RNIB Conversations

On Guide Dog Blogs this week, Hubert chats to Caroline Thomas once again, this time they chat about her former guide dog Monty, nicknamed Monty Zoomer due to his speed, Caroline also shares what Monty liked to do while she was working at school. 

In this sight loss story, Hubert speaks to Jake. They talk about his sight loss diagnosis, the challenges he had getting into employment, how he has taken his first steps on the employment journey, and his passion for mental health. 

Robert Franklin chats about his experiences of sight loss, independent travel and journey care. He is talking to Barry Snell.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Top Hat - Saturday 29 November, 2:30pm, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London English National Ballet's: The Nutcracker - Saturday 29 November, 2:30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Hare and Tortoise -  Sunny Afternoon- Saturday 6 December, 10:30 am, Science Gallery London A Midsummer Night's Dream - Thursday 11 December, 7:30 pm, Kiln Theatre, London To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it.

The 3rd of December marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and today we're chatting about championing disabled artists in dance productions as we celebrate the life of the late choreographer and founder of Amici Dance Theatre Company, Wolfgang Strange. Joining Paulina Kuchorew to chat about their latest show, Our Time, as well as Strange's ongoing legacy is Alison King, Chief Executive of Turtle Key Arts. Image: a photo from the performance of Our Time. Wide shot of the stage shows dancers of varying ages performing expressive movements in small groups or by themselves. Their clothes light, splatters of colourful paint make them come alive on stage. Behind a band accompanies the dance ensemble. [Photo credit: Shane Aurousseau]

Charity Exeter Pride provides representation and celebration for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Exeter and the surrounding areas. They have recently appointed an accessibility lead for Exeter Pride in Devon and are hoping to continue to make Pride accessible to all. Joining Paulina Kuchorew to chat about their plans and the good work they've been doing is their Accessibility Lead, Sam Pritchard. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, we meet Jason, a guide dog who's very protective, very energetic, and loves his ice creem. 

What's it like to be picked to represent your country in blind football? How different is specialist education to mainstream schools? All these questions and more are covered in this week's sight loss story as Hubert chats to Liam Archer. 

Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick joins Barry Snell to look ahead to the festive period and  to discuss access to medicine during the holidays. Elizabeth also talks about opening times, repeat prescriptions and about keeping over the counter medicines at home.   To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

There are many engaging workshops that young blind and partially sighted people can take part in to grow in confidence, socialise and learn new skills. Recently, charity VICTA together with the London Institute of Photography held a few day Photography Course and Emmy Anstee joins us know to share what it was like taking part, and perhaps also share some tips for taking great photos. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Disney's Hercules - Saturday 29 November, 2:30pm, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London To Kill a Mockingbird - Saturday 29 November, 2:30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Audio described tour of Quantum Untangled - Saturday 6 December, 10:30 am, Science Gallery London Coven - Thursday 11 December, 7:30 pm, Kiln Theatre, London And some audio described panto highlights including: Robin Hood, Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk and more. To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it.

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert chats to Holly Tuke from our social media team. They talk unique guide dog requirements, as we find out what Holly needs from her guide dog, and how her needs can be met. Plus they also discuss the skills and personality Holly would like her possible dog to have. 

This week in our Sight Loss Story, Hubert chats to Nick, who's sight loss has not prevented him from going to university, playing Tennis and doing internet radio. 

How can blind and partially sighted people keep themselves safe outdoors and in the home? Hubert speaks to VI safety about the solutions they offer. 

In this episode Hubert finds out about the latest updates from Travel Hands, who enable blind and partially sighted people to travel around London in a unique way. 

Hubert speaks to Synnaptic in this episode, and hears about their software which makes Smartphones more user friendly and accessible. They also talk to him about their smart watches. 

Starboard Hotels speak to Hubert as they share information about special experiences they put on for blind and partially sighted visitors at their hotels. 

If you are a fan of Braille Tech, in this episode Hubert talks to Orbit research, who are committed to offering affordable Braille devices of various kind. 

Find out what devices are available from Optelec as Hubert speaks to Ben to find out more. 

Hubert finds out how the Luna Glasses will soon be able to help low vision users who find it difficult to navigate in the dark. 

In this episode, Hubert speaks to a charity who supports people with the sight condition called Keratoconus. He finds out what it is, and what the group does to support their members. 

Hubert chats to Index Braille in this podcast, as they talk about their devices, and Hubert also gets to try out their Braille graphics which are created using their own software. 

HumanWare chat to Hubert in this episode as they share updates on their latest software updates, plus new devices. 

