S1 Ep1346: Descriptive Video Works Descriptive Video for TV
Audio Description is a narration of what's physically going on during, say, a movie or tv programme so that a blind person can understand what's happening on screen. The narration is delivered between the actors dialogue via a smart device, tv or over headphones in a cinema. With audio described content growing around the globe, is there now scope to include this within live sporting events? RN...
16m Aug 22, 2022
16m
S1 Ep1345: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 20/08/2022
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 Chief Operations Officer David Clarke is in the chair and talks about help with the cost of living crisis, interim help for blind and partially sighted people who are struggling with the Access To Work system and some great...
9m Aug 19, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1344: Latest News From The USA's Largest Sight Loss Charity, NFB
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Chris Danielsen, PR Director for NFB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the USA's largest sight loss charity. This month we look back at a hugely successful National Convention. #RNIBConnect Image:  Chris Danielsen, PR Director for NFB
8m Aug 18, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1344: Guide Dogs Family Event Coming To Wales
If you have a blind or partially sighted child or young person, aged from 0 to 25, Guide Dogs Cymru have 2 great family events coming up in North Wales. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Branwen Jones, from Guide Dogs Cymru, to find out more. If you'd like more details, or to register, email branwen.jones@guidedogs.org.uk (mailto:branwen.jones@guidedogs.org.uk) or call 07468711908. #R...
7m Aug 18, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1343: Alastair McPhee of Cue and Review Recording Services and Paul Coia discuss Talking Newspapers
Talking Newspapers are a very important service for many Blind and Partially Sighted people. Cue and Review Recording Services are a Scotland wide Talking Newspaper service who provide their service through a mobile phone app and Amazon Echo Skill. Our David Hogg caught up with Alastair McPhee, the Managing Editor of Cue and Review Recording Services and TV and radio presenter Paul Coia to dis...
8m Aug 17, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1341: Connect Voices Round Up 17 August 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: Help improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people find and stay in work through case studies: Despite new technology enabling blind or partially sighted people to access tasks at work, only one i...
6m Aug 17, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1342: Exhibition For Visually Impaired People Is Heading To Leeds.
The hugely successful Sight Village exhibitions are heading to Leeds in September. They bring together large and small sight loss charities, high and low tech companies plus a host of other exhibitors with something for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lottie Reid, from Sight Village, to look ahead to the free event. If you'd like more ...
5m Aug 16, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1340: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 12/08/22
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 an ambitious Behavioural Change project, some potential awards for the charity and has a look back at some medal wins for Para athletes at this year's Commonwealth Games. If you, or someone you know, would...
9m Aug 12, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1339: The NFB Eastbourne Social Weekend Returns
The NFB social weekend is back. Hywel Davies has all the details on how you can spend a weekend by the sea with the NFB this October. If you'd like more information on the NFB's Eastbourne social weekend, you can call 020 8868 0096 or email londoneastbourne@nfbuk.org (mailto:londoneastbourne@nfbuk.org)
7m Aug 12, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1338: Chris Fisher: Blind Professional Woodturner
Time now to talk woodturning. David Hogg caught up with Chris Fisher, the UK's only blind registered professional woodturner. Chris talks about his sight loss and the struggles he faced coming to terms with it. He also details how he got into woodturning, his career highlights and his advice for those striggling with sight loss.
12m Aug 10, 2022
12m
S1 Ep1337: New Wellness Hub To Launch in North Wales
A new online source of information around sight loss is about to launch, aimed at people living in North Wales and Chester. We find out how the project was put together and what it has to offer local residents. You'll find the Vision Support Wellness hub at http://www.visionsupport.org from Friday August 26th.
8m Aug 09, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1336: Happy Book Lovers Day!
Happy Book Lovers Day! Did you know that you can access over 37,000 Talking Book titles with just a simple voice command? Charity RNIB has worked with Amazon to develop and launch an RNIB Talking Books ‘skill’, which allows to access the charity's extensive audio-library by simply saying ‘Alexa, open RNIB Talking Books’. Find out how to use it as our Robert Kirkwood checks the skill out. Im...
2m Aug 09, 2022
2m
S1 Ep1335: Why Are Guide Dog Refusals Still Happening?
