S1 Ep540: What's Available With Braille?
For this year's National Braille Week our Steven Scott has been finding out what's available with braille through the RNIB Shop. Steven spoke with RNIB's Customer Experience Manager Dave Williams. For RNIB shop go to: https://shop.rnib.org.uk/ or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 
6m Oct 07, 2020
6m
S1 Ep538: RNIB'S Transcription Services Are Here To Help
Barry Snell chats too Gill, Mac and Andrew from RNIB’s Transcription Centre in Ivybridge, to learn more about the service and the different formats which are currently available. The team also to discuss the recent transcribing of a poetry book, written by volunteer Mac, which illustrates the service available to anyone with sight loss. The Personal Transcription team at Ivybridge offer advice...
7m Oct 06, 2020
7m
S1 Ep537: In Your Pocket Device, Improves Independent Mobility.
The In Your Pocket device brings a whole host of applications, via a simple to use piece of equipment, to blind and partially sighted people of all ages. Using your voice, you can make calls, join Zoom meetings, read the days newspapers and magazines, navigate outdoors and much more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to, guide dog  owner, Stephanie Sergeant to find out why she loves In...
3m Oct 06, 2020
3m
S1 Ep535: Visionary UK And Beacon Vision Championing Safe Social Care.
The delivery of social care in care homes, or in the community, has many challenges due to Covid-19 restrictions. When you add sight loss into the mix, of those requiring care, the challenge to provide a safe and professional service increases. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Fiona Sandford, from Visionary UK, and Lisa Cowley, from Beacon Vision, to find out how charities are shar...
10m Oct 05, 2020
10m
S1 Ep536: Social Distancing Wearables On Sale Now
For those with visual impairments, or hidden disabilities, getting out and about, while trying to social distance, can be difficult and challenging. In response to calls for some kind of wearable identifiers, to help the public recognise that someone may have difficulty social distancing, RNIB and the Hidden Disabilities Store have teamed up to launch some new products. RNIB Connect Radio's A...
8m Oct 05, 2020
8m
S1 Ep534: Take Part In Exciting New Research Into Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration.
Professor Paulo Stanga, from the London Vision Clinic, is working on a global research study to look at the causes, and new treatments, for Dry AMD, one of the biggest causes of sight loss in the UK. He is looking for people with the condition to get in touch and take part in the ground breaking work. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Professor Stanga to learn more about the work, i...
7m Oct 02, 2020
7m
S1 Ep534: RNIB Chief Exec's Weekly Update 02/10/2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by Matt Stringer, RNIB's CEO, to talk about some of the latest news coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week there's news on Braille Lego, the Give Me Space project, fund raising and work towards better collaborative working for some of the UK's biggest sight loss charities. http://www.rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image: Matt String...
9m Oct 02, 2020
9m
S1 Ep533: Music Box Celebrates Black History Month
Barry Snell chats to Music Box presenter Sandra Gayer, who is marking this year's Black History Month with four special programmes. Click below to find out more more about Music Box on RNIB Connect Radio https://www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk/music-box.html
6m Oct 01, 2020
6m
S1 Ep532: Cinemas Safely Supporting Visually Impaired People Back To Audio Described Movies.
Many cinemas, across the UK, are opening their doors once again to welcome us back to enjoy the big screen movie experience. That return, though, has to be done in a safe and socially distanced manner, to protect the health and wellbeing of customers and staff. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to James Connor, from Cinema UK, and Calum Corser, from Odeon, to find out how cinemas can h...
7m Oct 01, 2020
7m
S1 Ep532: UK Equalities Act Is 10 Years Old.
The Equalities Act came into force on the 1st of October 2010 and gave anyone who felt discriminated against, in a wide range of circumstances, a way of standing up for their rights. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anita Marshall, from RNIB's Legal Rights Service, to learn more about the act and how blind and partially sighted people can use it to help them stand up to instances of...
