In the vibrant world of music, where melody knows no boundaries, Barrington Chambers is an inspiring figure. In our latest edition of "Gear Gadgets and Gizmos," we had the privilege to interview Barrington, a remarkable Afro Caribbean musician whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

A short time after coming to the UK from Jamaica in 1999 Barrington's life took an unexpected turn when he became blind . But instead of letting this challenge define him, he embraced it and embarked on a musical odyssey that continues to entertain audiences worldwide.

This talented musician is a multi-instrumentalist, mastering the bass guitar, drums, saxophone, harmonica, and more. His passion for music led him to co-found the Bristol Reggae Orchestra, a musical ensemble that blends diverse talents to create reggae music.  Accompanied by the Windrush choir, they have graced the stage at prestigious events, including the iconic Glastonbury Festival in 2023.

Beyond the musical stage, Barrington's commitment to fostering young musical talent is truly commendable. He and several other musicians are actively involved in teaching music to young enthusiasts in the Bristol and south west area, nurturing the next generation of musical prodigies. 

On top of all this  Barrington's  dedicates  time to working with Bristol Council on access issues and is a valued member of the RIDC Consumer Panel and regularly test products and services to ensure they are accessible and inclusive. 

Welcome to this Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos episode, where we explore Rob Smith's innovative company, Active Hands.

Today's episode focuses on Rob's experience following a spinal cord injury and his challenges in finding suitable gripping aids. 

Realizing the need for better solutions, Rob designed and developed prototypes in his home, eventually founding Active Hands in 2008.

He has designed and manufactured a  variety of gripping aids and assistive products offered by Active Hands, which have been used by disabled people worldwide. 

Links:

https://www.activehands.com/

Phil Friend the Chair of the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC), talks to Gordon McCullough, the CEO of RIDC, about the launch of the National Centre for Accessible Transport. (NCAT)

What is the purpose of the centre? Why does NCAT matter? What part will RIDC play? How do we ensure that disabled people are at the heart of the project?

All these questions and many others are addressed in this entertaining conversation.

This episode features Molly O'Brien,  a Senior Research and Insight Advisor at Activity Alliance, a charity that promotes disability-inclusive sports and activities.

Molly has hearing and visual impairments. She has first-class degrees in sociology and research methods. She is a qualified yoga teacher and a ballet dancer and enjoys outdoor activities.

Molly's impairments mean that she uses a range of devices; hearing aids, portable microphones, magnification technology, and tactile watches, all designed to make her life easier. She's particularly excited about the Bluetooth technology on her new hearing aids, which means she can stream audio directly from her laptop. Molly also loves using Apple products because of their great accessibility features. 

It's all a far cry from her early experiences with the clunky kit she had to use as a child.

Links
Handheld and desktop electronic magnifiers I have from both these companies: https://www.humanware.com/en-united_kingdom/home https://www.enhancedvision.co.uk

Phonak Roger FM system assistive hearing technology: https://www.connevans.co.uk/catalogue/106/Phonak-Roger-Radio-Aids---Hearing-Aid-Accessories

Phonak Roger Radio Aids & Hearing Aid Accessories | Connevans
Connevans
www.connevans.co.uk

Low Vision Products and Solutions | Enhanced Vision
Enhanced Vision. 0800 145 6115 Unit C, Plot 5, Merlin Way Quarry Hill Industrial Estate Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 4RA
www.enhancedvision.co.uk

Activity Alliance
https://www.activityalliance.org.uk/

Peter Goadby-Watt has been a photographer for over thirty years. He started his career as a photographic assistant and freelance photographer. He joined the BBC photographic studio (88-90)  before joining the Metropolitan Police Service in 1990 - 2014 as a forensic photographer and Head of Forensic Training. There, he honed his skills using multiple formats, film processing and printing; he joined the video team and used professional ENG broadcast HD video cameras and offline editing. 

In July 2018, Peter was treated for cancer, that has resulted in him becoming a wheelchair and crutch user.  

Peter says, "Okay, I can't necessarily do what I used to love doing in that way. But you know, if I still love doing it, maybe there's another way to do it differently. 

His passion for photography has never dwindled, and you will see some of his personal favourite images on his website.

Instagram: @pgwimaging
Website: www.PGWimaging.com

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In this episode of Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos, Nigel Lewis talks about his passion for IT and how it can transform the lives of disabled and older people. He also reminds us there is still much to do to ensure that technology is accessible, inclusive and available to all.

His career began in software development, and he has since worked in many aspects of IT services over the years.

Nigel Lewis was the London regional director for Fujitsu Services before he joined AbilityNet as their CEO in 2007.

AbilityNet is a charity specialising in assistive technology and making technology accessible for all, especially disabled and older people, and during his time at AbilityNet, he saw massive changes in IT and other enabling devices and software.

He once described tech as "the great enabler", which should benefit excluded groups". Since leaving Ability Net in 2020, he has worked for another charity providing employment for disabled people. 

