S1 Ep76: The Silent Car You Can Hear.
For several years now, sight loss charities, supported by the World Blind Union, have campaigned for manufacturers of silent and hybrid vehicles to make the cars audible to pedestrians and other road users. UK charity Guide Dogs and Jaguar Land Rover have worked together to creat a sound that people can detect, to avoid stepping out in front of vehicles they can't hear. The car maker has now in...
12m Feb 07, 2019
12m
S1 Ep75: Social Security Secretary Visits RNIB Scotland.
The purpose of her visit was to hear from visually impaired people who will be directly effected by the devolvement of certain welfare payments to the Scottish Parliament. It gave service users the chance to talk about their hopes, and concerns, around the administration, assessement processes and delivery of the new department, that will soon be responsible for a range of benefits, including P...
14m Feb 05, 2019
14m
S1 Ep74: New Project For Extant Theatre Company.
Extant Theatre Company provides a platform for blind and partially sighted people to cut their teeth in drama and various other aspects of the performing arts. RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby spoke to Amelia Cavallo and Sarah Houbolt to learn more about Flight Paths... #RNIBConnect
6m Feb 05, 2019
6m
Access Platform at Vault Festival
Writers who are blind, wheelchair users, D/deaf, or identify as disabled often miss out on the experience of getting their plays performed in many venues. Access Platform is looking to change that and have begun the process of selecting scripts from D/deaf, Blind and Disabled writers to put into production for this year’s Vault Festival in London. Amy Bethan Evans, Curator of Access Platform, j...
10m Feb 04, 2019
10m
S1 Ep73: Campaign For Inclusive & Accessible Train Travel.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Costa Asprou from RNIB's campaigns team to look at some of the big projects for the charity and to find out how blind and partially sighted people can get support to make a difference to their lives, through campaigning. This month we discuss the problems with accessible train travel and how the Office for Road and Rail (ORR) have respond...
13m Feb 04, 2019
13m
S1 Ep72: Visually Impaired employee Is Valued By His Employer.
When Mark Skelton began to notice his sight was deteriorating, he began to panic. He had just married, bought a home and was worried about his employer's reaction to his situation. After plucking up the courage to discuss his concerns with the companies managers and directors, he was surprised by their reaction. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mark to learn more... #RNIBConnect
12m Feb 01, 2019
12m
S1 Ep71: Accessible Sensory Tours Of London's Kew Gardens.
Even if you are blind or partially sighted, there's nothing quite like walking through some spectacularly scenic gardens, taking in the sounds and aromas from the diverse flora and fauna. With this in mind, London's Kew Gardens have created a guide for people with sight loss, and their companions, to make the visit a delight for the senses. There is even a, free, bi-monthly guided tour for thos...
5m Jan 31, 2019
5m
See The Funny Side 2018 Retrospective (Part 1)
2018 was the year of the very first See The Funny Side project with comedian Georgie Morrell. The RNIB initiative gave participants with sight loss the ability to take to the comedy stage and perform a full routine after a week of workshops with a professional stand-up comedian. Before applications close for See The Funny Side 2019 on February 24th listen as RNIB's Kris Wallace chats to two of ...
21m Jan 29, 2019
21m
S1 Ep70: Accessible Educational Literature Combined With Top Tech.
RNIB Book Share is a free solution that provides accessible educational literature to pupils and students of all ages who are blind or partially sighted, in a range of formats. To further compliment the formats that students can receive their literature in, there is a new, free, accessible app from technology company, Dolphin, called Easy Reader... RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to St...
9m Jan 29, 2019
9m
S1 Ep69: The Year Ahead For The World Blind Union.
The World Blind Union (WBU) is an organisation which represents sight loss charities around the globe at an international level, including a presence within the United Nations. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to WBU President Fredric Schroeder to learn more about this years big campaigns which include autonomous and silent vehicles  #RNIBConnect
11m Jan 29, 2019
11m
S1 Ep68: Daily Connect Podcast: Monday 28th January
Hello again! Steven's back on the Daily Connect after his week off. On today's show we hear from The Welsh Connection's Lynne Morgan who recently went along to a local VI group in Ebbw Vale, to chat to some members. We also find out about a fantastic sounding walking group in East Kilbride. Just a reminder that you can catch the Daily Connect live every weekday at 10am, with plenty of music an...
