Bryan Has Decided To Remember A Charity This Year.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People could not carry out it's vital work, without help from donors like you! The sight loss charity strives to improve the everyday lives of people who are blind or partially sighted through a variety of services and projects. This week, September 9th to 15th 2019, is Remember A Charity Week, where you can learn about leaving a gift in your will, dispel s...
5m Sep 10, 2019
5m
Be My Eyes & Lloyds Team Up to Improve VI Customer Service
Do you often have trouble reading letters from your bank? Or would you like some extra help from a trusted pair of eyes while using a cash machine? Why not try out the new Be My Eyes app feature which lets you contact Lloyds Bank customer services directly. Steven Scott spoke to Be My Eyes founder Alexander Yensen and Claire Allington from Lloyds Bank to find out more about the service and the ...
11m Sep 09, 2019
11m
Remember A Charity Week With RNIB.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People could not carry out it's vital work, without help from donors like you! The sight loss charity strives to improve the every day lives of people who are blind or partially sighted through a variety of services and projects. This week, September 9th to 15th 2019, is Remember A Charity Week, where you can learn about leaving a gift in your will, dispel ...
6m Sep 09, 2019
6m
US Sight Loss Charity Hits The Strip.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Chris Danielsen, PR Director for the National Federation of the Blind in the USA(NFB) To discuss some of the big stories around sight loss in the United States. This month, Chris tells us about the charity's National Convention which was held in Las Vegas... www.nfb.org #RNIBConnect
8m Sep 09, 2019
8m
Getting Accessible Tech Into Canadian Kids Hands.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with John Rafferty, Chief Exec of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) To look at some of the big stories around sight loss in the country. This month, the charity is looking ahead to Federal Elections, voting accessibility, and a new project to get Smart devices to very young blind and partially sighted kids. www.cnib.ca #RNI...
8m Sep 06, 2019
8m
From Accessible Voting To Dockless Bikes
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by Costa Asprou from RNIB's Campaigns Team to look at some current projects and encourage more blind and partially sighted people to get involved in campaigning. This month they're joined by Ellie and Zoe, to discuss work on making voting more accessible and why there are concerns over Dockless Bikes. http://www.rnib.org.uk/campaigning
9m Sep 02, 2019
9m
New Monthly Features On Employment.
The figures are worrying, 75% of blind and partially sighted people, of working age, are not in employment. Why is this? Well there are a number of factors and over the coming months we will look at what RNIB's Employment Service is doing to get more visually impaired people into work, show employers that employees with sight loss can be a huge benefit to their field and what pressures are bein...
14m Aug 29, 2019
14m
Audio Described Treats For September.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts to look at some audio described theatre tours and art opportunities, across the UK. This month we look at, amongst others, Cabaret and a certain Queen Of The Desert. We also hear why Anne has been invited to speak, in Russia, about the development of Audio Description. www.mindseyedescription.co.uk #RNIBCon...
11m Aug 16, 2019
11m
Financial Boost For Ground Breaking Edinburgh Business.
NeateBox is a Scottish company which aims to use established technology to smash many every day barriers faced by people with disabilities. The business has just announced a major financial boost that will allow further development, and the roll out some unique solutions. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell recently spoke to company founder, Gavin Neate.
14m Aug 14, 2019
14m
RNIB Launch the See Differently Awards - Nominations now open!
Do you know someone who has done outstanding work to support people living with sight loss? Perhaps you ARE that person! If so, why not submit a nomination for the 2019 RNIB See Differently Awards? Kris Wallace has been finding out about the new awards and how the event will honour those dedicated to changing the world for blind and partially sighted people.  If you want to find out more, or su...
6m Aug 13, 2019
6m
Marvel Superheroes Support Sporting Series.
Sport doesn't have to be something that's completely competitive. For people with disabilities, sport can be fun, a great social event and help improve every day skills like independent mobility and confidence boosting. The Superhero Series takes place on the 17th of August 2019 at Dorney Lake in Windsor,and mixes sport, fun, entertainment and some Superhero Kaboom! RNIB Connect Radio's Allan R...
9m Aug 13, 2019
9m
Is Architecture A Good Vocation For Visually Impaired People?
You may not think that blind or partially sighted people could carve out a career in architecture, but you'd be wrong. There are only a few blind architects at the moment but there is a drive, by Dis/Ordinary Architecture and University College London, to change the establishment's preconceptions and show the alternative skills and vision that can be gained. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russel...
16m Aug 12, 2019
16m
It's Fun Giving Back To Charity.
When Karen Kamundi began to lose her sight, she reached out to RNIB for advice and support. The emotional, and practical, support was invaluable and helped her get her life back on track. To say thank you, Karen decided to challenge herself, physically, to raise funds for the sight loss charity. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Karen to find out what help she received and how she fa...
