S1 Ep879: RealSAM Launches New Version of RealSAM Pocket
RealSAM, the people behind RealSAM Pocket - the fully accessible pocket smart device for blind and partially sighted people controlled by your voice, have just launched a new version of RealSAM Pocket. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Louise Humphreys from RealSAM to find out more about the new version of RealSAM Pocket which adds a bit more flexibility to the smart device. Louise be...
7m Jul 19, 2021
7m
S1 Ep879: RNIB DAM Radio Demo!
Check out the new RNIB DAB Radio available from the RNIB shop! Find out more here: www.shop.rnib.org.uk (https://shop.rnib.org.uk/)   Image show's RNIB Logo
9m Jul 18, 2021
9m
S1 Ep880: Chief Exec's Weekly Customer Update 17/06/2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB CEO Matt Stringer to discuss some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. Matt's on holiday this week, so Director of Services David Clarke steps in to talk about the See Sport Differently campaign and encourage us to get involved in the virtual marathon challenge. If you, or someone you know, would like to fi...
11m Jul 17, 2021
11m
S1 Ep881: Westminster Event Focuses On Independent Voting For Visually Impaired People
The right to vote independently and in secrecy is enshrined in law, but for many blind and partially sighted people that simply isn't possible. For many years now, UK sight loss charity, RNIB has been pushing for change to the out of date system and a judicial review agrees. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mike Wordingham to hear more about the charity's Turned Out Report on votin...
5m Jul 16, 2021
5m
S1 Ep878: Umbrella Group Wants More Visually Impaired People Working In Their Sector
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Visionary UK, the umbrella organisation which represents many of the UK's sight loss charities. This month we hear from Fiona and Lucy, from Visionary UK, and Mark Upton, CEO of Oxfordshire Association for the Blind, as they discuss ways of improving the amount of blind and partially sighted people working in the sight loss sector. If ...
7m Jul 15, 2021
7m
S1 Ep877: 191 Guide Dog Puppies!
Time to meet and extra special Guide dog now, Trigger has fathered over 191 puppies in his time Ellie's been catching up with his trainer to find out more...  
8m Jul 15, 2021
8m
S1 Ep876: All About RNIB Connect Voices Networks
You may have heard the regular Connect Voices round-ups here on Connect Radio every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month but have you ever wanted to know why the RNIB set up Connect Voices and what it is like getting involved in some of the great opportunities that are on offer to blind and partially sighted people?   Well Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Charlotte Jones, RNIB National...
10m Jul 15, 2021
10m
S1 Ep875: All About Blind Notes with Ravi Sagoo
Blind Notes is a new show starting here on RNIB Connect Radio on Wednesday 21 July 2021 at 6pm where Scottish Broadcaster Ravi Sagoo conducts one to one interviews with seven visually impaired musicians all about their life and career in the music industry.  Visually impaired musicians who are featured in Blind Notes include: DIANE SCHUUR- Twice Grammy award winning American jazz pianist and ...
9m Jul 15, 2021
9m
S1 Ep864: Ricky's Tech Talk
Let's chat technology today. These days, it's everywhere around us and for many, it's almost impossible to leave the house without our smartphone. So it's no surprise that channels dedicated to technology and the hottest tech devices have gained popularity in recent years.   Ricky West is RNIB's Community Connection Coordinator for London & South East England but he's also the creator and the...
8m Jul 15, 2021
8m
S1 Ep872: Guide Dogs UK Celebrates It's 90th Anniversary
It all began in a garage, back in 1931, with a couple of dogs and a desire to help those blinded in the war to regain their independence. Fast forward 90 years and Guide Dogs UK is the biggest, of it's kind, in the world with thousands of partnerships and a variety of services for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke with Tom Wright, Guide D...
9m Jul 14, 2021
9m
S1 Ep871: Macular Society Virtual Clinic
Each month the Macular Society hold a virtual clinic focusing on different Macular Conditions, Ellie's been finding out about this months. To find out more please visit: www.macularsociety.org/support/virtual-clinic  (https://www.macularsociety.org/support/virtual-clinics/) Image shows: Macular Society logo
6m Jul 14, 2021
6m
S1 Ep874: The Euros might be over, but you can still get involved in Football!
The Euros have definitely captured the countries attention and imagination, and you can get involved with the fun too, Ellie's been catching up with Cambridge United to find out how blind and partially sighted people can get stuck in... To find out more please visit: www.cuctrust.co.uk (https://www.cuctrust.co.uk/) Image shows: Cambridge United logo
7m Jul 13, 2021
7m
S1 Ep874: What to look out for when choosing a University
If you are someone you know is on the hunt for a university place then you'll know how tricky it can be, Ellie's been finding out what you should look out for, red flags and how University Disability teams can help...  Image shows: RNIB Logo 
7m Jul 13, 2021
7m
S1 Ep868: New British Blind Sport Project, Looking For Young Blind And Partially Sighted People
If you, or someone you know, are aged between 14 and 19 and blind or partially sighted, British Blind Sport wants to hear from you. Their See My Voice project has places, starting in September 2021, that aim to build confidence, a range of skills, and promote volunteering to help young people go forward in education and employment. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mel and Connor, f...
