S2 Ep692: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - RSC Pericles, 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 in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing a stirring tale of love, hope and miracles with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Pericles at the Swan Theatre i...
6m Aug 23, 2024
6m
S2 Ep689: Blind Leading 2024: Ballet with Scottish Ballet
Now time to head to the ballet as our David Hogg is put through his paces by Scottish Ballet’s Matthew Broadbent in the return of Blind Leading. Image: David stands with his arms outstretched and his back straight as he looks over to his side at Matthew. Matthew is to his right, holding a similar pose, his right hand pointing at David's elbow. David is wearing a pink t-shirt with raspberry pin...
18m Aug 23, 2024
18m
S2 Ep691: Social Media Update 20th August 2024
Have you ever wondered what it’s like for a blind or partially sighted person to visualise art? Hubert has been speaking to Millie, a graphics student about her sight loss journey, and how she makes art accessible for her.
9m Aug 22, 2024
9m
S2 Ep690: Taking On The 24 Peaks Challenge For SeeAbility
The charity SeeAbility celebrates its 225th anniversary this year. Hywel Davies has been hearing about a very special physical challenge taking place to mark the occasion. You can find out more about the challenge and donate at the SeeAbility website - 24 Peaks. 24 Hours. | SeeAbility (https://www.seeability.org/24-peaks-24-hours?utm_source=banner&utm_medium=landing&utm_campaign=24peaks) Imag...
12m Aug 22, 2024
12m
S2 Ep687: Visionary August Update
How does Visionary work with their membership organisations? Amelia spoke to Amy Pearman from Visionary, Deirdre Aitken from Highland BlindCraft and Laura Lindsay from Dundee Blind And Partially Sighted Society. Learn more about Visionary here - Welcome to Visionary - Visionary (https://www.visionary.org.uk/) Learn more about Highland BlindCraft here - Home - Highland Blindcraft (https://www.h...
7m Aug 22, 2024
7m
S2 Ep705: Easter Island - Travelogue 12 With Jonathan Abro
Let's journey to the iconic Moai heads of Easter Island with Blind Adventurer Jonathan Abro. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows Jonathan Abro, a white middle-aged man holding a white cane, sat on some jagged grey rocks with two small, pink-faced monkeys close to him. One monkey is licking Jonathan's bright ora...
4m Aug 21, 2024
4m
S2 Ep686: Some Audio Described Highlights From MindsEye Description
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description. Audio Description makes television, movies, galleries  and other arts venues accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people. AD is a narration describing what is physically happening, say on stage, TV or the big screen. It can also describe works of art, places of interest or ex...
8m Aug 21, 2024
8m
S2 Ep685: Thomas Pocklington Trust Cut it Back Campaign
Our David Hogg finds out about Thomas Pocklington Trust’s new Cut it Back Campaign…
3m Aug 20, 2024
3m
S2 Ep684: Unusual Ice Creams - Travelogue 11 With Jonathan Abro
Have you had an ice cream in the company of monkeys? Well, Jonathan Abro shares the unusual locations and flavours he's encountered on his global ice cream tastings. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows Jonathan Abro, a white middle-aged man holding a white cane, sat on some jagged grey rocks with two small, pin...
6m Aug 20, 2024
6m
S2 Ep683: Ice Cream Adventures - Travelogue 10 With Jonathan Abro
Let's take a world tour of the world's best ice creams with blind adventurer Jonathan Abro. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image Description: Jonathan is a white man wearing a red coat standing with his arms raised beside wooden sign saying 'Congratulations you are now at Mount Kilimanjaro'. There is a mountainous lan...
6m Aug 20, 2024
6m
S2 Ep682: Norway - Travelogue 9 With Jonathan Abro
We'll join Jonathan Abro in the majestic fjords of Norway. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image Description: Jonathan is a white man wearing a red coat standing with his arms raised beside wooden sign saying 'Congratulations you are now at Mount Kilimanjaro'. There is a mountainous landscape in the background and the ...
6m Aug 20, 2024
6m
S2 Ep681: Swiss Getaway - Travelogue 8 With Jonathan Abro
We'll visit the picturesque mountains of Switzerland with Jonathan Abro. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image Description: Jonathan is a white man wearing a red coat standing with his arms raised beside wooden sign saying 'Congratulations you are now at Mount Kilimanjaro'. There is a mountainous landscape in the backg...
6m Aug 20, 2024
6m
S2 Ep680: Iceland Long Weekend - Travelogue 7 With Jonathan Abro
We'll join Jonathan Abro on his tour of Europe as he visits Iceland for a long weekend. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image Description: Jonathan is a white man wearing a red coat standing with his arms raised beside wooden sign saying 'Congratulations you are now at Mount Kilimanjaro'. There is a mountainous landsca...
