S2 Ep289: See Differently Awards Are Back For 2024!
Nominations are now open for RNIB’s See Differently Awards, which will take place later this year. The charity set up these unique awards to recognise and celebrate the individuals and organisations who have dedicated their skills, passion and time to improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people. Our Paulina spoke with Susannah Scott from RNIB to find out more. You have until Fr...
6m Jan 05, 2024
6m
S2 Ep294: Myth Busting with the RNIB Legacy Team
Do you have questions about writing a will? Helen Smith and Daniel Pepper from the RNIB Legacy team talked to Amelia to help bust some common myths and misconceptions. Access the free will guide and learn more about leaving a gift in your will by visiting www.rnib.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/gifts-in-wills/ Image: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written...
8m Jan 05, 2024
8m
S2 Ep285: Celebrating Braille on World Braille Day 2024!
To celebrate Braille on World Braille Day 2024 (4 January 2024) RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey, a Braille user himself, has gathered round the table four other enthusiastic users of Braille to discuss all things Braille from how they learnt Braille, the benefits of learning and using Braille for everyone, emerging new Braille technology, some quirky ways of using Braille to what Braille means ...
31m Jan 04, 2024
31m
S2 Ep288: Accessible Tax Services From HMRC
A new grant has made accessing HMRC’s tax services more accessible than ever for blind and partially sighted people, as Hywel Davies has been finding out.
10m Jan 04, 2024
10m
S2 Ep70: BT Achieves RNIB's Visibly Better Employer Standard
BT Group has become the latest global company to gain RNIB’s Visibly Better Employer Standard for their commitment to employing more blind and partially sighted people. Allan Russell spoke to new employee Lachlan, along with Alun Jones and Talal Hasan from BT to find out more. Image shows RNIB logo. RNIB written in bold black capital letters atop a white background and underlined with a bold ...
10m Jan 03, 2024
10m
S2 Ep286: Blind Runner Finishes 100 Marathons
At the start of the new year you might be thinking about getting your trainers on to go for a run, Dave Williams has been speaking to one blind runner who has just completed her 100th marathon.
12m Jan 03, 2024
12m
S2 Ep265: Try The Braille-o-Matic
A new tool from RNIB can help to represent your name in braille characters. Dave Williams has been finding out more. Head over to RNIB’s social media channels to find out how you can get your very own braille name with the ‘Braille-o-Matic’. X - RNIB (@RNIB) / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/RNIB?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) Instagram - RNIB (@rnib) • Instagram...
13m Jan 03, 2024
13m
S2 Ep268: Sleepy Girl mocktail recipe
Want a tasty mocktail that will help you get a good night's sleep? Amelia and Paulina make the famous 'Sleepy Girl Mocktail' to celebrate the New year. Ingredients: 1 tsp to 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey 1 sprig rosemary 3 sprigs or about 2 tbsp fresh mint juice from 1/2 lemon (about 1-2 tbsp) juice from 1/2 lime (about 1-2 tbsp) 1 cup pure tart cherry jucie Large splash of sparkling water Ice ...
9m Jan 02, 2024
9m
S2 Ep268: 2024 Film and TV look Forward
Join RNIB Connect Radio's Film and TV fans, Amelia Hilton, Allan Russell and Kris Wallace, to hear which releases they're excited for in 2024. Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo
12m Jan 02, 2024
12m
S2 Ep268: Looking after your body in winter with Elizabeth Roddick
How can you eat well and get the vitamins you need over winter? Amelia checked in with Community Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick to learn more. Learn more about Elizabeth on her website elizabethroddick.com Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo
9m Jan 02, 2024
9m
S2 Ep267: Using New Year As A Time For Reflection
The New Year is a great time to reflect on the past year and consider the year ahead. Amelia talked to Amanda Hawkins, RNIB Head of Mental Health and Counselling, to learn more. Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo
9m Jan 02, 2024
9m
S2 Ep283: Julian Fellowes on The Night Before Christmas
Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey, Belgravia and Gosford Park, has recorded a special version of the festive poem ‘The Night Before Christmas’ for visually impaired children to enjoy this Christmas. Lord Fellowes is a Vice President of the RNIB as well as President of the RNIB’s Talking Books Library. He was delighted to record the poem, which is a festive favourite of his. He is passi...
