S1 Ep1516: What Is It Like To Use The Aira Assistance App?
Following Hubert’s interview with Antony Merlyn about the Aira trials at Stevenage station, he spoke afterwards to one of the volunteer testers about their experience using the app. Image shows RNIB logo. Upon a green background, 3 rows of text. From top to bottom: RNIB, Connect Radio, 20th Anniversary. A bold white line underlines the words Connect Radio.
8m Jun 30, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1516: What Is The Aira Assistance App?
Some rail companies have been testing the Aira assistance app at some of their stations. Our Hubert has taken a trip to Stevenage, where he spoke to one of the rail company representatives about the ongoing trials and future of accessible train travel. Image shows RNIB logo. Upon a green background, 3 rows of text. From top to bottom: RNIB, Connect Radio, 20th Anniversary. A bold white line u...
7m Jun 30, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1514: How accessible is air travel for blind and partially sighted people?
If you are thinking about jetting off for your summer holidays or just flying off within the UK for a weekend break, how accessible might air travel be for blind and partially sighted people and what about flying off with your Guide Dog or Assistance Dog too. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with John Welsman, Customer Experience Lead at Guide Dogs to talk about some of the access iss...
10m Jun 27, 2023
10m
S2 Ep266: Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley - June/July
Time to connect with the natural world around us with nature guide Andy Shipley. In this episode we will be turning our ears to the sky and tuning into some of our aerial gymnasts. Plus, a sensory activity and some ways you can help wildlife at this time of year. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect Radio (https://a...
4m Jun 26, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1513: Exploring Dance and Visual Impairment
Barry Snell chats to dancer and choreographer Holly Thomas, to learn about her exciting dance project Hal Light, which explores the often unchartered territory of dance and visual impairment. To learn more about the Half Light project here https://hollythomasdance.co.uk/projects/half-light/ Image: Close up Picture of Holly standing up with her arms bent at the elbows pointing upwards. She is ...
8m Jun 15, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1512: Is Soaking Up the Sun Good or Bad for Us?
With the temperature rising and much more hours of sunshine now that we seem to be in summer time for this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davy asks Elizabeth whether the sun is good or bad for us. Elizabeth also talks about the potential benefits of vitamin D from the sun and risks of skin cancer from being out too ...
4m Jun 02, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1511: VocalEyes What’s On 1 June 2023
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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Once on This Island - Saturday 10...
5m Jun 01, 2023
5m
S1 Ep1510: Bringing Books To Life
RNIB Connect  Radio's Barry Snell chats to Colin Sinclair from Behear audio and his daughter Amy, about their exciting audiobook service, which features dramatised stories and boasts of being like Netflix without the pictures. They were inspired to set up Behear after Amy was involved in a road accident which resulted in sight loss. To find out more about Behear audio click here  (https://www...
7m May 25, 2023
7m
S2 Ep265: Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley - May/June
Time to connect with the natural world around us with nature guide Andy Shipley. This month, listen out for more birdsong as Andy tells us about the red list of endangered species in the UK. Plus, a bonus featuring some naughty hedgehogs. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect Radio (https://audioboom.com/playlists/46...
4m May 22, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1509: Constipation, A Subject We Might Not Want to Talk About but Should…
For this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are talking about constipation, a subject we may not want to talk about but we all should. Elizabeth began by telling  RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about what the official definition of constipation is and the main causes of constipation too. Then Elizabeth explained to Toby about the different ...
5m May 19, 2023
5m
S1 Ep1508: Time to Talk About Chickenpox…
With reports of the increase in cases of Chickenpox in the news recently we thought for this week’s check-in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we should focus on Chickenpox. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about the connection between Chickenpox and Shingles and how ChickenPox is spread. Then to the itchy rash that people get w...
4m May 09, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1507: VocalEyes What’s On 3 May 2023
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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: The Beekeeper Of Aleppo - Saturda...
6m May 03, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1506: What's Coming Up From Eye Matter?
Finding a community that understands what it’s like living without sight can be an amazing feeling. Eye Matter is a small visual impairment charity that does just that for its members, helping connect them through a variety of fun and exciting events. And they have lots of them coming up over the next couple of months. Our Paulina Kuchorew was joined by Eye Matter Coordinator, Suzie Simons, t...
6m Apr 27, 2023
6m
S2 Ep264: Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley - April/May
Time to connect with the natural world around and this months it’s all about listening to birdsong and also being a little bit lazy. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect Radio (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4635327-sensory-reflections-with-andy-shipley-on-rnib-connect-radio) For more about Andy's work and to get i...
3m Apr 24, 2023
3m
S1 Ep1505: VocalEyes What’s On 18 April 2023
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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Retrograde - Thursday 20 April to...
7m Apr 18, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1504: Time to Talk About Hay Fever…
With the days starting to get longer now with lighter mornings and evenings, we are also coming into hay fever season. Knowing that many people are affected quite badly from hay fever for this week’s check-in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we thought we would focus on hay fever. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey that hey fever...