16m Jan 28, 2019
16m
Why Not Give Ballroom Dancing A Go?
Have you ever considered ballroom dancing, but sight loss stopped you from trying? Blind and visually impaired people from the Milton Keynes area are encouraged to give it a go and join a ballroom class dedicated for those living with sight loss. Padma Cheriyan, RNIB Campaigner shares with us how the classes started and what other activities she’s keen to get the VI community involved in. Pa...
8m Jan 28, 2019
8m
S1 Ep67: New Organisation To Support Visually Impaired Londoners.
London, England, is a vast area and home to many blind and partially sighted people, who seem to face a postcode lottery when it comes to getting advice and support. With such an imbalance effecting so many people, a new organisation has launched to help bridge the gap, improve access to information and support existing charities, community groups and individuals. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Rus...
6m Jan 25, 2019
6m
S1 Ep66: Daily Connect Podcast: Thursday 24th January
Kris Wallace takes over Daily Connect duties today and he'll be bringing you a preview from Gordon Anthony's new audiobook Hunting Icarus and you can find out how you can help out blind & partially sighted people by taking part in the South East Networking Panel from RNIB. We hear the story of Glen Flatley who's career got a shot in the arm, despite his sightloss, due to a chance meeting with a...
39m Jan 24, 2019
39m
S1 Ep65: Sailing For Visually Impaired People Is A Growing Passtime.
There are now lots of opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to dip their toe in the water and get sailing. From week long yacht cruises to specialist groups and welcoming yacht clubs, there's never been a better time to have a go. Even at the top competitive levels, teams from Great Britain are hugely successful in competitions, around the globe. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russel...
8m Jan 24, 2019
8m
S1 Ep64: Holman Prize Winner Wants Change.
The Holman Prize is awarded, annualy, by the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind. It aims to fund several projects, or dream activities, to winning blind or partially sighted individuals from around the globe. Our very own RNIB Connect Radio Presenter Red Szell was one of last year's winners and, on a visit to the US, managed to speak with, fellow winner, Conchita Hernandez to learn more abo...
11m Jan 23, 2019
11m
S1 Ep63: Hockey For The Blind, Takes To The Ice.
Ice hockey might not be the first sport you think of that blind people could participate in, but you'd be wrong! There are several teams, for differing age groups, that play for fun, and competativly, around the world. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Antonia Gillen, from Minnesota, to learn more about the state's programme to encourage disabled people onto the ice. If you want to le...
9m Jan 22, 2019
9m
S1 Ep62: Daily Connect Podcast: Monday 21st January
Kris Wallace takes over Daily Connect duties today and he'll be bringing you information on Seable Access Holidays which you might want to book if you are feeling the effects of 'Blue Monday'. To cheer you up we also have a retrospective on 2018's See The Funny Side project (2019 applications being considered now) and we advise how to keep you and your family safe from Carbon Monoxide poisoning...
41m Jan 21, 2019
41m
S1 Ep61: Have Your Say On What's Important
Sight loss charity Guide Dogs has launched a telephone and online, survey to find out what really matters to blind and partially sighted people, their family or indeed anyone who has a sight loss connection. You can complete the very short questionnaire by logging on to http://bit.ly/GDYourSay RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jade Glanfield, from Guide Dogs, to learn more about the...
4m Jan 21, 2019
4m
S1 Ep60: Sailing Week For Visually Impaired People
Even if you've never sailed before, or an old salt looking to get back on the water, Blind Sailing Week is back, and they have places available. The summer event sees blind and partially sighted people sailing with sighted crew on a flotilla of yachts, around the south coast of England and the fun packed week is now taking bookings. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell, who himself has attended...
