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
S1 Ep65: Easter Special
This week Steven Scott rounds up some of the big stories and interviews featured on the show over the past few months, including news of a major award for a blind couple, a woman dealing with sight and hearing loss and how a police officer was able to continue in his job despite going blind. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
58m Apr 02, 2018
58m
S1 Ep67: Sight Loss Charity's Campaigns April 2018 Update.
Each month we speak with Jessica Hall from RNIB's Campaigns Team, to highlight their current projects, improving the everyday lives of people with sight loss.  This month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is talking to Jess about Personal Independence Payments (PIP), difficulties with accessible train travel and calls for changes to the Blue Badge Scheme.  #RNIBConnect
12m Mar 29, 2018
12m
S1 Ep66: New Website Partners Visually Impaired Runners With Guides.
There is a new drive to get more blind and partially sighted people into the sport of running.  It doesn't cost much to get into the sport and you can go for short jogs or marathon runs, if you like!  The campaign is being supported by a new website which can match visually impaired people with sighted guides, who have undertaken visual awareness training and have been security checked.  RNI...
8m Mar 28, 2018
8m
Hive Active Heating App Review
RNIB's technology Officer Paul Porter reviews the Hive Active Heating App, which is a thermostat that allows you control of your heating and hot water from your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Paul is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Bary Snell.
8m Mar 27, 2018
8m
S1 Ep63: Episode #063: Disclosing a visual impairment, RNIB Campaigns, Macular degeneration support
This week we hear from young blind and partially sighted people who discuss when and how to disclose your sight loss to friends and family, and even employers. We also find out about the latest campaigns ongoing at RNIB and our Society of the Week is the Macular Society, who are holding lots of events to support people with the sight loss condition. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
58m Mar 26, 2018
58m
Welcome App Is Really Taking Off.
The Welcome app has been designed by Edinburgh based tech solutions company NeateBox to improve the provision of service to customers with disabilities.  The app is set up by the user and when they approach a venue with the tech installed, the customer service representatives or staff are alerted to their arrival and any special requirements the customer has prioritised.  The versatile app is...
12m Mar 26, 2018
12m
Audio Describer Picks Up Prestigious Theatre Award.
Anne Hornsby is the CEO of Mindseye Arts, a provider of audio description services to the arts, and one of the trailblazers of the service in the UK.  Audio Description (AD) is a narration of what is visually going on tv, in a movie, stage etc, and is delivered between actors dialogue over a headset to the visually impaired patron.  Anne has recently become the recipient of an award, at the M...
10m Mar 26, 2018
10m
Guide Dogs And Microsoft, A Tech Tag Team.
The UK charity Guide Dogs has teamed up with global tech giant Microsoft to develop and release a new app for blind and partially sighted people.  Soundscape is a new slant on personal GPS and uses 3D sound to build an audio picture of your surroundings as you walk, or travel in a vehicle.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jenny Cook, from Guide Dogs, and Jarnail Chudge, From Micro...
14m Mar 23, 2018
14m
New Scottish Social Security Service Takes Shape.
By the middle of 2018, The Scottish Government will begin to roll out some of the social security benefits that are being devolved from Westminster control, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP).  This has involved creating a whole new department, as well as introducing, and amending, brand new legislation in the form of The Social Security Bill.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sp...
10m Mar 21, 2018
10m
Parliamentary Event Focusing On Global Sight Loss.
The charity Vision Aid Overseas works in some of the poorest countries on the planet.  They help to set up eye clinics, train local staff and bring eye checks and spectacles to individuals and communities who struggle with access to this vital support.  They are hosting an event at Westminster for MPs, funders, sight loss experts and other stake holders to highlight the need for more support ...
8m Mar 21, 2018
8m
RNIB's Play Your Part
Natalie Swiderska from RNIB discusses the latest news from RNIB's Play Your Part campaign. Natalie is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Iain Wilson.
7m Mar 20, 2018
7m
Episode #062: Windemere Event, Fashion, White canes, Stephen Hawking
This week Steven and Jill find out about the latest RNIB Connect event that has taken place in Windemere. Also, there's an interview with Moira Walton who talks about her love of fashion despite her sight loss, and Malcolm Johnson tells us how he feels about his white cane as part of a new RNIB film about canes and the different types that exist.  And we remember Professor Stephen Hawking who d...
58m Mar 19, 2018
58m
Episode #061: World Glaucoma Week, Play your part at RNIB, Blind Mums Connect
On this week’s show Steven Scott finds out about World Glaucoma Week and speaks to experts from around the world to discuss the condition. We also hear from Wendy Leckerman from Glasgow who lives with glaucoma and what she’s learned about the condition since it developed. There’s also a chance to hear from Natalie Swiderska at RNIB Connect about ways blind people can Play Our Part within the ch...
58m Mar 12, 2018
58m
Episode #060: One Man's View of RNIB
On this week’s show Steven and Jill are joined by Chris Thorley who speaks openly about his views on RNIB, the charity’s future and what he hopes his involvement can be. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
58m Feb 26, 2018
58m
Episode #058: Personal Independence Payment, Barriers we put up in front of ourselves, Amazon's Echo makes access to info easier
This week Steven Scott is joined by guest host Allan Russell and head of community engagement for RNIB David Aldwinckle to discuss the difficulties in applying for personal independence payment.  Also, David brings up the subject of whether or not blind people put up unnecessary barriers in front of themselves which could be holding them back, and he also discusses how using his Amazon Echo has...
