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The new 拢1 coin, How important is independence?

News, views and information for people who are blind or partially sighted. Is true independence for visually impaired people an unrealistic pipe dream?

Police Constable David Rathband was shot and blinded in July 2010. After almost two years of struggling to come to terms with his blindness, he then took his own life in early 2012.

In that time, he agreed to two interviews with In Touch, and it was hearing one of these that prompted author Christopher Hogg to write a digital play about that chapter of David Rathband's life, and its sad conclusion.

Peter White and guests speak to Christopher Hogg on why he wanted to write it, and to Damon Rose, blind journalist, about his thoughts on the play.

Are blind people under too much pressure to appear to be independent? Listener Brian Williams, former social worker and blind father of three autistic children, believes they are. He tells us why, and that he feels blind people should not have to be independent all the time.

Listeners Geoff Long and Janee Hall review the new 拢1 coin, out today.

This programme is available in two different edition - the short version, broadcast on Radio 4 will be available on I player, a longer version will be available on podcast.

Presenter: Peter White
Producer: Lee Kumutat
Editor: Eleanor Garland.

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20 minutes

Broadcast

  • Tue 28 Mar 2017 20:40

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