Why We Shouldn’t Let Setbacks Stop Us - How To Become A Published Author
It’s very easy to become discouraged, especially as life becomes a bit harder. However, many successful authors have managed to push through setbacks and continued to pursue their dream of publishing a book. If you don’t believe it remember that J.K. Rowling was rejected 12 times before Bloomsbury chose to publish her first Harry Potter story. Telling us more about the challenges of writing,...
13m Jul 10, 2018
13m
Reflections 'Who's For Tennis?'
Who’s for Tennis? Debbie Shaw certainly is – and she’s even  won a match at the world blind tennis championships. Find out too what Emma Meade has learned whilst playing blind tennis and what Debbie’s coach, Simon McFarland’s doing to help set up blind tennis in India.
14m Jul 10, 2018
14m
Reflections 'True Independence'
On 4th July, Americans celebrate Independence Day. Come with us States Side and meet Sam Thompson, a visually impaired pastor from Florida who’s eager to help blind and partially sighted people find new confidence, fulfilment and true independence, fulfilment and true independence
15m Jul 10, 2018
15m
There's Always A Light At The End Of The Tunnel - Rhiannon Tudor Edward's Inspirational Story
For many, losing your sight can be a frightening experience but what if you were told that you would go blind as a child? Rhiannon Tudor Edwards, now a Professor in Health Economics at Bangor University in Wales and mentor to visually impaired youngsters, managed to overcome the challenges the shocking diagnosis presented her with. Speaking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley, Rhiannon recal...
16m Jul 09, 2018
16m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews ‘Romeo and Juliet’
This week ITV's Vidar Hjardeng keeps a very romantic theme at hand as he reviews the audio described performance of Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s touch tour of the Prokovief's ballet production of… guess again, ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Vidar is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
6m Jul 06, 2018
6m
Sight Unseen - Milena Canning's Story
What would you do if you were told you're blind, yet you could still 'see' shapes and colour? Milena Canning from Scotland found herself in such a situation 30 years ago when she suffered a near-fatal stroke that left her blind, or so she was told. Milena developed a unique neuroliogical condition referred to as 'sight unseen' or 'blindsight'. Through it, she experiences a sort of sixth sense...
18m Jul 05, 2018
18m
Blind Dave Heeley - Running With Leprechauns
Blind Dave caught up with us to tell us about his latest Irish adventures, running in the hot weather, and preparing his family for the Great China Wall Challenge. Dave might have also fancied himself a little bit of dress up as he took on the Black Country Run with a Leprechaun flare. Dave is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’d like to get in touch with Dave you can cont...
12m Jul 05, 2018
12m
Remap: Watching the football for the first time
Sometimes the tools we need to manage everyday life just don’t quite fit our needs. Enter Remap a growing charity who help individuals with one-off bespoke products. David, Ian and Rupert share one particular project with us. www.remap.org.uk 01732760209
11m Jul 05, 2018
11m
Will Brexit Affect The VI Community?
Some big changes are coming to the UK. With Brexit just on the horizon, many visually impaired people are wondering how leaving the EU will affect them. Connect member Paul Quigley chats to Simon Pauley about Brexit, the VI Community and what he thinks might happen. If you’d like to get in touch with Paul you can find him on Facebook: @PaulQuigleyUK or by following him on twitter: @HellsBelle...
14m Jul 03, 2018
14m
RNIB's new Orange Bumperstops
Used on everything from computer keyboards to washing machines the old bump stops were a very popular item in the RNIB Shop. But one day they weren't available and seemed like they may never return. Well, that is no longer the case as RNIB have just released the new and improved Orange Bumperstops - available now in the RNIB Shop. Kris Wallace has been chatting to Product Developer Tawney Smit...
6m Jul 03, 2018
6m
US Sight Loss Charity's National Convention 2018.
The National Federation of the Blind, USA, is looking forward to its National Convention which will be held in Florida, this July.  RNIB Connect Radio's Steven Scott spoke to PR Director Chris Danielsen to discuss what will be taking place at this year's event and to hear more about their legal challenges to educational barriers for visually impaired students...  #RNIBConnect
12m Jun 29, 2018
12m
Libby's Eyes is getting Rave Reviews
Gaining 4-star reviews and incredible praise from the audience Libby's Eyes is currently playing at the Bunker Theatre in London. Refreshingly it is a play about sight loss written and performed by the people who understand it best - talanted individuals who are either blind or partially sighted. RNIB's Kris Wallace caught up with star of the show, Georgie Morrell, to find out how the show is c...
