S1 Ep1050: Making sure disabled people have a seat at the table for the Covid 19 inquiry.
Ellie is finding out how Sense, a charity helping people with complex disabilities are campaigning to ensure that disabled people will be involved in next years Covid 19 inquiry. If you'd like to sign the petition or find out more about sense, you can visit their website here: Disabled people must be part of the Covid-19 inquiry | Sense (https://www.sense.org.uk/support-us/campaigns/covid-inqu...
6m Dec 10, 2021
6m
S1 Ep1049: The Unwritten, disabled stories. Not inspiration.
Ellie has been catching up with editor in chief of the Unwritten, on their one year anniversary to find out what it's all about...   To find out more about the Unwritten you can visit their website here: The Unwritten are creating a space for disabled people's own stories, not just inspiration | Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/theunwritten)   If you'd like to contact Rachel and the Unwritten...
11m Dec 09, 2021
11m
S1 Ep1048: Connect Voices Round Up 8 December 2021
Max Conway, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week included: An invitation to join the RNIB customer Involvement Advisory Group and you could help Joe a final year product design student at Bournemouth University who wants to make a more inclusive way of making a cup...
6m Dec 08, 2021
6m
S1 Ep1046: RNIB See Differently Awards - Catching Up with the 2019 Employer of the Year Award Winner
With the deadline for nominations for the RNIB 2022 See Differently Awards on Friday 31 December, Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Jacqui Dobson, Diversity and Inclusion Partner from the Financial Times, winner of the RNIB 2019 See Differently Employer of the Year Award to find out what winning the award meant to the FT and why people should hurry to get their nominations in before the...
9m Dec 06, 2021
9m
S1 Ep1047: Are further education colleges doing enough to support students with sight loss?
Research conducted by All Able Ltd on behalf of Thomas Pocklington Trust, looked at blind and partially sighted students access to information and assistive technology (AT) in mainstream FE. It found eight out of ten colleges in the UK do not provide the legally required accessibility information on their websites. Ellie has been finding out more, and speaking to a recent college graduate about...
11m Dec 06, 2021
11m
S1 Ep1050: Top 5 gifts from the RNIB Shop this Christmas!
Ellie has been chatting to Louise Kenny from the RNIB shop in Belfast, to find out about the top 5 Christmas gift available at the RNIB shop this Christmas. If you'd like to have a look at our online RNIB shop, you can visit the website here: RNIB Online Shop (https://shop.rnib.org.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAiA78aNBhAlEiwA7B76pyjJ-PXDPScyiF_IPvjXtNQyPxlU6j8FdnauEUsXgc7_ddk4aWXC3BoCE6gQAvD_BwE) (Image sh...
4m Dec 05, 2021
4m
S1 Ep1043: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 04/12/2021
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 the new HQ in London, some great news on accessible voting in Northern Ireland and the festive treats and gifts on the RNIB website. If you'd like to find out more about the Elf Academy or virtual gifts, ...
9m Dec 04, 2021
9m
S1 Ep1046: How the RNIB Employment Service is Here to Support You and Your Employer
In the next feature of our new series of interviews looking at how the RNIB is working in partnership with sight loss sector partners and other organisations to make a more inclusive and accessible society for blind and partially sighted people Connect Radio’s Toby Davey checks in with members of the Strategic Engagement Lead - Third Sector Team here at the RNIB this time to focus on the RNIB E...
7m Dec 03, 2021
7m
S1 Ep1045: Free App Helps Disabled People, And Service Providers, Deliver Better Customer Service
The Welcome app from Neatebox is a valuable tool for retailers and service providers to smash any accessibility barriers for their current, and potential, customers. It allows people with disabilities to access places like shops, cinemas, offices and more by helping staff offer a better tailored experience. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gavin Neate to learn more about the app, t...
8m Dec 03, 2021
8m
S1 Ep1044: RNIB and Metro Launch First National Braille Cover
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Metro newspaper have launched the first Braille National newspaper cover to promote "seeing Christmas differently". This media first coincides with International Day of People With Disabilities and forms part of the RNIB's "Letter to Santa" Christmas fundraising campaign to send Braille letters from Santa to vision-impaired children. Bar...
