S1 Ep1259: Cardiff University Optometry Students to Volunteer in Africa
We caught up with two students from Cardiff University who are looking to make a difference to people with sight loss in Africa. Laura Silva Hernandez and Silvia Ferraro are planning volunteering trips to Malawi and Ghana. If you'd like to learn more about the trips, or donate directly, go to www.gofundme.com/f/silvia-laura-optometry-volunteering-2022
7m Jun 06, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1246: UK Sight Loss Charity Celebrates National Volunteers' Week 2022
Without it's army of volunteers, UK sight loss charity RNIB would not be able to provide it's vital services. As part of National Volunteers' Week, we're learning about their work and why so many people volunteer for the charity. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Yvette Tomkins, an RNIB Volunteer Manager, and Lynne Green who is a volunteer Sooty box collector. If you'd like to fi...
7m Jun 03, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1256: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 04/06/2022
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 help for visually impaired people struggling with cost of living crisis, a nod to National Volunteers Week and celebrates an award for diversity in Welsh rugby. If you, or someone you know, would like info...
8m Jun 01, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1247: UK Sight Loss Charity Celebrates National Volunteers' Week 2022
Without its army of volunteers, UK sight loss charity RNIB would not be able to provide its vital services. As part of National Volunteers' Week, we're learning about their work and why so many people volunteer for the charity. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, RNIB's CEO, and Angela Davey, a volunteer and Chair of the Volunteer Council, to find out more. If you'd ...
11m Jun 01, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1258: Opera Holland Park 2022 Season with Audio Description
Opera Holland Park in London have been offering access for blind and partially sighted people to their summer season of opera productions for a number of years now with audio description provided by VocalEyes with introductory notes, touch tours and the live description too. Well this year is no different with five of their opera productions being audio described including: Carmen - Sunday 12...
15m Jun 01, 2022
15m
S1 Ep1253: What is Learning Ways?
This week next we’re celebrating all things volunteering, today we’re talking to an amazing RNIB volunteers about a brand-new group they’ve set up in the North West all about supporting blind and partially sighted parents. Kylie Wriggley found when she join the RNIB Family that there was no group in place to support parents in the North West, so she decided to make one herself and began volunte...
8m Jun 01, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1255: Royal Collection Trust Marks the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with Audio Description
The Royal Collection Trust which looks after the public opening of the Official Residences of The Queen and cares for the Royal Collection will be marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with accessible events for blind and partially sighted people  RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Amy Stocker, Access Manager from the Royal Collection Trust to find out more about their accessible eve...
9m Jun 01, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1254: Cornelia Parker Exhibition at Tate Britain Audio Described Tour
Now time to find out more about the audio described tour of the Cornelia Parker exhibition at Tate Britain in London on Friday 24 June 2022 at 5.30pm lead by visually impaired artist Sally Booth. Cornelia Parker is one of Britain's best loved and most acclaimed contemporary artists. Always driven by curiosity, she reconfigures domestic objects to question our relationship with the world. Using...
14m Jun 01, 2022
14m
S1 Ep1257: What the Champions League final was like for a person with Sight Loss?
Over the last few days you may have seen the chaotic reports from Paris during the Champions League final match. Tech Talk presenter Dave Williams was there, and joins Ellie to discuss his experience.  (Image shows 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)
8m May 31, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1245: BBC's Nicholas Witchell Discusses The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
As her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with BBC's Nicholas Witchell about her reign and some of his own memorable points over the last 70 years. #RNIBConnect Image shows Nicholas Witchell. 
10m May 31, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1251: Sight Loss Didn't Prevent Haleemah Being Called To The Bar
Studying for a career in law is a big undertaking for anyone but if you are blind or partially sighted there can be barriers to learning and qualifying. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Haleemah Farooq who, despite being registered blind, has completed her studies, been called to the Bar of England and Wales and is currently applying for her pupillage to begin her career in criminal...
12m May 31, 2022
12m
S1 Ep1237: A Life Living with Sight Loss with Abu-Bakr Ishtiaq
In a series of interviews here on RNIB Connect Radio we are talking with a range of blind and partially sighted people to find out what life is really like living with sight loss, how they have coped throughout their life with the level of sight they have and the advice they would give to other people who might be starting to lose their sight or finding it difficult to cope with the level of si...
