Is Your Eye Care Provider Following The Law?
Are your eye care services embracing The Equality Act? Dan Williams from Visualise Training and Consultancy spoke to us about the rights of blind and partially sighted people and what should we expect from our eye care services. Dan was talking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information about The Equality Act 2010 go to: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents
12m Mar 12, 2019
12m
Family Fundraiser In Memory Of Local Legend
RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell chats with Teresa Barrett, who along with her family and friends, organise darts tournaments to raise money for the charity RNIB and also to remember her father in law, who himself was visually impaired and something of a local legend. The latest event, which will be their 10th year hosting the fundraiser, is taking place on Sunday 24th March and everyone is we...
5m Mar 12, 2019
5m
S1 Ep89: On Going Work To Tackle Retinitis Pigmentosa.
The charity Retina UK works to, not only, support individuals and their families who are effected by the condition but help fund cutting edge research into RP related sight loss. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Tina Houlihan, Chief Exec of Retina UK, to learn more about their work and events taking place this year to highlight the charity, it's research and collaborations in the UK ...
8m Mar 12, 2019
8m
S1 Ep88: Sporting & Leadership Camp For Young Visually Impaired People.
British Blind Sport is a charity which aims to make sport and leisure activities accessible for blind and partially sighted people through a mix of taster days and working with professional bodies and clubs to make sport more inclusive. Around Easter time, 2019, they will be running a Young Leadership Camp in Hereford and they're looking for blind and partially sighted 14 to 16 year olds to com...
6m Mar 12, 2019
6m
S1 Ep87: Some Touring Theatre Productions With Audio Description.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, to look at some touring theatre productions that have audio description. The AD allows visually impaired people to hear, through headsets, what's happening on stage, via a describer, in between the actor's dialogue. This month, they're chatting about, amongst others, Les Miserables, Avenue Q and The Fune...
11m Mar 08, 2019
11m
S1 Ep86: Performance To Celebrate Inclusion And International Women's Day.
Taking Flight Theatre Company are putting on a performance of the play, Peeling. The curtain will go up at the Riverfront Theatre, Newport, on Friday the 8th of March, to celebrate inclusion and International Women’s Day. RNIB Connect Radio’s Lynne Morgan found out more about the show and the theatre company
8m Mar 07, 2019
8m
“Lost Sight Not Lost Skills” with Paul Quigley
Connect Member and White Cane Warrior Paul Quigley, caught up with us to once again offer more of his little nuggets of wisdom. This week, Paul chats about getting involved with local charities like RNIB and Henshaws and highlights the importance of making meaningful connections with other members of the blind and VI community. Paul spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more info...
14m Mar 05, 2019
14m
S1 Ep85: Working With The Legal System To Enhance Change.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Chris Danielsen, PR Director, from the National Federation of the Blind in the United States to hear about the latest work, improving the lives of blind and partially sighted American's. This month Chris tells us how the charity works with lawyers to improve knowledge around the rights of visually impaired people and there's news on the o...
8m Mar 05, 2019
8m
S1 Ep84: Big Win For Sight Loss Charity's Campaigns Team.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Costa Asprou, from RNIB's campaigns team. They discuss the latest campaigns news, calls for action and encourage blind and partially sighted people to get involved with the team to help change lives for the better, across the UK. This month Allan and Costa are joined by Charlie Callanan, talking about a big Personal Independence Payment ...
15m Mar 04, 2019
15m
S1 Ep83: Where Can You Find accessible Sport & fitness classes?
If you are blind or partially sighted it can be difficult to find a gym, sports club or coach that's geared up to assist someone with a visual impairment, but they are out there. British Blind Sport have launched their Activity Finder, via their website, that will allow you to put in your postcode and see what's available in your area. In order to grow the database, they want clubs, coaches and...
9m Mar 01, 2019
9m
S1 Ep82: Chinese Charity's Vision Of Education.
