S2 Ep654: Before And After Coal At The National Galleries Of Scotland
You can enjoy an AD tour and art discussion of the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) from the comfort of your own home. This month’s session focuses on the exhibition 'Before and After Coal | Images and Voices from Scotland’s Mining Communities' Amelia learned more about the session from Meg Faragher. The session takes place on Zoom, on Wednesday 21st August from 2 to 3.30 pm. Learn more...
9m Aug 06, 2024
9m
S2 Ep657: Eisteddfod 2024 - RNIB Welsh Language Office Thomas Hughes
The Eisteddfod is Europe’s largest cultural festival, a week-long celebration of Welsh language and culture. Hywel Davies has been there to catch up with events on the maes. Image: In Ynysangharad Park, between green grass below and grey clouds above are large red letters which spell out ' Eisteddfod'.
6m Aug 05, 2024
6m
S2 Ep656: Sex Education Accessibility with Sex Ed Matters
Did you miss out on Sex Education because it wasn’t taught in an accessible way? Amelia talked to charity Sex Ed Matters about the barriers blind and partially sighted people face in the classroom, misconceptions they experience when dating and why representation matters. Here she is in conversation with Sex Ed Matters Co-Founder, Laura Coryton MBE, and VI Facilitator, Georgia Bondi. Learn m...
20m Aug 05, 2024
20m
S2 Ep651: Step Change Debt Charity is Here to Help You…
Step Change Debt Charity was set up in 1993 to help people who might be facing issues around financial debt, no matter how small or large, offering free debt advice and solutions to help people get back on track. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Helen Handzel, Relationships Manager from Step Change Debt Charity to give some background to the set up of the charity and outline the w...
8m Aug 05, 2024
8m
S2 Ep653: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Monthly Campaigns Update
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re involved in and ask for your input to bring positive change to the lives of blind and partially sighted people, throughout the UK. This month’s topics include meeting politicians and the consultation around Personal Independence Payments. If you’d like more i...
7m Aug 04, 2024
7m
S2 Ep655: Audio Described Opera At The Edinburgh International Festival
Some of the most popular operas will be performed at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival. Hywel Davies has been hearing more about the audio described performances of ‘Carmen’ and ‘The Marriage of Figaro’. More information for each performance is available via the EIF website: Carmen | Edinburgh International Festival (eif.co.uk) (https://www.eif.co.uk/events/carmen) The Marriage of...
10m Aug 03, 2024
10m
S2 Ep652: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 03/08/2024
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits 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 talks about concerns around cuts to cold weather payments, meeting politicians and the Olympics. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to http://www.rn...
7m Aug 03, 2024
7m
S2 Ep688: VI Drummer and Producer Steve Burge
Music chat now as our David Hogg speaks to drummer and producer Steve Burge
8m Aug 02, 2024
8m
S2 Ep647: Royal Opera House, Accessible Opera with Puccini’s Tosca
The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, central London have been expanding their access offer to blind and partially sighted people by providing touch tours, live and recorded audio described performances for their opera and ballet productions. For the recent run of their production of Puccini’s Tosca during July 2024 not only was there recorded audio description for every performance but touch ...
19m Aug 02, 2024
19m
S2 Ep650: Blind Glassmaker Julie Coakley Hosts Workshop For VI Art-lovers
How can you capture your travel experiences? Well, blind glass artist Julie Coakley creates colourful glass art inspired by her holidays. She’s hosting a glassmaking workshop for blind and partially sighted people on August 26th and told Amelia more. Learn more about Julie on her website - Julie Coakley - Glass Artist (http://juliecoakley.com/) Book a space on the workshop through the Interna...
9m Aug 01, 2024
9m
S2 Ep649: AD Performances And Access At The Edinburgh International Festival
Looking for some live accessible entertainment? There’s a wide variety of music and AD Theatre, Opera and Dance at the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF). Amelia learned more about the performances and Access Pass from Callum Madge, the EIF Access Manager. Image is a bright yellow photo with black an yellow text. The text reads 'together we are' highlighted in black and written in sketch...
12m Aug 01, 2024
12m
S2 Ep648: Meet Nigeria's Foundation That's Making A Difference
Let's shine a spotlight on an organisation in Nigeria which strives to help people living with disabilities unlock their full potential. They’re called Hope Builders for the Physically Challenged Foundation and Paulina Kuchorew finds out more about their work from founder and the driving force behind the Foundation, Dr Christiana Kehinde Akinrinmade. More about their work: Hope Builders for t...
