RNIB 150 Stories - Imran Akhter
Imran has been heavily involved with RNIB for almost a decade, having worked for us and even jumping out of a plane to raise money for Talking Books! He tells us his story of how RNIB helped him after being diagnosed with glaucoma. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please complete the submission for at www.rnib.org.uk/150stories (https://www.rnib.org.uk/who-we-are/rnib-150/your-stories)
2m Jul 25, 2018
2m
RNIB 150 Stories - Sean
Sean's dream of marrying and having a family came true when he met his wife in the unlikeliest of places after being shot during an attempted armed robbery 32 years ago. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please complete the submission for at www.rnib.org.uk/150stories (https://www.rnib.org.uk/who-we-are/rnib-150/your-stories)
1m Jul 25, 2018
1m
RNIB 150 Stories - Colin Bennett
Today we’re focusing on Colin Bennett. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please complete the submission for at www.rnib.org.uk/150stories (https://www.rnib.org.uk/who-we-are/rnib-150/your-stories)
1m Jul 25, 2018
1m
RNIB 150 Stories - Braille
Today we look at RNIB and Braille. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please complete the submission for at www.rnib.org.uk/150stories (https://www.rnib.org.uk/who-we-are/rnib-150/your-stories)
2m Jul 25, 2018
2m
RNIB 150 Stories - Robert Meikle
Today we’re hearing from Robert Meikle. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please complete the submission for at www.rnib.org.uk/150stories
2m Jul 25, 2018
2m
RNIB 150 Stories - Hannah
Hannah was enjoying a holiday in Greece when she drank vodka that had been laced with ethanol, causing sight loss and kidney failure. Thanks to support from RNIB and an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO), Hannah was able to continue working……this is her story If you’re interested in sharing your story, please complete the submission for at www.rnib.org.uk/150stories (https://www.rnib.org.uk/who...
1m Jul 25, 2018
1m
RNIB 150 Stories - Sooty
Today it’s the story of Sooty. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please complete the submission for at www.rnib.org.uk/150stories
2m Jul 25, 2018
2m
RNIB 150 Stories - Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith is a keen gardener and hasn’t let his sight loss stand in the way of pursuing his passion. He recently attended RNIB’s Community Garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show to experience the tactile garden created for our 150th anniversary. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please complete the submission for at www.rnib.org.uk/150stories (https://www.rnib.org.uk/who-we...
2m Jul 24, 2018
2m
Why 'In Your Pocket' Is More Than Just A Phone
Designed to make reading the latest newspapers, magazines and books easier, In Your Pocket now features a new Doro device, with larger buttons and a great speaker for quality sound, O2 connectivity, and RealSAM interactive speech software. It also comes with a subscription to RNIB Newsagent, access to RNIB Talking Books, as well as podcasts, weather, and location information But how accessibl...
8m Jul 24, 2018
8m
Time To Smell The Roses
To commemorate and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, Fryer’s Roses, is launching the “Elizabeth Ashbrook” Rose. This new and exclusive rose is named in memory of the late Elizabeth, Viscountess Ashbrook of Arley Hall, Cheshire, and the mother of the present Viscount Ashbrook. Lady Ashbrook, experienced almost total loss of sight in the last 10 years of her lif...
12m Jul 20, 2018
12m
RNIB 150 Stories - Audio Description
Today is the start of RNIB’s audio description awareness campaign. Colin Palgrave talks about what AD means to him and how it’s changed over the years. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please complete the submission for at www.rnib.org.uk/150stories (https://www.rnib.org.uk/who-we-are/rnib-150/your-stories) .
1m Jul 17, 2018
1m
RNIB 150 Stories - Thomas Rhodes Armitage
This year marks RNIB’s 150th anniversary. To celebrate, we’ve been asking the blind and partially-sighted community for their stories and experiences of sight loss. We will be sharing these stories over the coming months to document the changes we’ve seen in the last 150 years. Today we’re taking you back to 1868 to hear about the man who started it all……Thomas Armitage – the founder of RNIB ...
2m Jul 16, 2018
2m
S1 Ep283: The Sky Is Not The Limit For Charity Fund Raising.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Becca McCrow and Elizabeth Wagner from RNIB to find out what events, you can take part in, to help raise funds for the UK's leading sight loss charity.  This month Becca is looking for more homes for Sooty and Elizabeth, fresh from her South Downs trek, wants you to throw yourself out of a plane in a UK wide challenge...  #RNIBConnect
10m Jul 13, 2018
10m
S1 Ep282: Campaign For More Audio Description On TV.