China has the world's largest population of blind people with many struggling to find accessible education, within the vast country. Help to address this has come from a charity, founded by Chris McMillan. RNIB Connect Radio's Red Szell spoke to Chris to learn more about China Vision and how a lecture, from a blind Chinese national, lead to a desire to help... #RNIBConnect
13m Feb 26, 2019
13m
S1 Ep81: Research Shows That Sport Must Do Better At Inclusion.
British Blind Sport (BBS) is a charity which is dedicated to opening up sport to blind and partially sighted people. Whether it's highlighting what sports can be played, if you have a visual impairment, or working with coaches, gyms & sporting venues to improve accessibility and understanding, the charities work is constantly evolving and growing. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Log...
7m Feb 25, 2019
7m
S1 Ep80: Glasgow Goalball Club Wants More Players.
Whether your looking to improve your fitness, confidence or just meet new friends, a goalball club in Glasgow may have a place for you. The game of Goalball is played by blind and partially sighted people and can be enjoyed, just for fun or you can take it to a competitive level. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Alan Lewis, from Glasgow Goalball, to learn more about the game and why ...
8m Feb 12, 2019
8m
S1 Ep78: Mountaineering Is A Growing Parasport.
One of the fastest growing sports in the UK is indoor climbing, an activity that is completely accessible for blind and partially sighted people. With most towns now having a climbing centre and indoor competitions, the activity is attracting more and more entrants each year, and paraclimbing is no exception. RNIB Connect Radio’s Red Szell, a keen climber himself, spoke to top British blind cli...
11m Feb 11, 2019
11m
S1 Ep77: More Audio Described Entertainment On Tour
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts, to look at some touring theatre productions, or arts venues, that are brought to life with audio description. This gives visually impaired people the chance to enjoy, amongst others, a trip to the theatre, with a narrator describing what's going on, visually, on stage in between the actors dialogue. This ...
11m Feb 08, 2019
11m
A New Initiative Will Help Answer Your Sight Loss Questions
Sight Advice FAQ, a new website created in collaboration between sight loss charities will officially launch later this year. Brought to life by RNIB, Guide Dogs, Visionary, Fight for Sight, and VICTA, the project aims to create an easily accessible platform to help answer questions relating to sight loss, eye health or being newly diagnosed with a sight condition. Jamie Dormandy, Head of Cust...
10m Feb 07, 2019
10m
S1 Ep76: The Silent Car You Can Hear.
For several years now, sight loss charities, supported by the World Blind Union, have campaigned for manufacturers of silent and hybrid vehicles to make the cars audible to pedestrians and other road users. UK charity Guide Dogs and Jaguar Land Rover have worked together to creat a sound that people can detect, to avoid stepping out in front of vehicles they can't hear. The car maker has now in...
12m Feb 07, 2019
12m
S1 Ep75: Social Security Secretary Visits RNIB Scotland.
The purpose of her visit was to hear from visually impaired people who will be directly effected by the devolvement of certain welfare payments to the Scottish Parliament. It gave service users the chance to talk about their hopes, and concerns, around the administration, assessement processes and delivery of the new department, that will soon be responsible for a range of benefits, including P...
14m Feb 05, 2019
14m
S1 Ep74: New Project For Extant Theatre Company.
Extant Theatre Company provides a platform for blind and partially sighted people to cut their teeth in drama and various other aspects of the performing arts. RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby spoke to Amelia Cavallo and Sarah Houbolt to learn more about Flight Paths... #RNIBConnect
6m Feb 05, 2019
6m
Access Platform at Vault Festival
Writers who are blind, wheelchair users, D/deaf, or identify as disabled often miss out on the experience of getting their plays performed in many venues. Access Platform is looking to change that and have begun the process of selecting scripts from D/deaf, Blind and Disabled writers to put into production for this year’s Vault Festival in London. Amy Bethan Evans, Curator of Access Platform, j...