In this podcast Hubert speaks to Glidance, as he finds out the latest updates about a very anticipated mobility aid from the company, who has been working with the blind and partially sighted community throughout the process of development. 

In this episode you can find out about Blind Ambition, as Hubert chats to Yemi at Sight Village London. 

In this episode Hubert catches up with Be My Eyes to find out their latest updates including information on their latest partnerships with Tesco and BT. 

Have you ever wanted a navigation solution that sits within your shoos? Well Hubert here chats to a company working on just that. 

With Christmas just around the corner, we're joined by freelance opera and classical singer Victoria Oruwari.  Victoria just released her debut Christmas song "Merry Christmas from Afar" and hopes it will bring comfort to anyone missing a loved one this holiday season. She spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew. You can find Victoria's song on all music streaming platforms. Image: Victoria dazzles in a sparkly white/silver dress, her golden braids flowing down her shoulders. Hands clasped, and eyes closed, she looks angelic against the soft grey background. Text above reads: "Victoria Oruwari, Merry Christmas from Afar."

On Guide Dog Blogs this week Hubert chats to our very own Toby, as he heads off for guide dog training. They talk the new potential match, type training and how good it feels to have a guide dog back again. 

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Lee about his sight loss journey. They also discuss how Lee manages his diabetes with sight loss, and the technology he uses to help him.  Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick joins Barry Snell to talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD which it's often known as. SAD is also  known as "winter depression" because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. Although people with SAD may have symptoms during the summer months but  feel OK during the winter. Elizabeth talks about diagnosis and also treatments, including light therapy and the effect it ha son blind people.  To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

The British Library have put on a very special exhibition called Secret Maps. Along side large print and Braille guides, there's also an audio described tour available for blind and partially sighted people, as Hubert finds out more in this podcast. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One & Two - 15 Nov, 2pm, touch tour 11.30am, Palace Theatre, London The Phantom of the Opera - Tuesday 18 November, 7.30pm, touch tour 4.50pm, His Majesty's Theatre, London Sunny Afternoon - Wednesday 19 November, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, New Victoria Theatre, Woking Christmas Carol Goes Wrong - Saturday 22 November, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.15pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff The Importance of Being Earnest - Thursday 27 November, 7pm, Noel Coward Theatre, London To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

There are many fabulous ways you can support a cause that's close to your heart. You could take on a local half marathon, jump out of a plane, or, as in the case of Josephine Boulter, create a nude calendar to challenge the stigma surrounding vision loss and raise important funds for a charity that's close to her heart. She spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

On Guide Dog Blogs this week, Allan Russell joins us to tell us all about his brand new k9 friend Jayson, and how he feels about having a guide dog back once again in his life. 

What is it like to work as a midwife and have sight loss, this is what Hubert finds out in this podcast as he speaks to Eileen about her sight loss journey, how she adapted to life with low vision, and the support she got to help her stay in employment, and how she adapts to do her job with limited sight. 

This time on Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert once again chats to Louise Carter, we hear about Louise's guide dog David, but we also talk about Vicky, and one of the few situations where a guide dog partnership simply does not work out, and how that sort of situation is then handled in the appropriate way. 

As we move from autumn into winter for this week's check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about how to keep safe from all the infections that seem to be around at the moment.  Elizabeth began by giving some good advice to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey about whether it is better to wash with soap and water or use a hand gel, to then explaining how far a cough or sneeze actually travels which might shock us all. A bit of a discussion about being careful on touching contaminated surfaces and about mask wearing like we all did during the covid pandemic. Finally talking about having a good immune system and ensuring that we have are taking the right minerals and vitamins within our diet too. too.  To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com/ Image:  Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

In this episode recorded at the end of the intern day held at Thomas Pocklington Trust, Hubert spoke ot the internships team, to get their thoughts on the event, and the future of the internships programme

After Hubert spoke to the Employment team at Thomas Pocklington Trust, he found out what services are available to support the technology aspect of employment, plus also we hear about the Tech Friday events from Jonathan and Graham. 

In this podcast, during the intern day at Thomas Pocklington Trust, Hubert finds out what other support is offered by the charity along with the internship opportunities. 

In this episode, Hubert speaks to Matt, who share his sight loss story, and why he chose to apply for this internship opportunity. 

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Yemi, another intern, who shares her journey in working as a teacher, and now talks about a change of direction as part of her internship. 

In this podcast episode, Hubert hears some intern stories from the new interns at the event. 

As the firework season is here, Hubert chats to Robert from Guide Dogs, and finds out how we can best support our guide dogs during a tricky time of year.