S1 Ep584: Could Brexit Hinder The Free Movement Of Guide Dog And Pet Owners?
We are all too familiar with the battle over Brexit and what it will mean for the way we live our lives in the UK. One stumbling block, that many will not have thought about, is the, possible, loss of access to the Pet Passport scheme. This allows people to travel with their pets and assistance dogs, freely, to and from countries who operate the vital scheme. If the issue is not addressed, i...
5m Nov 06, 2020
5m
Make Cooking Easier With a Talking Microwave
A new talking microwave has been launched by RNIB that aims to simplify the cooking experience for blind and partially sighted people. Steven Scott spoke to Claire Maxwell from the RNIB Products Team about the new kitchen appliance, and also to Kim Jaye, a blind cook who has been testing it out. 
11m Nov 06, 2020
11m
S1 Ep582: Interview with Maaza Mengiste
Booker shortlisted author Maaza Mengiste takes us back to 1935 and introduces us to the African women who fought Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia.
8m Nov 05, 2020
8m
S1 Ep584: A New Award And A Call For The Public's Help.
UK sight loss charity RNIB has been awarded a quality tick mark from the Patient Information Forum (PIF). This means that their sight loss information booklets and support are of a consistently high standard, something the charity is very proud off. However, to make these booklets as up to date as possible, they need your help. If you have any of the following eye conditions, they would like...
5m Nov 05, 2020
5m
S1 Ep584: Personal Independence Payment Moving To Scottish Government Control.
For several years now, the Scottish Government has been creating and developing it's new Social Security Scotland department, with input at every stage from members of the public. Several welfare payments have been transferred to Scotland for administration, among them is Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which many blind people are in receipt of at the moment. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Ru...
8m Nov 05, 2020
8m
S1 Ep580: Help from RNIB with Online Deliveries Ahead of Lockdown
Since lockdown, many blind and partially sighted people have found it challenging getting their online deliveries, however RNIB are here to help, and have worked tirelessly with supermarkets to ensure we are not forgotten. As England goes back into lockdown, Steven Scott spoke to Steve Packer to find out what support is available from the charity.
10m Nov 05, 2020
10m
S1 Ep583: Share Your Views With RNIB
RNIB have launched a new survey to gauge the views of blind and partially sighted people on a wide range of issues.  To find out more on what the survey aims to achieve and how you can get involved, Steven Scott spoke to RNIB's Senior Research and Data Analyst, Emma Edwards. (Image: RNIB Logo. On a white background words RNIB written in bold black letters and underscored by a bright pink line...
6m Nov 04, 2020
6m
S1 Ep581: Sight Loss Charity's Virtual Accessibility Boutiques.
With many training events and projects going online due to the global pandemic, one of the US's largest sight loss charities is increasing it's tech offerings. The National Federation of the Blind, USA, has many virtual events for blind and partially sighted people, on  a whole host of topics, but these events are now being created for the commercial sector, focusing on accessibility. RNIB Co...
7m Nov 04, 2020
7m
S1 Ep578: Connect Voices Round up 4 November 2020
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. This week there are opportunities to get involved with the Connect Voices Tracker survey, help an undergraduate Product Design Engineer  at Strathclyde University with their new Braille labelling concept and a request from RNIB’s Stories Library Tea...
7m Nov 04, 2020
7m
S1 Ep579: Nathan Owen E-Scooter Response
Nathan Owen, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at RNIB Cymru has written a response to the increasing call for e-scooters to be used in Wales.   Photo is a blurry image of someone's legs, on a moving e-scooter.
5m Nov 03, 2020
5m
S1 Ep577: The Purple Pound Is Worth Hundreds Of Billions!
Many businesses are struggling to stay afloat, due to the affects of the global pandemic. So the question being asked on #PurpleTuesday is can you really afford to miss out on a share of £274 Billion worth of sales? It may surprise you to know that is exactly what is happening because of poor accessibility, on the high street and online for customers with disabilities. RNIB Connect Radio's A...
8m Nov 03, 2020
8m
S1 Ep576: Interview with Brandon Taylor, author of 'Real Life'
Brandon Taylor discusses his Booker shortlisted novel 'Real Life', and reveals how it had to be rescued from the trash! 
7m Nov 03, 2020
7m
Accessible Voting still a major challenge for VIPs
A new report from RNIB has found that voting still remains a major challenge for blind and partially sighted people in the UK. The Electoral Commission is working with the charity to resolve some of those issues.  Steven Scott spoke to their Director of Communications, Policy and Research, Craig Westwood, to find out about the work they have been doing.