10m Feb 04, 2019
10m
S1 Ep73: Campaign For Inclusive & Accessible Train Travel.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Costa Asprou from RNIB's campaigns team to look at some of the big projects for the charity and to find out how blind and partially sighted people can get support to make a difference to their lives, through campaigning. This month we discuss the problems with accessible train travel and how the Office for Road and Rail (ORR) have respond...
13m Feb 04, 2019
13m
S1 Ep72: Visually Impaired employee Is Valued By His Employer.
When Mark Skelton began to notice his sight was deteriorating, he began to panic. He had just married, bought a home and was worried about his employer's reaction to his situation. After plucking up the courage to discuss his concerns with the companies managers and directors, he was surprised by their reaction. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mark to learn more... #RNIBConnect
12m Feb 01, 2019
12m
S1 Ep71: Accessible Sensory Tours Of London's Kew Gardens.
Even if you are blind or partially sighted, there's nothing quite like walking through some spectacularly scenic gardens, taking in the sounds and aromas from the diverse flora and fauna. With this in mind, London's Kew Gardens have created a guide for people with sight loss, and their companions, to make the visit a delight for the senses. There is even a, free, bi-monthly guided tour for thos...
5m Jan 31, 2019
5m
See The Funny Side 2018 Retrospective (Part 1)
2018 was the year of the very first 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. Before applications close for See The Funny Side 2019 on February 24th listen as RNIB's Kris Wallace chats to two of ...
21m Jan 29, 2019
21m
S1 Ep70: Accessible Educational Literature Combined With Top Tech.
RNIB Book Share is a free solution that provides accessible educational literature to pupils and students of all ages who are blind or partially sighted, in a range of formats. To further compliment the formats that students can receive their literature in, there is a new, free, accessible app from technology company, Dolphin, called Easy Reader... RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to St...
9m Jan 29, 2019
9m
S1 Ep69: The Year Ahead For The World Blind Union.
The World Blind Union (WBU) is an organisation which represents sight loss charities around the globe at an international level, including a presence within the United Nations. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to WBU President Fredric Schroeder to learn more about this years big campaigns which include autonomous and silent vehicles  #RNIBConnect
11m Jan 29, 2019
11m
S1 Ep68: Daily Connect Podcast: Monday 28th January
Hello again! Steven's back on the Daily Connect after his week off. On today's show we hear from The Welsh Connection's Lynne Morgan who recently went along to a local VI group in Ebbw Vale, to chat to some members. We also find out about a fantastic sounding walking group in East Kilbride. Just a reminder that you can catch the Daily Connect live every weekday at 10am, with plenty of music an...
16m Jan 28, 2019
16m
Why Not Give Ballroom Dancing A Go?
Have you ever considered ballroom dancing, but sight loss stopped you from trying? Blind and visually impaired people from the Milton Keynes area are encouraged to give it a go and join a ballroom class dedicated for those living with sight loss. Padma Cheriyan, RNIB Campaigner shares with us how the classes started and what other activities she’s keen to get the VI community involved in. Pa...
8m Jan 28, 2019
8m
S1 Ep67: New Organisation To Support Visually Impaired Londoners.
London, England, is a vast area and home to many blind and partially sighted people, who seem to face a postcode lottery when it comes to getting advice and support. With such an imbalance effecting so many people, a new organisation has launched to help bridge the gap, improve access to information and support existing charities, community groups and individuals. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Rus...
6m Jan 25, 2019
6m
S1 Ep66: Daily Connect Podcast: Thursday 24th January
Kris Wallace takes over Daily Connect duties today and he'll be bringing you a preview from Gordon Anthony's new audiobook Hunting Icarus and you can find out how you can help out blind & partially sighted people by taking part in the South East Networking Panel from RNIB. We hear the story of Glen Flatley who's career got a shot in the arm, despite his sightloss, due to a chance meeting with a...
39m Jan 24, 2019
39m
S1 Ep65: Sailing For Visually Impaired People Is A Growing Passtime.
There are now lots of opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to dip their toe in the water and get sailing. From week long yacht cruises to specialist groups and welcoming yacht clubs, there's never been a better time to have a go. Even at the top competitive levels, teams from Great Britain are hugely successful in competitions, around the globe. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russel...