8m Jul 31, 2024
8m
S2 Ep646: Jessica Pita: VI Scuba Diver and Motivational Speaker
Jessica Pita is Padi’s first South African blind scuba diver. Our David Hogg spoke to her about her sight loss, her love of scuba diving and her motivational speaking…
10m Jul 29, 2024
10m
S2 Ep642: NaviLens Codes Come To SMA Nutrition Products
NaviLens codes will now be on a range of products from SMA Nutrition. Aiming to make life easier for blind and partially sighted parents and carers. Dave Williams found out more. You can find more information on NaviLens technology on the RNIB website - How NaviLens helps people with sight loss | RNIB | RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/assistive-aids-and-technology/navigati...
7m Jul 29, 2024
7m
S2 Ep644: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 27/07/2024
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio sit down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This time around they discuss RNIB's work with the new Labour government, the launch of the Blind Barbie Doll from Mattel and RNIB's on-going partnership with Arsenal football club. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support ...
10m Jul 27, 2024
10m
S2 Ep641: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The School for Scandal, AD Theatre Review
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 next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week Vidar is reviewing a new production of Sheridan’s ‘The School for Scandal’ Directed by Tinuke Craig at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratfor...
6m Jul 26, 2024
6m
S2 Ep643: Tyntesfield House a Sensory Experience
Tyntesfield House is an ornate Victorian gothic revival house with extensive gardens and parkland just outside Bristol which has been part of the National Trust’s portfolio since 2002. Following on from help from the RNIB National Trust Volunteers and staff at Tyntesfield House are now able to offer sensory walks of the estates extensive gardens and parkland for blind and partially sighted peo...
23m Jul 26, 2024
23m
S2 Ep645: A New MP And His Guide Dog Enter UK House Of Commons
The UK General Election not only saw a change of government, it also saw a huge change in MPs from right across the UK. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Steve Darling MP about his new role in the Commons, his career in politics and if his Guide Dog, Jennie, is settling in. #RNIBConnect Image Shows Steve Darling MP and Guide Dog Jennie in London standing by Themes River. It's a sun...
12m Jul 26, 2024
12m
S2 Ep637: VI Comedian Jake Donaldson Performs At The Fringe
VI Stand-up Comedian Jake Donaldson is taking his show to the Edinburgh Fringe. His show 'Spectacle' uses comedy, theatre and lighting to make audiences laugh and dispel sight loss myths in a truly spectac-ular way. He talked to Amelia about his career so far and shared tips for fringe goers. Spectacle (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftickets.edfringe.com%2F...
9m Jul 25, 2024
9m
S2 Ep633: 20 Year Attendee Of AD Tours At National Galleries of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland host free art sessions on the third Wednesday of every month as part of their Visually Impaired Programme. This month at the ‘Modern One’ they hosted AD Tour and Workshop of the Tracing time exhibition by contemporary artist Do Ho Suh. Art-lover, Reader and Whistler Cleodie told Amelia about attending the VI Programme for 20 years and the VI community in Edi...
8m Jul 25, 2024
8m
S2 Ep632: VI Storyteller Anne Dignan On Working With National Galleries of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland host free art sessions on the third Wednesday of every month as part of their Visually Impaired Programme. This month at the ‘Modern One’ they hosted AD Tour and Workshop of the Tracing time exhibition by contemporary artist Do Ho Suh. Artist, Poet, Campaigner and Storyteller Anne Dignan told Amelia about her work and experiences of Dual Sensory Loss. Learn...
8m Jul 24, 2024
8m
S2 Ep640: Enhanced Tour Of Cardiff's 'New Theatre'
There’s rare chance to go behind the scenes at one of the oldest theatres in Wales this summer, as Hywel Davies has been finding out. You can book tickets and find more information about the tour here - Book Theatre Tour tickets | New Theatre Cardiff (trafalgartickets.com) (https://trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB/event/other/theatre-tour-tickets)
7m Jul 24, 2024
7m
S2 Ep639: Lucy Edwards Is Blind Barbie's Ambassador!
The first blind Barbie was just released by Mattel and created in partnership with American Foundation for the Blind to allow even more children to find a doll that represents them. For its UK release, the company partnered up with RTS 2024 award winning presenter, content creator and author, Lucy Edwards. Hubert Pawelkiewicz spoke with Lucy to find out what it feels like to be an ambassador ...
12m Jul 24, 2024
12m
S2 Ep638: Sight Loss and Employment Journey Yvette Chivers
Our David Hogg speaks to Retina UK’s Yvette Chivers about her employment journey and how an RNIB ‘See Work Differently’ internship kicked off a new chapter in her career…
9m Jul 24, 2024
9m
S2 Ep636: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 24 July 2024
Alice Findlay, RNIB Customer Voice Insight Co-ordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey. Opportunities highlighted this week included: Tell us about your voting experience A few weeks ago we all went to the polls and every time we have an election we ask you to tell us about your voter experience, g...
