S2 Ep363: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Merchant of Venice 1936, 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 The Merchant of Venice 1936 at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon with the production centred around a planned march by Oswald M...
6m Feb 23, 2024
6m
S2 Ep363: The Return of Northern Ballet’s Much Loved and Award-Winning Production of Romeo + Juliet
A ballet masterpiece is resurrected as Northern Ballet's heart-stopping revival of Romeo & Juliet will tour around the country from March into the autumn with audio described performances at every venue for blind and partially sighted people. Romeo & Juliet promises to deliver ballet at its most dramatic and intense. With glorious dancing and Prokofiev’s timeless music played live by Northern ...
10m Feb 23, 2024
10m
S2 Ep365: Engage2Stage Short Film Screening In Liverpool
Engage2Stage are screening two short films created by VI filmmaker Elizabeth Roney. The films 'Through The Looking Glass' and 'Our Journey Home' tell the stories of blind and partially sighted people using creative imagery and audio description. Amelia talked to Elizabeth to learn more. The screenings take place at 2pm on Friday 23rd February at the Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool (22 Hope St...
6m Feb 22, 2024
6m
S2 Ep364: Attending An Audio Described Fashion Show
This year's London Fashion Week saw accessibility and inclusivity take centre stage with a special runway show. London-based non-profit organisation Hair & Care, in collaboration with Authentic Beauty Concept, Olivia Garden and Easydry worked with Sinéad O’Dwyer fashion show to provide audio description on the day as well as a special touch tour beforehand. Disability advocate and fashion ico...
6m Feb 22, 2024
6m
S2 Ep362: Sight Support Worthing Launch New Book Club
Sight Support Worthing offer a wide range of activities for blind and partially sighted people in West Sussex area, including a new book club which launches in April. Amelia talked to Alison Bates to learn more about the book club and their other services. Visit their website to learn more - https://sswcharity.org.uk/ Image shows RNIB Connect Radio logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital lette...
7m Feb 22, 2024
7m
S2 Ep361: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 21 February 2024
Alice Findlay, RNIB Customer 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: The RNIB is looking for people with sight loss to complete the next quarterly Connect Voices Tracker survey which has a special focus on experiences of relationships for b...
5m Feb 21, 2024
5m
S2 Ep360: Can A Robot Lead The Way?
Could a robot with cutting edge software guide a blind person around, say,  an airport or shopping centre? Could it interact with the user and read out all kinds of helpful information and keep them safe? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to some of the team, behind Robbie, from Glasgow University to find out more. #RNIBConnect Image: Georgea (far left) who is a long time RNIB Scotla...
12m Feb 21, 2024
12m
S2 Ep356: Self-Raising goes on Tour
Graeae artistic director Jenny Sealey MBE is touring with her autobiographical theatre production. All performances are relaxed and creatively integrate British Sign Language, Audio Description and Captions. There will be an Access Table available at every venue, providing additional access resources about the show. Amelia talked to Jenny to learn more... The performance is touring to: 6 – 1...
8m Feb 19, 2024
8m
S2 Ep359: New Canes Available In The RNIB Shop
There are some new items in the RNIB Products For Life Store that have been specially developed to help white cane users tackle tricky environments. Tech Talk’s Dave Williams has been finding out more. Products discussed: All Terrain Cane - All Terrain Cane | RNIB (https://shop.rnib.org.uk/all-terrain-cane-94563) No Jab Cane- Ambutech Graphite No Jab Long Cane Four Section Red Leather Handle ...
7m Feb 19, 2024
7m
S2 Ep358: Study Finds Link Between Lighting And Mobility
Researchers in the United States have been exploring links between lighting levels and mobility in older people with Glaucoma. Amelia talked to study author Dr.Pradeep Ramulu to learn more. Access the study using this link - Visual Impairment and Real-World Home Physical Activity With Home Environment in an Older Population | Geriatrics | JAMA Ophthalmology | JAMA Network (https://jamanetwork...
7m Feb 19, 2024
7m
S2 Ep344: Blind Runner And Guide Romance
Kelly Barton started running in 2016 and met Mike Leatherbarrow when he stepped in as her guide runner. Eight years on, they have completed multiple marathons together and made national news with their wedding in October 2023. They told Amelia about their love story, their favourite post-marathon snacks, and what running means to them. Get the latest updates from Kelly and Mike by following @...
13m Feb 19, 2024
13m
S2 Ep357: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 17/02/2024
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 Matt started by talking about the RNIB’s presence at The European Blind Union (EBU) 12th General Assembly meeting in Lisbon, Portugal earlier this week with RNIB’s Director of Insight and Customer Voice, David Aldwinckle being successfully voted on to the E...
