Tech Talk is one of RNIB Connect Radio’s most popular shows and podcasts.

As the team celebrate the milestone of their 200th show

Presenter Callum Stoneman spoke to Allan Russell about it’s popularity, his favourite tech and what’s on the 200th episode.

Listen to Tech Talk on Tuesday’s at 1pm, catch up on Thursday’s at 9pm or Saturday’s at 5pm.

You can also podcast the shows by searching your favourite podcast provider for RNIB Tech Talk.

#RNIBConnect
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Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.

This week Simon talks about the charity’s ECLO service and RNIB Bookshare.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk 

You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

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RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.

This time we have Birmingham Royal Ballet’s revival of Director Carlos Acosta’s 2022 production of ‘Don Quixote’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome described by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash.

About ‘Don Quixote’

In this first revival of his 2022 production Director Carlos Acosta delivers entertainment for all ages. Don Quixote introduces us to Cervantes’ famous knight himself, lovers Kitri and Basilio, and a host of supporting characters. As the Don sets out on a quest to track down his true love, with his loyal friend and servant Sancho Panza at his side, he finds himself embroiled in an unlikely adventure of love and dreams.

If you like Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, you shouldn’t miss this stunning 19th-century masterpiece, full of thrilling pas de deux, delightful music played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and much, much more!

https://www.brb.org.uk/shows/don-quixote-202

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description to look at some forthcoming events with Audio Description.

AD makes television, movies, galleries  and other arts events more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people.

This month they’re looking at Mean Girls, Here And Now and an exhibition at the Lowry.

If you'd like more information on audio described events, go to www.mindseyedescription.co.uk

#RNIBConnect
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2026 is a special year for RNIB Connect Radio presenter Aly Prince, it is the 10 year anniversary of his weekly music show, plus the 10th anniversary of his volunteering with the UK's leading sight loss charity - RNIB.

Barry Snell caught up with Aly to congratulate him on his milestone & also to reflect on some of his highlights over the past decade.

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Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.

This week Simon talks about the RNIB’s Eye Care Liaison Officers and the power of Audio Description.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.
#RNIBConnect

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RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.

This time we have a contemporary dance piece where fearless dancers summon a whirlwind of myth and magic to traditional Irish music with Dance Consortium ’MÁM’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describer Caroline Burn.

About ‘MÁM’

MÁM is international dance-theatre at its finest. Described as ‘80 minutes of ritualised ecstasy’ by The Irish Times, this visionary piece playfully and provocatively takes you on an otherworldly journey steeped in the landscape and culture of West Kerry in Ireland.

MÁM sees 12 fearless dancers summon a whirlwind of myth and magic, moved by the collaborative music making of virtuoso Irish traditional concertina player Cormac Begley and European classical contemporary collective s t a r g a z e, performed live on stage.

Nominated for an Olivier Award, MÁM has enjoyed sell-out performances at Sadler’s Wells, London and across Festivals world-wide. This rapturous production is now on its debut UK tour for Dance Consortium.

For more about the tour of Dance Consortium ‘MÁM’ do visit - https://danceconsortium.com

We know how difficult it can be for blind and partially sighted people to get that first run on the career ladder or come back into work after a break. Well one way the RNIB is helping visually impaired people to take that first step into employment or return to work is through the RNIB See Work Differently Work placement scheme.

These are paid placements for a fixed term of twelve weeks and are generally for fourteen hours per week

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Brian Murry who is currently on placement as an RNIB Community Social Action Assistant and Elaine Manson, RNIB Northern Island, Community Social Action Manager who is supporting Brian during his placement to find out what the See Work Differently Work Placement scheme is all about, why Brian wanted to apply for a placement, how things have been so far for him plus Elaine outlining what the benefits are to organisations like the RNIB and others on offering work placement places for visually impaired people.

To find out more about the RNIB See Work Differently Work Placement scheme do visit the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/equality-and-employment/see-work-differently-placement-programme/

New placements will appear from time to time on the careers pages of the RNIB website too.

The Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Falkirk, provides a wide range of services for people with varying degrees of sensory loss.

The purpose built centre is about to reach a Milestone Anniversary, with great plans to celebrate. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jacquie Winning MBE and Laura Cluxton, from Forth Valley Sensory Centre, to find out more.

For more info on the centre, go to www.forthvalleysensorycentre.org or call 01324590888

#RNIBConnect

@Allan_insight @FVSensoryCentre @RNIBScotland #Blind #PartiallySighted

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RNIB Cymru has published it’s Manifesto ahead of the forthcoming Welsh Elections, outlining how parties can help improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people in Wales.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Liz Williams, from RNIB Cymru, to hear more about the asks…

If you’d like more info on services in Wales, or would like to see the Manifesto, go to www.rnib.org.uk/cymru

#RNIBConnect

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Folk and Roots presenter Aly prince has now been volunteering with RNIB and making his weekly music programme for 10 years. 

An incredible milestone. Barry Snell caught up with him to chat about his time presenting and volunteering with the UK's leading sight loss charity - RNIB.

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Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by some of RNIB Northern Ireland’s Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re working on.

This month’s topics include Active Travel, Disability Strategy and accessible voting. 

If you’d like to find out more, or get involved in campaigning, email campaignsni@rnib.org.uk

#RNIBConnect
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Following on from the great success of the first Lived Experience Leadership Conference which brought many blind and partially sighted people together to shape stronger leadership within the sight loss sector from people with first hand lived experience of sight loss the conference is back for 2026. 

The Lived Experience Leadership Conference 2026: Resilience Reimagined takes place from 25 to 26 March 2026 at Conference Aston in Birmingham.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by David Aldwinckle, RNIB’s Director of Insight for a look back on the first Lived Experience Leadership conference went and an overview of what will be happening during this year’s conference too.

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RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.

This time we have a very powerful play with ‘Please Do Not Touch’ in the Patrick studio at the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Burn.

About ‘Please Do Not Touch’

“They will tell you that legal and illegal are the same as right and wrong. And I’ve told you that you only have to sit still for a moment and watch the pieces move to see what a lie that is.”

Mason is an activist who explores historic houses on TikTok to uncover the true stories behind the objects that lie within. After an incident with a Somali Afro comb, he is wrongly imprisoned in a Young Offender Institution. Can he find a way to survive this ordeal and navigate how to keep speaking up when everything is designed to silence him?

Written by former Birmingham Poet Laureate Casey Bailey and directed by award-winning theatre maker, Gail Babb – ‘Please Do Not Touch’ asks important questions about colonial legacy and contested heritage whilst shining a light on the criminal justice system.

For more about ‘Please Do Not Touch’ do visit China Plate Theatre Company’s website - https://chinaplatetheatre.com/whats-on/current/please-do-not-touch/

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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

Back to RNIB NI Tech Fair where Chair of Trustees at RNIB, Anna Tylor, shared some highlights from the day, why she loves audiobooks and a recommendation.

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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

VI student Georgia is using her thesis to learn how educational professionals can better support future VI students.

Amelia spoke to her to learn more and also find out who can participate in her work.

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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

Amelia caught up with RNIB NI’s Laura Cummings for her reflections on the day.
 
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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

Amelia speaks to NaviLens about their work in NI, the different applications for Navilens and how they keep user’s data safe.
 
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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

Now Amelia speaks to well-known local Shirley about what the day has offered her and her brother, and her desire for payment plans for accessible tech and a local hub.
 
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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

What is the My Care and how is it making health information more accessible for people in Northern Ireland?

Amelia spoke to the app team to learn more.
 
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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

Richard Moore is back again to tell Amelia about being the CEO of a charity and why he loves volunteering for radio.
 
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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

Richard Moore talks to Amelia at the NI Tech Fair now about the tech that makes a difference to his everyday life.
 
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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

Ruairí McHugh, The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, visited the RNIB NI Tech Fair, here’s Amelia speaking about life for blind and partially sighted people in the city.
 
