S2 Ep896: Grace Kidd Shares Her Festive Short Story
Take a seat and get wrapped up in Grace’s wonderful short story, The Christmas Bake-off Bonanza. 🧁 It follows her main character Holly, who is blind, as she takes on a challenge with her best friend Hazel. Grace is a passionate young writer, who was born with a condition called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and only has light perception. She won RNIB's World Book Day competition with her p...
10m Dec 24, 2024
10m
S2 Ep895: New York Liner Travelogue
Join Jonathan for a very special festive trip to New York. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
8m Dec 23, 2024
8m
S2 Ep895: Festivities In Mexico Travelogue
Join Jonathan as he celebrates Hannukah and Christmas with friends across the world. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black i...
4m Dec 23, 2024
4m
S2 Ep894: Strictly Inspires New Dancers At Step Change Studios
Chris McCausland's Strictly win has prompted more blind and partially sighted people to get dancing. Amelia spoke to Dr Rashmi Becker MBE, the founder of inclusive Dance Company Step Change Studios, to hear about their new students and why more people are trying out their twinkle toes. Learn more about their classes on the Step Change Studio website - www.stepchangestudios.com/ Image shows t...
7m Dec 23, 2024
7m
S2 Ep880: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Red Shoes, 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 new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Red Shoes by Playwright Nancy Harris at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan T...
5m Dec 20, 2024
5m
S2 Ep884: Audio Describing The Royal Ballet’s Cinderella
The Royal Ballet and Opera House in London continue their programme of access to their productions for blind and partially sighted people with both live and recorded audio described performances, along with accompanying introductory notes and touch tours. If you have ever wondered what goes in to audio describing ballet and dance then do join RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey for an insight into...
28m Dec 20, 2024
28m
S2 Ep891: RNIB Campaigns Round Up Of 2024.
RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sat down with some of RNIB’s campaigns team to look back at a few national and local projects the charity took on in 2024. If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved, email campaigns@rnib.org.uk (mailto:campaigns@rnib.org.uk) Visit rnib.org.uk/news or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 If you like your socials, follow @RNIB_Campaign...
13m Dec 20, 2024
13m
S2 Ep891: UK Sight Loss Charity Publishes Annual Report
UK sight loss charity has recently published it’s annual report for 2024. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Matt Stringer, RNIB CEO, to find out what the report contains and how people can read the interactive document. If you’d like to read the report, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image Shows A Smiling Matt Stringer Wearing A Grey Jacket and Glasses
4m Dec 20, 2024
4m
S2 Ep890: RNIB Chief Exec’s Review Of 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. Today, it’s Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital ...
10m Dec 20, 2024
10m
S2 Ep887: Hot And Cold Waterfall Travelogue
Today Jonathan takes us on an adventure to a natural wonder. Join him as he visits a waterfall in Guatemala which runs both hot and cold. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Under...
4m Dec 19, 2024
4m
S2 Ep887: Niagra Falls Travelogue
Join Jonathan as he visits the iconic Niagra Falls in North America. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
4m Dec 19, 2024
4m
S2 Ep887: Brazil And Argentina Waterfalls Travelogue
Join Jonathan as he enjoys a tango performance and visits the waterfalls of Brazil and Argentina. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is writt...
5m Dec 19, 2024
5m
S2 Ep886: Victoria Falls Travelogue
Time for a trip to the famous Victoria Falls with Jonathan Abro. He takes us to the world's largest waterfall in today's Travelogue. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image Description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pi...
5m Dec 19, 2024
5m
S2 Ep885: Accessible Lego Instructions From Bricks For The Blind
Build something magical with text-based lego instructions. Bricks For The Blind share free guides so blind and partially sighted people can enjoy the beloved sets. Amelia spoke to CEO and Founder, Matthew Shifrin, to learn more. Learn more about Bricks For The Blind and access their accessible building instructions on their website - https://bricksfortheblind.org/ Image shows Matthew, a whi...
