Audio Described Treats for August 2019.
Audio Description (AD) can be delivered, via headphones, to blind and partially sighted theatre goers to make the performance more enjoyable and inclusive. The describer tells the patrons what is, visually, happening on stage in between the actors dialogue. Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, to look at some touring productions and other art...
14m Jul 19, 2019
14m
A Charity Legacy Can, Positively, Change Lives.
Many charities rely on legacy giving as a major part of their fund raising efforts. The work to show people what a donation can do to positively change people's lives is ongoing and crucial to the organisation's survival. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lorna McPherson-Reed, from RNIB, to learn more about legacy giving, how they show people the differences their gift can make and we...
6m Jul 17, 2019
6m
World Record Breaking Guitar Lesson
Thomas Binns runs The Guitar Social which he started as he believes that playing and learning guitar is more fun if you do it with other people. This Thursday, he is hosting a world record attempt. RNIB Connect Radio’s Red Szell spoke to him to find out more.
7m Jul 16, 2019
7m
‘I Was The Biggest Barrier To Myself’
Rachel Jones was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition as a child but it wasn’t until her wedding day that she realised how truly bad it got.   Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Rachel explains how she re-claimed her independence thanks to the help of her ECLO, and why she believes the services are essential for those losing your sight.   For more information visit: https:/...
15m Jul 15, 2019
15m
Living with Bardet Biedl Syndrome - Aneeba Ahmed’s Story
Everyone's journey through sight loss is different.    Aneeba Ahmed is an RNIB volunteer and active advocate for raising awareness about her condition, Bardet Biedl Syndrome.    Aneeba spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about her life, volunteering and all the support she has received over the years.    For more information about Bardet Biedl Syndrome visit: https://www.lmbbs.org.uk/ ...
7m Jul 12, 2019
7m
Ground Breaking Travel Company Nominated For Prestigious Award
When Amar Latif wanted to travel the world, independently, holiday companies said no, because he was blind. So, rather than accept their decision, he set about launching his own international business that would create group holidays for sighted, blind and partially sighted people. Traveleyes has grown over the years and has now been nominated for a prestigious British Travel Award, but they ne...
10m Jul 10, 2019
10m
RNIB - Getting Involved
RNIB Connect Radio’s Steven Scott chats to Hussein, Ross and Kim, who all volunteer and are involved with RNIB.   Being led by Blind and Partially sighted people is one of RNIB's core values and we hear about the different ways people are working with RNIB Staff to ensure their voice is at the heart of everything we do. If you want to get involved with the RNIB, why not get in touch with the In...
26m Jul 09, 2019
26m
Smoking Can Damage Your Eyesight
Many people are familiar with the warnings that smoking is bad for our health, our heart and our lungs, but did you know that it can seriously damage your eyesight? The Association Of Optometrists is launching an awareness campaign to make people aware of the very real danger and encourage them to get their eyes checked regularly. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Henry Leonard, Optom...
7m Jul 09, 2019
7m
Changing Lives Through Campaigning.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Costa Asprou, from RNIB's Campaigns Team, to discuss some of the current challenges, big successes and encourage more visually impaired people to get involved in campaigning. This month they discuss taxi refusals, for people with Guide Dogs, and how engaging with an MP could improve the Access To Work system for workers with disabilities. ...
17m Jul 05, 2019
17m
Penfriend Gets A 2019 Update.
In 2009, the Penfriend, from RNIB, was designed to be a simple label reader that could help a blind or partially sighted person record audio messages onto barcode labels to help with a variety of everyday tasks. Today, July 3rd 2019, the 3rd generation of the popular Penfriend has had an update and has become more versatile than ever before. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jennie Ma...
11m Jul 03, 2019
11m
Funding Collaboration To Fight Sight Loss.
The charity Fight For Sight UK raises funds in order to award grants in the field of sight loss. As well as this fund raising, they also make awards through collaborative funding with charity partners in the sight loss sector. RNIB Connect Radio's Iain Wilson spoke to Doctor Rubina Ahmed, from Fight For Sight UK, and Patrick Tonks, Chief Exec of the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, to learn more ab...
13m Jun 28, 2019
13m
First Step On The Road To Tokyo 2020.
The women’s GB Goalball team have their sights, firmly, fixed on qualification, for the Paralympic Games in Japan. The first step to Tokyo is a tournament in the US and they head stateside on Friday 28th June. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to team coach Aaron Ford to learn more about the game and the qualifiers… #RNIBConnect
9m Jun 27, 2019
9m
Tech Solution To Check Food Freshness
We'd all like to do more to help the environment and that includes cutting down on our food waste. As retailers and consumers, we're throwing away food that we think is out of date or isn't fresh, when actually it's safe to eat. This means we waste money, create more plastic waste, increase our carbon footprint and add more methane to our atmosphere. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to ...
