S2 Ep269: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - AD Theatre Review of the Year 2023
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 a bit of a look back on his audio described theatre reviews of 2023 and some highlights for 2024 that Vidar may have already booked his tickets for! Vidar’s highlights of 2023 included - Matthew Bourne’s Rome...
15m Dec 16, 2023
15m
S2 Ep263: Charlotte Sands is on A Little Alternative
Just before the release of her debut album 'Can We Start Over?', singer-songwriter Charlotte Sands joins David Hogg to discuss the record, what she's learned from working with bands like The Maine, PVRIS, and The Band CAMINO, and how excited she is for her 2024 world tour. You can catch A Little Alternative on RNIB Connect Radio every Friday at 9 pm or Saturdays at 7 pm. The photo shows Charl...
7m Dec 15, 2023
7m
S2 Ep262: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, 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 stepped through the wardrobe into the kingdom of Narnia with a real magical production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at the Birming...
8m Dec 15, 2023
8m
S2 Ep276: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Campaigns Team Look Back At 2023 Successes
RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sat down with some of RNIB’s Campaigns Team to look back at some of the charity’s successes in 2023 and took a look at what they’ll be involved in as we go through 2024. The team also want to thank everyone who got involved with campaigns across the UK, from local issues to UK wide work, including their help to reverse the planned closures of many train stati...
10m Dec 15, 2023
10m
S2 Ep271: A Look Back At 2023 With BBS CEO
Each year, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world’s leading sight loss charities. Today, he's talking with Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport, as they look back at the charity’s year and ahead to 2024. Image shows the British Blind Sport logo.
13m Dec 15, 2023
13m
S2 Ep270: Meet The South Asian Visually Impaired Group
Today, we hear about the South Asian VI (SAVI) Group. Our Paulina spoke with two members of the group, Abu-bakr Ishtiaq and Furahan Patel, to find out why they joined the group and why it's important to find a community of people that understand you. To find out more call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk Image shows RNIB Connect Radio green logo. Upon a green ...
8m Dec 14, 2023
8m
S2 Ep266: Moorfields Eye Hospital to Start Retinal Detachment Clinical Trial
The Medical Research Council (MRC) Development Pathway Funding Scheme (DPFS) has announced an award of £1.2 million funding for clinical research by Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit (CCTU) at UCL. The study is being led by Mahi Muqit, consultant vitreoretinal surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital and honorary clinical lecturer at UCL. The study is an early phase ...
10m Dec 14, 2023
10m
S2 Ep264: When is a good time to update your will?
Are you thinking of updating your will? You can use the RNIB’s accessible guide to help. Amelia talked to Helen Smith, RNIB Head of Legacy Engagement, and Daniel Pepper, RNIB Legacy Management Lead, to learn more. Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo
10m Dec 14, 2023
10m
S2 Ep263: RNIB Regional Campaigns Recap 2023
Now our David Hogg chats to RNIB’s Regional Campaigns Team to hear some of their 20203 highlights.
7m Dec 13, 2023
7m
S2 Ep262: Emergence by This Is Loop - Sculptural Installation, Accessible Through Recorded Audio Description
Emergence by This Is Loop is an immersive sculptural art installation in the form of a roofless rotunda made up of angled mirrors surrounded by dancing lights that react and change to a sound field of recorded human voices exploring the fine line between order and chaos. This Is Loop is a collaborative partnership between Visual Artists Harriet Lumby and Allan Hayes who worked with the nationa...
15m Dec 13, 2023
15m
S2 Ep261: Could New Law Make Pavements Safer?
A new law is now in force in Scotland that aims to make pavements safer places to walk for many people, including those who are blind or partially sighted. RNIB's Allan Russell Spoke with  RNIB's James Adams and Niall Foley from Guide Dogs to find out more. Image Shows A Car Parked Over The Pavement
9m Dec 12, 2023
9m
S2 Ep260: Traveleyes Embarks On New Adventures In 2024
Traveleyes offers holiday experiences which are designed to be shared by both visually impaired and fully sighted customers. Hywel Davies caught up with the company’s founder, Amar Latif, to hear about their plans for 2024. For more information on Traveleyes, visit the website - Group Holidays for Blind & Sighted Travellers | Share the Adventure! (traveleyes-international.com) (https://www.tra...
