S1 Ep308: Tech And Shopping For Purple Tuesday 2019.
Each year we highlight Purple Tuesday, where organisations around the globe look to encourage service providers to make their customer offering more accessible to people with disabilities. With billions of pounds of spending power, is the retail and service sector accessible enough for a slice of the pie? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gavin Neate from NeateBox, who create solution...
10m Nov 12, 2019
10m
S1 Ep307: A Great Year For Sporting Charity.
British Blind Sport encourages visually impaired people to get involved in sport and hosts taster days around the UK to showcase a mix of individual and team sports. Some of the passtimes may even be ones that people thought you would not be able to play if you were blind or partially sighted. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Alex Pitts from the charity to find out more about the org...
7m Nov 08, 2019
7m
S1 Ep306: Disability Charity Offers Sporting Opportunities, All Year Round.
Scottish Disability Golf and Curling offers anyone with any kind of disability to participate in year round golf and curling events. Individuals can receive free tuition from professionals, regular playing opportunities and even the chance to travel the world in tournaments. Even if your not a competitive person, you can just play for fun and the great socialising. RNIB Connect radio’s Allan Ru...
8m Nov 06, 2019
8m
S1 Ep305: Triple Focus from Campaigns Team.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell speaks with Costa Asprou, from RNIB’s Campaigns Team, to look at some of the big topics facing blind and partially sighted people in the UK. This month we need your help around eye health appointments, continued concerns for education in England & what you can do ahead of this year’s General Election… www.rnib.org.uk/campaigns #RNIBConnect
11m Nov 05, 2019
11m
S1 Ep304: The Good & The Bad Of The Transport Bill.
The Scottish Parliament recently voted on the Transport Bill, which contained some legislation that should make independent travel for blind and partially sighted people easier. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to James Adams, RNIB Scotland, Niall Foley, Guide Dogs UK and Colin Smyth MSP to learn more about the bill and the work that’s still to be done… www.rnib.org.uk/scotland www.guid...
12m Nov 04, 2019
12m
S1 Ep303: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Talks Up Tech.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with John Rafferty, Chief Exec, from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). They discuss some of the big topics and projects that effect blind and partially sighted Canadians. This month they’re talking about outdoor and indoor sat nav and a project that is getting Smart phones into the hands of visually impaired citizens. www....
10m Nov 01, 2019
10m
S1 Ep302: Project Helping Visually Impaired People Into Work.
A successful project called Eye Work Too, is helping blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland get better prepared for work. As well as training and support for the job seekers, the focus is also on showing employers how to get work ready to employ a visually impaired person and show how productive and reliable blind and partially sighted employees can be. RNIB Connect Radio's Alla...
10m Oct 31, 2019
10m
Science Is More Accessible Than Ever Before
The subject of science, as a vocation or educational topic, has long been one that many blind and partially sighted people have avoided because of the access difficulties. We start our new monthly, accessible, science feature with a look at the Large Hadron Collider, at Cern. And over the coming months, we'll look at different aspects of the subject and how new teaching methods and technology i...
14m Oct 30, 2019
14m
Exciting News Around Accessible Education Literature and Tech
A powerful new combination is now available, from RNIB and Dolphin Computer Access, that can make a huge difference to pupils and students of all ages with visual impairments. RNIB's Book Share, accessible text books, and Dolphin's, free, EasyReader App put hundreds of thousands of titles in your pocket. Even more exciting news is that, for qualifying individuals, you can get the new RNIB Orbit...
9m Oct 24, 2019
9m
Charity’s Concerns Over Visually Impaired Pupils Education
A report, compiled from a Freedom Of Information Request, is giving the UK’s leading sight loss charity, cause for concern over education support for pupils who are blind or partially sighted. The figures look at the levels of support given to children with additional educational needs in England and make worrying reading. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Caireen Sutherland from RNIB...
8m Oct 22, 2019
8m
S1 Ep299: Have Your Say On Freeview TV Accessibility.
Many of us, in the UK, will have access to Freeview TV channels via our televisions or on Smart devices. The service is creating an accessible channel which will allow blind and partially sighted people to navigate their way through an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), allowing them to see what’s on tv and which programmes have audio description. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Gavi...
5m Oct 22, 2019
5m
Sight Village Rolls Into London.
Sight Village is Europe's largest, touring, exhibition for blind and partially sighted people, of all ages. The jewel in the crown is Sight Village Central which takes place in the summer but the event takes to the road to visit cities across the UK. On November 6th 2019, the final exhibition of the year opens it's doors in London for 2 days. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to organise...