8m May 31, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1252: Amazon Alexa Taught Etiquette and Old British Customs for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
If you are planning a tea party in your street or maybe even a dinner party with friends to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee you may have some questions around tea party and dinner party etiquette.   Well don’t worry as Amazon’s Alexa and renowned etiquette coach William Hanson have teamed up to mark the Royal occasion and teach Alexa some of the rules around etiquette for formal parties...
6m May 30, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1250: Bernie Warren Shares Her Sight Loss Story
Barry Snell chats with Bernie Warren who's sight loss story began in 2011 when she was diagnosed with Diabetic Macular Odema.  Five years later Bernie was registered as visually impaired, which quickly led to her losing her job as a nursery teacher and then a short while later, her driving license too. This was a dark time in Bernie's life... Now over 10 years later she has slowly rebuilt her ...
7m May 29, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1249: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 28/05/2022
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 supporting blind and partially sighted people with the cost of living crisis, more work on improving access to education for visually impaired pupils, a call for you to sign our Audio Description petition a...
9m May 27, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1244: Professor Pearse Keane Comes 10th in the Ophthalmologist Magazine Power List 2022
Each year The Ophthalmologist Magazine publishes their Power List of the top 100 influential  Ophthalmologists from around the world and Pearse Keane, Professor of Artificial Medical Intelligence at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, and a consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital has come 10 in the Power List 2022 for his work investigating Artificial Medical Intelligence powered diag...
11m May 27, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1244: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Play That Goes Wrong, Audio Described 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 audio described theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing Mischief Comedy’s multi award winning international smash hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong at the Alexand...
9m May 27, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1248: Major Concerns For Education Standards For Visually Impaired Pupils
The UK sight loss charity RNIB is concerned about the education attainment gap, and standards of support, for children who are blind or partially sighted.   The charity is working with government departments to improve education support but things are moving very slowly and there are real concerns that some pupils will be left behind their sighted peers. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spo...
6m May 26, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1243: Getting a message across through Drag, with VI Drag Queen Venetia Blind.
How can drag get a message across to educate the public about visual impairment? Ellie's been chatting to on VI drag performer who's on a mission to entertain and educate. To follow Venetia please search for @v_blind_ on you social media Image shows: Venetia with bright pink hair, a large flower ring and statement earrings. Blue eyeshadow and lips with her signature diamante eye patch)
12m May 26, 2022
12m
S1 Ep1242: Scented Garden Event Supporting Sight Loss Charity
A scented botanical garden in Dorset is offering a sweet deal for visitors with sight loss as they partner up with sight loss charity RNIB.    This coming Tuesday, 31st of May they will hold a special fundraising day including guided tours, workshops and the launch of a special exhibition.    Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Julia Bridger, director at Keyneston Mill to find out more about th...
8m May 26, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1240: Connect Voices Round Up 25 May 2022
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: Would you like to help improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people?  RNIB is  conducting research to better understand the experiences of people living with a vision impairment across the ...
6m May 25, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1239: Reverend Diane Lofthouse
Talking Books has recently received a very generous legacy, here’s Read On’s Red Szell with the story. 
11m May 24, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1238: Find out about the SCVO Gathering!
Collaboration across the voluntary and charity sector is vital. Ellie's been finding out about the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations annual Gathering, where RNIB and Guide Dogs will be working together to make an impact... To find out about the SCVO Gathering, please visit this website Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (scvo.scot) (https://scvo.scot/) (Image shows: The SC...
10m May 22, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1235: Creating An Accessible Future
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Chris Danielsen, PR Director of the National Federation of the Blind in the USA. This month they're talking about the charity's Centre For Excellence in Non Visual Accessibility and how it's helping to create new indoor wayfinding technology and helping service providers to make their touch screen terminals accessible. For more informa...
6m May 20, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1236: What's happening in this weeks Macular and Me Webinar?
Just what are the Macular and Me Webinars? Ellie's been catching up with Colin Daniels who runs the session to find out, and to find out about some exciting new research that will feature in this month's session...  To find out more about the Macular and Me monthly webinars, please visit their website, Register to join our My Macular and Me webinars - Macular Society (https://www.macularsociet...