10m Jun 27, 2018
10m
Reflections 'Accessible by Accident: Ghost Train'
What do ghost trains and happy accidents have in common? Listen to this episode of Reflections to find out.
13m Jun 25, 2018
13m
Man Scales A Building To Raise Money For Charity
Would you scale a building to help raise money for a charity? Edward Bates did just that when he undertook a challenge that saw him climbing over the O2 millennium building in Greenwich to raise money for the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind. Standing at 170ft tall and with a 30 degree angle ascent it was not a task for the faint-hearted. RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley chats ...
9m Jun 22, 2018
9m
Blind Dave Heeley – Garden DIY and Proud Dad
Blind Dave takes time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about his recent ventures into the garden with the help of his teenage daughter. Dave also takes a moment to dot on his kids and muses upon the last few years of parenting as a blind dad. Dave spoke to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’d like to get in touch with Dave you can contact him through his website at: www.blinddav...
11m Jun 21, 2018
11m
Who Won RNIB College Loughborough and 3M’s Eco Tech Challenge?
June Murray, principal of RNIB College Loughborough, talks about their collaboration with 3M, a science-based technology company that is committed to improving lives. In the challenge, students from secondary schools in the Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire areas were asked to design and construct a sustainable toy or a gadget that can be used by a young person with sight loss. Chatting to R...
10m Jun 20, 2018
10m
Visual Impairment, No Barrier To Recording A Music Album
We all know that making music can be hard, but what does this creative process look like for a visually impaired person? Connect member Paul Quigley chats to us about creating music. Paul spoke to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley. You can find out more information about Paul’s music, newest releases and songs on his page: www.theoriginalhellsbelles.wordpress.com
13m Jun 19, 2018
13m
Reflections 'Accessible Saint Paul's'
St Paul’s Cathedral could be a daunting place to visit if yu have a disability. Find out why it’s not.
11m Jun 18, 2018
11m
Kian Wants You To See My Voice.
See My Voice is a project run by British Blind Sport for young blind and partially sighted people.  It aims to mentor and support them, via sport, to improve their education and employment skills by encouraging volunteering and personal development.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Kian Saville, who is a project participant, to learn more about his goals and why the course appeale...
11m Jun 15, 2018
11m
Blind Dave Heeley - DIY Safety
Do you like DIY, or perhaps fancy yourself a bit of a DIY expert? Well, no matter how good of a handyman it’s always important to take proper precautions, especially if you’re visually impaired. Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, our regular DIY whiz Blind Dave Heeley explains how he looks after his safety whilst working away on his projects. If you’d like to get in touch with Da...
10m Jun 14, 2018
10m
Sir Steve Redgrave
One of the UK's finest ever athletes is now an ambassador for RNIB and Specsavers. He's in conversation with Iain Wilson at RNIB Connect Radio........
10m Jun 14, 2018
10m
What To Do If Your Neighbour Is Being A Nuisance
Have you ever struggled to get along with your neighbour? Perhaps it was the noise, badly parked cars, or rubbish left where it shouldn’t be? As it turns out you’re not the only one. Recent findings published by Churchill Home Insurance found that almost 600-thousand phone calls are being made to local councils every a year. Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, John Allison Communit...
11m Jun 12, 2018
11m
Jay McGuiness From ‘The Wanted’ Chats About World Meat Free Week
We often think of going meat free as a personal choice that only affects us. But what if substituting even just one meat-based meal a week could be of great benefit to our planet? Talking about being vegetarian and how it can be an effective way of reducing our carbon footprint is Jay McGuiness from the British-Irish band, ‘The Wanted’. Jay is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley....
9m Jun 11, 2018
9m
World Meat Free Week With Jay McGuiness From ‘The Wanted’
We often think of going meat free as a personal choice that only affects us. But what if substituting even just one meat-based meal a week could be of great benefit to our planet? Talking about being vegetarian and how it can be an effective way of reducing our carbon footprint is Jay McGuiness from the British-Irish band, ‘The Wanted’. Jay is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley....
9m Jun 11, 2018
9m
"Mission For Vision In Jordan"
Andrew Miller is the lead optometrist for Focus Birmingham a charity in West Midlands. Seven years ago, Andrew received an innocent email that set him out on a journey into the Middle East. Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Andrew tells us more about the life-changing work in Jordan and how he helped improve lives of visually impaired people. To find out more about the project g...
