S1 Ep628: Christmas Bake Off - Countdown’s Rachel Riley voices the Audio Description
To promote the benefits of audio description this Christmas to blind and partially sighted people and a wider audience, Countdown's Rachel Riley will be voicing the audio description for the Christmas Bake Off on Channel 4.   RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Marie Campbell from Red Bee who worked on the  audio description that Rachel Riley voiced and Sonali Rai, RNIB Broadcast a...
9m Dec 23, 2020
9m
S1 Ep627: Blind Contestant Returns To Christmas Master Chef
Earlier in 2020, Amar Latif became the first blind contestant to appear, and compete, on BBC1's Master Chef. Using accessible gadgets and cooking utensils, Amar progressed through several rounds of the show, surprising himself. Now he's been invited back to take part in a festive edition of the popular cookery show. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Amar, ahead of the broadcast, to...
7m Dec 23, 2020
7m
S1 Ep627: Panto Time, Live And Online, With Audio Description.
For many blind and partially sighted people, audio description allows them to fully enjoy the live theatre experience. The system allows them to hear, via a headset, what's going on physically on stage via a describer, who talks between the actors dialogue. However, with many performances having to move online, there is a drive to have more of the virtual offerings described. RNIB Connect Ra...
9m Dec 22, 2020
9m
S1 Ep627: Charity's Annual Weekend Goes Virtual.
With more and more gatherings taking place online, due to pandemic restrictions, many charities are embracing more accessible applications like Zoom and Teams. The virtual environment allows groups to come together for meetings, chats and even host entire days, or weekends, of fun and exciting events. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Pardy, Jessica and Fiona, from NFB UK, to find o...
8m Dec 22, 2020
8m
S1 Ep624: Guide Dogs Chief Exec's Review of 2020.
Each year, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with some of the UK's, and world's, leading sight loss charity CEOs. We look at what 2020 has had in store for the 3rd sector and ahead to 2021. Today we hear from Tom Wright, CEO of Guide Dogs, who talks about the pandemic challenge to their service, how staff rose above restrictions to support customers and why 2021 is looking brighter. h...
10m Dec 21, 2020
10m
S1 Ep624: Retailers Get Behind Sight Loss Charity's Best Practice Customer Guidance.
Pandemic restrictions have made it harder for those with sight loss to get out and about, use public transport and go shopping. As we plunged into lockdown, earlier in the year, many blind and partially sighted people found it extremely difficult to get their shopping or safely socially distance when out and about. UK sight loss charity RNIB has worked with retailers, the Cabinet Office, and ...
7m Dec 21, 2020
7m
Christmas travel rules tightened for London and South East
As new restrictions mean an end to gatherings on Christmas Day for those in London and the South East of England, Steven Scott speaks to blind man Jurgen Donaldson who is originally from Scotland but now resides in London. He was planning to be back home with his mum this Christmas but due to the new restrictions brought in that will now not be possible. (Image shows Regent Street in London wi...
9m Dec 21, 2020
9m
S1 Ep623: Oh Yes It Is!, It's Audio Described Panto Time!
National Theatre of Scotland are inviting everyone to enjoy their 21st century, panto, version of the classic tale, Rapunzel. The shows will be audio described for visually impaired theatre lovers and you can catch the performance at cinemas and online. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gillian Gourlay, NTS audio describer, to learn more about the show and what's new and exciting ab...
6m Dec 18, 2020
6m
S1 Ep626: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update: 18/12/2020
Each week the CEO of RNIB sits down to discuss the week in review and this time our Steven Scott asks Matt about the upcoming holidays, RNIB's Virtual Gifts, supermarket priority delivery slots, and the charity's services available to support blind and partially sighted people over the festive period. For more information visit: www.rnib.org.uk 
10m Dec 18, 2020
10m
S1 Ep623: Gaming Group For Blind And Partially Sighted People.