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Ahead of the first performance of '(We Indulge In) A Bit Of Roll Play' we gathered some of the team for a candid talk about Sexuality, Disability and showing this on stage.

Join Amelia in conversation with blind Counsellor and Disability Consultant Sally Clay, Intimacy Co-ordinator Vanessa Cofey, and Audio Describer Emma-Jane McHenry as they discuss how they're worked together.

Catch (We Induge In) A Bit Of Roll Play at Glasgow's Tramway on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 February at 7.30pm, or Saturday 21 February at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Learn more on the Tramway Website - Birds of Paradise Theatre Company - (We indulge in) a bit of roll play

RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

Our Amelia was there and caught up with tech volunteer Jason about why he enjoys volunteering for RNIB.
 
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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

Our Amelia Hilton was there and spoke to local sight loss organisation, Angel Eyes, about how they support young people.
 
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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

Our Amelia was there and caught up with Tech Talk host Jackie Brown about what she’s excited about in the day ahead.
 
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RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.

Our Amelia was there and spoke with RNIB Northern Ireland Director Robert Shilladay to learn more about the day’s offerings and key areas they are focussing on.
 
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Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.

This week Simon talks about accessible voting, Access To Work and RNIB Talking Books 90th anniversary.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk 

You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

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Join Jonathan in the glamorous Porto Montegro and old city of Kotor.

Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.

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RNIB is creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to gain practical experience. Hywel Davies caught up with Mohammed and Sharon to share their experiences of the ‘See Work Differently’ scheme.

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The Royal Ballet and Opera House in London continue their access programme with up-coming audio described performances and touch tours for blind and partially sighted people of the Royal Ballet’s revival of Glen Tetley’s 60’s cult classic Pierrot Lunaire.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Deirdre Chapman, Rehearsal Director at The Royal Ballet and Audio Describer Alice Gilmour for some background to the revival of Pierrot Lunaire and how this classic work of dance that blends both modern and classical ballet set to Schoenberg slightly challenging score is being brought to life on stage with description for visually impaired people.

There are three audio described performances of Pierrot Lunaire on Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 and Tuesday 17 February all at 7.45pm with a touch tour prior to the performance on Thursday 12 February at 6.45pm and the performance on Tuesday 17 February is also a relaxed performance too. 

To book your tickets for the audio described performances of Pierrot Lunaire do either email boxoffice@roh.org.uk or telephone the Box Office on 020 7304 4000.  

Do be aware that if you look for tickets for the dates of the audio described performances online the website might indicate that the performances are fully booked out as currently the booking system does not show the allocated seats set aside for blind and partially sighted people.  

For more about access at The Royal Ballet and Opera House do visit - 
https://www.rbo.org.uk/visit/access-at-rbo

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The Eye Believe Podcast is a collective of blind and partially sighted individuals from different cultural backgrounds coming together to discuss and share their unique experiences of sight loss on a range of powerful topics from their own personal perspectives along with how the community around them sees them as visually impaired people.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Ashrafia Choudhury, the founder of Eye Believe, to find out more about how Eye Believe came about and the set up of the podcast, some examples of the topics that have been covered in the podcast, what Ashrafia would like people to come away with after catching the Eye Believe Podcast on RNIB Connect Radio and how the podcast has helped to change attitudes to sight loss within her community too. 

The first episode of the Eye Believe Podcast will be broadcast on RNIB Connect Radio on Tuesday 17 February at 7pm, repeated Saturday 21 February at 8pm with future episodes going out on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm and repeated on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 8pm.

You can subscribe to the Eye Believe Podcast by searching for ‘Eye Believe BlindPod’ on Spotify, follow EyeBeleiveBlindPod on Instagram and to reach Ashrafia and the rest of the collective behind the podcast do email eyebelieve12@gmail.com.   

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RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, for a look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.

This week Simon chats settling into his new position as RNIB Chief Executive, engaging with RNIB staff, and what work he'll focus on over the coming months.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

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RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.

This week we are looking at what might be someones first experience of theatre with two great family shows, Robin Hood at the Birmingham Hippodrome and Aladdin at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to find out how a pantomime comes to live with AD for an accessible experience that can be shared with the whole family too.