12m Jan 21, 2019
12m
S1 Ep59: Daily Connect Podcast: Friday 18th January
After an unexpected pod-less day yesterday, The Daily Connect returns! Friday's jam-packed show featured a chat with Blind Dave Heeley, who has a big thank-you to give after an emotional past few weeks, we also heard from Clare Aldworth with information on the latest RNIB Quick Poll, and Producer Andy has Something for the Weekend, with the lowdown on the film Glass, a Netflix series about a di...
22m Jan 18, 2019
22m
S1 Ep58: Swimming Gala On The Way For Visually Impaired Swimmers.
British Blind Sport (BBS) is a charity which promotes inclusivity in a wide range of sports for blind and partially sighted people, as well as working with governing bodies and sporting facilities to make more sports available. Each year they hold a swimming gala, for all swimmers, to come along and enjoy a fun packed day in the pool. They're also looking to build a database of accessible sport...
12m Jan 18, 2019
12m
Tafsila can See The Funny Side
Have you ever wanted to try stand up? If the answer is yes, the RNIB initiative See the Funny Side could be just for you. Lynne Morgan has been speaking to one of last year's participants, Tafsila Khan, on The Welsh Connection. If you fancy applying for See The Funny Side email connect@rnib.org.uk or call 0303 1234 555 and have your funniest joke ready and tell us why you want to take part. Ap...
11m Jan 17, 2019
11m
S1 Ep57: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Tackles Unemployment.
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) is Canada's largest sight loss charity and works to change the lives of, and empower, blind and partially sighted people. It's now working with some of the world's biggest companies to promote blind and partially sighted people as valued and skilled, potential, employees. It's all about breaking down barriers, tackling outdated stereotypes an...
8m Jan 17, 2019
8m
S1 Ep56: Daily Connect Podcast: Wednesday 16th January
On the (Brexit-free) podcast for Wednesday, we hear about RIDC, the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, to learn about accessibility in white goods, as Allan Russell chats to Chris Lofthouse. Also on the pod, we check in with See The Funny Side, with Georgie Morrell, and we also find out whats happening in the South of England with RNIB Community Facilitator Brian Anderson. We'd love yo...
22m Jan 16, 2019
22m
S1 Ep55: Bath Schoolgirl's Fund Raising Challenge.
The Mekele School for the blind in Ethiopia provides a rare opportunity for children with sight loss to receive residential education and learn useful life skills. However the vital work can only be provided with the help of donations, and support, from charities and individuals from across the globe. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lisa Cousins from the charity Ethiopiaid, to learn...
10m Jan 16, 2019
10m
S1 Ep54: Top Tips For Looking After Your Eyes.
It's fare to say that we're probably not the best at looking after our eyes, or at keeping up to date with regular eye checks. So with a new year, how about making a point of making sure we look after them, after all losing your sight is usually number 1 when it comes to things that we couldn't do without. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dr Rubina Ahmed, from Fight For Sight UK, to ...
8m Jan 16, 2019
8m
Get Involved In The South East With RNIB
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is launching a network panel to help improve the lives of people affected by sight loss. The panel, which will operate in the South East area, is an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to get involved and influence the work of the charity. RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with Brian Anderson, community facilitator for R...
6m Jan 15, 2019
6m
S1 Ep53: Daily Connect Podcast: Tuesday 15th January
We focused on employment on Tuesday's Daily Connect, and the struggle of finding work whilst visually impaired; recent statistics show that just 1 in 4 blind people of working age are in employment. Steven spoke to Glen Flatley about losing more of his vision through RP, and the struggle of keeping a job. We also find out about a pilot programme in the North East of England helping work coache...
26m Jan 15, 2019
26m
S1 Ep52: Are White Goods Getting Harder, Or Easier To Use?
If you are blind or partially sighted, choosing white goods for your kitchen can be a difficult task if you have to consider accessibility on top of things like economy and programme functions. With fewer and fewer items using dials and buttons, in favour of touch operation and digital displays, what can be done to improve their operation for people with sight loss? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan R...
