S1 Ep645: Have Your Say On E Scooters Taking To The Streets
RNIB, along with other charities, has been working to highlight their concerns around the licensing of E scooters for hire and trials of the devices on our streets. The Transport Select Committee has reported back to the government with it's recommendations but there are still worries around public safety and the guidance for manufacturers and operators. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spo...
7m Jan 27, 2021
7m
S1 Ep646: Atlantic Row Challenge Update
Barry Snell catches up with three crew members from the 'Wrekin Rowers' who are set to compete in the upcoming Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. They are aiming to raise as much money as possible, for RNIB and the Severn Hospice. Despite lockdown restrictions - the crew, one of whom is visually impaired are managing to keep in good spirits and are keeping their fingers crossed the race will...
7m Jan 26, 2021
7m
S1 Ep644: Free Employment Webinars For Blind & Partially Sighted Job Seekers
RNIB & Blind Ambition are inviting blind and partially sighted people to a series of free webinars which will focus on a variety of topics around employment and self employment. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Martin O'Kane, from RNIB, along with Seema Flower and Alka Dass from Blind Ambition. They discussed the creation of the NEW YEAR, NEW ME, NEW JOB EMPLOYMENT ADVICE WEBINARS ...
7m Jan 26, 2021
7m
S1 Ep643: You Can Help Make Test & Trace Kits More Accessible.
UK sight loss charity RNIB is working with the Department for Health and Social Care but need your help. They are looking for blind and partially sighted people to help them to make the Covid-19 test kits more accessible for people with sight loss. 2020 saw some improvements to the kit, thanks to RNIB's sample group who fed back their thoughts on the whole process of self testing. However, t...
4m Jan 25, 2021
4m
Cook up a treat with kitchenware from the RNIB Shop
This week we find out about the range of cooking products that are available from RNIB to help you around the kitchen. Dave Williams from RNIB Shop talks to Steven Scott about a talking induction hob, tools to help you know you are placing the pots correctly on the cooker and more.
8m Jan 20, 2021
8m
S1 Ep642: Join RNIB Scotland For A Virtual Burns Night Supper
Fancy yourself as a budding young bard or like some haggis, Irn Bru and some good old Burns poetry?   Then, you might be interested in joining RNIB Scotland for the Virtual Burns Supper from 4 PM this Monday 25th of January.    Daniel Meikle, Community Connection Coordinator with RNIB Scotland, spoke with us about the upcoming event and how to take part. To register your interest, contact ...
7m Jan 19, 2021
7m
S1 Ep641: The 21st Century Smart Cane For Blind And Partially Sighted People.
The white cane has been around for a very long time and still helps those with a visual impairment navigate their environment, increasing independent mobility. However, we are now in the 21st Century and a new company has taken the cane and given it an accessible tech upgrade, along with an app which is packed with orientation and mobility aids. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jea...
9m Jan 19, 2021
9m
S1 Ep640: Smart With Your Money Week - Dominic Milne
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's All...
8m Jan 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep640: Smart With Your Money Week - Max Beckett
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's All...
7m Jan 18, 2021
7m
S1 Ep640: Smart With Your Money Week - Jean Graham
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's Tob...
7m Jan 18, 2021
7m
S1 Ep639: Smart With Your Money Week - Salman Haqqi
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's All...
6m Jan 18, 2021
6m
S1 Ep639: Smart With Your Money Week - Janette Scott
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's Tob...
8m Jan 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep639: Smart With Your Money Week - Catherine Hiley
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's Pau...
8m Jan 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep638: Take on 250 for RNIB
Everyday in the UK, 250 people start to lose their sight.  This is why the RNIB is asking you to Take on 250 for RNIB and help to support more and more  people who are living with sight loss. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Nicola Nicolaou, RNIB Challenge Events manager to find out more about Take on 250 for RNIB and how you can help in raising funds and awareness of sight loss....
7m Jan 18, 2021
7m
S1 Ep200: Challenges Of Shopping For The VI Community During Lockdown
If you're blind or partially sighted, accessing food and groceries in the UK right now can present a challenge.    Which is why, since the very beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, charity RNIB have been working to help support blind and partially sighted people who are struggling with access to their essential shopping.    And now with another lockdown in place and stores tightening thei...
9m Jan 15, 2021
9m
S1 Ep636: Sailing Event For Visually Impaired People, Even Beginners!
