S2 Ep1056: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Monthly Campaigns Update 28/03/25
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio speak to some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re working on. This month’s topics include local elections and potential changes to Access to Work and PIP. If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved , email campaigns@rnib.org.uk (mailto:campaigns@rnib.org.uk) You can visit rnib.org.uk/news or call our ...
11m Mar 28, 2025
11m
S2 Ep1058: RNIB Connect / CEO Forum - Andrea Midgen, Blind Low Vision New Zealand
Following on from the RNIB Inclusive Design for sustainability Conference in Glasgow a number of Chief Executives from blind and partially sighted organisations who were attending the conference met up with RNIB Chief Executive Matt Stringer to discuss topics that visually impaired people face across the world. RNIB connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Andrea Midgen, CEO, Blind Low Vision...
3m Mar 27, 2025
3m
S2 Ep1057: CEO Forum Diane Bergeron Head of International Partnerships CNIB TX
RNIB recently hosted a global forum involving leaders from the sight loss arena from around the world. Yvonne Milne spoke to Diane Bergeron from CNIB, a sight loss organisation in Canada, to find out what was being discussed. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Con...
8m Mar 27, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1055: Still The Hours at Hampton Court Palace an Audio Immersive Experience
‘Still The Hours’ is a brand-new, hour long after hours promenade audio-led experience at Hampton Court Palace for International Women’s History Month. Through this richly layered soundscape you will hear echos from the women who lived or worked in the palace from a suffragette to a mistress, and from a queen to a maid. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Claire Doherty MBE, Writer...
13m Mar 26, 2025
13m
Christine Lawler, Guide Communicator, Deafblind Scotland.
Would you like to find out all about Deafblind Scotland’s Guide Communicator Service? Well, Jennifer Murray chats to Guide Communicator Christine Lawler to find out more. If you would like to learn more about Deafblind Scotland's Guide Communicator Service, you can reach out to Deafblind Scotland in any of the following ways: Website: Home | Deafblind Scotland (https://www.dbscotland.org.uk/...
6m Mar 26, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1053: What Happens At An Audio Described Theatre Performance?
A visit to the theatre should be an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Hywel Davies has been hearing how a theatre company in South Wales is using audio description to make performances more accessible for blind and partially sighted visitors. To watch Theatr Iolo's video on audio description, visit their YouTube channel - Find out what happens at a Theatr Iolo audio described performa...
8m Mar 26, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1050: RNIB Research Explores Being A Mother With Sight Loss
RNIB’s Insight team have conducted research to learn what it means to be a mother who is blind or partially sighted. Amelia spoke to Lily Bond from the RNIB Customer Insight Team and research participant Paula to learn more... Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘C...
8m Mar 26, 2025
8m
Paul Cunningham, Sight Loss Story.
Jennifer Murray chats to Paul Cunningham to learn about his sight loss story and to hear about his life despite Paul being visually impaired. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
5m Mar 25, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1052: Braille and Beyond Library Tour Arrives in Swansea
As we celebrate 200 years since the invention of braille, RNIB’s Braille and Beyond Library Tour continues its journey across the UK. On Tuesday 25th March the Tour arrived in Swansea and we spoke with Lara Marshall, RNIB's Libraries Engagement Manager. To find out more about the Braille and Beyond Library Tour and where it's heading next visit: Braille and Beyond Library Tour | RNIB (https:/...
7m Mar 25, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1051: Bradley McKnight Releases New Track - All I Need
Bradley McKnight is a young blind musician, writer, performer and producer who has already had an EP out of some of his songs and his new track ‘All I need’ will be released on 28 March 2025 via YouTube and all the other streaming channels. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey recently caught up with Bradly to find out more about how he got into music, how easy writing, recording, producing and pub...
8m Mar 25, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1051: A Visit to the UK by Ukraine Health and Education Professionals to Help Support Visually Impaired People in Ukraine
Birmingham City University (BCU) recently welcomed a delegation of health and education professionals from Ukraine as part of a World Health Foundation project looking at improving treatment options for soldiers with complex eye injuries. The visit to BCU and other institutions across the UK, supported by Blind Veterans UK, allowed the University to demonstrate the valuable role it is playing ...
