S1 Ep503: Remember A Charity Week 2020.
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? With Covid-19 halting many fund raising events, vital services are being negatively impacted at a time when there is a greater demand on the 3rd sector. ...
7m Sep 07, 2020
7m
S1 Ep504: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 5th September 2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer. They discuss some of the latest news to come from the charity and encourage people to get involved with projects and campaigns. This week there's news on 2 collaborations for a new accessible washing machine and tv.  We hear how RNIB has worked with the devolved nations, and UK Government, to clarify rules arou...
8m Sep 05, 2020
8m
S1 Ep502: General Optical Council Needs Your Help.
The General Optical Council (GOC) is the body which oversees the standards for training, qualification and ongoing good practice for dispensing opticians and optometrists. They are looking to make changes to their standards and are seeking the views, opinions and suggestions of members of the public, in order to maintain high standards of training and safety within the profession. RNIB Connec...
6m Sep 04, 2020
6m
S1 Ep502: New Guidance For Sighted Guiding In England.
The relaxing of lockdown rules and social distancing guidelines has meant that many of us can get out and about more and more. This, however, has thrown up some barriers for the independent mobility of blind and partially sighted people, who may sometimes require extra guiding in places like shops or train stations. RNIB has been campaigning, with other charities, for the creation of regulate...
6m Sep 04, 2020
6m
S1 Ep501: Master Chef's First Blind Contestant.
When Amar Latif was first asked to appear on BBC's Master Chef programme, he felt that, as a blind person, it was something he couldn't take part in. After some thought however, he accepted the challenge and went further than he, or others, thought possible. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Amar to hear about his experience and his desire to change people's outdated attitudes and s...
8m Sep 03, 2020
8m
S1 Ep501: Back On Course For Disability Golf.
Many of us can once again get back to the driving range or get in a round of golf, adhering to social distancing rules of course. The same can be said for golfers with disabilities, including those who are blind or partially sighted. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales, from Scottish Disability Golf and Curling, to hear about their programme of events and their offer of free...
6m Sep 03, 2020
6m
S1 Ep500: Is Careers Advice Failing Visually Impaired Students?
Supporting pupils and students to make the right career choices is a vital part of our education system, helping plan courses at school, college, university and beyond. It seems however, if you are blind or partially sighted, that support may not be tailored correctly to your needs. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gareth Brydon, from Thomas Pocklington Trust, to learn more about t...
7m Sep 02, 2020
7m
Does wearing glasses increase the risk of spreading germs?
If you’re one of the 45-million people in the UK who wears glasses then you’re much more likely to touch your face when you’re wearing a mask, according to new research. This can of course lead to the higher risk of catching COVID-19. Eight out of ten spec wearers say they touch their face because their mask has caused their glasses to fog up. So what can we do to stop this from happening? St...
6m Sep 01, 2020
6m
S1 Ep499: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 28 Aug 2020.
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, RNIB's CEO. They take a look at some of the organisation's latest work and projects. This week there's news on the top 3 things customers are asking for help with, accessible tech becoming more common and news on fund raising. http://www.rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image: Matt Stringer, RNIB's CEO.
9m Aug 28, 2020
9m
S1 Ep498: Lord Blunkett On Lockdown And Social Distancing.
Lockdown and social distancing have thrown up some, perhaps, unintentional, barriers for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lord Blunkett to find out how he, as a blind person, is learning new technology, encouraging visually impaired people not to stay indoors and what support should be offered by government to the 3rd sector. #RNIBConnect
13m Aug 27, 2020
13m
S1 Ep498: Social Distancing Advice If You Are Visually Impaired.
With many people taking advantage of more relaxed rules on lockdown, it seems we can once again get out and about on the streets and on public transport. However, if you are blind or partially sighted , this might not be the case because of new barriers and access problems. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sally Clay to find out what problems, and solutions, she has come across as ...
6m Aug 27, 2020
6m
Help with gadgets from the RNIB Technology For Life team
Technology can seem daunting for anyone who hasn't used it but for someone who is blind there are so many new things to learn that many are put off.  RNIB's Technology for Life service can offer much needed support for those thinking about buying a new smartphone or perhaps needing help to set one up. Steven Scott spoke to Jo Fullerton from RNIB to find out more about the service.  The RNIB H...
9m Aug 27, 2020
9m
S1 Ep497: World Championships Coming To Birmingham.
The IBSA World Games are an international multi-sport event, which take place every four years. organized by the International Blind Sports Federation, they will see some of the best blind and partially sighted athletes compete at elite levels. There will also be Paralympic qualifiers for B1 Men's and Women's football plus the partially sighted footy team on top of the 11 games which will dra...
