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
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
Technology Review: Video Magnifiers
'Technology for Life' team's Mark Evans brings us the latest accessible technology review. This time around we’re looking at Video Magnifiers. What are they? How do they work? And is it worth investing in one? Mark is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technol...
10m May 22, 2018
10m
S1 Ep249: Sight Village Is On The Move.
Sight Village is Europe’s premiere exhibition and conference for blind and partially sighted people. With it’s mix of cutting edge technology, support services & leisure opportunities, there’s something for everyone to take an interest in. The showcase has once again outgrown it’s regular home in Birmingham and is moving to a bigger facility. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Karen...
9m May 22, 2018
9m
S1 Ep248: It’s A Dog’s Life!
It’s a popular saying but one that’s ringing true for our four legged friends. It appears we want our dogs to be part of the family, even passing up nights out with friends because we don’t want to leave them alone or setting up their own social media accounts. So, how much are they changing our lives? RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Sian Ryan, from BBC2’s Me And My Dog, and Siob...
9m May 22, 2018
9m
S1 Ep70: Blind photography, Inner Vision orchestra, Skydiving for RNIB, Your Story
This week we meet a blind photographer called Brian Negus to find out his tips and ideas on how to take the perfect pic without sight. Also we meet the creator a blind orchestra called Inner Vision. There’s also Your Story this week from Diane Rowarth talking about how she has used her experience of visual impairment to help others. Also we meet someone who has just signed up to raise money for...
58m May 21, 2018
58m
Prince Harry Marries Megan Markle.
As part of our special Royal Wedding show, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell and Steven Scott got together to talk about their experience of weddings.  How does someone with a visual impairment plan a wedding and make it through the big day without any hic ups?  And what do you do on your stag night?  #RNIBConnect
13m May 19, 2018
13m
S1 Ep247: Prince Harry Marries Megan Markle.
As part of our special Royal Wedding show, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sally Tuckett from Glasgow University.  Sally looks at the history of Royal wedding dresses, changes in fashion and media interest and tells us about a course, on this particular topic, that's being run by Glasgow University.  #RNIBConnect
9m May 19, 2018
9m
S1 Ep246: Prince Harry Marries Megan Markle.
As part of our special Royal Wedding show, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Amy Stocker from the Royal Collections Trust.  We learn more about Windsor Castle and what assistance is on offer to visually impaired people, who want to visit the historic site.  #RNIBConnect
6m May 19, 2018
6m
S1 Ep245: Prince Harry Marries Megan Markle.
As part of our special Royal Wedding Show, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Barbara Askew, Royal Guild of Tourist Guides.  Barbara gives some history to the town of Windsor, the castle and some of the high points if you would like to visit.  #RNIBConnect
9m May 19, 2018
9m
S1 Ep244: Prince Harry Marries Megan Markle.
As part of our special Royal Wedding show, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke tto Sarah Haywood, wedding and celebration planner to the rich and famous.  We find out what you can do for your big day, if money is no object, and what it's like planning such a big occasion under the spotlight.  #RNIBConnect
12m May 19, 2018
12m
S1 Ep243: Prince Harry Marries Megan Markle.
As part of our special Royal Wedding show, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to BBC Royal Correspondent Nicholas Witchell.  We learn a little more about the day, the couple and the future for Megan...  #RNIBConnect
9m May 19, 2018
9m
S1 Ep242: Audio Described Theatre And Events Highlights May 2018.
Each Month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Anne Hornsby from audio description providers, MindsEye Arts.  This month we've got highlights for the theatre, including Miss Saigon, and a trip to the Tate in Liverpool to tell you about.  #RNIBConnect
11m May 18, 2018
11m
S1 Ep241: 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
RNIB Summer Internships
Are you looking for some work experience to help boost your career? RNIB have 4 positions across the country available for their summer internship programme. Apply by 28th May.