9m Dec 18, 2024
9m
S2 Ep884: The Nutcracker and Audio Description
In the lead up to Christmas and with many productions of what is a real classic festive ballet treat The Nutcracker, what might it be like going to an audio described ballet performance from a blind or partially sighted persons point of view. Well for a bit of a festive audio described theatre review RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was not only joined by ITV News Inclusion and Diversity Consul...
16m Dec 18, 2024
16m
S2 Ep884: Braille 200 - Lord Blunkett
As we all celebrate 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system for blind and partially sighted people through the RNIB Braille 200 year long celebrations raising the awareness of braille to visually impaired and sighted people here on RNIB Connect Radio we are chatting with people who are braille users to find out what braille means to them and how bra...
15m Dec 18, 2024
15m
S2 Ep883: Matt Stringer Reflects on RNIB’s Evening Of Festive Music
At the end of RNIB’s Evening Of Festive Music, Hubert grabbed a word with our chief executive Matt Stringer to get his reflections on what was a very successful and enjoyable event.
3m Dec 18, 2024
3m
S2 Ep889: Festive Adventures Travelogue
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and Jonathan is taking us along for some of his most memorable festive adventures. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the lin...
4m Dec 18, 2024
4m
S2 Ep882: British Paralympic Association Chief Exec’s Review Of 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. Today, it’s David Clarke, CEO of British Paralympic Association. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ wri...
9m Dec 18, 2024
9m
S2 Ep882: Guide Dogs UK Chief Exec’s Review Of 2024.
As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. Today, it’s Andrew Lennox, CEO of Guide Dogs UK. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold bla...
13m Dec 18, 2024
13m
S2 Ep882: British Blind Sport Chief Exec’s Review Of 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. Today, it’s Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in...
11m Dec 18, 2024
11m
S2 Ep882: NFB USA Chief Exec’s Review Of 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. Today, it’s Chris Danielsen, PR Director of the NFB in the USA. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ writ...
9m Dec 18, 2024
9m
S2 Ep880: CNIB Foundation in Canada Chief Exec’s Review Of 2024
At this time of the year here on RNIB Connect Radio we do like to catch up with other organisations across the world who like the RNIB are supporting blind and partially sighted people, helping to make a more inclusive society for people living with sight loss for a bit of a look back on how 2024 was for them plus a look forward to some highlights that might be coming up in 2025. RNIB Connect ...
14m Dec 17, 2024
14m
S2 Ep879: Regent Street and St James Audio Experience
Our David Hogg hears about how you can experience the magic of Christmas this year in regent Street and St James’, even if you’re Blind or Partially Sighted. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
6m Dec 17, 2024
6m
S2 Ep878: Shaun Hayward on Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell Winning Strictly Come Dancing 2024
As blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dancer Dianne Buswell lifted the glitter ball trophy on Saturday Night (14 December 2024) to win Strictly come Dancing 2024 our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind Ballroom Dancer Shaun Hayward is back with his final review of the series. For the grand final each couple had to dance three dances, the Judges choice...
9m Dec 16, 2024
9m
S2 Ep878: 2025 At The National Galleries Of Scotland
What amazing artworks can you enjoy at the National Galleries of Scotland in 2025? Amelia spoke to Meg Faragher for a rundown of their 2025 visually impaired programme. Learn more about the National Galleries Of Scotland Upcoming Events on their website - www.nationalgalleries.org Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and ...
4m Dec 16, 2024
4m
Sight Matters, Interview with Peter Marshall
Now time to speak to Peter Marshall, Marketing and Fundraising Lead from Sight Matters, a sight loss charity on the Isle of Man. Sight Matters has been going since 19:36 and provides support to visually impaired people on the Isle of Man. Jennifer Murray finds out more about the charity, the support provided, the closure of their charity shop and more. If you want to get in contact with Sight ...