8m Feb 17, 2024
8m
S2 Ep350: Mayday Parade Are On A Little Alternative
Mayday Parade have been a mainstay of Pop-punk music since forming in 2005. Our David Hogg caught up with Derek, Jeremy, and Alex from the band to delve into their bold decision to go independent, reminisce on their album Black Lines aheead of its ten-year anniversary and their plans for new music. Image shows the band in front of a white bcakground with Derek lying on the floor in front of th...
10m Feb 16, 2024
10m
S2 Ep354: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands, 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 Toby and Vidar both share their thoughts on going to see the return of Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands which carved a place in the hearts o...
7m Feb 16, 2024
7m
S2 Ep355: Matthew Simmans Climbs Kilimanjaro for Moorfields
Matthew Simmans is hiking Kilimanjaro to raise money for Moorfield’s eye hospital. He told Amelia about his experiences in the hospital and how he’s preparing for the almost 6000m climb. Follow this link to visit Matthew's JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/matthew-simmans-1699703617500 Image: Matthew leans against a short brick wall with a misty hillside behind him and two hiki...
6m Feb 16, 2024
6m
S2 Ep353: Ramps On The Moon
Ramps On The Moon are a theatre organisation elevating the presence of disabled people both front-stage and behind scenes. Amelia talked to their Director for Change, Michèle Taylor MBE, to learn more. Image is a red circle with a slightly textured effect; there are small white stars alternating with white dots around the whole circle, inside the edge, and the words ‘Ramps on the Moon’ are in...
12m Feb 15, 2024
12m
S2 Ep349: Scottish Opera - Marx in London! and La traviata Audio Described
News now of a couple of opera productions from Scottish Opera that are coming up this spring and into early summer with audio described performances of Marx in London! and La traviata for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Scottish Opera’s Audio Describer Catriona Gillies with an overview and insight into these two Scottish Opera productions. Abo...
11m Feb 14, 2024
11m
S2 Ep351: Google SuperBowl Advert on Guided Frame
At the recent SuperBowl, you may have noticed an ad from Google that highlights an accessibility feature of its Pixel 8 smartphone. David Hogg spoke to Google’s K.R Lui to find out more..
4m Feb 14, 2024
4m
S2 Ep348: Disordinary Architecture Project Launches Compendium Many More Parts Than M - Making Architecture More Accessible
Many More Parts Than M is a compendium by the Disordinary Architecture Project bringing a wide range of resources and information together to help to make architecture and the built environment more accessible to all disabled people through the reimagining of disability, inclusion and access beyond compliance within the work of Architects and Planners. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joine...
12m Feb 13, 2024
12m
S2 Ep346: UK Charity’s Response To Government’s Disability Action Plan
sight loss charity RNIB,  has responded to the recent publication of the UK Government’s Disability Action Plan. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Sophie Dudgeon to find out about the positives and negatives, contained within the proposals. Image Shows RNIB Logo
8m Feb 12, 2024
8m
S2 Ep345: Help For Those Struggling With Cost Of Living Crisis.
It's important to try to maximise our income during the cost of living crisis. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell has been speaking to Dominic Milne, from RNIB's Legal Rights Service, about 2 payments that are set to run out at the end of March 2024. If you're blind or partially sighted and struggling with the cost of living, call the RNIB's Helpline on 0303 123 9999. #RNIBConnectNImage Show...
7m Feb 12, 2024
7m
S2 Ep343: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 10/02/2024.
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 how charities can use AI, the Government's Disability Action Plan, the See Differently Awards and Audio Description for the 6 Nations Rugby. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the suppo...
9m Feb 10, 2024
9m
S2 Ep341: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Bluey’s Big Play, 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 show for younger audiences whose main characters are a family of Australian dogs with Bluey’s Big Play at the Birmingham H...
5m Feb 09, 2024
5m
S2 Ep342: Upcoming Events From Children's Charity VICTA
Children’s charity VICTA have always got unique opportunities for blind and partially sighted young people to learn and have fun. Hywel Davies has been hearing all about the VICTA Young Achievers Award, as well as plans for the VICTA Summer Camp 2024. The full VICTA Activity Calendar can be found here - VICTA Activity Calendar | Browse our current activities | VICTA (https://www.victa.org.uk/o...
6m Feb 09, 2024
6m
S2 Ep340: RNIB Hosts AI Event In London - Seema Flower
RNIB recently hosted an event to examine the links between the use of AI and accessibility. Tech Talk’s Dave Williams went along to speak with some of the participants at the event to hear their reflections on how artificial intelligence can make the world more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. Here, Dave speaks to Seema Flower, Managing Director of Blind Ambition.