5m Dec 03, 2021
5m
S1 Ep1042: Disability Under Siege
Ellie has been finding out how a research project focusing on the outcomes of the pandemic on disabled people in the global south, will go on to help policy makers improve the live of disabled people...  To find out more about Disability Under Siege, please visit their website here: UNPRPD Analytical Framework – Covid 19 – Disability Under Siege (https://disabilityundersiege.org/?page_id=981) ...
9m Dec 03, 2021
9m
S1 Ep1041: Eye Sight Testing for Drivers
We all know how important it is to keep up with regular eye tests for spotting any changes in our vision and signs of any possible problems with our sight in the future before it happens.  Recent research by the College of Optometrists shows that a third of sighted drivers have not had their eyes tested specifically for driving, 1 in 10 admit to have not had their eyes tested at all and a quar...
6m Dec 03, 2021
6m
S1 Ep1040: UK Sight Loss Charity Working To Make Chip N Pin Machines Accessible
More and more now, we're seeing chip n pin machines with touch screens replacing the more common devices with physical buttons. However, with many of us using digital methods for payments for goods and services, could they exclude blind and partially sighted people from purchases and breach the Equalities Act? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dave Williams, from RNIB, to find out h...
8m Dec 02, 2021
8m
S1 Ep1040: Audio Described Panto Offerings For January 2022
All across the UK, you'll find some fantastic pantos and Christmas shows, with many offering audio described performances for blind and partially sighted patrons. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Description, to look at some shows that all the family will enjoy. If you'd like more info on all the audio described shows and events covered by Anne, go to ht...
7m Dec 01, 2021
7m
S1 Ep1039: How families with disabled children support each other through Contact.
Ellie's been catching up with a UK wide charity supporting children with disabilities and finding out what's happening over the next few months. To find out more about Contact, please visit their website here: Contact - for families with disabled children | Contact (https://contact.org.uk/) Image shows: Contacts Logo. A white background with a blue circle in the middle. Inside the value circl...
8m Dec 01, 2021
8m
S1 Ep1038: Wrekin Rowers Travel To Spain Ahead Of Fundraising Challenge
The Wrekin Rowers, are almost set for their Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2021. This will see the four crew members, one of whom is visually impaired, embark on a 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean, to raise money for RNIB and the Severn Hospice. The boys are now in Spain doing  their final preparations before the race starts on December the 12th. Barry Snell caught up with crew me...
5m Nov 30, 2021
5m
S1 Ep1035: What collaboration between councils and the RNIB can achieve!
Collaboration between charities and local councils is essential to create a more inclusive society. Ellie's been finding out how RNIB have been working with Newcastle City Council, to do just that. If you'd like to find out more about the RNIB Campaigns team, please visit their website here, Changing society - RNIB - See differently (https://www.rnib.org.uk/campaigning) If you'd like to find ...
9m Nov 30, 2021
9m
S1 Ep1037: Scottish Campaigning Group For Blind And Partially Sighted Young People Looking For New Members
If you, or someone you know, are aged between 16 and 27 and have a sight loss condition, RNIB Scotland's Haggeye forum is looking for you. You can get involved in some great social events and take part in campaigns to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted young people in Scotland plus lots, lots more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Rachael McMurchy, from RNIB Scotland,...
8m Nov 30, 2021
8m
S1 Ep1036: The Global Disability Summit
The second ever Global Disability Summit is taking place in February and Sight Savers want commitments from the government. Ellie's been finding out more. For more information on The Global Disability Summit and to sign the petition, please visit their website here Global Disability Summit - Home (https://www.globaldisabilitysummit.org/) Image shows: A light grey globe on a white background w...
7m Nov 29, 2021
7m
S1 Ep1034: What's happening at Blind Ambition this December?
Blind ambition is nearly half way through their second series! Ellie's been finding out how it's all going. To find out more about Blind Ambition, you can visit this website Disability Training & Education | BlindAmbition (London, South East) (https://www.blindambition.co.uk/) Image shows the RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold...