The Royal National Institute for Blind people )RNIB) works closely with broadcasters and OfCom to increase the number of television programmes available, on various platforms, that have Audio Description (AD).  The AD track is a narrative that is played between actors dialogue and gives a description of what is visually going on.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sonali Rai, from R...
7m Jul 13, 2018
7m
S1 Ep281: Audio Description theatre Highlights July 2018
MindsEye Arts is a company which specialises in providing audio description services to theatres, museums, galleries, visitor attractions and other arts branches.  Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye, to discuss some forthcoming, touring, shows that use AD to enhance the experience for visually impaired patrons.  This month, amongst others, we'r...
13m Jul 12, 2018
13m
S1 Ep280: RNIB Helps Make Sensory Garden Even More Accessible
RNIB has recently collaborated with Seamus Heaney HomePlace to provide some accessible signs for their new Sensory Garden. Seamus Heaney HomePlace is an arts and literary centre, which celebrates the life and work of the late poet and Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney. Michelle Lee from RNIB’s Tactile Maps and Images Executive spoke to us about the solutions that they came up with to create the b...
6m Jul 11, 2018
6m
S1 Ep279: Sight Village 2018 & 'Sight and Sound Technology'
‘Technology for Life' team's Mark Evens brings us the latest accessible technology review. This week Mark takes a look at the latest Sight Village event taking place near Birmingham, as well as a big sale from ‘Sight and Sound Technology’ that could see you saving more than you’d expect when buying products like Jaws or magnifiers. However, if you don’t live in the Birmingham area don’t despa...
11m Jul 10, 2018
11m
S1 Ep278: RNIB's 'Play Your Part', Quick Polls And Driverless Cars
News of upcoming opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved and influence decision making, within the UK's leading sight loss charity. This week RNIB's Natalie Swiderska talks about different ways you can get involved as well as the results of the previous Quick Poll, in particular: what does the visually impaired community think of driverless cars. For more informat...
14m Jul 09, 2018
14m
S1 Ep277: How Easy Is It To Set Up A Goalball Team?
Have you ever given Goalball a go? Perhaps you've tried it but it's a bit too far to travel to participate. RNIB Connect member Liam Simpson found himself in such a situation. An avid Goalball fan, Liam got the ball rolling and is setting up his very own team in the Essex area. Liam is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley. For more information on Goalball visit Goalball UK's websit...
10m Jul 06, 2018
10m
S1 Ep276: Sight Loss Charity Exhibits At Major Flower Show
To celebrate the Royal National Institute of Blind (RNIB) 150th birthday this year, a sensory community garden was designed for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Show which is on until the 8th July. RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby went down to the palace to learn more about the design, and how you can view the garden through windows that simulate different sight loss conditions. If you’d ...
12m Jul 05, 2018
12m
S1 Ep274: 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
S1 Ep275: Charity Organises ‘Technology Days’ To Raise Awareness About Assistive Technology
Does technology baffle you? Do you feel intimidated by its constantly evolving nature? Perhaps a very special event, aimed at making technology more accessible and easier to understand, could help you. This year, Fife Society for the Blind, in partnership with RNIB Scotland and Fife Deaf Community Service is hosting special Technology Days across the Fife area. Stuart Beveridge, who is an Ac...
11m Jul 03, 2018
11m
S1 Ep273: Radio Charity Celebrates its 90th Birthday
The British Wireless for the Blind Fund is celebrating a birthday milestone, providing radios to visually impaired people across the UK. From its analogue beginnings, it has evolved over the decades, responding to the audio needs of its customers with their free equipment. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Saul Watson, from BWFB, to learn more about the beginnings of the organisatio...
7m Jul 03, 2018
7m
S1 Ep272: 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
S1 Ep75: RNIB Quick Polls, Big Jump, Blind Yoga, Newsreader
This week we find out about RNIB's Quick Polls - a great way for us to get involved with RNIB. Also we hear how you can raise money for RNIB with the upcoming Big Jump on the 23rd of September. Listener Padma also tells us how she got into yoga and is encouraging others to do the same, and we learn why Dame Judi Dench is supporting a national charity supporting those with age-related macular de...