5m Feb 08, 2024
5m
S2 Ep340: RNIB Hosts AI Event In London - Anna Tylor
RNIB recently hosted an event to examine the links between the use of AI and accessibility. Tech Talk’s Dave Williams went along to speak with some of the participants at the event to hear their reflections on how artificial intelligence can make the world more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. Here, Dave speaks with RNIB Chair Anna Tylor.
6m Feb 08, 2024
6m
340: DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts) Launch New Recorded Audio Description Service
DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts) have just launched a new recorded audio description service providing greater access to their exhibitions and some of their films for blind and partially sighted people which is now available on DCA’s website and through the Bloomberg smartphone app. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by DCA’s Communications Officer Alison Scott along with Kay Hamlyn thei...
11m Feb 08, 2024
11m
340: CAF Research: 'What The Public Thinks of Charities Using AI'
The Charities Aid Foundation has recently published some new research into charities using Artificial Intelligence. David Hogg chats to their CEO Neil Heslop to find out more…
7m Feb 07, 2024
7m
S2 Ep338: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 7 February 2024
Clare Aldworth, RNIB Insight Community Manager 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: Join RNIB’s Behaviour Change Panel This is a great opportunity to help to change public perceptions and understanding of sight loss, which is one of RNIB’s key priorities. Th...
6m Feb 07, 2024
6m
S2 Ep338: RSC - A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Live Creative Audio Description
A first for the Royal Shakespeare Company as their current production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ will be completely accessible to blind and partially sighted audiences with live creative audio description for every performance from 14 February to 30 March 2024. Actor, theatre maker and Trainee Artistic Director at Extant Ben Wilson has been directing the creative audio description for ‘A M...
13m Feb 07, 2024
13m
S2 Ep338: Audio description of The Witches at the National Theatre Edited and Delivered by 12-year-old Eleanor
On Wednesday 24 January 2024 at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre not only did over 80 young blind and partially sighted children attend the audio described performance of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’, but 12 year-old Eleanor who is also visually impaired delivered the live audio description script for this performance too. Eleanor worked with the National Theatre’s Audio Describers Roz Cha...
16m Feb 06, 2024
16m
S2 Ep452: New SLCs in Hampshire and South Yorkshire
Thomas Pocklington Trust is launching two new Sight Loss Councils this March and you can help. David Hogg chats to Iain Mitchell from TPT about the new Sight Loss Councils and how you can become a volunteer…
4m Feb 06, 2024
4m
S2 Ep339: Floating Bus Stops Manchester
Floating bus stops have been causing issues for blind and partially sighted people around the country, but what are they? And what work is being done to help with the issue? Hubert has been finding out more about the work being done in the Manchester area.
7m Feb 06, 2024
7m
S2 Ep337: Getting To The Match With 'Game Day Vision'
A new service in Essex is hoping to make life easier for blind and partially sighted football fans making their way to love football matches. Hywel Davies has been finding out more about ‘Game Day Vision’.
8m Feb 05, 2024
8m
S2 Ep347: Sooty Box Volunteer Paul Goddard
RNIB are looking for more Sooty Box volunteers to help collect much-needed funds for the charity. But what’s it like being a volunteer? Our David Hogg spoke to Paul Goddard to find out…
4m Feb 05, 2024
4m
S2 Ep336: Valentine's Day Gift Ideas From The RNIB Shop
If you’re looking for a gift for that special someone in your life then the RNIB Products for Life Store has plenty of accessible options to help celebrate Valentine’s Day. Some of the products discussed by Dave Williams and Louise Kenny include: 'Big Love' greeting card - Big Love Card | RNIB (https://shop.rnib.org.uk/big-love-card-94641) Heart Shaped Pendant - Heart-Shaped Silver Pendant Wi...
5m Feb 05, 2024
5m
S2 Ep335: Will Writing FAQs With RNIB Legacy Team
Writing a will can feel overwhelming, so we brought in Helen Smith and Daniel Pepper from the RNIB Legacy Team to answer some of your most frequently asked questions. If you would like to get in touch with RNIB Legacy Team call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999. Image shows RNIB logo. On a white background 'RNIB' written in bold black letters and underlined with a bold pink line.
17m Feb 05, 2024
17m
S2 Ep334: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 03/02/2024
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 Matt began by talking about  employment for blind and partially sighted people with news that Amy a provider of critical facilities management across the public sector has just become an RNIB Visibility Better employer. Then to the extension to the deadline...