9m Nov 29, 2021
9m
S1 Ep1033: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 27/11/2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer, to discuss some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about recognising some international focus days, taking part in the Visionary UK conference and announcing that you can now nominate people, or organisations, in the RNIB See Differently Awards. If you'd like more...
9m Nov 26, 2021
9m
S1 Ep1031: Audio Description and Inclusivity on the News
Ellie Marsh has been catching up with BBC Correspondent Sean Dilley to find out more about the work they're doing within accessibility and inclusion within their news output... Image shows the RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath.
9m Nov 24, 2021
9m
S1 Ep1030: Better Eye Checks For People With Learning Disabilities
Carrying out eye checks for those with learning disabilities, or conditions like Dementia, can be frightening or difficult for the individuals undergoing the tests. There is now, however, help in the form of the Bradford Visual Function Box, which should make the experience more comfortable for the patient and provide more accurate results for clinicians. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell fo...
8m Nov 24, 2021
8m
S1 Ep1030: Chip n Pin Gets Easier For Visually Impaired Canadians
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with John Rafferty, CEO of Canada's largest sight loss charity, CNIB. This week we learn about the mass role out of accessible Chip n Pin machines and the new mobile support services, taking to the roads in 2022. If you'd like to learn more about CNIB or join their virtual events, where ever you are in the world, go to http://www.cnib.ca...
7m Nov 24, 2021
7m
S1 Ep1030: Accessible Health Information Still Not Working In England
Sight Loss Councils have just completed an important piece of research around the Accessible Health Information Standard. Launched over 5 years ago, the system should allow anyone with a disability to receive all their health information in an accessible format. So everything from letters from doctors and hospitals, to important health information and much more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Ru...
8m Nov 24, 2021
8m
S1 Ep1028: Connect Voices Round Up 24 November 2021
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week included: Research around artificial eyes - if you currently use an artificial eye could you help out Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in collaboration with the University of York and the University of Leeds w...
6m Nov 24, 2021
6m
S1 Ep1024: Visionary Conference Day 1!
Today is the first day of the annual Visionary UK Conference and although the event is fully booked, RNIB Connect Radio are bringing you some of the highlights. Over the next three days we will be hearing from some of the speakers and all about some of the workshops taking place at the conference. Kicking us off today,  Sara Burns and Martin Allen from Forth Valley Sensory and CEO of Visionary ...
9m Nov 24, 2021
9m
S1 Ep1029: Find A VI Community On Facebook
 Sight loss charity RNIB run local Facebook groups where you can find other people living with a visual impairment to connect with, make new friends and get involved in everything NRIB are doing in your area. Our Ellie Marsh has been speaking to a member of the North West group, Stephen Noblin to see how the group has helped him. To find out more about groups visit: Join our community Faceboo...
5m Nov 23, 2021
5m
S1 Ep1027: Treat Yourself This Black Friday!
Have you heard of RealSam Pocket, the mobile phone designed for visually impaired people? Well, if you've been considering getting your hands on it, you'll be happy to know that they have a special Black Friday discount going right now until the 30th of November.  Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Louise Humphreys from RealSAM to find out more. To find out more, visit the RealSAM Pocket websit...
6m Nov 19, 2021
6m
S1 Ep1026: RNIB Chief Exec's Weekly Update From Belfast 20/11/2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to discuss some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt is in Belfast, joined by Jacqueline Witherow, talking about collaborative working and of course the Christmas goings on at the charity. If you'd like to learn more about RNIB and it's services, or check out the Elf Ac...
10m Nov 19, 2021
10m
S1 Ep1026: Audio Described Theatre Goes All Panto!
There will be Pantomimes with audio description taking place all over the UK. Audio Description, AD, allows a blind or partially sighted person to hear a dialogue, via headphones, in between the actors lines, which describes what's visually happening on stage. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, to look at some family, and adult, favourites which are ...