About Robin Hood - 

The ultimate sheriff-busting pantomime extravaganza.

Join TV fashionista, DJ and radio star Gok Wan as Gok Scarlet, Birmingham panto favourite Matt Slack as Robin Hood, Faye Tozer as Maid Marion and Matt Cardle as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. The all star line-up is completed by Andrew Ryan as Henrietta Hood, Sandra Marvin as The Spirit of Sherwood, and pantomime royalty Christopher Biggins who makes a special appearance as King Richard.

With stunning scenery and dazzling costumes direct from The London Palladium, Robin Hood promises all the ingredients of a perfect pantomime: laugh-out-loud comedy, bundles of audience participation, astonishing special effects, and plenty of boos and hisses for the whole family to enjoy.

About Aladdin - 

Join Aladdin on a spectacular quest from humble beginnings to riches beyond his wildest dreams! With a magical lamp, the help of a trusty genie and three wishes, only he can take on the evil sorcerer Abanazar! Can he conquer the cave of wonders and who will win the heart of the princess in the most spellbinding battle of good versus evil!?

Join West End leading lady Zoe Birkett (Pop Idol/Moulin Rouge The Musical/The Bodyguard) as Spirit of the Ring, Michael Greco (EastEnders/The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) as the evil Abanazar and CBeebies’ Ben Cajee as Aladdin in the ultimate pantomime adventure for all the family!

Returning favourites Tam Ryan (Wishee Washee) and Ian Adams (Widow Twankey) are joined by Wolverhampton’s own Sofie Anné as Princess Jasmine, West End star Duane Gooden as the Genie and panto legend Ian Billings as The Notary!

Bees are buzzing and Grey Herons are with us! Amelia returns to explore the many celebrations in February and share some returning friends from nature.

Learn more about the nature you can enjoy each month on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity 

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Two students from Canada are working on a device that can detect scaffolding and tree branches to make travelling easier for blind and partially sighted people.

Amelia spoke to Jack Redberger and Jay Koidhis to learn more.

Email Jack and Jay at proximitypal@itas.ca

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Based in Northern Ireland and looking for a social, tech-themed day? The RNIB tech fair is free to attend and takes place in Londonderry on Wednesday 11th of February.

Amelia spoke with Jo Kenny to learn more.

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Jack Marshall, a blind man from Stoke-on-Trent who has moderate hearing loss has recently picked up his degree certificate in Computer Science and Music Production at Keele University’s winter graduation ceremony and hopes that his story of going through mainstream and specialist education will help to inspire other blind and partially sighted people to achieve their goals in life. 

When Jack was born he was diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity and also has some moderate hearing loss too. He went through mainstream education up to A-levels, then went on to the Royal National College for the Blind, where he got into computers and music which encouraged him to go on to Keele University to study Computer Science and Music Production.

Jack explains to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about how he wants to use his story and experiences of going through education and graduating with his degree to encourage other blind and partially sighted people to not let barriers get in the way of achieving their goals in life whatever that might be.

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Join Jonathan Abro on a memorable river jouney and beachfront hotel stay in Monetenegro.

Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.

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‘Your Stories’ brings together objects from Glasgow Life Museum’s collection with personal stories from community curators. Community members from RNIB Scotland came together to select items that resonated with them and shaped the final display by sharing their own experiences, memories and perspectives alongside the objects.

Amelia spoke to community curator Krishna about how radio and audiobooks ehance his life.

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‘Your Stories’ brings together objects from Glasgow Life Museum’s collection with personal stories from community curators. Community members from RNIB Scotland came together to select items that resonated with them and shaped the final display by sharing their own experiences, memories and perspectives alongside the objects.

Amelia spoke to community curator Terry about which objects were meaningful for him.

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‘Your Stories’ brings together objects from Glasgow Life Museum’s collection with personal stories from community curators. Community members from RNIB Scotland came together to select items that resonated with them and shaped the final display by sharing their own experiences, memories and perspectives alongside the objects.