Each year an event takes place, for 1 week, along the South Coast of England. Skippers and their yachts, with a sighted crew, invite blind and partially sighted people to join them for a week on the water and it's open to experienced sailors and complete novices. Despite the current pandemic situation, the organisers are getting ready for a summer sail but will adapt as restrictions change, o...
7m Jan 14, 2021
7m
S1 Ep636: New Complex UK Rules For EU Travel With Assistance Dogs
The UK is trying to get used to new rules and regulations for many aspects of our relationship with our European neighbours. A consequence of this is that it is now more complicated for people travelling with assistance dogs, like Guide Dogs, to travel from the UK into the EU, with further complexities for travel between mainland UK and Northern Ireland. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spo...
9m Jan 14, 2021
9m
S1 Ep637: Sarah Holton, from RNIB Children, Young People and Families Team
Sarah Holton, the Assistant UK Specialist Lead for CYPF (Children, Young People and Families) tells RNIB Connect Radio about the support the team are providing during lockdown.  Image is a tablet on top of a stack of tablets. 
12m Jan 14, 2021
12m
S1 Ep635: Allan Russell discusses books with Red Szell
Let's learn a little bit more about Connect Radio’s Allan Russell and which books he's been reading over the festive period. Here's Allan in conversation with Read On host, Red Szell… 
9m Jan 13, 2021
9m
S1 Ep634: Theatres Move More Performances Online, Including Audio Described
Once again as restrictions change, theatres and arts venues are closing their doors and adapting their shows and exhibitions. More and more are now moving online and many of these have audio description for their blind and partially sighted customers. RNIB Connect radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts, providers of audio description, to look at some of the online cont...
8m Jan 13, 2021
8m
S1 Ep633: Connect Voices Round up 13 January 2021
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. In the first Connect Voices Round Up for 2021 there are opportunities for people living in the Birmingham area to take part in a survey all about hospital eye care services and a reminder about what Connect Voices is all about and how you can get in...
6m Jan 13, 2021
6m
S1 Ep632: Essential Help For Blind And Partially Sighted People In Education
With many children, young people and adults being forced to study at home, access to text books is essential, especially if you are visually impaired and require accessible formats. RNIB's Book Share service is free for all ages and has over 647,000 accessible educational titles, and growing, in it's archive. As well as the free access, RNIB has teamed up with VICTA, a sight loss charity for ...
10m Jan 12, 2021
10m
S1 Ep631: Charity Director's Call To The Scottish Parliament For A Better Tomorrow
There's no doubt that pandemic restrictions have meant a rapid change to the lives of everyone across the globe. For blind and partially sighted people, though, these restrictions have a greater impact for all areas of their everyday lives. From accessing online education, to sight loss prevention and even getting around while trying to socially distance without sight, the challenges are an e...
8m Jan 12, 2021
8m
Online Advice Sessions Helping Parents with Home Schooling
Having trouble connecting your child's braille display to their computer or phone? Don't know how to start up JAWS on a PC? These are typical scenarios that blind kids are learning to deal with from home with baffled parents looking on. If you are the parent of a blind child and need some technical support, RNIB is at hand.  Listen to Ben Rendle from RNIB's Technology for Life team talk to RN...
7m Jan 12, 2021
7m
S1 Ep631: Jacquie's New Year Honour, Supporting Visually Impaired People
Jacquie Winning is the Manager of the Forth Valley Sensory Centre, serving customers across Falkirk and Stirlingshire. Her work during the pandemic has earned her an MBE for reacting quickly to the restrictions and making sure that people with sensory loss were not forgotten and provided with as much support as possible. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jacquie to learn more about ...
8m Jan 12, 2021
8m
S1 Ep630: Blind Entrepreneur Goes Wild At The Lakes.
Fresh after cooking up a festive storm on BBC1's Master Chef, blind entrepreneur, tv presenter and motivational speaker Amar Latif is going Wild! On Rip Off Britain. He will be back on our tv screens on Tuesday 12th January at 9:15am, also available to catch up on iPlayer, looking at wild camping and wild swimming. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Amar to hear about his wilderness ...
7m Jan 11, 2021
7m
S1 Ep630: New Year's Honour For Goalball Champion
Emma Evans has been included in the New Year's Honours list for 2021, in recognition of her passionate support and promotion of Goalball. The MBE will recognise her creation of the UK's first Goalball team to be invited to take part in the European Super League, her tireless fund raising for the sport and her drive to get UK Civil Servants involved in the sport for visually impaired people. R...
7m Jan 11, 2021
7m
S1 Ep622: Pocket Device That Packs A Huge Accessibility Punch.