17m Dec 22, 2023
17m
S2 Ep284: Metro Blind Sport 50th Golden Anniversary Panel Discussion
Metro Blind Sport is a London based charity creating fun, accessible sport and social activity opportunities for people who are blind or partially sighted, of all ages and abilities. Established in 1973 by a group of passionate blind and partially sighted individuals keen to break down barriers to sports participation. On Friday 21st April 2023 Metro Blind Sport celebrated their 50th Golden An...
38m Dec 22, 2023
38m
S2 Ep280: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Bodyguard 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. For Vidar’s final audio described theatre review of 2023 we have the current touring stage production of the breathtaking romantic thriller that is The Bo...
7m Dec 22, 2023
7m
S2 Ep278: A Look Back At 2023 With RNIB CEO
Each year, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world’s leading sight loss charities. For his final review of the year, Allan sat down with RNIB’s Chief Executive Matt Stringer for a look back at 2023 and a look ahead to 2024. Image shows RNIB logo. On a white background written in 2 rows in black: RNIB, See differently. RNIB is underlined with a b...
10m Dec 21, 2023
10m
S2 Ep282: A Life Living with Sight Loss with Megan Price
From time to time here on RNIB Connect Radio we like to talk with blind and partially sighted people to find out what life is really like living with sight loss, how they have coped throughout their life with the level of sight they have and the advice they would give to other people who might be starting to lose their sight or finding it difficult to cope with the sight they have. RNIB Connec...
11m Dec 21, 2023
11m
S2 Ep275: A Look Back At 2023 With NFB USA CEO
Each year, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world’s leading sight loss charities. This time, Allan spoke to Chris Danielsen from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA, for a look back at 2023 and ahead to 2024 for the charity. Image shows NFB USA logo.
10m Dec 21, 2023
10m
S2 Ep274: A Look Back At 2023 With BPA CEO
Each year, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world’s leading sight loss charities. Today, with Paralympics coming up next year, Allan spoke with David Clarke, Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, to reflect on the year and look ahead to 2024. Image shows the British Paralympic Association logo.
12m Dec 20, 2023
12m
S2 Ep281: Can Smart Packaging Be Accessible?
Marc Powell from RNIB wants all packaging on FMCG or ‘fast moving consumer goods’ to be accessible to blind and partially people. Our Robert Kirkwood spoke with Marc to find out more. Image shows RNIB logo. Upon a white background RNIB' is written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line.
6m Dec 19, 2023
6m
S2 Ep273: A Look Back At 2023 With CNIB CEO
Each year, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world’s leading sight loss charities. Today, he hears from John Rafferty, Chief Executive of CNIB, Canada’s largest sight loss charity, as they look back at 2023 for the organisation and ahead to 2024. Image shows the CNIB logo.
9m Dec 19, 2023
9m
S2 Ep279: AD Christmas Movie Review: Home Alone
The festive season is here, but can it really be Christmas without watching this classic movie? Reviewing the audio described version of this festive flick, it's The Happy Hour's Claire and Paulina. You can follow Claire by searching for 'Can See Can't See' or 'canseecantsee' on most social media platforms. Image shows Home Alone poster. A blond 8-year old boy is holding his shocked face, be...
10m Dec 18, 2023
10m
S2 Ep272: A Look Back At 2023 With Guide Dogs CEO
Each year, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world’s leading sight loss charities. Today, he's chatting with Guide Dogs Chief Exec Andrew Lennox, about the charity’s journey through 2023. Image shows the Guide Dog  logo is a graphic icon on an inky blue background. There are five Labrador yellow shapes – The biggest resembles an upside down hear...
10m Dec 18, 2023
10m
S2 Ep277: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 16/12/2023
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio 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 government's downgrade of the role of Minister for Disabled People, Scotland's pavement parking ban and RNIB's '12 Days of Christmas' on social media. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support...
9m Dec 16, 2023
9m
S2 Ep269: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - AD Theatre Review of the Year 2023
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 bit of a look back on his audio described theatre reviews of 2023 and some highlights for 2024 that Vidar may have already booked his tickets for! Vidar’s highlights of 2023 included - Matthew Bourne’s Rome...
15m Dec 16, 2023
15m
S2 Ep263: Charlotte Sands is on A Little Alternative
Just before the release of her debut album 'Can We Start Over?', singer-songwriter Charlotte Sands joins David Hogg to discuss the record, what she's learned from working with bands like The Maine, PVRIS, and The Band CAMINO, and how excited she is for her 2024 world tour. You can catch A Little Alternative on RNIB Connect Radio every Friday at 9 pm or Saturdays at 7 pm. The photo shows Charl...
