S1 Ep922: Connect Voices Round-Up 1 September 2021
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week include: Your chance to take part in a Department for Work and Pensions consultation on helping to shape and improve the welfare system in England, Scotland, and Wales for visually impaired people. An opportuni...
6m Sep 01, 2021
6m
S1 Ep921: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 27/08/21
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This time around, our Toby Davey caught up with Matt to chat ‘Design for Everyone’ campaign and the pop up shop in Hammersmith, AD at the Paralympic Games and some special audio described ads during the opening ceremony, plus more sports talk! Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital l...
11m Aug 26, 2021
11m
S1 Ep920: Making A Difference With Tees By Harry
Meet 84-year-old Harry Boddington, who is using his love for painting to give back.   With the help of his son Chris, Harry's paintings have been turned into t-shirts and are being sold through his newly launched website to support a charity close to his heart. Harry and Chris spoke with our Paulina Kuchorew about the inspiration for the idea and the support Harry received from RNIB  after h...
9m Aug 26, 2021
9m
S1 Ep919: GDIF 2021, London's Free Outdoor Festival Audio Described
London’s free outdoor festival GDIF (Greenwich + Docklands International festival) 2021 will again be providing access for blind and partially sighted people through audio description to many of the great performances and events this year.    GDIF 2021 runs from Friday 27 August to Saturday 11 September and RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Alex Covell, GDIF Access Producer to fi...
8m Aug 24, 2021
8m
S1 Ep918: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 20/08/21
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This time around, our Robert Kirkwood caught up with Matt to talk the Safer Rail Campaign and success in Northern Ireland, RNIB's pop up shop: "What's In Store", the recruitment of more ECLOs in the UK, the Paralympics with Audio Description, and some t-shirts that you can buy to support RNIB. Image...
11m Aug 20, 2021
11m
S1 Ep915: What does it take to start your own YouTube channel
YouTube is taking over with children watching more YouTube that TV nowadays, but what does it take to start your own YouTube channel? Our Ellie Marsh has been speaking to a blind young person who has done just that. You can find out more about Emmy on her YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/emmysvipife (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqD4r3c8ma9oTNZgEVRrdDg) Image shows, RNIB Connect Radio Logo
5m Aug 19, 2021
5m
S1 Ep917: 'Design For Everyone Campaign' Raising Awareness Of Sight Loss
A new campaign by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is highlighting the issue of inaccessible packaging and the impact it has on people living with sight loss. Our Steven Scott spoke with RNIB's Strategic Accessibility Lead, Marc Powell to find out more. For more information: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/design-for-everyone-campaign Image shows a shopping cart being pus...
10m Aug 19, 2021
10m
S1 Ep915: Macular Society Monthly Virtual Clinic August
Ellie's been catching up with Colin from the Macular Society to find out what this months virtual clinic is about. You can find out more information at www.macularsociety.org (https://www.macularsociety.org/support/virtual-clinics/)   This months clinic will be taking place on 26th August  Image shows: Macular Society Logo
6m Aug 18, 2021
6m
S1 Ep915: Holly Scott Gardner and the Student Loan Company..
Hear from a student who won a settlement from the Student Loans Company after discovering the Disabled Students Allowance form was inaccessible, Ellie's been finding out more...
9m Aug 18, 2021
9m
S1 Ep914: Connect Voices Round-Up 18 August 2021
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 include: A request from Theo a Film student looking for blind and partially sighted people to help him with his documentary film all about sight loss, Social Security Scotland looking for visually impaired people to ...
6m Aug 18, 2021
6m
S1 Ep913: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 14/08/21
Each week we catch up with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This time around, our Robert Kirkwood has a bit of a sporty chat with Matt, as they talk London Marathon, Great North Run, Big Jump, Paralympics and much more besides. For more information visit: www.rnib.org.uk  (https://www.rnib.org.uk/) Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital ...
10m Aug 16, 2021
10m
S1 Ep912: Blindfold Walk Highlights The Importance Of Accessible Streets
Barry Snell chats to Steve Hyde, RNIB's Regional Campaigns Officer for the South West of England about a recent blind walk which was held in Barnstaple, to demonstrate the importance of accessible streets for all. Image: RNIB See Differently logo. Black Bold writing against a white background with a pink line in the middle separating the words RNIB (above) and See Differently (below)
6m Aug 13, 2021
6m
S1 Ep910: Blind Notes with Baluji Shiravastav
Blind Notes a seven-part conversation series of radio programmes featuring one-to-one interviews with musicians from around the world, all of whom are completely blind. Presented by Ravi Sagoo, who himself has the sight condition keratoconus, the interviews are mixed with examples of the musicians' own music and those that have influenced or been important to them. This episode Ravi speaks to...