5m Jul 24, 2024
5m
S2 Ep635: Social Media Update 23rd July 2024
Our weekly social media round up returns as Hubert Pawelkiewicz speaks to Holly Tuke from our social media team about the latest trends in the blind and partially sighted community and in general. Plus what exactly are stickers? How do they work? And how accessible really are they?
9m Jul 23, 2024
9m
S2 Ep631: Do Ho Suh Art Workshop At National Galleries Of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland host free art sessions on the third Wednesday of every month as part of their Visually Impaired Programme. This month at the ‘Modern One’ they hosted AD Tour and Workshop of the Tracing time exhibition by contemporary artist Do Ho Suh. Amelia spoke to attendee Cat about the exhibition, experiencing live AD and technology Learn more about the National Galler...
8m Jul 23, 2024
8m
S2 Ep634: Mattel Launch the First Ever Blind Barbie Doll
Today, Tuesday 23 July 2024, Mattel have launched the first ever Blind Barbie Doll with dark glasses and carrying a white cane for young blind and partially sighted girls to empower them to be whatever they want to be in life. Mattel worked with the American Federation of the Blind on the development of Blind Barbie and the RNIB will be helping to promote and role out the Blind Barbie doll to ...
7m Jul 23, 2024
7m
S2 Ep631: Kirin Saeed On Audio Describing For National Galleries Of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland host free art sessions on the third Wednesday of every month as part of their Visually Impaired Programme. This month at the ‘Modern One’ they hosted AD Tour and Workshop of the Tracing time exhibition by contemporary artist Do Ho Suh. Actor, Playwright, Disability Consultant and Visually Impaired Creators Scotland (VICS) Founder Kirin Saeed helped to develo...
9m Jul 22, 2024
9m
S2 Ep599: Bérénice Magistretti On Self-Acceptance And Stylish Canes
Bérénice Magistretti is a writer and disability activist with Retinitis Pigmentosa. She talked to Amelia about embracing her sight loss, building up to using a cane, and finding canes that makes her feel confident. Follow Bérénice on Instagram @berenicebagistretti . Image shows a black and white picture of Bérénice, who is a young white woman with mid-length black hair. She is sitting on a s...
14m Jul 22, 2024
14m
S2 Ep628: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 20/07/2024
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This time around they discuss the King's Speech, accessible information as part of Covid-19 enquiry, audio described TV coverage of live events, and making #WorldEmojiDay accessible. If you, or someone you know, would like informati...
12m Jul 20, 2024
12m
S2 Ep630: Voldi Gailans On Braille Chess And Assistive Technology
Voldi Gailans is 73 and a lifelong fan of reading braille books, listening to music and playing chess. Amelia learned more about his life and how changes in technology have impacted him. Learn more by visiting their website braillechess.org.uk (https://braillechess.org.uk/) Learn more about assistive tech on the RNIB Website www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/navigating-sight-loss/assistive-technolog...
8m Jul 19, 2024
8m
S2 Ep626: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - 101 Dalmatians - The Musical, AD Theatre Review
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 next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing that classic family show 101 Dalmatians - The Musical as the current tour of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production v...
6m Jul 19, 2024
6m
S2 Ep626: Bristol’s Harbour Side Reimagined in a More Accessible Way by Blind Architecture and Planning Graduate Emily Annakin
Emily Annakin has just completed her studies in Architecture and Planning at the University of the West of England in Bristol with a 2:1.  Prior to starting her degree and while studying for her A-levels with all the covid restrictions at the same time Emily’s eye sight started to deteriorate and she was diagnosed with Stargardt disease which also got worse during her Architecture degree. For ...
11m Jul 19, 2024
11m
S2 Ep627: RNIB's Response To The King's Speech 2024
The King’s Speech took place on Wednesday 17th of July and presented the new government’s plans for the future. But what could it mean for blind and partially sighted people across the UK? David Hogg finds out as he speaks with Roisin Jacklin from RNIB. For more details visit: 2023 King’s Speech: What we did and didn’t hear | RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.uk/news/2023-kings-speech-what-we-did-a...
7m Jul 18, 2024
7m
S2 Ep625: Help Make Future UK General Elections Accessible For Visually Impaired Voters
Did you, or someone you know, vote in the recent UK General Election and want to feedback on your experience as a blind or partially sighted person? RNIB wants to hear about your experience, good or bad. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Cate Vallis, from the charity, to hear more about the Turned Out Survey and how the charity is engaging with the new look House of Commons. To fin...
6m Jul 17, 2024
6m
S2 Ep624: Social Media Update 16th July 2024
It’s that time of the week where we catch up with the RNIB social media team to find out what there is to know in general and in the blind and partially sighted community.