You might not think that visually impaired people could enjoy gaming on consoles, computers or Smart devices, but you'd be wrong! There are many accessibility features, tech work arounds and with smart devices and speakers, like Alexa, you can continue to battle the baddies, or challenge yourself in various scenarios. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to James Kyle, RNIB Scotland, and ...
8m Dec 17, 2020
8m
S1 Ep625: Living With Sight Loss Courses in January 2021
Are you or do you know someone who might be having difficulty with their vision? Well RNIB is here to help with telephone and online video Living With Sight Loss courses starting in January 2021.  RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Charlene Kerr-Spencer, RNIB Living With Sight Loss Coordinator to find out more about the telephone and online courses - what the courses are all about...
5m Dec 17, 2020
5m
S1 Ep622: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Reflects On 2020 And Ahead To 2021.
Each year, at this time, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world's largest sight loss charities. Today, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with John Rafferty, CEO of CNIB, about the positives around accessibility through the pandemic, challenges for their guide dog school and a positive 2021. http://www.cnib.ca #RNIBConnect Image: John Ra...
7m Dec 16, 2020
7m
S1 Ep621: Give a Virtual Gift this Christmas and support the work of the RNIB!
You could make good things happen for blind and partially sighted people this Christmas, thanks to RNIB's unique virtual gift range. By purchasing one of RNIB's life-changing virtual gifts you will help the sight loss charity provide tailored support for the two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK, including practical and emotional guidance, reading services, expert advice and...
4m Dec 16, 2020
4m
S1 Ep620: Connect Voices Round up 16 December 2020
Charlotte Jones RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. This week there are opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to help NHS Scotland with testing a new bowel screening kit and if you are a Guide Dog or Assistance Dog owner your chance to give feedback to the Department of Transport about...
5m Dec 16, 2020
5m
Ade Adepitan, Paralympian and TV Presenter champions the benefits of Smart Meters for disabled people
We have heard a lot over the years  about Smart Meters here on RNIB Connect Radio.  The results of a recent OnePoll survey  of 2,000 adults living with a disability, mental health condition, or on low income showed that certain struggles relating to  energy meters go largely unnoticed and have proven much more difficult during the pandemic.  RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chatted with Paraly...
6m Dec 14, 2020
6m
S1 Ep618: What Is Amazon's Show And Tell Feature?
This week we take a look at Amazon's new Show and Tell feature that has launched on Echo Show devices.  Steven Scott spoke to Dennis Stansbury from Amazon UK to talk about how it all works and we get a demo from Tech Talk host, Robin Christopherson. (Image shows someone holding up a small container of turmeric spice to an Amazon Echo device's camera) 
7m Dec 14, 2020
7m
S1 Ep617: US Sight Loss Charity's Review Of 2020.
Each year, at this time, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world's largest sight loss charities. Today, we talk with Chris Danielsen from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA. Chris talks about the challenges posed by pandemic restrictions, advances in accessible communications and we look ahead to a brighter 2021. http://www.nfb.org...
8m Dec 14, 2020
8m
Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update: 11/12/2020
Each week the CEO of RNIB sits down to discuss the week in review; this week Steven Scott asks Matt about an important and honourable mention to our Eye Clinic Liaison Officers in hospitals around the UK, a world record breaking attempt and how our Christmas appeal is going.
10m Dec 11, 2020
10m
S1 Ep616: Narrator Emma Powell's Books of Her Life
RNIB narrator Emma Powell whose credits include RNIB’s Read-A-Long fairytale Red and the Wolf, shares the books that have inspired her, with Connect Radio’s Red Szell.
7m Dec 10, 2020
7m
S1 Ep615: Are E-Scooters Affecting Your Journey?
Fast-moving, often silent, e-scooters are becoming ever more common, and we’ve been hearing from blind and partially sighted people whose journeys are being affected. This year is crucial. E-scooter trials are happening in some areas and the results will decide whether e-scooters are rolled out more widely. It’s essential we make the most of this chance to let politicians know if e-scooters ar...
