1149: Shaun Hayward on Making and Recording Music as a Blind or Partially Sighted Person
As a blind or partially sighted person have you ever thought about setting up your own recording studio and producing your own music? Well RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Shaun Hayward, a blind musician and ballroom dancer who in the early 2000s set up a basement studio in Leeds with his blind musician friend Joe Kenny which was very much an analogue studio recording on to a Win...
10m Jun 10, 2025
10m
Braille Classes, EyeCan Jersey, Interview With Mark Coxshall.
As many of you know, it has been 200 years since Braille was first created by Louis Braille. EyeCan, a sight loss charity based on Jersey is teaching local people Braille. To find out more about it, Jennifer Murray chats to Mark Coxshall from the charity. You can reach out to EyeCan Jersey in any of the following ways: EYECAN’s Website: https://eyecan.je/ Phone: 01534 864689 Email: info@...
6m Jun 10, 2025
6m
Five Valleys Talking Newspaper, Interview With David Harries.
Would you like to learn a bit about Five Valleys Talking Newspaper? Jennifer Murray speaks to David Harris to find out more. Five Valleys Talking Newspaper can be contacted in any of the following ways: Email Address: 5valleysounds@gmail.com (mailto:5valleysound@gmail.com) Mobile: 07882672647 Facebook Page: Five Valley Sounds - Stroud's Talking Newspaper | Facebook (https://www.facebook...
6m Jun 09, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1144: NHS Relaunch Campaign Encouraging Breast Cancer Screening Attendance
The NHS in England has launched a new phase of the ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign to encourage blind and partially sighted women to attend their breast screening appointment when invited. Amelia spoke to RNIB Chair Of Trustees, Anna Tylor, about the importance of attending screening appointments. Learn more about breast cancer screenings by going to Breast screening (mammogram) - NHS (https://w...
8m Jun 09, 2025
8m
Something for The Weekend - 06/06/2025
Something for The Weekend highlights the best in accessible streaming content every week. This week, Hannah reccomends a new TV show to relax with, a new audiobook to get lost in and new music to move your body to! Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’...
8m Jun 06, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1147: Could Volunteering Be Good For You?
Volunteers make a significant and  positive impact for charities but could volunteering really help you as an individual? RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Mari Jones and Jo Keller, from RNIB, to find out how volunteers help deliver vital services and what individuals can gain from giving their time… If you’d like to find out more about volunteering, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk/vol...
10m Jun 06, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1142: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, AD Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 We have the smash-hit London Palladium production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ this week...
5m Jun 06, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1146: Priya Herian on Making Her Artwork Accessible for Her Father and Other Blind and Partially Sighted People
Priya Herian is a British Indian contemporary artist who has an exhibition of her work at The Brick Lane Gallery in London from 2 to 13 July 2025 with audio descriptions of the artwork produced by Priya, inspired by her father’s journey with blindness, making art accessible to her father and other blind and partially sighted people too. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey recently caught up with P...
18m Jun 05, 2025
18m
Vision Support, Interview With Nia Greer.
Would you like to hear about the many different services which Vision Support have on offer as well as the great work they do? Well Jennifer Murray catches up with Nia Greer from the charity to find out more. You can reach out to Vision Support in any of the following ways: Website www.visionsupport.org.uk/ (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.visionsupport...
9m Jun 05, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1145: Visually Impaired Rugby Player Aaron Fowler
Aaron Fowler has been playing visually impaired rugby for the last six years, he tells Hywel Davies about the positive impact the game has had on his life. You can find out more about Visually Impaired Rugby and the work of the Change Foundation here - Visually Impaired Rugby - The Change Foundation (https://www.thechangefoundation.org.uk/visually-impaired-rugby/)
10m Jun 05, 2025
10m
TT Races, Interview With Peter Marshall.
On the Isle of Man every year, the TT Races takes place. These can pose safety risks for visually impaired people and could stop them from getting out and about during this time. Jennifer Murray chats to Peter Marshall from Sight Matters, a local sight loss charity to discuss some of these concerns. You can contact Sight Matters in the following ways: Email Address: enquiries@sightmatters.im...
9m Jun 04, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1143: June Almanac - History, Nature And Folklore
What is a strawberry moon? How do people celebrate the summer solstice? Amelia is back with another monthly almanac for June. Learn more about the nature and birds of June on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bol...