10m Jun 11, 2018
10m
Reflections 'Sight Loss Friendly Church' part 2
Find out how Iain, Carol and Marilyn, although totally blind, are using their God-given gifts in their church. If you’re blind or partially sighted, we welcome your experiences of church.
11m Jun 11, 2018
11m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews The Comedy Play: ‘ART’
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng reviews the audio described performance of ‘ART’, which he’s recently seen at Birmingham Hippodrome. Serge, Marc and Yvan are friends. However, when Serge decides to buy an unusual painting, their friendship is put to a test. Are their starkly differing opinions just that, or are their reactions a sign of hidden animosity? Vidar is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pa...
9m Jun 08, 2018
9m
Vocaleyes – AD Highlights for June 2018
Vocaleyes’ Deputy Director, Toby Davey brings us this month’s latest audio-described highlights. Listen to find out what classic Opera is back to delight, which tour can put you up close and personal with some stunning ceiling paintings, and what dramatic story of a man trying to reunite with his beloved horse could bring a tear to your eye. Toby is talking to RNIB connect Radio's Simon Paule...
10m Jun 08, 2018
10m
Allan Roberts Tells Us How He Keeps Busy
National Volunteers week ran from 1st - 7th June, so RNIB Connect Radio’s Red Szell spoke to Allan Roberts about what he does in terms of volunteering, and how sight loss hasn't got in his way.
9m Jun 08, 2018
9m
Ozzie Clarke-Binns Talks Volunteering
National Volunteer Week ran from 1st - 7th June, so RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby spoke to Ozzie (our newest RNIB trustee) about his time volunteering.
9m Jun 07, 2018
9m
Dave Heeley Gets Ready For His Biggest Challenege To Date
Simon Pauley caught up with Blind Dave Heeley to find out how preperations are going for his next challenge, which will see Dave, along with his wife and 3 kids, attempt to walk The Great Wall Of China, over a gruelling six days. Dave is no stranger to challenges but admits this could be his toughest yet.
11m Jun 07, 2018
11m
Blindness Was A Blessing – Part 2
Yetnebersh Nigussie is an Ethiopian lawyer and an advocate for equal rights. Through her work she wants to enrich the lives of those living with disabilities in Ethiopia and across the world. In Part 2 of the interview Yetnebersh chats to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about her plight for equal rights, work with Light for The World organisation, and what her life is like now. For more inf...
14m Jun 06, 2018
14m
Blindness Was A Blessing – Part 1
Yetnebersh Nigussie is an activist and one of the first blind female lawyers from Ethiopia. Having lost her sight at the age of 5, she became an unsuitable wife in the eyes of her community. But for Yetnebersh, sight loss became a blessing in disguise allowing this future activist to escape childhood marriage and instead obtain education in the city. In Part 1 of the interview, Yetnebersh ch...
10m Jun 06, 2018
10m
Losing Your Sight Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Be A Rockstar
Connect member Paul Quigley chats to us about music, his band HellsBelles and how he didn’t allow gradual sight loss affect his passion. Paul spoke to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley. You can find out more about Paul’s band, their newest releases and information on their latest track ‘Gone But Not Forgotten’ on their page: https://theoriginalhellsbelles.wordpress.com/ [Photo: A close up of...
10m Jun 05, 2018
10m
Reflections 'Sight Loss Friendly Church'
Church should be the most welcoming place for everyone, but is it? What does it take to make a church friendly for blind and partially sighted people?
12m Jun 04, 2018
12m
Reflections 'Colour Me Beautiful'
How important to you is the colour of your clothes? Marilyn Baker talks to Tracy Williamson who, although partially sighted and with hearing loss, has been told she could be a Colour Me Beautiful consultant.
10m Jun 04, 2018
10m
Young VI Actress Stars Plays Anakin Skywalker In An RNIB College Loughborough Film
You may think that being Visually Impaired could stand in the way of becoming an actor. But that's not the case for Erin Russell, a determined young lady that is studying Performing Arts at Loughborough College. Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio, Erin tells us more about her latest role which was inspired by Star Wars' most infamous villain. Erin spoke to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. [Ph...
5m May 29, 2018
5m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews Love From A Stranger
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng reviews the audio described performance of Love From A Stranger, which he watched recently at Birmingham's New Alexandria theatre. Vidar is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley. Love From A Stranger synopsis: A whirlwind romance with a handsome and charming stranger sweeps Cecily Harrington off her feet and she recklessly abandons her old life to settle in the re...