6m Oct 01, 2020
6m
S1 Ep530: Steps Back To Audio Description In UK Theatres.
Some theatres, around the UK, have started to host performances inside venues once again, making sure that safety around Covid-19 is a top priority. For many blind and partially sighted visitors, audio description, is vital for the enjoyment of the visual performance, until now this has been through online shows. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, to...
8m Sep 30, 2020
8m
S1 Ep530: New Research Looks At Diabetic Retinopathy And Covid-19.
Fight For Sight UK is a charity which fund raises in order to award grants in the field of sight loss research. A new project is now underway looking at Diabetic Retinopathy and any links to Covid-19 that could increase further effects on the body for someone with the sight loss condition. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dr Neha Issar-Brown, from Fight For Sight UK, to learn more ...
7m Sep 30, 2020
7m
S1 Ep531: Red Szell discusses Lego Braille Bricks
Morten Bonde is a senior artistic director at The Lego Group.  He spoke to Red Szell on Read On recently about his book ‘Sentenced to Blindness’, his struggle to come to terms with sight loss and how he regained his positivity. During that discussion they also chatted about Morten's joy in becoming the spokesperson for the new Lego braille bricks project.
8m Sep 29, 2020
8m
S1 Ep529: The Blind Poet performs for National Poetry Day
Dave Steele ‘The Blind Poet’ has written a poem especially for RNIB Connect Radio to mark National Poetry Day and to reassure BVI listeners facing stricter lockdown measures that they have the strength to get through. He performs the poem for the first time and exclusively on RNIB Connect Radio.
5m Sep 29, 2020
5m
S1 Ep528: Senedd Member Takes Up The Marathon Mates Challenge.
Senedd member, Mark Isherwood MS and his case worker, Toby Jones have taken up the Marathon Mates challenge, from sight loss charity RNIB. The fund raising event asks you to pair up with a friend, you don't have to be in the same place, and, between you, cover a marathon distance of 26.2 miles. You don't have to do it in one go either, the distance can be run over the month of September. RNI...
5m Sep 29, 2020
5m
Lego Braille Bricks & the importance of learning through play
Last year the Lego Foundation teamed up with charities around the globe including RNIB to promote the importance of learning through play. The organisation's latest venture is Lego Braille Bricks, a new concept of play based methodology that aims to teach braille to children who are blind or have a visual impairment. RNIB are the sole distributor of Lego Braille Bricks in the UK.  Steven Scot...
7m Sep 28, 2020
7m
S1 Ep527: Covid-19 advice for Higher Education Establishments With Visually Impaired Students.
The Thomas Pocklington Trust has put together some best practice advice and guidance for universities to support them in providing the best safe working environment for blind and partially sighted students. Current restrictions have made it challenging for students with sight loss to attend lectures, navigate campus areas or use online resources. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ta...
5m Sep 28, 2020
5m
S1 Ep527: Charities Collaborate On visual impairment survey.
RNIB, Guide Dogs and The Thomas Pocklington Trust are collaborating on an in depth survey on the lives of blind and partially sighted people in the UK. They are looking for anyone with a form of sight loss to get involved and help shape the future work of the whole sector. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Hilary Ingleton, from RNIB, to learn more about the work and how the public c...
5m Sep 28, 2020
5m
S1 Ep526: Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 25/09/20
Each week, we catch up with RNIB CEO Matt Stringer to hear about some of the latest news to come from the UK leading sight loss charity. This week Matt spoke with our Steven Scott and they chat changes in restrictions nationwide, Social Distancing Indicators (wearable accessories), National Eye Health Week, and whether it's still warm enough to wear shorts. For more information about RNIB and...
16m Sep 25, 2020
16m
S1 Ep525: Did You Know About RNIB's Talk and Support Service?
