S1 Ep478: Connect Voices 29th July
Barry Snell chats to RNIB’s National Involvement Coordinator Charlotte Jones to learn about the latest ways blind and partially sighted people can get involved and help shape RNIB's decision making. Find out how you can get involved in RNIB research into accessible smart meters and also how to get involved in helping Sky test a new version of Now TV on an Apple TV device. www.rnib.org.uk (htt...
6m Jul 29, 2020
6m
S1 Ep477: Blind Celebrity Whips Up Master Chef.
Amar Latif will be familiar to BBC viewers for his shows on travel and to many holidaymakers, around the globe, for his company Traveleyes. The business brings together sighted and visually impaired people and takes them on a wide range of holidays around the globe. This time Amar has been trying out his skills in the Celebrity Master Chef kitchen, with some surprising results from his team. ...
7m Jul 29, 2020
7m
Who'll be your Marathon Mate?
Ever thought about doing a marathon to raise funds for a charity, but been daunted by the thought of running 26.2 miles? Now RNIB is inviting you to double up with a partner or friend, and split the distance.   Introducing the 'Marathon Mates' challenge, where you can pair up and run the distance of a marathon between the two of you during September. One such participant is RNIB Connect Radi...
7m Jul 28, 2020
7m
The simple talking smart phone for visually impaired people
In Your Pocket is a revolutionary device that lets you access RNIB Talking Books, podcasts, internet radio and more just by using your voice. There are also apps you can summon by speech such as Be My Eyes and magnification without needing to learn difficult swipes and gestures. Brendan Lewis from RealSam, the makers of In Your Pocket, spoke to Steven Scott to talk about how the product can he...
10m Jul 27, 2020
10m
S1 Ep475: Charities Collaborate To Make Leisure Facilities Accessible.
With the further easing of lockdown restrictions, many leisure facilities, gyms and sports clubs are once again welcoming the public back. However, there are social distancing restrictions and new hygiene regulations in place to protect our health, which means that there are new ways of working out or taking part in sports again. This has further accessibility implications, and indeed barrier...
7m Jul 24, 2020
7m
S1 Ep475: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 24 July.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to hear about the latest news from the UK sight loss charity. This week they're talking about how the RNIB goes forward from lockdown, news about the online shop, the transition of another school and residential facility and a reminder about our fantastic fund raiser, Marathon Mates. http://www.rnib.org.uk h...
8m Jul 24, 2020
8m
S1 Ep476: Face Coverings
Face coverings are mandatory from 24th July in shops and supermarkets, Basil spoke to John from RNIB Campaigns to find out the charities stance on them. 
4m Jul 23, 2020
4m
S1 Ep474: US Charity's Convention Goes Virtual.
Each year in the USA, the National Federation of the Blind hosts it's National Convention which is attended by thousands of people from across the country and beyond. This year, due to coronavirus, the conference and exhibition went online using a variety of digital platforms. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Chris Danielsen, PR Director, from the NFB to learn more about the hugely...
7m Jul 23, 2020
7m
S1 Ep473: Scottish Government's Commitment To Accessible Health Information.
At a time when it is vital to receive the latest coronavirus information, and advice, as quickly as possible, the Scottish Government is leading the way. By working with partners, like RNIB Scotland, many groups who rely on different formats can be sure to have the latest guidance at the same time as everyone else. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Christina McKelvie MSP, Minister f...
6m Jul 21, 2020
6m
S1 Ep472: Are You Concerned About E-Scooters On Our Streets?
With the first trial area launched for E-scooter rentals, the UK's leading sight loss charity has concerns about public safety and the legislation for the powered vehicles. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Zoe Courtney, From RNIB's Campaigns team, to learn more about the powered scooters, worries around public safety and find out how you can feedback your concerns to support the cha...
7m Jul 20, 2020
7m
S1 Ep470: What Is Coronavision?
More and more of us are concerned about our eye sight and with lockdown leading to more of us watching more tv or using more digital devices, would you know what to look out for? Research suggests that the number 1 thing we don't want to lose is our sight but there is still a worry about going to opticians and eye clinics for eye checks for fears around coronavirus. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan...
7m Jul 16, 2020
7m
S1 Ep470: Visionary UK Supports UK Sight Loss Charities.
Visionary UK is an umbrella organisation that works with UK sight loss charities, large and small, to improve the every day lives of blind and partially sighted people. Every Fortnight, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with their CEO Fiona Sandford. This week they discuss the growing use of digital platforms, Henshaw's research results and a sporting reminder from British Blind Sport....