5m Oct 22, 2019
5m
Vital Sight Loss Service Extended To Orkney
When someone receives the news that they are losing their sight, it can be devastating and the individual may think that life, as they know it, is over. This is where the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) steps in to listen, and support the patient, and show them that there is a whole host of help available to help them, live life to the full. The ECLO service in the Highland Council region has...
8m Oct 17, 2019
8m
Chorus Names RNIB Their Charity Of The Year
Kingsmen Close Harmony Chorus is a four-part close-harmony Barbershop chorus that’s been singing and appearing at events across the South Hams for over 25 years.   This year The Kingsmen named RNIB their charity of the year and to help raise funds for the (RNIB) Transcription Centre in Ivybridge they held a concert at Ivybridge Methodist Church earlier last month.    We spoke with a member of t...
10m Oct 16, 2019
10m
Charity’s Legal Rights Service Is There For You
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell will talk with Dominic Milne from RNIB’s Legal Rights Service. They will look at how the team can help, and support, blind and partially sighted people with a host of issues, from access refusals to community care problems and even making sure you get the welfare payments your entitled to. This month we learn more about the service’s work and how y...
9m Oct 16, 2019
9m
RNIB See Differently Awards 2019 – Finalists Announced!
Finalists for the RNIB See Differently Awards 2019 have been announced!   The awards will recognise exceptional individuals and teams for their excellent work in supporting people with sight loss across the UK.    We spoke with RNIB’s Senior Brand Manager, Lorna Forbes about the exciting announcement, the judging panel and the upcoming award ceremony.    Lorna spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Si...
4m Oct 15, 2019
4m
This Year's Audio Described Panto Season Is Approaching
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, to look at some of the latest touring theatre productions, and arts events, that include audio description for blind and partially sighted patrons. This month, there's a musical extravaganza from We Will Rock You and some panto, including one for the big people only! http://www.mindseyedescription.co.uk #...
10m Oct 14, 2019
10m
Pocket Vision
Honor have recently launched a new app for use within the visually impaired community.  RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby found out more.  #HONOR20Series #CaptureVision 
9m Oct 10, 2019
9m
New Bank Note Gets The Tactile Touch.
In 2020, the Bank Of England will introduce, into circulation, it's new twenty pounds note which will feature a picture of the artist, JMW Turner. The new note will also have features that will help blind and partially sighted people identify it more easily, as with the current 10 pounds note. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Cathy Rundle from RNIB, to find out how the charity helped...
5m Oct 10, 2019
5m
Orbit Braille Display Is A Game Changer.
It has long been the case that, if you are blind or partially sighted, assistive technology has been something that can be extremely expensive. Braille display technology can run into several thousands of pounds and stop many people being able to access the writing system via things like laptops, PCs or Smart devices. The Orbit Reader, from RNIB, is a game changer in terms of the technology it ...
9m Oct 10, 2019
9m
Visually Impaired Children Need More School Support.
RNIB Scotland, along with other disability charities, have written to local councils, highlighting their concerns in the growing gap in educational attainment, for blind and partially sighted pupils. They are asking for more funds to be made available to provide, specialist, support in the classroom for blind and partially sighted children within mainstream schools. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan R...
6m Oct 07, 2019
6m
RNIB's Employment Service on their work and current projects
RNIB Employment Service Manager Andy Swann continues our monthly look at the work of RNIB’s employment service and gives an overview of their work and current projects.
11m Sep 30, 2019
11m
Charity's Campaigns News For October 2019.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Costa Asprou from the Royal National Institute for Blind people (RNIB) to discuss some of their latest projects and to encourage more visually impaired people to get involved in campaigning. This month they discuss new laws on accessible websites, Helen needs your help to improve eye care within NHS England and Zoe looks at the progress ...
13m Sep 27, 2019
13m
Seeing, Or Not Seeing, The Sites?
September 23rd to 29th 2019 is National Eye Health Week, an annual event to focus on sight loss and how to look after our eyes. As part of this annual event, RNIB Scotland has come up with an innovative way of showing us just what we could miss out on if we don't follow some simple steps to look after our sight. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ian Brown, from RNIB Scotland, to learn...
5m Sep 25, 2019
5m
Who Is RNIB's New Chief Executive?
Earlier in 2019, the UK's leading sight loss charity, the Royal National Institute of Blind people unveiled Matt Stringer as it's new CEO. So, what is his background, what direction is he taking the charity in & who is his favourite rugby team? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Matt at the charity's London studios. www.rnib.org.uk (http://www.rnib.org.uk/) #RNIBConnect
12m Sep 20, 2019
12m
Putting Her Best Foot Forward For Talking Books
Elizabeth O'Hara helped raise almost £30,000 for Talking Books for the blind this year when she tackled four Kiltwalks.   The Scottish fundraising event encourages thousands of people to take on the trek and through it, raise funds for a charity of their choice.   Last Sunday Elizabeth completed the fourth and final Kiltwalk and she spoke with us about the experience.   Elizabeth spoke with RNI...