Imagine having lots of newspapers, magazines and books, on 1 device, in your pocket. Imagine you could make calls, surf the net, use GPS  along with lots more great applications? Well you can, with In Your Pocket. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Nicki Cockburn to find out how easy it is to use, for someone who is blind, and what her favourite things are about In Your Pocket. If ...
7m Jan 05, 2021
7m
S1 Ep619: British Blind Sport's Review Of The Year.
Each year, at this time, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world's largest sight loss charities. Today we speak with Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport, to find out how pandemic restrictions impacted on their work, how the team pulled together through difficult times and why 2021 is looking positive for sport and leisure activities for ...
7m Dec 29, 2020
7m
S1 Ep629: UK Sight Loss Charity's Chief Exec's Review Of 2020.
Each year we talk with Chief Executives, from some of the world's largest sight loss charities. We look back at the current year, it's highlights and challenges, and look at what's ahead in the new year. Today, RNIB Connect Radio's Steven Scott talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB. Matt talks about facing some hard times through the pandemic, a statutory enquiry and tells us why a highlight...
12m Dec 24, 2020
12m
S1 Ep628: Christmas Bake Off - Countdown’s Rachel Riley voices the Audio Description
To promote the benefits of audio description this Christmas to blind and partially sighted people and a wider audience, Countdown's Rachel Riley will be voicing the audio description for the Christmas Bake Off on Channel 4.   RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Marie Campbell from Red Bee who worked on the  audio description that Rachel Riley voiced and Sonali Rai, RNIB Broadcast a...
9m Dec 23, 2020
9m
S1 Ep627: Blind Contestant Returns To Christmas Master Chef
Earlier in 2020, Amar Latif became the first blind contestant to appear, and compete, on BBC1's Master Chef. Using accessible gadgets and cooking utensils, Amar progressed through several rounds of the show, surprising himself. Now he's been invited back to take part in a festive edition of the popular cookery show. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Amar, ahead of the broadcast, to...
7m Dec 23, 2020
7m
S1 Ep627: Panto Time, Live And Online, With Audio Description.
For many blind and partially sighted people, audio description allows them to fully enjoy the live theatre experience. The system allows them to hear, via a headset, what's going on physically on stage via a describer, who talks between the actors dialogue. However, with many performances having to move online, there is a drive to have more of the virtual offerings described. RNIB Connect Ra...
9m Dec 22, 2020
9m
S1 Ep627: Charity's Annual Weekend Goes Virtual.
With more and more gatherings taking place online, due to pandemic restrictions, many charities are embracing more accessible applications like Zoom and Teams. The virtual environment allows groups to come together for meetings, chats and even host entire days, or weekends, of fun and exciting events. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Pardy, Jessica and Fiona, from NFB UK, to find o...
8m Dec 22, 2020
8m
S1 Ep624: Guide Dogs Chief Exec's Review of 2020.
Each year, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with some of the UK's, and world's, leading sight loss charity CEOs. We look at what 2020 has had in store for the 3rd sector and ahead to 2021. Today we hear from Tom Wright, CEO of Guide Dogs, who talks about the pandemic challenge to their service, how staff rose above restrictions to support customers and why 2021 is looking brighter. h...
10m Dec 21, 2020
10m
S1 Ep624: Retailers Get Behind Sight Loss Charity's Best Practice Customer Guidance.
Pandemic restrictions have made it harder for those with sight loss to get out and about, use public transport and go shopping. As we plunged into lockdown, earlier in the year, many blind and partially sighted people found it extremely difficult to get their shopping or safely socially distance when out and about. UK sight loss charity RNIB has worked with retailers, the Cabinet Office, and ...
7m Dec 21, 2020
7m
Christmas travel rules tightened for London and South East
As new restrictions mean an end to gatherings on Christmas Day for those in London and the South East of England, Steven Scott speaks to blind man Jurgen Donaldson who is originally from Scotland but now resides in London. He was planning to be back home with his mum this Christmas but due to the new restrictions brought in that will now not be possible. (Image shows Regent Street in London wi...
9m Dec 21, 2020
9m
S1 Ep623: Oh Yes It Is!, It's Audio Described Panto Time!
National Theatre of Scotland are inviting everyone to enjoy their 21st century, panto, version of the classic tale, Rapunzel. The shows will be audio described for visually impaired theatre lovers and you can catch the performance at cinemas and online. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gillian Gourlay, NTS audio describer, to learn more about the show and what's new and exciting ab...