The Equality Act 2010 makes it against the law to discriminate against someone living with a disability.  This means business and services, such as taxis, restaurants and shops, are expected to make reasonable adjustments to ensure equal access. Yet despite this, lack of awareness still seems to lead to situations in which those rights are not protected. Keith Valentine is the Chief Exec of c...
9m Aug 08, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1334: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 05/08/22
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This week Matt starts his update by talking about the five new appointments to the RNIB's leadership Team. Then to some of the great successes so far at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games by many blind and partially sighted athletes. Finally as August marks a year since the RNIB Talking Books L...
9m Aug 05, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1332: Netflix Makes Accessibility A Priority
RNIB's Dave Williams recently caught up with Heather Dowdy, Director of Accessibility at Netflix to hear about why the streaming service is putting accessibility at the heart of what they do. You can hear more from Heather and Dave's conversation on the RNIB Tech Talk podcast, Episode 421. Image description: Heather is pictured standing smiling against a grey background. She is a black woman ...
7m Aug 05, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1333: Accessibility in Astronomy: An interview with Jake Noel-Storr
Now let's talk astronomy, Jake Noel-Storr, a lecturer in practical astronomy from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands has written a paper titled Accessibility in astronomy for the visually impaired. He spoke with David Hogg about the paper and some of his hopes for a more inclusive area of study for VI astronomers If you'd like to contact Jake or have any questions regarding his wo...
5m Aug 05, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1288: Connect Voices Round Up 3 August 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: Call out for would-be blind or partially sighted movie stars to be part of a short film about Wet-AMD. Fixing US, a health engagement organisation focusing on patient journeys across all kinds of health co...
5m Aug 03, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1331: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 30/07/2022
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 cost of living help for blind and partially sighted people, Netflix premiere with Audio Description, sight loss training for staff and the Commonwealth Games. If you, or someone you know, would like informat...
9m Jul 29, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1329: Sensing Nature Guided Walks at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum Lead by Visually Impaired Volunteer Guides
Time to explore the wonderful surroundings of Westonbirt, the National Arboretum as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey joins one of their recent Sensing Nature Guided walks lead by two visually impaired Volunteer guides. The Sensing Nature Guided Walks were also part of 'Westonbirt Unseen’, a collaboration between Westonbirt, Andy Shipley of Natural Inclusion, Sarah Bell of Sensing Nature, and th...
15m Jul 28, 2022
15m
S1 Ep1330: Sight Loss Story - Amin Afzal
Everyone's sight loss journey is different. From different eye conditions, to being diagnosed at a different stage in life, no story is the same.   Which is why, here on RNIB Connect Radio we like to share stories from members of the community that reflect the wide variety of these experiences.   Today, joining our Paulina Kuchorew to share his own story is Amin Afzal, who was diagnosed wit...
8m Jul 28, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1328: Visionary and Vision and Hearing Support!
Each month we catch up with Visionary UK and a charty member organisation to find out about the amazing work being done across the sight loss sector. This month we're joined by the CEO of Vision and Hearing Support To find out more about the work Visionary do, please visit their website here: Welcome to Visionary - Visionary (https://www.visionary.org.uk/) To find out more about what Vision a...
7m Jul 25, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1321: A Life Living with Sight Loss with Karen Wye
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...
9m Jul 25, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1327: Richard Wheatley is heading to the Edinburgh Fringe
The fringe is just around the corner, here on RNIB Connect Radio we've been catching up with some of the VI Comedians who will be performing this year. This time, Ellie chats with Richard Wheatley. To book tickets to Richards show, please visit this website Blindingly Obvious | Comedy | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com) (https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/blindingly-obvious) Image s...
7m Jul 24, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1326: Birmingham 2022 Festival — A Festival of Art and Culture for the Commonwealth Games and Beyond…
The Birmingham 2022 Festival is a programme of art, theatre, performance and much more besides, on in and around Birmingham in the lead up to the commonwealth Games, during the games and into the early autumn too. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Louisa Davies, Senior Producer of the Birmingham 2022 Festival to find out more about this great programme of art and culture for the B...
10m Jul 23, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1326: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - RSC Richard III, 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 Royal Shakespeare company’s production of Richard III at Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 16 July at 1.15...