11m Nov 02, 2020
11m
S1 Ep574: Advice For VI Parents
RNIB Have just released their latest Parenting with Vision Impairment Guide and we decided to catch up with one vocal dad and contributor to the guide, Robin Spinks. Robin is very vocal about parenting and hopes sharing information between blind and partially sighted parents can help give confidence to those nervous about starting a family.  To find the guide visit: www.rnib.org.uk/parents-wi...
9m Nov 02, 2020
9m
S1 Ep575: Sarah Mulindwa Supports Design For Everyone.
UK sight loss charity RNIB, launched it's #DesignForEveryone campaign to focus attention on poor accessibility for information and goods for blind and partially sighted people. They've even created a prototype pregnancy test device, so visually impaired people can see the results themselves without asking a sighted person. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to TV's Sarah Mulindwa, who's...
7m Nov 02, 2020
7m
S1 Ep573: Tips To Take Care Of Your Dog Over Bonfire Night.
With November 5th coming around again, it's time to think about the effects of the loud bangs and flashes on your 4 legged friend. This year, with a ban on public displays, it's expected that there will be more fireworks and bonfires taking place at home. Many dogs get distressed at this time and it's important to start to put things in place to help them have a calm evening and not get upset...
7m Oct 31, 2020
7m
Is blue light from your SmartPhone bad for your health?
Many people are unaware that their smartphones, tablets and computers emit a harmful blue light that can cause tired eyes and challenge us when we are trying to get to sleep. To aid this, company Ocushield have developed a range of products, and for every product purchased, £1 is donated to RNIB to support our work. Steven Scott spoke with the founder of Ocushield, Optometrist Dhruvin Patel, t...
8m Oct 30, 2020
8m
S1 Ep573: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 30/10/2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer. They take a look at some of the big stories coming out from the charity. This week it's the importance of our volunteers, Brexit is back and a fond farewell to our Chair, Ellie Southwood. http://www.rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image: RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer.
6m Oct 30, 2020
6m
#FocusOnLife - The World’s First Out of Focus Short Film
A new film has been created to raise awareness of the importance of getting your eyes tested regularly. It’s called ‘Focus On Life’ and was commissioned as part of a public awareness campaign, after research revealed that 66% of the population admit to having difficulty with blurred vision. Steven Scott spoke to the BAFTA-nominated director Mark Nunneley who created the online movie and Daniel...
6m Oct 29, 2020
6m
S1 Ep572: RNIB's Vision And Stroke Podcast Series
World Stroke Day is observed on the 29th of October to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors. Which is why, to mark World Stroke Day and raise awareness of the link between strokes and vision loss, RNIB have released their Vision and Stroke Podcast series. Linzi...
5m Oct 29, 2020
5m
S1 Ep571: Hi Tech That's Easy To Use For Blind And Partially Sighted People.
The In Your Pocket device looks like a smart phone but you can use your voice to operate it. That means if your blind or partially sighted, of any age, and have no technical ability, you can still easily use it. It can give you the day's newspapers, magazines, talking books, make calls, send texts and even help with getting around with it's location information. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Ru...
8m Oct 29, 2020
8m
S1 Ep570: Interview with Avni Doshi, Booker shortlisted author of 'Burnt Sugar'
Author Avni Doshi discusses her Booker shortlisted novel ‘Burnt Sugar’, what it says about mother/daughter relationships and how hearing it recorded has turned her on to audiobooks.
7m Oct 28, 2020
7m
S1 Ep569: We're Getting Back Into Theatres!
Audio Description is a service which allows blind and partially sighted people to enjoy the visuals from theatres, galleries, museums and other arts venues. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby, from Mind's Eye Arts, to look at some forthcoming AD performances which are taking place in theatres, including some festive treats. For more about Mind's Eye Arts: http://www.mi...
8m Oct 27, 2020
8m
S1 Ep569: Accessible Chip And Pin Plus A Canadian Invite To All
CNIB is Canada's largest sight loss charity and each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with their CEO John Rafferty. This month John is inviting blind and partially sighted people, from across the globe, to join in with their many virtual fun events and how to talks.   There's also news on the first accessible Chip And Pin machine, which will soon launch in Canada. For more info...
7m Oct 27, 2020
7m
S1 Ep568: RNIB's New Parenting With Vision Impairment Guide
RNIB have just released their new 'Parenting with vision impairment' guide. The guide was created by blind and partially sighted parents who are sharing their tips and advice about having a baby. We spoke with Lisa Billington, RNIB's Support Officer with Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) team, to find out more.  For more resources, real life stories and advice for blind and partiall...