6m Dec 18, 2020
6m
S1 Ep626: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update: 18/12/2020
Each week the CEO of RNIB sits down to discuss the week in review and this time our Steven Scott asks Matt about the upcoming holidays, RNIB's Virtual Gifts, supermarket priority delivery slots, and the charity's services available to support blind and partially sighted people over the festive period. For more information visit: www.rnib.org.uk 
10m Dec 18, 2020
10m
S1 Ep623: Gaming Group For Blind And Partially Sighted People.
You might not think that visually impaired people could enjoy gaming on consoles, computers or Smart devices, but you'd be wrong! There are many accessibility features, tech work arounds and with smart devices and speakers, like Alexa, you can continue to battle the baddies, or challenge yourself in various scenarios. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to James Kyle, RNIB Scotland, and ...
8m Dec 17, 2020
8m
S1 Ep625: Living With Sight Loss Courses in January 2021
Are you or do you know someone who might be having difficulty with their vision? Well RNIB is here to help with telephone and online video Living With Sight Loss courses starting in January 2021.  RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Charlene Kerr-Spencer, RNIB Living With Sight Loss Coordinator to find out more about the telephone and online courses - what the courses are all about...
5m Dec 17, 2020
5m
S1 Ep622: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Reflects On 2020 And Ahead To 2021.
Each year, at this time, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world's largest sight loss charities. Today, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with John Rafferty, CEO of CNIB, about the positives around accessibility through the pandemic, challenges for their guide dog school and a positive 2021. http://www.cnib.ca #RNIBConnect Image: John Ra...
7m Dec 16, 2020
7m
S1 Ep621: Give a Virtual Gift this Christmas and support the work of the RNIB!
You could make good things happen for blind and partially sighted people this Christmas, thanks to RNIB's unique virtual gift range. By purchasing one of RNIB's life-changing virtual gifts you will help the sight loss charity provide tailored support for the two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK, including practical and emotional guidance, reading services, expert advice and...
4m Dec 16, 2020
4m
S1 Ep620: Connect Voices Round up 16 December 2020
Charlotte Jones RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. This week there are opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to help NHS Scotland with testing a new bowel screening kit and if you are a Guide Dog or Assistance Dog owner your chance to give feedback to the Department of Transport about...
5m Dec 16, 2020
5m
Ade Adepitan, Paralympian and TV Presenter champions the benefits of Smart Meters for disabled people
We have heard a lot over the years  about Smart Meters here on RNIB Connect Radio.  The results of a recent OnePoll survey  of 2,000 adults living with a disability, mental health condition, or on low income showed that certain struggles relating to  energy meters go largely unnoticed and have proven much more difficult during the pandemic.  RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chatted with Paraly...
6m Dec 14, 2020
6m
S1 Ep618: What Is Amazon's Show And Tell Feature?
This week we take a look at Amazon's new Show and Tell feature that has launched on Echo Show devices.  Steven Scott spoke to Dennis Stansbury from Amazon UK to talk about how it all works and we get a demo from Tech Talk host, Robin Christopherson. (Image shows someone holding up a small container of turmeric spice to an Amazon Echo device's camera) 
7m Dec 14, 2020
7m
S1 Ep617: US Sight Loss Charity's Review Of 2020.
Each year, at this time, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world's largest sight loss charities. Today, we talk with Chris Danielsen from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA. Chris talks about the challenges posed by pandemic restrictions, advances in accessible communications and we look ahead to a brighter 2021. http://www.nfb.org...
8m Dec 14, 2020
8m
Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update: 11/12/2020
Each week the CEO of RNIB sits down to discuss the week in review; this week Steven Scott asks Matt about an important and honourable mention to our Eye Clinic Liaison Officers in hospitals around the UK, a world record breaking attempt and how our Christmas appeal is going.
10m Dec 11, 2020
10m
S1 Ep616: Narrator Emma Powell's Books of Her Life
RNIB narrator Emma Powell whose credits include RNIB’s Read-A-Long fairytale Red and the Wolf, shares the books that have inspired her, with Connect Radio’s Red Szell.
7m Dec 10, 2020
7m
S1 Ep615: Are E-Scooters Affecting Your Journey?
Fast-moving, often silent, e-scooters are becoming ever more common, and we’ve been hearing from blind and partially sighted people whose journeys are being affected. This year is crucial. E-scooter trials are happening in some areas and the results will decide whether e-scooters are rolled out more widely. It’s essential we make the most of this chance to let politicians know if e-scooters ar...
5m Dec 09, 2020
5m