7m Jul 22, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1324: Take an audio described tour round the Barbara Hepworth Gardens
The Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Garden have lots of accessible events and touch tours you can head along too. Ellie's been finding out just what's on offer and get's a preview tour of what you could expect from the Talking Garden Tour To find out more about the Tate St Ives, please visit their website here: Tate St Ives | Tate (https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives) The next Ta...
11m Jul 22, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1325: Metropolitan Police Working Closer with The RNIB…
Following on from a request from a local West London group for blind and partially sighted people to join a series of self defence classes run by the Metropolitan Police in West London the Met decided to look into how accessible their crime prevention material was for visually impaired people. After initially contacting the RNIB for help and advice around how to make their crime prevention mate...
17m Jul 22, 2022
17m
S1 Ep1325: Actor Laurie Davidson on Playing Jack in ‘Jack Absolute Flies Again’, A New Comedy at The National Theatre
In the lead up to the two audio described performances of Richard Bean’s new comedy ‘Jack Absolute Flies Again’ at the National Theatre RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with Actor Laurie Davidson who is playing Jack Absolute. Toby caught up with Laurie online from the heart of the National Theatre in London as ‘Jack Absolute Flies Again’ was in previews prior to the press night on Thursda...
19m Jul 21, 2022
19m
S1 Ep1323: London Film Premiere: The Gray Man. Part 2
The Gray Man premiered in London this week with a special AD screening at the BFI, laid on by RNIB and Netflix .  Connect Radio was there amid the stars. Part 2.
9m Jul 21, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1323: London Film Premiere: The Gray Man. Part 1
The Gray Man premiered in London this week with a special AD screening at the BFI, laid on by RNIB and Netflix .  Connect Radio was there amid the stars. Part 1.
5m Jul 21, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1322: Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho
The new Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho discusses his 3-point plan for the role, his love of audiobooks, and shares a poem he wrote specially to celebrate his appointment. 
10m Jul 21, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1321: Connect Voices Round Up 20 July 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: RNIB’s State of the Nation telephone survey! The RNIB is currently conducting research to better understand the experiences of people living with a vision impairment in the UK today, and how those experien...
5m Jul 20, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1318: Extra Cash Help For Those Struggling With Cost Of Living Increases
UK sight loss charity has lots of information on it's website to help blind and partially sighted people, who are struggling with the cost of living increases. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell will be talking, regularly, with Dominic Milne, from the charity's Legal Rights Service, to bring you the latest on the support that's out there, including welfare payments that you may be entitled to....
6m Jul 19, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1317: Human Threads Multi-Sensory Exhibition
Human Threads is a multi sensory exhibition exploring ways to involve people with profound and multiple learning disabilities in the creative process, and is currently on at Tramways in Glasgow. Curated by Artlink in partnership with the Cherry Road Learning Centre. Ellie and David went along to find out what it's all about...   To find out more about Human Threads please visit their website h...
11m Jul 19, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1320: RNIB See Work Differently Work Placement Scheme - A Real Game Changer for Blind and Partially Sighted Job Seekers….
There are many barriers and issues that blind and partially sighted people face when trying to get onto the career ladder whether that is looking for your first job or returning to employment after a period out of work. The RNIB recently launched a new programme called the See Work Differently Work placement scheme to help blind and partially sighted people get into or return to work. The firs...
9m Jul 19, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1319: RNIB's Audio Description Petition Has Been Delivered
RNIB has been campaigning for better access to audio description for on demand services. Hywel Davies spoke to RNIB's AD Technology Manager Sonali Rai about what happens next now that the petition has been delivered to the government.
5m Jul 18, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1314: Guide Dogs Launches ‘Open Doors’ Campaign and Smartphone App Around Access Refusals
Access refusals is something that many Guide Dog Owners face in their day to day life, some times more often than not, whether that might be when visiting restaurants, pubs, cafes, shops or many other businesses and service providers. Well Guide Dogs have just launched their new ‘Open Doors’ Campaign and smartphone App to support Guide Dog Owners, educate businesses and service providers and s...
9m Jul 18, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1315: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 16/07/2022
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 an assistive technology collaboration, help with the Cost Of Living Crisis and a farewell to a long serving member of staff. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services ...