32m Aug 13, 2021
32m
S1 Ep910: Blind Notes with Robin Millar
Blind Notes a seven-part conversation series of radio programmes featuring one-to-one interviews with musicians from around the world, all of whom are completely blind. Presented by Ravi Sagoo, who himself has the sight condition keratoconus, the interviews are mixed with examples of the musicians' own music and those that have influenced or been important to them. This episode Ravi talks wit...
36m Aug 13, 2021
36m
S1 Ep910: Blind Notes with Anne Wilkins
Blind Notes a seven-part conversation series of radio programmes featuring one-to-one interviews with musicians from around the world, all of whom are completely blind. Presented by Ravi Sagoo, who himself has the sight condition keratoconus, the interviews are mixed with examples of the musicians' own music and those that have influenced or been important to them. This episode Ravi talks wit...
57m Aug 13, 2021
57m
S1 Ep910: Blind Notes with Ricky McKinnie
Blind Notes a seven-part conversation series of radio programmes featuring one-to-one interviews with musicians from around the world, all of whom are completely blind. Presented by Ravi Sagoo, who himself has the sight condition keratoconus, the interviews are mixed with examples of the musicians' own music and those that have influenced or been important to them. In this episode Ravi speaks...
34m Aug 13, 2021
34m
S1 Ep910: Blind Notes with Sally Clay
Blind Notes a seven-part conversation series of radio programmes featuring one-to-one interviews with musicians from around the world, all of whom are completely blind. Presented by Ravi Sagoo, who himself has the sight condition keratoconus, the interviews are mixed with examples of the musicians' own music and those that have influenced or been important to them. In this episode Ravi talks ...
58m Aug 13, 2021
58m
S1 Ep910: Blind Notes with Andrea Begley
Blind Notes a seven-part conversation series of radio programmes featuring one-to-one interviews with musicians from around the world, all of whom are completely blind. Presented by Ravi Sagoo, who himself has the sight condition keratoconus, the interviews are mixed with examples of the musicians' own music and those that have influenced or been important to them. In this episode Ravi speaks...
40m Aug 13, 2021
40m
S1 Ep910: Blind Notes with Diane Schuur
Blind Notes a seven-part conversation series of radio programmes featuring one-to-one interviews with musicians from around the world, all of whom are completely blind. Presented by Ravi Sagoo, who himself has the sight condition keratoconus, the interviews are mixed with examples of the musicians' own music and those that have influenced or been important to them. This episodes guest is twic...
37m Aug 13, 2021
37m
S1 Ep909: Eyes.Scot the New Scottish Government Website All About Sight Loss Services in Scotland
RNIB Scotland have been working with the Scottish Government to ensure that their newly launched website Eyes.Scot is accessible for blind and partially sighted people. Eyes.Scot is a hub full of resources and information relating to sight loss services in Scotland. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland to find out more about Eyes.Scot and how RNIB Sc...
6m Aug 11, 2021
6m
S1 Ep908: The Longest Battle with Heather Mills
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 the final episode of The Longest Battle on RNIB Connect Radio Emma is chatting ...
31m Aug 09, 2021
31m
S1 Ep907: Decoding Braille, Decoding Me - Solo Show by Blind Braille Artist Clarke Reynolds
Clarke Reynolds the Blind Braille Artist who turns the tactile form of Braille into a visual art form has just had his first solo show 'Decoding Braille, Decoding Me' at the Yellow Edge Gallery in Gosport.     During Lockdown Clarke produced a visual Braille poster celebrating key workers in his local area and even produced a Braille bench too. Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Clarke...
7m Aug 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep906: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 07/08/21
Each week we catch up with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This week Steven Scott talks to Matt about an exciting collaboration that means over 34,000 Talking Books are now available through Alexa- enabled devices. Also some news on the work of Eye Clinic Liaison's (ECLOs), VI portraits, and more.  To access all of these books for free sign up for your ...
10m Aug 06, 2021
10m
S1 Ep903: RNIB Legal Rights Service Working in Partnership with Our Sight Loss Sector Partners
In the next feature of our new series of interviews looking at how the RNIB is working in partnership with charities and organisations across the sight loss sector to make a more inclusive and accessible society for blind and partially sighted people, Connect Radio’s Toby Davey checks in with members of the Strategic Engagement Lead - Third Sector Team here at the RNIB this time to focus on the...