6m Apr 14, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1503: Spring Gardening Tips With Charity Thrive
With spring in full-bloom it's the perfect time to look at our gardens and what we could be doing in them. And joining our Paulina Kuchorew to share some of her best spring gardening advice is Julia Smith, Social Therapeutic Horticulturists with Charity Thrive. Get more gardening tips from Thrive here: Get gardening - Thrive (https://www.thrive.org.uk/get-gardening) Image shows daisies arran...
8m Apr 13, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1502: Time to Look After Your Feet!
For this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are focusing on the part of the body we use every day, our feet and how to prevent some of those foot problems we get from time to time. Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about some of the foot injuries that some people seem to get. Then on to how important it is to ...
4m Apr 03, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1501: Support At The Right Time
When things seem hopeless being able to reach out for support can make a world of difference. Amanda Whitfield was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease a few years ago, but when her condition started getting worse in 2020 she reached out to charity Sight Scotland for help. There she met Community Worker Debbie McGregor, who has supported Amanda in getting back on her feet. Our Paulina Kuchorew...
8m Mar 29, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1500: VocalEyes What’s On 27 March 2023
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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Noughts & Crosses - Saturday 1 Ap...
7m Mar 27, 2023
7m
S2 Ep263: Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley - March/April
Time to connect with the natural world around us. On this month’s Sensory Reflections, Andy gives us an idea of what birdsong to listen out for as well as some crafty homework to help out our friendly neighbourhood hedgehogs. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect Radio (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4635327-sensory...
4m Mar 20, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1499: VocalEyes What’s On 7 March 2023
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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Girl From the North Country - Sat...
7m Mar 07, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1498: Are There Benefits to Taking Supplements on a Regular Basis?
As more and more people seem to be taking supplements such as vitamin D on a day to day basis, for this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow, Elizabeth began by telling our Toby Davey whether we should be taking supplements routinely and do we actually need to take them. Elizabeth continued by explaining to Toby about why eating a proporti...
6m Mar 06, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1497: 'Tales Of Gallus Women' An Evening Of Story-telling
Barry Snell caught up with Anne Dignan, to talk about an upcoming event which will celebrate the art of storytelling…. ‘Tales Of Gallus Women’ will take place on the 11th March in Bellfield Community Hub, Portobello, Edinburgh.
8m Feb 28, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1496: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty, Audio Described Theatre Review
Audio described theatre performances can be a brilliant way to enjoy a production without missing any of those all-important details. By describing stage design, costumes and make-up, movement and more, they can enhance the experience of a production making it accessible to visually impaired patrons. Vidar Hjardeng MBE is inclusion and diversity consultant for ITV News and he’s joining us onc...
7m Feb 27, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1495: Coronation Champion Awards - Recognising Unsung Heroes
In honour of Their Majesties’ service to the country, Royal Voluntary Service is launching the Coronation Champions Awards for volunteers, an official Coronation project. Together with Her Majesty The Queen Consort, the awards will celebrate extraordinary volunteers across the country who have been contributing to their communities. Barry Snell spoke with Fiona Longhurst from the Royal Volunt...
5m Feb 23, 2023
5m
S1 Ep1494: Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley - February/March
Time to connect with the natural world around us. On this month’s Sensory Reflections, Andy gives us an idea of what birdsong to listen out for as well as some crafty homework to help out our friendly neighbourhood hedgehogs. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect Radio (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4635327-sensory...
4m Feb 23, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1493: Catching Up With Blind Dave Heeley, OBE
Last year Dave Heeley, OBE cycled 800 miles from Colditz castle to West Bromwich to raise money for charity, but since October he has been recovering from a knee operation. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up with the charity fundraiser, to talk about his ongoing recovery, plans for the future and life with new guide dog Peter. {Image = Close up photo of Dave wearing a red, white & blu...
7m Feb 21, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1492: Sheffield Adventure Film Festival 2023
The Sheffield Adventure Film Festival will take place from 3rd till 5th of March 2023 and showcase the best new adventure, travel and extreme sports films from around the world. This year the festival is also making a push to increase inclusivity by making more of their films available with audio description and captions. Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Danielle Sellwood, who is the project l...
9m Feb 20, 2023
9m
S1 Ep1585: VocalEyes What’s On 15 February 2023
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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Peaky Blinders: the redemption of...
8m Feb 15, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1491: Could Changes in Your Lifestyle Protect You Against Covid?
We seem to be hearing more in the news about Covid and thankfully not as severe as in the height of the pandemic. For this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow Elizabeth outlines to our Toby Davey about recent research that suggests that changing our lifestyle could help protect us against covid. Elizabeth went on to explain some of the lifestyle ...
4m Feb 02, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1490: VocalEyes What’s On 1 February 2023
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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: The Ocean at the End of The Lane ...
6m Feb 01, 2023
6m
S2 Ep262: Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley - January/February
Time to connect with the natural world around us. On the first of his Sensory Reflections for this year, Andy tells us what we should keep an ear out for in nature including some robin song, and fox calls. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect Radio (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4635327-sensory-reflections-with-an...
3m Jan 22, 2023
3m
S1 Ep1489: VI Author Jon Gingerich
Jon Gingerich began losing his sight while writing his debut novel The Appetite Factory. He shares his story with David Hogg.