Barry Snell chats with RNIB’s counselling and wellbeing team leader Ruth Williams about RNIB's Talk and Support befriending groups. These groups help people socialise by phone or online, for friendship and peer support in small groups. To learn more about RNIB's Talk and Support befriending groups please visit https://www.rnib.org.uk/sight-loss-advice/talk-and-support Or call 0303 123 9999 ...
5m Sep 25, 2020
5m
National Eye Health Week: Optometrists & Covid-19
As part of National Eye Health Week, Steven Scott sat down with optometrist Bill Harvey to discuss how remote working is helping him continue to look after his patients. He also discusses his work with supporting people with learning disabilities and how even Covid-19 is not stopping him carrying out his work.
14m Sep 23, 2020
14m
S1 Ep524: Connect Voices Round Up 23rd September
Barry Snell talks to RNIB’s National Involvement Coordinator Charlotte Jones who has the results from a recent Tech Talk survey, plus more opportunities for people with sight loss to get involved in. For more information about RNIB's Connect Voices visit: http://www.rnib.org.uk/rnibconnect/connect-voices (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background a...
6m Sep 23, 2020
6m
S1 Ep523: Campaigning Makes High Street Safer.
When a London council and Transport For London decided to introduce a shared space area to a local high street, there were concerns over pedestrian safety. Dr Amit Patel, a local guide dog owner, was worried about a courtesy crossing that would replace a traffic light crossing, as it required the pedestrian to make eye contact with drivers to indicate their wish to cross in front of them. Wit...
6m Sep 23, 2020
6m
S1 Ep521: RNIB NI Summer Camp
RNIB Northern Ireland recently ran a 4 day summer camp, virtually, due to Covid-19 restrictions. The event had live and recorded events with many opportunities for blind and partially sighted children, and their families, to learn new skills, meet new friends and have lots of fun. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Meagher, from RNIB Northern Ireland, to learn more about the c...
6m Sep 22, 2020
6m
S1 Ep522: National Eye Health Week & World Alzheimer's Day.
September 21st 2020 is not only World Alzheimer's Day but it's also National Eye Health Week and there is a connection between good eye health and a better quality of life for those with Alzheimer's. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to June Neil, from RNIB, and Barbara Sharp, from Alzheimer's Scotland. They discussed the collaborative work between the 2 organisations and the resources...
8m Sep 21, 2020
8m
S1 Ep520: National Eye Health Week, Sali Davies of Optometry Wales.
Sali Davies, Chief Executive of Optometry Wales, spoke to RNIB Cymru for National Eye Health Week, telling them what she would like people to be aware of at at this time. Photo is RNIB Cymru logo.
6m Sep 21, 2020
6m
Marathon Mates - The Last Stretch
There's still time to get involved with RNIB's new virtual marathon called Marathon Mates. RNIB Connect Radio presenter and producer Allan Russell took part alongside his daughter Laura. Find out how he got on and how much he has raised so far in his interview with Steven Scott. https://marathonmates.rnib.org.uk/ Photograph shows the lower half of some marathon runners running on an asphalt ...
7m Sep 18, 2020
7m
S1 Ep519: Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 18/09/2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell and RNIB CEO Matt Stringer talk about some of the latest news to come from the UK sight loss charity. This week they discuss the staff return to the London HQ, a Marathon Mates fund raising update and  Matt's thoughts on the Booker Prize and his disappointment that one of his favourite author's is, shockingly, not included in the short list. http:...
7m Sep 18, 2020
7m
S1 Ep519: National Eye Health Week Focus on Northern Ireland.
National Eye Care Week encourages us to make sure we get our eyes tested regularly to keep our sight in tip top shape and to pick up any treatable conditions early. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Catherine Hamilton, from Telford Opticians and Optomise Eyecare, to learn more about safety procedures in Northern Ireland, the ability to have eye care at home, or virtually, and why reg...
7m Sep 18, 2020
7m
S1 Ep518: National Eye Health Week - Looking After Our Kids' Eyes
National Eye Health Week runs this year from the 21st till 27th of September and the awareness campaign aims to inspire and educate people on the importance of eye health and why they should go for regular sight tests. RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Karen Hirst from RNIB’s Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) team to get the best advice around our kid’s eye health and a...