5m Jul 16, 2020
5m
S1 Ep469: IKEA announcement
Steven finds out about the latest work between RNIB and IKEA.
7m Jul 15, 2020
7m
S1 Ep468: Connect Voices 15th July Round Up
Connect Voices is your way to get involved in RNIB's work, helping shape what the charity does. Barry Snell spoke with RNIB National Involvement Coordinator Charlotte Jones to find out about this month’s opportunities and you can get involved with Connect Voices. For more information about Connect Voices visit: http://www.rnib.org.uk/rnibconnect/connect-voices (https://audioboom.com/posts/7...
6m Jul 15, 2020
6m
S1 Ep466: Government Agree Changes To Disabled Student's Allowance.
The Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA) is a pot of funding for students in higher education that can help with the extra study costs for those with a disability. The UK Government has now announced some changes to the way funds are allocated, making their use more flexible for students who may have differing requirements, depending on their disability. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke...
6m Jul 14, 2020
6m
S1 Ep465: Sight Village Event Goes Virtual.
Sight Village is Europe's premiere, and largest, exhibition for blind and partially sighted people, allowing them to get hands on with the latest high and low tech. It also offers lots of break out sessions, discussions and a chance to talk with national, and local, sight loss charities alongside service providers from across the UK and the globe. This year, because of Covid-19, their events ...
6m Jul 13, 2020
6m
S1 Ep464: Take Part in Marathon Mates Virtual Challenge
Sight loss charity RNIB have announced an exciting fundraising challenge. Barry Snell chats to RNIB's Lizzie Wagner, to find out how people can get involved. If you would like to find out more information, please click on the link below. https://marathonmates.rnib.org.uk
5m Jul 10, 2020
5m
S1 Ep463: Charities Work on Safe Social Distancing.
Lockdown is easing and that's a good thing for everyone, or is it? For blind and partially sighted people, social distancing is actually reducing their confidence and ability to get around safely, so can you help? RNIB's #WorldUpsideDown campaign hopes to let sighted members of the public know about the difficulties and how they can help with some simple tips. If you find yourself in London ...
8m Jul 09, 2020
8m
S1 Ep463: Food Giant Turned Upside Down
Lockdown is easing and that's a good thing for everyone, or is it? For blind and partially sighted people, social distancing is actually reducing their confidence and ability to get around safely, so can you help? RNIB's #WorldUpsideDown campaign hopes to let sighted members of the public know about the difficulties and how they can help with some simple tips. If you find yourself in London ...
4m Jul 09, 2020
4m
S1 Ep462: Amazon #WorldUpsideDown
Steven spoke to Amazon to find out why they got involved with the campaign.  Image shows upside down Amazon logo
5m Jul 08, 2020
5m
S1 Ep461: Retina International Survey
Basil spoke to Dr Orla Galvin about their latest survey and how you can get involved.
3m Jul 08, 2020
3m
S1 Ep460: What RNIB hope to achieve with #WorldUpsideDown
RNIB Head Of Social Change, Sarah Lambert talks to Steven about what the charity hopes to achieve from the #WorldUpsideDown campaign.  [Image - upside down RNIB logo]
9m Jul 08, 2020
9m
S1 Ep458: When Social Distancing Makes You Anxious About Leaving Home.
With Lockdown easing across the UK, many people are looking forward to the extra freedoms it brings. For many blind and partially sighted people though, social distancing is making it even harder to move around independently, safely and with confidence. RNIB has launched it's #WorldUpsideDown campaign to highlight how sighted members of the public can help visually impaired people get around ...
5m Jul 07, 2020
5m
S1 Ep459: World Upside Down Campaign
Steven spoke to Martin Wingfield, Head Of Brand at RNIB to find out what the #WorldUpsideDown campaign means, and where the idea came from. 
6m Jul 07, 2020
6m
S1 Ep457: Rachael on social distancing
Lockdown has been a difficult time for blind and partially sighted people with 2 thirds saying that they feel less independent, than they did before restrictions were put in place. RNIB is running it's #WorldUpsideDown campaign all this week, beginning July 6th 2020, and if you find yourself in London, take a look at the world famous Piccadilly Lights and you'll see something very strange! RN...
7m Jul 06, 2020
7m
S1 Ep455: Paralympian Podcasts From British Blind Sport.
