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Connect Magazine December 2016 Issue 10 1
Connect Magazine
December 2016
Issue 10
1
Connect MagazineDecember 2016
Issue 10
Contents Page number
Article
WelcomeYour VoiceNewsSupporting people with sight loss over the festive seasonA journey through educationAdvice for budding writersThe Weekly ConnectRecipe: Chicken bhunaAdvertisementsInformation directory
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Welcome
Welcome to this year’s final edition of Connect magazine. I’m Thuy, I produce Talking Books for RNIB and I’m blind.
This edition has lots of news and features, including the story of a musician who’s been awarded an OBE and a recipe to use up those festive leftovers.
I hope you enjoy the magazine and have a peaceful break over the holidays.
Thuy Mallaleiu
RNIB Connect Member and Talking Books producer
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Your VoiceMusic maestro honoured
Baluji Shrivastav recently received an OBE in the Queen’s 90th birthday Honours list, for services to the music industry.
“I received my OBE for music services, in particular for founding the Inner Vision Orchestra, the UK’s only orchestra for blind people.
I am totally blind and originally from India, but having lived in the UK for over 32 years, I consider myself British Asian.
I’m very honoured to have received this title, because it isn’t just for me, it’s for all blind people. I wish all people with a disability would have received the same title.
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I’m also very proud, because it proves me absolutely right – I’ve always said the UK is the best country in the world for blind people. It could not have been possible without the support of Access to Work, Arts Council, British Council, and of course the administration in my office, including my wife, Linda Shanson.”
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Behind the scenes at Talking Books
Thuy Mallalieu is from London and is totally blind. If you’re a Talking Books user you’ll almost certainly have enjoyed his work, as he’s an audio producer at RNIB Talking Books.
“I’m involved in the recording and post-production of Talking Books, taking them from scratch through to the finished DAISY book.
I work closely with the actors and narrators, and love building up a rapport with them. Part of my job is to direct them. I help them if we need them to do accents, if they make any mistakes or when there are any tricky pronunciations.
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I have to use specialist access technology, including screen reading software; I use JAWS. This reads out a lot of the screens we use in the studio, so I know what time I am at in a particular recording, or the name of a chapter or section.
I’ve recently been working on the biography of Douglas Adams, called The Frood. Another book I enjoyed doing, on a different note, is called My Life in His Paws. That’s about a lady who’s got a very rare skin condition that means she needs assistance from a dog, and that’s really interesting.”
This month’s contributors will each receive a calendar talking clock - that’s a Communiclock, from the RNIB shop.
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NewsParliamentary reception success
A move to make MPs aware of the impact of delayed and cancelled follow up eye appointments has been hailed as a huge success.
RNIB encouraged blind and partially sighted people around the UK to invite their local MPs to Parliament in November. Since the event the charity has been working with the MPs who attended, to help them improve timely eye care provision for their constituents.
RNIB would like to thank anyone who lent their support, and we’ll be keeping you updated in Connect Magazine.
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Public ignoring eye concerns
Over a third of over 65s are ignoring symptoms which could lead to permanent sight loss.
Research by RNIB and Specsavers has found people are failing to seek professional advice from a doctor or optician, despite obvious worsening of their vision.
The study found that many over 65s experiencing dry or gritty eyes, black spots and discomfort in bright lights are ignoring these problems.
RNIB and Specsavers are warning those with symptoms to seek immediate advice, so that potential sight conditions can be detected, diagnosed and treated before it is too late.
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Almost four in five people who are living with sight loss in the UK, are aged 65 and over, and it is believed that around half of these cases could have been prevented.
Starting Point for parents
A national project aimed at improving the information given to families at the point of diagnosis of their child’s vision impairment, has been rolled out across the UK.
The aim of Starting Point is to signpost families to resources and professionals that can help with the first steps in accepting this often difficult news.
It’s hoped the project will equip families with the tools they need to cope, including helping them understand what their child
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can see and putting them in touch with other parents.Parents looking for more information can visit vision2020uk.org.uk/startingpoint
Don’t forget!You can still support RNIB by picking up a pack of charity Christmas cards from your local Waitrose store. This year RNIB is one of four charities to benefit from their sale and they start at £3.50 for 10.
Get more news on RNIB Connect RadioFor up to the minute news, tune in to The Early Edition with Allan Russell on RNIB Connect Radio. Listen weekdays 7-10am.