8m Sep 17, 2020
8m
Just See Me, a poem by Suzanne Clarke
We know listeners to RNIB Connect Radio really value hearing other people's lived experiences of sight loss; that's why today we are so glad to bring you the voice of Suzanne Clarke, a former nurse who now lives with a visual impairment. She wanted to share her life story with us and did so through poetry. Here's Suzanne's story.
5m Sep 17, 2020
5m
S1 Ep517: National Eye Health Week Advice For Scotland.
National Eye Health Week starts on the 21st of September 2020 and encourages everyone to look after their eye health and get regular eye checks. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Julie Mosgrove, Vice Chair of Optometry Scotland, to learn more about the advice in place for people in Scotland and to reassure people about the procedures in place to protect everyone from Covid-19. If yo...
5m Sep 17, 2020
5m
S1 Ep515: National Eye Health Week, Ballu Patel, Community Development Office, BAME
Ballu Patel talks about a new relationship with his counterparts in other charities and what they are hoping to achieve, beginning with National Eye Health Week.   Photo is of RNIB logo.
6m Sep 17, 2020
6m
S1 Ep515: National Eye Health Week - Country Director of RNIB Cymru, Ansley Workman
During National Eye Health Week, Ansley Workman, Country Director for Wales talks about looking after yourself, staying healthy and how this will help your eye health. Photo of RNIB Cymru logo.
5m Sep 17, 2020
5m
S1 Ep514: National Eye Health Week - Macular Clinic Praised
RNIB Committee Member Elaine Orwin would like to thank the staff at the Macular Clinic at the Mater hospital in Belfast for going above and beyond to help people with sight loss, especially since the outbreak of Coronavirus. She is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell.
7m Sep 17, 2020
7m
S1 Ep513: National Eye Health Week - Louise Gow RNIB
For National Eye Health week, Optometrist and Specialist Lead in Eye Health at RNIB, Louise Gow, spoke to Robert Kirkwood about the importance of eye tests, diet, and the 20/20/20 rule.
9m Sep 17, 2020
9m
S1 Ep516: National Eye Health Week & World Alzheimer's Day.
September 21st 2020 is not only World Alzheimer's Day but it's also National Eye Health Week and there is a connection between good eye health and a better quality of life for those with Alzheimer's. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to June Neil, from RNIB, and Barbara Sharp, from Alzheimer's Scotland. They discussed the collaborative work between the 2 organisations and the resources...
8m Sep 17, 2020
8m
S1 Ep512: Best Practice Guide Gives Retailers Confidence Supporting Visually Impaired Customers.
Sight loss charity RNIB has created a Best Practice Guide for several commercial sectors, assisting them to provide a safe and welcoming service while Covid-19 restrictions exist. The guidance is evolving to include new sectors, as restrictions and social distancing rules change. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gareth Davies, from RNIB, and Daniel Donnelly, from the Federation of ...
8m Sep 16, 2020
8m
S1 Ep512: Accessible Exam Win For UK Sight Loss Charity.
UK sight loss charity RNIB have collaborated with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to support the family of a blind child, excluded from taking the 11+ exam. The family contacted the charity after their child was unable to sit the test, to attend a local grammar school, because papers were not in an alternative format. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Caireen Sutherl...
6m Sep 16, 2020
6m
S1 Ep511: Sport Gets More Accessible.
Having a kick about with a football, shooting some basketball hoops or even running or jogging with a friend is all good for our physical and mental health. That's why RNIB has added some new high quality items to it's online shop. They include a brand new audible football, audible basketball and running tether. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David Clarke, from RNIB, who is hims...
5m Sep 15, 2020
5m
S1 Ep511: Scottish Government Postpones E Scooter Trials.