11m Dec 12, 2023
11m
S2 Ep259: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 09/12/2023
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 having your say as part of the UK Covid-19 enquiry, the charity’s campaign to make sports stadiums more accessible, Sonic logos and a big thanks to our volunteers. If you, or someone you know, would like i...
9m Dec 08, 2023
9m
S2 Ep258: TPT Internship Opportunities
Following an internship opportunities update from Thomas Pocklington Trust a while back, a fresh list of internships has been made available via the Get Set Progress Program, and Hubert has been finding out all you need to know, and speaking to a former intern about their experience.
8m Dec 06, 2023
8m
S2 Ep256: RNIB Launches Their Sonic Logo!
RNIB have just launched their new sonic logo. The new sonic logo and identity will helps bring RNIB to more people in different ways, including through the RNIB Helpline, adverts, social media channels and our radio station. Robert Kirkwood spoke with Martin Wingfield, Director of Brand at RNIB, to find out more. Find out more about RNIB's sonic logo here: Sonic logo for our audio branding |...
5m Dec 06, 2023
5m
S2 Ep255: National Theatre London Audio Description Round Up 5 December 2023
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 of gems from the archives...
5m Dec 05, 2023
5m
S2 Ep257: Still Time For Your Little One To Hear From Santa!
It’s that time of year again, when the RNIB Elves are helping Santa get accessible letters to blind and partially sighted children. So, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell went to the North Pole to catch up with Titch The Elf. Listen in to find out what the cheeky Elf is up to and drop in on a call from little Eliana and Santa. The deadline for large print, braille or audio letters is now clo...
10m Dec 05, 2023
10m
S2 Ep256: Internship Opportunity With Real Thing
For many blind and partially sighted people, finding meaningful work opportunities can be a challenge. Whether it’s your first job or if you’re thinking about a return to the workplace an internship can be a great way to get started. Dave Williams has been speaking to one assistive technology company with a unique opportunity.
7m Dec 05, 2023
7m
S2 Ep251: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Birmingham Royal Ballet - The Nutcracker, 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 had a real festive treat with the return of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of  The Nutcracker to the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre on S...
7m Dec 01, 2023
7m
S2 Ep254: Carol Concert by Sensory Services by Sight For Surrey
Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey are hosting a fundraising Christmas carol concert on the 5th December. Amelia talked to 13-year-old Yasmin about performing in the concert and why she’s raising money for the charity. The concert takes place at 7pm on Tuesday 5th December, in St. Andrew’s Church in Cobham. Tickets cost £8 and include a complimentary mince pie and glass of mulled wine serv...
3m Dec 01, 2023
3m
S2 Ep253: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 2 December 2023
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. Matt began this week by chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about the launch of the RNIB and British Blind Sport Best Practice Guidance for Accessible Football Stadiums, a recent meeting of The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Eye Health and Visual Impairm...
8m Dec 01, 2023
8m
S2 Ep251: New Welcoming Space for Children with a Vision Impairment Opens at Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Children who have been diagnosed with a vision impairment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital are benefitting from a brand new welcoming space where they and their families can find practical and emotional support in comfort from RNIB Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO) Talia Treen. The new ECLO room is equipped with a colourful mural, comfortable furniture, a height-rising desk for wheelchairs, an ...
13m Dec 01, 2023
13m
S2 Ep251: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Monthly Campaigns Update - December
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio speak with 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 update focuses on the ‘My Info My Way’ accessible health campaign, plus a recent ‘Meet the Bikes’ event in Brighton. If you’d like more inform...
8m Dec 01, 2023
8m
S2 Ep250: Visionary December Update
Now time for an update from Visionary UK, a membership organisation for different sight loss charities across the UK. Amelia was joined in person by Fiona Sandford and Amy Pearman of Visionary to hear about their work this year and their hopes for 2024. Go to www.visionary.org.uk (https://www.visionary.org.uk/) to find out more about Visionary. Image:  Visionary UK Logo, a pink and green cir...
8m Dec 01, 2023
8m
S2 Ep249: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 29 November 2023
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: Two upcoming RNIB focus groups (racing games and Christmas TV) The RNIB Media Culture and Immersive Technologies team have no plans of slowing down as we near the end...
7m Nov 29, 2023
7m
S2 Ep248: RNIB Voice of the Customer Focus Groups Update - Vision Rehabilitation
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 for visually impaired people and even shape the future of the RNIB too. One way is through taking part in the regular Voice of the Customer Focus Group meetings and the most recent meeting was all about Vision Rehabilitation. RNIB Connect Radio's T...