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Supporting people with sight loss over the festive season
Whether you’re entertaining or being entertained, there are a few simple things you can do to make life a little easier for blind or partially sighted people over the holidays.
Henshaws, a charity supporting people with sight loss in the North of England, has put together a helpful guide. Volunteer and service user John Edgeley, who is registered severely visuallyimpaired, shared his top tips.
Act normally“When you’re with your relatives, they sometimes wrap you in cotton wool, and they want to be at your beck and call. I politely explain that I’m fine, I’d rather get things myself than be smothered.
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So it’s just a reminder that we’re capable of doing things for ourselves.”
Use coloured wine glasses“This one’s for people with some useful vision. When I first became visually impaired, around eight years ago, I could only see the white of the tablecloth. I’ve knocked over and broken a few glasses! Our wine glasses are now in a rainbowof colours to help with contrast.”
Don’t leave presents all over the floor“Sometimes when you’re opening presents, kids are so excited they just leave them on the floor. Next thing you know, you’ve stood on a brand new gift. Keep them in a safe place as you go along.”
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Please describe what you’ve got for Christmas“Especially when you’re with someone who has been blind from birth, it’s really important to describe what you’ve got, rather than just listing your gifts.”
Think about lighting“Always ask questions, because everyone is individual. I don’t like bright lights, whereas some people struggle with dim candlelight or fairy lights. So just check.”
I’d love a darker plate to put my white turkey and potatoes on“When you have a white plate, if you have low vision, you’re chasing things around the plate. So try and get a different colour - it doesn’t have to be dark, at home we have pale blue.”
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Tell me what’s on the table and where“On Boxing Day we always go to my mother-in-law’s, and she does a buffet meal. She’ll take me over and say, ‘There’s lasagne here on your left, and next to the jacket potatoes there’s garlic bread’. I don’t have to wait for someone to come up with me. It gives me that bit of independence back.”
Use names“This might sound obvious, but it’s really crucial – all year round. It’s as simple as saying ‘Hi, it’s Mary’ before you speak. If new people enter the room, get them to announce themselves – and the same goes for leaving. No-one likes to have a conversation with themselves.”
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Don’t move my stuff“If I’ve put a glass down, don’t move it. I’ve put the glass there so I know where it is! It’s just a bit of consideration and common sense.”
Don’t make it too noisy“When you’re looking at a person, you can see the expression on their face when they speak, but if you’re visually impaired you have to concentrate on their voice. If it’s too noisy, this becomes impossible.”
Make sure we’ve talked about how I’m getting home“Rather than sitting there and worrying about how you’re getting home, have a word with whoever you’re with and ask ‘Is there any chance someone can give me a lift home?’ or perhaps ask them to help you book a taxi in advance. It will be a big thing off your mind.
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So whether you’re the guest or the host, have the conversation, make the arrangements earlier and you can get on with the festivities.”
About HenshawsHenshaws support people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities in the north of England.
If you live in the area and would like to find out more, call the First Step Team on 0161 872 1234 or visit henshaws.org.uk
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A journey through education
Matthew Clark is 23 years old, registered blind, but is partially sighted with Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis. He studies history and business management at the University of Glasgow.
Having come through mainstream school, he then attended New College Worcester (NCW) for blind and partially sighted students. He told us more about his experiences throughout the education system.
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What was it about NCW that stood out to you?“The environment at NCW felt so friendly and welcoming. The idea that I could go into a class and the teacher would communicate directly with me, providing learning materials that are accessible by default. The teaching was right for me as an individual. It was education, how it should be.
Also, not being separated from or being different to my peers. We could be honest, proper friends, and I was so excited by the many wonderful activities the college provided that we could do together.
Looking ahead, my parents knew - and I know now - how amazing that has been for my development.
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I’ve had all those experiences that make an interesting person who does cool stuff, and wants to do more cool stuff. All these experiences make you independent, a go-getter and interesting to people. Even ‘normal sighted people’ in the real big world!”
How difficult was it as a young person in a mainstream school? Was there a lot of separation from your peers?
“Yes, there were special additional lessons I had to have. I was taken out of handwriting in my nursery class only weeks after we had started to be taught to handwrite.
So my handwriting now, each letter is more than an inch tall and looks like a three year olds’ - hideous.”