6m Aug 20, 2024
6m
S2 Ep679: RNIB has launched a new Sooty Collection Box to mark his 75th Birthday
Since 1955, Sooty has entertained generations of children through stage shows and TV and has been a lifelong friend of RNIB. The boxes have been updated to ‘reflect the 21st century’. People giving contactlessly will be able to donate any amount they like and also register for Gift Aid.
4m Aug 20, 2024
4m
S2 Ep679: LGBTQ+ Community Connect Group
 Our David Hogg chats to RNIB’s Una Mulgrew about this RNIB LGBTQ+ Connect Group
4m Aug 20, 2024
4m
S2 Ep672: Travel - Roundtable
Dreaming of a new adventure? We brought together Lucy Ashton from Seable Holidays, blind and deaf writer Tony Giles and blind adventurer Jonathan Abro to speak all things travel. Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues on RNIB Connect Radio every Wednesday from 1 pm on The Lunch Break. Learn more about Seable Holidays on their website - Seable | Holidays for Blind and Visually Impaired | Group & Ta...
32m Aug 19, 2024
32m
S2 Ep678: Hair and Care Copenhagen Fashion Week Jane Manley and Anna Cofone
Hair & Care’s goal is to make the fashion industry more accessible. David Hogg spoke to their founder, Anna Cofone, and RNIB’s Jane Manely – a Hair & Care volunteer – about their time at Copenhagen Fashion Week.
11m Aug 19, 2024
11m
S2 Ep676: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Wizard of Oz, 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 in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week Vidar is reviewing ‘The Wizard of Oz’ as the tour of the London Palladium production visited the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with description by...
7m Aug 16, 2024
7m
S2 Ep677: RNIB Chief Executive Matt Stringer's Weekly Update
Each week 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 it is all about access for blind and partially sighted people as Matt started by talking about accessible voting following on from the handing in of a letter to No 10 Downing Street on Wednesday afternoon calling on the Prime Minister to make voting accessi...
8m Aug 16, 2024
8m
S2 Ep675: 'Surfability' South Wales Surf School
Have you ever wanted to get out on the water and try surfing? There’s a surf school in South Wales aiming to make catching waves more accessible than ever. Hywel Davies has been finding out more. Find out more about Surfability at their website - Adapted and inclusive surfing experiences - Surfability UK CIC (https://surfabilityukcic.org/) Image: A surfer stands on top of a surfboard, riding ...
11m Aug 15, 2024
11m
S2 Ep674: RNIB Calls on the Government to Make Voting Finally Accessible for Blind and Partially Sighted Voters
On the afternoon of Wednesday 14 August 2024 a group of RNIB campaigners including RNIB Chair Anna Tylor and RNIB Volunteer Paul Goddard handed in a letter to No 10 Downing Street, which sought signatures during the recent General Election, calling for voting to finally be made accessible for people with sight loss. The letter was open for blind and partially sighted people, and concerned memb...
8m Aug 15, 2024
8m
S2 Ep673: Blind Comedian And Folk Musician David Eagle At The Fringe
David Eagle is a stand-up comedian and musician in Folk band 'The Young'uns'. He told Amelia about how the band began, taking his show 'The Eagle Is candid' to this year's Edinburgh Fringe and his upcoming appearance on Rosie Jones' Disability Comedy Extravaganza. 'The Eagle Is Candid' is on 9.30 pm at The Cabaret Voltaire for the Fringe - learn more and book tickets on the Fringe website - D...
7m Aug 15, 2024
7m
S2 Ep671: The Outrun - Audio Described Theatre At The Edinburgh International Festival
Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir is brought to life in an epic and elemental world premiere. Amelia spoke to Audio Describer Lydia Kerr to learn more about the production and her career. AD performances of The Outrun are taking place on Sat 17 Aug at 8:00pm and Sat 24 Aug at 3:00pm. Book tickets by calling the box office on 0311 473 2056 or visiting the EIF website The Outrun | Edinburgh Int...
7m Aug 13, 2024
7m
S2 Ep669: Social Media Update 12th August 2024
Join Hubert and Holly from our social media team as they discuss the latest trends in accessibility and in general in the world of social media. They also talk about polls, how accessible are they, where are they the most accessible, and just how popular are they with social media users?
