S2 Ep1711: Inclusive Work Placement Makes a Difference

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, we welcome back Tiggi. This time to talk about her most recent guide dog Rodney. As well as being a fantastic guide dog, and a great friend to Tiggi, Rodney has one additional talent, which you will not be surprised involves getting to food. Find out more in this podcast. 

Let’s join Allan Russell as he heads to Santa’s Grotto at the North Pole.He’ll chat with Titch The Elf, drop in on a phone call with Rossa from Northern Ireland talking with Santa and you can find out how to get a, free, accessible letter from Father Christmas, perfect for blind and partially sighted believers!If you’d like more details on the letters, go to www.rnib.org.uk/santa#RNIBConnectImage: A cartoon graphic of Santa holding up a letter. 

Did you know that only around 1 in 4 blind or partially sighted people of working age are in employment?Today, we catch up with Emmy Anstee to hear how her work experience with Royal & Derngate in Northampton is getting on and how she's been finding taking on new challenges. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. 

Singer, musical director and actor Sally Clay has an exciting new production out and co-produced with Birds of Paradise Theatre Company.Afterbirth is an exploration of motherhood from the point of view of a blind mum and is coming to Eden Court in Inverness this week. The show is part of Confluence, an immersive promenade production which takes you on a guided journey through Eden Court’s iconic building to discover five intimate live performances spanning music, movement, drama and dance.Joining Sally to chat about the show and the collaboration is Mairi Taylor, Executive Director at Birds of Paradise Theatre Company.To find out more visit: Confluence | Eden CourtImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.  

We’re speaking today with blind artist Rosita McKenzie. Rosita's "Touching Light" solo photography exhibition, will open in Edinburgh on the 4th of November and explore blind imagination and our relationship with sight in the arts.Learn more about Rosita's work here: http://www.rositamckenziephotography.co.uk Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. 

On guide dog blogs this week, we meet Tiggi, a very active guide dog owner. We discuss why she applied for a guide dog in the first place, but also about her very first guide dog Jackie. 

This time of the year can be rather tricky for dogs, whether it's pets or working dogs. However, why od fireworks cause such an issue, what signs should you look out for, how to best support your dog, and what can you do in advance? All these questions answered in this podcast. 

Lego have officially launched ‘Highland Hike’ by visually impaired Lego Creator Stewart Cromar.Amelia learns more about Stewart's sight loss story, love of lego and creative designs.Follow Stewart on Instagram @StubotImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Bonfire Night is coming up, but with longer and darker nights, crowds and noise, there are many things you might want to consider if planning to take part in celebrations.Paulina spoke with Emmy Anstee from Emmy's VIP Life about some of her tips on how to plan for the celebrations if you're blind or partially sighted.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Six the Musical - Thursday 22 October, 8pm, touch tour 6.45pm, Woking theatreDirty Dancing - Saturday 24 October, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.15pm, Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffAustentatious - Monday 26 October, 7.30pm, Vaudeville Theatre, LondonVision Redbridge Festival of the Dead - Friday 30 October, 5pm - 6pm, touch tour 4.30pm, Redbridge, greater LondonHay Fever - Tuesday 3 November, 7.30pm, Wyndham’s theatre, London.To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)