6m Aug 26, 2020
6m
Rising Phoenix - telling the story of Paralympic champions
A new documentary has landed on Netflix telling the story of the Paralympics through the voices of those who compete.  Steven Scott talked to one of the producers, Greg Nugent, to find out more about Rising Phoenix.
12m Aug 26, 2020
12m
S1 Ep495: LEGO Launch Braille Bricks
The LEGO Foundation recently launched Braille Bricks - a playful tool to teach Braille to blind and visually impaired children around the globe. Barry Snell spoke with LEGO Foundations Stine Storm and RNIB’s David Clarke to find out more. {image: A close up photograph showing the hands of three children who are playing with LEGO's Braille Bricks, on the floor. Each of the children have differ...
7m Aug 25, 2020
7m
Gyms and swimming pools to reopen across Scotland
With the news that Scotland will join other parts of the UK from 31st August and reopen gyms and swimming pools, one listener to RNIB Connect Radio is more than pleased.  Rae Walker from South Lanarkshire talks to Steven Scott about her plans getting back into the water, as well as other exercise regimes. image: photograph of a full sized indoor swimming pool, taken from one end, looking to t...
9m Aug 25, 2020
9m
Essential Help with Smartphones from the RNIB
If you are new to blindness the idea of using technology might seem daunting; this was certainly the case for Carol Nash, who is 63 from Portobello in Scotland. After a visit from an RNIB Technology for Life volunteer however, her views changed and she now says her smartphone is the most important thing in her life. She spoke to Steven Scott to explain her story. Image: a cartoon mobile phon...
9m Aug 24, 2020
9m
S1 Ep494: Scottish Government's New Eye Health Care Guidance.
The Scottish Government has worked with stake holders, like RNIB Scotland, to create accessible information around it's latest advice on eye health care. The guidance is for anyone who attends regular appointments, has a sight concern or even an eye emergency. The information also looks at any concerns that people may have around Covid-19, when it comes to visiting an optician or hospital. R...
8m Aug 24, 2020
8m
S1 Ep494: Big Jump Will Make A Big Difference!
It's that time again for one of RNIB's most exhilarating fund raisers, The Big Jump. You can make the leap of faith with an experienced instructor and raise vital funds for the UK sight loss charity, and anyone can get involved. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Nell Bliss, from RNIB, to find out more about the challenge and Louise told us why she's getting involved. http://www.rni...
5m Aug 24, 2020
5m
Dave Steele - The Blind Poet on Poetry Workshops
There’s a poetry workshop that can help you deal with the confusion of the coronavirus outbreak. Dave Steele spoke to Red Szell.
6m Aug 21, 2020
6m
The Voice-Controlled Smart Device Designed for those with Sight Loss
In Your Pocket is a device that can help you access newspapers, books and more all by the power of your voice. It is also able to connect to a wide range of devices to make your listening experience more personal to you. Roger Wilson-Hinds is a blind man from Peterborough who has been using In Your Pocket for the last two years and told Steven Scott how he is using it on a daily basis. For mo...
11m Aug 20, 2020
11m
S1 Ep493: Radio 4 Time, For That Funny Blind Guy.
Jamie MacDonald started out studying law, moved to finance and now the blind Scot is a renowned comedian and writer. During lockdown though, live stand up comedy has suffered badly with venues being unable to open, comedians have been finding it hard to find an audience and make a living. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jamie to find out about his love of comedy, coping with lockd...
8m Aug 18, 2020
8m
S1 Ep493: Financial Advice For Visually Impaired Students Heading To University.
Heading off to university can be a daunting time for anyone, so having the right financial advice is crucial. What grants are available for living costs or study costs? what's the best bank account? What about part-time work or student loan management? These are just some of the questions that blind and partially sighted students will be able to get help with, from Thomas Pocklington Trust. ...
7m Aug 18, 2020
7m
S1 Ep492: Missed Appointments Could Lead To Sight Loss
Despite the changes and restrictions brought on by coronavirus, it is still essential to look after your eye health.  We spoke with Helen Devonport, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, about the decline in attendance to eye appointments and why it’s important to not miss them.  Helen spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew. And remember...
7m Aug 14, 2020
7m
S1 Ep491: Blind Adventurer's Challenge Heads For TV.
Listeners to RNIB Connect Radio will be familiar with our resident book worm, adventurer and presenter, Red Szell. Did you know that he's an avid mountaineer, despite being blind, and has taken on some of the most challenging climbs? BBC Scotland will be showing a programme on Friday 14th August 2020 at 8:30pm, called Blind Vision, and of course it will be audio described. RNIB Connect Radio...