7m Dec 15, 2023
7m
S2 Ep262: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, 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 we stepped through the wardrobe into the kingdom of Narnia with a real magical production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at the Birming...
8m Dec 15, 2023
8m
S2 Ep276: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Campaigns Team Look Back At 2023 Successes
RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sat down with some of RNIB’s Campaigns Team to look back at some of the charity’s successes in 2023 and took a look at what they’ll be involved in as we go through 2024. The team also want to thank everyone who got involved with campaigns across the UK, from local issues to UK wide work, including their help to reverse the planned closures of many train stati...
10m Dec 15, 2023
10m
S2 Ep271: A Look Back At 2023 With BBS CEO
Each year, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world’s leading sight loss charities. Today, he's talking with Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport, as they look back at the charity’s year and ahead to 2024. Image shows the British Blind Sport logo.
13m Dec 15, 2023
13m
S2 Ep270: Meet The South Asian Visually Impaired Group
Today, we hear about the South Asian VI (SAVI) Group. Our Paulina spoke with two members of the group, Abu-bakr Ishtiaq and Furahan Patel, to find out why they joined the group and why it's important to find a community of people that understand you. To find out more call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk Image shows RNIB Connect Radio green logo. Upon a green ...
8m Dec 14, 2023
8m
S2 Ep266: Moorfields Eye Hospital to Start Retinal Detachment Clinical Trial
The Medical Research Council (MRC) Development Pathway Funding Scheme (DPFS) has announced an award of £1.2 million funding for clinical research by Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit (CCTU) at UCL. The study is being led by Mahi Muqit, consultant vitreoretinal surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital and honorary clinical lecturer at UCL. The study is an early phase ...
10m Dec 14, 2023
10m
S2 Ep264: When is a good time to update your will?
Are you thinking of updating your will? You can use the RNIB’s accessible guide to help. Amelia talked to Helen Smith, RNIB Head of Legacy Engagement, and Daniel Pepper, RNIB Legacy Management Lead, to learn more. Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo
10m Dec 14, 2023
10m
S2 Ep263: RNIB Regional Campaigns Recap 2023
Now our David Hogg chats to RNIB’s Regional Campaigns Team to hear some of their 20203 highlights.
7m Dec 13, 2023
7m
S2 Ep262: Emergence by This Is Loop - Sculptural Installation, Accessible Through Recorded Audio Description
Emergence by This Is Loop is an immersive sculptural art installation in the form of a roofless rotunda made up of angled mirrors surrounded by dancing lights that react and change to a sound field of recorded human voices exploring the fine line between order and chaos. This Is Loop is a collaborative partnership between Visual Artists Harriet Lumby and Allan Hayes who worked with the nationa...
15m Dec 13, 2023
15m
S2 Ep261: Could New Law Make Pavements Safer?
A new law is now in force in Scotland that aims to make pavements safer places to walk for many people, including those who are blind or partially sighted. RNIB's Allan Russell Spoke with  RNIB's James Adams and Niall Foley from Guide Dogs to find out more. Image Shows A Car Parked Over The Pavement
9m Dec 12, 2023
9m
S2 Ep260: Traveleyes Embarks On New Adventures In 2024
Traveleyes offers holiday experiences which are designed to be shared by both visually impaired and fully sighted customers. Hywel Davies caught up with the company’s founder, Amar Latif, to hear about their plans for 2024. For more information on Traveleyes, visit the website - Group Holidays for Blind & Sighted Travellers | Share the Adventure! (traveleyes-international.com) (https://www.tra...
11m Dec 12, 2023
11m
S2 Ep259: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 09/12/2023
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 having your say as part of the UK Covid-19 enquiry, the charity’s campaign to make sports stadiums more accessible, Sonic logos and a big thanks to our volunteers. If you, or someone you know, would like i...
9m Dec 08, 2023
9m
S2 Ep258: TPT Internship Opportunities
Following an internship opportunities update from Thomas Pocklington Trust a while back, a fresh list of internships has been made available via the Get Set Progress Program, and Hubert has been finding out all you need to know, and speaking to a former intern about their experience.
8m Dec 06, 2023
8m
S2 Ep256: RNIB Launches Their Sonic Logo!
