Early Edition shapes the day ahead at Insight Radio, giving you instant Talking Newspapers and much more. We not only give you the front page headlines, but look at features, articles, business news and the all important back pages. Plus there are reports and discussions on issues affecting blind and partially sighted people across the UK, many of which can be heard again below.

With news reports from across the UK, entertainment, money and sport bulletins, plus the funnier side of the papers with our guest's choice, the Early Edition is the only way to start the day.

Among the featured papers are, The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, The Times, Daily Mail, The Independent, The Sun

Albinism strips skin, hair and eye pigment leaving those who have it with a visual impairment and at risk of burning in day light.

Typically people with the condition have very light skin and hair, which means they often stand out among their peers.

But the contrast is even more visible when a baby with albinism is born to a black family.

Insight Radio spoke to Brandy Darby from Pittsburg in the US who is of African American origin and has the condition.

Brandy's Interview

For children who have sensory impairment and additional needs conventional methods of teaching aren't always the best option.

Fortunately there are alternatives available to parents and carers of those who think education is important.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Claire Nicholson from SpaceKraft which is a company that specialises in multi-sensory products and solutions.

As our kids go back to school this week and next, parents are preparing everything from haircuts to new pads and pens.

However, something that doesn’t feature on their to-do-list is concerning experts.

An estimated 1 million children have undetected eye problems that are often being confused with learning difficulties and troublesome behaviour at school.

Although vision tests are free for children, an alarming number of parents are neglecting these routine check ups, which can have a severe impact on youngster’s current and future eye health.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle spoke to David Cartwright who is Professional Services Director for Boots Optician.

David Cartwright Interview

A blind museum employee in North West England has come up with a way to make the arts more accessible.

Paul Sullivan is learning officer for Bristol museums, galleries and archives

He's registered blind and recently trialled a device available from the RNIB, called the Pen Friend on artefacts within the museum.

Insight's leeanne Coyle spoke to Paul to find out how the idea came about.

And if you'd like more information you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Regardless of where you come from or how you've grown up everyone has a story to tell…. their own story.

And that's exactly what we're giving you the chance to tell here on Insight Radio.

And if you'd like to tell us Your Story you can email us hear on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The world’s first talking ATM for the blind was an NCR machine unveiled by the Royal Bank of Canada in 1997.

Since then many of the larger banks in the UK have begun to deploy the accessible service, the latest one being Northern Bank in Belfast.

ATM Part 1 

ATM

For Insight Radio Thomas Quigley, who is blind, tried out the talking ATM.

Thomas's Interview

ATM Part 2

Most people know how important it is to have working smoke alarms fitted in your home…

And there are many other ways to protect yourself from house fires.

But when a lot of hazards are visual how do you make your home risk-free if you have no or low vision?

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Catharine Page; a blind woman who has benefitted from a risk assessment…

Every week on our programme, Insight international, Allan Russell takes a look over seas at what leading charities are doing for visually impaired people.

Chris Danielson is the PR Director of the National Federation of the Blind in the USA.

Insight's Allan Russell spoke to Chris about a number of topics but started by asking him about new science academy for blind and partially sighted children.

If asked, most people would say that they didn't get to where they are in life completely on their own.

Whether it is a parent, sibling or a teacher… most people would cite someone else as being an inspiration to them.

Well, here at Insight we wanted to find out who are the people behind the person.

Do you live or work in London and know it well enough to show tourists around?

If so, RNIB would like to hear from you.

The charity has joined forces with the Mayor of London to give visually impaired people the chance to be tour guides during the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012.

Project Co-ordinator for RNIB Group Volunteering Team, explains.

Lisa Wishart Interview

Everyone wants to save money on their heating bills but there's specific advice for blind and partially sighted people.

RNIB has joined forces with British Gas to provide free services and support to visually impaired customers.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell asked RNIB's Michael Farragher more about the project.

Michael Farragher Interview

A young blind woman who converted to Islam having been brought up as a Christian has spoken out about her decision.

Roshni Hafeez explains her decision to adopt the Muslim faith and the barriers she has faced as a blind person in the Muslim community in Glasgow.

Roshni's Interview

Imagine yourself on top of a tower, one-hundred feet high with nothing more than a piece of rope to aid your decent to the ground.

Well, if that sounds like your idea of fun why not give it a go and raise some money for a worthwhile charity in the south of England in the process.

James Butterworth in our London studio has all the details.

Behind every person is a different story…

And here on Insight Radio we've been giving you the chance to get in touch and tell us about you.

We want to know about your visual impairment, how it's affected your life and any words of wisdom you may have for other blind or partially sighted people.

This week we're speaking to a young man from Bolton who is getting married next year.

Mike's Story

If you'd like to tell Insight Radio your Story you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

It is often assumed people with no sight cannot enjoy a social life.

But, as many of you will know, this is not the case.

However, that doesn’t mean that all establishments are fully equipped to deal with blind or partially sighted customers.

So, what is it like to go on a night out with low or no vision?

Insight’s Dougal Squires found out.

Dougal's Night Out Part 1

Going Out Part 2

Going for a night out on the town is something that many of us take for granted as part of an active social life.

But, is it just as satisfying if you are blind or disabled?

Earlier in the programme, our reporter Dougal Squires joined Joanne Wacha, a non sighted wheelchair user, for a night out in her native Harrow in London.

So far, they’ve spent time in one bar; and found another inaccessible, undeterred they continued on to another bar, where we join them now

Dougal & Joanne's Night Out Part 2

Peter McKeel lost his sight in his early twenties but still managed to fulfill his dream to become a successful print journalist.

Insight Radio’s Leeanne Coyle talked to him to find out more about his own life story.

Peter McKeel Interview

Double Date

As everyday life picks up the pace many people find their personal lives are being sidelined.

The result is thousands of people looking for love and turning to the internet…

And with hundreds of dating websites available… how do you choose which is best for you?

One website with a difference is considering the safety angle.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Chief Executive Ben Mascari of Double Date First dot com to find out why he thinks his site is perfect for people with low or no vision.

Ben Mascari Interview

Spacekraft

For children who have sensory impairment and additional needs conventional methods of teaching aren't always the best option.

Fortunately there are alternatives available to parents and carers of those who think education is important.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Claire Nicholson from SpaceKraft which is a company that specialises in multi-sensory products and solutions.

Claire Nicholson Interview

Your Story

Those of you who lost your sight later in life will no doubt have a story to tell about that experience.

It can not only change the direction your life is taking but can also alter your whole outlook on life.

For YOUR STORY this week we spoke to a young man from Stranraer in Southern Scotland.

Robert's Story

Colour vision deficiency affects approximately 200 million people worldwide, compromising the ability of those with the condition to effectively perform colour and visualization-related tasks.

This has a significant impact on their lives.

One research group in Brazil is aiming to remedy this with their newly developed computer model software for simulating colour perception.

To tell us more, Steven Scott spoke to lead project resarcher

Steven's Interview 

New York Festival Nominee 

Regular listeners to Gary Moritz' Sunset Melodies show here on Insight Radio have something else to smile about - not just the wonderful music he plays.

Gary's show has been nominated for a prestigious award in this year's New York Festival Awards.

Sunset Melodies is up against shows from BBC Radio 2, 6Music and Classic FM.

Insight's Steven Scott caught up with Gary upon hearing the news that he had been nominated.

Gary's Interview

With 9 countries travelling to compete in the World Blind Football Championships, the RNC in Hereford has become cosmopolitan for 10 days!

Sara Allen went along and spoke to one French man about the blind charity he works for.

FBU Interview

The Early Edition  found out what the general public thought the biggest challenges to blind parents would be.

Well, we decided to get it straight from the horse's mouth.

Leeanne Coyle spoke to a visually impaired woman who along with her blind husband has brought up three healthy children, two of whom also have limited sight.

Leeanne found out why the Reddington's are very much like every other family.

Bernie's Interview

Over the past few months we've been asking you "Who or What Inspires YOU?"

And it's fair to say everyone always has an interesting answer to this question.

Braille is something many people with low or no vision rely on.

But can a UK Braille user be understood all over the world?

Insight radio's Allan Russell decided to find out how the system is used in New Zealand.

He spoke to Lisette Wesseling from the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind in Wellington.

One of the most pressing issues facing blind and partially sighted people in the UK is employment.

More than 70 per cent are out of work and many believe it's because employers don't know how to deal with employees with low or no vision.

Well, a company in Northern Ireland is attempting to change all that by providing training and advice to managers and workers alike.

Those of you who lost your sight later in life will no doubt have a story to tell about that experience.

It can not only change the direction your life is taking but can also alter your whole outlook on life.

For YOUR STORY this week we spoke to a young man from Stranraer in Southern Scotland.

Robert's Story 

Your story - Nancy

Here at Insight Radio we ask one of you every week to tell us your story. 

Some of you have told us about how being blind has changed your life while others like to talk about how they've managed to overcome their sight loss to achieve their dreams. 

Whatever, the case may be, we want to hear what you have to say…

And this week we're hearing from Nancy from Edinburgh who discovered losing her sight was the least of her worries:

Listen to Nancy's Story

Did you know there's a higher percentage of sight loss among Asian people than there is among Caucasian whites?   

Well, it is sadly the case - but the UK's leading sight loss charity is doing everything it can to support these communities. 

RNIB launched an ongoing campaign to bring more audio description to our small screens and cinemas…  

And the same goes for improving the viewing experience for Hindi speakers:

Raoul Moat's blinded victim speaks out

The policeman shot in the face by fugitive Raoul Moat has described how he felt his life slipping away as blood poured from his wounds. 

Moat - who killed himself after a week on the run - targeted Pc David Rathband in Newcastle last month. 

He'd earlier shot his ex-girlfriend and killed her boyfriend. 

Pc Rathband described being shot in the face on the Tonight programme on ITV1.

Listen to the PC Rathband feature here

Do you know your rights when it comes to employment?

There are many grey areas in Employment Law… Especially when it comes to complying with the Disability Discrimination Act. 

Well here on the Early Edition we decided to shed some light on the matter. 

Giles Woolfson is from a Glasgow law firm called McGrade and company. 

Leeanne Coyle started by asking him about who the DDA is set up to protect: 

Listen to Insight's Employment Law feature here

And if you'd like more information on Employment law and your rights as a blind or partially sighted person you can visit Scope at www.scope.org.uk

Or the Department of Working pensions at www.dwp.gov.uk

And for people in Scotland there's the scottish Accessible Information forum- which you'll find at www.saifscotland.org.uk

Good news for people with 'colour-blindness'

Colour vision deficiency affects approximately 200 million people worldwide, compromising the ability of those with the condition to effectively perform colour and visualization-related tasks.

This has a significant impact on their lives.

One research group in Brazil is aiming to remedy this with their newly developed computer model software for simulating colour perception.

To tell us more, Steven Scott spoke to lead project resarcher:

Hear the interview 

Be part of History

Well, the opportunity has arisen.

RNIB has teamed up with the London Organising Committee to make volunteering an a very real opportunity for blind and partially sighted people.

Listen to Lisa Wishart's Interview 

Touching Lives

A new project to teach children and adults about deafblindness has been set up in Scotland.

Touching Lives across the generations is a free service which any school or organisation in the country can take advantage of.

 It's run by the charity Deafblind Scotland. John Whitfield, who is deafblind, is the project manager:

Touching Lives interview here

Toddler gets sight saving treament

A toddler from East Lothian has escaped losing his sight by travelling to the United States for a specialised treatment. 

Two year old Ross Anderton had a rare type of tumour forming under his right eye… but radio therapy would have left him disfigured. 

His parents thoroughly researched the field and after finding a potential treatment the NHS agreed to pick up the 60-thousand pound medical bill. 

Insight's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Ross's Mum, Lesley Lauder: 

Lesley Lauder interview here

Since Ross's treatment several other families in the UK have received NHS funding in order to get Proton Beam Therapy. 

If you'd like to know more about it please visit www.proton-therapy.org

Derby Sightloss Charity welcomes new Chief Executive

A charity for visually impaired people is welcoming its newly appointed chief executive. 

Ges Roulstone has now joined The Derbyshire Association for the Blind after spending 17 years at deafblind charity, Sense. 

He told Insight's Leeanne Coyle more about his experience and what he hopes for the charity:

Listen to new Chief executive's interview here

RNIB Real Life Stories 

As the UK's leading sight loss charity RNIB support blind and partially sighted people across the UK.

On the website www.rnib.org.uk you can find out more about some of the service users the charity has helped. 

One such story is that of Mother and Daughter, Laura and Tiri:

Hear Laura and Tiri's Story

And if you'd like to hear more real life stories you can log on to www.rnib.org.uk

Who Inspires You? - Salome from Essex

Every week we give one of you the chance to tell us what and who has inspired you in your life.

It's an opportunity to acknowledge friends and family who've helped you along the way and to say thanks to those who've always been there.

This week we're talking to a woman who lost her sight ten years ago:

Listen to Salome here

If you'd like to tell us where the inspiration lies in your life…

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

RNIB Chair hails Members Forums

For a year now RNIB has been giving its members the chance to voice their opinions.

Member forums have been talking place across the UK allowing thousands of people with low and no vision to speak up on topics such as transport and shopping.

The second UK forum took place last week in London and Clare Connelly was there for Insight Radio.

She spoke to Kevin Carey the chair of RNIB to ask how he feels the member's forums are going:

Listen to Kevin Carey here

You can hear more about the members forums in the next edition of RNIB's Vision magazine.

To subscribe call 0303 123 9999.

Did you know you can make a three course meal from scratch… using a microwave?

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Rachel Newton who is a rehabilitation and mobility officer with Kent Association for the Blind:

Listen to Rachel's interview here

BBC Documentary focuses on young, bind people

Most young people face challenges as they grow up…But if you're living without sight what are the additional difficulties.

That's the subject of a BBC documentary programme which aired last week.

19 year old Karen Seasman was one of four young, blind people featured.

The programme intended to accurately portray what it's like to live life with out sight.

Insight's Simon Pauley spoke to Karen but first let's hear a clip of BBC3's 'The Blind Me':

Listen to the The Blind Me Interview here 

Dining in the Dark

A college in Northern Ireland has taken on steps to make their students and staff more aware of sight loss.  