Around the UK, there are calls for trials, on our streets, of E-Scooters to improve public mobility during lockdown and to aid social distancing on public transport. Trials have not gone well in England, with complaints of dangerous and underage use on pavements and even in a shopping centre. RNIB has been campaigning for tighter guidelines and monitoring of any trials but, so far, the Scotti...
6m Sep 15, 2020
6m
S1 Ep510: British Blind Sport's New Youth Advisory Panel, Interested In Joining?
British Blind Sport are taking part in National Fitness Day, 23rd of September 2020, with a host of online, accessible, classes for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. They're also launching their Youth Advisory Panel and are looking for visually impaired young people, from across the UK, to get involved. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David Melville and Kian Saville,...
5m Sep 14, 2020
5m
Remember A Charity Week Celebrated By Some Familiar Faces
This week is Remember A Charity Week and some familiar faces are joining the campaign to raise awareness of the value of leaving a legacy to your favourite charity. Makers of The Wombles classic TV show have put together a special one-off animation to support the week; one of the character voices in the film is TV presenter Ross King. He told the Director of the Remember A Charity organisation...
8m Sep 11, 2020
8m
S1 Ep509: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 11/09/2020.
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell and RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer, get together to look at some of the latest news coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week we find out how both are getting on with their Marathon Mates challenge, news on campaigns around E-scooters, pavement parking in England and why #RememberACharityWeek is so important. http://www.rnib.org.uk/legacies #RNIB...
8m Sep 11, 2020
8m
S1 Ep508: Connect Voices Round Up 9th September
Connect Voices is your way to get involved in RNIB’s work, helping shape what we do. Barry Snell caught up with RNIB’s Clare Aldworth to find out the the latest opportunities that blind and partially sighted people can get involved with. For more information about Connect Voices visit: http://www.rnib.org.uk/rnibconnect/connect-voices
7m Sep 11, 2020
7m
S1 Ep507: Accessible Educational Titles For Blind & Partially Sighted Students Of All Ages.
With more and more pupils and students, of all ages, returning to study, getting educational books in accessible formats is vital. RNIB's, free, Book Share service has 600,000 titles, and growing, that can be sent out in a variety of formats. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Stacy Scott, from RNIB Book Share, to hear more about the service and the, free and accessible, app that all...
6m Sep 10, 2020
6m
S1 Ep506: Old Friends join us to remind you to Remember A Charity this week.
RNIB’s Head of Legacy Fundraising Lorna McPherson Reid tells RNIB Connect Radio’s Red Szell about the importance of remembering the charity in your will, reveals how you can do so for free, and introduces some old friends who will be helping with this year’s campaign.
7m Sep 09, 2020
7m
S1 Ep505: Leave A Small Gift To RNIB In Your Will
Remember A Charity Week is an annual event when many charitable organisations ask the public to consider leaving a legacy in their will. After looking after your family and friends, would you consider leaving something to a deserving cause? Barry Snell spoke with RNIB's Senior Legacy Income Manager Daniel Pepper, who discusses some of the current difficulties RNIB are facing and why this year...
7m Sep 08, 2020
7m
S1 Ep504: Jan Teams Up For RNIB Fund Raiser.
September 2020 will see people hit the streets with their walking mates, jogging mates or even running mates, to raise funds for RNIB. Covid-19 restrictions has meant that events like the London Marathon and Great North Run have been cancelled, with many charities seeing a drop in fund raising for their vital services. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jan Donnelly to find out why s...
4m Sep 07, 2020
4m
S1 Ep504: New Social distancing And Sighted Guiding Guidance For Visually Impaired People In Northern Ireland.
The UK Government, along with the devolved nations, have released new guidance, in collaboration with charities like RNIB, to support blind and partially sighted people. The relaxing of lockdown has thrown up some barriers for visually impaired people and it is hoped that these new documents can help resolve problems with independent mobility and getting out and about. RNIB Connect Radio's Al...
7m Sep 07, 2020
7m