8m Jan 24, 2019
8m
S1 Ep64: Holman Prize Winner Wants Change.
The Holman Prize is awarded, annualy, by the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind. It aims to fund several projects, or dream activities, to winning blind or partially sighted individuals from around the globe. Our very own RNIB Connect Radio Presenter Red Szell was one of last year's winners and, on a visit to the US, managed to speak with, fellow winner, Conchita Hernandez to learn more abo...
11m Jan 23, 2019
11m
S1 Ep63: Hockey For The Blind, Takes To The Ice.
Ice hockey might not be the first sport you think of that blind people could participate in, but you'd be wrong! There are several teams, for differing age groups, that play for fun, and competativly, around the world. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Antonia Gillen, from Minnesota, to learn more about the state's programme to encourage disabled people onto the ice. If you want to le...
9m Jan 22, 2019
9m
S1 Ep62: Daily Connect Podcast: Monday 21st January
Kris Wallace takes over Daily Connect duties today and he'll be bringing you information on Seable Access Holidays which you might want to book if you are feeling the effects of 'Blue Monday'. To cheer you up we also have a retrospective on 2018's See The Funny Side project (2019 applications being considered now) and we advise how to keep you and your family safe from Carbon Monoxide poisoning...
41m Jan 21, 2019
41m
S1 Ep61: Have Your Say On What's Important
Sight loss charity Guide Dogs has launched a telephone and online, survey to find out what really matters to blind and partially sighted people, their family or indeed anyone who has a sight loss connection. You can complete the very short questionnaire by logging on to http://bit.ly/GDYourSay RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jade Glanfield, from Guide Dogs, to learn more about the...
4m Jan 21, 2019
4m
S1 Ep60: Sailing Week For Visually Impaired People
Even if you've never sailed before, or an old salt looking to get back on the water, Blind Sailing Week is back, and they have places available. The summer event sees blind and partially sighted people sailing with sighted crew on a flotilla of yachts, around the south coast of England and the fun packed week is now taking bookings. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell, who himself has attended...
12m Jan 21, 2019
12m
S1 Ep59: Daily Connect Podcast: Friday 18th January
After an unexpected pod-less day yesterday, The Daily Connect returns! Friday's jam-packed show featured a chat with Blind Dave Heeley, who has a big thank-you to give after an emotional past few weeks, we also heard from Clare Aldworth with information on the latest RNIB Quick Poll, and Producer Andy has Something for the Weekend, with the lowdown on the film Glass, a Netflix series about a di...
22m Jan 18, 2019
22m
S1 Ep58: Swimming Gala On The Way For Visually Impaired Swimmers.
British Blind Sport (BBS) is a charity which promotes inclusivity in a wide range of sports for blind and partially sighted people, as well as working with governing bodies and sporting facilities to make more sports available. Each year they hold a swimming gala, for all swimmers, to come along and enjoy a fun packed day in the pool. They're also looking to build a database of accessible sport...
12m Jan 18, 2019
12m
Tafsila can See The Funny Side
Have you ever wanted to try stand up? If the answer is yes, the RNIB initiative See the Funny Side could be just for you. Lynne Morgan has been speaking to one of last year's participants, Tafsila Khan, on The Welsh Connection. If you fancy applying for See The Funny Side email connect@rnib.org.uk or call 0303 1234 555 and have your funniest joke ready and tell us why you want to take part. Ap...
11m Jan 17, 2019
11m
S1 Ep57: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Tackles Unemployment.
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) is Canada's largest sight loss charity and works to change the lives of, and empower, blind and partially sighted people. It's now working with some of the world's biggest companies to promote blind and partially sighted people as valued and skilled, potential, employees. It's all about breaking down barriers, tackling outdated stereotypes an...