6m Aug 05, 2021
6m
S1 Ep905: "Alexa, Open RNIB Talking Books"
You are now able to access RNIB’s Talking Books library through your Amazon Smart Speaker.  Here’s Hannah from RNIB’s Technology For Life team, with all the information on how to do so. For more information about the new Amazon skill visit: https://rnib.in/AlexaSkill (https://www.rnib.org.uk/connect-community/connect-technology/access-thousands-audio-books-through-alexa?utm_source=facebook&ut...
8m Aug 04, 2021
8m
S1 Ep904: Connect Voices Round-Up 4 August 2021
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week include: RNIB ECLO (Eye Clinic Liaison Officer) survey review - We would like a focus group of 5/6 people to help with reviewing the survey questions   Also RNIB's Children Young People and Families team are lo...
7m Aug 04, 2021
7m
S1 Ep902: Learning all about Suffolk Sight
Local sight loss charities are often the first port of call for those who have been just been told they are losing their vision. They offer hope and advice as well as peer support that can make a real difference. One area of support most often requested is technology support. Steven Scott spoke to Debbie and Mel from the local organisation Suffolk Sight to find out what they offer.
9m Aug 03, 2021
9m
S1 Ep899: #StreetsForAll Campaign!!
Sight Loss Councils have just started the second phase of their #StreetsForAll campaign which aims to make the streets of the UK more accessible for Blind and Partially sighted people. Our Ellie Marsh's been speaking with Mike Bell from the group to find out more.  For more information visit: www.sightlosscouncil.org.uk (https://www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/) Image shows the Sight Loss Counc...
7m Aug 02, 2021
7m
S1 Ep899: Ablenet Flying Experience
Ablenet offer all sorts of extreme sport experience, Ellie's been catching up with their CEO Paul and Nigel who's been trying something brand new. To find out more about Ablenet please visit: www.ablenet.com (https://ablenet.co.uk/)   Image shows: Ablenet logo
8m Aug 02, 2021
8m
S1 Ep898: Have you still got your sense of adventure?
With the better weather you might be looking to get out and about a bit more, Ellie's been catching up with blogger Blind Man Roy about some of his adventures over the years and that it really is not where you are, it's who you're with. Image: A picture of Roy next to a waterfall in the woods
7m Aug 02, 2021
7m
S1 Ep901: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 30/07/21
Each week we catch up with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity.  This week Steven Scott talks to Matt about a major Government announcement around its National Disability Strategy.  Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath.
10m Jul 30, 2021
10m
S1 Ep900: Changes To The Blind Concession TV License
There’s a big change coming to the way blind and partially sighted people apply for the concessionary TV license.  Thanks to a ground-breaking agreement between RNIB, TV Licensing and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) in Northern Ireland, it will be much easier for people with severe sight impairment to access a blind concession TV License.  RNIB Connect Radio's Steven Scott has more in...
11m Jul 29, 2021
11m
S1 Ep898: RNIB's Diabetes Survey
RNIB will be launching a new survey and are looking for people who have lived experience with Diabetes and Sight loss to get involved.  RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has more. If you'd like to find out more or get involved, please call the RNIB Helpline on, 0303 123 9999 Image shows: RNIB Logo
3m Jul 29, 2021
3m
S1 Ep898: It's never to late to reach your dreams!
After children fly the nest and you get that little bit more time to yourself you might be looking for things to fill the time. Zoe Hanscombe headed back to her youth to get back in the saddle after many years. She's been speaking to Ellie about horse riding and chasing your dreams in later life. Image shows: Zoe stood with her horse Hugo
7m Jul 29, 2021
7m
S1 Ep898: Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month and our Ellie Marsh has been catching up with The Happy Hour's Holly Tuke to find out what the month means to her and how Social Media has built up a community to be proud of. Image shows: RNIB Logo
6m Jul 29, 2021
6m
S1 Ep897: Identify Plants With This Accessible App
If you aren’t particularly green-fingered but are keen to know more about the plants in your garden, or identify flowers and plants on your daily walk, you might be interested in Picture This. It’s an app for the iPhone. RNIB Technology for Life team’s Jo Fullerton talks us through it. You can contact RNIB’s Technology For Life team on 0303 123 9999 or tfl@rnib.org.uk (mailto:tfl@rnib.org.uk)...
6m Jul 28, 2021
6m
S1 Ep896: Blind Beauty, skincare for especially for Blind and Partially Sighted
Turning your passion into a business is a dream for a lot of people, Hazal from Blind Beauty has turned her passion for Beauty and Skincare into a business. Focusing on her blind and partially sighted customers, her products are all about the contents of the bottles rather than the outsides of them.  RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has been finding out more. To find out more about Blind Beau...