8m Dec 16, 2024
8m
S2 Ep877: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 14/12/2024
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 Mat began with news that the RNIB Pre-Employment Team had won the Tailored Employment Support category at the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) Employability 2024 Awards and also some meetings Matt has had recently around employment too. Then ...
9m Dec 14, 2024
9m
S2 Ep874: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - AD Theatre Review of the Year
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 his audio described theatre review of the year plus a couple of highlights of shows he is looking forward to seeing in 2025. Audio described theatre highlights of 2024 included - The reimagining for the stage...
9m Dec 13, 2024
9m
S2 Ep815: 'This Is Sparta' Episode 6 - Hoplite Warfare
In this series, archaeologist Simon Tinsley guides us through one of the most dominant, but least understood powers in ancient Greece, the Spartans. In this final episode, how did the Spartan way of fighting set their armies apart from their enemies?
11m Dec 13, 2024
11m
S2 Ep876: Descriptive Tour Of Stitched: Scotland's Embroidered Art
Stitched: Scotland's Embroidered Art is an exhibition at Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh which features a collection of beautiful embroidered artworks. As a result of a two-year research and conservation programme by the National Trust for Scotland, many of these pieces are now in a condition to be on public display for the first time. There is a descriptive gallery tour for blind and partially ...
7m Dec 12, 2024
7m
S2 Ep874: Shaun Hayward Our Strictly Star Reviewer on the Semi Final of Strictly Come Dancing
As we move this week from the semi final in to the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind ballroom dancer Shaun Hayward is back reflecting and commenting on how well blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dance Partner Dianne Buswell did in the quarter final of the competition on Saturday night (7 December 2024). For t...
9m Dec 11, 2024
9m
S2 Ep873: Scottish Council Pays Lasting Tribute To Braille
During the 200th anniversary of the invention of Braille, the reading and writing system for the blind, North Ayrshire Council, in Scotland, have named a street in a brand new development after the versatile dots. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, and Councillor Shaun MacAulay, Depute Leader of the council, to find out more. #RNIBConnect Image Sh...
6m Dec 11, 2024
6m
S2 Ep869: VI Group At North Harrow Community Library
North Harrow Community Library is an independent volunteer-led library in north-west of London. They run a VI group that offers peer support for anyone who has some questions around technology.  Find out more as we speak with Kamal Shah. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath t...
7m Dec 11, 2024
7m
Book interview with Margaret Keogh
Now time to speak to Margaret Keogh, a deafblind woman from Ireland who wrote her book on her experiences of being deafblind and navigating life in general. Snakes and Ladders was released on the 30th of August 2024 and Jennifer Murray finds out more. The book, "Snakes and Ladders" is available in E-book format (via Kindle) as well as in hard copy. It is also available on Amazon. Image descri...
6m Dec 10, 2024
6m
S2 Ep871: Social Media Update 10th December 2024
Our social media team are back to provide an update this week. Hubert hears more about advent calendars, we talk Blue Sky updates, and a certain music streaming service feature that everyone is talking about, and an accessible spin on it.
9m Dec 10, 2024
9m
S2 Ep870: RNIB’s Evening Of Festive Music
One of the great speakers at RNIB’s Festive Evening Of Music event was Amrit, who share her sight loss story, and shared how much of a positive impact RNIB’s work had on her life with sight loss. Hubert spoke to her afterwards to find out how she felt after her speech.
4m Dec 10, 2024
4m
S2 Ep892: Regent Street and St James Audio Expereince
Our David Hogg hears about how you can experience the magic of Christmas this year in regent Street and St James’, even if you’re Blind or Partially Sighted…
6m Dec 10, 2024
6m
S2 Ep867: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Buddha of Suburbia, 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 the Royal Shakespeare Company and Wise Children stage adaptation of Hanif Kureishi’s award-winning novel ‘The Buddha of Subu...