8m Aug 08, 2019
8m
Stanford Engineers develop Autofocal Lenses
Bi-focals, or clumsy progressive lenses, may soon be a thing of the past. Kris Wallace has been chatting to Stanford Graduates Nitish Padmanaban and Robert Konrad about the current research on Auto-Focal Lenses…and how far we may be from them being commercially available.
7m Aug 06, 2019
7m
Charity's Campaigns Team Ask If Rail Improvements Are On Track?
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Costa Asprou from RNIB's campaigns team, to learn more about their latest projects and to encourage more blind and partially sighted people to get involved in campaigning. This month, Allan and Costa are joined by Hugh Huddy to discuss extra money from the government to improve accessibility at train stations and why many visually impaired...
13m Aug 01, 2019
13m
Canadian Sight Loss Charity Gets Smart.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with John Rafferty, CEO and President of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). The discuss some of the organisations latest work, projects and challenges. This month they are talking about the importance of rehabilitation for people going through the sight loss journey and their new Smart Life Centres. www.cnib.ca #RNIBConnect
10m Jul 31, 2019
10m
White Cane Vs Crowds (feat. Paul Quigley)
A white cane can be our saviour when it comes to regaining our independence, but it’s not always easy to navigate it through crowded streets.    We spoke with white cane warrior and RNIB Connect member Paul Quigley about the pros and cons on using a white cane.    Paul spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 
11m Jul 30, 2019
11m
Blind Pilgrim Of The Camino de Santiago Trail
The Camino de Santiago  is a network of pilgrims' ways of pilgrimages leading to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.  RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley spoke with John Honeyman, an avid traveller through the Camino de Santiago trail who also happens to be registered blind.   Speaking about travelling and sight loss, John reveals why he is not ready to give up his adventures and wh...
18m Jul 29, 2019
18m
Neglect your Contact Lenses And Risk Your Sight.
Did you know that not looking after your contacts correctly could damage your eyesight? A campaign is underway to educate the public in the correct way to clean and care for contact lenses and to highlight what can happen to your vision if you don't follow some simple steps. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dr Neil Ebenezer, from Fight For Sight UK, and Nick Humphries, who could lose...
10m Jul 29, 2019
10m
Sight Loss: Don’t’ Be Afraid To Be Afraid
How do you cope when you find out you will gradually lose your sight but it won’t happen for a while?   For Gareth Davies it wasn’t an easy adjustment even if he knew it was going to happen eventually.    Currently working for RNIB, Gareth spoke with us all about accepting sight loss, embracing photography and learning how to take life as it is.   Gareth is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Si...
14m Jul 25, 2019
14m
Could It Be You? Sporting Charity Has It's Fingers Crossed.
British Blind Sport’s' national project, See My Voice, is appealing for votes after reaching the finals of the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards.   the search for the UK’s favourite, ever, National Lottery funded projects is now underway and you can help them win the top prize and make sport more inclusive and accessible for blind and partially sighted people, of all ages. RNIB Connect Radi...
9m Jul 24, 2019
9m
24-Hour Guitar Lesson Breaks World Record
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.   Last week The Guitar Social in partnership with RNIB and The Drum broke the Guinness World Record for longest guitar lesson.   The successful attempt not only raised awareness with endorsement from musicians like Stevie Wonder and The Cure but also r...
11m Jul 23, 2019
11m
UK Club For Visually Impaired Ice Hockey Fans.
Ice hockey may not be the first sport you think of when you consider what sports can be played by blind and partially sighted people, but you'd be wrong? The game is extremely popular across the globe, especially in Canada and the US, and now the UK could be getting more visually impaired people on the ice. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Nathan Tree, founder of Blind Ice Hockey UK,...
8m Jul 23, 2019
8m
Don't Look Now, There's A Creepy Audio Description Experience In Edinburgh
Many of us love to scare ourselves with a spooky movie, TV programme or immersive experience. But can you get that same spine tingling feeling if your blind or partially sighted? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell took a trip to the Edinburgh Dungeon, where they are piloting a new take on the traditional theatre touch tour that many visually impaired people will be familiar with. www.thedung...
14m Jul 22, 2019
14m
How Will You Be Remembered?
According to latest research by Remember A Charity, many of us regret the way we have lived our lives so far and worry about how we’ll be remembered.    Deborah James, Author and founder of the podcast series ‘You, Me and the Big C’ and Rob Cope, Director of Remember A Charity spoke with us about regrets, living life to the fullest and how our legacy can continue through the good work of charit...
11m Jul 19, 2019
11m
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.
6m Jul 16, 2019
6m
‘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