Rnib Conversations

Dr Elizabeth Farmer suffered from Sudden Traumatic Blindness brought on by Giant Cell Arteritis. She is now raising awareness for GCA. She shares her story with David Hogg.

Now for a bit of a festive 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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Sleeping Beauty - Sunday 11 December, 1pm, touch tour 11.30am, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Aladdin - Wednesday 14 December, 6pm, touch tour 4.30pm, Aylesbury Waterside Mama Mia! - Thursday 15 December, 2.30pm, New Theatre Oxford A Christmas Carol - Friday 9 December, 7pm, Old Vic, London, A Christmas Carol - Thursday 15 December, 2.30pm, Bridge Theatre, London, A Christmas Carol - Saturday 17 December, 11.30am, Rose Theatre, Kingston,  A Christmas Carol - Tuesday 20 December, 7pm, touch tour 5.30pm,  Hull Truck Theatre Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol - Thursday 22 December 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Queen Elizabeth Hall,

For our next regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey asked Elizabeth about some of the causes and possible treatments for dizziness or vertigo that people do suffer from or experience from time to time. Elizabeth began by telling Toby about some of the main common forms of dizziness and how some medications do have dizziness as one of their potential side affects.   Then Elizabeth talked about some of the medications that can help with dizziness  and how the symptoms can also be treated by physical means. To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email Elizabeth.r@newlifehealthcare.co.uk or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk. 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.

VocalEyes, in partnership with Stagetext, Autism in Museums and the Centre for Accessible Environments, recently publish the Heritage Access report 2022 which highlights the importance of online access information for the UK museum and heritage sector, and tracks the changes in the state of access over the past four years since the publication of the 2018 report. The report is structured to mirror the visitor journey, covering aspects from pre-visit research such as finding and getting to a venue (such as directions, parking and step-free and level access), aids and facilities at the venue (such as toilets, lifts, Large Print guides, induction loops) and downloadable resources that can be used at the venue (such as sensory maps and visual stories). The report also breaks down the different media types in which web content is presented, and gives clear, non-technical guidance on how to ensure that text, links, images, video, audio, and downloadable documents are all accessible. It also covers tips for inclus

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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Art Workshops at the British Library - Thursday 10 November, to 1 December 11am Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker - Saturday 12 November, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, New Victoria Theatre, Woking Demon Dentist - Saturday 12 November, 2.30pm, Hull new Theatre,  Marvellous, Thursday 17 November, 7.30pm, At Soho Place, London Cinderella - Sunday 20 November, 3pm, touch tour 2.10pm, Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester   Layers of Vision - Monday 21 November to Friday 16 December, Bush House, London To find out more about these and other up-coming audio-described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the VocalEyes weekly email newsletter do vis

Have you heard of CBeebies' brand new series Dog Squad? Following the daily adventures of five superhero assistance dogs, Kika, Diesel, Meagaidh, Sylvie and Tinks, the series is here to help us better understand the wonderful impact these animals have on the lives of their families. The exciting show hits our TV screens today at 4 PM and to find out a bit more we spoke with Jayne Austin, producer at Hello Halo, the team behind the series. Catch the first episode of Dog Squad on CBeebies Monday 7th of November at 4 PM or later through the BBC iPlayer.  Image shows the Dog Squad logo. A drawing of the 5 superhero dogs with 'DOG SQUAD' written across an orange dog bone under the pups.  From left to right: Meagaidh the Border Collie, Kika the Golden Labrador, Newfoundland Sylvie, Cocker Spaniel Diesel, and finally Tinks the tiny Lhasa Apso.

CBeebies’ brand-new series Dog Squad is here to bring a team of true superheroes to our home screens! Following the lives of five superstar assistance dogs Kika, Diesel, Meagaidh, Sylvie and Tinks, the series will follow their adventures as they help their owners on important daily missions. The very first adventure will feature the lovely guide dog Kika and her owner, author and disability activist Dr Amit Patel. RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Dr Patel about his experience and Kika's newfound fame.  Catch the first episode of Dog Squad on CBeebies Monday 7th of November at 4 PM or later through the BBC iPlayer.  Image shows the Dr Amit Patel sitting on a bench and smiling brightly. Kika stands next to him with a doggy grin as Amit gives her a much-deserved chin scratch. 

As it is ‘Ask the Pharmacist Week’ this week (31 October to 7 November 2022), we thought it would be a good time to ask our resident Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow to give us the lowdown on what’s happening in the community pharmacy world. Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about ‘Ask the Pharmacist Week’ which has the theme ‘Now at Your Local Pharmacy,' highlighting the services you can find at your local Pharmacy. Elizabeth also talked about the training that Pharmacist go through and the training for other staff at the Pharmacy before highlighting many of the services that are available from your local community Pharmacy. Elizabeth ended by reflecting on how the Covid pandemic had made many changes  to your local Pharmacy service. For many people during all the Covid lockdowns the Pharmacy became their main health care service for support and advice. To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email Elizabeth.r@newlifehealthcare.co.uk or for more infor

Now for a round up 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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: In Plain Sight Exhibition - Thursday 20 October to Sunday 12 February 2023, Wellcome Collection, London Drunken Chorus - A Bit Of A Do Festival - Croydon, 21 to 29 October Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Thursday 27 October, 7.30pm, Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre Sister Act - Saturday 29 October, 2.15pm, touch tour 12:45pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester The Book of Mormon - Saturday 29 October, 2.30pm, Sunderland Empire To find out more about these and other up-coming audio-described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the VocalEyes weekly email newsletter do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Ima

For this week’s Check In with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are focusing on some recent medical research which seems to indicates that reducing your alcohol intake could have a very positive effect of reducing incidence of cancer.    RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth to outline a bit more about this recent research. Then asking Elizabeth whether the NHS has a recommended drinking level that we should all follow, what actually is a unit of alcohol and are there any benefits at all to drinking alcohol, of course in moderation. To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email  Elizabeth.r@newlifepharmacy.co.uk or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk. 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.

