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
S2 Ep307: Sleep and Dreaming - Roundtable
Do you still have visual dreams after sight loss? How can blind and partially sighted people get a good night's rest? We brought together writer, performer and comic Jasmin Thein, holistic practitioner and Visionary Projects and Campaigns Co-ordinator Nina Chesworth and RNIB Connect Radio's own Toby Davey to discuss the world of dreaming and sleep. To follow Nina on twitter and Instagram sear...
30m Jan 26, 2024
30m
S2 Ep321: How can we sleep well?
Are you struggling to get a good night's rest? Amelia talked to The Sleep Charity CEO, Vicki Beevers, to learn about the science behind sleep and get some ideas for better rest. To get more sleep information and support visit thesleepcharity.org.uk (https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/information-support/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAqsitBhDlARIsAGMR1RiLd0KjkOE9B0c6eXcyunuQF2xZRZcROw2wPnJRVLW6T3nRwS3oJ3UaAuxmEAL...
12m Jan 26, 2024
12m
S2 Ep278: Visit to the RNIB by Labour Party Chair and Shadow Secretary for Women and Equalities Anneliese Dodds
Labour Women and Equalities Secretary and Party Chair, and Chair of the Labour Policy Review, Anneliese Dodds MP, visited the RNIB’s London office the Grimaldi Building on Wednesday 24 January 2024 to have a tour of the building, meet with RNIB Chief Executive Matt Stringer and other key RNIB staff to learn about the obstacles faced by blind and partially sighted people. After the tour of the ...
8m Jan 25, 2024
8m
S2 Ep278: Michael Quinlan, Representing RNID Takes Part in Round Table on Disability and Employment Chaired by Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities
Labour Women and Equalities Secretary and Party Chair, and Chair of the Labour Policy Review, Anneliese Dodds MP, visited the RNIB’s London office the Grimaldi Building on Wednesday 24 January 2024 to have a tour of the building, meet with RNIB Chief Executive Matt Stringer and other key RNIB staff to learn about the obstacles faced by blind and partially sighted people. After the tour the Sha...
3m Jan 25, 2024
3m
S2 Ep278: Arunima Misra, Representing Scope Takes Part in Round Table on Disability and Employment Chaired by Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities
Labour Women and Equalities Secretary and Party Chair, and Chair of the Labour Policy Review, Anneliese Dodds MP, visited the RNIB’s London office the Grimaldi Building on Wednesday 24 January 2024 to have a tour of the building, meet with RNIB Chief Executive Matt Stringer and other key RNIB staff to learn about the obstacles faced by blind and partially sighted people. After the tour the Sha...
3m Jan 25, 2024
3m
S2 Ep320: Michael Owen Learns About Partially Sighted Football
A new documentary hosted by former England footballer Michael Owen is taking a behind the scenes look at the world of Partially Sighted Football. Michael, along with his son James, followed the England Partially Sighted Football side as they prepared for the 2023 IBSA World Games.
9m Jan 24, 2024
9m
S2 Ep319: Bowls players with Sight Loss selected for Irish Team
Alan Marshall and Sam McAfee play in the Causeway Coast VI Bowls Group, organised by RNIB Northern Ireland and Irish Bowls federation. They’ve been selected for the first Irish disability bowls team and will go head to head with their English equivalents in Solihull this weekend, Amelia talked to Jonathan Adams, RNIB Community Access Worker, and Ian McClure, Development Officer at the Irish B...
9m Jan 24, 2024
9m
S2 Ep318: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 24 January 2024
Alice Findlay, RNIB Customer Voice Insight Coordinator 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: Do you have experience of Charles Bonnet Syndrome? Are you comfortable in front of a camera? The Health and Social Care Skills Development team at RNIB are looking fo...
5m Jan 24, 2024
5m
S2 Ep317: RNIB's Northern Ireland Tech Fair Is Coming Soon
There’s a new technology fair coming to Belfast in February. Who better than Tech Talk’s Dave Williams to find out all the details from Technology For Life Coordinator Jackie Brown.
8m Jan 23, 2024
8m
S2 Ep316: RNIB Writing Competition judged by Michael Morpurgo
To celebrate World Book Day on 7 March 2024, RNIB is inviting blind and partially sighted children aged 5 to 12 to submit a short story on the theme of 'adventure'. The submissions will be judged by award winning children’s author Sir Michael Morpurgo, and the overall winner will receive ten signed copies of Michael Morpurgo’s books. Competition Rules The competition is open to any child or ...
7m Jan 23, 2024
7m
S2 Ep315: Upcoming VICTA Science Event For Children
Hywel Davies has been hearing all about an upcoming Science day for young people held by the charity VICTA. For more information, you can visit the VICTA website - Young Achievers Family Day - Science! - VICTA (https://www.victa.org.uk/victa-calendar/young-achievers-science-family-day/)
3m Jan 22, 2024
3m
S2 Ep314: formidAbility - Song in Sign, Up-Coming Performances and Workshops
formidAbility the world’s first Opera Company that puts accessibility at the foundation of the creative process is just about to take their Arts Council funded project ‘Song in Sign’ out on tour to London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow during January February and in to early March. The project will bring singers, performers, musicians and signers together to showcase the energy and emotio...
13m Jan 22, 2024
13m
S2 Ep312: Curating Visibility launch new museum curation fellowships
Curating Visibility are launching 6 new Fellowship opportunities for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people to begin pursuing a career in museum curation. Amelia talked to Esther Fox, Head of the Accentuate Programme, to learn more. Learn more about the fellowship positions and the applications by visiting the Screen South website screensouth.org (https://screensouth.org/events/curating-v...
7m Jan 22, 2024
7m
S2 Ep303: Blind Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer Dr Stuart Gore
Dr Stuart Gore is a blind academic, teacher, researcher and practitioner counselling psychologist. He talked to Amelia about why he chose Psychology, his career journey so far, and the barriers he faced on the way. Learn more about Dr Gore's practise by visiting his website https://www.yorkshirecounsellingpsychology.co.uk/ Image: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ...
9m Jan 21, 2024
9m