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
S2 Ep646: Jessica Pita: VI Scuba Diver and Motivational Speaker
Jessica Pita is Padi’s first South African blind scuba diver. Our David Hogg spoke to her about her sight loss, her love of scuba diving and her motivational speaking…
10m Jul 29, 2024
10m
S2 Ep642: NaviLens Codes Come To SMA Nutrition Products
NaviLens codes will now be on a range of products from SMA Nutrition. Aiming to make life easier for blind and partially sighted parents and carers. Dave Williams found out more. You can find more information on NaviLens technology on the RNIB website - How NaviLens helps people with sight loss | RNIB | RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/assistive-aids-and-technology/navigati...
7m Jul 29, 2024
7m
S2 Ep644: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 27/07/2024
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 time around they discuss RNIB's work with the new Labour government, the launch of the Blind Barbie Doll from Mattel and RNIB's on-going partnership with Arsenal football club. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support ...
10m Jul 27, 2024
10m
S2 Ep641: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The School for Scandal, 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 a new production of Sheridan’s ‘The School for Scandal’ Directed by Tinuke Craig at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratfor...
6m Jul 26, 2024
6m
S2 Ep643: Tyntesfield House a Sensory Experience
Tyntesfield House is an ornate Victorian gothic revival house with extensive gardens and parkland just outside Bristol which has been part of the National Trust’s portfolio since 2002. Following on from help from the RNIB National Trust Volunteers and staff at Tyntesfield House are now able to offer sensory walks of the estates extensive gardens and parkland for blind and partially sighted peo...
23m Jul 26, 2024
23m
S2 Ep645: A New MP And His Guide Dog Enter UK House Of Commons
The UK General Election not only saw a change of government, it also saw a huge change in MPs from right across the UK. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Steve Darling MP about his new role in the Commons, his career in politics and if his Guide Dog, Jennie, is settling in. #RNIBConnect Image Shows Steve Darling MP and Guide Dog Jennie in London standing by Themes River. It's a sun...
12m Jul 26, 2024
12m
S2 Ep637: VI Comedian Jake Donaldson Performs At The Fringe
VI Stand-up Comedian Jake Donaldson is taking his show to the Edinburgh Fringe. His show 'Spectacle' uses comedy, theatre and lighting to make audiences laugh and dispel sight loss myths in a truly spectac-ular way. He talked to Amelia about his career so far and shared tips for fringe goers. Spectacle (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftickets.edfringe.com%2F...
9m Jul 25, 2024
9m
S2 Ep633: 20 Year Attendee Of AD Tours At National Galleries of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland host free art sessions on the third Wednesday of every month as part of their Visually Impaired Programme. This month at the ‘Modern One’ they hosted AD Tour and Workshop of the Tracing time exhibition by contemporary artist Do Ho Suh. Art-lover, Reader and Whistler Cleodie told Amelia about attending the VI Programme for 20 years and the VI community in Edi...
8m Jul 25, 2024
8m
S2 Ep632: VI Storyteller Anne Dignan On Working With National Galleries of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland host free art sessions on the third Wednesday of every month as part of their Visually Impaired Programme. This month at the ‘Modern One’ they hosted AD Tour and Workshop of the Tracing time exhibition by contemporary artist Do Ho Suh. Artist, Poet, Campaigner and Storyteller Anne Dignan told Amelia about her work and experiences of Dual Sensory Loss. Learn...
8m Jul 24, 2024
8m
S2 Ep640: Enhanced Tour Of Cardiff's 'New Theatre'
There’s rare chance to go behind the scenes at one of the oldest theatres in Wales this summer, as Hywel Davies has been finding out. You can book tickets and find more information about the tour here - Book Theatre Tour tickets | New Theatre Cardiff (trafalgartickets.com) (https://trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB/event/other/theatre-tour-tickets)
7m Jul 24, 2024
7m
S2 Ep639: Lucy Edwards Is Blind Barbie's Ambassador!
The first blind Barbie was just released by Mattel and created in partnership with American Foundation for the Blind to allow even more children to find a doll that represents them. For its UK release, the company partnered up with RTS 2024 award winning presenter, content creator and author, Lucy Edwards. Hubert Pawelkiewicz spoke with Lucy to find out what it feels like to be an ambassador ...
12m Jul 24, 2024
12m
S2 Ep638: Sight Loss and Employment Journey Yvette Chivers
Our David Hogg speaks to Retina UK’s Yvette Chivers about her employment journey and how an RNIB ‘See Work Differently’ internship kicked off a new chapter in her career…
9m Jul 24, 2024
9m
S2 Ep636: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 24 July 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: Tell us about your voting experience A few weeks ago we all went to the polls and every time we have an election we ask you to tell us about your voter experience, g...
5m Jul 24, 2024
5m
S2 Ep635: Social Media Update 23rd July 2024
Our weekly social media round up returns as Hubert Pawelkiewicz speaks to Holly Tuke from our social media team about the latest trends in the blind and partially sighted community and in general. Plus what exactly are stickers? How do they work? And how accessible really are they?
9m Jul 23, 2024
9m
S2 Ep631: Do Ho Suh Art Workshop At National Galleries Of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland host free art sessions on the third Wednesday of every month as part of their Visually Impaired Programme. This month at the ‘Modern One’ they hosted AD Tour and Workshop of the Tracing time exhibition by contemporary artist Do Ho Suh. Amelia spoke to attendee Cat about the exhibition, experiencing live AD and technology Learn more about the National Galler...
8m Jul 23, 2024
8m
S2 Ep634: Mattel Launch the First Ever Blind Barbie Doll
Today, Tuesday 23 July 2024, Mattel have launched the first ever Blind Barbie Doll with dark glasses and carrying a white cane for young blind and partially sighted girls to empower them to be whatever they want to be in life. Mattel worked with the American Federation of the Blind on the development of Blind Barbie and the RNIB will be helping to promote and role out the Blind Barbie doll to ...
7m Jul 23, 2024
7m