4m Jun 03, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1142: Award and Recognition for Seable Holidays
Seable Holidays is a not for profit social enterprise organisation providing accessible tailored and group holidays for blind and partially sighted people. Seable Holidays were recently presented with the Small Organisation award in the 2025 Disability Confident Awards and have also been recognised as an RNIB Visibly Better Employer too. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey recently caught up with...
17m Jun 03, 2025
17m
S2 Ep1141: RNIB Launch Value Of Vision Report
As the cost of eye care services rises along with increasing demand, RNIB have launched a report called Value of Vision. Paulina chatted to Vivianne Francis about six evidence based interventions they hope to implement to address this rising cost and to prevent avoidable sight loss. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and...
8m Jun 03, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1140: What Is It Like Being a VI Street Photographer?
 Gary Williamson is a professional photographer that often shares his amazing black and white snaps online. He also happens to be registered blind, and found that he can explore the world through his camera lens. Gary joined our Paulina Kuchorew to chat all things passion for photography. You can find Gary on Instagram @swirly_magnolia Image shows a striking black and white self-portrait of...
10m Jun 02, 2025
10m
Cotswold Vale Talking Newspaper, Interview With Mary Moss.
Jennifer Murray speaks to Mary Moss from Cotswold Talking Newspaper to learn more about it. You can listen to the Cotswold Vale Talking Newspaper on the British Wireless for The Blind's Talking Newspaper app for mobiles and tablets. You can also access Cotswold Vale Talking Newspaper via USB Sticks as well as on Alexa devices. You can contact Cotswold Vale Talking Newspaper in any of the foll...
8m Jun 02, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1136: RNIB Needs Your Help with Research into Support Services
At RNIB we know that often blind and partially sighted people don’t get access to the training or services they need to help with their sight loss. In order to address these issues RNIB wants to get a clear picture from blind and partially sighted people of the areas of their life where they need support as well as the type of support they have received in the past. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby D...
7m Jun 02, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1139: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 31/05/2025
Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we sit down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt began by talking about the ‘Value of Vision’ report which will be coming out soon, the new Curry’s advert that features disabled people including two visually impaired people that the RNIB have been working on and the Edinburgh f...
9m May 31, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1136: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Shark is Broken, AD Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we celebrate movie history and the choppy waters behind the filming of Jaws as ‘The Shark is Broken’ visited the Birmingham repertory...
4m May 30, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1138: Birmingham Goalball Club Nansi Hidrej
Our David Hogg speaks to Nansi Hidrej from Birmingham Goalball Club about her love of goalball and how the sport can be beneficial for people’s mental health.
8m May 30, 2025
8m
Eye Matter, Interview With Suzie Simons
Would you like to hear all about an award-winning charity called Eye Matter? Well, Jennifer Murray catches up with Suzie Simons to find out more. You can contact Eye Matter in the following ways: Eye Matter’s Website: Home - Eye Matter (https://www.eyematter.org.uk/) Suzie Simons' Email Address: suzie@eyematter.org.uk (mailto:suzie@eyematter.org.uk) Suzi Simons' Mobile number: 079687226...
7m May 30, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1134: Getting Out And About - Roundtable
What are the biggest mobility confidence boosters? How do guide dogs comapre to canes? We gathered Luci Franks and Pete Torode to talks about the challenges and lessons they've discovered while navigating around home and away. Listen to Pete Torode's sight loss story here - RNIB Connect / Pete Torode, Sight Loss Story (https://audioboom.com/posts/8697005-pete-torode-sight-loss-story) Listen ...
31m May 30, 2025
31m
S2 Ep1136: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Monthly Campaigns Update 30/06/2025
Each month on RNIB Connect Radio we are joined by some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re working on. This month’s topics included: the RNIB ‘All Aboard’ Buses Report plus an update on benefits and accessible voting. If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved, email campaigns@rnib.org.uk (mailto:campaigns@rnib.org.uk) You can visit...
8m May 30, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1135: Guide runner study needs your input
A study at University of Glasgow wants to hear from visually impaired runners who run with a guide, and the guides themselves, to find out more about the benefits of the activity. Robert Kirkwood spoke to the researcher to find out more. Image shows two hands with a bright yellow running tether around their wrists that helps blind and partially sighted people run safely with a guide runner.
5m May 28, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1132: RNIB Scotland’s HQ Gets a 21st Century Refurb
RNIB Scotland’s head quarters in Edinburgh has just gone through a programme of renovation and refurbishment to make the Hillside offices 21st century ready. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to James Adams, RNIB Scotland Director, about the work and how the building will be a magnet, not just for blind and partially sighted people, but for the community at large. Image shows the RNIB ...
