RNIB Conversations

Latest research shows that exposure to more germs could be what our kids need to be happier and healthier. 

 

Gut Microbiologist Dr Kate Stephens and Child Development Psychologist Dr Sam Wass spoke with us about the findings and why outdoor play should be encouraged.   

 

Dr Stephens and Dr Wass spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

 

For more information visit: https://www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk/

 

(Picture shows a group of children walking along a fallen tree trunk on a bright sunny day) 

Bob Pattle worked as a jeweller for 40 years until diabetic retinopathy caused him to lose his sight.

 

However, Bob didn’t let that derail him from enjoying life.

 

Thanks to the support of his daughter, some great new friends, a little help from RNIB, and his passion for hot rod cars, Bob is enjoying life more than ever.

 

Bob spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

 

(Photo shows a shiny black vintage 1958 Ford Popular / Photo credit: car-from-UK.com) 

When 7-year-old Izzy put her skates on for the first time earlier this year, her parents couldn’t have foreseen what a confidence-booster the activity would become. 

 

We spoke with Izzy’s mom, Ruth George about the unexpected hobby, finding out Izzy was blind and the importance of letting your child gain their own independence. 

 

Ruth spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

 

You can follow Izzy on Instagram by searching: ‘iceskatingizzy’.

(Photo shows Izzy skating with the help of her coach Michelle Cosham. Izzy's wearing a shiny purple velvet dress with cream mesh-like sleeves covered in sparkles/ Photo credit: David Hudson)

Blind Dave Heeley took time out of his busy schedule to tell us all about his latest DIY project.

 

Working with his daughter Dave is putting his DIY skills to a test by fitting out her Volkswagen Campervan.

 

Dave spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

 

Follow Dave on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heely’ or on twitter: @blinddaveheeley 

According to recent findings, rates of myopia in children are set to increase by almost 200 million over the next 30 years. 

 

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University are currently running two separate studies in hopes of slowing down the progression of myopia. 

 

We spoke with senior researcher at Queen’s University Belfast, Professor Augusto Azuara-Blanco about the research and what it could mean for future treatments.

 

Professor Azuara-Blanco spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

Opera North is a touring company that brings extraordinary performances to many stages across Britain. 

 

With a new season coming up, we spoke with Alice Gilmour, Community Partnerships & Access Officer  at Opera North to find out which performances will be available with audio description. 

Alice spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

 

For more information visit: https://www.operanorth.co.uk/access/

 

(Photo show two characters from Puccini's ‘La bohème’ : Rodolfo and Mimi. They’re kneeling down and Rodolfo is holding his candle to help light a small one held by Mimi) 

Latest ‘Play for Life’ report showed a worrying number of young kids starting primary school obese.

 

We spoke with Martin Haines, Biomechanics Coach and Chartered Physiotherapist to find out how we can best instil healthy habits in our children. 

 

Martin spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

 

For more information visit: https://www.micro-scooters.co.uk/playforlife

(Photo shows a smiling little boy riding a micro scooter, his cheeks are flushed and he’s wearing blue long sleeve shirt with a cloud pattern and a blue helmet with dinosaurs painted on it. Words: ‘Good habits start early’ are written across the bottom of the image with the company’s logo and ‘Play for Life’ placed to the left of the boy) 

Is our privacy protected when we use technology, smart devices and browse the internet from the safety of our home? 

 

Dr Mike Lloyd a cyber security expert and CTO at RedSeal spoke with us about a recent study into home cyber security and what it means for our privacy.

 

Dr Lloyd spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

 

For more information visit: https://www.redseal.net/ or https://www.getsafeonline.org/

 

(Photo credit: Thinkstock)

Professor Ron McCallum is a blind lawyer and the first totally blind person to receive a full professorship in any field at any university in Australia or New Zealand. 

 

Speaking with us about his life, professor McCallum explains what inspired him to write a memoir with the unexpected title: ‘Born at the Right Time’

 

Professor McCallum spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

 

You can find ‘Born at the Right Time: A memoir’ on Kindle.

 

(Photo shows the front cover of Professor McCallum’s book. He is wearing a navy suit with a white shirt and a striped navy and blue tie. Perched on a stool he looks down at his black guide dog, hand gently holding onto the back of the dog’s blue collar)  

Blind dressage rider Nicola Naylor discusses her love of horse riding, taking part in competitions and her aspirations to compete at Tokyo 2020.

She is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell