S1 Ep735: The new Echo Show: Smart displays are on the move
Amazon have launched the latest Echo Show device to their range which features a tracking camera that moves the screen around to follow you in the kitchen or living room of your house during calls and even when watching videos.  Dennis Stansbury from Amazon UK joins Steven Scott on Tech Talk to discuss this new gadget, and also discuss the latest accessibility features across their range of pr...
8m Apr 14, 2021
8m
S1 Ep736: The Northern Ballet Audio Described Online Videos
Ellie catches up with the team from The Northern Ballet to discuss accessibility through Covid, and beyond... 
9m Apr 14, 2021
9m
S1 Ep734: Back to the High Street - how do we keep safe?
As non-essential retail stores open their doors once again to the public, what measures are in place to ensure safety for all customers and what support is in place for blind and partially sighted people? Steve Packer from RNIB talks to Steven Scott about what we need to be aware of when heading back out to the high street.
7m Apr 14, 2021
7m
S1 Ep732: Connect Voices Round-Up 14 April 2021
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted included: Call out from BBC News Team for visually impaired people's experiences of Covid19 for TV, Radio and online, an opportunity to become a Disabled Lay Researcher from Sharing Our Lives, and finally a chance for peo...
9m Apr 14, 2021
9m
S1 Ep731: Sight Loss Charities Support For Education Professionals And Institutions
For many people, going to college or university can be, both, exciting and daunting. If the student is blind or partially sighted, there are further worries around accessible course materials, mobility around campus and will the institution be able to support someone with sight loss to progress at the same pace as their peers? Several sight loss charities have created comprehensive guides for...
8m Apr 14, 2021
8m
S1 Ep730: Health Bodies Benefit From Vaccination Guidance For Visually Impaired Patients
Sight loss charities, RNIB and Guide Dogs, have created new guides based around the Covid-19 vaccination roll out.   The guides will help national health bodies, including hospitals, GP surgeries and pharmacies, to create programmes around the roll out that will inform and support blind and partially sighted people at all stages. This will include accessible information, accessible info for a...
7m Apr 13, 2021
7m
S1 Ep728: Sight Loss Charity's Shape And Share Events Are For All The Family
UK charity RNIB runs numerous events, throughout the year, for blind and partially sighted children and young people, including their family and friends. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Meagher, from RNIB, to hear more about their Shape and Share events and how you can join in. We also heard from Tiernan, who loves the weekly youth clubs, music lessons and had a blast on th...
6m Apr 09, 2021
6m
S1 Ep729: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 09.04.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to discuss some of the latest stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week, there's tech news and offers from Apple and Amazon, a well deserved awards nomination and it's full steam ahead for the Marathon Mates fund raiser. If you'd like more information on RNIB's services or offers, go to http://...
7m Apr 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep727: New RNIB Partnership Offers Remote Support Through Simple App
RNIB have partnered up with the US support provider Aira to deliver remote support here in the UK. Steven Scott spoke to Dave Williams from RNIB and Jenine Stanley from Aira to find out about how the service supports blind and partially sighted people as well as a special offer for RNIB customers. For more information visit: https://aira.io/  Image shows the RNIB logo. 
8m Apr 08, 2021
8m
S1 Ep725: First Blind Staff members Take Up NHS Post
Mark and Kerry Fielding have managed to secure employment with the NHS, at a time when, due to the global pandemic, many people are losing their jobs.  They are also the first blind members of staff to work within the Business Services Authority, as call handlers and have been supported throughout their training and employment journey, with a focus on accessibility. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan...
8m Apr 08, 2021
8m
S1 Ep726: Donum Visi
Time to take a hop over the pond now all the way over to Silicon Vally where Dorum Visi, an organisation that focuses on developing accessible technology for students amongst many other things, Ellie speaks to their Co-President. If you want to find out more about what Dorma Visi does and get involved in their events their website is http://www.donumvisi.org 
7m Apr 07, 2021
7m
S1 Ep724: US Sight Loss Charity Looks Forward To It's 2021 National Convention
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Chris Danielsen, Pr Director, from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA. This time Chris is looking ahead to this year's National Convention which, for the 2nd time, will take place virtually and they're expecting around 10,000 visitors. Allan found out what people can expect from the convention, which everyone is invited to...
6m Apr 07, 2021
6m
S1 Ep723: Gary Moritz Partially Sighted Artist
Time to hear from one of our own now, you might recognise this next voice from Sunset Melodies here on RNIB Connect Radio but low and behold, it's not only radio that Gary has a passion for, he is a brilliant partially sighted artist, Ellie and been chatting to him to find out where his love for art started.  Remember you can catch Gary on Sunset Melodies every Wednesday at 7 and again on Sunda...
7m Apr 06, 2021
7m
S1 Ep721: See What’s Next Website and Campaign Launches Supporting - People with Wet AMD
A new website and campaign supported by the Macular Society has just launched titled ‘See What’s Next’ providing information and support for people with wet age related macular degeneration including case studies, hints and tips, life hacks and much more to enable people to manage Wet AMD and maintain an independent life. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with Cathy Yelf, Macular Society Chief ...
8m Apr 06, 2021
8m
S1 Ep722: The Longest Battle with Paul (Mad Dog) McGuinness
In The Longest battle Emma Martins chats with people who have gone through a similar life changing situation to her own when Emma caught a virus in 2013 which completely changed her life for ever.  The virus that Emma caught in Vietnam caused a brain aneurysm which in turn has severely affected Emma’s eyesight. In today's The Longest Battle Emma is chatting with Paul (Mad Dog) McGuinness, a C...
30m Apr 05, 2021
30m
S1 Ep721: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 02.04.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB, to talk about some of the big stories and events coming from the organisation. This week Matt talks about the new National Disability Strategy, There's advice for individuals and commerce for easing out of lockdown in an accessible way, then finishes with a look at the Marathon Mates ...
7m Apr 02, 2021
7m
TPT launches Aira pilot for patients visiting Moorfields Hospital
New technology from Aira is set to give visual assistance to blind and partially sighted patients and support them to attend hospital eye appointments.   The 6-month trial, launched today, will support patients attending appointments at Moorfields Eye Hospital. It is funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust and will be free of charge for blind and partially sighted people to use.   It will link visua...
11m Apr 01, 2021
11m
S1 Ep721: Sight Village Goes Virtual For April 2021
For many years now the Sight Village events have toured the UK, bringing together a host of international exhibitors and speakers, attracting thousands of blind and partially sighted visitors. The event showcases the latest in hi, and low, tech gadgets, services for people of all ages and charities from around the UK who support and empower those with sight loss. Due to current restrictions, ...
6m Apr 01, 2021
6m
S1 Ep720: Help Make Scotland More Inclusive For Visually Impaired People
Ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary election, which will take place in May 2021, RNIB Scotland are calling on candidates to support their key manifesto asks.  James Scotland, RNIB Scotland director spoke with us about their manifesto, and how by asking your candidates to become RNIB Champions, you can help deliver profound change for blind and partially sighted people living in Scotland.    F...
7m Mar 31, 2021
7m
Call the RNIB Helpline on any Alexa-enabled device
People with sight loss can now connect directly to the RNIB Helpline by saying “Alexa, call RNIB Helpline”.    This simple voice command, spoken to an Alexa-enabled device, triggers a new Amazon skill, which was developed in partnership with RNIB.    RNIB’s Helpline is a gateway to essential services for blind and partially sighted people, services which have been vital during the pandemic ...
12m Mar 31, 2021
12m
S1 Ep719: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Looks Beyond Restrictions.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with John Rafferty, CEO of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. They talk about some of the latest news stories and projects coming from the national organisation. This month John talks about accessible Covid-19 info and support at vaccination centres, accessible literature for the 21st century and the education attainment gap for...
7m Mar 31, 2021
7m
S1 Ep719: Open Days For Hereford College For Students With Visual Impairments.
The Royal National College in Hereford specialises in courses, from A level upwards, for students who are blind or partially sighted. As well as a range of academic courses, at their modern campus, they also improve independent living skills and mobility for all it's students. The college is hosting open days for prospective parents and pupils, to come along and see what the campus, and colle...
5m Mar 31, 2021
5m
S1 Ep718: Connect Voices Round-Up 31 March 2021
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted included: Your chance to re-name the RNIB mental health support service, a request for visually impaired people living in the West Midlands to help the West Midlands Combined Authority and Midland Mencap by sharing how th...
7m Mar 31, 2021
7m
S1 Ep716: Bill Skipworth on his book Now I See
Over the past 30 years, Bill Skipworth has gone from having perfect sight, to no sight, to regaining some of his vision after an operation.  And faced with lockdown he saw it as an opportunity to write down his experiences.  His book ‘Now I See’ has just been published in print, eBook and as an audiobook.  Read On’s Red Szell caught up with him to find out more. 
8m Mar 30, 2021
8m
S1 Ep717: The Longest Battle with Trisha Goddard
In The Longest Battle Emma Martins chats with people who have gone through a similar life changing situation to her own when Emma caught a virus in 2013 which completely changed her life for ever.    The virus that Emma caught in Vietnam caused a brain aneurysm which in turn has severely affected Emma’s eyesight.   In today's The Longest Battle Emma is chatting with Trisha Goddard, who is b...
