RNIB Conversations

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. 

In this episode from the Thomas Pocklington Trust Intern Day Event, Hubert speaks to Charles Colquhoun as they reflect on the success of the internships program, how to make employment more accessible and inclusive, and his message for the currant interns and future aplicants. 

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: Punch - Saturday 1 November, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue, London English Touring Opera: Elixir of Love - Saturday 1 November, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.10pm, Malvern Festival Theatre Lights Up and Audio Described Tour of Thirst: In Search of Freshwater - Thursday 13 November, 3pm to 7pm, Wellcome Collection, London Titanic - The Musical, Saturday 15 November, 7.30pm, King's Lynn Corn Exchange, Top Hat -  Saturday 15 November, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.15pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff 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 Louise Carter. They chat about why Louise applied for her first guide dog, and about her first guide dog Faye herself and what difference Faye has made to her life. 

How can you explore making new types of art as your sight changes? Amelia spoke to artist Alan Mcintyre about what art means to him and having his work in the Edinburgh central library. You can visit the 'Touch Woods' Exhibition from the Hillside Art Group at Edinburgh Central Library until 31st October.

As we are pretty much into autumn now and with many people being asked to attend for winter vaccinations for this week's check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about flu and other regular vaccinations. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey about the difference between flu and the common cold and what your local Pharmacist would recommend for someone with flu symptoms.    Then to an outline of those patients who should get the flu vaccination every year, why we need a new flu vaccine every year and where to go to get your vaccination. Ending with some advice about not going for your vaccinations if you are feeling unwell and whether it is fine to have both your flu vaccinations and your Covid boosters if you are eligible at the same time.  You will find information about booking a flu vaccination at your local Pharmacy on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-flu-vaccination/ 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.

If you are based in London, and want to find out about various products and services available to blind and partially sighted people, there's an event taking place which may be of interest. Hubert finds out more in this podcast. 

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert chats to Maureen, who talks about her retired guide dog Polly, who has very much changed her life. They also talk about Maureen's thoughts on getting another dog in the future. 

Hubert welcomes James O'Driscoll back to Guide Dog Blogs this week, as he finds out how his training, and the first few weeks with his new guide dog have been. We also find out a funny habit, and a very interesting talent of his new friend. 

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: Starlight Express - Fri 3 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, Troubadour Wembley Park, London English National Ballet: R:Evolution - Saturday 11 October, 2.30pm, Sadler's Wells, London Clarkston - Tuesday 14 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Trafalgar Theatre, London Here & Now - The Steps Musical, Thursday 16 October, 7.30pm, New Victoria Theatre, Woking The Lady from the Sea - Saturday 25 October, 2.30pm, Bridge Theatre, London, English Touring Opera: Elixir of Love by Gaetano Donizetti - Sunday 26 October, 4pm, touch tour 2.40pm, Buxton Opera House 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)

Following on from the recent check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick where we talked about vitamin D, we thought it would be good to talk further about other supplements this time. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth about other supplements that might help us with Elizabeth explaining about the benefits of omega 3 and some other supplements that might be particularly good for the eyes.   Then Elizabeth highlighted the fact that some processed foods might not be giving us all the supplements that we need. We ended with some other supplement recommendations and Elizabeth pointing out that she is not an expert in nutritional supplements and always good to look for an expert if you need help and advice around supplements. Of course if you have any concerns about your eyes do contact your GP or make an appointment to see an Optician or your Consultant Ophthalmologist. 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 podcast, Hubert chats to Lauren Bateman, about how her guide dog Grace, changed her life, and finds out about her unique personality.  Image description:  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. 

If you fancy something creepy and a little bit kooky, season two of Tim Burton's Wednesday series is fully out on Netflix and available with audio description. Let's find out what Emmy thought as she caught up with the last half of the show. Image shows the poster for the show with Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams. In her signature sharp collared black dress and long black braids, Wednesday stares ahead unblinking with black tears streaming down her cheeks. A large white letter 'W' sits at the centre of the image with a small text below, which reads: 'Wednesday, Season 2, only on Netflix.'

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: Every Brilliant Thing - Saturday 20 September, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, @sohoplace, London Juniper Blood - Saturday 27 September, 2pm, touch tour 1pm, Donmar Warehouse, London Magic Mike Live -  Wednesday 1 October, 7pm, The Hippodrome Casino London NOËL & GERTIE - Saturday 11 October, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester Dear England -  Saturday 11 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 5pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury 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)