7m Jul 16, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1316: Red's Comfort Weekend Read From The RNIB Library
Looking for a good book to check out?  Well, our Red Szell has a charming comfort read recommendation that you can access for free through the RNIB Library. And if you'd like to check out Louis de Bernières' fantastic story 'Notwithstanding: Stories from an English Village' along with over 32,000 other audiobooks, just join RNIB's Reading Services. Visit Home - Reading Services (rnib.org.uk) ...
5m Jul 15, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1313: RNIB Connect Radio Launches New Music Show - All That Jazz with Katriona Taylor
RNIB Connect Radio will be launching a new hour long jazz music show presented by visually impaired jazz singer and songwriter Katriona Taylor on Tuesday 2 August 2022 at 8pm with ‘All That Jazz with Katriona Taylor’ which will be the first of a summer season of six of Katriona’s  jazz shows with more to come later in the year. Katriona was diagnosed at the age of 7 with Stargardt’s disease, s...
6m Jul 15, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1312: What's happening in this months Macular and Me?
Every month we catch up with the Macular Society to find out about their macular and me virtual clinics. This month, Colin Daniels is with us, to fill us in on what's going to be happening. 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.macularsociety.org/support/webinars/) ...
7m Jul 14, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1311: Thailand Fund Raising Challenge With A Sensory Twist
When Ed Smith decided to raise funds for UK sight loss charity RNIB, it was to say thank you for the services they provide and for the help they've given his sister Harriet. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ed and Harriet about the Thai endeavour and why he's chosen to add some sensory deprivation to make it more challenging. If you'd like more to follow the challenge or make a don...
7m Jul 11, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1308: Some Audio Described 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...
8m Jul 11, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1306: Tom Skelton Is Back At Edinburgh Fringe With New Show
Could you see the funny side to going blind? Well, twelve years on from losing most of his sight, Tom Skelton ‘looks’ back at over a decade of being blind and wonders what might have been. He’s heading to the Edinburgh Fringe this year with his show 2020 Visions: (What If I Hadn't Gone Blind?) and he joined Ellie to tell us all about it. To follow Tom online you can find him on Instagram on @...
9m Jul 10, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1310: Sing And Smile With Goldies Cymru
One musical charity in Wales is hoping to bring a smile to people's faces using the power of song. You can find out more information about a Goldies session near you by calling programme leader Cheryl Davies on 07860 944 410. Or head to the website http://www.goldiescymru.org.uk 
7m Jul 09, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1309: Latest News From UK Sight Loss Charity RNIB
RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sat down with David Clarke, Chief Operating Officer, from RNIB, to discuss some of the big stories of the week. This time they're looking at their #AudioDescription campaign, help with cost of living, grants for technology and improving education for blind and partially sighted pupils and students. If you'd like more info on their services, groups and much m...
7m Jul 08, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1308: That Funny Blind Guy Heads For The Fringe
Fresh from a successful stint at the Glasgow Comedy Festival and recording another series of tv show, The Scots, that funny blind guy Jamie MacDonald is heading to the Edinburgh Fring. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jamie to find out what's in store. If you'd like more info about Jamie and his tours, go to www.jamiemacdonaldcomedian.com (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook...
7m Jul 08, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1308: Sight Loss Charity's Board Visits Edinburgh
The board of sight loss charity RNIB, visits locations around the UK to hold it's meetings and meet staff, customers and other stakeholders. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to James Adams, RNIB Scotland Director, to find out more about the visit. If you'd like more info on RNIB Scotland's services, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk/Scotland You can also call the Helpline 0303 123 9999 or...
4m Jul 08, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1302: Blind Bloke Racing sets a new world record!
Nigel Limb is back setting record, this time he's on al electric bike, powered completely by the sun... You can find out more about Nigel on his YouTube channel here: (185) Nigel blindblokeracing - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWAlp-6P3Xf6QQXRumUTWQ) (Image shows: Nigel with a biker jacket on, sunglasses and his thumbs up)
9m Jul 08, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1307: Wake This Ground at the Arnolfini, Bristol with Audio Description…
Bristol’s International Centre for Contemporary Arts, The Arnolfini, this summer and into the autumn will be offering an immersive exhibition of sensory delights with 'Forest: Wake This Ground’ which is also accessible to blind and partially sighted people through audio described recordings, tours and events. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Keiko Higashi, Engagement Producer at ...
7m Jul 08, 2022
7m