The North West Regional College organised a dining in the dark experience where diners and waiting staff alike wore blind folds.  

It was in the hope of giving participants a snapshot of what it's like to dine without sight. 

RNIB's Thomas Quigley went along on the night for Insight Radio:

Listen to the Dining in the Dark feature here  

YOUR STORY - Jonathan Dale

If you're blind or partially sighted - have you ever wondered how your life would be different if you had full sight?

We're giving you the chance to talk about your life and this week we're speaking to a young partially sighted, young man from Glasgow:

Part 1

It is often assumed people with no sight cannot enjoy a social life.

But, as many of you will know, this is not the case.

However, that doesn’t mean that all establishments are fully equipped to deal with blind or partially sighted customers.

So, what is it like to go on a night out with low or no vision?

Insight’s Dougal Squires Found Out

Out on the Town

Part 2

Going for a night out on the town is something that many of us take for granted as part of an active social life.

But, is it just as satisfying if you are blind or disabled?

Earlier in the programme, our reporter Dougal Squires joined Joanne Wacha, a non sighted wheelchair user, for a night out in her native Harrow in London.

So far, they’ve spent time in one bar; and found another inaccessible.

Undeterred they continued on to another bar, where we join them now.

Dougal And Joanne's Night Out

Real Say

The UK's leading sight loss charity is making moves to find out what its members think of the support it provides.

RNIB have set up an engagement strategy to let people with visual impairment and learning difficulties have more of a say on how it's run.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle reports.

Real Say Report

Who Inspire's You? - Archie from Edinburgh

If asked, most people would say that they didn't get to where they are in life completely on their own.

Whether it is a parent, sibling or a teacher… most people would cite someone else as being an inspiration to them.

Well, here at Insight we wanted to find out who are the people behind the person.

Archie's Inspiration

And if you'd like to tell us more about how the people in your life have inspired you email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sight Village

Gadgets, technology and sight loss services were all showcased at QAC Sight Village last week.

James Butterworth went along for Insight Radio and learnt about new product launches, information on Apple gadgets and the arrival of a new Kidzone at Sight Village, James picks out some of the highlights

Highlights

Your Story - Ann Dignan

Everyone has a story to tell… but how often do you get the chance to tell it.

Well here at Insight we give one listener every week the chance to tell us more about themselves.

This week we're speaking to a partially sighted former teacher from Edinburgh.

Ann's Story

For many teenagers university is the first option when they leave school.

And for blind and partially sighted school leavers - the decisions they face are exactly the same.

But sometimes visually impaired students don't always find their needs are met.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to a young woman who has just finished her course having spent a year abroad:{CLIP}

Amanda Hall Interview

A blind pensioner from the North of England has won a trip to Australia.

Joe senior from Liverpool, who has just arrived back in the UK, entered the Western Australia Tourist Board competition and told them in 40 words why he should be the winner.

Insight's Allan Russell has more:

Joe Senior Interview

In Touch

A sexual health project for disabled people has won an award.

In touch which is run by charity, Leonard Cheshire Disability has been named Brook UK Best Sexual Health Project of the Year.

Now in its third year the initiative aims to help young disabled people develop confidence and explore their sexuality.

Johnny Coleman is project Manager.

He told Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle how he felt about receiving the award.

Johnny Coleman Interview

Freewheelers

Have you ever been made to feel like you are from a different world because you have a disability?

Well, if the answer is yes, an integrated theatre company called the Freewheelers want to know about it.

They are creating a production based on how people experience disability.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle found out more.

Intergrated theatre Company

RNIB's National Library Service

For most people who like reading a trip to the local library will be a big part of their lives.

But what does this public service have to offer if you're blind or partially sighted?

Most libraries have limited talking book titles which is why the UK's leading sight loss charity has done its best to bridge the gap.

Pat beech is manager of RNIB's national library service.

Pat Beech Interview

Sight Loss set to double

It been revealed that at least 500-thousand people in the UK are living with age-related macular degeneration…

Experts are predicting that this figure will increase dramatically with Britain's ageing population.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle reports.

Age Related Macular Degeneration

How accessible are trains?

If you're visually impaired and travel by rail there's no doubt you prefer your journey with the occasional audio announcement.

Some trains have it and some don't…. but like all means of making trains more accessible - who makes the decisions?

Insight's Leeanne Coyle tracked down the government body which monitors the train operators in Scotland and spoke to Chris Clark, the Rail Accessibility Manger at Transport Scotland.

Chris Clarke Interview

TV Audio Description

A blind man from London is putting his voice to a national campaign for more audio description on TV.

Audio Description, or AD, is an extra layer of audio selected by TV viewers to describe what is happening on screen, similar to the purpose of subtitles for deaf people.

Trevor Franklin has found great comfort from the service ever since he lost his sight nine years ago.

So much so in fact that he has taken the time to give his thoughts to TV executives across the country on behalf of the RNIB, the UK's leading sight loss charity.

Trevor Franklin Interview

Forums

Last year the UK's leading sight loss charity took steps in finding out exactly how its members feel they are treated as blind and partially sighted citizens.

The RNIB UK Member Forums were launched in September 2009 and have given a voice to people up and down the country.

Transport, shopping and money are just some of the subjects that have been discussed so far.

It's now onto the second tour of the UK and Insight's Leeanne Coyle found out how it's going.

Julie Polzerova is the senior manager for membership at RNIB.

Julie Polzerova Interview

QAC Sight Village, the premier technology event in the UK, has been taking place all this week.

But this year there was more on offer for young people.

The Kidzone, set up and run by charity LOOK UK, offered exciting opportunities for students to have fun and learn about new technology.

James Butterworth went along for Insight Radio.

Look Interview

RAT RACE

A young man is to become the first blind person to take part in an adventure sports event.

Jonathon Miller from Glasgow is part of a team participating in one of many Rat Races around the UK.

He's set to run at least 10 miles as well as completing several bizarre obstacle courses.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle caught up with Jonathon

TV Audio Description

A national charity for blind and partially sighted people is asking you for your thoughts on audio description.

Does it enhance your TV and Film viewing experience or does it prove to be more of a hindrance?

For Insight Radio Rowland Myers explains.

Audio Description Interview

Your Story - Marilyn

From living in Cyprus to working in an exclusive car showroom, Marilyn Campbell from South Wales, shares her story with us.

Marilyn's Story

Sight Village - RNIB Sense

Sight Village is the premier exhibition for blind and partially sighted people in the UK.

Birmingham has played host and Insight Radio's James Butterworth has been there.

As a flagship technology event, you can expect to find the latest in access solutions.

One of the products being showcased across the three-day event is the RNIB 'Braille Sense 18 Plus'.

James Butterworth has been speaking with John Godber, Head of Products and Publications at RNIB.

Sight Village - Olympus DM5

Sight Village is a 3 day event held in Birmingham aimed at showcasing technology and sight loss services.

It is the perfect place to launch a product and that's just what has happened this year.

The Olympus DM5 is a brand new digital audio recorder that supports a range of different audio formats, including DAISY. James Butterworth has been speaking with James Bartlett from the RNIB about the new product.

James Bartlett Interview

Sight Village- Jackie McKinnon

In recent years the technological buzz word has been 'smartphones'.

This is the word to describe phone that in essence are more like mini computers.

But what if you want something that is simple to use and is designed for making and receiving calls and not much else? Doro UK specialise in easy to use mobile phones.

James Butterworth has been speaking with Jackie McKinnon from Doro UK, at Sight Village in Birmingham.

Jackie McKinnon Interview

Sightvillage RNIB Magazines

Birmingham plays host to Sight Village this week.

If you don't already know, Sight Village is the premier technology event for blind and partially sighted people.

The RNIB are there showcasing a range of products and services.

James Butterworth caught up with Henry French who was at Sight Village representing RNIB magazines.

Henry French Interview

Sightvillage Royal National College

Over 80 exhibitors are at Sight Village in Birmingham this year and thousands of blind and partially sighted people are expected to attend across the three days.

James Butterworth is there for Insight Radio and yesterday he spoke with Lennox Adams, from the Royal National College in Hereford, who is managing a number of international projects.

Lennox Adams Interview

Sightvillage Apple

Apple is an electronics manufacturer that most people will be fairly familiar with.

But did you know that their latest products come with accessible technology as standard? Well, this is the message Steve Griffis from the RNIB is trying get across at this year's Sight Village in Birmingham.

James Butterworth is at the event for Insight Radio this week and he's been finding out more.

Steve Griffis Interview

Eye Phone

A new iPhone app is hoping to give people the chance to diagnose their own eye prescription in just a matter of minutes.

The Near-Eye Tool for Refractive Assessment (also known as NETRA) works in a unique way to conventional eye tests.

The patient tests their eyesight by staring into a small, cheap plastic lens which fits over the iPhone’s screen.

Instead of just estimating which of two views is less blurry the user adjusts their own display to make a scene come into focus - much like using the manual focus on a traditional camera.

Professor Manuel oliveira

Polls Apart

After all the build up and anticipation, the General election is gone and long forgotten.

The new coalition Government have their feet firmly under the Cabinet Office Table.

But one organisation is still looking back at the election and the accessibility of polling station.

Sara Allen from Insight's Cardiff Studio has the story.

Accessibility Polling Station 

Your Story

From living in Cyprus to working in an exclusive car showroom, Marilyn Campbell from South Wales, shares her story with us.

Marilyn's Story

It currently affects at least half a million people in the UK, with 1 in 50 sufferers over the age of fifty.

Half of people with the disease are already registered as blind or partially sighted and this loss of sight can frequently lead to depression, isolation and poor quality of life.

Experts predict that the number of AMD sufferers will double by 2020, a concern as Britain’s population continues to age.

So how can we prevent the number of AMD sufferers rising?

Dr John Nolan, a vision scientist from the Institute of Vision Research, spoke to Insight Radio's Steven Scott.

Dr John Nolan Interview

Optegra

Optegra is a specialist provider of eye health services in the UK.

The Surrey hospital was recently chosen to perform a European first in a new retinal procedure.

The operation involves placing a mini telescope in the eye and could restore sight to people who have Age Related Macular Degeneration.

Insight Radio's James Butterworth in our London Studio has this report.

Optegra Report

Audio Description

Audio description is available freely to all blind and partially sighted people.

The service has been running for a few years now but only 4% of all programmes on digital terrestrial television are audio described.

Rowland Myers has been finding out more about a campaign to increase that number significantly.

Rowland Myers Reports

Iphone

The latest edition of the iPhone is out, but as with previous releases, it's left many blind and partially sighted people wondering if Apple's claims of full accessibilty are true.

The phone boasts not only magnification and speech output options, but also high contrast and large text functionality.

But how easy is it to use?

Action for Blind People's technical team has been finding out.

Iphone Review

Your Story

Behind every person is a different story…

And here on Insight Radio we've been giving you the chance to get in touch and tell us about you.

We want to know about your visual impairment, how it's affected your life and any words of wisdom you may have for other blind or partially sighted people.

Well, this week on 'Your Story' we're hearing from 18 year old Asif who relocated to the UK from Pakistan after losing his sight.

Asif's Story

And if you'd like to tell us your story please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Positive Attitude Part 1 

Primary schools in the UK are failing to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people.

That's according to a study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.

Research found many children have negative views about disability while teachers lack confidence in making pupils more aware.

Dr. Angharad Beckett is a lecturer in Sociology at Leeds University and led the research team.

She told Insight's Leeanne Coyle more.

Part 1

Positive Attitude Part 2

Earlier on the show we brought you an interview with a lecturer in Sociology at Leeds University.

Dr. Angharad Beckett has also recently carried out some research in the why Primary schools in the UK are failing to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people.

Here's part two of that interview where Leeanne finds out what can be done to improve the situation.

Part 2

Disability Claims

Have you ever been discriminated against because you are visually impaired?

Maybe you've been refused entry to a shop with your guide dog or you've found a public service completely inaccessible.

Disability Claims management is an agency dedicated to making sure those responsible do not get away with discrimination.

Insight Radio spoke to the man behind the project to find out more.

Karl Lindon Interview

Every Tuesday here on Insight Radio we bring you 'Insight International'.

It takes a look at support and services available to blind and partially sighted people around the world.

This week Allan Russell spoke to Elsa Pulinger, the recreation officer at the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind.

Elsa Pulinger Interview

Do you have something to say that you think the rest of the world ought to know?

Well, you have the opportunity to do it online with a podcast service that has been set up for blind and partially sighted people.

Richard Howarth, who is blind himself, set the website up and told Insight's Leeanne Coyle more about it.

Richard Howarth Interview

Guide Dogs

For many blind and partially sighted people getting a guide dog is a life changing experience.

But for those of you who are somewhat reluctant… Guide Dogs for the Blind Association encourage you to try it out first.

And the same goes for sighted people who are curious about how it works.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle decided to find out more about the charity's demonstration opportunities.

Guide Dogs Part1

Guide Dogs

Earlier on the show we brought you the first part of a feature on how a blind-folded sighted man got on using a guide dog for the first time.

It's as part of the Guide Dogs for the Blind's education demonstration service.

Andy Gyle from the charity is just about to let Mark Bryce walk with Delphi the guide dog for the first time.

Let's find out how they got on.

Guide Dogs Part 2

And if you'd like to find out more about the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association you can log on to www.guidedogs.org.uk

Traffic Lights

Concerns are rising in Bristol about the safety of blind and partially sighted pedestrians.

The City Council recently turned off pedestrian-traffic lights in some of the city's busiest streets in a trial run which lasted a week.

But as Tara Melton from RNIB explained to Insight's Leeanne Coyle…

Visually impaired people aren't out of the woods yet.

Tara Melton Interview

"Traffic lights were turned off at Broad Quay and Prince Street in Bristol on a trial basis. It was in order to tease out views from the general public. We are still collating this information and it is impossible to say whether or not the lights will remain on or be turned off on a permanent basis."

ACCESS AFRICA

For the past 15 years a major conference has been held in Africa to try to promote rehabilitation and independence for visually impaired people.

The next African Forum is taking place in July 2011 in Ghana and will be called 'Access Africa.'