15m Mar 25, 2025
15m
S2 Ep1049: Take On The Great Outdoors With VICTA
There’s a Canoe and Camping expedition this summer that promises to help blind and partially sighted young people to get off-grid and find their inner bear Grylls. Hywel Davies has been finding out more. For more information on the Canoe and Camping expedition, visit the VICTA website - 14-17 Woodland Wilderness Canoe & Camp Expedition - VICTA (https://www.victa.org.uk/victa-calendar/14-17-woo...
4m Mar 24, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1025: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 22/03/25
Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we sit down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt began by reflecting on the very successful RNIB Inclusive Design for Sustainability conference in Glasgow at the Glasgow Science Centre from Monday 17  to Tuesday 18 March, then to Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Minister announce...
6m Mar 22, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1048: Scotrail On Launching The Blind Companion Pilot
The Blind Companion Card Scheme pilot is launching on the 1st April, where blind and partially sighted will be able to travel with a companion without charge. Amelia went along to the launch event at Anniesland Station in Glasgow to speak to Sight Scotland, Scotrail and MSP Kaukab Stewart. Here she is speaking with a representative for Scotrail. Learn more about the pilot on the Sight Scotla...
3m Mar 21, 2025
3m
S2 Ep1047: Sight Scotland CEO On Scotrail Blind Companion Pilot
The Blind Companion Card Scheme pilot is launching on the 1st April, where blind and partially sighted will be able to travel with a companion without charge. Amelia went along to the launch at Anniesland Station in Glasgow and spoke to Sight Scotland CEO Craig Spalding about how the charity led the policy development. Learn more about the pilot on the Sight Scotland website - Fair Rail Campa...
5m Mar 21, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1046: How Will Scotrail Blind Companion Pilot Impact People With Sight Loss?
The Blind Companion Card Scheme pilot is launching on the 1st April, where 8000 blind and partially sighted will be able to travel with a companion without charge. Amelia went along to the launch at Anniesland Station in Glasgow to speak to Sight Scotland, Scotrail and MSP Kaukab Stewart. Here she is with Colette Walker, Co-Chair of The Sight Scotland Policy Group, about her involvement in th...
4m Mar 21, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1045: Minister for Equalities Launches Scotrail Blind Companion Pilot
The Blind Companion Card Scheme pilot is launching on the 1st April, where 8000 blind and partially sighted will be able to travel with a companion without charge. Amelia went along to the launch at Anniesland Station in Glasgow to speak to Sight Scotland, Scotrail and MSP Kaukab Stewart. Here she is speaking with minister. Learn more about the pilot on the Sight Scotland website - Fair Rail...
5m Mar 21, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1044: IDS Conference 2025 Day 2 - Closing Speech
RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference took place over two days at the Glasgow Science Centre. With the closing speech here's RNIB Scotland Director James Adams. Hear all audio from the conference here: Audioboom / Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference 2025 (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4635719-inclusive-design-for-sustainability-conference-2025) Image des...
2m Mar 21, 2025
2m
S2 Ep1043: IDS Conference 2025 Day 2 – End of Conference Reflections
As RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference came to an end in Glasgow it was time for closing reflections. Returning to the stage for his final thoughts on the event and its importance was Dr Aubrey Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations. Hear all audio from the conference here: Audioboom / Inclusive Design for Sustainability Confer...
19m Mar 21, 2025
19m
S2 Ep1042: IDS Conference 2025 Day 2 – Health & Technology
The Health & Technology session took place on day two of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. Ever-increasing health demands allied with the development of new technologies, is driving innovation in the health sector. Demand for ophthalmology services has never been higher. Technologies developed to improve patient outcomes across the Eye Care Support Pathway can mak...