10m Nov 19, 2021
10m
S1 Ep1025: RNIB See the Future Differently Summit - Interview with RNIB Chief Executive Matt Stringer and RNIB Chair of Trustees Anna Tylor
On Wednesday 10 November at County Hall in London RNIB held the ‘See the Future Differently’ summit bringing a number of key people from across health care and the sight loss sector together to talk about the future of eye care and support for blind and partially sighted people. During the summit there were three main discussion streams focusing on: No Diagnosis Without Support - examining th...
6m Nov 19, 2021
6m
S1 Ep1024: Visionary Conference Day 3 with Dr Amy Kavanagh!
Today is the final day of the annual visionary conference. Ellie's been catching up with today's keynote speaker, campaigner, and activist Dr Amy Kavanagh to find out all about her session and how she feels about hosting the converted, Visionary Awards If you would like to find out more about what visionary UK do, you can visit their website here: Welcome to Visionary - Visionary (https://www....
8m Nov 19, 2021
8m
S1 Ep1024: Braille My Nails!
Tactile nails are the newest trend in Salons across the country, Ellie's been finding out where it all began... If you'd like to find out more or find your local Braille My Nails Salon, you can visit their website here: Braille My Nails | Iris Avenue (https://www.irisavenue.com/braillemynails) Image shows: Two hands over placed over some leaf's, all the nails are white and on the right hand t...
7m Nov 18, 2021
7m
S1 Ep1024: Stockton Wheelers Cycling Group!
Ellie's been catching up with Stephen from Stockton Wheelers to find out what it takes to start up a tandem cycling group. If you'd like you'd like to find out more about Stockton Wheelers, please visit their Facebook Page here: (3) Stockton Wheelers Cycling Club | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/StocktonWheelers/)   Image show: Stockton Wheelers logo. A blue bike wheel with a crown on top...
5m Nov 18, 2021
5m
S1 Ep1024: Visionary Conference Day 2, Laughing Matters!
This week we are covering the Visionary UK annual conference and today Ellie's been catching up a much-loved Clown De Castro who will be running a session today all to do with the benefits of laughter. De Castro explains how to faking it till you make it, might actually be the key to happiness... If you would like to find out more about what visionary UK do, you can visit their website here: W...
11m Nov 18, 2021
11m
S1 Ep1023: The future of Audio Description?
What could the future of Audio Description look like? Ellie's been speaking to the lead researcher in a project from the University of York to find out... If you'd like to watch the film Pearl created by the student of the University of York with enhanced audio description, you can find it on this website: Pearl - Enhancing Audio Description - Full Film with Binaural Soundtrack (headphones req...
9m Nov 18, 2021
9m
S1 Ep1019: RNIB See the Future Differently Summit - Interview with Tom Wright CBE, Guide Dogs Chief Executive
On Wednesday 10 November at County Hall in London RNIB held the ‘See the Future Differently’ summit bringing a number of key people from across health care and the sight loss sector together to talk about the future of eye care and support for blind and partially sighted people. During the summit there were three main discussion streams focusing on: No Diagnosis Without Support - examining th...
5m Nov 18, 2021
5m
S1 Ep1023: Caption This, Accessible Cinema.
Caption this Cinema is a brand new pop up cinema a dedicated to disabled audiences launches its first virtual screening – a profound documentary about blindness and creativity. Ellie's been catching up with the creator of Caption This, to find out what it's all about..   You can find tickets to the Caption this Cinema showing of Vision Portraits over the next three nights on their website capt...
8m Nov 17, 2021
8m
S1 Ep1022: Best Newcomer at the Student Radio Awards chats to RNIB Connect Radio!
Chrissy Camron is a partially sighted student radio presenter and producer at Spark Sunderland. The student station for the University of Sunderland. He was recently awarded Best Newcomer at the Student Radio Awards, Ellie caught up with him to find out what it means to him,  If you would like to follow Chrissy, you can find him on Twitter @CCameronUK and on Instagram @chrissycameronuk Image ...
8m Nov 17, 2021
8m
S1 Ep1019: RNIB See the Future Differently Summit - Interview with Bernard Chang, President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
On Wednesday 10 November at County Hall in London RNIB held the ‘See the Future Differently’ summit bringing a number of key people from across health care and the sight loss sector together to talk about the future of eye care and support for blind and partially sighted people. During the summit there were three main discussion streams focusing on: No Diagnosis Without Support - examining th...