5m Dec 09, 2020
5m
S1 Ep614: Books of His Life With RNIB CEO Matt Stringer
As we prepare for the festive season, RNIB CEO and book lover Matt Stringer shares the Books of His Life with Connect Radio’s Red Szell, and delivers a special Yuletide message. (Image shows a photo of a smiling Matt)   
8m Dec 09, 2020
8m
S1 Ep613: National Theatre Of Scotland Is A See Differently Winner.
UK sight loss charity RNIB hosted it's See Differently Awards, virtually, this year and the winners have been announced. The categories all focused on individuals and organisations that have gone the extra mile to help blind and partially sighted people during the current pandemic. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Caroline Newall from National Theatre of Scotland, one of our big wi...
6m Dec 07, 2020
6m
S1 Ep613: Help Red And RNIB Create A World Record.
RNIB have reimagined a classic fairy tale to help promote inclusion, diversity and reading skills for little ones. Red and The Wolf is a 21st century version of Little Red Riding Hood where Red is visually impaired but despite her sight loss, she's a martial arts expert and the hero of the story. You can buy a copy of the beautifully illustrated book which comes in 16 font, with accompanying ...
5m Dec 07, 2020
5m
S1 Ep611: RNIB Celebrates International Volunteer's Day 2020.
Saturday the 5th of December 2020 is International Volunteers Day, where charities celebrate the vital roles played by people who give up their time to make a difference. UK sight loss charity RNIB, could not provide it's wide range of vital services to it's blind and partially sighted customers without the generosity of it's huge band of volunteers. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke t...
7m Dec 04, 2020
7m
S1 Ep612: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 04/12/2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB. They look at some of the latest stories, campaigns and interesting events coming from the organisation. This week they look at accessibility to the new Covid-19 vaccine, a world record attempt, results of the See Differently Awards and how did Matt do on his Stepvember challenge? If you...
7m Dec 04, 2020
7m
S1 Ep611: RNIB Celebrates International Volunteer's Day 2020.
Saturday the 5th of December 2020 is International Volunteers Day, where charities celebrate the vital roles played by people who give up their time to make a difference. UK sight loss charity RNIB, could not provide it's wide range of vital services to it's blind and partially sighted customers without the generosity of it's huge band of volunteers. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke t...
9m Dec 03, 2020
9m
S1 Ep611: Visually Impaired? Live in Northern Ireland or The Republic? Want To Play Rugby?
The Irish Rugby Football Union has launched a survey to find out if blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland, would be interested in taking up the sport. It's already a success in many areas of the UK and the organisation is very keen to hear from interested individuals. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David McKay, IRFU, Gareth Davies, RNI...
5m Dec 03, 2020
5m
S1 Ep611: WBU Celebrates International Day For Persons With Disabilities 2020.
December 3rd 2020 is this year's International Day for Persons with Disabilities, a UN day to highlight the work being done, and needed, to support disabled people around the globe. The World Blind Union is celebrating the event and will be looking at work around the global pandemic, and the effects this has had on blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke t...
6m Dec 03, 2020
6m
S1 Ep610: Charity Celebrates International Volunteer Day 2020.
UK sight loss charity RNIB, could not provide the wide range of services to blind and partially sighted customers without their dedicated volunteers. They help in a variety of roles and can give as much time as they are comfortable with, as every hour is gratefully appreciated. Saturday 5th December is International Volunteer Day, where we celebrate our fantastic volunteers and highlight thei...
6m Dec 02, 2020
6m
S1 Ep609: Connect Voices Round up 2 December 2020
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in.   This week there are opportunities to get involved with a joint RNIB, Guide Dogs and Thomas Pocklington Trust study into the realities of life for blind and partially sighted people aged 13 plus, Retina International are looking for people to help...
