Confidence in the kitchen Tech tips for all budgets

Issue 8 / October 2016Bringing together everyone affected by sight loss

Tune in on your radio, TV, computer, smartphone or tablet. Available on Freeview 730 or online at rnibconnectradio.org.uk

News. Discussion. Entertainment. Community.

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Welcome

Welcome to the October audio edition of Connect, your community magazine. I’m Hussein Patwa, from Aberdeen, and I’m registered blind.

This edition includes a feature from me which should hopefully make your life a little easier.

Hussein Patwa

RNIB Connect community and communications panel member

Contents4 The Big Connection update

5 Writing competition launch

6 Your Voice

8 News

10 Tech tips for all budgets

12 Confidence in the kitchen

13 Recipe for Weetabix Fruit Cake

14 Update on How I See

15 Information directory

Contact the RNIB Connect teamCall 0303 1234 555, email connect@rnib.org.uk or visit rnib.org.uk/connect

© RNIB October 2016 Registered charity numbers 226227 and SC039316

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The Big Connection

Thank you to everyone who joined in the conversation around our recent Big Connection conference.

The two-day event in Birmingham brought together RNIB Connect members from across the UK’s blind and partially sighted community.

It was a great opportunity to share ideas and concentrate on the next steps to continue to build RNIB Connect for the future.

The big issue conversations from your September magazine were carried through to the conference. We explored the big picture and how we can work

together to achieve more in the community. And we got practical, with a series of workshops – with tips on how to influence and achieve local change, engage with young people, and ultimately ensure our voices are heard.

Tune into RNIB Connect Radio to hear clips from the event. Listen on Freeview Channel 730 and online at

rnibconnectradio.co.uk

Continue to share your ideas and reflections on social media using #rnibconnect

The Big Connection update

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Your community

This year’s writing competition is now open. As we are celebrating the competition’s tenth year, a panel of RNIB Connect community members decided on the theme of ‘anniversary’.

We encourage you to interpret this in any way you choose. No matter what your experience or expertise, if you think you’d like to give writing a try, why not give it a go?

About the competition Our annual creative writing competition is open to anyone with sight loss, not just RNIB members.

There are two categories – prose and poetry – and each will have a winner and two runners up.

Everyone who enters will receive an audio recording of their entry. Winners will have their entries professionally recorded by Talking Books narrators.

It’s also an opportunity to have your writing read by our panel of judges. Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat is heading up the panel for the prose section.

We invite entries of up to 1,000 words of prose or 30 lines or poetry, and the closing date is 31 January 2017.

How to enter You can send entries in any format by email or by post.

Email: writingcomp@rnib.org.uk

Post: RNIB Writing Competition, Talk and Support, 105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE.

There will be plenty more in Connect magazine and on RNIB Connect Radio to get your creative juices flowing.

We’ll have exciting news of another prestigious author to be added to our judging panel, exclusive interviews, the chance to join a telephone writing workshop and much more.

To find out more call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/writingcomp

Enter this year’s writing competition

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Writing competition

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Did you know that RNIB runs telephone book groups throughout the UK? Two community members told us how the groups work and why they love being involved.

Olive Bligdon lives near Aberdeen, is registered blind with retinitis pigmentosa and facilitates a book group. “We discuss our favourite authors, books and what we love about reading. There are six sessions for each book group, with around eight people in each. The members choose two books to talk about, from a choice of six.

I like being a facilitator as I get to meet people and find out what they enjoy about different types of books. You hear opinions from a range of people, and it makes you think, ‘maybe I’ll check that book out.’ That’s what it’s all about.

If you’re like myself, who loves books and wants to discuss them, but has got nobody else in the family who enjoys books like I do, then it’s a great way of being able to speak to other

folk who have got the same enjoyment in such a pastime.

If you want to join a group, it’s simple. Just get in touch with the Talk and Support team. They will phone you once a month – very easy – everybody’s relaxed.”

Cliff Corbett lives in Essex, has AMD and joined RNIB seven years ago. “I’m in a group with six other people. I thoroughly enjoy it and I think they do too. We do discuss books, but we also get to know what books people like, and from that you can perhaps judge a little of the person you’re speaking to.

It was particularly difficult for me initially, because I knew of no authors – reading was a completely new venture for me. But eventually I came to read Wilbur Smith and PD James. I’m reading what you might consider ‘men’s books’, but I’m still exploring and have recently read a few of what I would call books on the feminine side.

If you’re wondering what this book club is all about, I’d say, join and find out for yourself!”

Join the club

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Writing competition

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If hearing from them has inspired you to join a telephone book group, it’s quick, easy and free of

charge for RNIB Connect members. Just call the Talk and Support team on 020 7391 2218 or email talkandsupport@rnib.org.uk

If you’d like to take part in Your Voice, do get in touch. Call 0303 1234 555 or email  connectstories@rnib.org.uk

Thanks to both Olive and Cliff for taking part in Your Voice this month. They’ll each

receive a Sonic music player for their contributions.