The conference will take a closer look at how technology can improve the lives of those affected by sight loss.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to RNIB's Principle Manager of Digital Accessibility…

But first, here's the coordinator of the Africa Forum, Doctor Audrey Webson, speaking from Ghana

Access Africa Interview

PARALYMPICS GB

Now earlier this week…double Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds launched a search to find retired Paralympians across Britain and encourage them to sign up to the Paralympians’ Club.

It’s a new website designed to  reunite former GB teammates and engage the public with British Paralympians…..

Chief Executive of Paralympics UK, PHIL LANE, told Insight's Iain Wilson more:

Paralympics GB Interview

NB MAGAZINE

New Beacon Magazine is one of a number of in-house RNIB publications.

NB is published monthly and is essential reading for anyone who works with blind or partially sighted people in the field of eye health or rehabilitation.

James Butterworth has been speaking with the editor, Ann Lee to find out what’s in the July Edition:

NB Magazine Interview

ANGELEYES NORTHERN IRELAND

If you are the parent of a blind or partially sighted child - are you getting the help and support you need?

In some parts of the UK services for mums and dads aren't as comprehensive as they should be.

But in Northern Ireland one mother decided to take matters into her own hands.

Sarah McCracken is the Chair of the charity, Angel Eyes:

Sarah McCracken Interview

CHARLES BONNET SYNDROME

It isn't uncommon for people who lose their sight to suffer from hallucinations.

This is a recognised condition and it's known as Charles Bonnet Syndrome.

Insight Radio's Sara Allen found out more

Charles Bonnet Syndrome Report

SHAW TRUST

A national charity which helps people with disabilities find employment has recently given out an award for website accessibility.

West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive was recognised by The Shaw Trust for their consideration for disabled internet users when creating its website.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell found out more.

Shaw Trust Report

DLA Confirmation 

The RNIB have been calling for those people with severe sight loss to be entitled to the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.

James Butterworth in our London studio asked the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller, whether the new coalition government will be honouring this pledge first made by the Labour administration.

This is what she had to say.

DLA Confirmation

Ask The Minister

Last month Maria Miller was announced as the new Minister for Disabled people.

Insight Radio's London reporter James Butterworth spoke with her yesterday and took the opportunity to find out a little bit more about the Minister and MP for Basingstoke.

They discussed jobs, travel and the changes to the DLA.

First of all, James asked her why she thought she was qualified to represent disabled people.

Ask The Minister

Unity Festival

All this week in Cardiff, the Wales Millennium Centre and the Pierhead Building play host to the Unity Festival, a series of performances and celebrations organised by Mencap and Disability Arts Cymru to name just two.

Chris Tally Evans, who is partially sighted, is putting on a show on Thursday 1st July, Gareth Knight from Insight's Cardiff Studio has been talking to Chris and asked him to explain more about the Festival:

And if you'd like to book tickets the number to call is 029 20 63 64 64.

Unity Festival

Visibly Better

Visibly Better is a scheme set up to make housing associations think about the simple things they can do to make life easier for residents who may have sight loss.

Sara Allen from Insight's Cardiff studio has been finding out more

Visibly Better

Most people know how important it is to have working smoke alarms fitted in your home…

And there are many other ways to protect yourself from house fires.

But when a lot of hazards are visual how do you make your home risk-free if you have no or low vision?

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Catharine Page; a blind woman who has benefitted from a risk assessment…

But spoke first to Carmel Warren who is the risk reduction manager for the Lichfield Area Command of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue service.

Catherine Paige

Technology

Many blind and partially sighted people use audio recorders to take notes and set reminders.

But how do you know which one is most suitable for you and the best value for money.

Well, for people in and around the Glasgow area RNIB Scotland is hoping an event later today will help.

Value For Money Report

Who Inspires You

Every week we give one of you the chance to tell us what and who has inspired you in your life.

It's an opportunity to acknowledge friends and family who've helped you along the way and to say thanks to those who've always been there.

This week we're talking to a man whose sight has been deteriorating for the past 7 years.

Steve's Inspiration

And if you'd like to tell us where the inspiration lies in your life…

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Blind Art

A blind photographer from Edinburgh is displaying her work as part of the Edinburgh Arts Festival.

Thousands of people from all over the world will be able to experience the fully - accessible work of Rosita McKenzie.

We asked Rosita more about what people can expect.

Rosita McKenzie Interview

Extreme Sports

Over the years on Insight Radio we've spoken to many blind and partially sighted people who have pushed themselves to the limit physically.

Bungee jumping, rock-climbing and sky-diving are just some of the activities we've interviewed some extreme sports fanatics about.

Now, Insight Radio's Allan Russell has found another dare devil!

He spoke to Hein Wagner who holds the blind land speed record.

Hein Wagner Interveiw

Lisburn

It's hoped an innovative new project for visually impaired people will make a city in Northern Ireland a model of excellence in the UK.

A project called Lisburn in Focus was able to launch after the Big Lottery Fund’s Safe and Well programme granted more than 7-hundred thousand pounds.

Insight's leeanne Coyle reports

Your Story

Behind every person is a different story…

And here on Insight Radio we've been giving you the chance to get in touch and tell us about you.

We want to know about your visual impairment, how it's affected your life and any words of wisdom you may have for other blind or partially sighted people.

This week we're speaking to a young man from Bolton who is getting married next year.

Mike's Story

And if you'd like to tell Insight Radio your Story you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dvd

The UK's leading sight loss charity is warning that one in three people with a learning disability might also have a sight problem.

RNIB says thousands of visual impairments could go undiagnosed because traditional eye examination techniques are ineffective on people with communicative problems.

A DVD has now been created to train opticians and optometrists.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle reports.

New Training For Optometrists

Link

There is an indisputable link between learning disabilities and sight loss.

RNIB estimate 80 per cent of people with learning difficulties will have sight problems as well.

Frances Miller is the UK Vision and Learning Disabilities services manager for RNIB.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle asked her to what extent people in Britain are affected by both conditions

Uk Vision Manager

Polls apart

Facilities at polling stations for disabled people during the 2010 General Election campaign "left a lot to be desired", according to a new survey.

The disability advocacy charities Capability Scotland and Scope found that poor access was the biggest problem, prompting a call for the Scottish Government to introduce internet and text voting.

Research carried out by the charities showed that 67% of polling stations across the UK had one or more significant access barriers.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Suzie Fitten who is the Senior Policy Advisor for disability charity Capability Scotland.

Susie Fitten Interview

Inspire Feature - Sandra 

Who inspires you in your life? 

That's the question we've been asking you.  

We want to know who and what picks you up when you're down and who has helped you get to where you are today.

You can let us know at www.insightradio.co.uk but this week we're hearing from soprano singer, Sandra.

What Inspires Sandra?

Talking Books

Reading is a pastime most of us enjoy…

But if you don't have sight you have to find another way to enjoy your favourite books.

Around 40-thousand blind and partially sighted people in the UK listen to talking books.

Insight Radio's Robert Kirkwood spoke to Veteran talking books listener, Margaret Wylie.

Talking Books Listener

Laser

There are fears a children's laser toy due to arrive in the UK shortly could blind people.

The Spider 3 Pro-Artic cost a hundred and thirty five thousand pounds and has been described as the most dangerous laser ever created.

It seems officials aren't sure how to stop it coming into the country and some eye health representatives are concerned.

John Colton from Lucid Optical Services told Insight's Simon Pauley more.

Personal Safety

Do you have advice on how to stay safe as a blind or partially sighted person?

Well, RNIB would like to hear from you!

It's joined forces with another charity to pull together useful information to help you avoid risky situations.

Joe Rodriguez is the Health, safety and Environment Manager for RNIB and the driving force behind the project.

Insight's Leeanne coyle found out more from Joe, but spoke first to Anne Elidge who is the Director of Personal safety with the Suzie Lamplugh

Stay Safe Advice 

Your Story

If you're blind or partially sighted - have you ever wondered how your life would be different if you had full sight? 

That's just one of the many questions we're asking as part of our YOUR STORY feature. 

We're giving you the chance to talk about your life and this week we're speaking to Richard from Northern Ireland.

Richard's Story

It's Learning Disability Week

It's been revealed that nearly half of doctors feel that people with learning disabilities receive a poorer standard of healthcare.

The news comes on this Learning Disability week.

The disability charity MENCAP surveyed over 1-thousand healthcare professionals.

Many of them saw discrimination from fellow colleagues.

David Congdon is from the charity:

Mencap Interview 

Dancing's not for Squares!

Are you looking for a new hobby or a new activity to take up?  

Well Square Dancing could be it.  

The Square Dance Callers Association is on a national push to find new members for this social and fun activity.  

Insight Radio's, James Butterworth in our London studio has been speaking with Susie Kelly who first took up Square Dancing in the 50's:

Square Dancing with Suzie 

Edinburgh people

A blind photographer is displaying her work as part of the Edinburgh Arts Festival.

Thousands of people from all over the world will be able to experience the fully - accessible work of Rosita McKenzie.

We asked Rosita more about what people can expect:

Edinburgh People Exhibition Interview

Learning Disability Week

Nearly a quarter of a million disabled people in the UK are being denied access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs, forcing carers to change disabled loved-ones on dirty toilet floors. 

Those are the findings of research commissioned by the charity Mencap. 

There are currently only 170 accessible changing places in the UK and Mencap are calling for more. 

Steven Scott spoke to the mother of 10 year old Toby, who has learning disabilities… But first to BBC investigative journalist and Mencap ambassador, Donal MacIntyre:

Changing Places Campaign interview 

The Changing Places campaign was launched last year during Learning Disability week. 

Since then nearly a hundred more accessible changing places have been installed across the UK. 

We wanted to find out how it has changed the lives of those affected: 

Bethan and Lowrie's Story

Mencap launch a new campaign every year to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities.

This year it will focus on the Getting it right campaign to improve the rights of people with a learning disability to equal healthcare.

If you'd like to find out how you can get involved visit www.mencap.org.uk 

Eye Health Week

As part of National Eye Health week, Insight Radio's Allan Russell wanted to find out how our eyes develop and the checks we should be doing to keep them in good condition.

Robert Morris is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon with the Optegra eye clinic.

He began by looking at what kind of checks are carried out on the eyes of new born babies.

Robert Morris Interview

Blind Photographers

An exhibition displaying the work of blind and partially sighted photographers is opening next month.

The work of several members of the Revealed project will be available to view in Edinburgh…

And unlike other exhibitions there will be several formats in which you can experience the photographs including a tactile version created by the artists themselves.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Rosita McKenzie, who is behind the project

Rosita McKenzie Interview

WILLOWBANK TX

Pupils from a Glasgow Primary school have been taught a lesson about their eye sight.

9 to 11 year olds at Willowbank School have been learning how to protect their vision on this: National Eye Health Week.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle has this report

Protection Of Eyes

If you'd like to get more information on how to look after your eyes you can visit www.visionmatters.org.uk/

More than 50 per cent of people with sight loss have some sort of learning difficulty.

And with Learning Disability week coming up RNIB is making moves to remind people what they can do to help.

One facility near Glasgow is inviting those affected either directly or otherwise to an open day to find out more about what's on offer.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle found out more from Karen Leonard who is a Day Assessment Service Co-ordinator at RNIB Springfield service.

Karen Leonard Interview

UK Vision 2010

With the government warning that the UK's fiscal deficit is even greater than first feared, it almost seems inevitable that the services we've all been used to receiving in recent years could now come under threat.

David Blunkett addressed delegates at the Vision UK 2010 conference in Birmingham earlier this week.

Our reporter James Butterworth asked him how blind and partially sighted people can ensure cuts do not affect them?

David Blunket Interview

Screening Test

'Sharing the Challenge, Making it Happen' was the title of the Vision UK 2010 conference, hosted by the RNIB in Birmingham.

Professor Jan Keunen is the chairman and co-founder of VISION 2020 in the Netherlands.

He's recently designed a screening test for elderly people in nursing homes, who were found to be at risk of suffering from avoidable blindness.

Outreach work was conducted by eye health specialists, who visited nursing homes around the country in mobile buses.

Jan was invited to share his experiences with delegates at the UK Vision 2010 conference.

Insight Radio's James Butterworth spoke with him afterwards.

Jan's Interview

Guide Dogs

At the end of March this year, Richard Leaman became the new Chief Executive of Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Speaking to Insight Radio at the Vision UK 2010 Conference he told James Butterworth what he hoped to bring to the role and outlined what he thought were the potential challenges to his organisation.

Richard's Interview

Wales Vision Strategy

So we've heard from some of the delegates at the Vision UK 2010 conference in Birmingham and we know what the main aims of the event are:

Ending avoidable sight loss and improving services for blind and partially sighted people.

But what about the four countries of the UK?

Are they developing their own strategies?

It seems so and Insight Radio's Sara Allen was at the Wales Vision strategy last week.

Wales Startegy Report

Eye Health

Across the UK, National Eye Health Week is spreading the importance of getting regular eye health checks.

Sara Allen from Insight's Cardiff Studio reports now on the work being done in Wales.

Sara's Report

Your Story

If you're blind or partially sighted - have you ever wondered how your life would be different if you had full sight?

That's just one of the many questions we're asking as part of our YOUR STORY feature.

We're giving you the chance to talk about your life and this week we're speaking to Taz from South Africa

Taz's Story

And if you'd like to tell us your story email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the studio on 0845 602 0025.

Disability Pride

Saturday saw the second disability pride Cymru take place at the Oval basin in Cardiff Bay.

Insight Radio's Sara Allen went along to find out what the event entails.

Sara's Report

Good Vibrations

A music and arts centre for disabled people has been recognised by the United Nations as a fully accessible venue.

Touchbase, which is part of the deafblind charity, Sense Scotland has been awarded UNESCO status.

Touchbase Report

And that website again is -

www.sensescotland.org.uk or you can call 0141 429 0294

Eye Health week

It's National Eye Health week and its aim is to remind you how important it is to look after your eyes.

Sight loss, obesity and lifestyle habits are all factors that affect your sight…

Eye-care professionals are urging you, even if you're visually impaired, to get your eyes checked regularly.

We asked these people when they last visited the opticians.

Eye Health Week Report

Diabetes

The number of under-fives in Europe with type one diabetes is set to double between 2000 and 5 and 2000 and 20.

That's according to researchers from Ireland and Hungary who also warn that cases in older children will also rise substantially.