4m Oct 26, 2020
4m
Managing Better Partnership in Wales
A new partnership in Wales, is helping older people with sensory loss, remain safely in their homes.  Lynne Morgan talks to Stephen Thomas, project development officer and Gwenan Jones, case officer, for Care & Repair Cymru and Hannah Rowlatt, RNIB's Technology for Life Co-ordinator in Wales about how new technology can be used effectively in the home.  Photo is RNIB Cymru logo  
11m Oct 26, 2020
11m
S1 Ep567: Interview with Douglas Stuart, author of Shuggie Bain
Douglas Stuart discusses his Booker Prize short-listed novel 'Shuggie Bain' and growing up in 1980s' Glasgow.
7m Oct 26, 2020
7m
S1 Ep566: Glasgow Discusses E Scooter Trials.
Glasgow City Council is looking at the possibility of launching a trial of E scooters, for hire, in the city. Other trials, in England, have had mixed results with some being halted because of careless, and dangerous, use of the fast moving devices. Sight loss charities, RNIB Scotland and Guide Dogs Scotland have submitted evidence and letters to Councillors, highlighting the dangers of E scoot...
5m Oct 26, 2020
5m
S1 Ep565: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 23/10/2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to talk about some of the week's news coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week they discuss RNIB's Design For Everyone campaign which has a prototype, accessible, pregnancy testing device, meetings with the UK Cabinet Office on accessible voting and a fun scavenger hunt for youngsters. If you woul...
7m Oct 23, 2020
7m
S1 Ep561: Interview with Tsitsi Dangarembga, author of This Mournable Body
Tsitsi Dangarembga discusses her Booker short-listed novel ‘This Mournable Body’, and reflects on post-colonial life in Zimbabwe. 
8m Oct 22, 2020
8m
S1 Ep562: Celebrate Black History Month With RNIB Library
Let's talk books with RNIB Reading Services' Tracy Pearson. Chatting with our Red Szell, Tracy discusses the reading list that she and the team have put together to celebrate Black History Month.   For more book recommendations visit: http://rniblibrary.com/ (Image shows the cover Nelson Mandela's 'Long Walk to Freedom' with a picture of a smiling Nelson on the front) 
8m Oct 22, 2020
8m
S1 Ep563: Exciting Events And News From British Blind Sport.
British Blind Sport is a UK charity which encourages visually impaired people, of all ages and abilities, to get involved in sport and other leisure activities. They also work with governing bodies, leisure and gym providers to make their facilities and offerings accessible. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alaina MacGregor, CEO of BBS, to hear about their virtual keep fit classes,...
6m Oct 22, 2020
6m
S1 Ep564: Connect Voices Round up 21st October
RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with. This week there are opportunities to get involved with RNIB's Vision Project, product & design research and two online surveys. For more information about RNIB's Connect Voices visit: http://www.rnib.org.uk/rnibconnect/connect-voices (Image shows RNIB logo. ...
5m Oct 22, 2020
5m
Make Accessible Design a Reality - #DesignForEveryone
What is accessible design, and how can companies make their products more available to blind and partially sighted people? The new RNIB campaign called Design for Everyone aims to answer those questions.  Steven Scott found out more about the free advice being offered to designers when he spoke to RNIB's Interim Head of External Communications, James Simpson. https://www.designforeveryone.org...
8m Oct 22, 2020
8m
S1 Ep560: Interview with Sally Gardner, author of The Snow Song
2.5m best-selling author Sally Gardner discusses her latest novel with Read On’s Red Szell and reveals her special reason for loving The RNIB Talking Books Library
6m Oct 21, 2020
6m
S1 Ep559: Sight Loss Charity Has Advice For Claiming Universal Credit.
In these uncertain times, many people may be facing redundancy and having to cope with all the uncertainty that will bring. For those who are blind or partially sighted, there is a wealth of advice and support from RNIB's Legal Rights Service and it's helpline. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dominic Milne, from RNIB, to find out what is on offer for those facing redundancy and th...
5m Oct 21, 2020
5m
S1 Ep559: The Pregnancy Test That Could Start An Accessibility Revolution.
Imagine having to ask a stranger to read your pregnancy test for you, tell you what's in the results letter from the hospital or even if you've been accepted, or refused, a bank loan? That's what it's like for many blind and partially sighted people, despite legislation like the Equalities Act protecting the right to accessible information. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) ...
6m Oct 21, 2020
6m
S1 Ep560: Why Is #AccessibleVoting Not A Reality
A new report highlighting the challenges faced by blind people trying to vote independently in elections has been launched by RNIB.  Steven Scott spoke to RNIB's Policy Officer for Accessible Information, Michael Wordingham, to find out more about their latest "Turned Out" report.