6m Jan 19, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1487: RNIB Volunteer Shares Talent On TV
The people who volunteer for RNIB are a talented group. Hywel Davies catches up with one volunteer from South Wales who's heading for your television screen this weekend. Michael McIntyre's Big Show is on BBC1 at 6:50, Saturday the 14th of January. If you miss the episode you can catch up on the BBC iPlayer.
6m Jan 12, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1486: World Braille Day 2023 - Panel Discussion
As part of the celebrations for World Braille Day 2023 RNIB's Dave Williams chaired a discussion between Mary Fernandes from Cisco Systems, Christopher Patnoe from Google and Robin Spinks from RNIB. The panel discuss the various uses of braille and the future of the format.
21m Jan 04, 2023
21m
S1 Ep1485: Making Travel More Accessible For Visually Impaired People
Would you like to get away for some rest and relaxation? Maybe an action-packed adventure holiday is more your style. Hywel Davies has been speaking to one travel company that's making sure everything they do is accessible. For more information about Seable Holidays, visit www.seable.co.uk
6m Dec 22, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1484: Ask The Pharmacist - Opening Times During Festive Period
With Christmas just around the corner, Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick gives us advice on pharmacy opening times, picking up repeat precriptions and also an update on Strep A and the current shortage of antibiotics . She is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell. To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick and for more help and advice you can either email  Elizabeth.r@newlifepharmacy.co.uk, sear...
5m Dec 22, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1488: Dr Elizabeth Farmer and Giant Cell Arteritis Awareness
Dr Elizabeth Farmer suffered from Sudden Traumatic Blindness brought on by Giant Cell Arteritis. She is now raising awareness for GCA. She shares her story with David Hogg.
7m Dec 02, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1483: VocalEyes What’s On 28 November 2022
Now for a bit of a festive 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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Sleeping Beauty ...
8m Nov 28, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1389: Coping with Dizziness or Vertigo…
For our next regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey asked Elizabeth about some of the causes and possible treatments for dizziness or vertigo that people do suffer from or experience from time to time. Elizabeth began by telling Toby about some of the main common forms of dizziness and how some medications do have di...
4m Nov 21, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1482: VocalEyes Heritage Access Report 2022
VocalEyes, in partnership with Stagetext, Autism in Museums and the Centre for Accessible Environments, recently publish the Heritage Access report 2022 which highlights the importance of online access information for the UK museum and heritage sector, and tracks the changes in the state of access over the past four years since the publication of the 2018 report. The report is structured to mi...
18m Nov 18, 2022
18m
S1 Ep1388: VocalEyes What’s On 10 November 2022
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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Art Workshops at the British Libr...
7m Nov 10, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1387: CBeebies Introduces Superhero Assistance Dogs
Have you heard of CBeebies' brand new series Dog Squad? Following the daily adventures of five superhero assistance dogs, Kika, Diesel, Meagaidh, Sylvie and Tinks, the series is here to help us better understand the wonderful impact these animals have on the lives of their families. The exciting show hits our TV screens today at 4 PM and to find out a bit more we spoke with Jayne Austin, prod...
9m Nov 07, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1386: Dr Amit Patel & Kika To Appear On CBeebies' Dog Squad!
CBeebies’ brand-new series Dog Squad is here to bring a team of true superheroes to our home screens! Following the lives of five superstar assistance dogs Kika, Diesel, Meagaidh, Sylvie and Tinks, the series will follow their adventures as they help their owners on important daily missions. The very first adventure will feature the lovely guide dog Kika and her owner, author and disability a...
9m Nov 04, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1385: Ask the Pharmacist Week 2022 with Elizabeth Roddick
As it is ‘Ask the Pharmacist Week’ this week (31 October to 7 November 2022), we thought it would be a good time to ask our resident Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow to give us the lowdown on what’s happening in the community pharmacy world. Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about ‘Ask the Pharmacist Week’ which has the theme ‘Now at Your ...
5m Oct 31, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1384: VocalEyes What’s On 22 October 2022
Now for a round up 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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: In Plain Sight Exhibition - Thur...
7m Oct 22, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1382: Drinking Less Alcohol Could Be a Factor in Reducing the Incidence of Cancer...
For this week’s Check In with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are focusing on some recent medical research which seems to indicates that reducing your alcohol intake could have a very positive effect of reducing incidence of cancer. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth to outline a bit more about this recent research. Then asking Elizabeth...
5m Oct 17, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1383: Get A Sense For Autumn On This Multisensory Walk In Chilterns
With autumn settling across the UK, there's a great multi-sensory walk that could help you enjoy the wonders of nature. Joining our Paulina Kuchorew to tell us all about the multisensory nature walk in Chilterns is Andy Shipley from Natural Inclusion. The walk will take place on the morning of Friday 28th of October as part of the Chilterns Walking Festival. Find out more here: Chilterns Wal...
5m Oct 13, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1381: VocalEyes What’s On 7 October 2022
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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Grey Man by Oxford Playhouse Thea...
5m Oct 07, 2022
5m