2m May 17, 2018
2m
S1 Ep239: 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, Connect member 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
S1 Ep240: Audio description, School for the blind, Torch Trust, Paws for thought
This week Steven Scott finds out about the latest campaign by RNIB to get more audio described programmes available on demand. Also we meet Sheila Armstrong who talks about the charity she works for – Torch Trust – and what she thinks about the relationship between disability and faith. There’s also a chance to hear about the work of a blind campaigner for RNIB called Frankie Rowan, and we hear...
58m May 15, 2018
58m
Technology Review: RNIB In Your Pocket
'Technology for Life' team's Paul Porter brings us his latest accessible technology review. Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley, Paul takes a closer look at the changes to RNIB In Your Pocket, the world’s first totally voice operated smart phone. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technology for L...
8m May 15, 2018
8m
Life Does Not Have To Stop If You Lose Your Sight
The Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) runs courses specifically to help individuals, their friends and family, come to terms with sight loss. The courses show people that sight loss doesn't mean they have to stop living and with the help of professionals and visually impaired volunteers, they can help people get their lives back on track. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke...
4m May 15, 2018
4m
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 Timothy Rayner Community Engagemen...
10m May 14, 2018
10m
PROMO - Royal Wedding Show
Don't worry if you haven't received your wedding invite to the Royal bash on Saturday 19th May! RNIB Connect Radio will have a special show to celebrate the wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. Join Allan, Yvonne & Pauline from 11am until 2pm as we play some great party songs and talk you through the ceremony, let's face it we all want to know what the dress is like? We'll be joined by ...
58s May 14, 2018
58s
S1 Ep237: A largely Untapped Pool Of Talent.
The Scottish Commission for Learning Disability is designed to showcase the abilities of a wide range of disabled people. They recently held a, sold out, event at Glasgow’s Marriott Hotel to show how disabled people can succeed, even excel, in the world of work. They told their stories about working life and employers took the opportunity to tell others why they actively encourage, and suppor...
9m May 14, 2018
9m
The Benefits of Volunteering With RNIB
Pauline Hart was robbed of her eyesight in her mid-thirties, forcing her to give up driving and also the job that she loved, working as a cardiac nurse. However, with the support of her family, guide dog Yancy and her own determination Pauline managed to rebuild her life, and currently volunteers with the sight loss charity RNIB Scotland RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up with Pauline...
14m May 10, 2018
14m
S1 Ep236: Libby's Eyes take to the London stage
Libby's Eyes is a play created by a visually impaired writer (starring two visually impaired actors) about disability, the benefits system and sight loss. It even has a unique form of audio description for non-sighted AND sighted audiences. RNIB's Kris Wallace chatted to the writer of Libby's Eyes, Amy Bethan Evans, and lead actress, Georgie Morrell, to discover the genesis of the play and what...
10m May 10, 2018
10m
S1 Ep235: Scottish Social Security Service On Track.
The Scottish Parliament recently, unanimously, passed the Scottish Social Security Bill, paving the way for the transfer of a certain percentage of welfare payments from Westminster to Holyrood.  These payments will include Personal Independence Payment )PIP) which can be awarded to those who are registered as blind, or severely sight impaired.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jea...
13m May 09, 2018
13m
S1 Ep67: May Bank Holiday Special
This week we look back at some of the stories we have covered in the Weekly Connect over the past few months. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
58m May 08, 2018
58m
S1 Ep234: See The Funny Side Retrospective (Part 1)
Recently RNIB Community Facilitator Nicki Kelly and comedian Georgie Morrell organised workshops for blind & partially sighted people in Birmingham who wanted to See The Funny Side. These workshops culminated in an evening of performance where each of the successful applicants took to the stage and found themselves in the comedy spotlight. Kris Wallace recently caught up with two of the perfor...
20m May 04, 2018
20m
S1 Ep233: Glasgow Charity Launches Cookery Courses For Visually Impaired People.
Glasgow based, sight loss charity, Visibility has built a bespoke accessible kitchen at its HQ, in preparation for a new project.  The charity is running courses to help blind and partially sighted people learn, or improve, their cooking skills and you don't need to be a Master Chef to get your apron on.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell went along to the launch to speak to staff and servic...