50m Mar 21, 2025
50m
S2 Ep1041: IDS Conference 2025 Day 2 – Leisure & Entertainment
Leisure & Entertainment session took place on day two of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. Work - life balance is a topic which is widely debated in today’s society. Changes in the world of work, couple with the impact of the global pandemic have created a much more fluid distinction between work life and home life. Leisure is integral to this societal shift, and ...
45m Mar 21, 2025
45m
S2 Ep1041: IDS Conference 2025 Day 2 – Inclusive Environments
Inclusive Environments session took place on day two of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. While personal smart technologies might offer a solution for independent mobility, the importance of accessible and inclusive infrastructure can’t be underestimated. Whether it’s road, rail, air, or ferry travel, inclusive design is a critical component in creating more equit...
43m Mar 21, 2025
43m
S2 Ep1040: IDS Conference 2025 Day 2 – The Mobility Challenge
The Mobility Challenge session took place on day two of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. Every research study and insight piece confirms the critical role of mobility as an ingredient for independence and confidence. From getting around your local area through to more complex navigation, mobility remains a significant challenge for blind and partially sighted peo...
54m Mar 21, 2025
54m
S2 Ep1039: IDS Conference 2025 Day 2 – International Innovation
The International Innovation session took place on day two of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. More than ever, we are all living in an international world. From technological innovation through to social media, international collaboration has never had greater importance. With 80% of the people with disabilities living in the Global South, there is an increasing ...
59m Mar 20, 2025
59m
S2 Ep1039: IDS Conference 2025 Day 2 – Student Innovation Presentations
During RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference, university students were invited to take part in an inclusive design challenge. Find out what they came up with as students from Heriot-Watt University, Abartay University, and University of Glasgow present their ideas. Hear all audio from the conference here: Audioboom / Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference 2025...
29m Mar 20, 2025
29m
S2 Ep1038: IDS Conference 2025 Day 2 – Unlocking Human Potential: Stories about AI and Wearables
On day two, session Unlocking Human Potential: Stories about AI and Wearables took place at RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. It was lead by Agustya Mehta, Director of Reality Labs Hardware Engineering at Meta. Hear all audio from the conference here: Audioboom / Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference 2025 (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4635719-inclusi...
34m Mar 20, 2025
34m
S2 Ep1037: IDS Conference 2025 Day 2 – Welcome Back With RNIB’s Matt Stringer
Earlier this week, RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference returned to Glasgow for an exciting two-day event. We began day two with a welcome from RNIB’s Chief Executive, Matt Stringer. Hear all audio from the conference here: Audioboom / Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference 2025 (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4635719-inclusive-design-for-sustainability-con...
6m Mar 20, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1036: IDS Conference 2025 Day 1 - Closing Remarks
And closing day one of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference is Linda Rogers, Chief Technology Officer at RNIB. Hear all audio from the conference here: Audioboom / Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference 2025 (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4635719-inclusive-design-for-sustainability-conference-2025) Image description: A dramatic, angled shot of an empty stag...
2m Mar 20, 2025
2m
S2 Ep1036: IDS Conference 2025 Day 1 - Pushing the Boundaries and Discovering New Horizons
The Pushing the Boundaries and Discovering New Horizons session from day one of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. Dr Wanda Díaz-Merced has advanced the field of sonification—turning data into sound—making astrophysics more accessible and inclusive. In this session, she will discuss her experiences in leadership and space exploration. Hear all audio from the confe...
28m Mar 20, 2025
28m
S2 Ep1035: IDS Conference 2025 Day 1 - Shaping the Future: Robotics
Shaping the Future: Robotics session from day one of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. In recent years we’ve seen robotics moving towards becoming a mainstream consumer technology. From automatous lawn mowers to wet and dry household vacuums, through to the development of assistive robots such as the robot guide dog, clearly there is huge potential for robotics to...
44m Mar 20, 2025
44m
S2 Ep1034: IDS Conference 2025 Day 1 - Innovation and Braille
Innovation and Braille session from day one of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. Fostering innovation to improve independent living of those who are blind or have low vision and the importance of the braille writing system in 2025 and for the future. We will also hear about Campus Louis Braille, a centre of innovation at global level. Speaking on the topic were T...