8m May 25, 2018
8m
Ruby Mooney's Sight Loss Story
Ruby Mooney is a larger than life young woman. Despite her visual impairment she works full time with the charity Guide Dogs and also has a busy social life, travelling independently and using the latest technology to access information. This is her sight loss story. Ruby is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell.
11m May 23, 2018
11m
Billy Hendren's Sight Loss Story
Billy Hendren was born 15 weeks prematurely, his early birth meant doctors were forced to use ventilators to keep him alive, this subsequently led to Billy becoming partially sighted. On top of that he also has the condition hydrocephalus, which is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. Despite these major setbacks Billy loves to keep himself active and, among other things, currently...
11m May 22, 2018
11m
Is Reading Braille A Dying Art?
It’s estimated that less than 8% of visually impaired people in the UK can read braille. However, with advancing technology and changes to the outdated braille readers there is talk about a potential raise in literacy levels. James Bowden, RNIB’s braille technical officer, tells us more about what the future of braille could have in store for us. James spoke to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pau...
11m May 21, 2018
11m
Reflections 'Holy Spirit'
The word “spirit” might suggest something vague and distant, but Marilyn Baker explains that the Holy Spirit is right here with us – just as the Lord Jesus was with his disciples. Have a listen and join in our Pentecost celebrations.
12m May 21, 2018
12m
Nicky’s Big Water Challenge
Nicole Milne was slowly losing her sight due diabetes and last year she was left with no peripheral and restricted central vision. However, despite this Nicky is determined to raise money for NESS, a local charity that helped her become independent again. Nicole’s first fundraising adventure: “Nicky’s Big Water Adventure” will take place on Friday 25th May 2018 and will involve Nicky Wakeboar...
9m May 18, 2018
9m
Brits Voted For Their Top 20 Wedding Dance Songs
In latest research Brits choose Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love With You’ as their favourite first dance song at weddings. Joining us to talk about which classics are favoured on the list and why music is so important for couples that are just getting married is relationship expert Vicki Pavitt. Vicki spoke to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. To see the full list of Top 20 Firs...
7m May 18, 2018
7m
Visually Impaired Students Win Stop Motion Film Awards!
RNIB College Loughborough recently held its 3rd annual Stop Motion Film Competition (Stoppies 2018). Many of the students had more than one life challenge to contend with. RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley got to chat with three visually impaired winners: Sam, Harry and Jake as well as the the lady behind it all, Anna Janickyj. To view some of this year's entries visit: https://www.youtube.c...
8m May 17, 2018
8m
See The Funny Side Retrospective (Part 2)
Nicki Kelly is an RNIB Community Facilitator who wants to make you laugh – in fact, she wants YOU to make HER laugh! Nicki organised the recent See The Funny Side project with comedian Georgie Morrell. The RNIB initiative gave participants with sight loss the ability to take to the comedy stage and perform a full routine after a week of workshops with a professional stand-up comedian. Listen no...
22m May 17, 2018
22m
Dave Heeley Reflects on His Own Wedding Day
Getting married should be one of the biggest & happiest events in your lifetime, but what is the big day like if you are blind or partially sighted? Well ahead of Harry & Meghan's Royal Wedding, RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley caught up with blind Dave Heeley, to chat about Dave's memories and experiences of his own wedding day, thirteen years ago.
9m May 17, 2018
9m
Weddings From The Male Point Of View.
With lots of focus on the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Megan, we thought we should have a slightly different perspective on getting ready for the big day. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell & Steven Scott, get together to chat about planning a wedding from the male point of view & from the point of view of someone who is blind or partially sighted. It might not be quite what you expect! ...
13m May 17, 2018
13m
Equality Act: What Does It Mean For You?
Have you heard of the 2010 Equality Act but are not sure how it reinforces your rights? Maybe Paul Quigley can give you a hand in that. Chatting too RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley, Paul tells us what the Equality Act is, what it does, and how exactly does it help ensure equality for visually impaired people.
12m May 15, 2018
12m
From pastry to positivity facing sight loss
Neil Rowe was a chef at the Burgh Hotel in Devon living an idealic life with a real flair for pasty, celebrity friends and helping the people who needed inspiration. That all changed 7 months ago when Neil's sight loss journey began. He has been speaking to Kris Wallace on the Morning Mix to tell his incredible story.
16m May 15, 2018
16m