Amelia spoke to RNIB Community Coordinator, Conor Joseph and Head of Glasgow Life Museums & Collections, Jane Rowlands to learn more about their collaboration.

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RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell learns how RNIB is creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to gain some work experience. 

He spoke with RNIB's Nigel Townley and Devin Adams to learn how the work placement in Edinburgh is helping her build confidence.

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Now for the next in our regular slots here on RNIB Connect Radio highlighting what is on offer at the National Theatre in London for blind and partially sighted people with audio description.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined again by David Bellwood, Head of Access at the National Theatre to chat about a few up-coming audio described shows at the NT and a couple that are available online with audio description via NT at home.

Audio described performances included: 

‘The Playboy of the Western World’ Friday 20 February, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National’s Littleton Theatre.

‘Man and Boy’ Saturday 28 February 1.30pm, touch tour 11.30am, National’s Dorfman Theatre.

‘Summer Folk’ Saturday 4 April 2pm, touch tour 12noon and Monday 20 April 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National’s Olivier Theatre.

From NT at home with audio description David recommended ‘The Land of the Living’ and ‘A Tupperware of Ashes’.

To find out more about the National Theatre’s audio description offer and services for blind and partially sighted people do either call the NT on 020 7452 3961 or visit the NT website - https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

And for more about NT at home and to view many theatre productions online with audio description do visit - https://www.ntathome.com

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RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for another audio described theatre reviews.

This week we have the spectacular musical ‘Miss Saigon’ as the current new UK and Ireland touring production visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description by Professional Audio Describer.

Join Jonathan Abro as he crosses from Albania into Montenegro and makes some suprise friends.

Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.

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An update on the VocalEyes Describing Heritage: Co-creating Access Project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with the input of blind and partially sighted people from a number of Thomas Pocklington Trust Sight Loss Councils, will explore through the co-creation of audio description in 10 heritage hubs across the country, ways of improving access to museums, galleries and heritage sites for visually impaired people.

Now that the 10 museum hubs for the project have been confirmed with workshops at the hubs due to start in March RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Lindsay Bywood, VocalEyes Describing Heritage Project manager for an update on the project, a run down of the 10 museum hubs that have been confirmed, news about the up-coming workshops plus how blind and partially sighted people will be very much at the heart of the project and co-creating the audio descriptions.

To find out more about the Describing Heritage project and more on audio description of the arts do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk

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RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. 

Following the event, Hubert spoke to Lucy Merritt from Thomas Pocklington Trust to find out more about a framework which is in place to help provide an understanding of support for children and young people with vision impairment. 

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RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. 

Our Hubert attended the event at RNIB's Grimaldi Building and spoke to some of the young people who provided their lived experience of education support with sight loss.

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RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould OBE MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. 

Following the event, Hubert managed to catch up with the Schools Minister.

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RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the first of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025.

This week we have Tom Wells’ magical new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s powerful and darkly funny story ‘the BFG’ (Big Friendly Giant) at the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) with description by Professional Audio Describers Gethyn Edwards and Ellie Packer.  

About ‘The BFG'

One extraordinary night, a young orphan named Sophie is snatched by a giant and taken far away to Giant Country.

There she learns that human-eating giants are guzzling 'norphans' the world over. But she soon discovers that her new friend, the BFG, is different – he's a dream-catching, snozzcumber-munching gentle soul who refuses to eat humans.

While other giants wreak havoc on the world, the BFG ignites Sophie's imagination, and they devise a daring plan to save children everywhere. In the end, the smallest human bean and the gentlest giant prove that a dream can change the world.

Gather your chiddlers to see Roald Dahl’s powerful and darkly funny story, packed full of frobscottle and whizzpoppers. Tom Wells’ magical new adaptation is directed by RSC Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans, whose previous productions include Quiz, South Pacific and Our Generation.

There will be a further audio described performance of ‘The BFG’ on Wednesday 28 January at 7.15pm. 