12m Mar 20, 2025
12m
S2 Ep1033: IDS Conference 2025 Day 1 - Shaping the Future: AI
The Shaping the Future: AI session from day one of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. The advancement of artificial intelligence across many aspects of life seems almost inescapable. In this session we will capture the advancement of generative AI, and the journey through to the advent of multi-modal artificial intelligence. We will consider the impacts for learnin...
45m Mar 20, 2025
45m
Issy McGrath, Sight Loss Story
Issy McGrath is the chair of the board of Trustees for Deafblind Scotland. Jennifer Murray chats to Issy to find out about her life as well as coping with both hearing and sight loss. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written...
9m Mar 20, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1032: IDS Conference 2025 Day 1 - Building for Everyone: What's new in Google Accessibility and Why co-design Matters?
Building for everyone: What's new in Google accessibility and why co-design matters session from day one of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. Listen and gain valuable knowledge about the critical role of co-design in building accessible products. This presentation will also delve into the latest accessibility features and improvements across a diverse range of Goo...
33m Mar 20, 2025
33m
S2 Ep1031: IDS Conference 2025 Day 1 -The Global Digital Compact with Marc Workman
Earlier this week, RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference returned to Glasgow for an exciting two-day event. Marc Workman, Chief Executive of World Blind Union, makes a case for international efforts and the impact they can have on local advocacy when it comes to accessibility and inclusion. Hear all audio from the conference here: Audioboom / Inclusive Design for Sust...
26m Mar 20, 2025
26m
S2 Ep1030: IDS Conference 2025 Day 1 -Setting the Global Context with Dr Aubrey Webson
Earlier this week, RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference returned to Glasgow for an exciting two-day event. Dr Aubrey Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, helps set the global context for accessibility and inclusion on day one of the event. Hear all audio from the conference here: Audioboom / Inclusive Design for Sustainabilit...
25m Mar 20, 2025
25m
S2 Ep1029: IDS Conference 2025 Day 1 - Welcome
Earlier this week, RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference returned to Glasgow for an exciting two-day event. We begin with a warm welcome from RNIB Scotland Director James Adams, and Bailie Martha Wardrop. Hear all audio from the conference here: Audioboom / Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference 2025 (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4635719-inclusive-design-fo...
6m Mar 20, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1027: UK Sight Loss Charity Reflects On Government Welfare Green Paper
UK sight loss charity, RNIB, has given its initial thoughts on the Government’s Green Paper, which aims to save Billions of pounds from the welfare budget. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Jacklin, from RNIB, to discuss the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment, Access To Work, Work Capability Assessments and more. Image description: The RNIB logo. "RNIB" written...
9m Mar 20, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1024: IDS Conference 2025 – Visual Eyes Afrika International
We are talking Inclusive Design For Sustainability Conference once again, and this time, focusing on International collaboration. As Hubert speaks to Molemisi Kono, CEO and Founder of Visual Eyes Afrika International. Image description: Hubert interviews Molemisi. They're siting at a round table with big glass windows and a view onto Clyde river behind them, Hubert is on the left holding up a...
6m Mar 18, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1024: IDS Conference 2025 - Marc Workman, Chief Executive World Blind Union
At the RNIB Inclusive Design For Sustainability Conference in Glasgow, Toby Davey caught up with Marc Workman, Chief Executive of the World Blind Union to find out more about the Global Digital Compact. Image shows Toby and Marc chatting at the IDS Conference. Marc is holding his white cane and Toby is holding a microphone and wearing heaphones
8m Mar 18, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1024: IDS Conference 2025 – Peter Osborne
Time once again to hear from the Inclusive Design For Sustainability Conference, where Hubert had a chat with Peter Osborne, from Guide Dogs. Image description: A dramatic, angled shot of an empty stage. At the front a pink podium reads "RNIB Scotland, Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference." Behind, a line of grey chairs awaits experts for the panel discussions and a large pink IMAX s...