10m Jun 24, 2019
10m
Equality And Innovation From Canada.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to John Rafferty, Chief Exec of the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB). They discuss the big stories, events and campaigns around sight loss for visually impaired people in Canada. This month they focus on a positive move toward an Equalities Act for disabled Canadians and a new app to help blind and partially sighted entrepreneu...
9m Jun 24, 2019
9m
Queen's Birthday Honor Surprise For Goalball Ambassador.
Kathryn Fielding works to promote the sport of Goalball to blind and partially sighted people across the UK. Her work has seen her officiate games, run taster days and work with the British Paralympic team to show how the game can be played for fun, for fitness, to build life skills and even see players compete for their country around the globe. Her tireless work and love of the game saw her n...
8m Jun 21, 2019
8m
RNIB Helped Turn My Life Around.
When people are told that they are losing their sight, it can be devastating. The emotional impact can be massive with many questions like how will I get out on my own? Will I lose my job?, will I lose my family and friends? How can I look after myself? RNIB's Sight Loss Advice Service is there to answer questions, provide support and help show people that sight loss is no longer the end of t...
10m Jun 21, 2019
10m
Golfing And Curling For Blind And Partially Sighted People.
Golf and curling, they're 2 sports that you may think can't be played by someone who is blind or partially sighted, but you'd be wrong! The games can be played for fun or competitively across the UK, Europe and the World. The charity, Scottish Disability Golf and Curling, provides free tuition and discounted tournaments for complete beginners, or more experienced players who may have lost their...
9m Jun 20, 2019
9m
Sharing Hints & Tips Can Help Overcome Sight Loss.
RNIB's Sight Loss Advice Service provides a vast range of help, advice and support to, not just, those who have recently been diagnosed with sight loss, but also, anyone who is blind or partially sighted. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Robert Miekle who has helped contribute some life hacks, for dealing with sight loss, to the service. www.rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect
9m Jun 20, 2019
9m
Advice & Support Is Only A Phone Call Away.
Losing your eye sight can be a horrifying thought and it's easy to think that your life is over, along with your independence and your self-respect. That is most definitely not the case and RNIB's Sight Loss Advice Service is there for anyone going through this and for people who are already living with a visual impairment. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ian Beverley, who is part o...
10m Jun 19, 2019
10m
See RNIB Scotland At Pride Edinburgh 2019
 Pride Edinburgh will take place this Saturday 22nd of June and RNIB Scotland will be there in support of equality and to help raise awareness about sight loss.    To find out more we spoke with Volunteer Facilitator for the West of Scotland Mike Holroyd.   Mike is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   For more information about the event visit: http://prideedinburgh.org.uk/   (Ima...
10m Jun 18, 2019
10m
World Famous Eye Hospital Possibly On The Move.
Moorfields Eye Hospital in London is recognised, around the globe, as a centre of excellence when it comes to research and treatment for sight loss conditions. The time has now come for the institution to look to the future and consider a brand new, state of the art, facility within the London area and you can have your say in shaping the vision. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jo M...
10m Jun 18, 2019
10m
RNIB's Sight Loss Advice Service Is There When You Need It.
Whether you are someone recently diagnosed with sight loss or a blind or partially sighted person with a question, RNIB's Sight Loss Advice Service has a huge range of information and support that can be accessed in a variety of different ways. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jamie Dormandy, from RNIB, to learn more about the service and it's wide range of support which is free to a...
11m Jun 18, 2019
11m
RNIB Speaks to Mums Like Us Founder
Mums Like Us is a network for disabled mums which gives people the chance to connect with others who understand what it’s like to raise kids while also living with a visual impairment or disability.   RNIB Connect Radio’s Kris Wallace has been speaking to the founder of Mums Like Us, Sally Darby. Visit Mums Like Us on their website www.mumslikeus.org 
12m Jun 17, 2019
12m
Westminster Event To Highlight Illegal Guide Dog Refusals.
Despite clear legislation, contained within the Equalities Act, many Guide Dog owners are still being, illegally, refused access to places like cafés, restaurants, taxis and mini cabs, to mention a few, because they are accompanied by their service dogs. Guide Dogs has organised an event at Westminster, where 100 guide dog owners and representatives from the charity will meet with MPs to ask fo...
10m Jun 17, 2019
10m
Audio Description Brings More To Life Than Just TV!
Each month RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell speaks to Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts, providers of audio description. They look at the latest theatre productions and arts events which provide audio description for visually impaired patrons. This month, they discuss touring productions of Hobson’s Choice, The Hired Man and The Manchester International Festival, amongst others. www.mindseyedes...