For more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company including details about audio described performances of their productions do visit - https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access

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RNIB Scotland is back with their popular accessible explorations of Glasgow museums. 

Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Community Coordinator, Conor Joseph, about their plans for this year and their upcoming visit to Riverside Museum.

Visually Impaired comedian Jake Donaldson has a new show about nostalgia, sight loss and his boyhood dream of joining the band Weezer.

Amelia learned more about the show ahead of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

Book Tickets for the Glasgow International COmedy Festival date at 9 pm on Friday 13th March here - Jake Donaldson: The Fifth Weezer - Glasgow International Comedy Festival

Learn more about Jake on his website - Jake Donaldson Comedy - Listen on YouTube, Spotify - Linktree

Let’s talk gaming and how you can get involved in accessible gaming with other blind and partially sighted people. David Hogg has more.

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Simon Antrobus is the new Chief Executive of UK sight loss charity, RNIB.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sat down with Simon to learn more about his career, so far, his thoughts on the charity’s direction and how he switches off from the day job.

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RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for a look back over some great theatre shows he saw in 2025 with audio description as well as some highlights of productions that Vidar is looking forward to seeing in 2026.

Don’t forget to catch Vidar’s regular audio described theatre reviews on RNIB Connect Radio or via this podcast channel. 

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Join Jonathan as he continues exploring the Balkans by bus, stopping at the modern city of Shkodër.

He learns more about the community came together after a dark period of history.

Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.

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The Motability Foundation and UK sight loss charity RNIB, are collaborating on several research projects to improve the independent mobility of blind and partially sighted people.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to John Worsfold, RNIB, and Nicola Gampell, Motability Foundation, to learn more about the work and it’s goals.

If you’d like to learn more about the research, go to www.rnib.org.uk/motability-foundation or www.future-journeys.com

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How can you reconnect with the people you care about? 

VI Counsellor Sally Clay spoke to Amelia about reasons distance can happen and ways you can come back together.

Listen to Good Company on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7pm and 1st Sunday of each month at 8pm.

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Inclusive Farm offers opportunities for people with disability and difference to gain skills in Agriculture.

Amelia spoke to blind farmer and CEO, Mike Duxbury, for an update on their Aberdeenshire farm and their plans for 2026.

Learn more on the Inclusive Farm website - Inclusive Farm | Cultivating Ideas for Growth

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Army veteran Clive Jones has recently become an MBE. He shares his story with David Hogg and what it was like to receive the honour.

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Join Jonathan as he continues exploring the Balkans by bus, taking a chaotic journey to the 'city of windows' and exploring impactful museums.

Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.

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The government has announced a new NHS online hospital service is being launched in England next year. It will focus on nine health conditions, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Amelia spoke to RNIB Head of Policy, Mike Wordingham, to learn about what this means for blind and partially sighted people in England.

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Learn more on the NHS England website - NHS England » Menopause and prostate conditions prioritised for NHS’s new online hospital

Researchers in Jordan are exploring health-related wellbeing and sleep quality among visually impaired people.

Amelia spoke to one of the researchers, Dr.Hisham Jammal, to learn what they discovered and how it will impact support for blind and partially sighted people.

Read 'Jammal, H. M., Khader, Y., Kanaan, S. F., Al-Dwairi, R., Mohidat, H., Al-Omari, R., … Al Bdour, M. The Effect of Visual Impairment and Its Severity on Vision-Related and Health-Related Quality of Life in Jordan: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (2023).' here - https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S431159

Read 'Jammal, H.M., Khader, Y., Almhdawi, K. et al. Association between visual impairment and sleep quality: A cross-sectional, comparative study of severity, eye conditions, and risk factors. Eye (2025)' here - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-025-04150-0

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Join globe-trotter Jonathan Abro as he reflects on some of his most memorable journeys around the world. Through great music picks and conversation with Amelia Hilton, he shares joyful, moving and exhilarating stories from his travels.

The music in this podcast has been shortened from the original broadcast for rights reasons.

Listen to Jonathan's travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break with Hubert Pawelkiewicz from 12 noon to 1 pm.

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