12m Jan 15, 2019
12m
S1 Ep51: Daily Connect Podcast: Monday 14th January
It's podcast time! Monday looks a little bit like this: one of our listeners, Brian Docherty, is from NI, and recently undertook a course in I.T. from RNIB. He spoke to Kirsty Campbell to talk about his experiences of the course, and why it was important to him. Also on today's download, news on a survey from the Office of Road and Rail, who have launched a consultation on improving disabled pe...
22m Jan 14, 2019
22m
S1 Ep50: Daily Connect Podcast: Friday 11th January
It's Friday, it's time for today's Daily Connect podcast - today sees Steven chat with blogger Holly Tuke about the #birdboxchallenge, and the reaction online. We also hear from Sonali Rai, who talks about a new consultation on whether there should be more AD on television adverts, and we get Something For The Weekend from producer Andy, including the release of Stan and Ollie. If you would li...
20m Jan 11, 2019
20m
S1 Ep49: Highlights For Audio Described Theatre In January.
Audio Description (AD) can be delivered in a theatre via headphones to blind and partially sighted visitors. The describer tells the person what's happening on stage, between the actors dialogue, and makes the whole visit feel more inclusive. Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, to look at some forthcoming, touring, highlights. This month we ...
12m Jan 11, 2019
12m
S1 Ep48: Daily Connect Podcast: Thursday 10th January
On today's Daily Connect podcast, Steven is joined by Iain Beverley and Sheila Armstrong for the News Review, where topics such as Beyonce's website being inaccessible to the visually impaired, bars of soap being back in fashion, and guide runners at the London Marathon not receiving medals. Also today, Steven spoke with Ann Marie Gallamore from Blind Veterens to tell us all about various event...
39m Jan 10, 2019
39m
S1 Ep47: Should More TV Adverts Be Audio Described?
Many blind and partially sighted people will be familiar with audio description on our televisions. AD, as it's known, is a narrative which is spoken, between actors dialogue, and gives a description of what's physically happening on screen to paint a picture of what's visually going on. The amount of AD content is growing, if a little slowly, but there is now a call for feedback on whether vis...
6m Jan 10, 2019
6m
S1 Ep46: Astronomy For Visually Impaired People.
Star gazing may not be something that you may think would be of interest to someone who is blind or partially sighted, but you'd be wrong. There are now opportunities for visually impaired people to learn more about our universe and get tactile with galaxies, thanks to a new project and it could come to a town or city near you! RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Nicolas Bonne, a partia...
9m Jan 10, 2019
9m
S1 Ep45: Daily Connect Podcast: Wednesday 9th January
Happy HumpDay everyone! On today's Daily Connect podcast, Steven and Producer Andy discuss the hotly debated topic of the #BirdBoxChallenge, as well as sharing your own views. The pair also discuss what's been announced at CES 2019 so far, including 5G on smartphones, 8K TVs, and smart canes from WeWalk. We also hear from Lynne Morgan, who has been chatting to musician John Nixey, and for sport...
40m Jan 09, 2019
40m
Georgie has good news for those who See The Funny Side
In the closing hours of 2018 actress and stand-up comedian Georgie Morrell joined Kris Wallace on RNIB Connect Radio with great news about a second year of the RNIB Initiative See The Funny Side which allows people with sightloss to flex their funny bone in the comedy spotlight. Georgie also reflects on her incredible 2018 and discusses her work with the RNIB. To apply for See The Funny Side 2...
9m Jan 09, 2019
9m
S1 Ep44: Daily Connect Podcast: Tuesday 8th January
On today's Daily Connect podcast, Steven Sees The Funny Side, a scheme set up by RNIB and Blind Comedians to give other blind people the opportunity to try stand-up comedy. Also, we get techie and discuss integration of Be My Eyes into In Your Pocket, and RNIB's Red Szell, presenter of Read On, tells us about a new product called Sensing Nature. Let us know what you think of these issues via t...
37m Jan 08, 2019
37m
S1 Ep43: Looking Ahead in 2019 For America's Leading Sight Loss Charity.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the leading sight loss charity in the USA and they have some big plans for 2019. One of these is the re-location of their annual convention to the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, a huge organisational task for the charity as the event attracts thousands of members from across the country. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to NFB's, PR Director, Ch...