8m May 03, 2018
8m
S1 Ep232: Fellowship Awarded For Sight Loss Research.
The charity Fight For Sight UK raises money to fund ground breaking sight loss research into a wide range of rare and common conditions.  As part of their round of funding, they have introduced the Primer Fellowship Awards to support further research amongst clinicians.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Michele Acton, Fight For Sight UK Chief Exec, and Dr Marianne Coleman, from the...
12m May 02, 2018
12m
S1 Ep231: White Cane Warrior
Moving houses can be a daunting process for anyone, but what happens when you are also blind and living on your own? Connect member Paul Quigley chats about learning how to navigate new surroundings since his move, letting yourself be vulnerable by asking for help, and how to stay safe when you are getting around. Paul spoke to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
11m May 01, 2018
11m
S1 Ep230: RNIB Campaigns Update May 2018.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Jessica Hall from the Royal National Institute for Blind people (RNIB) to hear more about their campaigning work, to make every day better for those living with sight loss.  This month Jess tells us about A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigation into accessible technology, concerns for capacity for care within NHS England fo...
13m May 01, 2018
13m
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 discusses how you can take part in a fortnightly 'Quick Poll' and also chats about different ways you can get involved. Natalie is joined by connect member Sarah Leadbetter, who tells us why it's so ...
13m Apr 30, 2018
13m
Fancy Some Free TV Training?
The Edinburgh International TV Festival brings a showbiz buzz to Scotland's capital.  But did you know that there are 60, free, places up for grabs on a successful tv training course?  You only have to find your travel costs and you get to stay in the centre of the action and receive some first class training on a whole range of tv vocations.  You'll have to be quick though, applications clo...
7m Apr 27, 2018
7m
S1 Ep228: Audio Described Events Highlights, May 2018.
Mindseye Arts is a company which provides audio description services for the arts industry, so from theatre and musicals to museums and visitor attractions.  This service opens up these areas to blind and partially sighted people, who otherwise would not feel included in the experience, most of us take for granted.  Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Anne to get a flavour...
12m Apr 26, 2018
12m
Ever Thought About Speaking In Public?
Barry Snell chats to RNIB Connector Steven Sutherland and also Grace Nash-Hendry from the Glasgow Speakers Club. They popped in to promote a free Public Speaking course, which aims to improve the skills, and confidence, of the blind and partially sighted community.
9m Apr 25, 2018
9m
S1 Ep227: Pavement Parking Needs Political Intervention.
Whether your blind, have a mobility problem or just out walking with a pram, cars parked on pavements aren't just an obstacle, they can cause you to walk into danger.  The charity Guide Dogs is calling for the law to be tightened on pavement parking, extending powers currently being used in London, across the country.  They will be hosting an event at Westminster to highlight the dangers that...
8m Apr 25, 2018
8m
S1 Ep66: Going to the gym, Diversity in sight, RNIB fundraising
This week Steven Scott hears the story of Tyler Palmero who is visually impaired and gender fluid.  Also we hear from a group of gym enthusiasts who are blind in Northern Ireland and we find out about the latest fundraising work at RNIB. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
58m Apr 23, 2018
58m
S1 Ep226: Goodbye To Glasgow’s Kelvin Primary School.
Kelvin Primary was one of the first schools for partially sighted children, to give a mainstream education. The much loved institution closed it’s doors and moved to a new, shared, bespoke campus, as the original building, once an army barracks, was no longer fit for the 21st century. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to some of the former teachers and pupils, as they reminisced about ...
14m Apr 20, 2018
14m
S1 Ep225: What's The Joke Dorothy?
Can humour and jokes really help people come to terms with sight loss?  For Dorothy Curry, the answer is yes, as she entertains people at the Warrington VIPs Club and others around the town.  The idea came from her daughter Sue and that touch of comedy has led to them creating a joke book that they would like some help to publish, in order to raise funds for the charity.  RNIB Connect Radio'...