7m May 20, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1235: RNIB Weekly Customer Update 21/05/2022
This week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sat down with David Clarke, RNIB's Chief Operations Officer, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. They looked at Global Accessibility Awareness Day, help with the cost of living crisis and news on a petition, you can get involved with, to improve #AudioDescription on Video On Demand streaming platforms. If you'...
8m May 20, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1233: RNIB Customer Involvement Advisory Group Update
The RNIB's Customer Advisory Group (CIAG) is a group made up of blind and partially sighted people from around the UK to help form the work that the RNIB is doing around inclusion for blind and partially sighted people.   RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with David Aldwinckle, RNIB Head of Innovation and Customer Voice and visually impaired CIAG group member Tony from Northern Island ...
9m May 19, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1233: RNIB Voice of the Customer Focus Groups Update
There are many ways that blind and partially sighted people can get involved in the work that the RNIB does around making a more inclusive society and even shape the future of the RNIB too, one way is through the regular Voice of the Customer Focus Group meetings.  RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Ross Hedley from the RNIB’s Research and Insight Team and Usha Mistry, who is visua...
15m May 19, 2022
15m
S1 Ep1231: Sarah, Duchess of York on her new novel Her Heart for a Compass
A sneak preview of an exclusive interview that Sarah, Duchess of York recorded with Read On’s Red Szell in which she discusses her debut novel.
5m May 19, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1232: Global Accessibility Awareness Day with the DAISY Consortium
Thursday May 19th is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, which is all about digital access and inclusion.  RNIB Connect Radio's Dave Williams caught up with Richard Orme, the Chief Executive Officer at the DAISY Consortium to discuss how they approach accessibility. 
9m May 18, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1234: Tackling Rising Fuel Costs - Care and Repair Cymru
Rising fuel prices are leaving more of us feeling the pinch. One scheme in Wales is aiming to improve the quality of life for older people. Hywel Davies finds out more.      For more information on the 70 Plus Programme, you can call Jo Harry on 07375 205005 or email jo.harry@careandrepair.org.uk (mailto:jo.harry@careandrepair.org.uk) or visit the website at http://www.careandrepair.org.uk 
10m May 18, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1229: Emily Davison on disability and identity
How does your disability affect your identity, and how does society's pre-conceptions of disability affect the way you define yourself? Ellie's been discussing these two questions and more with VI Journalist Emily Davison... To follow Emily, you can find her on Twitter @DavisonEm and on Instagram @fashioneyesta2012 To read Emily's articles please go to this website All by Emily Davison | Metr...
10m May 17, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1230: Sight Loss Charity Providing Cost Of Living Advice To Blind And Partially Sighted People
With the cost of living increasing, everything is becoming more expensive, from our gas and electricity, food and even the fuel for our cars. For many it's a difficult time trying to make ends meet but for many blind and partially sighted people, the impact can be greater. Over the next few months, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell will be speaking to Dominic Milne from RNIB's Legal Rights S...
9m May 17, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1228: Opera North Wagner’s Parsifal - Audio Description at Every Performance This June
Leeds based Opera company Opera North have been providing access for blind and partially sighted people through audio described performances of their productions for a number of years now and for the up-coming concert staged production of Richard Wagner’s Parsifal there will be audio description available for every performance at Leeds Grand Theatre this June.  RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey ...
8m May 16, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1227: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 14/05/2022
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 charities working collaboratively, RNIB's Cost Of Living Crisis research and a call for people to test the new RNIB website. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services ...
11m May 13, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1224: Connect Voices Round Up 11 May 2022
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: Do you have an interest in technology?  The RNIB is looking for people who enjoy using different gadgets, apps and devices (like tablets, smart speakers, wearable tech, household assistants, going online a...
6m May 11, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1226: Why Support Matters?
Monday 9th of May till Sunday 15th of May marks Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual event that wants to encourage everyone around the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.   This year's theme is all about combatting loneliness and understanding the impact it can have on our mental wellbeing.   Joining our Paulina Kuchorew to share his personal story and to chat about the support ...
10m May 10, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1225: Northern Ballet’s Casanova, Audio Description and more too….