13m Sep 20, 2019
13m
Sight Loss Awareness Event in Glasgow
An RNIB Scotland and Sikorski Polish Club event will take place in Glasgow this Saturday 21st of September, in the spirit of raising awareness about sight loss and celebrating diversity.     RNIB Scotland’s Gozie Joe Adigwe spoke with us about the event and about her role as Community Facilitator.    Gozie spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 
11m Sep 19, 2019
11m
Sight Village Heads To The North West.
Sight Village has become the largest series of events, in Europe, showcasing the latest in goods and services for blind and partially sighted people. There are exhibitors from around the globe, demonstrating and selling the best in Hi and Low Tech gadgets and assistive technology, complimented by a range of local and national charities with something for all ages. The events take place around t...
5m Sep 18, 2019
5m
Stimulate Your Senses For Guide Dogs.
The charity Guide Dogs has a new twist on the traditional fun run, to help raise funds for their life changing services. Imagine a run with sensory stops to spur you on, taste, touch, sound , smell and sight? No?, well let's tell you all about it. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Claire Ambler to learn more about the Glasgow event, taking place on September 21st. www.guidedogs.org.uk...
5m Sep 16, 2019
5m
Let's Bust Some Myths About Making A Will
The Royal National Institute of Blind People could not carry out it's vital work, without help from donors like you! The sight loss charity strives to improve the everyday lives of people who are blind or partially sighted through a variety of services and projects. This week, September 9th to 15th 2019, is Remember A Charity Week, where you can learn about leaving a gift in your will, dispel s...
7m Sep 12, 2019
7m
So Who's Taking On The Kilt Walk?
The Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) relies on fund raising to carry out their vital services, helping to change the every day lives of blind and partially sighted people. A popular event for walkers, is the Kilt Walk which takes place in various Scottish Cities over the year. On Sunday 15th of September 2019, RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer and Director of Services Dave Clark will don ...
5m Sep 12, 2019
5m
Could Extra Vitamins Defeat Glaucoma?
Fight For Sight UK helps fund vital sight loss research & it’s work is helping scientists to tackle many common & rare eye conditions. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Dr Rubina Ahmed, from Fight For Sight UK, to learn about new research that believes that a certain vitamin could, possibly, halt or prevent the silent thief of sight. www.fightforsight.org.uk #RNIBConnect
6m Sep 11, 2019
6m
Remember A Charity Gets A 10 From Len!
The Royal National Institute of Blind People could not carry out it's vital work, without help from donors like you! The sight loss charity strives to improve the everyday lives of people who are blind or partially sighted through a variety of services and projects. This week, September 9th to 15th 2019, is Remember A Charity Week, where you can learn about leaving a gift in your will, dispel s...
4m Sep 11, 2019
4m
Bryan Has Decided To Remember A Charity This Year.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People could not carry out it's vital work, without help from donors like you! The sight loss charity strives to improve the everyday lives of people who are blind or partially sighted through a variety of services and projects. This week, September 9th to 15th 2019, is Remember A Charity Week, where you can learn about leaving a gift in your will, dispel s...
5m Sep 10, 2019
5m
Be My Eyes & Lloyds Team Up to Improve VI Customer Service
Do you often have trouble reading letters from your bank? Or would you like some extra help from a trusted pair of eyes while using a cash machine? Why not try out the new Be My Eyes app feature which lets you contact Lloyds Bank customer services directly. Steven Scott spoke to Be My Eyes founder Alexander Yensen and Claire Allington from Lloyds Bank to find out more about the service and the ...
11m Sep 09, 2019
11m
Remember A Charity Week With RNIB.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People could not carry out it's vital work, without help from donors like you! The sight loss charity strives to improve the every day lives of people who are blind or partially sighted through a variety of services and projects. This week, September 9th to 15th 2019, is Remember A Charity Week, where you can learn about leaving a gift in your will, dispel ...
6m Sep 09, 2019
6m
US Sight Loss Charity Hits The Strip.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Chris Danielsen, PR Director for the National Federation of the Blind in the USA(NFB) To discuss some of the big stories around sight loss in the United States. This month, Chris tells us about the charity's National Convention which was held in Las Vegas... www.nfb.org #RNIBConnect
8m Sep 09, 2019
8m
Getting Accessible Tech Into Canadian Kids Hands.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with John Rafferty, Chief Exec of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) To look at some of the big stories around sight loss in the country. This month, the charity is looking ahead to Federal Elections, voting accessibility, and a new project to get Smart devices to very young blind and partially sighted kids. www.cnib.ca #RNI...