The experts have published a study which reports genetics alone cannot account for the rapid rise, and suggest lifestyle factors are likely to play a role.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle found out more from the report's lead author and reader in medical statistics in Queens University in Belfast, Doctor Chris Patterson.

Diabetes Report

Looktel

Now, if you are blind or partially sighted, take a moment to imagine a world where you can see everything around you, without ever regaining your sight.

Well, it may soon be possible, thanks to the work being carried out by US company iVisit.

They have developed a piece of software called Looktel, that uses the in built camera in mobile phones to read out loud what it 'sees'.

The software is still in early development, but is promising to be lifechanging to many visually impaired people.

Early Edition has been investigating the software, and speaking to the CEO of iVisit to find out more.

Looktel Report

Techshare

Now, for visually impaired fans of gadgets and the latest technology, Birmingham is the place to be today.

Techshare Mobile 2010 starts this morning and aims to showcase the latest tech and will feature key speakers, including keynotes from Research In Motion and Nokia and other workshop leaders from the world of mobile technology.

Insight's James Butterworth is in Birmingham today

Techshare Report

Uk Vision

Today is an important day in the calendar for those working in the field of sight loss.

For the first time, visually impaired people, eye health and social care professionals, and statutory and voluntary organisations, have come together to improve eye care and sight loss services.

The UK Vision Strategy is launched in Birmingham today - our reporter James Butterworth is in the city for us today.

Vision Srategy Report

Livability

One of the UK's leading disability charities has found a new way to let its supporters know where their money is going.

Livability has signed up to an innovative, new fundraising website called See the Difference which uses the medium of film to illustrate how donations are used.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to the charity's fundraiser, Oliver Williams who has been working on the project

Olliver Williams Interview

Find out more at http://www.seethedifference.org/

Visionary

There are hundreds of sight loss charities across the UK all striving to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

The most well-known charity is RNIB but how do smaller associations get their voice heard?

Well, over one-hundred and twenty charities are members of an association called Visionary which aims to strengthen and support smaller organisations.

Angela Tinker is the Chief Executive of Visionary.

Angela Tinker Interview

Find out more information at http://www.visionary.org.uk/

Your Story

If you're blind or partially sighted - have you ever wondered how your life would be different if you had full sight?

That's just one of the many questions we're asking as part of our YOUR STORY feature.

We're giving you the chance to talk about your life and this week we're speaking to Taz from South Africa.

Taz's Story

Blind American Pop Star 

A blind teenager from the US, who has always dreamt of being a pop-star, is finally being noticed in her home state of Washington.

The songs of 19 year old Alyssa Sanchez are being played in local radio stations and people are beginning to recognize her talent.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alyssa to find out how it all came about.

Alyssa Sanchez

The 2010 World Cup begins later today as hosts South Africa take on Mexico in the opening game of the tournament’s group stages.

For fans and players alike the road to the finals has been a long one.

But for one player in particular, the chance to play in the biggest sporting competition in the world almost didn’t happen.

USA defender Jay de Merit explains how a piece of dirt under his contact lens left him needing expert medical treatment to restore his sight and nearly ruined his chances of lining up against England on Saturday.

Jay De Merit Interview

Wales Strategy

A plan to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people has been set up in Wales.

It was launched as part of The UK Vision Strategy which was initially set up in 2008 in response to the World Health Organisation Vision 2020's resolution to reduce avoidable blindness and improve services.

Insight's Sara Allen was at the launch in Cardiff earlier this week.

Sara's Report

Who Inspire's You

Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes,

You might feel inspired by your surroundings or by the people in your life - some people even inspire themselves!

Well, this week for our Inspire Feature Sara Allen in our Cardiff studio spoke to one woman who finds inspiration in everything

Bab's Story

Glaucoma Week

It's International Glaucoma Awareness Week and over the next few days we'll be taking a look at how it affects people's lives and some of the treatments that are available around the world.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell caught up with Mark Renauld (PRON: Ren-oh) from the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Canada.

Numeracy

Research from the University of Leeds shows that vision is not essential to be able to use numbers…

In fact, blind people may have greater abilities than sighted people in some areas of numeracy.

Numeracy Report

If you would like some further reading into numeracy, the RNIB's latest publication of Insight Magazine has been focusing on this topic and hearing from a wide range of experts.

Sun Damage

The summer is finally here and although some places in the UK are still waiting for it… most of us will have been out in the sun already.

We're always being reminded to lather on the sun cream but what about protection for your eyes.

Just because you're visually impaired does not mean your eyes can't be damaged.

Sun Damage Report

Your Story 

Regardless of where you come from or how you've grown up everyone has a story to tell their own story.

And that's exactly what we're giving you the chance to tell here on Insight Radio.

Today we're hearing from a woman whose visual impairment determined how she spent the majority of her childhood.

Linda's Story

Archives

Have you ever wondered how blind and partially sighted people lived in days gone by?

How were they treated by society and what kinds of services were available?

Well, we wanted to find out so we spoke to the man behind the archives at RNIB's National Library.

Phillips Jeffs Interview

And if you would like to find out more about the Archives at RNIB's National Library in Stockport you can contact Philip on 0161 355 2047 or email him on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Glaucoma

Its National Glaucoma week and here on Insight radio we're taking a closer look at the condition.

For example, did you know that you can still develop Glaucoma despite being visually impaired?

Well, Allan Russell spoke to Anne Gilvary from the UK's private surgical eye clinic, Optegra, to find out more.

Anne Gilvary Interview

Go Shop

How many times have you walked into a shop to buy something and given-up within the first few minutes?

Maybe there wasn't a member of staff to assist you or perhaps you couldn't find the product you were looking for.

And then there's the issue of getting to the shops in the first place,

It's fair to say shopping as a blind or partially sighted person isn't always an easy task.

That's why RNIB Scotland have organised the Go Shop awards and here to tell us more is Radio Services manager, Ross Macfadyen.

Victory

This week in Wales, one blind woman won what is being described as a landmark victory against a taxi driver who had refused to take her guide dog.

Sara Allen from Insight's Cardiff Studio has the story.

Landmark Victory

Eye Matters

A forum for young visually impaired people in Northern Ireland has launched a campaign for equality.

The Eye Matter project was set up 7 years ago to give 15 to 30 year olds a voice.

Sharon Jennings from RNIB's Sound Vision Ulster magazine spoke to some of the forum members to find out more.

Sharon Jenning Interview

And if you'd like to hear more of the articles in audio magazine Sound Vision Ulster log on to http://www.soundvisionulster.com/

Unsung Antiquarium

Insight Radio's James Butterworth has been talking with Andy Garbi, a singer and composer who is embarking on a rather unique project called the 'Unsung Antiquarium'.

Andy hopes to use UK heritage sites as performance spaces for his music and is looking for blind and partially sighted volunteers to get involved and experience it first hand.

Andy Garbi Interview

Volunteers

Volunteers are essential to most charities.

Sara Allen from Insight's Cardiff studio has been speaking to a fundraiser for RNIB based in Wales who is looking to recruit some new volunteers.

Volunteer Recruitment

Choroideremia

Every day at Insight Radio we speak to people who live with sight loss but some eye conditions are more unusual then others.

Choroideremia  is an extremely rare disease which is inherited from one or both parents.

What makes this disease extraordinary is that it occurs almost exclusively in males.

Curious to find out more about the condition, Insight Radio's Simon Pauley spoke to Choroideremia sufferer, Nick Tufnell.

Nick Tuffnell Interview

National Glaucoma Awareness Week

Now, all this week is National Glaucoma Awareness Week.

Visual impairment organisations around the UK are teaming up to promote the work being done to try and cut down on the numbers of people contracting the eye disease.

David Wright Interview

Looking Foward

Losing your sight can be extremely difficult to cope with, but can be even harder to deal with when you are on your own.

RNIB's new Looking Forward programme is hoping to combat the isolation felt by so many people around the UK losing their sight.

The programme aims to bring social workers, charity groups and professionals together with those who are in the early stages of sight loss to try and make the experience a little bit more supported.

Pamela Chater Interview

Popsey

Across the UK there are many associations dedicated to helping visually impaired children.

But what if you are looking for support as the parent of a child with vision loss.

Parents of partially sighted and blind youngsters or POPSEY is a charity set up to provide that support.

As Insight Radio’s Simon Pauley found out.

Popsey Interview

Volunteering Week

To help mark Volunteering Week, we've been featuring RNIB volunteers.

Martin Claridge is a Talking Book Servicing Volunteer in the Suffolk area and he's been speaking with James Butterworth in our London studio about his experiences.

Martin Claridge Interview

Blepharospasm 

A pensioner who has an incurable disorder which causes her eyes to clamp shut for days at a time is calling for greater awareness of the condition

Janet Chaston, from Efford, said it took more than two years for doctors to diagnose her with the little-known nerve disorder blepharospasm

Iain Wilson spoke to Janet to find out more about Dystonia.

Janet Chaston Interview

Every week we give one of you the chance to tell us what and who has inspired you in your life.

It's an opportunity to acknowledge friends and family who've helped you along the way and to say thanks to those who've always been there.

This week we're talking to a woman who lost her sight ten years ago.

Salome's Inspiration

England Football Championships

The England partially sighted football team will today, take part in the 4 nations football championships at the royal national college for the blind in Hereford.

The team have been successful in the past but hope to improve further, ahead of the world championships.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Graham Kealey, the England team's head coach, to find out more about the game and their toughest competitor, Spain.

Graham Keeley Interview

Lottery Grant

Action for Blind People have received a grant from the big lottery fund, allowing them to develop their new seed project.

The money will help the charity to develop and expand it's new employment service for blind and partially sighted people.

The 2 pronged attack will see unemployed visually impaired people supported through job searches, cv preparation and interview skills, as well as getting some vital work placement experience.

Employers and social enterprise organisations will also receive information about employing someone with sight loss and the help that is available to support a blind and partially sighted employee.

Insight's Allan Russell spoke to Kerry Chase, marketing officer with Action to find out more about the project.

Kerry Chase Interview

Psychology of Shopping

Simon Pauley finds out about the techniques that supermarkets use to influence what we buy,

Simon  chats with Dr James Intriligator and expert on the Psychology of the Supermarket.

Dr James Intriligator Interview

Your Story

For the past few weeks we've been giving you the chance on the Early Edition to tell us your story.

"What's your visual impairment?" And "How does it affect your life?" are just two of the questions we've been asking on the feature.

And this week a woman from Lanarkshire is telling us more about her life.

Jen's Story

iPAD

The UK’s leading sight loss charity is calling on manufacturers to follow in the footsteps of Apple in the accessibility stakes.

RNIB's appeal comes as the i-PAD is launched with built-in software that lets blind and partially sighted people use it.

Zoom and Voiceover are just two of the features.

Steven Scott spoke to RNIB's principle manager of the Digital Accessibility team, Robin Spinks and Sandi Wassmer who is an i-Pad user and is registered blind, to find out their thoughts on the new gadget.

iPad Discussion

A charity which took the US government to court over the accessibility of bank notes is celebrating after its campaign was successful.

Dollar bills are all the same size which makes it practically impossible for blind and partially sighted people to differentiate between them.

The American Council of the Blind lodged the legal action against the government to ensure all new notes printed will be accessible

Melanie Brunson is the executive director.

Allan Russell spoke to her to find out more about the charity and its campaign.

Melanie Brunson Interview

Eye Gaze

Researchers in London are looking for blind or visually impaired parents with sighted babies to take part in their study.

Birk Beck Babylab is trying to find out why infants with blind parents are just as socially intelligent as those with sighted parents despite the lack of visual cues.

London Researchers Interview

Storytelling

How were blind and partially sighted people treated in the Victorian Age?

RNIB is putting on a storytelling day to depict what life would have been like if you were born 150 years ago.

The event is run by a professional story teller and is open to visually impaired children aged between 7 and 12 years old.

Philip Jeffs from the RNIB National Library service in Stockport told Leeanne Coyle what they're hoping everyone will get out of it.

Phillip Jeffs Interview

Access Africa

For the past 15 years a major conference has been held in Africa to try to promote rehabilitation and independence for visually impaired people.

The next African Forum is taking place in July 2011 in Ghana and will be called 'Access Africa.'

The conference will take a closer look at how technology can improve the lives of those affected by sight loss.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to RNIB's Principle Manager of Digital Accessibility…

But first, here's the coordinator of the Africa Forum, Doctor Audrey Webson, talking from Ghana.

Dr Audrey Webson Interview 

ipad

The UK's leading sight loss charity is congratulating Apple for the creation of the iPAD.

RNIB says inbuilt features like Zoom and Voiceover make for an accessible product.

The much-hyped Apple gadget is a cross between a laptop and an iPod and will cost from 429 pounds to almost 700.

Dan Grabham - the deputy editor of TechRadar dot com - has been using one for one a while.

Dan Grabham Interview

Puppets

Visually impaired children in Kent are in for a treat tomorrow as they're being invited to take part in a day of art.

Six to sixteen year olds in Medway and Gravesend are getting the chance to make their own puppets and take part in a show.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to local artist, Wendy Daws, who is hosting the day.

Wendy Daws Interview

Volunteer

This week we're celebrating Volunteer Week by showcasing four volunteers who each undertake four different jobs for the RNIB.

Today, we're highlighting volunteer David Block who gives up his time as a public speaker.

Here, he is addressing a local Rotary club and thanking them for their support.

David Block Interview

Who Inspires You

Now, if asked, most people would say that they didn't get to where they are in life completely on their own.

Whether it is a parent, sibling or a teacher… most people would cite someone else as being an inspiration to them.

Well, here at Insight we wanted to find out who are the people behind the person.

This week we're hearing from a blind man from Bedfordshire.

Mohammed's Inspiration

Technology is a wide and varied field which many people shy away from whilst others become obsessed with it.

And when it comes to technology designed purely for blind and partially sighted people…. we're moving into a whole other realm.

So to ensure it's all within reach to you - the UK's leading sight loss charity, RNIB, has a team dedicated to Digital Accessibility.

We decided to find out what they're working on.

RNIB's Accessibility Interview

Alcohol Awareness

Students have always had the reputation for having wild nights out and experimenting socially but the latest trend has been described as ‘obscene.’