11m Apr 19, 2018
11m
S1 Ep224: The Challenges Of Setting Up A New Home
Moving houses can be a daunting process for anyone, but what happens when you are also blind and living on your own? Connect Member, Paul Quigley relives the challenges of moving into a new house and discovering that he might soon find himself without electricity. How easy is it to set up a new power meter, and can we rely on the power companies to help us out in a pinch? Paul talked to RNIB...
11m Apr 17, 2018
11m
Play Your Part with RNIB- April 2018
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 discusses how you can take part in a fortnightly 'Quick Poll' and also chats about some of their recent success stories, including how Connect members have helped RNIB recuit new staff members. If yo...
9m Apr 16, 2018
9m
Caught In The Crossfire - Richard Moore's Story
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats to Richard Moore, who's life was changed forever when he was shot and subsequently blinded by a British Army soldier, whilst running home from primary school, aged just 10 years old. Richard talks frankly about his early life growing up… surrounded by violence, fear and suspicion in 1970's Northern Ireland  and also about how he managed to survive the tra...
58m Apr 12, 2018
58m
S1 Ep223: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Celebrates A Milestone.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to John Rafferty, CEO of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).  This month John tells us about the charity's 100th birthday celebrations and describes the special commemorative coin that has been minted to mark the anniversary.  #RNIBConnect
11m Apr 12, 2018
11m
Steven Sutherland - The Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering has transformed the life of Steven Sutherland, Not only does he get pleasure from helping others, it’s also helped boost his own confidence and given him a new sense of direction. Steven is curently fundraising for the charity Crossing Countries and hopes to travel to Durban, South Africa, in July, to support disabled children and children who are victims of abuse. RNIB Connect ...
16m Apr 10, 2018
16m
S1 Ep222: RNIB Charity Concerns, Fashion Advice, Smart House, Art Classes
This week we hear from RNIB Chair Ellie Southwood following the recent news about RNIB in the papers last week. We also find out about a new smart house for the blind that has been built in Liverpool to showcase how technology can help blind people today, and we visit an art class for the blind in Nottingham.
58m Apr 09, 2018
58m
Vocaleyes Audio-Described Events Around The UK
Vocaleyes provide opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to experience the arts at UK’s theatres, museums, galleries and heritage sites. Simon Pauley spoke with the charities Deputy Director, Toby Davey to learn about some of April's upcoming productions, including 'A Street Car Named Desire' by Tenesee Williams.
8m Apr 06, 2018
8m
S1 Ep71: Every Penny Counts, When Tackling Sight Loss.
The Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) is a national charity which helps blind and partially sighted people live every day better, despite their sight loss.  They work with governments, commercial companies and other 3RD Sector Organisations to campaign for change and promote inclusion at many levels.  As well as their advocacy and campaigning work, they also help visually impair...
16m Apr 06, 2018
16m
S1 Ep70: Life Doesn't Have To Stop If You Lose Your Sight.
The Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) runs courses specifically to help individuals, their friends and family, come to terms with sight loss.  The courses show people that sight loss doesn't mean they have to stop living and with the help of professionals and visually impaired volunteers, they can help people get their lives back on track.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spo...
19m Apr 06, 2018
19m
S1 Ep69: USA Sight Loss Charity On Accessible Voting.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the largest organisation of its type in the USA. Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Chris Danielsen, PR Director for the NFB, to discuss some of the current hot topics the charity is involved in. This month, they are talking about accessible voting and why the United States is ahead of many countries, in making it's system ful...
11m Apr 04, 2018
11m
S1 Ep68: April's Audio Description Theatre Highlights.
Anne Hornsby, from Mindseye Arts, joins us each month to look at some touring theatre productions that have Audio Description, for blind patrons.  This month's shows include East Is East and Miss Saigon.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne to hear about more shows and to explain more about audio description.  #RNIBConnect
9m Apr 03, 2018
9m