8m Dec 02, 2020
8m
S1 Ep608: Bringing RNIB's 'Red And The Wolf' To Life
Actor and narrator Emma Powell has narrated dozens of books for the RNIB Library, but here she discusses her latest project, narrating the RNIB’s Read A-Long story Red and The Wolf, and how it has made her see fairy tales differently this Xmas. If you'd like to get your own copy of Red and the Wolf visit: www.readalong.org.uk (https://readalong.org.uk/)
8m Dec 01, 2020
8m
S1 Ep607: Stay Connected This Christmas With The In Your Pocket Device
With Christmas just around the corner, we thought it would be great to take a look at a small piece of tech packed full of accessible features and perfect for helping you stay connected with your family and friends.    Called In Your Pocket, this device from company RealSam is a fully voice controlled mobile phone that packs a punch with features going beyond just calls and texting…including ...
9m Dec 01, 2020
9m
S1 Ep606: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 27/11/2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB. They discuss some of the latest news to come from the charity, highlight projects and encourage people to get in touch. This week there's news on RNIB's services for blind and partially sighted people who are struggling with lockdown restrictions, we tell you how to get an accessible let...
7m Nov 27, 2020
7m
S1 Ep605: Employment Project In Northern Ireland Is An Ongoing Success.
For many blind and partially sighted people, breaking into the world of employment can be extremely difficult because of outdated stereotypes and lack of understanding around assistive technology. UK sight loss charity RNIB runs a very successful project in Northern Ireland, called Eye Work Too, which aims to change perceptions. It not only gives 1 to 1 support to visually impaired job seeker...
8m Nov 26, 2020
8m
S1 Ep604: Keira Mills Christmas Appeal Advert
Keira Mills is the star of the RNIB Christmas Appeal advert.  11 year-old Keira spoke to RNIB Connect Radio about her experience and how she likes to spend Christmas with her family. Image is of Keira holding a brightly coloured envelope containing her Braille letter from Santa.
7m Nov 25, 2020
7m
Raising Awareness of the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
It's often referred to as the silent killer, but what do we really know about carbon monoxide, and how to prevent ourselves becoming ill or worse as a result of it? This week is CO Awareness Week and Southern Gas Networks are keen to tell us about the ways we can keep ourselves safe as more of us spend time at home due to the pandemic, and also as we consume more gas and electricity into our h...
9m Nov 25, 2020
9m
S1 Ep603: Little Red Riding Hood has had a 21st Century make over and we're seeing Red very differently.
UK sight loss charity RNIB, has re-created the fairy tale classic to help read along with your little one. The fantastic book comes with an audio cd to help them with their reading skills and the story even helps break down stereotypes and promote inclusion. Well, did you know that Red, despite her sight loss loves martial arts? And that's just the start. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell s...
5m Nov 24, 2020
5m
S1 Ep602: Charity's Modern Take On A Classic Fairy Tale.
Many of us will be familiar with the story of Little Red Riding Hood but did you know that there is a new modern twist to the fairy tale? UK sight loss charity RNIB has launched Red and The Wolf, just in time for Christmas. The beautifully illustrated book has an accompanying audio cd of sound effects to help little ones learn to read and to make reading with them fun and engaging. The book ...
4m Nov 23, 2020
4m
S1 Ep601: The pandemic has forced charities to look at different ways of delivering their vital services to customers and make sure they're not isolated
Organisations like Halifax Society for the Blind have created telephone, and online, groups for chats and to create fun gatherings, while at the same time helping visually impaired people get online and get tech training. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Fiona Sandford, CEO Visionary UK, and Pete Hoey, CO of Halifax Society for the Blind, to find out how national, and grass roots, c...
8m Nov 23, 2020
8m
S1 Ep600: Santa Has Accessible Letters For Blind And Partially Sighted Children, Want One?
It's the most wonderful time of the year and what little one wouldn't love a letter from the jolly big chap? Well, Santa has asked RNIB to help him get accessible letters to all the good boys and girls and it's really easy to get one. They come in Braille, large print, audio and email but there are deadlines for your requests. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell pulled on his warmest clothes ...