58m Feb 12, 2018
58m
Episode #057: How I See Special
This week Steven Scott takes a look at the latest How I See video from RNIB and hears from various people involved in this year's film as well as previous years videos. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
56m Feb 12, 2018
56m
Episode #054: The great cane debate, Yoga for the blind
This week Steven and Jill are back to hear more from the blind and partially sighted community. This week we hear about the great cane debate – should we be blinging up our mobility aids? Also, we hear from blind woman Twimukye Mushaka about her story of living with a number of degenerative conditions. And there’s a chance to hear how to get into Yoga without leaving the house! #RNIBConnect #Th...
58m Jan 08, 2018
58m
Episode #053: Connect North West Special Part 2
On this week's special episode, Steven Scott and RNIB Community Facilitator Danielle Colcombe visit Windemere to take part in a community event held by locals. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
54m Dec 19, 2017
54m
Episode #051: Connect North West Special Part 1
On this week's special episode, Steven Scott and RNIB Community Facilitator Danielle Colcombe visit Windemere to take part in a community event held by locals. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
58m Dec 13, 2017
58m
Episode #050: Guide dog refusals, Public perceptions
In this week's episode, Steven and Jill are joined by Daniel Williams from an organisation called Visualise. Dan is visually impaired himself and he wanted to discuss his experience of owning a guide dog for only four weeks while being refused entry to four different locations because of his dog. Dan also discusses his thoughts on public perceptions by the public about those of us with a visual...
58m Dec 04, 2017
58m
Episode #049: Pregnancy, "You Don't Look Blind"
This week Steven Scott is joined by partially sighted mum-to-be Danielle Colcombe and blind mother Sally Clay as they discuss the joys and challenges of pregnancy. The trio also discuss the cosmetic challenges of being blind, especially when some people say to us "you don't look blind". John the conversation by emailing TheWeeklyConnect@rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
58m Nov 27, 2017
58m
Episode #048: RNIB AGM Special
In a special edition of #TheWeeklyConnect we hear speeches and news from the RNIB AGM that took place recently in London. #RNIBConnect
58m Nov 20, 2017
58m
Episode #046: Inappropriateness, Cooking & Expectations
On this week's show, Steven and Jill are joined by Natasha Marsay, an RNIB community facilitator from Leeds who is visually impaired herself. The trio discuss inappropriate actions from other people and the embarrassment of inappropriately touching someone else by accident as a blind person. Also they discuss cooking blind, and the issue of expectations from sighted people towards blind people ...
58m Nov 06, 2017
58m
Episode #044: #HowISee Special
On this week's programme, Steven Scott reports on the latest film from RNIB that aims to educate the public on how blind and partially sighted view the world, in their own words. Listen to those involved in making the video, and from those who took part in #HowISee. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
58m Oct 23, 2017
58m
Episode #043: The visually impaired policeman, A restaurant with a difference, Galloways society
On the show this week Steven hears from one of a few visually impaired police officers in the UK. Also we get a sighted view on a restaurant where everyone experiences what it is like to live with no vision, and our popular feature Society of the Week returns – this time it’s Galloways in the north of England. And if that’s not enough we keep you up to date with what’s happening This Week at RN...
58m Oct 16, 2017
58m
This Week at RNIB: 9th Oct 2017
Find out about the latest news from the UK's leading sight loss charity for the week beginning 9th October 2017. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
4m Oct 09, 2017
4m
Charity Needs Your Help To Make Consumer Products More Accessible
The charity RICA carries out consumer research on a wide range of topics and issues but it needs your help. Steven Scott reports on the work of the organisation and finds out how you can get involved. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
8m Oct 09, 2017
8m
Clark Reynold's Story
Is it possible to live a good and happy life after you lose your vision? That's certainly what Clark Reynolds thinks. He spoke to Steven Scott about his most recent daring experiences and why he's not letting his vision loss get him down. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
21m Oct 09, 2017
21m
Episode #042: Skydiving with no sight, Losing more than vision, Rica charity
On this week's show, Steven Scott speaks to Clark Reynolds about his amazing skydiving experience as well as other positive things he's done since losing his vision. We also hear from Catryn Pugh who lost her vision following an horrific experience yet is now trying to use it for good. Also, we find out how you could get involved with a charity trying to make consumer goods more accessible. Plu...
58m Oct 09, 2017
58m
This Week at RNIB: 2nd Oct 2017
Find out about the latest news from the UK's leading sight loss charity for the week beginning 2nd October 2017. #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
3m Oct 02, 2017
3m
The Blind Lighthouse Keeper
The UK has some amazing places to go and enjoy a good view. But what if your job was to show groups of people a view, a view that you couldn’t even see yourself? #RNIBConnect #TheWeeklyConnect
7m Oct 02, 2017
7m
Getting To Grips With Technology: Philip's Story
It really can seem like the internet is taking over everything these days doesn’t it? It’s a great thing if you know how to use it. But what if you don’t? Fortunately, there’s help at hand. With RNIB’s Online Today programme, you can get support with technology, whatever your level of knowledge. In fact, a self-confessed luddite dropped us a line recently to let us know just how much his life h...
4m Oct 02, 2017
4m
Notes from Nepal
As a blind or partially sighted person you might find that photographs aren’t always the best way to remember your holiday - or maybe you do - everyone has their travel style!Some of you may use a voice recorder to capture moments, just like Liz Frankland did when she recently went on the trip of a lifetime around the central Himalayan nation of Nepal. She and her partner, Paul went with a grou...
18m Oct 02, 2017
18m
When The Sighted Are Blind
Imagine having nothing wrong with your eyes, but not being able to see. That’s the experience of Melina Canning who was left blind after a near-fatal stroke. Melina suffered irreparable damage to her primary visual cortex, the part of the brain that processes visual information, but her eyes still functioned even though she was left with no vision. In the years since her stroke, Melina has grad...
14m Oct 02, 2017
14m