5m Dec 09, 2024
5m
S2 Ep866: Important UK Welfare Payment Deadline
If you live in the UK, are of pension age and are struggling with the cost of living crisis, there’s an important deadline for claiming Pension Credit. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Dominic Milne, from RNIB’s Legal Rights Service, to find out more. If you’d like to check what your entitled to, call RNIB’s Helpline on 03031239999. #RNIBConnect Image: RNIB Logo
6m Dec 09, 2024
6m
S2 Ep861: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 07/12/2024.
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 a letter which was handed into the Department for Health and Social Care, the value of volunteers and a forthcoming Christmas Carol Concert. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the suppo...
8m Dec 07, 2024
8m
S2 Ep865: RNIB Cymru Reacts To Proposed E-scooter Trials
New e-scooter trials have been proposed in two new cities in South Wales. Hywel Davies has been hearing from RNIB Cymru about the impact the trials could have on blind and partially sighted residents.
9m Dec 06, 2024
9m
S2 Ep864: Arsenal Accessibility Event Gareth Davies
Our David Hogg finds out about a panel that took place at Arsenal this week around accessibility and inclusion. He spoke to Gareth Davies from RNIB to find out more. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
4m Dec 06, 2024
4m
S2 Ep863: RNIB’s Evening Of Festive Music – Chatting with Fiona Musgrove and Richard Simpson
Hubert was at RNIB’s Evening Of Festive music, as RNIB put on an event to celebrate the support of donors and people leaving a gift in their will, and also showcase the benefits of the work that RNIB does. Hubert spoke to a few people doing great things to raise money for RNIB, and also found out about another organisation offering a great service for blind and partially sighted people.
7m Dec 06, 2024
7m
S2 Ep862: Helen Smith At RNIB’s Evening Of Festive Music
RNIB hosted a very special concert at the Westminster Chapple to thank donors and raise awareness of leaving a gift to RNIB in your will and showcase the great work that support funds. Hubert spoke to Helen smith from the Legacies team to find out more about the event before it started.
4m Dec 06, 2024
4m
S2 Ep859: Handing in a letter to the department of health and social care- Live experience spotlight
Hubert went along to the department of health and social care, as RNIB together with partner organisations handed in a letter to the office of our health secretary. The letter aims to show some of the issues people with communication needs face on a regular basis when dealing with the NHS. There, Hubert spoke to a Thomas Pocklington Trust Sight Loss Council Volunteer from South West London, and...
3m Dec 06, 2024
3m
S2 Ep859: Handing in a letter at the department of health and social care – Khadija Raza
Hubert went along to see what happens as RNIB together with partner organisations handed in a letter to the office of the health secretary showcasing some of the issues people with communication needs face on a daily basis, while dealing with communications from the NHS. There he spoke to RNIB’s Khadija Raza about the campaign and it’s objectives and hopes for the future of the accessible infor...
4m Dec 06, 2024
4m
S2 Ep815: 'This Is Sparta' Episode 5 - Women
In this series, archaeologist Simon Tinsley guides us through one of the most dominant, but least understood powers in ancient Greece, the Spartans. In this episode, we look at the role of women in Spartan society.
7m Dec 06, 2024
7m
S2 Ep860: Braille and Beyond Tour Arrives At Clitheroe Library
The Braille 200 Library Tour continues and today it arrived at Clitheroe Library. The event, organised by RNIB, was a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the revolutionary system of tactile dots. Dave Williams was there and spoke with  Allan Russell during Thursday's Daily Connect show. To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented ...
5m Dec 05, 2024
5m
S2 Ep857: National Theatre London Audio Description Round Up 5 December 2024
Now for the next in our regular slots here on RNIB Connect Radio highlighting what is on offer at the National Theatre in London for blind and partially sighted people with audio description. Our Toby Davey was joined again by David Bellwood, Head of Access at the National Theatre to chat about a few up-coming audio described shows at the National Theatre and a couple that are available online...
7m Dec 05, 2024
7m