9m Jul 13, 2021
9m
S1 Ep871: Wrekin Rowers - July Update
With lockdown restrictions lifting the Wrekin Rowers crew have finally taken to the high seas as they step up their training schedule, ahead of the ‘Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge’, which will see the boys attempt to row 3000 miles from the Canary Islands to Antigua, with all money raised going to RNIB and the Severn Hospice. Barry Snell caught up with the crew members - Stuart Shepherd, M...
6m Jul 13, 2021
6m
S1 Ep870: The Longest Battle with Kiko Matthews
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 Emma is chatting with Kiko Matthews who in 2018 became the World Record ...
32m Jul 12, 2021
32m
Paul Ryb Podcasts: BioTech
Paul Ryb is a former banker who recently lost his sight. He got in touch with RNIB Connect Radio as he wanted to share his story. Over the next four episodes Paul will be sharing how employment, peer support, sport and the latest bio-tech has inspired him. Steven Scott sat down with Paul for this extended conversation and began by discussing BioTech from Paul’s unique perspective.
23m Jul 10, 2021
23m
S1 Ep869: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 10/07/2021.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to discuss some of the latest news coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about a Parliamentary report on accessible voting, UK unlocking from restrictions and audio described football on BT Sport. If you, or someone you know, is blind or partially sighted, there's a wealth of support...
9m Jul 10, 2021
9m
S1 Ep868: New Quality Assurance Mark Gives Confidence In Health Information
More than ever we need to know that any health information that we are looking at is safe, accurate and from a trusted source. The Patient Information Forum, in the UK, has launched its PIF Tick mark, that will guarantee the content of any information that achieves its quality assurance standard. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sophie Randall, from the Patient Information Forum, t...
7m Jul 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep860: Sight Loss Cross-Sector Campaigning Delivers a More Inclusive Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People
In the next feature of our new series of interviews looking at how the RNIB is working in partnership with sight loss sector partners and other charities 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 campaigning. ...
7m Jul 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep859: Tactile Doctor Who Campaign!
Doctor Who has been around for nearly 60 years and some fans still don't know what the different alien creatures look like, one young man from Bradford is trying to change this, Ellie's been finding out more. If you want to support Louis campaign you can go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/louis-campaign  (https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/louis-campaign) Image shows: The Tardis 
8m Jul 09, 2021
8m
S1 Ep859: Write to your MP with RNIB!
Voting in privacy is one of our basic rights, but for some blind and partially sighted people this still isn't possible, RNIB are working to change this, Ellie's been finding out how. To write a letter to your MP, please visit this website: RNIB campaigns | Ask your MP to learn how to better support constituents with sight loss (e-activist.com) (https://e-activist.com/page/55845/action/1?local...
6m Jul 09, 2021
6m
S1 Ep867: RNIB Support Free Will Writing Service
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has been working closely with Bequeathed, championing their work on the accessibility of their free will-writing service, to ensure that people with sight loss can now use the service.  Barry Snell spoke with Alex McDowell, RNIB's  Head of Public Fundraising and also Bequeathed's Chief operating officer, Pier Thomas, to find out more. {image...
7m Jul 08, 2021
7m
S1 Ep866: Vision Friends Project, Wales
Many of us know that people's vision changes and can often worsen with age but how many of us know how to spot the signs of sight loss and offer the right kind of support?  Carol McKinlay, Project Engagement and Training officer at RNIB Cymru, explained to RNIB Connect Radio how the Vision Friends Project can help. Image is of an older pair of hands holding a cup of tea, with a younger pair of ...
4m Jul 08, 2021
4m
S1 Ep865: Exploring Sound Through Touch with Lunatraktors New Track Larentalia
Broken folk’ duo Lunatraktors (Clair Le Couteur and Carli Jefferson) are a Margate based partnership routed in research-led music and art experimentations. Often drawing inspiration from British folk heritage, and influences from contemporary art, theatre, and music, ‘Lunatraktors search for new solutions to old problems, and old solutions to new ones.’ For their commission for Kent Medway Mus...