9m Aug 14, 2020
9m
S1 Ep490: Connect Voices Round Up 12th August
Connect Voices is your way to get involved in RNIB's work, helping shape what the charity does. Barry Snell spoke with RNIB National Involvement Coordinator Charlotte Jones to find out what the latest opportunities and also how you can get involved with Connect Voices. For more information about Connect Voices visit: http://www.rnib.org.uk/rnibconnect/connect-voices
7m Aug 13, 2020
7m
S1 Ep488: More Audio Described Arts Delights.
With more arts and theatre venues turning to streaming and online hosting of productions and collections, we take a look at the growing number that are including Audio Description for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell regularly talks with Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, for an update on the latest offerings. This time there's a photographic exhibition, t...
7m Aug 13, 2020
7m
S1 Ep489: Lockdown Easing Throws up Barriers.
As many areas start to relax lockdown rules and ease restrictions, we're getting opportunities to get out and about despite the new normal. Unfortunately, even with easing, there are some unintentional barriers going up if you are blind or partially sighted. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Toby Davey, a guide dog owner, to find out if things are easier for him to get out, or if th...
6m Aug 13, 2020
6m
S1 Ep487: It's Playtime For Visually Impaired Youngsters.
British Blind Sport have been able to extend their First Steps programme nationally, thanks to a grant from BBC's Children In Need. The project provides a fun pack and support for blind and partially sighted youngsters aged 3 to 11 years old. There's loads to get active about and there's lots of help and encouragement for parents, in fact for the whole family! RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russ...
6m Aug 12, 2020
6m
S1: Facing A Second Lockdown
Richard and Amanda Foster are a blind couple from Aberdeen who are currently under Government lockdown restrictions.  Normally both outgoing and sociable this second lockdown has come as a bit of a shock.  RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell spoke to them to find out how they are coping, how RNIB are helping them to stay connected and also about their concerns for the future.
7m Aug 11, 2020
7m
S1 Ep485: Councillor's Concerns Around Easing Of Restrictions For Visually Impaired People.
As many lockdown restrictions ease, at different stages, across the UK, can  the freedoms it allows be embraced by blind and partially sighted people too?  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Stonehaven Councillor Dennis Robertson, who is himself blind, to find out if the relaxation of some rules have any hidden, or unintended, barriers for people with sight loss. http://www.rnib.org....
8m Aug 11, 2020
8m
S1 Ep484: Can Braille Be Used For Shorthand Notes?
Many people will be familiar with the shorthand method of taking notes, using symbols and parts of characters to write sentences etc. Did you know that there is a Braille version for this? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Kate Pounds, who with the help of an RNIB book from the sixties, has adapted the system for modern note taking. http://www.rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image: E to ...
7m Aug 10, 2020
7m
S1 Ep484: Charity's CEO Weekly Update, 8th Aug 2020.
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, Chief Exec of RNIB, to hear more about the sight loss charity's work and projects. This week they discuss customer worries, a thank you from the UK government, a new Chair for the charity and who is ready for Marathon Mates? Go to http://www.marathonmates.rnib.org.uk for more info, or to join. If you would like advice, su...
11m Aug 08, 2020
11m
S1 Ep491: RNIB Chief Exec's Weekly Round Up, 14 August 2020.
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer. They talk about the latest news from the UK sight loss organisation, on a variety of topics. This week we hear about new builds in Surrey, how the commercial sector is embracing RNIB's advice and would you rather run a half marathon or throw yourself out of a plane? If your looking for advice, support or infor...
8m Aug 07, 2020
8m
S1 Ep483: Virtual Camp For Visually Impaired Kids And Families.
With lockdown halting lots of outdoor events and group activities, RNIB Northern Ireland have had to go digital for this year's Summer Camp. The 4 day event is packed with fun activities and fantastic learning opportunities for blind and partially sighted children, young people and their families. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Meagher, from RNIB Northern Ireland, to hear ...
5m Aug 07, 2020
5m
S1 Ep482: More Social Distancing Wins For Sight Loss Charity.
The RNIB has been working with Government and partners in the public, private and 3rd sectors to improve safety and independence for blind and partially sighted people during lockdown. Social distancing, in particular, has proved to be a big challenge, in many aspects of life, for those with sight loss, leading to the charity's #WorldUpsideDown campaign. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spo...
7m Aug 06, 2020
7m
S1 Ep482: Eat Out To Help Out.
The UK Government is running the Eat Out To Help Out scheme to help the hospitality industry, which has been one of the hardest hit through lockdown.   It means that customers can get a discount on their food and non alcoholic drinks at certain locations, helping registered businesses generate much needed income. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Nikki Sanders, from HMRC, to learn m...