8m Jan 17, 2019
8m
S1 Ep56: Daily Connect Podcast: Wednesday 16th January
On the (Brexit-free) podcast for Wednesday, we hear about RIDC, the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, to learn about accessibility in white goods, as Allan Russell chats to Chris Lofthouse. Also on the pod, we check in with See The Funny Side, with Georgie Morrell, and we also find out whats happening in the South of England with RNIB Community Facilitator Brian Anderson. We'd love yo...
22m Jan 16, 2019
22m
S1 Ep55: Bath Schoolgirl's Fund Raising Challenge.
The Mekele School for the blind in Ethiopia provides a rare opportunity for children with sight loss to receive residential education and learn useful life skills. However the vital work can only be provided with the help of donations, and support, from charities and individuals from across the globe. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lisa Cousins from the charity Ethiopiaid, to learn...
10m Jan 16, 2019
10m
S1 Ep54: Top Tips For Looking After Your Eyes.
It's fare to say that we're probably not the best at looking after our eyes, or at keeping up to date with regular eye checks. So with a new year, how about making a point of making sure we look after them, after all losing your sight is usually number 1 when it comes to things that we couldn't do without. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dr Rubina Ahmed, from Fight For Sight UK, to ...
8m Jan 16, 2019
8m
Get Involved In The South East With RNIB
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is launching a network panel to help improve the lives of people affected by sight loss. The panel, which will operate in the South East area, is an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to get involved and influence the work of the charity. RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with Brian Anderson, community facilitator for R...
6m Jan 15, 2019
6m
S1 Ep53: Daily Connect Podcast: Tuesday 15th January
We focused on employment on Tuesday's Daily Connect, and the struggle of finding work whilst visually impaired; recent statistics show that just 1 in 4 blind people of working age are in employment. Steven spoke to Glen Flatley about losing more of his vision through RP, and the struggle of keeping a job. We also find out about a pilot programme in the North East of England helping work coache...
26m Jan 15, 2019
26m
S1 Ep52: Are White Goods Getting Harder, Or Easier To Use?
If you are blind or partially sighted, choosing white goods for your kitchen can be a difficult task if you have to consider accessibility on top of things like economy and programme functions. With fewer and fewer items using dials and buttons, in favour of touch operation and digital displays, what can be done to improve their operation for people with sight loss? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan R...
12m Jan 15, 2019
12m
S1 Ep51: Daily Connect Podcast: Monday 14th January
It's podcast time! Monday looks a little bit like this: one of our listeners, Brian Docherty, is from NI, and recently undertook a course in I.T. from RNIB. He spoke to Kirsty Campbell to talk about his experiences of the course, and why it was important to him. Also on today's download, news on a survey from the Office of Road and Rail, who have launched a consultation on improving disabled pe...
22m Jan 14, 2019
22m
S1 Ep50: Daily Connect Podcast: Friday 11th January
It's Friday, it's time for today's Daily Connect podcast - today sees Steven chat with blogger Holly Tuke about the #birdboxchallenge, and the reaction online. We also hear from Sonali Rai, who talks about a new consultation on whether there should be more AD on television adverts, and we get Something For The Weekend from producer Andy, including the release of Stan and Ollie. If you would li...
20m Jan 11, 2019
20m
S1 Ep49: Highlights For Audio Described Theatre In January.
Audio Description (AD) can be delivered in a theatre via headphones to blind and partially sighted visitors. The describer tells the person what's happening on stage, between the actors dialogue, and makes the whole visit feel more inclusive. Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, to look at some forthcoming, touring, highlights. This month we ...
12m Jan 11, 2019
12m
S1 Ep48: Daily Connect Podcast: Thursday 10th January
On today's Daily Connect podcast, Steven is joined by Iain Beverley and Sheila Armstrong for the News Review, where topics such as Beyonce's website being inaccessible to the visually impaired, bars of soap being back in fashion, and guide runners at the London Marathon not receiving medals. Also today, Steven spoke with Ann Marie Gallamore from Blind Veterens to tell us all about various event...
39m Jan 10, 2019
39m