Sonwabo to find out about his life and also to find out about his plans for the future.
11m Jan 26, 2018
11m
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