13m Nov 20, 2020
13m
S1 Ep599: More Audio Described Theatre And Museum Highlights.
With Christmas on the way, many theatres are hosting live events with limited audience space. Some of these performances will include audio description for blind and partially sighted patrons. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby from Mindseye Arts to look at some forthcoming treats. http://www.mindseyedescription.co.uk #RNIBConnect Image: Anne Hornsby from Mindseye Arts 
6m Nov 20, 2020
6m
S1 Ep598: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 20/11/2020.
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, RNIB CEO, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week they discuss the reasons for closing the Giant Print Library and the services which will fill the gap, there's a reminder for you to vote in RNIB's #SeeDifferentlyAwards and we talk Christmas! http://www.rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect ...
8m Nov 20, 2020
8m
S1 Ep597: Shape And Share Events For Blind And Partially Sighted Kids And Young People.
Shape and Share is a whole series of virtual events and get togethers for blind and partially sighted children and young people, from across the UK. It's also for families to join in and has everything from sing a longs, youth groups, yoga, a chance to meet Santa! And much more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Meagher to find out what's still to come and how families can jo...
4m Nov 19, 2020
4m
S1 Ep597: Young Visually Impaired People Lead Our Futures Project.
RNIB Northern Ireland and Guide Dogs Northern Ireland are collaborating on a brand new, Lottery funded, project called, Our Futures. It is lead by, and for, blind and partially sighted children and young people from Northern Ireland. The project will help them with transitions through education, employment, learn new technology and work to improve their surroundings and public attitudes to si...
6m Nov 19, 2020
6m
S1 Ep596: Connect Voices Round up 18 November 2020
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in.   This week we have an opportunity for you to take part in a survey for Adaptability Canada, a request to help out with research into the social and academic inclusion of visually impaired young people and a reminder about the very active Connect ...
7m Nov 18, 2020
7m
RNIB and Amazon partnership is helping VIP's in lockdown
RNIB and Amazon have been working together on a number of projects over the past year, including Amazon donating a number of Fire Tablet devices so they could be distributed to blind and partially sighted people. Steven Scott found out more about the partnership with Amazon's Dennis Stansbury and RNIB's Gary Brunskill. Image shows a selection of Amazon Fire HD 8 tablets in a variety of colour...
9m Nov 17, 2020
9m
S1 Ep595: ReadALong With Red And The Wolf!
UK sight loss charity, RNIB, is seeing a classic fairy tale differently for Christmas and you can join in the joy of reading. Red and The Wolf has a modern twist on a story we all know and love and it's designed to get little ones reading, as well as improving inclusion and breaking down old stereotypes. Adults and tots can read along with this fabulous book and it's accompanying audio, right...
7m Nov 17, 2020
7m
S1 Ep593: The Big Jump Is Back And You Can Enjoy The Thrill Too!
UK sight loss charity RNIB is reliant on fund raising to provide it's vital services to blind and partially sighted people, of all ages. With the pandemic forcing the cancellation of many events, the organisation has had to look at other ways to fund it's work. One of the events, however, did go ahead in 2020 and will continue in 2021, so are you a thrill seeker? Do you enjoy the adrenalin ru...
6m Nov 16, 2020
6m
S1 Ep594: Have You Heard Of RNIB's ReadAlong?
This week charity RNIB launched their first book in the ReadAlong series, a retelling of a classic fairy tale with a modern twist.  Titled ‘Red and the Wolf’ the book features a little girl who can't see very well, but that doesn't stop her. Using her mystery solving skills and ninja moves, she takes on the wolf to save the day.  It's a perfect Christmas gift to open your child's mind to our ...
6m Nov 16, 2020
6m
S1 Ep592: Dave Steele, The Blind Poet, on World Kindness Day
Today is World Kindness Day and to celebrate The Blind Poet, Dave Steele, chats to Red Szell about the nature of kindness and performs a poem about the importance of being kind to yourself and others.
8m Nov 13, 2020
8m