12m Jun 14, 2019
12m
Visually Impaired Prisoners Have Rights Too.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Chris Danielsen, PR Director, from the National Federation of the Blind in the United States. They discuss some of the big campaigns, projects and news around sight loss. This month, Chris talks about the charity's national convention, to be held in Las Vegas, and why the organisation is taking legal action over the treatment of blind an...
11m Jun 14, 2019
11m
Europe's Premiere Event For Visually Impaired People Returns.
The Sight Village events have gone from 1 room at Queen Alexandra College, in Birmingham, to major exhibition venues across the UK. The events showcase the best local, national and international services, technology and interests for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. The jewel in the crown is Sight Village Central, in Solihull, which has become Europe's largest, must attend, exhi...
9m Jun 13, 2019
9m
How To Get Around As A VIP (with Paul Quigley)
White cane warrior and Connect member Paul Quigley is back and this week he’s discussing the different services that can aid mobility of a blind and partially sighted person.   Paul is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   For help and advice call the RNIB Helpline number on: 0303 123 9999 (Photo shows the back of a person's arm holding a white cane. They are wearing a thick grey c...
8m Jun 11, 2019
8m
Take A Leap Of Faith For RNIB.
Following on from last year's Big Jump fund raiser for RNIB, the sight loss charity is encouraging people to make this year's, UK wide,event bigger and better. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Belinda Dreyer, from RNIB, and Kieron, a blind jumper from last year's Big Jump, to learn more about the day and what it's like to float through the air with your tandem buddy. www.rnib.org.uk/...
10m Jun 11, 2019
10m
Young Leaders Camp Is Looking For Visually Impaired Recruits.
Following on from previously successful events, the charity British Blind Sport is running another, residential, young leaders camp later in 2019. The event helps build social, educational and vocational skills in a fun and exciting way, preparing blind and partially sighted young people for the future. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lijana Kaziow, from BBS, and Jai, who took part ...
9m Jun 10, 2019
9m
Why Not Share Your Skills And Personality As An RNIB Volunteer?
Volunteer's Week runs from the 1st to the 7th of June 2019. RNIB would like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to all our volunteers, without whom we couldn't carry out our vital work. All this week we've heard from volunteers who tell us why they got involved, what they get from working with RNIB and why they would recommend it to everyone. So why not try it yourself? RNIB Connect...
8m Jun 07, 2019
8m
Dancing, Snowboarding And Singing! It's A Busy Life!
Lindsey Moore definitely doesn't let sight loss stop her from enjoying her dancing, professional singing and sports. In fact, when people tell her "you can't do that, because you're blind", much like snowboarding, she goes out to prove them wrong, and prove to visually impaired people that nothing is beyond your reach. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lindsey to find out why she en...
14m Jun 07, 2019
14m
Volunteer Week: Interview With ‘Ask The Pharmacist’
Volunteer's Week runs from the 1st to the 7th of June 2019 and RNIB would like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to all our volunteers, without whom we couldn't carry out our vital work. All this week, we'll be hearing from volunteers who tell us why they got involved, what they get from working with RNIB and why they would recommend it to everyone.  RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pau...
8m Jun 06, 2019
8m
Even With A Full Time Job, You Can Still Volunteer.
Volunteer's Week runs from the 1st to the 7th of June 2019. RNIB would like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to all our volunteers, without whom we couldn't carry out our vital work. All this week we'll hear from volunteers who tell us why they got involved, what they get from working with RNIB and why they would recommend it to everyone. RNIB Connect Radio's Red Szell spoke to D...
5m Jun 06, 2019
5m
A 30 Year Milestone For Volunteering.
Volunteer's Week runs from the 1st to the 7th of June 2019. RNIB would like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to all our volunteers, without whom we couldn't carry out our vital work. All this week we'll hear from volunteers who tell us why they got involved, what they get from working with RNIB and why they would recommend it to everyone. RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby spoke t...
8m Jun 05, 2019
8m
What Do People Get From Volunteering For RNIB?
Volunteer's Week runs from the 1st to the 7th of June 2019. RNIB would like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to all our volunteers, without whom we couldn't carry out our vital work. All this week we'll hear from volunteers who tell us why they got involved, what they get from working with RNIB and why they would recommend it to everyone. Today RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell ...
7m Jun 04, 2019
7m
Thank You To Our Amazing Volunteers.
Volunteer's Week runs from the 1st to the 7th of June 2019. RNIB would like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to all our volunteers, without whom we couldn't carry out our vital work. All this week we'll hear from volunteers who tell us why they got involved, what they get from working with RNIB and why they would recommend it to everyone. Today RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby t...