32m Mar 29, 2021
32m
S1 Ep716: Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 29/03/2021
Our weekly catch up with RNIB CEO Matt Stringer to share some of the latest news and projects coming from the UK sight loss organisation. This week Matt and Connect Radio’s Toby Davey look forward to the next financial year with some key messages from the RNIB Business Plan, with lifting of some Coronavirus lockdown restrictions, the new RNIB Coming Out of Lockdown campaign, Matt and Toby talk...
9m Mar 29, 2021
9m
S1 Ep715: Progress Of Covid 19 Vaccinations In Wales
How is the Covid-19 Vaccination programme coming along in Wales? Dr Gill Richardson is the chair of Wales' Covid-19 Vaccine programme and she spoke about the progress of vaccinations and their liaison with RNIB Cymru to ensure accessibility for blind and partially sighted people.  For more COVID-19 vaccination information visit Public Health Wales’ website (https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immuni...
9m Mar 29, 2021
9m
S1 Ep714: The Bank of England New £50 Note with Tactile Markings
This summer on 23 June The Bank of England will be introducing a new £50 note into circulation. The bank of England and the RNIB have worked together to ensure that the new note is accessible for blind and partially sighted people.  Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Sarah John from The Bank of England to explain a bit more about the new £50 note. Sarah explained how The Bank of England...
7m Mar 25, 2021
7m
S1 Ep713: City of Threads Podcast; meet the Hosts
Are you a fan of experiencing new cities, even during lockdown? Well, this podcast might be the one for you!  City of Threads is a brand new immersive podcast, which provides the listener with an immersive journey through Bristol, and RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has been talking to some of the creators. City of Threads is available on Spotify and audible, and you can find out more about ...
8m Mar 24, 2021
8m
S1 Ep712: Visionary UK & RNIB Collaborating For A Better Future
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Fiona Sandford, CEO of Visionary UK, and one of the umbrella group's partners. This month they are joined by Campbell Chalmers from sight loss charity RNIB, to discuss collaboration, supporting grass roots charities, and how that work will continue onward as we come out of lockdown. For more information visit: https://visionary.org.uk/ ...
7m Mar 24, 2021
7m
S1 Ep711: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 20.03.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to discuss some of the latest news and projects coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week it's the new Life Changer fund raiser, tactile platform petition and why charities are collaborating more than ever. If you'd like to sign the petition to make our rail platforms safer, go to https://e-activis...
7m Mar 20, 2021
7m
S1 Ep710: Free Tandem Hire For People With Disabilities In The UK
When Alex Reeves was looking for a tandem to take his daughter Charlotte for a  cycle, he was shocked at the high cost. After starting with a low cost machine, he soon realised that Charlotte, who has various disabilities, was loving the freedom of the road and the activity was having a very positive impact on family life. He decided to start a charity that could loan out tandems, free of cha...
7m Mar 19, 2021
7m
S1 Ep708: Changes Will Make Care Home Visits For Visually Impaired People Easier
When Steve Springthorpe went to his mother's care home for a visit, he was shocked to be told that as visits were restricted to 1 visitor, he could not be accompanied by his wife. This meant that Steve, who is registered blind, had no guide and could not continue to see his mother. After an intervention by John Dixon from RNIB, the situation has now been resolved and changes have been made to...
6m Mar 18, 2021
6m
S1 Ep709: Talking Books and Navigation with In Your Pocket
In Your Pocket is a voice driven smart device which as the product name says fits neatly into your pocket and can perform many tasks while you are out and about.    Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Liam O'Carroll who is registered blind and a great fan of In Your Pocket to share the benefits for him of the device as a visually impaired person.    Liam explained to Toby why he decid...
7m Mar 18, 2021
7m
S1 Ep708: Virtual Swimming Event For Visually Impaired People Will Make A Splash!
While swimming pools remain closed, you may think an event devoted to the sport, and pastime, would be a little out of the ordinary? But no, UK charity British Blind Sport have created a fun and exciting virtual event that promises to have something for everyone. From competitions, Q&A sessions with Swim England and a talk with Paralympic gold medal winner Hannah Russell MBE to a whole host o...
5m Mar 18, 2021
5m
S1 Ep707: Boost Your Employability With This Free Technology Course
Knowing how to use the latest technology is key to getting a new job. A new training course aims to provide such support and advice in association with one of the UK's leading disability technology charities.  Gary Eady joined RNIB Connect Radio's Steven Scott to explain more about the course and other online resources available to help you get on top of the latest tech. For more information ...
8m Mar 17, 2021
8m
S1 Ep706: Connect Voices Round Up 17 March 2021
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted included: A request from the NHS for visually impaired people to help co-design a new innovation service, a reminder of the Connect Voices quarterly Tracker Survey and the Voice of the Customer focus groups and a request ...
8m Mar 17, 2021
8m
S1 Ep705: Award of £100,000 to Boost Inclusive Description for Equality and Access
Royal Holloway, University of London, and the audio description charity VocalEyes have just been awarded £100,000 by the Arts and Humanities Research Council as part of their Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Fellowships to fund a yearlong project titled Inclusive Description for Equality and Access. The AHRC funded project will take the findings of the VocalEyes Describing Diversity Report f...