8m Feb 02, 2024
8m
S2 Ep331: Some Great Accessible Seable Holidays for 2024/25
Are you looking to get away for an accessible holiday this year? Well, Seable Holidays offer tailored individual and group holidays for blind and partially sighted people from a break in London to a Safari and much more besides. Lucy Ashton from Seable Holidays joins RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey to firstly give a bit of background to how Seable Holidays started up before talking about how ...
16m Feb 02, 2024
16m
S2 Ep332: 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 a Labour Party visit to RNIB's London HQ and a call for more blind and partially sighted people to jo...
9m Feb 02, 2024
9m
S2 Ep333: More Time To Get Your Nominations In For RNIB See Differently Awards!
With RNIB See Differently Awards back this year, you still have a bit more time left to send in your nominations. The Awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight and celebrate how both big and small actions can create a more inclusive world for blind and partially sighted people. Our Paulina spoke with Susannah Scott from RNIB. You have until Sunday 11th of February at 11:59pm to get your...
7m Feb 02, 2024
7m
S2 Ep330: Edinburgh Looking To Improve Accessibility Around The City
The City of Edinburgh Council will be working with a brand new accessibility commission to help improve movement around the city for people with a range of disabilities. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Kirstie Henderson, RNIB Scotland, and Zara Todd, Chair of the Commission, to find out who will be involved in the decision making and it's hopes for the future. #RNIBConnect Image ...
9m Feb 01, 2024
9m
S2 Ep797: AD Movie Review - Crazy, Stupid, Love
As we approach Valentine's Day, let's have a look at a very romantic, and just as funny release. David and Paulina review the audio described version of the 2011 movie 'Crazy, Stupid, Love.' Image shows 'Crazy, Stupid, Love' poster. Steve Carell lays back on a couch in utter shock whilst a woman's leg in a high stiletto heal is stepping on the table in front of him. Bellow a strip shows image...
9m Feb 01, 2024
9m
S2 Ep329: Step Change Studios Opportunity to Dance and Compete at Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Step Change Studios have funding to take 10 blind and partially sighted students to the Open Worlds competition at the home of ballroom dancing the Blackpool Tower Ballroom on 12 may 2024. This is the first time blind and partially sighted students have had the opportunity to compete at the Open Worlds in Blackpool and Step Change Studios will be running classes for visually impaired people ev...
7m Feb 01, 2024
7m
S2 Ep328: Kitchen Tools From RNIB's Products For Life Store
If you’d like to spend more time in the kitchen, then the RNIB Products For Life Store has a range of products to help. Tech Talk’s Dave Williams spoke to Product Coordinator Louise Kenny to find out more. For more information, visit the RNIB Online Shop - RNIB Online Shop (https://shop.rnib.org.uk/) Image: The talking kitchen scale sits on a wooden worksurface next to eggs, flour and a pestl...
8m Jan 31, 2024
8m
S2 Ep327: Esme's Umbrella Information Day
Our David Hogg finds out about an upcoming information day on offer from Esme’s Umbrella. For more information head to charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk (https://charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk/) or email judith@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk (mailto:judith@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk)
6m Jan 31, 2024
6m
S2 Ep326: Access to Work Goes Online
The Government’s Access to Work scheme which supports disabled people in work will be going digital this year enabling blind and partially sighted people to make their ATW applications and claims online which will hopefully help to speed up the whole process. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Roisin Jacklin, RNIB Policy Officer to explain more about the digitalisation of the Access...
6m Jan 31, 2024
6m
325: Invitation to Work with the Natural History Museum on an Audio Described Guide for Their New Evolution and Wildlife Gardens
At the Natural History Museum (NHM) there is an exciting opportunity for eight London based blind or partially sighted young people aged 16-21 who are interested in creative writing, poetry or spoken word to work with award-winning Poet and Rapper Testament on an audio described guide for their new Evolution and Wildlife gardens. Harriet Fink, Learning and Volunteering Programme Manager at the...
9m Jan 29, 2024
9m
S2 Ep323: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 27/01/2024
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio 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 talks about the visit of Labour Party Chair Anneliese Dodds to the Grimaldi Building, more on the 'See Differently Awards, plus why the RNIB Social Media Team have been challenging the US Embassy on their tea drinking habits. If you, ...
7m Jan 27, 2024
7m
S2 Ep324: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Jack and the Beanstalk, 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 we join Vidar for his last panto visit for 2023 /2024 with Jack and the Beanstalk at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre on Saturday 13 January at...
7m Jan 26, 2024
7m