RNIB Conversations

Losing your sight can be a big shock and adjusting to a live with sight loss is never easy. However, not many of us feel comfortable talking about the obstacles and the stigma that we can face when blind or partially sighted.  

Elin Williams, author of award winning disability and lifestyle blog: ‘My Blurred World', spoke in a candid interview about living with sight loss, anxiety, stigma, and overcoming challenges.

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

Follow ‘My Blurred World’ on social media or visit Elin’s blog at: [https://myblurredworld.com/](https://myblurredworld.com/)

The RNIB recently launched their disability confident programme to increase employers’ knowledge about recruiting and retaining blind and visually impaired people within their workforce. RNIB Connect Radio’s Red Szell spoke to David Clarke, Director of Services for RNIB at the launch event.

The RNIB recently launched their disability confident programme to increase employers’ knowledge about recruiting and retaining blind and visually impaired people within their workforce. RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby spoke to Richard Peden, Disability Inclusion Group Executive Champion for Zurich at the programmes launch.

ITV’s Vidar Hjardeng reviews the audio described performance of National Theatre’s “Macbeth”, which he saw at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. 

In this tragic tale, dark forces lead the Macbeths onto a bloody path for the crown.

Vidar spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew.

For more information about accessibility at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre visit: [www.grandtheatre.co.uk/plan-your-visit/box-office/access-information/](https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/plan-your-visit/box-office/access-information/)

(Photo shows: two figures dressed in drags and desperatly clutching onto each other, slumped onto a stone cold ground)

Blind Dave Heeley discusses putting the finishing touches to '7 days', a short drama charting the incredible and inspiring story of Dave as he attempted to become the first blind man to complete one of the world’s most grueling marathon challenges, the “Sevens” - seven marathons, in seven days on seven different continents.

Audio description will be provided by Finty Williams, daughter of Dame Judi Dench.

Dave is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.

New report by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, found that almost 50% of us struggle with loneliness.

Losing your sight can also cause feelings of alienation, but is there a way to combat loneliness and where can we get help?

RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with Amanda Watkin, General Secretary of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, to find out more about the research.

For more information visit: [https://www.rotarygbi.org/](https://www.rotarygbi.org/)

(Photo shows a young girl sitting by a window with her arms around her knees as she gazes out with a vacant look on her face)

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s masterpiece musical ‘Sunday in the Park with George’ will be performed with audio description at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this coming Friday the 22nd of March. 

Telling the story of love, passion, and art, this award winning tale is one you won’t want to miss.

Chris McKiddie, who’s creating audio-description for this moving performance, spoke with us about the acclaimed musical and what can we expect on the day.

Chris spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

For more information call: 0141 771 0 372 or visit: [www.rcs.ac.uk/boxoffice-event/eventid/151417-Sunday-in-the-Park-with-George/](https://www.rcs.ac.uk/boxoffice-event/eventid/151417-Sunday-in-the-Park-with-George/)

It’s World Sleep Day and many blind and partially sighted people struggle with their sleep patterns.

But what if you’re going on a big trip as well? Can that make your insomnia worse?

Dave Gibson, Sleep expert and Osteopath on BBC’s 'Strictly Come Dancing', told us his best tips on how to get more Zzs.

Dave spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

For more information visit: [www.sleep.ihg.com](https://sleep.ihg.com/)

(Photo: A black and white image of a tired man sitting at his office desk and pressing a hand over his forehead, eyes closed)

It might be windy, it might be rainy, but our favourite adventurer – Blind Dave Heeley tackles the elements like a pro. 

Find out how, despite the awful weather, Dave managed to stay motivated and continued his usual routine of running, dancing, and DIY tinkering.

Dave is speaking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

You can follow what Dave is up to on Facebook by searching for ‘Blind Dave Heeley’ or follow him on twitter: @blinddaveheeley

In 2014 Stephen Ricketts’ life changed forever after he lost his sight without any warning. 

Stephen spoke with us last year as he was just learning how to fight of depression and taking strides towards getting his life back together.

Now, Stephen is a changed man and speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, explains why he wants to help others like him and how much having a guide dog changed his life.

To listen to Stephen’s previous interview follow: [https://audioboom.com/posts/6971173-escaping-desperate-loneliness-stephen-ricketts-story](https://audioboom.com/posts/6971173-escaping-desperate-loneliness-stephen-ricketts-story)

To find out more about Men’s Shed Workships visit: [https://menssheds.org.uk/](https://menssheds.org.uk/)