RNIB have just launched their new sonic logo. The new sonic logo and identity will helps bring RNIB to more people in different ways, including through the RNIB Helpline, adverts, social media channels and our radio station. Robert Kirkwood spoke with Martin Wingfield, Director of Brand at RNIB, to find out more. Find out more about RNIB's sonic logo here: Sonic logo for our audio branding |...
5m Dec 06, 2023
5m
S2 Ep255: National Theatre London Audio Description Round Up 5 December 2023
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. Our 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 National Theatre and a couple of gems from the archives...
5m Dec 05, 2023
5m
S2 Ep257: Still Time For Your Little One To Hear From Santa!
It’s that time of year again, when the RNIB Elves are helping Santa get accessible letters to blind and partially sighted children. So, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell went to the North Pole to catch up with Titch The Elf. Listen in to find out what the cheeky Elf is up to and drop in on a call from little Eliana and Santa. The deadline for large print, braille or audio letters is now clo...
10m Dec 05, 2023
10m
S2 Ep256: Internship Opportunity With Real Thing
For many blind and partially sighted people, finding meaningful work opportunities can be a challenge. Whether it’s your first job or if you’re thinking about a return to the workplace an internship can be a great way to get started. Dave Williams has been speaking to one assistive technology company with a unique opportunity.
7m Dec 05, 2023
7m
S2 Ep251: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Birmingham Royal Ballet - The Nutcracker, 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 we had a real festive treat with the return of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of  The Nutcracker to the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre on S...
7m Dec 01, 2023
7m
S2 Ep254: Carol Concert by Sensory Services by Sight For Surrey
Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey are hosting a fundraising Christmas carol concert on the 5th December. Amelia talked to 13-year-old Yasmin about performing in the concert and why she’s raising money for the charity. The concert takes place at 7pm on Tuesday 5th December, in St. Andrew’s Church in Cobham. Tickets cost £8 and include a complimentary mince pie and glass of mulled wine serv...
3m Dec 01, 2023
3m
S2 Ep253: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 2 December 2023
Each week we sit down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. Matt began this week by chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about the launch of the RNIB and British Blind Sport Best Practice Guidance for Accessible Football Stadiums, a recent meeting of The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Eye Health and Visual Impairm...
8m Dec 01, 2023
8m
S2 Ep251: New Welcoming Space for Children with a Vision Impairment Opens at Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Children who have been diagnosed with a vision impairment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital are benefitting from a brand new welcoming space where they and their families can find practical and emotional support in comfort from RNIB Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO) Talia Treen. The new ECLO room is equipped with a colourful mural, comfortable furniture, a height-rising desk for wheelchairs, an ...
13m Dec 01, 2023
13m
S2 Ep251: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Monthly Campaigns Update - December
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio speak with 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 update focuses on the ‘My Info My Way’ accessible health campaign, plus a recent ‘Meet the Bikes’ event in Brighton. If you’d like more inform...
8m Dec 01, 2023
8m
S2 Ep250: Visionary December Update
Now time for an update from Visionary UK, a membership organisation for different sight loss charities across the UK. Amelia was joined in person by Fiona Sandford and Amy Pearman of Visionary to hear about their work this year and their hopes for 2024. Go to www.visionary.org.uk (https://www.visionary.org.uk/) to find out more about Visionary. Image:  Visionary UK Logo, a pink and green cir...
8m Dec 01, 2023
8m
S2 Ep249: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 29 November 2023
Alice Findlay, RNIB Customer Voice Insight Coordinator 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: Two upcoming RNIB focus groups (racing games and Christmas TV) The RNIB Media Culture and Immersive Technologies team have no plans of slowing down as we near the end...
7m Nov 29, 2023
7m
S2 Ep248: RNIB Voice of the Customer Focus Groups Update - Vision Rehabilitation
There are many ways that blind and partially sighted people can get involved in the work that the RNIB does around making a more inclusive society for visually impaired people and even shape the future of the RNIB too. One way is through taking part in the regular Voice of the Customer Focus Group meetings and the most recent meeting was all about Vision Rehabilitation. RNIB Connect Radio's T...
13m Nov 28, 2023
13m
S2 Ep247: Accessible Technology Event Heading to Belfast
Tech Talk’s Dave Williams has been hearing all about an accessible technology event that’s heading to Northern Ireland in the New Year. He caught up with Jackie Brown from RNIB’s Technology For Life team.
8m Nov 27, 2023
8m