5m May 28, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1133: Celebrate Pride with the RSBC LGBTQIA+ Youth Group
On the 4th June, from 5-6pm, the RSBC’s LGBTQIA+ Youth Group invites you to an online party to celebrate Pride. The session will feature games, a chance to learn some pride related-trivia, learn about projects the RSBC’s Youth Group have involved in and a chance to hear from other VI organisations about opportunities. The invitation is open to young vision impaired people aged 12-25 who are p...
8m May 27, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1131: Social Security Scotland, The Story So Far
Social Security Scotland is a young agency with growing responsibilities for welfare payments to people in Scotland. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Minister with responsibility for the agency, to find out how it’s increasing responsibilities and what clients think of its way of working. Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background RNIB in Bold Blac...
11m May 27, 2025
11m
S2 Ep1128: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - & Juliet, AD Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have the multi award-winning ‘& Juliet’ as the touring production visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Pro...
6m May 23, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1123: Installation of Interpretive Braille Signs Opens Up Access to Pierrepont Farm
The Countryside Regeneration Trust have recently made accessibility improvements to Pierrepont Farm near Frensham in Surrey including turning a historic carriage track into an accessible pathway to a picnic area, the installation of interpretive braille signs with help from the RNIB along with disabled parking too. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Helena Darragh, Head of Conservat...
5m May 23, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1130: UK Sight Loss Charity Launches Travel And Transport Report
When it comes to living an independent and fulfilling life, accessible public transport is vital for blind and partially sighted people. UK sight loss charity RNIB has just launched the first part of a major piece of research into getting around accessibly and safely, for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Erik Matthies and Ross Megan, from RNIB, t...
8m May 21, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1123: RNIB Cymru Launch Report Into Bus Travel
A new report from RNIB Cymru highlights the current state of bus travel in Wales and suggests ways to make travel more inclusive in the future. Hywel Davies has been hearing about some of the challenges to get everyone ‘All Aboard’.
10m May 21, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1125: AI For Service Dog Training
How can AI help with assistance dog training? Amelia spoke to Dr. Mohammad Amir-Hosseini to learn about some exciting research taking place at the University Of East London. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
7m May 21, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1129: What Does The UK-EU Agreement Mean For Travelling With A Guide Dog?
How will upcoming changes to the UK pet travel rules impact guide dog users? Amelia spoke Chris Theobald, the Senior Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager from Guide Dogs UK, to learn more. For information on travelling from Great Britain, visit the GOV.UK website - Travelling with Pets | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/tra...
8m May 20, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1126: Atlantic Challenge Will Test This Crew To Their Limits
Adam Benjamin, along with 3 intrepid rowers, aim to row across the Atlantic Ocean to raise funds and awareness for a variety of charities. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Adam to find out how you prepare for something like this, what they’re expecting on the journey and how adaptations can be made for Adam, who is registered blind, to take part in this mammoth undertaking. For mor...
10m May 20, 2025
10m
Sefton Talking Newspaper, Interview With Sylvia Cooperthwaite.
Jennifer Murray chats to Sylvia Cooperthwaite from Sefton Talking Newspaper to learn all about it. You can phone Sefton Talking Newspaper on: 01519289775. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
7m May 19, 2025
7m
Somerset Sight, Interview With Jackie and Kate.
Would you like to know about a charity called Somerset Sight? Jennifer Murray chats to Jackie and Kate from the charity. You can contact Somerset Sight in any of the following ways: Somerset Sight’s Website: Somerset Sight – Working with people who lack sight, not vision (https://www.somersetsight.org.uk/) Phone: 01823333818 Email: admin@somersetsight.org.uk (mailto:admin@somersetsight....
7m May 19, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1121: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 17/05/25
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about Global Accessibility Awareness Day, RNIB's involvement with upcoming storylines on Eastenders, plus a night at the ARIAS for RNIB Connect Radio. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and servi...
7m May 16, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1124: Network With Scottish VI Creators At The VICS Get Together
Visually Impaired Creators Scotland (VICS) are hosting an in-person and online get together on Monday 19th May. Amelia spoke to Kirin Saeed, VICS founder, to learn more. Join in person from 1 to 4 pm at The Dean Centre in Leith, Edinburgh, or online from 3 to 4 pm. Refreshments and reasonable travel expenses provided. Contact kirinsaeed@btinternet.com to learn more and rsvp for refreshments.