Young drinkers are consuming alcoholic shots through their eye-balls in an attempt to get drunk quicker.

The frightening fad has swept the UK and now anti-alcohol campaigners are warning it could be just a matter of time before someone loses their sight.

Insight Radio’s Leeanne Coyle spoke to Frank Soo-deen, the head of public affairs at Alcohol Concern UK to find out more.

Frank Soo-Deen Interview

Research Project

Are you a visually impaired mother with children under the age of ten?

If so you could contribute to a potentially ground breaking research project.

Helen Molden is studying counselling, psychology and psychotherapy at the Metanoia Institute and Middlesex University.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Helen to find out more about the study.

Helen Molden Interview

And if you're a visually impaired mum and interested in taking part in the study you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for Helen's contact details.

Who Inspire's You

Over the past few months we've been asking you "Who or What Inspires YOU?"

And it's fair to say everyone always has an interesting answer to this question.

If you'd like to take part you can email us here at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Stephan's Inspiration

Have Your Say

Do you have something to say that you think the rest of the world ought to know?

Well, you have the opportunity to do it online with a new podcast service that has been set up for blind and partially sighted people.

Richard Howarth, who is blind himself, set the website up and told Insight's Leeanne Coyle more about it.

Richard Howarth Interview

Laptop

A blind student has had her specially-adapted laptop stolen during an overnight coach trip to London.

The one-thousand plus computer was taken from the hold after Maria Apaza Marchaqa was told it was too bulky to take on board.

Now the business administration student and part-time musician feels cut off from the rest of the world and is worried about being able to pay her rent.

She told Insight's leeanne Coyle what happened.

Apaza Marchaqa Intervew

A spokeswoman for National Express said: "We apologise to Maria for the inconvenience this has caused and we have been in touch to offer some compensation for the loss."

The spokeswoman said that hand luggage could only be taken on board if it fitted in the overhead luggage racks or under seats.

Young Minds

A third of parents in the UK with disabled children are not getting the help they need.

That's according to a survey carried out by Young Minds: a charity that provides emotional support for young people with disabilities and their carers.

A poll of 100 mothers and fathers showed that services could be improved as Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle found out when she spoke to Clare Usiskin from Young Minds

Clarie Usiskin Interview 

Your StoryThose of you who lost your sight later in life will no doubt have a story to tell about that experience.

It can not only change the direction your life is taking but can also alter your whole outlook on life,

For YOUR STORY this week we spoke to a young man from Stranraer in Southern Scotland.

Robert's Story

Cash Manager

Over the years assistive technology for blind and partially sighted people has become an industry in its own right.

But some areas still need worked on…

Accounts software, for example, has been inaccessible until now.

Cash Manager Report

Durham Uni

A new computer technique could help people with loss of sight through brain damage.

Researchers at Durham University believe the exercise could improve lives considerably.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Nicola Burlison who has benefited from the technique but first asked Alison Lane, who is a research associate at the university, why the study was set up.

Nicola Burlison Interview

Musicians

It's often been thought that musical talent and blindness are linked…

And now there's proof in the form of research conducted by a musician from the Institute of Education.

Professor Adam Ockleford has spent many years working with children with sight loss and says their brains react differently to sound…

As Insight Radio's Simon Pauley found out.

Professor Adam Ockleford Interview

Education For All

The World Cup in South Africa is fast approaching… but one of Britain's leading international sight loss charities has its eye on another

Sight Savers International has embarked on a project called 'Education for All' which it's trying to tie in with the world cup.

Insight's Allan Russell spoke to Rachel Heald  from the charity to find out more.

Rachel Heald Interview

Events Info

A series of information events being held in Glasgow are aiming to make the lives of blind and partially sighted people easier.

Low-vision aids, daisy players and note-taking devices are just some of the assistive aids the RNIB events will be focusing on.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to organiser and Lead Technology officer for RNIB, Jo Fullerton.

Jo Fullerton Interview

Open Day

More than 50 per cent of people with sight loss have some sort of learning difficulty.

And with Learning Disability week coming up RNIB is making moves to remind people what they can do to help.

One facility near Glasgow is inviting those affected either directly or otherwise to an open day to find out more about what's on offer.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle found out more from Karen Leonard who is a Day Assessment Service Co-ordinator at RNIB Springfield service.

Karen's Interview

Booklet

With the world cup just a matter of weeks away do you have all the information you need to keep up to speed?

Well, if you're a football fan with low or no vision there's good news.

The UK's leading sight loss charity has produced a World Cup booklet in several accessible formats.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle got the reaction of blind football fan, Mark Wright but spoke first to the man behind the move, John Whytock who is an RNIB product manager.

John Whytock

Free Eye Test

Now, we've been told that June the 22nd is the date for the New Coalition Government's emergency budget

Six billion pounds worth of savings is what they're looking for and there's concern that might include the demise of the free-eye-test in Scotland.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell spoke to the Director of RNIB Scotland but first asked Peter Carson, the Chairman of Optometry Scotland, if this is a real concern.

Peter Carson Interview

Sight Seeing 

Three new tours voiced by Carol Smillie, Vanessa Feltz and Marcus Bentley will allow Brits to visit familiar sights of some of our nation's most famous cities whilst experiencing how it might feel to lose your sight.

James Butterworth went to the London launch to find out more.

New Tour Voice's

Your Story

Those of you who lost your sight later in life will no doubt have a story to tell about that experience.

It can not only change the direction your life is taking but can also alter your whole outlook on life.

For YOUR STORY this week we spoke to a young man from Stranraer in Southern Scotland.

Robert's Story

Charity Cycle

Would you cycle 7-hundred kilometres to raise money for charity?

Well, that's exactly what a young, blind man from Donegal in Ireland is doing.

He's travelling from the most Southerly point in the country to the most northerly on a tandem bike.

National Eye Health week

June 14th marks the start of National Eye Health Week.

Part of a three year project supported by the Eye Health Sector.

In Wales, a leading politician has offered her support by agreeing to spend the day wearing glasses that simulate age related macular degeneration.

Sara allen from Insight's Cardiff Studio went along to the National Assembly for Wales to find out more.

Who Inspires YouEvery week we give you the chance to tell us who or what inspires you in your life.

It can be seen as a chance to thank those who supported you through the toughest times or perhaps to reflect on what you appreciate most about life.

Today we are speaking to teenager, Lauren, who has been inspired by many people in her life

Lauren's Inspiration

And if you'd like the chance to tell us who Inspires you. email us This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .u

Or call us on 0845 602 0025

South Wales New Service 

For many people who are blind or partially sighted, the support and friendship they get through clubs and societies can be a lifeline.

Today in South Wales, new services are being launched which have been described as a revolution.

Sara Allen from Insight's Cardiff studio has the story.

New Lifeline Interview

Eye Test

An eye test is something that we all should be having regularly, regardless of what level of vision we have.

This proved to be the case recenlty when 78 year old Frank Banks attended an appointment at his local branch of Specsavers in Worcester.

Frank had noticed his vision was changing and fortunately took action sooner rather than later.

Frank's Interview

Film Makers

A regional film agency for the South East of England has launched an assistive website for young, budding deaf and disabled film makers.

'Screen south' is the group behind new initiative U-Screen: which hopes to become a gateway for creative minds who want to put their talents to test.

The project is in partnership with ITFC - the UK's main Audio Description provider and Insight Radio's Allan Russell spoke to its managing editor, James O'Hara.

Screen South Report

But first he caught up with Elspeth Turnbull the youth coordinator at Screen South.

YOUR STORY

The story of your life is one you don't get to tell very often.

But here at Insight Radio we are giving you the chance to tell us more about yourself.

This week we're hearing from a young lady from Glasgow who is a language student at university

Jen's Story

And if you'd like to do the same you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us on 0845 602 0025.

Club

A group for visually impaired people in Ledbury near Worcester is looking for new members.

The V.I.P.s provides support and social activities for people of all ages in the area.

Patricia Wilkin has been running the club for over a year.

Patrica Wilkin Interview

Sound Design

Two students from one of the world's leading media schools are looking into the way blind people experience cinema.

Chloe Lambourne and Jens  Peterson are studying masters at The National Film and Television School just outside of London.

They want to speak to you about what you think of audio description and film accessibility in general.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to both partners involved in the project.

She started by asking Chloe Lambourne why they decided on researching this particular subject.

Film Accessibility

And if you'd like to contact us here at the station and you'd like to take part you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The deadline is Thursday the 20th of May so please make sure you make contact before then.

NFB

Here at Insight Radio we like to catch up with our U.S. cousins to find out what's been happening across the pond.

Once a month Allan Russell speaks to Chris Danielson who works at one of America's leading sight loss charities; the National Federation of the Blind.

This time Allan started by asking Chris about the good news in regards to the charity's president.

Chris Danielson Interview

Who Inspire's You

Every week we give you the chance to tell us who or what inspires you in your life.

It can be seen as a chance to thank those who supported you through the toughest times or perhaps to reflect on what you appreciate most about life.

Today we are speaking to teenager, Lauren, who has been inspired by many people in her life.

Lauren's Inspiration

And if you'd like the chance to tell us who Inspires you… email us This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .u

Gaint Cell Arthritis Part 1

A top television executive has gone public about suffering from a condition which is one of the most common forms of blindness in the UK.

Dorothy Byrne, who is head of news and current affairs at Channel Four, is hoping to raise awareness of the dangers of Polymyalgia Rheumatica  and Giant cell Arthritis.

Dorothy was lucky as her sight was saved but thousands of others have gone blind unnecessarily.

But first let's find out more about the condition from an expert in the field - Professor Bhaskar Dasgupta  from Southend University Hospital in Essex.

Professor Baskar Dasgupta Interview

And stay tuned as we'll be speaking to the head of news and current affairs at Channel Four who was recently diagnosed with both conditions.

Giant Cell Arthritis Part 2

Now, earlier on the programme we told you about a condition that's one of the most common forms of blindness in the UK.

You may not have heard of it but Polymyalgia Rheumatica together with Giant Cell Arthritis can cause intolerable pain and potential blindness.

Recently the head of news and current affairs at Channel Four, Dorothy Byrne, was diagnosed with the both conditions as Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle found out.

Dorothy Byrnes Interview

RLSB

London is the UK's most populated city - with nearly 8 million people living in there.

So if you're blind or partially sighted how can you ensure you don't slip through the net when it comes to getting what support and services you need?

Well, aside from RNIB, there is another leading sight loss organisation that serves the UK's capital.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Shazia Younus from the Royal London Society for the Blind.

Shazia Younus Interview

Guide Dogs

An issue which strikes a chord with many blind and partially sighted people is public transport.

But there are organisations and charities that make it their job to get your voices heard.

Sara Allen from Insight's Cardiff Studio has this report.

Guide Dogs Report

75th Birthday

Cardiff School of Optometry is 75 years old this year.

To mark the occasion the school has organised an Optometry Exhibition.

Sara Allen from Insight's Cardiff Studio has been along to find out how more.

Special Signing

A woman who pioneered a revolutionary form of signing for blind children with additional needs has been put forward for an award.

Mary Lee, a principle teacher at Edinburgh's Royal Blind School, has been nominated for a Scottish Government Education accolade.

Insight Radio's Simon Pauley got Mary's reaction to being recognised for her work.

Your Story

Now here at Insight Radio we ask one of you every week to tell us your story.

Some of you have told us about how being blind has changed your life while others like to talk about how they've managed to overcome their sight loss to achieve their dreams.

Whatever, the case may be, we want to hear what you have to say...

And this week we're hearing from Guitar teacher, Wendy Leckerman from Glasgow.

Wendy's Story

A lecturer at one of the UK's leading colleges for the blind has been nominated for an award.

Amanda Hemmer from Royal National College in Hereford has been put forward as one of Britain's top 100 to make people smile.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell got her reaction.

Amanda Hemmer Interview

Resource Centre

A sight loss charity in Coventry is keeping its doors open despite all odds.

The Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind in Earlsdon had its official funding withdrawn in March but have managed to survive by fundraising.

Patricia Griffiths is one of the volunteers who helps to run the charity and she told Insight's Leeanne Coyle why they fought to keep the centre open.

Patrica Griffiths Interview

Ireland's Strategy

The Irish Government must set out a plan to stop preventable blindness.

That's the plea from sight loss charities across Ireland.

There are claims nothing is being done despite predictions that cases of blindness will soar by 1-hundred and seventy per cent over the next 25 years.

Avril Daley is the general manger of Fighting Blindness and the Chair person of VISPA: the Vision Impaired Service Providers Alliance.

Avril Daley Interview

Sound Design

Two students from one of the world's leading media schools are looking into the way blind people experience cinema.

Chloe Lambourne and Jens {YENS} Peterson are studying masters at The National Film and Television School just outside of London.

They want to speak to you about what you think of audio description and film accessibility in general.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to both partners involved in the project.

She started by asking Chloe Lambourne why they decided on researching this particular subject

Chloe Lambourne Interview

The deadline is Thursday the 20th of May so please make sure you make contact before then.

Bollywood

Visually impaired movie fans are celebrating after the first Bollywood film was released in cinemas with audio description.

RNIB's media and culture department has been campaigning for the move for a number of years…

And it looks like the hard work has paid off as feature film - "My Name is Khan" has been made fully accessible for visually impaired Hindi speakers.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to blind film fan, Bhanuben Dhabi  but first let's hear from the woman behind the ongoing campaign, Sunali Rai  who's RNIB's International Development Officer.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a country of just under 5 million people with 2 hundred and 50 guide dog owners.

That compares to over 4 thousand in the UK.

As part of Insight International Allan Russell spoke to Paul Metcalf who is head of Guide Dog services at Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.

Paul Metcalf Part 1 

And stay tuned to hear more about Guide Dog services in New Zealand with part 2 of Allan Russell's interview with Paul Metcalf.

New Zealand

Now earlier on the programme we brought you the first part of an interview that Insight's Allan Russell did with Paul Metcalf from the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.

Paul's head of Guide Dog services and Allan's been finding out more about what he does.

Sightvillage Overseas

The biggest exhibition for blind and partially sighted people in the UK is taking its wares overseas.

Sight Village, which has been running for a number of years, will now include two dates in Ireland.

Ray Piggott is the business development officer from Queen Alexandra College in Birmingham.