5m Aug 06, 2020
5m
New Free Newspaper for Young Braille Users
Three young people with vision impairment from Cambridgeshire have developed a free newspaper for young braille users.   Lexy Ryan aged 16, Theo Holroyd, aged 13, and Ellie Clark aged 9, set up The Tactile Times to help bring young people with vision impairment together, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. The trio, who are all blind since birth, have been learning braille from a yo...
8m Aug 05, 2020
8m
S1 Ep481: Social Distancing Advice for Commerce And Visually Impaired People.
Lockdown is easing, at different stages, across the UK but for blind and partially sighted people there are further barriers to independent mobility. RNIB launched it's #WorldUpsideDown campaign on London's world famous Piccadilly Lights to make all of us stop and think. How can sighted members of the public and shop staff help visually impaired people socially distance and keep places safe f...
5m Aug 04, 2020
5m
S1 Ep480: Digital Platforms Help Charity Support People With Sight Loss.
The RNIB is dedicated to improving the every day lives of blind and partially sighted people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether your someone who has lived with sight loss, for a long time, or if you have been newly diagnosed, there is a huge amount of support and advice on a vast range of topics. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Richard Craig, from RNIB Northern Ireland, to hear ...
7m Aug 03, 2020
7m
Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 31st July
This week Steven Scott sits down with CEO of RNIB Matt Stringer to talk about the easing of lockdown and how that will affect RNIB services. Also we hear how Eye Clinic Liaison Officers are getting back to work and how we can all get fit and have fun raising money for RNIB 
17m Jul 31, 2020
17m
S1 Ep479: Learn More With 'Chats About Apps'
There’s a new podcast that can help answer all your app questions thanks to a collaboration between RNIB’s Older People and Complex Needs Team and RNIB’s Technology for Life Team. We spoke with Linzi Sansum from RNIB’s Older People and Complex Needs Team to find out more. Linzi spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew. To listen to the podcast visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/health-so...
4m Jul 31, 2020
4m
Braille lessons over Zoom
The Braillists' Foundation was set up to bring people together to share their experience and knowledge of braille.  The group offers podcasts, classes and more on the subject.  Founder Dave Williams told Steven Scott more about it.
5m Jul 30, 2020
5m
S1 Ep478: Connect Voices 29th July
Barry Snell chats to RNIB’s National Involvement Coordinator Charlotte Jones to learn about the latest ways blind and partially sighted people can get involved and help shape RNIB's decision making. Find out how you can get involved in RNIB research into accessible smart meters and also how to get involved in helping Sky test a new version of Now TV on an Apple TV device. www.rnib.org.uk (htt...
6m Jul 29, 2020
6m
S1 Ep477: Blind Celebrity Whips Up Master Chef.
Amar Latif will be familiar to BBC viewers for his shows on travel and to many holidaymakers, around the globe, for his company Traveleyes. The business brings together sighted and visually impaired people and takes them on a wide range of holidays around the globe. This time Amar has been trying out his skills in the Celebrity Master Chef kitchen, with some surprising results from his team. ...
7m Jul 29, 2020
7m
Who'll be your Marathon Mate?
Ever thought about doing a marathon to raise funds for a charity, but been daunted by the thought of running 26.2 miles? Now RNIB is inviting you to double up with a partner or friend, and split the distance.   Introducing the 'Marathon Mates' challenge, where you can pair up and run the distance of a marathon between the two of you during September. One such participant is RNIB Connect Radi...
7m Jul 28, 2020
7m
The simple talking smart phone for visually impaired people
In Your Pocket is a revolutionary device that lets you access RNIB Talking Books, podcasts, internet radio and more just by using your voice. There are also apps you can summon by speech such as Be My Eyes and magnification without needing to learn difficult swipes and gestures. Brendan Lewis from RealSam, the makers of In Your Pocket, spoke to Steven Scott to talk about how the product can he...
10m Jul 27, 2020
10m
S1 Ep475: Charities Collaborate To Make Leisure Facilities Accessible.
With the further easing of lockdown restrictions, many leisure facilities, gyms and sports clubs are once again welcoming the public back. However, there are social distancing restrictions and new hygiene regulations in place to protect our health, which means that there are new ways of working out or taking part in sports again. This has further accessibility implications, and indeed barrier...
7m Jul 24, 2020
7m
S1 Ep475: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 24 July.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to hear about the latest news from the UK sight loss charity. This week they're talking about how the RNIB goes forward from lockdown, news about the online shop, the transition of another school and residential facility and a reminder about our fantastic fund raiser, Marathon Mates. http://www.rnib.org.uk h...
8m Jul 24, 2020
8m
S1 Ep476: Face Coverings
Face coverings are mandatory from 24th July in shops and supermarkets, Basil spoke to John from RNIB Campaigns to find out the charities stance on them. 
4m Jul 23, 2020
4m