9m May 16, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1118: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - A Thousand Splendid Suns, AD Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have the return of the stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ to the Birmingham Repert...
6m May 16, 2025
6m
Luke Howarth, Sight Loss Story.
Jennifer Murray chats to Luke Howarth to learn about his sight loss journey and about his own business he has set up. You can contact Luke in any of the following ways: Contact Details for Vision With Luke: Email Address: luke@visionwithluke.co.uk (mailto:luke@visionwithluke.co.uk) Phone: 07496902749 Website:  https://www.visionwithluke.co.uk/ Facebook page:  Vision with Luke | Burnley...
11m May 16, 2025
11m
Bankietalk Talking Newspaper, Interview With Irene McKelvie.
Would you like to learn about Bankietalk Talking Newspaper based in Clydebank Scotland? Well, Jennifer Murray chats to Irene McKelvie to find out more. Bankietalk Talking Newspaper's office is only staffed on a Wednesday however, you can contact them via any of the following ways (including leaving a message on their answer phone): Bankietalk Talking Newspaper's Email Address: bankietalk@yah...
6m May 16, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1122: Some Audio Described Highlights From MindsEye Description.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description about some forthcoming events with Audio Description. AD makes television, movies, galleries  and other arts events more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people. This month they’re looking at An American smash hit, a children’s classic and more. If you'd like mo...
9m May 16, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1114: What Is Global Accessibility Awareness Day?
Each year we celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) which aims to make the world a more accessible place for people with disabilities. Why should we highlight the annual event and why should the public and private sectors, in particular, pay close attention to it’s importance? RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Gavin Neate, from NeateBox, to find out… If you’d like to l...
12m May 15, 2025
12m
The Cotswold Listener, Interview With June Little.
Would you like to learn more about The Cotswold Listener? Well, Jennifer Murray speaks to June Little to find out more. You can get in touch with the Cotswold Listener in any of the following ways: The Cotswold Listener’s Website: https://www.cotswoldlistener.co.uk/ Email Address: admin@cotswoldlistener.co.uk (mailto:admin@cotswoldlistener.co.uk) Phone: 01242252072 Image description: Im...
6m May 15, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1118: Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Historic Royal Palaces Access Offer
For GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) 2025 (Thursday 15 May 2025) we are focusing on access to heritage for blind and partially sighted people as RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined by Aileen Pierce, Head of Interpretation and Design at Historic Royal palaces to find out more about HRP and an overview of their access offer which includes Digital Video Guides with audio description...
6m May 15, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1117: Global Accessibility Awareness Day, National Trust AccessAble Guides
For GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) 2025 (Thursday 15 May 2025) we are going to focus on access to heritage for blind and partially sighted people as RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined by Rachael Osmotherley, Visitor Journey Development Manager for Access, Experiences and Partnerships at the national Trust to highlight the great accessAble Guides for over 1,000 national Trust l...
12m May 15, 2025
12m
Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind, Interview With Susan Connolly.
Jennifer Murray chats to Susan Connolly from Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind to learn about what they do. If you would like to contact Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind, you can do so in the following ways: Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind’s Website: www.hulltalkingmagazine.org.uk Phone: 01482 585822 Image description: Image shows the RNIB ...
6m May 14, 2025
6m
Causeway Talking News, Interview With Barry Williamson.
Jennifer Murray chats to Barry Williamson from Causeway Talking News based in Northern Ireland to find out more. If you would like to reach out to Barry Williamson regarding the talking newspaper, you can contact him in the following ways: Barry Williamson’s Email Address: barry.williamson@outlook.com Bary Williamson’s Mobile Number: 07843847751 Image description: Image shows the RNIB Co...
5m May 13, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1117: Take Part in the RNIB Voice of the Customer Survey on Volunteering
The latest RNIB Voice of the Customer survey is focusing on the experiences of blind and partially sighted people around volunteering. The Research and Insight Team would like to hear about your motivations, barriers, and what might encourage you to volunteer. Even if you don't volunteer, your input is invaluable in understanding your decisions and what could inspire you to get involved with a...
5m May 13, 2025
5m
Andrew Pettigrew, Sight Loss Story.
Andrew Pettigrew speaks to Jennifer Murray about his hearing and sight loss and the many different things he does. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
5m May 12, 2025
5m