13m Nov 28, 2023
13m
S2 Ep247: Accessible Technology Event Heading to Belfast
Tech Talk’s Dave Williams has been hearing all about an accessible technology event that’s heading to Northern Ireland in the New Year. He caught up with Jackie Brown from RNIB’s Technology For Life team.
8m Nov 27, 2023
8m
S2 Ep245: Donate Your Old Stamps To Help RNIB
Donating your old stamps to RNIB is a great way to raise money for the UK’s leading sight loss charity. Hywel Davies has been finding out how your old stamps could make a big difference to blind and partially sighted people across the UK. To find out more about the RNIB Stamps Appeal, visit the website - Collect stamps for RNIB | RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/do-your-own...
5m Nov 27, 2023
5m
S2 Ep244: Can You Easily Access Green Spaces?
During the winter months it’s important to stay active and enjoy some time outdoors. But just how accessible is your local green or blue space? Hywel Davies has been hearing about the findings of a recent research project in Oxfordshire.
9m Nov 24, 2023
9m
S2 Ep243: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 25 November 2023
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. Matt began this week by talking about the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and how it will impact blind and partially sighted people, then to the opening of a colourful, friendly and welcoming Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO) room for visually impaired children and their...
8m Nov 24, 2023
8m
S2 Ep242: Festive Deals From RNIB's Products For Life Store
Festive Sales are always a good time to look for a bargain, whether that’s a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself. Dave Williams has been hearing what’s on offer from the RNIB Products For Life Store this Black Friday.
7m Nov 24, 2023
7m
S2 Ep239: Help Is Out There For Anyone Effected By Cancer
It’s a word nobody wants to hear but at some point in our lives, it is something many of us will have to cope with. Would you know the signs to check for?, are you aware of treatments and support services? Or  if your blind or partially sighted, can you get information in an accessible format? These are just some of the questions RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell will put to our expert panel...
44m Nov 23, 2023
44m
S2 Ep239: Audio Described Panto Highlights From MindsEye Description
For blind and partially sighted people, Audio Description is hugely important to make television, movies and other arts venues accessible and enjoyable. Audio Description is a narration which describes what is physically happening, say on stage, the big screen or in museums, galleries or other arts events. It comes in many forms but never interrupts actors dialogue or guides. Each month, RNI...
10m Nov 23, 2023
10m
S2 Ep240: New RNIB Research Into Cost Of Living Crisis
As the cost of living crisis continues, new research has highlighted some of the extra difficulties faced by blind and partially sighted people. Hywel Davies has been hearing more about the current challenges and some of the support on offer to help. For more information about support available from RNIB, visit the website -  Cost of living | RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.uk/our-campaigns/cost-of...
7m Nov 23, 2023
7m
S2 Ep241: UK Sight Loss Charity Responds To Points In Today’s UK Autumn Statement
The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer has, today, delivered his Autumn Statement to Parliament. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Hannah Donnelly, from RNIB, to get the charity’s response to some of the content. #RNIBConnect Image:  A green book titled 'Autumn Statement 2023' is stood up beside a red briefacse shaped box reading 'CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER'. In the background you can...
6m Nov 22, 2023
6m
S2 Ep238: RNIB Scotland Launches New Drop-In Support Sessions at Glasgow Life Libraries
RNIB Scotland are running monthly drop-in support sessions across Glasgow Life Libraries, where anyone can come along to access information about sight loss, RNIB services and to socialise with others with sight loss. The sessions have been set up to help anyone with sight loss or a visual impairment, as well as their friends, family and carers. They will be running at the Gallery of Modern Ar...
7m Nov 22, 2023
7m
S2 Ep237: Elves Wanted! Join The Elf Academy!
RNIB's Elf Academy is making the holiday season inclusive for everyone and helping children learn the value of generosity and diversity. Our Paulina Kuchorew finds out how your little one could join in the fun and become a little elf from RNIB's Charlotte Hopkins. Find out more: RNIB | Elf Academy (https://donate.rnib.org.uk/elfacademy/) Image shows Santa holding up a scroll with 'Elves Want...
7m Nov 21, 2023
7m
S2 Ep236: World's First Whole Eye Transplant Is A Success
Surgeons in New York performed the world’s first whole eye transplant in the summer of 2023. Hywel Davies spoke with one of the doctors behind the transplant and heard about the implications for future advancements.