8m Jul 28, 2021
8m
S1 Ep894: Your Eyes Also Need SPF
While most people know that the sun causes skin damage, few seem to realise it is just as damaging to their eyes – increasing the chances of developing conditions such as premature cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and growths on the eye.    New report from the Association of Optometrists finds that more than half of adults fail to protect their eyes from UV rays despite their damag...
8m Jul 27, 2021
8m
S1 Ep884: The Longest Battle with John Lawson
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.   This week in The Longest Battle Emma is chatting with Chef John Lawson, who ...
33m Jul 26, 2021
33m
S1 Ep893: New Report Helps Build Bridges Into Employment For Disabled People
New report from Policy Connect and the APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) for Assistive Technology aims to make the UK workplaces inclusive.  Highlighting the role of technology in the experiences of disabled people transitioning into the workforce, the report makes recommendations for how the UK can harness the power of these tools and inclusive practices to make the world of work accessibl...
6m Jul 26, 2021
6m
S1 Ep892: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 24/07/2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, RNIB CEO, to discuss some of the latest stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about influencing the UK government on some big campaigns, a win in Northern Ireland for the blind person's tv license discount and continuing effects on the charity's operations caused by pandemic restrictions a...
8m Jul 24, 2021
8m
S1 Ep890: Chelsea Physic Garden Research into Online AD Tours
Your chance to help develop online accessible tours of Chelsea Physic Garden in London and you could win a £200 prize! Westminster University and Chelsea Physic Garden in London are working together to research and develop accessible online tours to improve access for blind and partially sighted people. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Dr Lindsay Bywood from Westminster University to...
8m Jul 23, 2021
8m
S1 Ep891: The award wining, Braille Ale!
An award winning Craft Beer Brewery in the US has been raising awareness for blind and partially sighted people through their new and exclusive Braille Ale.   RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has been finding out more as she spoke with Ben from the West Side Brewing.   To find out more about Braille Ale please visit: www.westsidebrewing.com (https://www.westsidebrewing.com/) Image shows: The b...
8m Jul 23, 2021
8m
S1 Ep889: Warning Over DWP Payments Via The Post Office
In November this year DWP benefit payments via the special payment card service at the Post Office will stop. You will need to open a bank account or use an email, or text, based system to receive your payments. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dominic Milne, from RNIB's Legal Rights Service, to hear more about the changes and how they can help blind and partially sighted people who...
5m Jul 22, 2021
5m
S1 Ep891: Muslim Sisters Group
Staying connected is always important, RNIB have lots of different ways you can stay connected and meet new people in the community, Ellie's been finding out more about one such group. If you could like to get involved or find out more about the Muslim Sisters Group you can email radio@rnib.org.uk Image shows RNIB Logo
9m Jul 22, 2021
9m
S1 Ep887: WeWalk, Amazon's Start up of the Year!
From a small social impact project to Amazon's Best Start up of the Year award, the We Walk has come far in it's short history, Ellie's been catching up with them to find out more. To find out more about the WeWalk, please visit, www.wewalk.io (https://wewalk.io/en/)   Images shows: We Walk logo
8m Jul 21, 2021
8m
S1 Ep883: Connect Voices Round-Up 21 July 2021
Max Conway, RNIB Trainee National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week include: Your chance to get involved in Supporting the RNIB and the Care and Support Alliance to ensure that Prime Minister Boris Johnson keeps his promise on the reform of social care Help out a research stud...
6m Jul 21, 2021
6m
S1 Ep888: Navy Veteran Raising Funds For Blind Veterans Charity
Terry Bullingham served in the Royal Navy until he lost his sight in an air strike while serving during the Falklands conflict. After being taken back to the UK and assessed by Moorfields Eye Hospital, he was helped back on the road to recovery by the charity Blind Veterans UK. Terry's life went from strength to strength and to give something back, his story, amongst others, will now feature ...
7m Jul 21, 2021
7m
S1 Ep885: Big Win For Disability Independence Payment Claimants
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has agreed to change one of it's working practices, just 24 hours before a Judicial Review into its policies. RNIB, along with other charities, provided information, and support, to a case against the practice of cold calling claimants, during an appeal, to offer a settlement, which would be less than they were entitled to, halting the appeal. RNIB C...
7m Jul 20, 2021
7m
S1 Ep882: Canadian Charity Unveils Accessible Chip And Pin Machine
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with John Rafferty, CEO of CNIB, to discuss some of the big stories coming from the Canadian sight loss charity. This month John talks about getting back to face to face work, as restrictions ease, and the launch of an accessible chip and pin machine which is heading for tens of thousands of outlets over July and August 2021. There are load...
6m Jul 19, 2021
6m