Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos

Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos
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Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos

Phil Friend invites disabled people in to talk about the stuff they use to overcome the barriers they face in living an independent life. Some very innovative and left-field thinking is the name of the game

  1. From Jamaica to Glastonbury: Barrington Chambers on Resilience, Music, and Inclusive Innovation

    09/13/2023

    From Jamaica to Glastonbury: Barrington Chambers on Resilience, Music, and Inclusive Innovation

    In the vibrant world of music, where melody knows no boundaries, Barrington Chambers is an inspiring figure. In our latest edition of "Gear Gadgets and Gizmos," we had the privilege to interview Barrington, a remarkable Afro Caribbean musician whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. A short time after coming to the UK from Jamaica in 1999 Barrington's life took an unexpected turn when he became blind . But instead of letting this challenge define him, he embraced it and embarked on a musical odyssey that continues to entertain audiences worldwide. This talented musician is a multi-instrumentalist, mastering the bass guitar, drums, saxophone, harmonica, and more. His passion for music led him to co-found the Bristol Reggae Orchestra, a musical ensemble that blends diverse talents to create reggae music.  Accompanied by the Windrush choir, they have graced the stage at prestigious events, including the iconic Glastonbury Festival in 2023. Beyond the musical stage, Barrington's commitment to fostering young musical talent is truly commendable. He and several other musicians are actively involved in teaching music to young enthusiasts in the Bristol and south west area, nurturing the next generation of musical prodigies.  On top of all this  Barrington's  dedicates  time to working with Bristol Council on access issues and is a valued member of the RIDC Consumer Panel and regularly test products and services to ensure they are accessible and inclusive.

    29 min
  2. A World Within Reach: The Power of Active Hands with Founder Rob Smith

    05/12/2023

    A World Within Reach: The Power of Active Hands with Founder Rob Smith

    Welcome to this Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos episode, where we explore Rob Smith's innovative company, Active Hands. Today's episode focuses on Rob's experience following a spinal cord injury and his challenges in finding suitable gripping aids.  Realizing the need for better solutions, Rob designed and developed prototypes in his home, eventually founding Active Hands in 2008. He has designed and manufactured a  variety of gripping aids and assistive products offered by Active Hands, which have been used by disabled people worldwide.  Links: https://www.activehands.com/

    27 min

  3. 03/13/2023

    National Centre for Accessible Transport (NCAT): A New Era for Disabled Travel

    Phil Friend the Chair of the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC), talks to Gordon McCullough, the CEO of RIDC, about the launch of the National Centre for Accessible Transport. (NCAT) What is the purpose of the centre? Why does NCAT matter? What part will RIDC play? How do we ensure that disabled people are at the heart of the project? All these questions and many others are addressed in this entertaining conversation.

    18 min
  4. Breaking Barriers: How Molly's Using Tech to Hear and See the World Differently

    03/02/2023

    Breaking Barriers: How Molly's Using Tech to Hear and See the World Differently

    This episode features Molly O'Brien,  a Senior Research and Insight Advisor at Activity Alliance, a charity that promotes disability-inclusive sports and activities. Molly has hearing and visual impairments. She has first-class degrees in sociology and research methods. She is a qualified yoga teacher and a ballet dancer and enjoys outdoor activities. Molly's impairments mean that she uses a range of devices; hearing aids, portable microphones, magnification technology, and tactile watches, all designed to make her life easier. She's particularly excited about the Bluetooth technology on her new hearing aids, which means she can stream audio directly from her laptop. Molly also loves using Apple products because of their great accessibility features.  It's all a far cry from her early experiences with the clunky kit she had to use as a child. Links Handheld and desktop electronic magnifiers I have from both these companies: https://www.humanware.com/en-united_kingdom/home https://www.enhancedvision.co.uk Phonak Roger FM system assistive hearing technology: https://www.connevans.co.uk/catalogue/106/Phonak-Roger-Radio-Aids---Hearing-Aid-Accessories Phonak Roger Radio Aids & Hearing Aid Accessories | Connevans Connevans www.connevans.co.uk Low Vision Products and Solutions | Enhanced Vision Enhanced Vision. 0800 145 6115 Unit C, Plot 5, Merlin Way Quarry Hill Industrial Estate Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 4RA www.enhancedvision.co.uk Activity Alliance https://www.activityalliance.org.uk/