5m Nov 17, 2021
5m
S1 Ep1020: Festive Online Event For Blind And Partially Sighted People
On December 10th 2021, Virtually Eastbourne will be holding a festive extravaganza, via Zoom, with a packed programme of fun activities. There's everything from a talent show, which you can enter, live singers, quiz, a great raffle and much, much more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to the team behind the event to find out more. If you'd like to be part of the festivities, email vi...
5m Nov 16, 2021
5m
S1 Ep1019: RNIB See the Future Differently Summit - Interview with Ian Davies Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers
On Wednesday 10 November at County Hall in London RNIB held the ‘See the Future Differently’ summit bringing a number of key people from across health care and the sight loss sector together to talk about the future of eye care and support for blind and partially sighted people. During the summit there were three main discussion streams focusing on: No Diagnosis Without Support - examining th...
5m Nov 16, 2021
5m
S1 Ep1021: Charles Bonnet Syndrome Awareness Day!
16th November is Charles Bonnet Syndrome Awareness Day. Earlier in the year, our Ellie Marsh caught up with Esme's Umbrella Founder to find out what support they can offer. If you or someone you know had Charles Bonnet Syndrome you can find help and support on the Esme's Umbrella website here: www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk (https://charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk/) Image: Esme's Umbrella Logo, an umb...
8m Nov 16, 2021
8m
S1 Ep1016: RNIB See the Future Differently Summit - Interview with Marilyn Der Nigoghossian from Novartis
On Wednesday 10 November at County Hall in London RNIB held the ‘See the Future Differently’ summit bringing a number of key people from across health care and the sight loss sector together to talk about the future of eye care and support for blind and partially sighted people. During the summit there were three main discussion streams focusing on: No Diagnosis Without Support - examining th...
3m Nov 15, 2021
3m
S1 Ep1018: Talk and Support's 20th Anniversary
This week marks an exciting celebration. Talk and Support, RNIB's befriending service is celebrating 20 years of helping bring adults with sight loss together, to combat loneliness, build friendships and get peer support with other people in a similar situation.    To tells us more about Talk and Support and the positive impact this service has been making over the years, our Paulina Kuchorew...
8m Nov 15, 2021
8m
S1 Ep1014: Forth Valley Sensory Centre Climate Conscious Award!
Forth Valley Sensory Centre are ahead of the game when it comes to combating Climate Change. They have recently been awarded the Scottish Charity Awards 2021, Climate Conscious Charity Award! Ellie's been finding out what it's for and what it means to the charity.  If you'd like to find out more about what the Forth Valley Sensory Centre does, please visit their website here: Forth Valley Sens...
9m Nov 14, 2021
9m
S1 Ep1014: Visionary UK's Annual Conference!
Visionary UK's annual conference will be taking place over three days from Wednesday 24th of November. It's an opportunity to bring people together from across the Sight Loss sector and learn from each other. Ellie caught up with Fiona Sandford, CEO of Visionary UK and Sara Burns and  Martin Allen from Forth Valley Sensory Centre about the session they will be running and the award they are sho...
10m Nov 14, 2021
10m
S1 Ep1017: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 13.11.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB CEO Matt Stringer, to discuss some of the latest news coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about the recent See The Future Differently Summit, there's some fund raising news and it's Christmas with the Elf Academy and your chance to support RNIB with virtual Christmas gifts. If you'd like more info about ...
6m Nov 12, 2021
6m
S1 Ep813: Diane Woodford on 'Living with Sight Loss'
14th of November is World Diabetes Day, so to mark the occasion we're sharing our conversation with author and the winner of the 2017 Inspiration Awards for Women, Diane Woodford. Our Red Szell spoke with Diane about her memoir 'Living With Sight Loss: A Type-1 Diabetic’s Story’, losing her sight quite literally overnight and her determination to continue living a full life.
7m Nov 12, 2021
7m