5m Mar 18, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1024: IDS Conference 2025 – Linda Rogers From RNIB
We return to Glasgow now and the inclusive Design For Sustainability Conference, where Hubert had a chat to RNIB’s very own chief technology officer, Linda Rogers. Image description: A dramatic, angled shot of an empty stage. At the front a pink podium reads "RNIB Scotland, Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference." Behind, a line of grey chairs awaits experts for the panel discussions a...
6m Mar 18, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1026: IDS Conference 2025 - University of Glasgow Students
On Tuesday 18th of March, The Lunch Break was broadcasting live from the Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference in Glasgow. Toby Davey interviewed The University of Glasgow Engineering students Megan and Shurnjeet about their experience of the event and their views on accessible design. Image Description: Megan and Shurnjeet sit in front of a bright yellow microphone with big studio h...
5m Mar 18, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1023: IDS Conference 2025 - GoodMaps
Going back to the inclusive design for sustainability conference in Glasgow, and this time Hubert has been talking navigation with Neil Barnfather from GoodMaps. Image description: Exterior shot of the Glasgow Science Centre with its half-dome silver roof, glass front and the observation tower behind. At the front, a large video screen shows a pink background with white text: “RNIB Scotland, I...
6m Mar 18, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1023: IDS Conference 2025 - Demo Of WeWalk Smart Cane
What is it like to use a smart cane? Dr Jean Marc Feghali from WeWalk gives us a demo of their latest product. Image description: Jean Marc poses for a photo inside the Tech Marketplace. He has short dark hair, a bit of stubble and is smiling as he holds up the smart cane close to his face. The smart cane has a long dark handle with tactile buttons on it and a grey cap at the very top of the ...
2m Mar 18, 2025
2m
S2 Ep1023: IDS Conference 2025 - Dr Jean Marc Feghali from WeWalk
More from the big tech and accessibility conference in Glasgow, here’s Tech Talk’s Callum Stoneman chatting with Dr Jean Marc Feghali from WeWalk. Image description: Jean Marc poses for a photo inside the Tech Marketplace. He has short dark hair, a bit of stubble and is smiling. He's holding up the WeWalk smart cane and is wearing a light button down shirt underneath a dark open jacket.
6m Mar 18, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1023: IDS Conference 2025- Meta Glasses Demo
A particular piece of technology has been getting a fair bit of buzz recently due to some nifty accessibility features. With a little demo at the big tech conference in Glasgow, here’s Hubert. Image description: A close up on the glasses as Hubert holds them up and in front of him. Funky neon strips light up the background.
3m Mar 18, 2025
3m
S2 Ep1023: IDS Conference 2025 - Robbie The Robot Guide Dog
Back to the inclusive design for sustainability conference, where Hubert got to find out more about the interesting robot guide dog, and even got to try it out for himself. Image Description: Robbie the robot guide dog strikes a good boy pose for a photo in the Tech Marketplace during the conference. He's a smartly designed silver robot with long bendy legs, slim cameras on top of his head and...
5m Mar 18, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1026: IDS Conference 2025 - Natalie Curran
On Tuesday 18th of March, The Lunch Break was broadcasting live from the Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference in Glasgow. Toby Davey interviewed two students from University of Glasgow about their experience of the event and their views on accessible design. Image description: A dramatic, angled shot of an empty stage. At the front a pink podium reads "RNIB Scotland, Inclusive Desig...
5m Mar 18, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1028: IDS Conference 2025 - "Tech Talk" Guys Chat Day 2 Of Conference
On Tuesday 18th of March, The Daily Connect show was broadcasting live from the Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference in Glasgow. During the show, we invited Tech Talk's Callum Stoneman and Hubert Pawelkiewicz to talk all things technology and accessibility. Image Description: Huber and Callum pose for a photo during the show. Hubert is on the left and has a light blue button up shir...
8m Mar 18, 2025
8m