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Comparing that to what it’s like for you at university now, do you feel that you’ve been given the tools and the confidence to have a different experience?
“Absolutely. I mentioned how I felt my experience at NCW equipped me to discover my potential. NCW also made me aware of what I needed, in terms of access and reasonable adjustments, in order for that potential to be achieved.
Having that understanding and self-awareness, and all the positive experiences at NCW was vital.
From getting my Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) Silver Award, to going trekking in Nepal and sailing across the English Channel. Not to mention a host of smaller activities.
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These experiences meant I could look for those things when I arrived at university, knowing that I could do them.
Not all of them worked. I found the swimming club way too macho. I found the university’s rather small student-run D of E Award Group a lot more helpful. The president, who really helped me get started with doing my D of E Gold Awardthat year, is now one of my best friends.
He mentored me, and I became secretary of the D of E society in my second year. He told me, ‘You’re the best person to be president next year’. I thought he was talking rubbish! But he was confident that I was the best person to take over, and asked if I was interested in running.
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Being president of a student society, and one running a programme as advanced as the D of E Award, was an incredible experience. I was able to do that because NCW taught me what I could do, how to get it, and then I looked for all these opportunities at university. I found a couple of good people along the way, and it all came together.”
Find out more Access a host of information around education and learning online, including resources for parents and education professionals.
Visit rnib.org.uk/Educationandlearning or call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999 to find out more.
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Advice for budding writers
With the deadline for our writing competition fast approaching, we have enlisted an expert to help you get the best out of your writing.
Red Szell, one of last year’s judges and author of Blind Trust and The Blind Man of Hoy, imparted some wisdom.
Write a synopsis“This is vital. It doesn’t have to be long, but it should have a beginning, middle and end, and brief character sketches of all the main players.
Do this well, and it will become your blueprint. It will also become your Sat Nav when you get tempted to run up blind alleys while writing.
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For a novel, write a one page synopsis. For a 1000 word short story, it might just be a paragraph. Put all the main points of the plot down and stick to them.”
Make time for writing“I treat it as job. I sit down at the same time at each morning. Set a schedule, stick to it and don’t get discouraged. Like any job you will have good and bad days.
Don’t get distracted by lengthy research on small facts. Save that for your second draft. Just turn off your email, make writing a job and make it your own separate world.”
Don’t be afraid of talking about your story“If you want to make it live off the page, you need to discuss it with other people. You’ll get ideas from them.
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If it’s a story worth telling, they’ll want to contribute towards it.”
Enter the competition You have until 31 January 2017 to enter the writing competition on the theme of ‘anniversary’. You can write up to 1000 words of prose or 30 lines of poetry, and submit your entry in whatever format you choose.
Write to RNIB Writing Competition, Talk and Support, 105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE or email [email protected]
To find out more call the Talk and Support Team on 0845 330 3723 or visit rnib.org.uk/writingcomp
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The Weekly Connect: Community driven conversation
The Weekly Connect is a new show to express your views and opinions of life with sight loss.
It’s the voice of the community, where you can have your say on issues affecting blind and partially sighted people.
Catch Steven Scott and the team every Monday from 1pm.
Get In TouchNo topic is off limits. If you have a comment or story to share, get in touch.
Get in touch on Twitter using the hashtag #TheWeeklyConnect or email [email protected]
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Tune in to RNIB Connect RadioChannel 130 on FreeviewOnline at rnibconnectradio.co.ukOn digital radio or at 101FM in GlasgowAnytime with RNIB Podcasts on Audioboom
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Recipe: Chicken Bhuna
This month we have a quick and easy recipe, courtesy of RNIB Connect Radio’s spice queen, Veronica Hewins.
Bhuna is healthy and versatile; you can use chicken, lamb or prawn. Or why not make the most of that leftover turkey instead?
Ingredients1kg boneless chickenthigh pieces, cubed1 large onion, finely chopped4 tbsp oil1 tsp of dried methi leaves(fenugreek leaves)4 to 5 curry leaves2 cardamom pods2 inch cinnamon sticks1 tbsp ginger paste
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1 tbsp garlic paste1 ½ teaspoons turmeric powder1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin1 ½ teaspoons chilli powderSalt (to taste)2 fresh tomatoes, chopped1 cup of waterSprigs of coriander and 2 freshgreen chillies, chopped, to garnish
Serves 4 to 6 adultsCooking time: 40 minutes
Method1. Heat the oil and gently fry the onions for a couple of minutes. Then drop in the curry and methi leaves.
