S1 Ep1529: Disability Blogger Empish J Thomas Shares Her Story
Empish J Thomas is a freelance writer and disability blogger in the USA, who has been living with sight loss for more than 20 years. She has been sharing her story with RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell. To find out more about Empish and her blogs visit empishjthomas.com (https://empishthomas.com/) {Image: A head-shot of a smiling Empish. She appears to be wearing a navy blue suit jacket with...
8m Sep 19, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1528: VocalEyes What’s On 12 September 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 regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Crazy for You - Wednesday 20 Sep...
6m Sep 12, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1527: 'Blind' Dave Heeley Completes Hadrian's Wall Challenge
Barry Snell caught up with charity fundraiser 'Blind' Dave Heeley, OBE who had just completed the Hadrian's Wall challenge, a 5 day trek from Newcastle to Cumbria to raise money for the Albion Foundation (https://www.wba.co.uk/albion-foundation) A veteran of many challenges around the World, this latest one certainly had it's challenges for Dave and his team. To learn more about Dave and his ...
8m Sep 08, 2023
8m
S2 Ep267: Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley - August/September
Time to connect with the natural world around us with nature guide Andy Shipley. This month,  as RNIB Connect Radio celebrates 20 years, Andy has some special things to listen out for in nature this month, including the annoying wasp, charm of goldfinches and some common kestrels. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connec...
5m Sep 04, 2023
5m
S1 Ep1526: A New Way of Detecting Prostate Cancer and Why it is Important to Have Regular Checks if You are a Man Over 50….
With many recent news reports around prostate cancer for this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are going to be talking about prostate cancer and why it is so important for men over 50 to have regular checks. Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about a possible new way of detecting prostate cancer before then e...
4m Aug 31, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1526: A New Way of Detecting Prostate Cancer and Why it is Important to Have Regular Checks if You are a Man Over 50….
With many recent news reports around prostate cancer for this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are going to be talking about prostate cancer and why it is so important for men over 50 to have regular checks. Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about a possible new way of detecting prostate cancer before then e...
4m Aug 31, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1525: VocalEyes What’s On 14 August 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 regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Heathers, The Musical - Thursday...
6m Aug 14, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1524: How Concerned Should We be About Urine Infections and Those TikTok Caster Oil Videos
For this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are talking about something we may all not want to mention, urine infections along with Elizabeth’s thoughts and reaction to those misleading TikTok videos going around claiming that rubbing caster oil around or into your eyes could help to cure eye issues and some eye conditions which is tot...
5m Aug 10, 2023
5m
S1 Ep1523: Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley - August
Time to connect with the natural world around with Andy Shipley. This month, Andy listen out for a bird you can commonly hear at this time of year, plus we get low to the ground as we explore the grasslands and a sensory activity. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect Radio (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4635327-se...
4m Aug 09, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1522: VocalEyes What’s On 28 July 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 regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Midsummer Mechanicals - Wednesda...
6m Jul 28, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1521: Sight Loss Story - Nicky Williams
Now, it's time for another sight loss story from an RNIB Customer as Hywel Davies chats to Nicky Williams.
5m Jul 27, 2023
5m
S1 Ep1520: What’s Accessibility Like At The Fringe?
With Edinburgh Festival Fringe taking place from Friday 4th till Monday 28th of August, we thought let’s find out what’s accessibility like at the festival this year? Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Deputy Chief Executive of the Fringe, Lyndsey Jackson. Find out more about accessibility at the festival here: Accessibility | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com) (https://www.edfringe.com/ex...
7m Jul 21, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1519: How Serious is the Rise in Tick Bites?
With recent reports about the rise in the number of people getting tick bites, for this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow our Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth how serious this rise in Tick bites might be and should we be concerned at all. Elizabeth then explained to Toby how obvious it might be knowing when you have been bitten, how to remo...
4m Jul 21, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1518: VocalEyes What’s On 14 July 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 regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Patriots - Saturday 22 July, 2.3...
6m Jul 14, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1517: VocalEyes What’s On 4 July 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 regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Spirit of Invention - Saturday 8...
6m Jul 04, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1515: What Are the Possible Dangers for Us All of the Heat and Hot Weather?
As we seem to be experiencing a bit of a heat wave at the moment, for this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow our Toby Davey asks Elizabeth what the dangers might be for us all of the heat and hot weather. Elizabeth began by explaining to Toby some of the dangers around the heat and hot weather, outlining that some people might be more vulnerabl...
5m Jul 03, 2023
5m
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