He is chief organiser of all the Sight Village events.

He told Insight's Leeanne Coyle why he decided to branch out to Cork and Dublin

Ray's Interview

Who Inspire's You

Over the past few months we've been asking you "Who or What Inspires YOU?"

And it's fair to say everyone always has an interesting answer to this question.

If you'd like to take part you can email us here at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it -

Today we're hearing from Stephan Yower from Germany who lost his sight at the age of 6.

Stephan's Story

Blind Art

Many blind and partially sighted people may feel excluded from experiencing art in an exhibition setting.

But a collection with a difference has been launched… it's interactive and invites you to touch, smell and listen.

Insight Radio's Sara Allen has this report.

Interactive Collection

RNIB Join Forces

A new charity has been set up to support blind and partially sighted people in parts of South Wales.

It's the result of RNIB Cymru and the Cardiff Institute of the Blind joining forces.

Sara Allen at our Insight Cardiff Studios spoke to locality development manger, Rebecca Jones to find out more.

Sightsavers

One of the UK's leading international sight loss charities is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Sightsavers International works in countries around the world in a bid to tackle preventable blindness.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell spoke to the charity's Chief Executive, Caroline Harper.

Striding Out

The UK's leading sight loss charity has launched a new project to help people who have just lost their sight.

Two programmes of workshops designed for people who are still coming to terms with their blindness will be run by RNIB.

'Striding Out' has been set up as part of the 'Finding your Feet' project which has been available for the past 8 years.

Niall McMurtry is the Next Steps Project Development Officer.

He told Insight Radio's Allan Russell how the new programme fits in with the Finding Your Feet scheme.

Nail McMurty Interview

Charity Launch

A charity has been launched to raise awareness about two conditions that are relatively unknown but can cause sight loss.

It is feared that doctors on the front line often do not recognise the early warning signs of these conditions, or know about some of their more serious complications.

Awareness Report

Research Project

A research project that aims to make surfing the web easier for visually impaired people is being funded by Google.

The team at Manchester University received 50 - thousand pounds from the world's leading search engine.

They've already developed a prototype screen reader that has proved successful.

Dr Andrew Brown Interview

Science Challenge

Visually impaired students have taken part in a science challenge and gained a prestigious award.

The University of Worcester hosted a Creativity in Engineering, Science and Technology day in its new laboratories.

Students from New College Worcester and mainstream schools worked on a challenge to win an award from the British Science Association and succeeded.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle got more from the head of science at New College Worcester, Sarah Hughes.

Sarah Hughes Interview 

Your Story

If you're blind or partially sighted - have you ever wondered how your life would be different if you had full sight?

That's just one of the many questions we're asking as part of our YOUR STORY feature.

We're giving you the chance to talk about your life and this week we're speaking to Richard from Northern Ireland.

Richard's Story

And if you'd like to tell us your story email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the studio on 0845 602 0025.

The Election: Potential Impact on Blind and Partially Sighted People

You can't fail to notice that the country is preparing for a general election. But what will this mean for RNIB and the blind and partially sighted people for whom we work? Listen to RNIB's UK Parliamentary Manager Dan Scorer talk in two short audio clips.

In the first clip Dan talks about the main improvements for blind and partially sighted people during the last parliament and whether a new government will affect any of these.

RNIB and the Election - audio clip part 1  

In the second clip Dan talks about the potential impact of the forthcoming election for RNIB's work and how we plan to engage with new MPs.

RNIB and the Election - audio clip part 2

First Time Voting

Now yesterday on the Early Edition we brought you a feature about voting for the first time as a blind person.

We've been speaking to Lauren Faye from Glasgow who will be taking advantage of her right to vote for the first time tomorrow.

We've already asked her about how she accessed information but now let's find out more about how she will actually carry out the act of voting:

FIRST TIME VOTING - ABILITY TO VOTE

Now, it's time to hear what she hopes her efforts in voting will bring to her future.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle asked Lauren what she is hoping from the new government.

FIRST TIME VOTING - NEW GOVERMENT

Lauren is 18 years old and is about to vote for the first time but what about those who have been in the UK for years and still don't have the right to vote here?

Insight Radio's Sara Allen spoke to a blind Cardiff resident who won't be casting a vote tomorrow despite living here for nearly 4 decades.

NO VOTE FOR DANNY

Unemployment

There are millions of people in the UK out of work…

And the statistics get disproportionally higher when you look solely at unemployment among blind and partially sighted people.

So with a new government only hours away what should be done to improve the job situation for everyone?

Insight Radio's Sara Allen asked one blind man about his experiences.

Zeead Khan Interview

First Time Voter

The general election is just around the corner and with all three of the leaders debates already carried out… most of us will have a good idea of who we want to vote for.

But is it more difficult to make up your mind as a first time voter and is information just as easy to access if you're blind?

Here at Insight Radio we decided to find out…

Lauren Faye Interview

Meares Irlen Syndrome

A professor at a leading university in England has produced a pioneering breakthrough for a rare visual condition.

Professor Arnold Wilkins has developed treatment for the little known Meares Irlen Syndrome which is also known as visual stress.

Professor Wilkins Interview

Who Inspires You

Every week we give you the chance to tell us who or what inspires you in your life.

It can be seen as a chance to thank those who supported you through the toughest times or perhaps to reflect on what you appreciate most about life.

Caroline's Story

Inspector Morse

The creator of Britain's most famous fictional detective has been speaking to Insight Radio about his sight loss.

Colin Dextor the man behind, Inspector Morse has wet-age-related-macular-degeneration and has taken several steps to try and stop it from blinding him.

Insight's Simon Pauley spoke with him to find out more about his journey so far.

Colin Dextor Interview

The director of one of the biggest US sitcoms in history is hoping blind students in Boston will follow in his footsteps.

Kevin Bright who wrote and directed Friends is turning his hand to teaching movie-making skills to students at the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell asked him how and why he got involved.

Kevin Bright Interview

Music

Sara Allen from Insight's Cardiff Studio recently caught up with teenager Rachel Starrit.

Rachel lost her sight when she was a baby and now, aged 15 she's passionate about music.

Rachel Starrit Interview

Who Inspires You

Now, I think we're all agreed inspiration is something that we all need in order to get what we want out of life…

But sources of inspiration are wide and varied depending on the person.

In the past few months we've asked you to get in touch to tell us what or who inspires you.

Today it's the chance of David from Ayrshire to let us know what inspires him.

David's Interview

And if you'd like to do he same you can email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Young Scot Award 

A forum for young blind and partially sighted people has been nominated for an award.

Haggeye - which is run by RNIB Scotland - launch campaigns on issues important to them and others with low or no vision.

Mary Dallas, who's the Education and Family services manger from RNIB Scotland, put the group forward for a young scot award.

Haggeye Interview

Technology is a wide and varied field which many people shy away from whilst others become obsessed with it.

And when it comes to technology designed purely for blind and partially sighted people…. we're moving into a whole other realm.

So to ensure it's all within reach to you - the UK's leading sight loss charity, RNIB, has a team dedicated to Digital Accessibility.

We decided to find out what they're working on.

Digital Accessibility

South Armagh

People living with sight loss in rural Northern Ireland are being given the chance to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Over the last seven months the South Armagh Visual Impairment Group have been inviting people from the area to try out different activities and put themselves to the test.

Joe Kenny from RNIB audio magazine, Sound Vision Ulster reports:

And thank you to Joe Kenny from Sound Vision Ulster for that report.

Joe Kenny Interview

Old Flames

Part 1

If you're in a relationship you may well have a very interesting story to tell about how you and your partner got together…

But not many people can say they got married 20 years after meeting on a blind-school exchange-programme between Scotland and Germany.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle caught up with a happy couple who did just that - to get their remarkable story

Linda & Shtephan Interview

And stay tuned to hear the second part of Linda and Stefan  story of how the are now man and wife more than 20 years after meeting each other on a school exchange programme.

Part 2

Now earlier on Insight Radio we heard the first part of the story of how Linda and Shtephan Gower met.

So far we've heard how an exchange programme between their respective blind schools in Germany and Scotland brought them together more than 20 years ago.

Now let's find out how they reconnected after 2 decades.

Linda & Shtephan Interview

London Marathon

Now we've heard lots about the sore feet of the tired runners who took part in the London marathon at the weekend…

But it's unlikely that those taking part had just run a warm-up 26 miles in the North Pole as well!

Well, that is exactly what blind athlete, Mike Scholls did as Allan Russell found out.

Mike Scholls Interview

Freewheelers 

Well, if the answer is yes, an integrated theatre company called the Freewheelers want to know about it.

They are creating a production based on how people experience disability.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle found out more.

Disability Experience Interview

Personal Guide

Visually impaired patients in Ireland are being offered a personal guiding service when they attend appointments.

The sighted guide support scheme at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Lisburn, County Antrim, was set up to ensure those with low or no vision are not put off by getting around the building.

Sharon Jennings from Sound Vision Ulster spoke to Henry Main who works for the Sight Support team for the Belfast Trust.

Henry helped to launch the project as Sharon found out.

Sight Support Interview

And if you'd like to hear more from RNIB Northern Ireland's Audio Magazine you can visit www.soundvisionulster.com

Methadone 

New research on babies of mothers who used methadone during pregnancy is being carried out in order to determine whether or not there's a link to sight loss.

A look back at earlier data revealed 7 out of 10 children born to methadone using women had Nystagmus while 95 per cent had poor eyesight in general.

Doctor Ruth Hamilton is a clinical scientist at Yorkhill Sick Kids hospital in Glasgow.

Methadone Report

Who Inspires You

Now, I think we're all agreed inspiration is something that we all need in order to get what we want out of life…

But sources of inspiration are wide and varied depending on the person.

In the past few months we've asked you to get in touch to tell us what or who inspires you.

Today it's the chance of David from Ayrshire to let us know what inspires him.

David's Interview

And if you'd like to do he same you can email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Glencraft

A closed-down factory in Aberdeen which employed nearly 50 disabled people is due to be reopened.

Glencraft was shut down just before Christmas due to a lack of funding… but a local business man has come to the rescue.

Insight's Allan Russell spoke to Duncan Skinner the factory's chief financial officer.

Glencraft Rescue

Guide Dogs

If you have recently lost your sight you'll be wondering what's available to you in the way of help.

Well, help is at hand as Charity: Guide Dogs for the Blind has created the first ever comprehensive guide to support and services for blind and partially sighted people in the UK.

Insight's Simon Pauley reports.

Guide Dogs Report

GPS

A Satellite Navigation system is something a lot of blind or partially sighted people rely on to get around… but many shy away from it finding it confusing and difficult to use.

But now a company called Peepo has come up with a range of GPS products which are very simply to use and have been developed solely for visually impaired people.

Insight's Allan Russell reports.

GPS Report

RNIB'S Cirriculum Conference

23/04/10

We are live at the Access to the Cirriculum conference in Edinburgh today.

The day will aim to compare how different countries cope with providing accessible materials to their schoolpupils.

In this hour, we'll be speaking to the Director of RNIB in Scotland, John Legg, to find out about his role in organising today's conference.

John Legg Interview

We'll also be joined by two of the key presenters at today's event - George Kerschey from the USA and Pia

George Kerchey Interview

Pia's Hasselrot Interview 

Digital Accessibility

Technology is a wide and varied field which many people shy away from whilst others become obsessed with it.

And when it comes to technology designed purely for blind and partially sighted people…. we're moving into a whole other realm.

So to ensure it's all within reach to you - the UK's leading sight loss charity, RNIB, has a team dedicated to Digital Accessibility.

We decided to find out what they're working on.

Accessibility Report

Holiday Home

We're fast approaching the British Summer and it's at this time people start thinking about getting away for a while.

And for families with blind or partially sighted children, a well-earned break away is often needed.

That's why the charity Look offers a holiday home to those affected by visual impairment.

It's located in the sea-side town of Scarborough and there are still some spaces available.

Scarbrough Holidays

Your Story

If you're blind or partially sighted you'll probably have a story to tell about your visual impairment and how it has affected your life.

And here at Insight Radio we're giving you the chance to tell your story.

Now it's time to hear the story of Antoinne from Huddersfield.

Antoinne's Story

And if you'd like to tell us your story please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Right To Read

The London Book Fair is the big industry event for publishers and rights holders, to get together and thrash out deals for the next year.

However, 96% of all printed word will not become available in an accessible format.

The RNIB along with the Right to Read Alliance were at the Book Fair, held at Earls Court in London, to take their message directly to the publishers about getting more books available for blind and partially sighted people.

James Butterworth went along for Insight to find out more.

London Book Fair

Diabetes UK

A national diabetes charity is offering important advice to travellers with the condition trapped abroad.

Diabetes UK is urging people who are running out of their medication to visit a local pharmacy, doctor or hospital for advice.

Joining us now to tell us more is Cathy Moulton from the charity.

Cathy Moulton Interview

Go Shop

The UK's leading sight loss charity has hosted an event in Edinburgh as part of a project which hopes to make shopping for visually impaired people easier.

GO Shop has already visited Manchester and Lincolnshire where co-ordinators invited RNIB members to give their opinions.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle has this report.

Go Shop Report

Fund Raising

A family in Cheshire is trying to raise 27-thousand pounds in order to save the remaining sight of their 21 month old daughter.

Shannon Boam suffers from Peter plus syndrome which affects her growth and development as well as her eye sight.

She has already lost one eye completely and the only thing that'll save the other is an operation carried out in America.

The local newspaper, the Knutsford Guardian has launched an appeal to help Shannon's parents; Julie and Simon, raise the money.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to the journalist behind the move but talked first with Julie Boam who is mum to Shannon.

Fund Raising Report

And if you'd like to help the Boam family but missed any of those details - you can contact us here on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

TRAVEL

With the Icelandic ash cloud forcing every UK airport into closure,we ask how it's affecting you.

We'll hear from the German blind football team who have finally managed to leave the country after being trapped in Birmingham.

Who Inspires You

Every week we give you the chance to tell us who or what inspires you in your life.

It can be seen as a chance to thank those who supported you through the toughest times or perhaps to reflect on what you appreciate most about life.

Diyo's Story

Helping Hand

The only school for blind children in The Gambia has received a helping hand from the Northern Ireland Division of the UK's leading sight loss charity.