Leeds based ballet company Northern Ballet are currently touring their production of Casanova around the country with audio described performances for blind and partially sighted people at Sadler’s Wells in London on Saturday 14 May at 2.30pm with an insight talk and touch tour at 12 noon with further described performances at the Lowry Salford Quays on Saturday 21 May at 2pm with the insight t...
13m May 09, 2022
13m
S1 Ep1223: What's It Like To Be A Blind Family Mediator?
Whether it’s a couple going through a divorce, a workplace dispute or discrimination against a disability, mediation services can be a vital tool for communication. Hywel Davies caught up with Ryan Compton, a visually impaired mediator to find out how the service works.
8m May 06, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1221: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 07/05/2022
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 2 campaigns that RNIB has been involved in.  A great step forward in accessible voting thanks to amendments to the UK Elections Bill and progress in getting tactile paving installed in all train stations in...
7m May 06, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1222: Return Of Premiere Exhibition And Seminars For Blind And Partially Sighted People
Sight Village is Europe's premiere  exhibition for blind and partially sighted people, of all ages. Sight Village Central returns to Solihull for it's first in person event since lockdown restrictions. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lottie Reid to find out what people can expect when they visit the popular event. If you would like more information on Sight Village, go to http://...
6m May 06, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1219: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - RSC Henry VI Rebellion and the Wars of the Roses, Audio Described 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 audio described theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing a double bill of audio description at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon with Henry VI Reb...
8m May 06, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1220: Mobile Escape Room Gets The Accessible Touch
More and more of us are trying our skills out in Escape Rooms, with friends or against other teams of players. Did you know that there's a new accessible one, ideal for blind and partially sighted people? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mathew Harrison, creator, and Anne Hornsby, who created the audio described guides, to learn more about the challenge and how you can ask for the ...
7m May 05, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1218: Meet the new ECLO for Shetland!
Ellie's been chatting with Maeve Lawler, the new ECLO for Shetland, to find out more about her role, and the area that she covers. If you'd like to find out more about the ECLO service, please visit the website Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) - RNIB - See differently (https://www.rnib.org.uk/advice/eye-health/who-does-what/eclo) (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letter...
5m May 05, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1217: Charities Launch Campaign To Improve Accessible Video On Demand Programmes In The UK
Charities have come together to campaign for improvements to Audio Description, Subtitles and Captioning for programmes that are viewed via Video On Demand services. The provision is patchy and despite current laws, things seem to have stalled. This leaves many people unable to enjoy their shows and films in the same way that others do and with streaming being part of our conversation culture...
9m May 04, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1217: Huge Win For Accessible Vote Campaign
For many years now, charities like RNIB have been campaigning to make the UK's voting system more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. At the moment the system is not fit for purpose and does not give visually impaired people the chance to vote in secrecy or independently, something which is enshrined in law for others. After much campaigning, the recent Elections Bill will have...
11m May 04, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1215: Debbie McKenzie raises £800 for RNIB on the Glasgow Kilt Walk!
Ellie's been catching up with a RNIB Volunteer who's just raised over £800 for RNIB in a very Scottish way, she's been sharing some top tips for future fundraisers. To find out more about fundraising for RNIB, please visit this website Donations and fundraising - RNIB - See differently (https://www.rnib.org.uk/donations-and-fundraising) To find out more about volunteering for RNIB, please vis...
6m May 03, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1214: Joe Kenny tells us all about his new single
Blind singer song writer Joe Kenny is about to released a new signal, Lable Me comes out on 30th April and is all about the stereotypes you face as a person with a disability. Ellie caught up with him to find out all about the new signal and getting back to live gigs.  You can stream Label Me on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music or anywhere else you stream your music. Image shows: Joe walkin...
9m Apr 29, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1216: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 29/04/2022
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 to Hywel about the series of strategy meetings going on across the country this month, the launch of the IBSA Games and how RNIB's beneficiaries can have their say on the future of the charity.   If you, or someone you know, ...
8m Apr 29, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1213: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - WNO Madam Butterfly, Audio Described 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 audio described theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing the audio described performance of Welsh National Opera’s production of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly at the Bir...
8m Apr 27, 2022
8m