8m Sep 06, 2019
8m
From Accessible Voting To Dockless Bikes
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by Costa Asprou from RNIB's Campaigns Team to look at some current projects and encourage more blind and partially sighted people to get involved in campaigning. This month they're joined by Ellie and Zoe, to discuss work on making voting more accessible and why there are concerns over Dockless Bikes. http://www.rnib.org.uk/campaigning
9m Sep 02, 2019
9m
New Monthly Features On Employment.
The figures are worrying, 75% of blind and partially sighted people, of working age, are not in employment. Why is this? Well there are a number of factors and over the coming months we will look at what RNIB's Employment Service is doing to get more visually impaired people into work, show employers that employees with sight loss can be a huge benefit to their field and what pressures are bein...
14m Aug 29, 2019
14m
Audio Described Treats For September.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts to look at some audio described theatre tours and art opportunities, across the UK. This month we look at, amongst others, Cabaret and a certain Queen Of The Desert. We also hear why Anne has been invited to speak, in Russia, about the development of Audio Description. www.mindseyedescription.co.uk #RNIBCon...
11m Aug 16, 2019
11m
Financial Boost For Ground Breaking Edinburgh Business.
NeateBox is a Scottish company which aims to use established technology to smash many every day barriers faced by people with disabilities. The business has just announced a major financial boost that will allow further development, and the roll out some unique solutions. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell recently spoke to company founder, Gavin Neate.
14m Aug 14, 2019
14m
RNIB Launch the See Differently Awards - Nominations now open!
Do you know someone who has done outstanding work to support people living with sight loss? Perhaps you ARE that person! If so, why not submit a nomination for the 2019 RNIB See Differently Awards? Kris Wallace has been finding out about the new awards and how the event will honour those dedicated to changing the world for blind and partially sighted people.  If you want to find out more, or su...
6m Aug 13, 2019
6m
Marvel Superheroes Support Sporting Series.
Sport doesn't have to be something that's completely competitive. For people with disabilities, sport can be fun, a great social event and help improve every day skills like independent mobility and confidence boosting. The Superhero Series takes place on the 17th of August 2019 at Dorney Lake in Windsor,and mixes sport, fun, entertainment and some Superhero Kaboom! RNIB Connect Radio's Allan R...
9m Aug 13, 2019
9m
Is Architecture A Good Vocation For Visually Impaired People?
You may not think that blind or partially sighted people could carve out a career in architecture, but you'd be wrong. There are only a few blind architects at the moment but there is a drive, by Dis/Ordinary Architecture and University College London, to change the establishment's preconceptions and show the alternative skills and vision that can be gained. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russel...
16m Aug 12, 2019
16m
It's Fun Giving Back To Charity.
When Karen Kamundi began to lose her sight, she reached out to RNIB for advice and support. The emotional, and practical, support was invaluable and helped her get her life back on track. To say thank you, Karen decided to challenge herself, physically, to raise funds for the sight loss charity. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Karen to find out what help she received and how she fa...
8m Aug 08, 2019
8m
Stanford Engineers develop Autofocal Lenses
Bi-focals, or clumsy progressive lenses, may soon be a thing of the past. Kris Wallace has been chatting to Stanford Graduates Nitish Padmanaban and Robert Konrad about the current research on Auto-Focal Lenses…and how far we may be from them being commercially available.
7m Aug 06, 2019
7m
Charity's Campaigns Team Ask If Rail Improvements Are On Track?
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Costa Asprou from RNIB's campaigns team, to learn more about their latest projects and to encourage more blind and partially sighted people to get involved in campaigning. This month, Allan and Costa are joined by Hugh Huddy to discuss extra money from the government to improve accessibility at train stations and why many visually impaired...
13m Aug 01, 2019
13m
Canadian Sight Loss Charity Gets Smart.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with John Rafferty, CEO and President of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). The discuss some of the organisations latest work, projects and challenges. This month they are talking about the importance of rehabilitation for people going through the sight loss journey and their new Smart Life Centres. www.cnib.ca #RNIBConnect
10m Jul 31, 2019
10m
White Cane Vs Crowds (feat. Paul Quigley)
A white cane can be our saviour when it comes to regaining our independence, but it’s not always easy to navigate it through crowded streets.    We spoke with white cane warrior and RNIB Connect member Paul Quigley about the pros and cons on using a white cane.    Paul spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 
11m Jul 30, 2019
11m