2. Add the cardamom and cinnamon sticks, ginger and garlic pastes.
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Begin to fry your curry paste on low-medium heat to make sure it doesn’t burn, stirring constantly.
3. Add the turmeric, ground coriander, cumin and chilli powder.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and let them cook through. Keep stirring so they dissolve into your curry paste.
5. Add your chicken thighs, a pinch of salt and a cup of water and stir.
6. Leave to cook through for 30 to 40 minutes, ensuring the chicken sauce is lovely and thick.
7. Serve with naan bread or boiled rice. Garnish with fresh coriander and chopped green chilli if you like an extra bit of heat.
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Advertisements
Please note that advertisements are placed by organisations independent of RNIB and including them does not mean that RNIB has endorsed the products and services they offer.
Sight and Sound – Seeing is believing Sight and Sound presents breakthrough artificial vision technology with OrCam - The world’s most advanced wearable assistive technology solution.
OrCam contains a miniature smart camera which sits on the frame of your glasses. This converts visual information into spoken word.
OrCam reads any printed text, on any surface, instantly relaying it to the user through a built-in mini speaker.
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Useful for reading newspapers, books, computer screens, restaurant menus, labels on supermarket products, street signs and much more. Prices from £1,800.
The Ruby 7 HD is the newest addition to the popular ‘Ruby’ line of handheld video magnifiers.
This model has a larger screen, high-definition image, and enhanced functionality to meet the needs of today’s low vision consumers. The unique PivotCam rotating camera offers a wide range of viewing modes.
It’s simple to learn how to use the Ruby 7 HD, and you can use the built-in tilt stand to read books, magazines, and mail. The Ruby 7 HD combines convenience and flexibility as the leader in the next generation of handheld video magnifiers.
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Available at a special price of £649 (normal RRP £995).
For more information or to arrange a free in-home demo, call Sight and Sound on 01604 798 070 or email [email protected]
RNIB Shop Give the gift of independence this festive season with the RNIB Shop.
From Christmas cards and stocking fillers to the latest technology for everyday living, the RNIB Shop has something to suit all ages and budgets.
For practical presents, a large print diary, no spill mug or PenFriend 2 labeller could be ideal.
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There are plenty of toys and games to choose from for the children in your life – from fuzzy felt to toys and scented markers.
And our large print games, including Scrabble and playing cards, are perfect to enjoy over the holidays.
Don’t forget our last Christmas posting datesFor ‘special order’ products and non-stock items, be sure to place your order by midnight on Sunday 11th December for delivery before Christmas.
For items in stock, orders must be placed by midnight on Sunday 18th December for delivery in time for Christmas. Call our helpline to ask about specific items.
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To place your order or find out more, visit rnib.org.uk/shop or call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
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Information DirectoryPost a letter to RNIB, 105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE
Email [email protected] 0845 330 4134 – leave a message and we’ll call you back. Calls cost 3p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.
To change your contact details, or to receive your magazine in a different format, please contact the membership team. It’s available in large print (16pt), braille, audio CD and email.
For advertising queries, contact Landmark Publishing on 020 7520 9474 or email [email protected]
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RNIB Connect Team (formerly the Membership Team)Call 0303 1234 555, email [email protected] or visit rnib.org.uk/connect
Email [email protected] or visit rnib.org.uk/ask for eye health information, emotional support, benefits advice and product information.
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5.30pm and calls costs no more than a standard rate call to an 01 or 02 number.
RNIB LibraryJoin for free and choose from thousands of titles in the format of your choice, including Talking Books, braille and giant print.
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Call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/books
FundraisingCall 0345 345 0054, email [email protected] or visit rnib.org.uk/donate. VolunteeringCall 01733 375 450, email [email protected] or visit rnib.org.uk/volunteering. CampaigningCall 020 7391 2123, email [email protected] or visit rnib.org.uk/campaigning
Free guides View our free guides online at rnib.org.uk/resources, or order them in your preferred format – call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected]
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Choose from the ‘Understanding’, ‘Starting Out’ or ‘Confident Living’ series for a wide range of help and advice.
© RNIB December 2016 – Registered charity numbers 226227 and SC039316
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