6m Oct 21, 2020
6m
Don't Sacrifice Your Privacy Because of Inaccessible Design - #DesignForEveryone
Design for Everyone is a new campaign by RNIB to highlight the importance of accessibility for all, especially personal health information. Steven Scott spoke to the Chair of RNIB, Ellie Southwood, to find out more about the campaign and how the charity is working to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people. #DesignForEveryone Picture shows a portrait shot of Ellie Southwood s...
6m Oct 20, 2020
6m
S1 Ep558: Frances Batty Shand, founder of Cardiff Institute for the Blind
In Black History Month, Peter Jones tells the story of the life of Cardiff Institute for the Blind's (now Sight life) founder, Frances Batty Shand.   Photo is of Sight life logo.
8m Oct 19, 2020
8m
RNIB Chief Exec's Weekly Update 16/10/2020
It's been another big week at RNIB with a new report on accessible voting being published and the launch of a new collaboration with charity Sense. Steven Scott spoke to RNIB Chief Executive Matt Stringer to tell us more about the week at the charity. 
10m Oct 16, 2020
10m
S1 Ep557: Why Not Attend This Exciting Virtual Braille Event?
The International Council on English Braille (ICEB) will be holding its 7th General Assembly from Sunday 18th October through to Thursday 22nd of October.  This week-long event hosted by RNIB and UKAAF (UK Association for Accessible formats), will focus on braille and its exciting future potential, including digital braille. Expect presentations online, on subjects including braille literacy, ...
6m Oct 15, 2020
6m
S1 Ep556: Government Help To Spot Fraudsters.
There are people out there who want to get hold of your identity and bank details in order to defraud you of your hard earned money. Fortunately, there is help to support you spot scams and phishing attempts, as well as report them to the authorities. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roland Stutz, from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, to find out how they can help stop fraud befo...
6m Oct 15, 2020
6m
S1 Ep554: Interview with Diane Cook, Booker Prize Shortlisted Author
2020 Booker Prize shortlisted author Diane Cook talks to Red Szell about her novel The New Wilderness
8m Oct 14, 2020
8m
Christmas Gift Ideas from the RNIB Shop
RNIB's new gift guide for Christmas is now available to download or order from RNIB Shop.  Steven Scott found out about what's in this year's catalogue with Dave Williams from the RNIB Shop. Image shows a personalised lightbox reading "Xmas Gift Guide", surrounded by holly and baubles
7m Oct 14, 2020
7m
S1 Ep552: Big Wins For Disability Tech Company.
Gavin Neate created the Neatebox company to provide, easy to use, tech solutions to improve the independent mobility and confidence of people with disabilities. The solutions also help service providers deliver a first class customer service offering to anyone who uses the Neatebox products. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gavin to hear about 2 Ayrshire towns who are making crossi...
8m Oct 14, 2020
8m
S1 Ep553: Read Easy With RNIB & In Your Pocket
In Your Pocket is a simple way for blind and partially sighted people to access the RNIB Reading Services Online Library and RNIB Newsagent services, as well as make phone calls.  Our Red Szell spoke with two enthusiastic adopters of the device Margaret Wilson-Haynes and RNIB's Paul Porter, to discuss the great features it offers and how it helps access books and newspapers easily.   For more...
8m Oct 13, 2020
8m
S1 Ep550: Fantastic Virtual Events For Visually Impaired Children And Young People.
With pandemic restrictions putting an end to many face to face events, RNIB Northern Ireland had to move it's summer camp online. The virtual events covered a variety of topics, including beauty, yoga, music and much more over several days. They're now looking forward to 3 months of events for parents, children and young people, from across the UK. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to...
8m Oct 13, 2020
8m
S1 Ep551: Why Is Voting Still Not Accessible?
It's claimed the UK's voting system only allows one in ten blind people to have their say independently.  Figures also show more than half of people with sight problems weren't able to read any information sent to them ahead of the last election.  The RNIB, which carried out the research, is suggesting changes before council and mayoral polls open in England in May.  Disability campaigner Ra...
4m Oct 13, 2020
4m
S1 Ep549: Sight Loss Charity Launches Scottish Parliamentary Manifesto
RNIB Scotland has launched it's Manifesto, ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary Elections in 2021. The Manifesto is produced ahead of political elections, and in some cases local by-elections, to put forward the worries, concerns and asks of blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland, to find out what's in this year's ...
6m Oct 12, 2020
6m