With autumn settling across the UK, there's a great multi-sensory walk that could help you enjoy the wonders of nature.  Joining our Paulina Kuchorew to tell us all about the multisensory nature walk in Chilterns is Andy Shipley from Natural Inclusion. The walk will take place on the morning of Friday 28th of October as part of the Chilterns Walking Festival. Find out more here: Chilterns Walking Festival - Chilterns AONB | Chilterns AONB Or get in touch with Andy via email: andy@natural-inclusion.org Image is of a red and orange autumnal forest. 

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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Grey Man by Oxford Playhouse Theatre - Online digital performances available from Monday 10 October to Saturday 5 November Little Women - Wednesday 12 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.30pm, Watford Palace Theatre Jews. In Their Own Words - Saturday 22 October, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Royal Court Theatre, London The Marriage of Figaro - Tuesday 25 October, 4pm, Glyndebourne Opera, Lewes, East Sussex Blood Brothers - Thursday 27 October, 7.30pm, Liverpool Empire Theatre.  To find out more about these and other up-coming audio-described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the VocalEyes weekly email newsletter do visit the VocalEyes w

The Visually Impaired (VI) Runners 10k Challenge recently returned to Bristol and RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up with one of it's runners Teresa Cryer and also her guide runner Colin Johnson, to find out how they both enjoyed this years event. {Image - A group photograph of all the runners standing together looking very happy. It is a sunny day and they participants are all wearing colourful shorts and T-shirts, as well as the official race bibs with names and numbers on the front}

For this week’s Check In with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are looking at the condition osteoporosis, what is it and what you should do if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis. Elizabeth began by telling Toby exactly what osteoporosis is, how painful the condition can be and whether the condition just something that more women seem to suffer from. Elizabeth ended by giving some good advice on what to do if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis. You can find out more details about the condition  by visiting the osteoporosis pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/ To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email  Elizabeth.r@newlifepharmacy.co.uk or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk. 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.

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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events highlighted included: Silence - Thursday 15 September, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Donmar Warehouse, London  The Colour Purple - Saturday 17 September, 2.30pm, Birmingham Hippodrome The Cher Show - Tuesday 20 September, 7.30pm, Orchard Theatre, Dartford Glitter Ball -Friday 23 September, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.30pm, Watford Palace Theatre Northern Ballet, The Little Mermaid - Saturday 24September, 2pm, touch tour 11.45am, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield To find out more about these and other up-coming audio-described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the VocalEyes weekly email newsletter do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (I

For this week’s Check In with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are focusing on the covid booster vaccinations programme and getting your flu jab too. Elizabeth began by telling our Toby Davey what is currently happening around the Covid Booster vaccinations and their role out to vulnerable people and those who are over 50. Regarding the role out of this year’s flu vaccination, Elizabeth outlined how they will be administered and why it is so important to get your flu vaccinations every year. To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email  Elizabeth.r@newlifepharmacy.co.uk or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk. 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.

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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Burn - Saturday 3 September, 2.30pm, Theatre Royal Glasgow Audio Described Tour of the Painted Hall - Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, Friday 9 September, 10.30am Touretteshero’s Masked Ball - Friday 9 September, 7.30pm, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London Freestylers: Everybody With Me - Always, Saturday 10 September, 1pm, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London Mrs Doubtfire - Wednesday 14 September, 7.30pm, Opera House Manchester Bat out of Hell - Saturday 17 September, 2.30pm, Hull New Theatre How to Win at Photography - Thursday, 6.30pm, The Photographers' Gallery, London To find out more about these and other up-coming

For this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we thought it would be good to find out all about shingles, what it is about the shingles vaccine and should we take it if we are offered the vaccine? Elizabeth began by telling our Toby Davey what shingles is and the relationship between shingles and chickenpox, whether you can catch shingles from chicken pox and what types of treatment might there be for shingles. Elizabeth ended by giving her advice on whether you should take the shingles vaccine if you are offered it.  You can find more information about shingles and the shingles vaccine by visiting the following pages of the NHS website -  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/shingles-vaccination To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email  Elizabeth.r@newlifepharmacy.co.uk or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk. Image:  Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful banda

Catch your breath and take a moment for yourself with a nice sensory exercise. Helping you tune into the natural soundscape around us on this month's Sensory Odyssey, is Andy Shipley from Natural Inclusion.    Find more exercises here: https://www.natural-inclusion.org   You can join Andy for a deeper immersion into this exercise on Thursday 25th of August. To take part email: andy@natural-inclusion.org Image shows a forest lush with greenery at Coed Nant Gwernol. Image credit: Jordan Mansfield.

Teacher, author and former globetrotter, Fiona Scott-Barrett doesn't let partial-sightedness define her (except when it suits her).  In 'Seeing Squint - Tales From A Partially Sighted Author' she reveals the confusion, embarrassments, and unexpected benefits of gradual sight loss through macular degeneration.  Her show is coming up at the Edinburgh Fringe and our Robert Kirkwood spoke to to the author to find out what why it's worth a gander.  Catch 'Seeing Squint' for free at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this coming Sunday 14th and Monday 15th of August 2022.  It starts at 12:10 PM each day at Revolution, 30a Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1HU. Image shows the official festival logo. On a white background, a blue marker squiggle and atop it 'fringe' written in white. Above the word in smaller letters: 'The Edinburgh Festival' and bellow: 'Defying he norm since 1947'.