10m Nov 20, 2023
10m
S2 Ep235: Do You Know A Blind Or Partially Sighted Little One Who’d Love An Accessible Letter From Santa?
It’s that time of year again, when the RNIB Elves are helping Santa get accessible letters to blind and partially sighted children. So RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell went to the North Pole to catch up with Titch The Elf. Listen in to find out what the cheeky Elf is up to and drop in on a call from little Eliana and Santa. If you know a blind or partially sighted little one who’d love a l...
11m Nov 20, 2023
11m
S2 Ep234: Portrait Photographer Looking For VI Subjects
One photographer from London is looking to find blind and partially sighted subjects to sit in a new series of photography portraits, capturing people in their unusual jobs or hobbies. Hywel Davies found out more. If you’d like to take part, you can contact Joshua Bratt via email at joshuabratt1@hotmail.co.uk (mailto:joshuabratt1@hotmail.co.uk)
6m Nov 17, 2023
6m
S2 Ep233: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 18/11/2023
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 the recent Eye Care Support Pathway Conference, an All Party Parliamentary Group and more. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to http://...
8m Nov 17, 2023
8m
S2 Ep225: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Welsh National Opera: La Traviata, 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 had a heart-wrenching tale of thwarted love, scandal and self-sacrifice as Vidar was reviewing Welsh National Opera’s production of Verdi’s L...
7m Nov 17, 2023
7m
S2 Ep232: Eye Care Support Pathway 2023 - Phil Ambler & Wendy Craven
The Eye Care Support Pathway Conference is aiming to bring together partners, from across the 3rd sector, NHS and political sphere to help improve services to everyone who may need eye care support. This includes people with sight loss conditions and those who are attending regular eye checks, who may not have a current condition which requires fast intervention. Allan Russell spoke to Wendy ...
6m Nov 17, 2023
6m
S2 Ep231: Eye Care Support Pathway 2023 - Bhavini Makwana
The Eye Care Support Pathway Conference brought together representatives from the 3rd sector, NHS and people with lived experience of sight loss. The goal was to create better support for people who are given a sight loss diagnosis, including emotional and practical advice. Allan Russell spoke to Bhavini Makwana, who told him about her sight loss journey and what she would have wanted when sh...
7m Nov 17, 2023
7m
S2 Ep229: RNIB Campaigns Ticket Office Closure – Staff And Volunteer Experience
When more than a thousand Rail Ticket offices were threatened with closure earlier this year, the RNIB Campaigns Team took action. Hywel Davies has been finding out what the process was like for staff and volunteers to take part in. Find out more about RNIB's Campaigns work at this website - Our campaigns | RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.uk/our-campaigns/)
8m Nov 17, 2023
8m
S2 Ep230: Will Kent on studying ancient history
We’ll travel back to ancient history with student Will Kent now, as he tells Amelia about learning Egyptian hieroglyphs, the accessibility of archaeology and teaching in classrooms. Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo
6m Nov 16, 2023
6m
S2 Ep226: Accessible Publishing Conference: Accessibility Checking Tools
Hubert has been attending the inaugural Accessible Publishing Conference, where he spoke to one of the software developers from The DAISY Consortium, and found out about how publishers can check their content for accessibility.
4m Nov 15, 2023
4m
S2 Ep228: Walking To Rome For RNIB
Many of us would love to visit Rome, but would you think about walking all the way there? That’s what two blind travellers are doing at the moment, and they’re raising money for RNIB along the way. Dave Williams spoke to Richard Simpson and Fiona Musgrove as they stopped in France. You can donate to the walk by visiting the fundraising page - Richard Simpson is fundraising for RNIB - Royal Nat...
7m Nov 15, 2023
7m
S2 Ep225: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 15 November 2023
Jemma Davidson, 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: Gym Buddy: A new database to match BPS people with gym buddies. Millie is a See Sport Differently Champion based in Worcestershire. She is working on a project to cr...
6m Nov 15, 2023
6m
S2 Ep223: Accessible Publishing Conference: Auto Narrated Audio Books
Hubert has been attending the inaugural Accessible Publishing Conference, organized by RNIB and the DAISY Consortium, hosted by Google. He's been finding out about a new way to improve the availability of audio books compaired to e-pub titles.
6m Nov 14, 2023
6m