9m Aug 13, 2024
9m
S2 Ep670: Support Available From 'Visually Impaired Merthyr '
Support for blind and partially sighted people in South Wales isn’t limited to major cities. Hywel Davies has been hearing about some of the support on offer outside the capital. For more information, visit the website - Visually Impaired Merthyr - Home (v-i-m.org.uk) (https://www.v-i-m.org.uk/)
6m Aug 13, 2024
6m
S2 Ep668: Adult Disability Payment Review
Our David Hogg finds out about the review into Adult Disability Payment in Scotland and how you can get involved…
5m Aug 12, 2024
5m
S2 Ep667: Social Media Update 5th August 2024
It’s that time of the week again as Hubert catches up with RNIB’s social media team to find out the latest trends and gossip, plus find out how you can make your social media video content accessible.
9m Aug 12, 2024
9m
S2 Ep666: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 10/08/2024
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. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk (http://www.rnib.org.uk/) You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect
7m Aug 10, 2024
7m
S2 Ep663: An Audio Described Guide to the State Coaches and Carriages at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace
If you have ever wanted to get a bit closer to the state coaches and carriages that His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family ride in for state occasions such as Royal weddings, trouping the colour and the state opening of parliament? Well, through the recorded audio described guide to the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace where all the state coaches and carriages are housed you definitely...
23m Aug 09, 2024
23m
S2 Ep664: Natural History Museum Launches an Audio Guide to Their New Nature Discovery and Evolution Gardens
As part of the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project, responding to the urgent need to monitor and record changes to UK urban nature and support its recovery the five acres of green space that wrap around the Museum’s much loved building in South Kensington, London have been transformed in to the recently opened Nature Discovery and Evolution Gardens. On Tuesday 6 August 2024 the Natur...
32m Aug 09, 2024
32m
S2 Ep665: Eisteddfod 2024 - Rachel Llewellyn RNIB Community Connections
The Eisteddfod is Europe’s largest cultural festival, a week-long celebration of Welsh language and culture. Hywel Davies has been there to catch up with events on the maes. Image: Banners are hung on the side of a building, each has white text on a red background that reads 'Eisteddfod'.
6m Aug 08, 2024
6m
S2 Ep662: Retina UK New Research Kate Arkell
 Now our David Hogg finds out about a new piece of research from Retina UK. Image shows RNIB Connect Radio logo.
6m Aug 08, 2024
6m
S2 Ep661: Eisteddfod 2024 - Emma Jones RNIB Transcription Manager
The Eisteddfod is Europe’s largest cultural festival, a week-long celebration of Welsh language and culture. Hywel Davies has been there to catch up with events on the maes, including a chat with RNIB Transcription Manager Emma Jones. Image: A red metal arch stands on the festival ground with the word 'Eisteddfod' in large red letters. A crowd in the foreground sit on picnic tables enjoying th...
5m Aug 08, 2024
5m
S2 Ep660: Eisteddfod 2024 - 'Hark AI' From Humanware
The Eisteddfod is Europe’s largest cultural festival, a week-long celebration of Welsh language and culture. Hywel Davies has been there to catch up with events on the maes, including a clever piece of Welsh-language assistive technology. Image: The 'Hark AI' with a document resting on the plate, ready to be scanned. It sits on a table at the RNIB stand at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd.
5m Aug 07, 2024
5m
S2 Ep660: Eisteddfod 2024 - Accessibility Officer Oliver Griffith-Salter
The Eisteddfod is Europe’s largest cultural festival, a week-long celebration of Welsh language and culture. Hywel Davies has been there to catch up with events on the maes. He spoke to the Eisteddfod's Accessibility Officer, Oliver Griffith-Salter. Image: A wooden stand on the Maes reads 'Eisteddfod Pontypridd 2024'. In the distance there are a crowd of people listening to a male voice choir ...
5m Aug 07, 2024
5m
S2 Ep659: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 7 August 2024
Alice Findlay, RNIB Customer Voice Insight Co-ordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey. Opportunities highlighted this week included: How have you been affected by the cost of living crisis? As inflation eases and a new government are in power RNIB would like to understand how the cost of living cr...
5m Aug 07, 2024
5m
S2 Ep658: Please Right Back - Audio Described Theatre At The Edinburgh International Festival
Looking for a moving and magical theatre experience? 'Please Right Back', by Award-winning company 1927, combines handcrafted animation and bold storytelling to tell the story of the mysterious Mr.E. There is an AD performance and touch tour taking place on Sunday 10th August at the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF). Amelia spoke to Audio Describers Bridget Stevens and John Cummings to ...
13m Aug 06, 2024
13m
S2 Ep657: Eisteddfod 2024 - RNIB Cymru's Liz Williams
The Eisteddfod is Europe’s largest cultural festival, a week-long celebration of Welsh language and culture. Hywel Davies has been there to catch up with events on the maes. Image: RNIB Cymru's Liz Williams and Thomas Hughes stand smiling at the RNIB Cymru Stand at the 2024 Eisteddfod.
