RNIB Conversations

Losing a child’s favourite toy while on holiday can be devastating and traumatic. A new study reveals parents would pay vast sums or tell outrageous lies to lessen this upset for their kids – but is there another way? Celebrity Mum Denise Van Outen has been speaking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Kris Wallace about a new service that will retrieve lost toys for free from HomeAway.

If you want to know more about the HomeAway Teddy Express service go to www.homeaway.co.uk

In 2010 Michael Burton actor and member of the comedy group: ‘Yolav and Graham’ became a medical mystery as he suddenly and unexpectedly lost most of his sight, only to have it return a year later.

 

Now years on, Mike speaks about the experience and how it completely changed his approach to life.  

 

Mike spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

 

To find out more about Mike’s stand-up comedy visit: https://www.yolavandgraham.com/

 

(Photo shows a close up of Mike’s face. He’s wearing glasses and his head is turned to look straight at the camera. The background is a blur of colours and lights, sheen from them reflected in Mike’s glasses /Photo credit: Ben Burton) 

When you lose your sight it’s never an easy adjustment. In fact, denial and reluctance to ask for help or support can easily become part of the sight loss journey.

 

White cane warrior Paul Quigley and RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley speak about the ups and downs on learning to live with sight loss. 

 

If what Paul and Simon spoke about resonated with you and you’d like to reach out and get some support you can contact RNIB’s Sight Advice Service on: 0303 123 9999

ITV’s Vidar Hjardeng reviews an audio described performance of ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ which he saw at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. 

 

Louis de Bernières' novel is brought to live in a captivating performance about love, war, and music. 

 

Vidar spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

 

(Photo shows a mandolin laying on its side and half-submerged in sunlight water. Atop the neck of the mandolin a silhouette of two lovers in embrace) 

New research suggests UK might be hit with shortage of tech skills post-Brexit leading to a “tech brain drain”.

 

But could raising diversity and accessibility amongst business leaders be the solution?

 

Paul Smith Executive Vice President and General Manager at Salesforce UK and Anthony Walker CEO at TechUK weigh in. 

Paul and Anthony are chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

 

For more information visit: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/home

 

(Photo shows a British flags fluttering with an out of focus and blurry European Union flag in the background. Photo credit: REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke )

Allergies can put a real damper on our life. In some cases they can even affect your ability to get a guide dog. 

 

We spoke with NHS GP and broadcaster Dr Ellie Cannon to find out what are the best ways of keeping allergies at bay. 

 

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

 

For more information visit: https://uk.klarify.me/

(Photo shows a woman blowing her nose into a tissue) 

Neil Fradgley recently starred at the International Blind Tennis tournament, winning silver in the B4 (partially sighted) mixed singles event and helping his country walk away as the leading medal winners from the 15 participating nations.

To top off a brilliant tournament,  Neil's own victory means that he is now ranked number 2 in the World.

Barry Snell caught up with the Isle of Wight native, to find out more about blind tennis & also Neil's plans for the future.

www.lta.org.uk

www.britishblindsport.org.uk

ITV’s Vidar Hjardeng reviews Birmingham Royal Ballet's ‘Hobson’s Choice’, which he saw at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

 

Watch feisty Maggie in this classic romantic comedy as she outsmarts her father and claims herself a husband and a brand new business. 

 

Vidar spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

Have you ever seen an audio-described Opera? 

 

There’s an exciting development in the world of audio-description and freelance audio-describer and voice-over artist Alice Gilmour spoke with us about her innovative project and what it could mean to the future of live performances.

 

Alice is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

 

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

(Photo shows a stage with actors in period costumes and a live orchestra performing in front of a live orchestra) 

Diagnosis of sight loss can be devastating, even more so if it's your children being diagnosed.

 

Emma Oates is a mum to Tom and Katie, both of whom have been diagnosed with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, a rare genetic condition with highly variable symptoms including sight loss, reduced kidney function, and extra digits of the hands or feet.

 

Speaking with us about the challenges of parenting, Emma explains why it’s so important to let your kids become independent even if you don’t feel ready. 

 

Emma spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

 

For more information about Bardet-Biedl Syndrome visit: https://www.lmbbs.org.uk/index.php 

 For previous part of the series: https://audioboom.com/posts/7299328-coping-with-your-child-s-sight-loss-pt-4

 

 (Photo: A close up image of a child's blue eye)