58m Jul 02, 2018
58m
S1 Ep271: Sight Loss Charity’s Campaigns July update.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Costa Asprou from RNIB's Campaigns Team, to hear about their latest projects & speak to some of the visually impaired volunteer campaigners. This month, we discuss Personal Independence Payments (PIP), getting accessible information from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and the importance of democracy. #RNIBConnect
12m Jul 02, 2018
12m
S1 Ep270: #Museum Of The Year 2018.
The short list for the 2018 Museum Of The Year and Audio Description is once again being used to highlight the potential winners. RNIB Connect Radio’s Iain Wilson spoke to Toby Davey from, Audio Description providers, Vocaleyes to learn more about the competition, the shortlist and how AD is involved more and more in the arts… #RNIBConnect
8m Jun 28, 2018
8m
S1 Ep269: 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
S1 Ep74: A-Boards banned in Edinburgh, Steve Redgrave o preventing sight loss, Universe explained
This week Steven Scott finds out about the ongoing campaigns to cut down on the amount of street clutter, including a major step forward in the campaign following a decision to ban a-boards in Edinburgh. Also Sir Steve Redgrave talks about why he is lending his support to RNIB and Specsavers to combat preventable blindness and we find out how the universe can be 'felt' by blind and partially si...
58m Jun 25, 2018
58m
S1 Ep268: Some Audio Described Theatre Highlights For July 2018.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Anne Hornsby from Mindseye Arts.  The organisation provides audio description services to theatres, museums, galleries and visitor attractions, to enhance the experience for visually impaired visitors.  This month they're discussing Wicked, Shrek, An Officer And A Gentleman and more...  #RNIBConnect
13m Jun 22, 2018
13m
S1 Ep268: Charity Heads To Westminster Over Welfare Cuts.
Thomas Pocklington Trust is a charity that provides help and advice for visually impaired people.  It recently published research into the impact of welfare cuts, and the implementation of Universal Credit, on the lives of blind and partially sighted people.  There are concerns over a cut in payments, impacting on the extra costs related to living with a sight loss condition, and a call for a...
20m Jun 22, 2018
20m
S1 Ep267: Spreading The RNIB Street Charter.
Sight Loss charity RNIB has produced a Street Charter that outlines the best ways to make streets free from clutter and accessible to all.  It has led to Edinburgh City Council, and others, banning items like A Boards and rolling back Shared Surface projects, making independent mobility easier, and more importantly safer, for all.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Catriona Burness,...
8m Jun 21, 2018
8m
S1 Ep266: 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
S1 Ep266: Touch The Universe
We love to talk about how beautiful the night sky is to look up at. But what if you could do more than that? What if you could touch it? University of Portsmouth created a tactile universe that enables blind and partially sighted children to see galaxies through touch. Telling us more about The Tactile Universe is Astronomer and Project Lead Dr Nicolas Bonne, who himself is visually impaired...
8m Jun 19, 2018
8m
S1 Ep265: RNIB Quick Polls
RNIB Quick Polls are a way for RNIB to hear your opinions and to get involved and influence decision making within UK’s leading sight loss charity. This week RNIB Legacy Team’s Matt Smith talks about the results of the last Quick Poll and how your responses are helping to make a difference. For more information on how to get involved visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/community or call the helpli...
8m Jun 18, 2018
8m
S1 Ep263: Jump For Charity, Is It Easy To Do?
Imran Akhtar received support and training from RNIB, when he began to lose his sight 9 years ago.  He decided that he wanted to give something back to the charity that helped him learn new technology, see the light at the end of the tunnel and help him back into employment.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Imran to learn more about his decision to take on a skydive and why he thi...
11m Jun 18, 2018
11m
S1 Ep262: Parliamentary Group Reports On The Quality Of Eye Care.
The All Party Parliamentary Group, looking into eye care capacity within NHS England, has published it's report on the quality of the system and its recommendations for improvements.  Many patients were having appointments cancelled, putting their sight at risk and putting a further, future, financial burden on the health service and council social care budgets.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Ru...
10m Jun 14, 2018
10m
S1 Ep261: Edinburgh Bans “A” Boards.
Edinburgh City Council has become the latest city to ban advertising “A” Boards from it’s streets. Charities like RNIB Scotland and Guide Dogs have long campaigned for streets to be cleared from clutter and they have welcomed this move by the Scottish capital. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Councillor Lesley MacInnes and Councillor, and Equalities Champion, Derek Howie to learn m...
7m Jun 13, 2018
7m
S1 Ep72: Employment, Religion, Buses
This week Steven Scott finds out about some of the leading blind people in the world of work got into their careers. We also hear more on the discussion about religion and disability with one of our listeners. And do you think that blind people are entitled to a seat on a busy bus? We ask our listeners. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
58m Jun 11, 2018
58m
S1 Ep260: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Talks Tech.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell speaks to John Rafferty, CEO of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). This month they’re talking about changing attitudes to government funding of accessible, and assistive, technology for blind and partially sighted people & legislation to make silent electric cars audible. #RNIBConnect
9m Jun 11, 2018
9m
S1 Ep259: Fund Raising And Events June 2018 Round Up.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Elizabeth Wagner and Becca McRow from the Events and Fund Raising teams at the Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) to highlight some fun events and encourage people to get involved in supporting the sight loss charity.  This month we're looking at Sooty box collections, we need more volunteer collectors, and for the more ene...
9m Jun 08, 2018
9m
S1 Ep258: Sight Loss Charity's Campaigns June 2018 Update.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Costa Asprou from the Royal National Institute for Blind people (RNIB) to hear about some of their current campaigns and to encourage others to get involved in volunteer campaigning.  This month Costa talks about the problems with dock less bikes, concerns around care capacity and we hear from Rosa who, after support from RNIB, is now a C...
8m Jun 07, 2018
8m
S1 Ep257: Volunteers Making A Sporting Difference.
British Blind Sport is a charity that encourages visually impaired people to take up a wide variety of sporting activities, to improve health, increase confidence and mobility and even grow their competitive spirit.  They also run programmes for young people which encourages volunteering as part of the course.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lijana Kaziow, from BBS, to learn more...
5m Jun 07, 2018
5m
S1 Ep256: The Dangers Posed By Pavement Parking.
Vehicles parked on pavements pose a danger to pedestrians, forcing them to walk out into, sometimes, busy roads. It’s not just guide dog owners or visually impaired people who can be put in danger, but people with a variety of mobility issues or pedestrians with prams, can be forced to take their chances on busy roads or find alternative routes that may not be familiar to them. RNIB Connect R...
8m Jun 06, 2018
8m
S1 Ep255: 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
S1 Ep254: National Volunteer's Week Special
This week Steven Scott says thank you to our wonderful volunteers at RNIB. We hear from people who take time to record talking books, speak up for the charity around the country, raise money through organising events and offer their professional knowledge for free to help councsel blind and partially sighted people who need emotional support. This is all as part of National Volunteer’s Week whi...
58m Jun 04, 2018
58m
S1 Ep253: The Dangers Posed By Electric Vehicles.
We’re now very familiar with the benefits, to the environment & our pockets, that come from electric & hybrid vehicles. But have you ever thought of the dangers these vehicles pose to pedestrians? The silent engines mean that someone with a visual or hearing impairment may be unable to detect the vehicles when crossing the road & could lead to avoidable accidents. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan ...
6m Jun 04, 2018
6m
S1 Ep252: RNIB's "Play Your Part"
News of upcoming opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved and influence decision making, within the UK's leading sight loss charity.  This week RNIB's Natalie Swiderska talks about different ways you can get involved and explains how you can take part in a fortnightly "Quick Poll" and really make a difference. Natalie is joined by Matt Smith from RNIB’s Legacy Team...
12m May 29, 2018
12m
Europe's Premiere Exhibition For Sight Loss Services And Technology
Sight Village tours the UK each year, showcasing some of the latest hi tech, and low tech, products, along with a huge range of sight loss charities and support services.  The jewel in the crown, for Sight Village, is on the move to a new, larger, exhibition venue due to its popularity with visitors and exhibitors.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Karen Easthope, from organisers Q...
7m May 25, 2018
7m
S1 Ep251: I Lost My Sight But Wasn't Going To Lose My Life.
Ken Carson was given the devastating news that he was losing his sight and that his life would have to change.  He gave up his car,many of his pastimes and a job but he was determined that his life, now at rock bottom, was going to get better and he would look for as much help to get back on track as he could find.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ken to hear his sight loss story,...
16m May 24, 2018
16m