The charity British Blind Sport helps make all sorts of sports and leisure activities as accessible as possible for blind and partially sighted people. They also work with sporting governing bodies, private gyms and sporting facilities to help them become more accessible and inviting to visually impaired customers. In July 2020, British Blind Sport began a series of weekly podcasts, giving pe...
7m Jul 02, 2020
7m
S1 Ep455: New Look For Glaucoma Week 2020.
The sight loss condition Glaucoma is known as the silent thief of sight, as many people only notice they have a problem with their vision when it's too late. Glaucoma Awareness Week is designed to encourage us to make regular visits for eye checks and to highlight the wealth of support that exists for those with the condition, their family and friends. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke...
8m Jul 02, 2020
8m
S1 Ep454: More Audio Described Content Coming Online.
More theatres, museums and art galleries are turning to online streaming of their performances and collections. There is also an increase in the content which is being audio described for blind and partially sighted people, but there is still more work to do to increase the overall offerings. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, to look at some forthco...
7m Jul 01, 2020
7m
S1 Ep451: Sight Loss Didn't Halt This Students Drive.
Not long after completing her "A" Levels, Heather Tymms lost her sight, throwing her plans for the future up in the air. After going through rehabilitation, she not only started university to study maths, but has also secured a year's paid internship with Sainsburys. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Heather to learn more about her educational goals and why she is so excited about h...
6m Jun 29, 2020
6m
S1 Ep452: Webinar For Those Applying For Disabled Students Allowance.
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) is funding which is made available to university students who have a disability, including sight loss, and helps to pay for things like assistive technology, guides and even transport costs. The application process has 2 components, 1 of which is an assessment interview, which can now be taken over things like Skype due to Covid-19 restrictions. On July 15th ...
6m Jun 29, 2020
6m
S1 Ep449: Trailblazing Disability Activist Was A People's Favourite.
Helen Keller was born into a life of privilege but before her 2nd birthday, she lost her sight and her hearing. With the help of a formidable teacher, she began to read, write and graduate from university. Helen went on to campaign across the world, for better rights for people with disabilities, and was held in the highest regard by the public and the most powerful political and royal figure...
8m Jun 27, 2020
8m
S1 Ep450: RNIB Coronavirus Government Advice - Shielding 23rd June
13m Jun 26, 2020
13m
S1 Ep448: It's More Than A Taxi When The Driver Is A Trained Companion.
Driving Miss Daisy is a global organisation that provides people of all ages, and disabilities, with a door to door driver and companion who can assist with whatever you have to do on your journey. From shopping visits, medical appointments or even journeys across the country, they are more than a travel provider. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ann Overdijking to learn more about...
6m Jun 26, 2020
6m
S1 Ep447: Glasgow College Embraces Inclusivity And Accessibility.
Robert Meikle is the first blind student at City of Glasgow College to complete the HNC Radio Production course with an "A" Grade. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Robert to learn more about the course and James Wilson, City Of Glasgow College, to find out how the institution works with disabled students to improve access to courses. http://www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk #RNIBConn...
7m Jun 24, 2020
7m
S1 Ep446: Sight Loss Group Sits At United Nations Table.
The World Blind Union works with sight loss charities, and governments, from around the globe to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people. They also sit on groups within the United Nations, giving them a powerful platform to influence positive change and highlight areas of improvement. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Fredric Schroeder, WBU President, to learn more a...
8m Jun 24, 2020
8m
S1 Ep445: European Umbrella Group Supporting Sight Loss Charities.
The European Blind Union is an umbrella organisation that works with sight loss charities, across Europe, to improve the everyday lives of blind and partially sighted people. As well as their regular business, the coronavirus situation has come to dominate much of their liaison work but the bread and butter challenges of accessible life still continues. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spok...
8m Jun 23, 2020
8m
S1 Ep444: Lottery Grant Allows Charity To Help More Customers.
Money from the National Lottery helps charities to provide vital services to a diverse range of customers with different needs and support requests. New funding was announced to help with the extra costs, relating to the current coronavirus situation, to provide vital telephone assistance for blind and partially sighted people in the UK. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gillian Hal...
4m Jun 23, 2020
4m
S1 Ep443: More Entertainment Gets AD
We can't go to theatres, galleries or museums at the moment, so more venues are looking to show performances and collections online. But for many theatre lovers who are blind or partially sighted, this has also meant that many of these are not fully accessible as they don't have audio description. Things are changing though and RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby, from Mi...