9m Jul 16, 2024
9m
S2 Ep621: Run The London Marathon For Team RNIB In 2025
Do you fancy setting yourself a challenge for 2025, maybe running the London Marathon? Well, you could do it for Team RNIB! Hubert has been finding out how you can get involved and also speaking to Lauryn who not only took part this year, but is also planning on running in the event in 2025. Find out more here: RNIB London Marathon 2025 | RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/c...
8m Jul 16, 2024
8m
S2 Ep622: Sight Village Central - Seeing Solutions
Sight Village exhibitions are a great place to find new technology and services for blind and partially sighted people. Dave Williams went along to Sight Village Central to meet some of the exhibitors. You can find out more information on the Mini Guide from Seeing Solutions on their website - MiniGuide (pamtrad.co.uk) (https://pamtrad.co.uk/product/miniguide/)
10m Jul 15, 2024
10m
S2 Ep597: Romantic Relationships - Roundtable
What are the highs and lows of looking for love as a blind or partially sighted person? We brought together Leo Johnson, Karen Wye and Sarah Stephenson-Hunter to hear their experiences of dating as blind and partially sighted people. Listen to Karen on Hope FM, South Coast Hits and Radio Wimborne. Hope FM website - Karen Wye – Hope FM (https://hopefm.com/members/karen-wye/) South Coast Hits R...
30m Jul 15, 2024
30m
S2 Ep620: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 13/07/2024
 Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits 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 talks about the charity's post General Election work and another award for a major RNIB campaign. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to http://www....
10m Jul 13, 2024
10m
S2 Ep613: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Dreamland, AD Theatre Review
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 next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. A bit more Shakespeare this week with a musical riff on ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ set during the declassification of Area 51 with ‘Dreamland’ by Birming...
5m Jul 12, 2024
5m
S2 Ep614: Some Audio Described Highlights From MindsEye Description
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description. Audio Description makes television, movies, galleries  and other arts venues accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people. AD is a narration describing what is physically happening, say on stage, TV or the big screen. It can also describe works of art, places of interest or ex...
10m Jul 12, 2024
10m
S2 Ep619: Access to National Trust Properties, Sites and Locations in the South West
Following on from our recent interview with Dr Heather Smith, Access and Equality Specialist at the National Trust who gave a more general look at access across the whole of the Trust for blind and partially sighted people, this time RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined by Ben Vleminckx, National Trust South West Project Manager – Everyone Welcome and Access for a more close up picture on ...
13m Jul 12, 2024
13m
S2 Ep618: Sight Village Central - OrCam
Sight Village exhibitions are a great place to find new technology and services for blind and partially sighted people. Dave Williams went along to Sight Village Central to meet some of the exhibitors. You can find more information on OrCam visit their website - Experience the Power of Assistive Technology with OrCam's AI Devices (https://www.orcam.com/en-gb/home)
8m Jul 11, 2024
8m
S2 Ep618: Sight Village Central - Orbit Research
Sight Village exhibitions are a great place to find new technology and services for blind and partially sighted people. Dave Williams went along to Sight Village Central to meet some of the exhibitors. You can find more information on Orbit Research visit their website - Orbit Research (https://www.orbitresearch.com/)
10m Jul 11, 2024
10m
S2 Ep617: Levelling The Playing Field For Disabled Sports Fans In Wales
How can the experience of going to sporting events be improved for disabled people in Wales? That’s the question that the charity ‘Level Playing Field’ will be asking in Cardiff this month, as Hywel Davies has been finding out. Read more about the work to make the match day experience more accessible: Making the match day experience accessible for spectators with sight loss | RNIB | RNIB (http...
14m Jul 10, 2024
14m
S2 Ep617: Sight Village Central - Ravenscourt Independent Living Products
Sight Village exhibitions are a great place to find new technology and services for blind and partially sighted people. Dave Williams went along to Sight Village Central in Birmingham where he caught up with Ravenscourt Independent Living Products. Find more information on their website - Ravencourt Living - Visual Impairment (https://www.ravencourtliving.com/categories/visual-impairment)
8m Jul 10, 2024
8m
S2 Ep614: That Funny Blind Guy Is Cooking Up A Storm
Blind comedian Jamie MacDonald is turning his attention to the Master Chef kitchen this August and he spoke to RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell about the challenge and his latest stand up comedy work. For more information about Jamie, go to www.jamiemacdonaldcomedian.com (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jamiemacdonaldcomedian.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJane.Do...
8m Jul 10, 2024
8m
S2 Ep616: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 10 July 2024
Alice Findlay, RNIB Customer Voice Insight Co-ordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey. Opportunities highlighted this week included: Have you had sight loss for four years or less? Help the RNIB learn more about your experiences with travel and technology. The RNIB is working on a large-scale proj...
6m Jul 10, 2024
6m