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Writing competition

Campaign against delayed appointments Next month RNIB is holding an event at Parliament to alert MPs to a problem which could be costing people their sight.

Hospital eye services are under huge pressure, and as a result, follow-up appointments are being delayed or cancelled more often.

We need you to invite your MP to the event on Tuesday 22 November so they can find out how to

support the campaign.

Find all the details you need by calling our campaign hotline on 020 7391 2123 or at rnib.org.uk/inviteyourmp

Audible partnership announced RNIB has teamed up with Audible to offer Talking Books service users access to thousands of new titles.

Talking Books users already enjoy one of the world’s most extensive audio books collections, and this move will see the library grow by over 4,000.

Audible are one of the world’s biggest sellers of audio entertainment. This agreement will mean Talking Books customers can access all existing Audible titles. In addition, they can also read any future titles they produce in both the US and UK markets that they hold the audio rights to.

Daryl Chapman, Talking Books Manager, said: “We are excited to share these new books with our members in DAISY and USB formats. We are incredibly grateful to Audible for partnering with us in this way.”

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News

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See Through Sound Mercury Prize-winning musicians are set to perform at a special gig for RNIB later this month. Badly Drawn Boy and Newton Faulkner (pictured) are just two of a plethora of artists playing at the See Through Sound event in London.

It’s at Cadogan Hall on Friday, 14 October. Tickets cost £25 each plus booking fees.

Visit ticketmaster.co.uk/seethroughsound or call 0844 844 0444.

For accessible tickets, contact the box office on 020 7730 4500.

For the latest on the event, visit rnib.org.uk/see-through-sound

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News

Community member Hussein Patwa from Aberdeen has been finding ways to make life a little more accessible to suit a range of budgets.

“In these times of austerity, social welfare cuts and uncertainty over benefits, many blind and partially sighted people are concerned over access to technology and aids. I spoke to two contrasting people, who told us what they use to help and how.”

Ally is 63 and has been registered blind since 1978. He shared some simple, low cost tips for everyday life. “One handy technique I use is to always take the toothpaste out of the tube directly into the mouth. This saves dropping it on the floor, using too much or covering everything in toothpaste!

Elastic bands are so helpful. You can use them on food tins to help you keep track of what you’ve got. Devise a simple system; perhaps one band for beans, two bands for soup and so on – then keep the tins separate in the cupboard. This has virtually no cost at all and is really useful.

If you’re staying at a hotel and want to mark your room door, just take a thick band and wind it around the handle. No-one else

Tech tips for all budgets If you’re blind or partially sighted, you’ll be well aware of the rising costs of gadgets and aids. There are so many high tech devices out there that promise to make your life easier, but they can leave your purse a lot lighter.

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Technology

will notice, but when you feel your way along the corridor you’ll be able to find your room easily.

I always have an easy-to-use Victor Stream or a pocket memo to hand. They’re handy to take with you when you’re shopping. Just list a few items before you go, get the person helping you to listen to it before you go round the shop and you can tick off items as you go.”

Amanda has been blind since birth. She has several pieces of technology to help her with accessibility on a daily basis. “I’ve got two computers – a desktop and a laptop – which both have JAWS, a screen reading software. This reads everything on the screen to me, and it’s really helped with meetings and communicating with people.

I use a Terrain mobile phone. This runs on the normal Android software, but instead of using the touchscreen, it uses an overlay which goes over the screen.

This lets me use all the different features on the phone. I also use a colour detector so I can sort out my clothes for the washing.

These devices certainly don’t come cheap, so I’d definitely say that this is a barrier to people being able to live an accessible life. Either you’ve got to find a grant, which is not always easy, or do what I did and just save up like mad.

As we’re living in uncertain times, the chances are that it might be more difficult for me to do the things that I’m doing for myself at the moment, if I can’t keep updating my equipment.”

If you’d like to discover more useful products and items, starting from under £10, why not try the RNIB

Shop. Visit rnib.org.uk/shop or call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999.

The Helpline can also lend a hand if you already own a high tech device that you need help with.

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Talking kitchen scale and easy-to-see measuring jug set (DK152, £44.95 ex VAT, £53.94 inc VAT)“These scales are a must for any kitchen. They read out the weight in a beautifully clear voice. The unit is really sturdy and the measuring jug on top is very secure, which is great for someone like me who often knocks things.

You can easily switch between units of measurement. And if you have some sight, there is a clear, bold scale on the jug, so you can both weigh and measure.”