7m Jun 19, 2020
7m
S1 Ep440: Priority Delivery Slots
Since RNIB extended it's helpline's opening hours, they've seen a huge increase in blind and partially sighted people struggle to secure online delivery slots for their grocery shop. The charity has worked with supermarkets, smaller grocers and government departments to make the process easier and more accessible and have now been engaged by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affai...
5m Jun 18, 2020
5m
S1 Ep439: Visionary UK supports Charities Helping Those With Sight Loss.
Visionary UK supports Charities Helping Those With Sight Loss. Every fortnight, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Visionary UK's Chief Exec Fiona Sandford to hear what the organisation is up to, supporting local charities and highlighting some of their work. This week Fiona tells us how they are running workshops for smaller charities, to help them use digital platforms to reach an...
6m Jun 18, 2020
6m
S1 Ep441: Don't Lose Sight Over Coronavirus
RNIB is urging us to continue attending scheduled eye appointments as more and more are at risk of losing their sight due to fear of going to hospital during the coronavirus outbreak. RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Daphne Shilliday who has regular injections to treat Age Related Macular Degeneration and has recently attended the Macular Clinic at the Mater Hospital in Belfast...
7m Jun 17, 2020
7m
S1 Ep438: RNIB Campaigns Update
Since the coronavirus pandemic turned lives upside down, RNIB have been fighting to make sure that the blind and visually impaired community have access to shopping. Basil Oxtoby found out about the recent work the RNIB campaigns team have been doing 
10m Jun 17, 2020
10m
S1 Ep437: Loneliness Awareness Week 2020
This year’s Loneliness Awareness Week runs from 15th till 21st of June and aims to not only raise awareness but also to encourage open dialogue around loneliness.  Charity RNIB has been working hard to ensure blind and partially sighted people facing loneliness are supported through this challenging period.   Director of Services at RNIB David Clarke spoke with our Steven Scott about their wo...
7m Jun 17, 2020
7m
S1 Ep436: Volunteering Is A Great Way To Advance On The Path To Employment.
When James Kyle completed his Masters Degree, he found it difficult to secure job interviews. After seeking help from RNIB, he began to get support from their employment team, gained valuable skills from the volunteering team and has now secured employment. RNIB Connect radio's Allan Russell spoke to James to learn more about his journey and Hollie Wilson, RNIB Volunteer Manager, to find out wh...
8m Jun 17, 2020
8m
S1 Ep435: Safe Ways To Help Guide Dog Owners Stay Independent.
The UK charity Guide Dogs, has carried out some research into the barriers that will exist for blind and partially sighted people as lockdown eases. There are concerns around the change of street layouts, ability to safely travel on public transport, reduced support from retailers and a downturn in the public's confidence in providing assistance to visually impaired people. RNIB Connect Radio's...
9m Jun 17, 2020
9m
S1 Ep434: Is Fully Accessible Voting On The Way For Scottish Elections?
The Scottish Parliament has voted through electoral amendments that could pave the way for more accessible ways to vote in future Scottish elections. RNIB Connect radio's Allan Russell spoke to Minister for Parliamentary Business, Graeme Dey MSP, Colin Smith MSP and Jeremy Balfour MSP to learn more about what this could mean for blind and partially sighted voters and if there was a timetable f...
10m Jun 16, 2020
10m
S1 Ep433: Are E-Scooters Dangerous? Have Your Say
With lockdown easing, the UK Government is looking at increasing the ways that we can get around. This is to help public transport which is now restricted in the ways it can operate and the amount of passengers things like buses can carry. There is a consultation looking at E-Scooters being more available to hire and ride on our streets and RNIB is concerned. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell ...
6m Jun 13, 2020
6m
S1 Ep431: Blind Adventurer Talks Covid 19 And Lockdown.
Amar Latif is the founder of holiday company Traveleyes, has appeared on many tv programmes and is renowned as a motivational speaker. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Amar about surviving coronavirus, tips for getting through lockdown as a blind person and we discover a culinary secret. #RNIBConnect Image: Amar Latif Traveleyes CEO
10m Jun 12, 2020
10m
S1 Ep430: RNIB's Sight Advice FAQ
Barry Snell chats with RNIB’s Natalie Heath, to find out about the charities Sight Advice FAQ partnership and how it is helping blind and partially sighted people access the latest information during the coronavirus lockdown. Image: RNIB See Differently logo, black writing against a white backdrop, with a pink line underneath the word RNIB.
4m Jun 11, 2020
4m
S1 Ep429: Supermarket Update
Special Projects Manager Steve Packer gives the latest supermarket updates from RNIB. 
3m Jun 11, 2020
3m