    28 min
  5. It is the simple life hacks that make all the difference

    12/06/2022

    It is the simple life hacks that make all the difference

    Peter Goadby-Watt has been a photographer for over thirty years. He started his career as a photographic assistant and freelance photographer. He joined the BBC photographic studio (88-90)  before joining the Metropolitan Police Service in 1990 - 2014 as a forensic photographer and Head of Forensic Training. There, he honed his skills using multiple formats, film processing and printing; he joined the video team and used professional ENG broadcast HD video cameras and offline editing.  In July 2018, Peter was treated for cancer, that has resulted in him becoming a wheelchair and crutch user.   Peter says, "Okay, I can't necessarily do what I used to love doing in that way. But you know, if I still love doing it, maybe there's another way to do it differently.  His passion for photography has never dwindled, and you will see some of his personal favourite images on his website. Instagram: @pgwimaging Website: www.PGWimaging.com ​

    27 min

  6. 10/19/2022

    Tech is brilliant but so is the human touch.

    In this episode of Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos, Nigel Lewis talks about his passion for IT and how it can transform the lives of disabled and older people. He also reminds us there is still much to do to ensure that technology is accessible, inclusive and available to all. His career began in software development, and he has since worked in many aspects of IT services over the years. Nigel Lewis was the London regional director for Fujitsu Services before he joined AbilityNet as their CEO in 2007. AbilityNet is a charity specialising in assistive technology and making technology accessible for all, especially disabled and older people, and during his time at AbilityNet, he saw massive changes in IT and other enabling devices and software. He once described tech as "the great enabler", which should benefit excluded groups". Since leaving Ability Net in 2020, he has worked for another charity providing employment for disabled people.  Since May 2021, he supposedly retired but is now interim CEO for 2 charities, one a small natural history museum and the other a charity that provides equipment for disabled children and support for their families. Links AbilityNet British Consumer Society (BCS)

    28 min
  7. AT and Independent Living

    04/08/2022

    AT and Independent Living

    Shelly Gaynor is Peer Mentor of Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI), with a passion for technology, particularly Assistive Technology (AT) and how it can be deployed to remove barriers that many disabled people encounter. Shelly sees technology as putting everyone on an even playing field, and human rights for disabled people are fundamental to her. Shelly directs a Personal Assistants Service through her company, shellyonwheels. Giving disabled people complete control over their own lives is very important to Shelly. In this podcast, Shelly describes the gadgets and software she uses on a daily basis to manage her independence. Links iPhone Accessibility apps Ram Mount Pro Tracker mouse Amazon Alexa

    16 min
  8. Don't mention Dot Matrix Signs to Andy Garrett

    03/07/2022

    Don't mention Dot Matrix Signs to Andy Garrett

    Andy Garrett has a retinal partial sight condition [Macular Dystrophy] affecting his central field of vision. He worked as a police officer with the Metropolitan Police before moving to GSK. Andy's role with GSK is as Global Programme Director of their Workplace Adjustments Service. The service supports employees in securing the adjustments and accessibility solutions they need at work and remotely. Andy believes in the value that employee networks bring to building our disability confidence. He co-leads the GSK global Disability Confidence Network (DCN) and is an ambassador for Purple Space.   Andy lives with his family near Ascot in Berkshire and loves watching rugby with his boys. It presents some interesting challenges for someone with a sight impairment, as you'll hear! Andy's gadgets IPad Pro Samsung Galaxy phone Magnifier app for Android Portable Magnifier Example

    22 min
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About

Phil Friend invites disabled people in to talk about the stuff they use to overcome the barriers they face in living an independent life. Some very innovative and left-field thinking is the name of the game

Information

  • Creator
    Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2023
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos
  • Show Website
    Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos

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