8m Jan 08, 2019
8m
S1 Ep42: What Is It Like Narrating A Talking Book?
UK sight loss charity RNIB has a vast selection of accessible books, which are free to borrow for blind and partially sighted people. They come in different formats, braille, large print, audio cd and you can even stream much of the content to your Smart device. RNIB Connect Radio's Red Szell spoke to narrator Carol Jones, to learn more about her work and love of the written word... #RNIBConnect
7m Jan 08, 2019
7m
S1 Ep41: Daily Connect Podcast: Monday 7th January
Welcome to the first Daily Connect podcast for 2019! On the show today, we hear from Gordon Anthony, author of the Audiobook Hunting Icarus. Allan Russell chats with a London resident about challenging recent proposals from Ealing Council, who plan to convert a pedestrian walkway into shared use space, and the issues this poses for visually impaired residents, and we learn about the sad news wh...
21m Jan 07, 2019
21m
Kirsty James Reflects on an Incredible Year
In the final few hours of 2018 Kirsty James joined Kris Wallace on RNIB Connect Radio to reflect on her incredible year of campaigning with the RNIB, raising awareness of Charles Bonnett Syndrome, and dealing with the difficult situation of finding out your Guide Dog is ill.
10m Jan 07, 2019
10m
Why Celebrate World Braille Day 2019?
French inventor and educator Louis Braille was born in 1809 and created a system of reading and writing that opened up the world to blind people. The system of dots, like a 6 on a dice, allows someone who cannot see the written word to read any kind of literature, scientific notation or music score. Although the 21st Century has brought Smart technology to almost every facet of life, includin...
8m Jan 04, 2019
8m
Nicki Kelly's Incredible Year
On New Year's Eve of 2018 Nicki Kelly joined Kris Wallace in the RNIB Connect Radio studios to discuss her incredible year of recording and releasing her debut EP, her work with the RNIB and her inspiring See The Funny Side project, which encourages people with sight loss to take to the comedy stage, and which returns this March! For more information on See The Funny Side email connect@rnib.or...
12m Jan 04, 2019
12m
S1 Ep40: Playwright Amy Bethan Evans discusses her incredible year
On Boxing Day partially sighted playwright Amy Bethan Evans dropped in to RNIB Connect Radio to discuss her incredible year with Kris Wallace. From writing the highly acclaimed play Libby's Eyes, to fighting for representational casting for blind and partially sighted actors, to her everyday battles for social justice on social media Amy has had an amazing 2018...and she plans for even more in ...
15m Dec 28, 2018
15m
S1 Ep39: Daily Connect Podcast: Friday 21st December
Happy Friday everyone! On the last Daily Connect podcast for 2018, Steven and Shaun Preece go on an eventful shopping trip to Oxford Street in London, Allan Russell chats with Costa Asprou from the RNIB Campaigns team about the events that took place in 2018 and we also speak to Kim Taylor about volunteering in South of England . From everyone involved on the Daily Connect show, and everyone h...
34m Dec 21, 2018
34m
S1 Ep38: Festive Audio Description.
It's that time of year when we like to get into Panto mood and head for the theatre and audio description means that visually impaired patrons can shout, sing and join in the mayhem too. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, to look at some forthcoming shows from around the UK... #RNIBConnect
10m Dec 21, 2018
10m
S1 Ep37: RNIB CEO Review Of 2018.
Each year, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to the Chief Execs of some of the world's leading sight loss charities. Today it's the turn of Eliot Lyne, Interim Chief Exec of RNIB, as he looks at a year of celebration, challenge and change... #RNIBConnect
11m Dec 21, 2018
11m
S1 Ep36: Daily Connect Podcast: Thursday 20th December
It's Thursday! There's a running theme for today's Daily Connect podcast, as we hear from a couple of visually impaired people who are doing jobs you wouldn't expect blind people to do, including being a barista and a counsellor. Also, Julian Jackson joins us to talk about the Big Blind Walk he completed this year, and we hear a Christmas story from listener Giles - just five days to go until t...
21m Dec 20, 2018
21m