A team from RNIB N.I. travelled to the impoverished African country to help the teachers and children on many levels.

Thomas Quigley from the charity gave us this remarkable report on the trip.

Thomas Quigley

And Thomas's feature on the Gambia is also available on audio magazine, Sound Vision Ulster so if you'd like to hear this or any other features you can log on to http://www.soundvisionulster.com/

If you're visually impaired and travel by rail there's no doubt you prefer your journey with the occasional audio announcement.

Some trains have it and some don't, but like all means of making trains more accessible - who makes the decisions?

Insight's Leeanne Coyle tracked down the government body which monitors the train operators in Scotland and spoke to Chris Clark; the Rail Accessibility Manger at Transport Scotland.

Chris Clark Interview

Scottish Ballet's latest audio described performance is Shakespeare's classic love story 'Romeo and Juliet' being performed at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow on April 24th and we have tickets to give away.

Emma Jane McHenry is the Education Officer and she explains more about the show and about who she works with in her role of Education Officer to Allan Russell...

Emma Jane McHendry Interview

Optometry At Cardiff University

The School of Optometry at Cardiff University is 75 years old this year. 

As part of the anniversary celebrations they have an exhibition of old equipment from a variety of sources. 

Sara Allen from Insight's Cardiff Studio spoke to Dr Christine Purslow, Director of Innovation and Engagement, to find out more.

Dr Christine Purslow Interview

Eye Care

Would you risk your eyesight because of vanity.

Well a new survey has claimed that a host of British woman are doing just that.

Paul Surridge Interview

The Sight Care Group website is http://www.eyelovelocal.co.uk/.

Charities Join Forces

Two charities have joined forces to launch a news and information service for blind and partially sighted people.

Infosound started the weekly service yesterday, thanks to funding from The British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF).

Allan Russell spoke to Roland Myers from Infosound to find out more about the service.

Infosound Report

How to vote as a visually impaired person

In case you hadn't already noticed there's a General Election on the horizon.

This time next month a new government will be in place but of course who wins is down to each of us individually.

James Butterworth in our London studio has been speaking with Elsa Irvine from the Electoral Commission to find out about the different ways in which you can vote.

Elsa Irvine Interview

Blind adventurer returns from North Pole

A blind man who trekked 26 miles across the North Pole for charity is home safe.

Jamie Cuthbertson spent three days in temperatures of up to minus 40 degrees.

It was to raise money for St Dunstan's which support ex-service man and woman who have lost their sight.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle caught up with him to find out how it all went.

Jamie Cuthbertson Interview

Jamie is raising money for the charity St Dunstan's which helps those blinded through war - and if you'd like to donate you can visit.

www.justgiving.com/jamie-cuthbertson

Or send a cheque directly to Denise Yates at

St Dunstan's,

12 to 14 Harcourt Street,

London,

W1H 4HD

And of course if you've missed any of these details you can contact Insight Radio on 0845 602 0025 or email us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Blind Football

England have been drawn alongside Spain, Japan, Colombia and South Korea in the group stages of the Blind Football World Cup.

It takes place in Hereford in August.

The game is played with ball bearings inside the ball so it makes a noise.

England international Craig Lundberg was blinded three years ago while on duty with the Army in Iraq:

Craig Lundberg Interview

Your Views On Blind Parenting

On the Early Edition we'll be bringing you the story of a blind woman who, along with her blind husband, has successfully brought up three children; one fully sighted and two visually impaired.

Before that though, we decided to find out what you think about raising children with out sight.

We asked these people what they think would be the biggest challenges.

Your View's Of Challenges For Blind Parents

Raising Children Without sight

Now we've just heard what the general public thought the biggest challenges to blind parents would be.

Well, we decided to get it straight from the horse's mouth.

Leeanne Coyle spoke to a visually impaired woman who along with her blind husband has brought up three healthy children, two of whom also have limited sight.

Leeanne found out why the Reddington's are very much like every other family.

Bernie's Interview Part 1

Now, earlier we played you part 1 of our interview with Leeanne Coyle speaking to visually impaired woman Bernie Reddington who along with her blind husband has brought up three healthy children, two of whom also have limited sight.

Let's hear part two of her interview:

Bernie's Interview Part 2

Championship Draw 

For the first time the Blind World Championship is coming to England this summer.

Yesterday ten competing countries were drawn into two groups.

The draw was held at Wembley Stadium and James Butterworth went along for Insight Radio.

Blind World Championship Draw

Voting Information 

Now, with the UK election just around the corner you may well be thinking about which party you'll vote for.

But have you registered to vote… and have you thought about how you'll vote?

Well, RNIB has put all the information you'll need on it's website under 'Voting and Elections.'

Julianne Marriott is the RNIB campaigns officer behind the move.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle found out more about what you can find on the site

Voting & Election Information

And if you'd like to find out more log on to www.rnib.org.uk/livingwithsightloss/yourrights

Or you can email us here at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Charity Launch

A charity has been launched to raise awareness about two conditions that are relatively unknown but can cause sight loss.

It is feared that doctors on the front line often do not recognise the early warning signs of these conditions, or know about some of their more serious complications.

James Butterworth went along to the launch of the charity last month at the Wellcome Centre in London.

Condition Awareness

Who Inspire's You

For the past few weeks we've been giving you the chance on the Early Edition to tell us your story.

"What's your visual impairment?" And "How does it affect your life?" are just two of the questions we've been asking on the feature.

And this week a woman from Maidstone is telling us more about her life.

Nadine's Story

Beacon Charity Recevie £20.000 Donation

A sight loss charity in Wolverhampton is celebrating after receiving a 20-thousand pound donation.

The Beacon Centre for the Blind works tirelessly to bring support to visually impaired people in the area.

Allan Russell spoke to Kate Fletcher from the charity to find out more.

Kate Fletcher Interview

With A Guide Dogs Help

For many blind and partially sighted people getting a guide dog is a life changing experience.

But for those of you who are somewhat reluctant… Guide Dogs for the Blind Association encourage you to try it out first.

And the same goes for sighted people who are curious about how it works.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle decided to find out more about the charity's demonstration opportunities.

Guide Dog Interview 1

With A Guide Dogs Help 2

Earlier on the show we brought you the first part of a feature on how a blind-folded sighted man got on using a guide dog for the first time.

It's as part of the Guide Dogs for the Blind's education demonstration service.

Andy Gyle from the charity is just about to let Mark Bryce walk with Delphi the guide dog for the first time, let's find out how they got on.

Mark Bryce Interview

And if you'd like to find out more about the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association you can log on to http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/

Who Inspire's You

Now, if asked, most people would say that they didn't get to where they are in life completely on their own.

Whether it is a parent, sibling or a teacher… most people would cite someone else as being an inspiration to them.

Well, here at Insight we wanted to find out who are the people behind the person.

This week we're hearing from a partially sighted man from Edinburgh.

Peter's Story

Traffic lights turn off threat means danger for visually imapried in Bristol

Interview with Tara Melton

"Traffic lights were turned off at Broad Quay and Prince Street in Bristol on a trial basis. It was in order to tease out views from the general public. We are still collating this information and it is impossible to say whether or not the lights will remain on or be turned off on a permanent basis."

Life 'On the Buses' changing for blind or partially sighted passengers

The use of public transport is essential for most visually impaired people in the UK.

However, despite huge advances in audible train announcements and platform information, buses still remain a difficulty for most people.

In Scotland, the National Entitlement card allows blind people the right to travel on any form of public transport, anywhere in the country.

Until recently, bus passengers would show their cards to the driver upon boarding, and then take their seat.

However, bus companies have now implemented a new Electronic Card Reading machine on to their buses, in an attempt to cut down on the number of fraudulent cards in use.

Steven Scott spent an afternoon with Stevie Chambers from Lothian Buses, one of the last bus companies in Scotland to implement the new system:

Stevie Chambers Interview

If you would like more information about the National Entitlement Card Scheme, visit http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk or search Google for National Entitlement Card Scotland.

Your Story

Behind every person is a different story…

And here on Insight Radio we've been giving you the chance to get in touch and tell us about you.

We want to know about your visual impairment, how it's affected your life and any words of wisdom you may have for other blind or partially sighted people.

Well, this week on our new 'Your Story' feature we're hearing from Dave McKay who lives in London:

Dave's Story

And if you'd like to tell us your story please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Peterborough's first Low Vision Day

An energetic team of charities has joined forces to organise Peterborough's first event to showcase support and services for anyone with little or no sight.

It's happening today (8th April) and you can go along for free.

James Butterworth, in our London studio, has been speaking with one of the organisers' who has been involved in organising today's Low Vision Event:

Peter Smith Interview

He's already got his eye on some of the products and services.

Tim Isacc Interview

Digital Switchover

A switchover help scheme has been set up to ensure people get the right advice at the right time.

Steven Scott spoke to the National Manager in Scotland for the Switchover help scheme.

Luke McCulloch Interview

Eye Matters in Northern Ireland

A forum for young visually impaired people in Northern Ireland has launched a campaign for equality.

The Eye Matter project was set up 7 years ago to give 15 to 30 year olds a voice.

Sharon Jennings from RNIB's Sound Vision Ulster magazine spoke to some of the forum members to find out more.

Sharon Jennings Interview

And if you'd like to hear more of the articles in audio magazine Sound Vision Ulster log on to http://www.soundvisionulster.com/

What's life like in Canada when you're visually impaired?

What is it like for blind and partially sighted people looking for work in Canada?

As part of Insight International, Allan Russell has been speaking to people from sight loss charities across the globe.

This week the focus is on the Canadian National Institute for the Blind as Allan finds out more from Chief Executive,

John Rafferty Part One

Here's part two of Insight's Allan Russell speaking to John Rafferty.

John Rafferty Part Two

If you'd like to hear more features looking at sight loss across the world you can tune into Insight International - Tuesdays at 7pm/repeated Sunday at 9am

Share & Learn Group

Members of a group for visually impaired people in the midlands are celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The Share and Learn Group provides activities and social opportunities for blind and partially sighted people in the Evesham.

Frank Himsworth is the coordinator of the group.

He told Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle about its history.

Frank Himsworth Interview

And if you'd like to know more about the Share and Learn Group in Evesham you can contact us here at Insight Radio.

The number is 0845 602 0025 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

How are Talking Books made?

If you're a fan of talking books or audio magazines you may have wondered about the process that's carried out to create it.

Well wonder no longer as Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle speaks to Len Todd who is Acting Head of Production services at RNIB in Peterborough.

Len Todd Interview

Taking a closer look at poor sight

Sixty percent of children with special needs require glasses at primary school.

But help is available…

Maggie Woodhouse, from the school of Optometry at Cardiff University works with more than 250 children with Downs Syndrome as part of her research work.

Sara Allen from Insight's Cardiff Studio went along to meet her.

Maggie Woodhouse Interview

Are streets designed with you in mind?

A councillor in Glasgow is launching a formal objection against the erection of bollards at subway stations.

Nina Baker says they are dangerous and challenging for visually impaired people and are not designed with accessibility in mind.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport says it was advised to install the bollards as an anti-terrorist measure.

But as Insight's Leeanne Coyle found out, Green Party Councillor, Nina Baker thinks the move was unnecessary.

Nina Baker Interview

A spokesperson from Scottish Partnership for Transport said

"The design of Subway bollards is DDA compliant and they are covered by planning permission. These bollards have also been tried-and-tested by blind and visually impaired passengers.

"The installation of crash bollards was part of our programme of security enhancements at Subway stations."

And if you would like to object to the bollards you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

stating reference number: 10/00604/DC

A story to be told

An American, blind, war veteran has embarked on a second life as an author.

William McGee has just published a book, about his experience of sight loss and rehabilitation.

He has age related macular degeneration and wanted to let others know that, with the right help and encouragement, losing your sight, doesn't mean losing your life.

William McGee

Google step up to ensure web accessibility

A research project that aims to make surfing the web easier for visually impaired people is being funded by Google.

The team at Manchester University received 50 - thousand pounds from the world's leading search engine.

They've already developed a prototype screen reader that has proved successful.

Dr Andrew Brown

Will new card scanners on buses cause confusion?

Edinburgh's main bus operator is the latest in the UK to introduce electronic reading machines.

It means blind and partially sighted people using Lothian Buses should place their National Entitlement Card on a machine rather than show it to the driver.

The company is one of the last in the country to make the move which some fear will cause confusion for visually impaired people.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Stevie Chambers from Lothian Buses commercial projects department.

Stevie Chambers Interview

Award for visually impaired students

Visually impaired students have taken part in a science challenge and gained a prestigious award.

The University of Worcester hosted a Creativity in Engineering, Science and Technology day in its new laboratories.

Students from New College Worcester and mainstream schools worked on a challenge to win an award from the British Science Association and succeeded.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle got more from the head of science at New College Worcester, Sarah Hughes.

Sarah Hughes Interview

RNIB's Audio Magazine: Vision

As the UK's leading sight loss charity RNIB supplies it's members with a choice of audio magazine.

The aim is to keep visually impaired people entertained, informed and in the know.

One of the most popular magazine's is Vision; and to tell us more is James Butterworth from our London studios.

Vision Report

V.I. Ayrshire

There are thousands of sight loss charities across the UK offering support and advice…

But what if you are looking for back up in campaigning on local or national issues?

Where do you turn if you want to lobby West Minster or draw up a petition?

Well, one Scottish charity for blind and partially sighted people is geared up to help you do just that.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle found out more about Visual Impairment Ayrshire.

V.I. Ayrshire Report

Charity Fundraising

Fundraising is an essential part of any charity.

Many people go over and beyond the call of duty to raise money for their favourite charities.

And on that note - Northumberland County Blind Association has had some good news

Northumberland Blind Association Interview

A retired Optometrist claims he has become the first person ever to recover from one of the UK's most common cause of blindness.

75 year old Harry Marsland who lives near Peterborough had to give up driving and used a magnifying glass to read before realising the positive effects of a simple dietary supplement.

Allan Russell spoke to Harry to find out more.

He started by asking him to explain more about his condition.

Harry Marsland Interview

Technology Exhibition

Now, let's find out the UK's biggest charities for those with sight and hearing problems are helping blind people access technology.