Since May 2021, he supposedly retired but is now interim CEO for 2 charities, one a small natural history museum and the other a charity that provides equipment for disabled children and support for their families.

Links
AbilityNet
British Consumer Society (BCS)

Shelly Gaynor is Peer Mentor of Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI), with a passion for technology, particularly Assistive Technology (AT) and how it can be deployed to remove barriers that many disabled people encounter.

Shelly sees technology as putting everyone on an even playing field, and human rights for disabled people are fundamental to her.

Shelly directs a Personal Assistants Service through her company, shellyonwheels. Giving disabled people complete control over their own lives is very important to Shelly.

In this podcast, Shelly describes the gadgets and software she uses on a daily basis to manage her independence.

Links

iPhone Accessibility apps
Ram Mount
Pro Tracker mouse
Amazon Alexa

Andy Garrett has a retinal partial sight condition [Macular Dystrophy] affecting his central field of vision. He worked as a police officer with the Metropolitan Police before moving to GSK.

Andy's role with GSK is as Global Programme Director of their Workplace Adjustments Service. The service supports employees in securing the adjustments and accessibility solutions they need at work and remotely.

Andy believes in the value that employee networks bring to building our disability confidence. He co-leads the GSK global Disability Confidence Network (DCN) and is an ambassador for Purple Space.  

Andy lives with his family near Ascot in Berkshire and loves watching rugby with his boys. It presents some interesting challenges for someone with a sight impairment, as you'll hear!

Andy's gadgets
IPad Pro
Samsung Galaxy phone
Magnifier app for Android
Portable Magnifier Example

Fiona worked as a sales manager, successfully selling multi-million-pound software systems yet becoming progressively more disabled. When taking clients to the latest cool restaurant or bar, she made sure that venues had the appropriate accessibility & facilities. Realising this information was of use to other disabled people, it became the basis of the website www.BlueBadgeStyle.com and the BBS App.

This is now her full-time occupation and passion and is ‘redefining disability with style’ and provides information on a range of issues from stylish venues (their access & facilities) to trendy equipment. She also developed BBS Galleries that displayed access information on a venue website and were awarded the EIB Social Innovation Award. BBS also won the SPARK Award from the Design Council to develop a range of stylish accessories for people who ‘have their hands full – from wheelchairs to baby buggies’. Known as the ADDITI+ON Collection, the first product being DRINK, the universal glass holder, 

More recently, she co-founded the global Blue Badge Access Awards – ‘Inspiring better design and Celebrating exceptional venues, Improving accessibility for all through a prestigious awards ceremony. 

 For her work in the built environment, she was awarded a Hon. Fellowship to RIBA in 2021 and her latest project helps others create ‘accessible yet stylish homes that are a ‘joy’ to live in’,  Tailored Rooms Blue Label.

Above all, she wants to encourage disabled people to go out and enjoy life, whatever their disability, whatever their style, fully armed with the additional reassurance and information they need. She doesn’t want anyone to suffer the indignity of accessing a smart restaurant through a bin room or having to use an accessible toilet in the pub next door!!!

Simone was born with shortened arms and legs as a consequence of the drug Thalidomide.  She lives in Reading, Berkshire.  

 After attending mainstream school, she worked for many years as a Secretary at Berkshire County Council and for Blue Circle Cement and later as an administrator for the Thalidomide Society.

 Following the birth of her daughter in 1996 and spurred on by the lack of support for parents with disabilities, Simone helped to set up a national charity providing support to disabled people who were or who aspired to become parents.  She served as a Trustee for the charity for ten years.

Now retired, Simone exercises on a daily basis to help minimise pain, maintain fitness and improve emotional wellbeing.  She chronicles her ongoing journey of weight loss and shares her ideas for improving her mobility and fitness in her Blog www.flidfit.com.  

 She serves in a number of voluntary roles including Chair of her local neighbourhood association, trustee and community journalist for Reading Voluntary Action and chair of the Reading Physical Disability and Sensory Needs Partnership Board (PDSN).

Past voluntary roles include serving on the Thalidomide Trust’s National Advisory Council where she co-chaired the Health and Wellbeing Committee and member of the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board.  

 Simone enjoys blogging, creating healthy meals, exercise, gardening and travel.

Links to Simone's Gadgets 

 Anti-gravity treadmill https://www.alterg.com/

You can see a clip of Simone running on the Alter-G treadmill here:  https://flidfit.com/2018/01/15/the-alter-g-treadmill/

 Leg warmers as gloves https://amzn.to/3uBRZoZ

 Bespoke office chair.  https://www.online-ergonomics.co.uk/product-category/chairs/adapt-chairs/

 https://www.thalidomidetrust.org/health-and-wellbeing/making-life-easier/your-recommendations/

 Simone's Blog: www.flidfit.com

You can see a clip of me running on the Alter-G treadmill here:

https://flidfit.com/2018/01/15/the-alter-g-treadmill/