8m Jul 08, 2021
8m
S1 Ep862: Sight Village Exhibition Gets Back To Face To Face Events
The Queen Alexandra College Sight Village events have become the biggest and best known exhibitions for blind and partially sighted people, of all ages, to find out about the latest assistive technology, support services, leisure events and much, much more. Pandemic restrictions had forced the events, which go around the UK, to halt in person exhibitions and move them, virtually, on line. The...
6m Jul 08, 2021
6m
S1 Ep863: Don't Ignore Your Eye Health
Out of sight, out of mind?  It's all too easy to dismiss our own health concerns, but when it comes to our eyes, pushing these worries to the side can have serious consequences. Cataracts is the leading cause of blindness globally, and it is estimated that more than 2% of people over 40 years of age could have cataracts in 2020. This means that more half a million people across the UK could b...
14m Jul 08, 2021
14m
S1 Ep861: Judith's Cataracts Story
Judith lost her sight overnight during the start of the pandemic and lockdown. After 10 months her Cataracts were removed and her sight was back with no lasting damage. Ellie's been finding out about Judith’s experience...   Image shows: RNIB Logo 
7m Jul 07, 2021
7m
S1 Ep858: Charities Are Still Concerned About E-Scooter Safety Around Pedestrians
Various UK towns and cities are running trials for E-scooters, which will be for public rental, but there are concerns about how the vehicles are being ridden and potential dangers for pedestrians. Many charities are worried about the misuse of the electric vehicles that are fast, heavy and almost silent and the way some riders are not sticking to the rules, and laws, when it comes to safe use...
6m Jul 07, 2021
6m
S1 Ep854: Connect Voices Round-Up 7 July
This week Max Conway, RNIB's Trainee National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted included: Blind Veterans UK and Circadian Therapeutics are seeking vision-impaired individuals to participate in a research project exploring experiences of sleep and daily rhythm disruption HMRC are looking...
6m Jul 07, 2021
6m
S1 Ep857: Out of Bounds, we chat to the Author
Time to hear now from an author who has written a biography of an ordinary working-class blind child growing up in the 70's and 80's, how music takes him right back to a science lesson and all the shenanigans him and his pals got up to back in the day, Ellie's been finding out more. Image shows: Front cover of the book  
7m Jul 06, 2021
7m
S1 Ep856: RNIB Employment Team, Episode 4, Disclosing a Disability
Time now for the last instalment in our series of interview with our employment team here at RNIB, covering all the things you need to know if you're looking for work, you can find all the rest of the series on our listen again service, Ellie has more. To find out more about the employment services you can go to their website: RNIB - See differently - (https://www.rnib.org.uk/)   Image shows:...
7m Jul 06, 2021
7m
S1 Ep855: Live Audio Described Arts Events On The Increase
With restrictions easing, we're now getting the chance to enjoy events at arts venues like theatres, galleries, museums and more. That also means that the amount of audio described options, for blind and partially sighted people, is also increasing. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby, from Mind's eye Arts, to look at some touring dance shows, an enlightening art installa...
9m Jul 06, 2021
9m
S1 Ep858: What Are Blogs And Can They Influence?
From today, here on RNIB Connect Radio you will have a chance to hear 'The Blind Truth' with Chair of RNIB, Anna Tylor. In 'The Blind Truth, Anna takes a wry look at living a colourful life with limited sight. She tackles everything from navigating public transport to dealing with well-meaning busybodies, to her love of chainsaws.  Our Allan Russell spoke with Anna to find out why she Blogs a...
8m Jul 06, 2021
8m
S1 Ep853: Roll Out of Kellogg’s Accessible Cereal Boxes with NaviLens Technology
On Thursday 1 July 2021 Kellogg’s announced that they will be rolling out the NaviLens technology across all their cereal boxes from January 2022 making them accessible for blind and partially sighted people.  Food packaging information such as ingredients and allergen details are often in print that may be difficult for blind and partially sighted people to read. Kellogg’s new boxes will allo...
7m Jul 06, 2021
7m
S1 Ep852: Wearable Accessible Tech
What wearable and accessible technology is available out there?  Mark Evans from RNIB's Technology for Life team, rounds-up the best choices on the market right now. You can contact RNIB’s Technology For Life team on 0303 123 9999 or tfl@rnib.org.uk (mailto:tfl@rnib.org.uk) Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Image shows the Envision glasses. 
4m Jul 05, 2021
4m
S1 Ep852: How Can We Make Voting Accessible?
The people of Batley and Spen went to the polls last week but what was it like for their blind and partially sighted constituents? RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has been finding out by speaking with Khalid Hussain. Help make voting accessible: Changing society - RNIB - See differently (https://www.rnib.org.uk/campaigning) Support Khalid's fundraiser: Khalid Hussain is fundraising for Macm...