Exhibition Report

Blind Cricket

Blind cricket is being recognised as a sport in its own right now that it has its own world cup and ashes test.

The England team has been especially successful and are the current holders of the ashes after defeating Australia in their last battle over the sought-after trophy.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ian Martin who is the National disability cricket manager with the England and Wales cricket board.

He wanted to find out what support the England team has and how the search is on for more players.

Ian Martin Interview

The Association of Guide Dogs recently overcame another hurdle in their campaign against shared surfaces.

The charity's been given the green light to proceed with a legal challenge against the Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington.

It's over proposals to transform the busy Exhibition Road in London to a single surface street design.

James Butterworth from insight's London studio speaking with Guide Dogs for the Blind Association about the proposals to make one of London's busiest streets a shared surface.

Guide Dogs Interview

And stay tuned to this morning's Early Edition as we'll be bringing you the other side of the argument.

Shared Surface 

Earlier on the show we heard Insight Radio's James Butterworth's report on shared surfaces and what objections the UK's leading guide dog charity has.

A Shared Street is a new concept where road markings, signs and pavements are taken away and pavements and roads are integrated.

The Association of Guide Dogs has been leading a national campaign against this type of street design.

But now let's hear the argument for the changes proposed for Exhibition Road in London.

James Butterworth speaks with Councillor Andrew Lamont from the Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington.

Councillor Lamont Interview

North Pole Marathon

A blind man who was blinded as a soldier twenty years ago, is raising money for the charity who helped him through it.

Jamie Cuthbertson's will become the first blind Scot to do the North Pole Marathon, Jamie is raising money for St Dunstans a charity very close to his heart.

Jamie's Story

Optometrists

If you are the parent of a visually impaired child you'll be all too aware of the distress that eye-examinations can bring.

Children can get irritable, anxious and even scared when a trip to the optometrist is looming.

So what can you do to make it easier on them?

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to an optometrist specialising in the area

Doctor Maggie Woodhouse Interview

Doctor Maggie Woodhouse writes for RNIB's audio magazine, Insight.

If you'd like to subscribe and become an RNIB member you can call 0303 1234 555

Guide Part 1

For many blind and partially sighted people getting a guide dog is a life changing experience.

But for those of you who are somewhat reluctant… Guide Dogs for the Blind Association encourage you to try it out first.

And the same goes for sighted people who are curious about how it works.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle decided to find out more about the charity's demonstration opportunities.

Guide Dog Part 1

And stay tuned to hear how blind-folded Mark gets on when he takes to the floor with Delphi the guide dog. 

Guide Part 2

Earlier on the show we brought you the first part of a feature on how a blind-folded sighted man got on using a guide dog for the first time.

It's as part of the Guide Dogs for the Blind's education demonstration service.

Andy Gyle from the charity is just about to let Mark Bryce walk with Delphi the guide dog for the first time.

Let's find out how they got on.

Mark's Walk With Delphi

And if you'd like to find out more about the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association you can log on to www.guidedogs.org.uk

The Green Party

The Green Party in Scotland is proposing the law be changed to ensure crimes against disabled people are treated seriously.

MSP Patrick Harvie wants the hate-crime category to also include disabled people and gay, lesbian bi-sexual and transgender.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Patrick to get more on this.

Patrick's Interview

What Would You Lose

We've reported recently about the RNIB Scotland campaign: what would you lose…

And it seems the charity is determined to take it one step further as

Insight Radio's Mikey Hughes made his way to Edinburgh's Teleford college.

There he met one young student with sight loss.

Duncan Interview

And stay tuned to Insight as on tonight's Buzz you can find out how Mikey got on at the college when he met the principle and spoke to more students to find out what they would lose if they lost their sight.

Your Story

Who and what inspires you in your life?

That's the question we're asking one listener every week as part of our Inspire feature.

We've heard from people who are inspired by their families - and those who find inspiration in music.

And this week we're hearing from a young woman who is an inspiration in her own right.

Aine's Story

And if you'd like to tell us what Inspires you email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0845 602 0025

Victa

If you are the parent of a blind or partially sighted child you may be looking for ways to educate, support and, most importantly, have fun with them.

Well, a UK wide charity which aims to help families is offering a helping hand.

VICTA was set up by parents of visually impaired children who were struggling to meet their needs.

The charity became a national service for all families with a visually impaired child and Krista Dixon told Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle more.

Kirsta Dixon Interview

A sexual health project for disabled people has won an award.

In touch which is run by charity, Leonard Cheshire Disability has been named Brook UK Best Sexual Health Project of the Year.

Now in its third year the initiative aims to help young disabled people develop confidence and explore their sexuality.

Johnny Coleman is project Manager.

He told Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle how he felt about receiving the award.

Johnny Coleman

ATM

Jonathan Shaw is the Minister for Disabled People and as such is tasked with leading the governmental strategy to achieve disability equality in the UK.

James Butterworth in our London studio has been putting to him directly, queries and questions relating to sight loss.

Jonathan Shaw Interview

Your Story

Every week on the Early Edition we give you the chance to tell YOUR STORY.

It's a chance to talk openly about your visual impairment; how it affects you life and what you'd like to change about society's view on disability.

This week we're speaking to teenager Jennifer who has been blind since birth.

Jennifer's Story 

And if you'd like to tell YOUR STORY email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0845 602 0025.

The Sutton Association

A sight loss charity in the south East of England has had a funding boost which has allowed it to better equip its resource centre.

Insight Radio's Allan Russell found out more about The Sutton Association for the blind, the grant it received and its services.

Derek Forbes Interview

Light Adjustable Lens

Recently NHS Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Mr Bobby Qureshi carried out the first ever Light Adjustable Lens or the LAL implant which has the capacity to be altered after surgery to give the best vision possible.

Insight's James Butterworth went along to meet Mr. Qureshi at the East Surrey Hospital to find out more about the procedure.

Mr Qureshi Interview

Lens Transplant

A man from Edinburgh is hoping to regain his sight by getting a lens transplant.

Peter Simpson lost his vision in one eye at the age of 25 and has lived with partial sight for 26 years.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to him to get his full story.

Peter Simpson Interview

Double Date

Now, as everyday life picks up the pace many people find their personal lives are being sidelined.

The result is thousands of people looking for love and turning to the internet…

And with hundreds of dating websites available… how do you choose which is best for you?

One website with a difference is considering the safety angle.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Chief Executive Ben Mascari of Double Date First dot com to find out why he thinks his site is perfect for people with low or no vision.

Ben Mascari Interview

Sound Of Progress

A charity specialising in the development of disabled musicians and performers has had a recent run of good luck.

Sounds of Progress based in Glasgow has just finished building its new studio with financial help from Arts and Business Scotland.

Disabled Musicians & Performers Report

When most people are looking for a new home - lighting is something they'll take into consideration…

But it's even more important for partially sighted home buyers.

Anthony Slater is from sight loss charity, Pocklington Trust.

His job involves making spaces more accessible for blind and partially sighted people using lighting.

Anthony Slater Interview

Are Social Networking websites accessible?

"To what extent can blind and partially sighted people fully participate in social networking websites?"

That's the question an Edinburgh student is intending to answer…. Be he needs your help.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to the Napier University student to find out more:

To have your say on social networking sites go to www.w3idesigns.com 

Acoustic Shooting

Wolverhampton was recently the venue for the British Championships of the little known sport, Acoustic Shooting.

Insight Radio's Gareth Knight spoke to Andy Bailey, who took part in the Championships to try and find out more.

Andy Bailey Interview

Electronic Locators

Now, as visually impaired people, we love our gadgets.

So how about this - Electronic Locators.

What are they? Well, they are small devices which can be used in conjunction with each other to find items such as keys, sunglasses, remote controls and stowed luggage easily and quickly.

Rowland Myers Reports

World Glaucoma Day

It's World Glaucoma Day and Insight Radio's taking a closer look at the condition…

It affects 1 in 200 people aged fifty and younger, and 1 in 10 over the age of eighty.

If caught early enough, Glaucoma can be a treatable condition.

If left untreated, it can be devastating.

Insight's Cardiff Studio on an initiative in Wales to raise awareness of the condition.

Sara Allen's Report

Somalian hostage victim could go blind

It has been reported that Paul Chandler who is currently being held hostage by Somalian Pirates could go blind.

It is understood he has contracted Trachoma which is the world's biggest cause of preventable blindness.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Matthew Burton, an ophthalmologist at the International Centre for Eye Health who is based in Kilimanjaro in East Africa.

Matthew Burton Report

Vision Aid 

A primary school and opticians have joined forces to help a sight loss charity.

Frame Tailor and Alexandra Parade Primary School in Glasgow have launched a glasses amnesty for Vision Aid Overseas.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle reports.

Glasses Amnesty For Vision

And that website is http://www.vao.org.uk/

Who inspires you in your life?

That's the question we've been asking you lately.

We want to know who and what picks you up when you're down and who has helped you get to where you are today.

You can let us know at www.insightradio.co.uk but this week we're hearing from 18 year old Asif who lost his sight when he was 9 years old.

Your Story Asif

World Vision Attacks

Gunmen have attacked the office of an international charity in north-western Pakistan killing six people.

World Vision Offices were targeted with grenades and gun-shots yesterday.

All 6 of the people who died were staff - two of which were women.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle spoke to International Programmes Director of World Vision UK David Thomson.

Blinded By Stiletto

A woman has admitted blinding a man by stamping her stiletto heel through his eye.

Sarah Marsden and her friend, Anthony walker were asked to leave a night club in Edinburgh when the incident took place.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle Reports

No Smoking Day

On National No Smoking Day we spoke about the risks it poses to your health.

Today we're looking at a campaign to make sure the public know how eyesight can be damaged by smoking.

Insight Radio's Sara Allen Reports

Profits For Blind Charity

An amateur football association has announced it's to help fund the UK's leading sight loss charity for children.

Leisure Leagues has around 350 clubs across the UK and Ireland and all its profits go to charity.

And it's now turn for The National Blind Children's Society to reap some of the benefits as Insight's Allan Russell found out.

Charity Football Interview

Looking for Help?

If you are the parent of a blind or partially sighted child you may be looking for ways to educate, support and, most importantly, have fun with them.

Well, a UK wide charity which aims to help families is offering a helping hand.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Daniel Evans from the charity LOOK to find out more.

Charity Calendar 

Charities are always looking for new ways to raise funds to get vital services going.

The Bury Society for Blind and partially sighted people, in Lancashire, has come up with an innovative new way

Jack Hogkins from the charity told Insight Radio's Allan Russell about the calendar they're producing. 

Jack Hogkins Interview

Podcast Website 

Do you have something to say that you think the rest of the world ought to know?

Well, you have the opportunity to do it online with a new podcast service that has been set up for blind and partially sighted people.

Richard Howarth, who is blind himself, set the website up and told Insight's Leeanne Coyle more about it.

Lifeline laptop for blind student stolen

A blind student has had her specially-adapted laptop stolen during an overnight coach trip to London.

The one-thousand plus computer was taken from the hold after Maria Apaza Marchaqa was told it was too bulky to take on board.

Now the business administration student and part-time musician feels cut off from the rest of the world and is worried about being able to pay her rent.

She told Insight's Leeanne Coyle what happened:

Maria Apaza Marchaqa

A spokeswoman for National Express said: "We apologise to Maria for the inconvenience this has caused and we have been in touch to offer some compensation for the loss."

The spokeswoman said that hand luggage could only be taken on board if it fitted in the overhead luggage racks or under seats.

Paralympics 2012

The Winter Paralympics begins this Friday but for many athletes the focus is on 2012 in London.

Scott Ballard Ridley who's a student at the Royal National College for Blind People in Hereford.

He's hoping to be part of the Great Britain rowing team at the Paralympics 2010…

Scott Ballard Ridley

An architecture student from Glasgow is vowing to design more accessible building when she qualifies.

Catharine Dass aims to understand the way blind and partially sighted people experience environments in the hope it'll better equip her future career.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle spoke to Catharine about her project "Architecture - Seen by the Unseen".

Catharine Dass Interview

Public transport is just that… transport for the public.

So why do some people find it difficult to use?

John Horncastle is the disability and inclusion projects manager for the Association or train operating companies.

Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle found out at Sight Village what's being done to ensure accessibility for all.

John Horncastle Interview

If you're blind or partially sighted you'll probably have a story to tell about your visual impairment and how it has affected your life.

And here at Insight Radio we're giving you the chance to tell your story.

Now it's time to hear the story of Robin from Edinburgh.

Robin's Story

And if you'd like to tell us your story please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Support for visually impaired children and their families

If you are the parent of a blind or partially sighted child you may be looking for ways to educate, support and, most importantly, have fun with them.

Well, a UK wide charity which aims to help families is offering a helping hand.

VICTA was set up by parents of visually impaired children who were struggling to meet their needs.

The charity became a national service for all families with a visually impaired child and Krista Dixon told Insight Radio's Leeanne Coyle more. 

Victa Report

World Book Day 

Just because you lose your sight doesn't mean you lose the ability to read.

That's the message Insight's Michael Hughes has been putting across to children in Glasgow for World Book Day which was yesterday.

Leeanne Coyle went along with Michael as he visited Holy Cross Primary school.

World Book Day - Mikey

Thanks to Ohbed Khan, Thomas Slaven, Rachel McGhee and all the pupils of class 7B at Holycross Primary in Glasgow.

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World Book Day provides a stark reminder that only 5 per cent of books are made accessible for blind and partially sighted people.

Insight's Leeanne Coyle reports on what RNIB Scotland is doing to mark World Book Day.

World Book Day Report

Ask the Minister

Living in the UK we are lucky enough to have a Minister who deals solely with disabled people and issues affecting them.

Jonathan Shaw, who came into power in October 2008, has been on Insight Radio discussing a number of matters,

But you'll be hearing him on a more regular basis now as we introduce a new 'Ask the minister' feature.

So if you have a querie you'd like us to put to the minister then email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

In our first 'Ask the Minster' feature Insight's Leeanne Coyle put some of your questions involving employment, education and equality to him.

Johnathon Shaw Interview

Thanks to the minister for disabled people there for answering some listeners questions and you have a querie you'd like us to put to the minister then email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Much more audio is available in our Audio Archive.

The Early Edition is presented by Steven Scott and produced by Leeanne Coyle.