8m Mar 16, 2021
8m
S1 Ep704: Don't Be Caught Out By Tax Fraudsters
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs has reported a surge in reports of members of the public being scammed by calls, emails and texts which claim to be from HMRC. It's important to be on our guard and there is a wide variety of things you can do to protect yourself. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Michael Farragher and Mark Rogerson from RNIB. They discussed what help RNIB can offe...
7m Mar 15, 2021
7m
S1 Ep704: Daily Hope Free Helpline Is A Real Lifeline
With many people feeling isolated and, for many, increasingly lonely, Holy Trinity Church in Claygate decided to take action and create a free resource for everyone. The Daily Hope is a free 24/7 phone line which offers a variety of services, including exercises and an option to help us improve our sleep. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Pippa Cramer, Pastoral Care and Seniors Mini...
6m Mar 15, 2021
6m
S1 Ep703: Music From The Heart.
Despite being registered blind, Scots teenager Ethan Loch is internationally recognised as a pianist of incredible natural talent. He has travelled to many countries, picking up awards and plaudits for his prowess on the piano but, like many teenagers, he still has his education and other interests to concentrate on. In this 1 hour special, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Ethan,...
53m Mar 12, 2021
53m
S1 Ep701: New One Stop Contact Centre For Guide Dogs UK
UK charity Guide Dogs has launched a new central number and email contact service called Guideline.  The single phone number and email address will send all enquiries to a specially trained team of experts to answer all calls and enquiries. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Louise Belsom, from Guide Dogs, to learn more about Guideline and what it means for customers, old and new. Y...
6m Mar 12, 2021
6m
S1 Ep701: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 12.03.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer. They discuss some of the latest news and projects coming from the UK sight loss organisation. This week they look back at International Women's Day, the tactile rail platform safety petition and Marathon Mates is back! If you would like to sign the petition to make rail platforms safer for blind and partia...
7m Mar 12, 2021
7m
S1 Ep700: Westonbirt Arboretum Volunteer Sensory Guiding Opportunity for Visually Impaired People
As part of the Sensing Nature project re-storying landscapes for social inclusion three organisations have come together; Sensing Nature, Natural Inclusion and Westonbirt Arboretum to offer this fantastic opportunity for visually impaired people to become volunteer sensory guides at the stunning Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with Sarah Bell from Sens...
9m Mar 12, 2021
9m
S1 Ep702: Libby Clegg talks about Mother's Day
As Mother's Day approaches, paralympian and gold medallist, Libby Clegg, talks about the challenges of motherhood, with hints and tips she's learned along the way. Image is of Libby kissing her gold medal on the podium.
9m Mar 11, 2021
9m
S1 Ep699: Connect Voices Round Up 10 March 2021
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted included Job vacancy - RNIB National Involvement Engagement Officer working within the National Involvement team, a request from two researchers at Birkbeck College in London to help with a study into migraines and experien...
6m Mar 11, 2021
6m
S1 Ep698: The Teenage Piano Virtuoso
Ethan Loch is like any teenager, he enjoys socialising, sports, tv and surfing the web. What is different though, is that he is an internationally recognised, award winning, pianist. Despite being registered blind, Ethan has thrived on the ivories and, without a doubt, has a gift for musical performance. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ethan to learn more about his playing and hi...
8m Mar 10, 2021
8m
S1 Ep698: Marathon Mates Gets Under Starters Orders
Marathon Mates is a fun fund raiser, which is being hosted by the UK sight loss charity RNIB. You and a partner take on a marathon distance of 26.2 miles and here's the best bit. You can partner up and run at different times or in different areas and you can divide up the distance between you. The icing on the cake is, you have a month to complete the distance! RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Ru...
4m Mar 10, 2021
4m
S1 Ep697: Glaucoma Week: Why You Should Attend Your Glaucoma Clinic Apointments Plus Help and Support from Glaucoma UK
As this week is Glaucoma Week Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with Joanna Bradley, head of Support Services at Glaucoma UK to find out why it is so important for glaucoma patients to attend their clinic appointments and to find out a bit more about the eye condition. Joanna also outlined the main ways that glaucoma can affect someone's vision, why it is so important to have regular eye tests ...
5m Mar 10, 2021
5m
S1 Ep696: RNIB Braille Library New on Demand Service Launching April 2021
RNIB is upgrading its Braille Library to offer library books on demand, a new personalised braille reading service designed to increase access to hardcopy braille books for readers across the UK from April 2021.   Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Dave Williams, RNIB Customer Experience manager to explain more about this fantastic new on demand service for Braille users.   Dave outli...
8m Mar 10, 2021
8m