6m Jul 05, 2021
6m
Paul Ryb Podcasts: Sports
Paul Ryb is a former banker who recently lost his sight. He got in touch with RNIB Connect Radio as he wanted to share his story. Over the next four episodes Paul will be sharing how employment, peer support, sport and the latest bio-tech has inspired him. Steven Scott sat down with Paul for this extended conversation and began by discussing sport from Paul’s unique perspective.
28m Jul 03, 2021
28m
S1 Ep850: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 03/07/2021.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to talk about some of the latest news stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt highlights some success around provision of QTVi's, a big collaboration with Kellogg's and winning a major international award for it's Design For Everyone project. If you'd like more info on RNIB's service...
9m Jul 03, 2021
9m
S1 Ep847: Love Island, the press and inspiration porn...
Representation is media is important, but being labelled as inspirational in the press for being a disabled love islander has had the disabled community again explaining that being disabled doesn't make you inherently inspirational, Ellie's been finding out two women's thoughts on representation and inspiration porn. Image shows: Love Island Logo
8m Jul 02, 2021
8m
S1 Ep851: Freshers Week and Starting Uni
Moving to university can be a daunting task but Ellie's been finding out some top tips on how settle in, get to know people and enjoy yourself. Image shows: RNIB Logo
7m Jul 02, 2021
7m
S1 Ep851: Searching for your University?
If you are someone you know is on the hunt for a university place then you'll know how tricky it can be, Ellie's been finding out what you should look out for, red flags and how University Disability teams can help. Image shows: RNIB Logo
7m Jul 02, 2021
7m
S1 Ep848: Major International Award For UK Sight Loss Charity
The Cannes Lions are among the most prestigious awards in the world, in the field of creative marketing. UK sight loss charity RNIB is celebrating a major win at the 2021 ceremony for it's Design For Everyone project. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lorna Forbes, Head of Brand Engagement at RNIB, to learn more about the project, it's ground breaking prototype and the award itself....
5m Jul 02, 2021
5m
S1 Ep849: Kellogg's To Make All Of Their Cereal Boxes Accessible
New world-first technology will be added to all Kellogg’s cereal boxes to make them accessible for blind and partially sighted people. The new boxes will allow a smartphone to easily detect a unique on-pack code and playback labelling information to the shopper with sight loss, thanks to NaviLens technology. The new boxes will be released next year but in the meantime check out how it will so...
8m Jul 01, 2021
8m
S1 Ep847: The National Theatre of Scotland launches new project!
We're all looking forward to getting back into theatres and watching live performances but until then the National Theatre of Scotland are determined to keep us entertained and keep us thinking, Ellie's been finding out more. All of the work from the engagement creative project are not available on the national theatre of Scotland's Website, to find our more follow this link www.nationaltheater...
8m Jul 01, 2021
8m
S1 Ep846: Synergy Dance bag a national award for their work!
Innovation and adapting to circumstance have been essential this year. And Synergy Dance have proved that they can excel at it, winning the 2021 Specialist Dance School of the Year from Corporate Live Wire's Innovation and Excellence Awards. Ellie's been catching up with the founder about what it means to receive this award. To find out more about their work please visit there website www.syne...
6m Jun 30, 2021
6m
S1 Ep846: Making Conversation, with Manchester Art Gallery
If you've been missing the real-life experience of going into an actual museum or art gallery then we've got the thing for you, Ellie's been catching up with Manchester Art Gallery about how you can get involved with their brand new project. To find our more about Making Conversation you can head to their website, www.manchesterartgallery.org/learn/adults/making-conversation (https://mancheste...
7m Jun 30, 2021
7m
S1 Ep844: Are Visually Impaired Pupils Being Failed After Leaving School?
For many pupils, going to college, university or into employment is an exciting time. The story for many blind or partially sighted pupils is different, as they experience accessibility and attitudinal barriers at a crucial point in their lives. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Rachel Hewett, from Birmingham University, to learn more about her research into the barriers, the soluti...
7m Jun 29, 2021
7m
S1 Ep845: Dance Dosti!
Ellie's been catching up with Rashmi Becker from Step Change Studio to find out more about how we can ensure disabled people and people from diverse backgrounds feel more included and less isolated as we move out of lockdown, as well as finding out exactly what Dosti Dancing is. To find out more and get involved in Dance Dosti, you can visit their website here: www.dancedosti.com (https://www....
9m Jun 29, 2021
9m
S1 Ep845: RNIB Employment Team, Episode 3, Interview Techniques
Time now for the third instalment in our series of interviews with our employment team here at RNIB, covering all the things you need to know if you're looking for work, Ellie Marsh has more. To find out more please visit the RNIB website www.rnib.org.uk (https://www.rnib.org.uk/) Image shows: RNIB Logo
5m Jun 29, 2021
5m