Heat resistant oven gloves, medium sleeve (DK163, £21.95) “These aren’t like a conventional oven glove. The sleeve comes up your arm, and as I’m always burning my wrists on the shelves, I find them brilliant. The separate hands give you more control, and they’re very tactile so you can feel what you’re doing.”

Confidence in the kitchen

We all know that sight loss can affect your life in so many ways – even everyday tasks like cooking your own meals can be tricky.

Gena Parker, who has retinitis pigmentosa, showed us that with a little help from some handy products – and her little helpers – you can be confident in the kitchen and whip up a treat the whole family can enjoy.

“Today we’re making a Weetabix fruit cake, and my two grandchildren have donned their aprons to give me a hand with the measuring. We’ve also got some really useful products that will help.”

“ Once the cake had cooled, the kids tucked in – it’s certainly got their seal of approval, and hopefully you’ll enjoy it too.”

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Lifestyle and leisure

Other kitchen helpers Non-slip food preparation board (DK155R, £19.95)

Spill stopper silicone lid (DK175, £14.95)

Non-slip Staybowlizer (DK154R, £18.85)

Thanks to Gena and her grandchildren, Joelion and Eleanor, for proving that you don’t have to be Mary Berry to bake a simple, delicious fruit cake.

Visit the RNIB shop at rnib.org.uk/shop or call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999.

Download the recipe from rnib.org.uk/fruitcake or call the Connect team and we’ll post you a copy in your chosen format.

Recipe for Weetabix Fruit Cake Ingredients

• 2oz (60g) Weetabix• 6oz (170g) soft brown sugar• 6oz (170g) mixed dried

fruit (any type/mix is fine) • ½ pint milk • 7oz (200g) self raising flour • 2 eggs

Method1. Pre-heat oven to 160°C

(gas mark 3).

2. Add the Weetabix, brown sugar, dried fruit and milk to a mixing bowl.

3. Add the milk to soak the mixture, so the Weetabix and fruit plump up.

4. Stir, cover with cling film and leave in the fridge overnight.

5. Add flour and beaten eggs. Stir gently so it doesn’t get messy.

6. Line a 2lb loaf tin with a paper liner – this is the easiest way to line the tin, especially with low vision. Pour the mixture into the tin.

7. Bake for 1 hour – 1 ¼ hours.

8. Leave to cool, then pop out, slice and serve.

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it’s missing. I’ve got quite a sadistic brain that thinks that what’s missing is objects flying at my face or people walking into me!”

“I’m Ian, and I was registered blind because of the severity of my eye condition – not that I would ever lose all of my sight...

It’s a very difficult life as a partially sighted person, because you are straddling that you’re not completely blind and you’re not fully sighted. You’re in that grey area.”

Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far. We’ll keep sharing your stories, poems, vlogs and thoughts, so get in touch!

Post your story on social media with #HowISee or speak to the Connect team directly. See the film and other great

podcasts and blogs at rnib.org.uk/HowISee

To dispel myths around sight loss, RNIB made a short film with the community, How I See. You’ve shared hundreds of experiences and we’ve had millions of views since launch in August.Here are some of the stories shared so far:

“I’m Claire, I’m an artist and I’m registered blind. I’ve been flat out told – ‘You’re not blind – you’re looking at me’ – how do you argue with something like that? It’s really difficult.”

“I’m Lorraine, and I have a number of eye conditions. Panuveitis makes my vision very cloudy. Glaucoma has taken all of my sight, apart from a 5 degree field, which is like looking through a straw.

I also have Charles Bonnet Syndrome, where your brain tries to replace the images that it thinks

How I See – RNIB’s most successful film campaign

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How I See

Stay in touch“My name is Shadeen Rose. Did you know that you can receive Connect Magazine in print (16pt), braille, audio CD and by email?”

At any point you can change the way you wish to receive Connect Magazine. Just contact the Connect Team on 0303 1234 555 or email connect@rnib.org.uk

Contact Connect MagazineWrite to RNIB, 105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE

Email connect@rnib.org.uk

Call 0845 330 4134 – leave a message and we’ll call you back. Calls cost 3p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

Connect online with other members at rnib.org.uk/connect

Eye health information, emotional support, benefits advice and product information Call 0303 123 9999 Email helpline@rnib.org.uk or visit rnib.org.uk/ask

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 or giant print.

Call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/books

FundraisingCall 0345 345 0054, email fundraising@rnib.org.uk or visit rnib.org.uk/donate

VolunteeringCall 01733 375 450, email volunteering@rnib.org.uk or visit rnib.org.uk/volunteering

CampaigningCall 020 7391 2123, email campaign@rnib.org.uk or visit rnib.org.uk/campaigning

Advertising queries Contact Landmark Publishing on 020 7520 9474 or email Sharon@lps.co.uk

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Information directory