9m Jun 03, 2019
9m
Campaigns Teams Latest Work.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell looks at some of RNIB's latest campaigns work, as well as encouraging everyone to get involved in changing the everyday lives of blind and partially sighted people for the better. This month Allan speaks to Costa Asprou about accessible voting and why the charity wants feedback from parents with visually impaired kids, of school age. Helen Lee also ...
12m Jun 03, 2019
12m
Disabled Student's Allowance, Must Do Better!
The Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA) is a package of funding to help disabled students while they are in higher education. The DSA gives funding for specialist equipment and other forms of non technical support, like readers or scribes, to help students to study without barriers. A recent meeting at Birmingham University saw disabled students discuss the system's good and bad points, with the...
13m May 30, 2019
13m
RNIB Scotland’s ‘See No Borders’ Initiative
RNIB Scotland’s 'See No Borders' is an initiative which thanks to support from Alliance helped connect black African people living with sight loss in Glasgow.     But how did ‘See No Borders’ come to be and how can you get involved?   RNIB Scotland’s Diversity Lead Gozie Jo Adigwe spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about the project.    To see an (audio-described) video about ‘See No ...
11m May 28, 2019
11m
Milestones Of Sight Loss (With Paul Quigley)
Everyone’s journey through sight loss is personal, yet there are still some milestones that can hit us harder than expected.   Speaking about accepting that your sight is getting worse are RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley and Connect member Paul Quigley.   If you’re struggling and would like to speak with someone contact the RNIB Sight Advice Service on: 0303 123 9999 (Photo: Paul staring ahea...
12m May 28, 2019
12m
RNIB North West Awards Event
What’s it like to attend an awards event celebrating those making a difference for blind and partially sighted people? Danielle Calcombe is a Community Facilitator and she recently had the chance go to an celebration event in Manchester and speak to a number of award winners. Danielle reports from the RNIB North West Awards event celebrating 150 years of Making A Difference.
11m May 22, 2019
11m
Get On Your Bike For Charity.
The charity Retina UK supports individuals, and their families, who are effected by Retinitis Pigmentosa. To support their work, the organisation hosts a variety of fund raising events in the UK and abroad. In October 2019, they are asking you to get involved in their 100 mile, 48 hour, tandem cycle challenge. RNIB Connect Radio's Iain Wilson spoke to Deborah Lang, from Retina UK, to learn more...
6m May 22, 2019
6m
Collaborative Funding To Tackle Sight Loss.
The charity Fight For Sight UK raises funds to support research into common and rare sight loss conditions. They have now launched a new round of funding and are asking for submissions from clinical, and non clinical, researchers. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dr Rubina Ahmed, from Fight For Sight UK, and Sue Ricketts, CEO Nystagmus Network, to learn more about the criteria and wh...
10m May 22, 2019
10m
Audio Description Brings Theatre To Life.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts. They discuss the latest theatre productions and art events featuring audio description (AD). Which brings visuals to life for blind and partially sighted people. This month the touring theatre productions include Educating Rita and The Book Of Mormon. www.mindseyedescription.co.uk #RNIBConnect
10m May 21, 2019
10m
Support At The Point Of Most Need.
When someone is given the news that they are losing their sight, it can be emotionally devastating for the individual and their family. RNIB is working to provide Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) for every eye clinic to provide immediate and tailored support to help people on the path to recovery. There is a wide range of support from independent mobility training to learning how to use the ...
15m May 20, 2019
15m
Sports Taster Days For Visually Impaired People.
There are now many sports that can be enjoyed by blind and partially sighted people, including archery, target shooting, ice hockey and cricket to name but a few. The charity British Blind Sports hosts free taster days, around the UK, to allow people to try the different activities that are available in their own areas. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alex Pitts about the events and...
8m May 20, 2019
8m
High Court Backs Visually Impaired Voters Complaint.
It is your legal right, in the UK, to cast your vote, for elections, in privacy and in secrecy. Unfortunately for many blind and partially sighted people, the ability to do this is not always possible, because of what many think is an outdated and not fit for purpose system. Rachael Andrews took the government to the High Court to argue that she, like many other visually impaired voters, do not...
16m May 17, 2019
16m
Dance Gets The Audio Description Treatment.
Audio Description is usually delivered over a headset, or at home through your tv, and it gives a narrative which describes what is physically going on between actors dialogue. This makes shows and performances, more inclusive for blind and partially sighted people. It's becoming more common on tv, at the cinema and at more and more arts and cultural events. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell s...
9m May 17, 2019
9m
Is Global Accessibility Awareness Day Working?
The 16th of May, 2019 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day and it aims to promote better access, in all aspects of life, for people with Disabilities. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to NeateBox founder Gavin Neate, to get his views on accessibility and how his company strives to smash barriers that still exist for disabled people. www.neatebox.com #RNIBConnect
16m May 16, 2019
16m