4m Aug 06, 2024
4m
S2 Ep654: Before And After Coal At The National Galleries Of Scotland
You can enjoy an AD tour and art discussion of the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) from the comfort of your own home. This month’s session focuses on the exhibition 'Before and After Coal | Images and Voices from Scotland’s Mining Communities' Amelia learned more about the session from Meg Faragher. The session takes place on Zoom, on Wednesday 21st August from 2 to 3.30 pm. Learn more...
9m Aug 06, 2024
9m
S2 Ep657: Eisteddfod 2024 - RNIB Welsh Language Office Thomas Hughes
The Eisteddfod is Europe’s largest cultural festival, a week-long celebration of Welsh language and culture. Hywel Davies has been there to catch up with events on the maes. Image: In Ynysangharad Park, between green grass below and grey clouds above are large red letters which spell out ' Eisteddfod'.
6m Aug 05, 2024
6m
S2 Ep656: Sex Education Accessibility with Sex Ed Matters
Did you miss out on Sex Education because it wasn’t taught in an accessible way? Amelia talked to charity Sex Ed Matters about the barriers blind and partially sighted people face in the classroom, misconceptions they experience when dating and why representation matters. Here she is in conversation with Sex Ed Matters Co-Founder, Laura Coryton MBE, and VI Facilitator, Georgia Bondi. Learn m...
20m Aug 05, 2024
20m
S2 Ep651: Step Change Debt Charity is Here to Help You…
Step Change Debt Charity was set up in 1993 to help people who might be facing issues around financial debt, no matter how small or large, offering free debt advice and solutions to help people get back on track. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Helen Handzel, Relationships Manager from Step Change Debt Charity to give some background to the set up of the charity and outline the w...
8m Aug 05, 2024
8m
S2 Ep653: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Monthly Campaigns Update
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re involved in and ask for your input to bring positive change to the lives of blind and partially sighted people, throughout the UK. This month’s topics include meeting politicians and the consultation around Personal Independence Payments. If you’d like more i...
7m Aug 04, 2024
7m
S2 Ep655: Audio Described Opera At The Edinburgh International Festival
Some of the most popular operas will be performed at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival. Hywel Davies has been hearing more about the audio described performances of ‘Carmen’ and ‘The Marriage of Figaro’. More information for each performance is available via the EIF website: Carmen | Edinburgh International Festival (eif.co.uk) (https://www.eif.co.uk/events/carmen) The Marriage of...
10m Aug 03, 2024
10m
S2 Ep652: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 03/08/2024
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell 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 concerns around cuts to cold weather payments, meeting politicians and the Olympics. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to http://www.rn...
7m Aug 03, 2024
7m
S2 Ep688: VI Drummer and Producer Steve Burge
Music chat now as our David Hogg speaks to drummer and producer Steve Burge
8m Aug 02, 2024
8m
S2 Ep647: Royal Opera House, Accessible Opera with Puccini’s Tosca
The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, central London have been expanding their access offer to blind and partially sighted people by providing touch tours, live and recorded audio described performances for their opera and ballet productions. For the recent run of their production of Puccini’s Tosca during July 2024 not only was there recorded audio description for every performance but touch ...
19m Aug 02, 2024
19m
S2 Ep650: Blind Glassmaker Julie Coakley Hosts Workshop For VI Art-lovers
How can you capture your travel experiences? Well, blind glass artist Julie Coakley creates colourful glass art inspired by her holidays. She’s hosting a glassmaking workshop for blind and partially sighted people on August 26th and told Amelia more. Learn more about Julie on her website - Julie Coakley - Glass Artist (http://juliecoakley.com/) Book a space on the workshop through the Interna...
9m Aug 01, 2024
9m
S2 Ep649: AD Performances And Access At The Edinburgh International Festival
Looking for some live accessible entertainment? There’s a wide variety of music and AD Theatre, Opera and Dance at the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF). Amelia learned more about the performances and Access Pass from Callum Madge, the EIF Access Manager. Image is a bright yellow photo with black an yellow text. The text reads 'together we are' highlighted in black and written in sketch...
12m Aug 01, 2024
12m
S2 Ep648: Meet Nigeria's Foundation That's Making A Difference
Let's shine a spotlight on an organisation in Nigeria which strives to help people living with disabilities unlock their full potential. They’re called Hope Builders for the Physically Challenged Foundation and Paulina Kuchorew finds out more about their work from founder and the driving force behind the Foundation, Dr Christiana Kehinde Akinrinmade. More about their work: Hope Builders for t...
8m Jul 31, 2024
8m