S2 Ep745: Visionary Conference 2024: Look Ahead with Nina Chesworth
Amelia is at the Visionary 2024 conference with 250 attendees who work in the sight loss sector. She spoke to Nina Chesworth, Lived experience and campaigns manager for Visionary, for a conference look ahead. Image: Visionary logo. A dark green-grey square with 'Visionary' written in white font and an eye graphic made up of two interlocking rounded shapes in pink and lime green.
2m Sep 25, 2024
2m
S2 Ep805: Namibian Sand Dunes - Travelogue 16 With Jonathan Abro
Jonathan explores some of the world's highest sand dunes in Namibia. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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 Sep 25, 2024
5m
S2 Ep744: 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...
8m Sep 25, 2024
8m
S2 Ep743: National Trust, NaviLens Trial Provides Greater Access at Saltram House
We have recently heard about how the National Trust was trialing the NaviLens technology and codes at Saltram House, Plymouth, one of the National Trust’s properties in the South West of England is the first outdoor cultural site in the UK and the first cultural venue on mainland UK to trial the NaviLens technology and codes to provide greater access to the house, its gardens and parkland for b...
6m Sep 24, 2024
6m
S2 Ep741: AD Screenings and Accessible Events at SQIFF
The Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF) is back this year with accessible networking events and audio described screenings. They’ve been working with RNIB to ensure blind and partially sighted attendees have a good experience Amelia spoke to Kiana Kalantar-Hormozi from SQIFF and James Kyle from RNIB to learn more... SQIFF takes place from 8th to 12th October across the CCA and...
9m Sep 24, 2024
9m
S2 Ep740: VI Actor Niamh Longford stars in Graeae's 'Romeo and Juliet'
Niamh longford is a young VI actor moving from professional screen roles to her first professional stage role in 'Romeo and Juliet'. Amelia learned more about her career so far and taking on the legendary role. Learn more about Niamh on her website - @niamhlongford - ContactInBio (http://niamhlongford.contactin.bio/) Follow her on Tiktok, Instagram and X (twitter) under @niamhlongford Image ...
9m Sep 23, 2024
9m
S2 Ep735: National Eye Health Week - Optometry Scotland
This National Eye Health Week we’re speaking to Optometry Scotland to hear about their plans to mark the week, plus the best ways to look after your eye health. You can find more information about Optometry Scotland via their website - Home | Optometry Scotland (https://www.optometryscotland.org.uk/) Image: Three large cartoon eyes dominate the logo for 'National Eye Health Week 2024' which i...
8m Sep 23, 2024
8m
S2 Ep689: MIMA Towards New Worlds Art Exhibition
The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art have an exhibition exploring how disabled, d/deaf and neurodiverse artists experience the world. Amelia spoke to the artistic director Elinor Morgan and blind artist Aaron McPeake to learn more. MIMA, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, is part of Teesside University. Find out more: https://mima.art/ (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/...
14m Sep 20, 2024
14m
S2 Ep804: Bolivian Salt Desert - Travelogue 15 With Jonathan Abro
Jonathan visits a desert with a difference in Bolivia.. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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 Sep 18, 2024
5m
S2 Ep739: Braille 200 - Teaching Braille
What’s it like teaching adults to learn braille? To celebrate Braille 200, David Hogg spoke to Mel Pritchard from The Braillists Foundation to find out. Image shows a square with three stripes. From top to bottom: pink stripe with 'Braille 200' written in white text, black stripe with an image depiction of the same text in white braille dots, and final white stripe with 'Powered by' written i...
7m Sep 18, 2024
7m
S2 Ep738: Braille 200 - RNIB Braille Library
As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of braille, Robert Kirkwood asks Paul Porter about the history of, and the recent changes to, the RNIB Braille Library, and finds out why it no longer has 4 and a half miles of shelves. Image shows a square with three stripes. From top to bottom: pink stripe with 'Braille 200' written in white text, black stripe with an image depiction of the same text in ...
9m Sep 18, 2024
9m
S2 Ep737: It's a Kind Of (Audio) Magic
A new competition is underway to find audio-based magic tricks that are accessible to blind and partially sighted people. Hywel Davies has been hearing from the team behind the search. You can find out more about the challenge here - The auditory trick challenge | MAGIC Lab (magicresearchlab.com) (https://www.magicresearchlab.com/auditorychallange) Image: Dr Gustav Kuhn stands looking at the ...
6m Sep 18, 2024
6m
S2 Ep736: Braille 200 – Sandra Gayer
As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of braille, Hubert speaks to the host of our very own Music Box Sandra Gayer, about how she uses braille, in her personal and professional aspects, and also finds out more about braille music. Image shows a square with three stripes. From top to bottom: pink stripe with 'Braille 200' written in white text, black stripe with an image depiction of the same t...
9m Sep 18, 2024
9m
S2 Ep736: Social Media Update 17th September 2024
Once again Hubert catches up with our very own social media team to find out what’s been trending in the blind and partially sighted community and in general, plus we look at clap back videos and what they are exactly.
8m Sep 18, 2024
8m
S2 Ep734: RNIB launch Higher and Further Education Toolkits
Are you a blind or partially-sighted student in further or higher education? RNIB have launched a toolkit to help you know your rights and empower you to self-advocate for your needs. Amelia spoke to Equality Act Advisor, Jenna Vivian, to learn more. Read the Toolkit here - Higher and Further Education Toolkit (rnib.org.uk) (https://media.rnib.org.uk/documents/Toolkit_Challenging_discriminat...
7m Sep 17, 2024
7m
S2 Ep733: Dundee Blind And Partially Sighted Society
How does Dundee Blind and Partially Sighted Society support people in the Tayside areas? Amelia spoke to Laura Lindsay to learn more. Visit the dundee blind and partially sighted society website to learn more - Home | Dundee Blind & Partially Sighted Society (dundeeblindsociety.org.uk) (https://www.dundeeblindsociety.org.uk/) Image shows RNIB Connect Radio logo. RNIB is written in bold black...
5m Sep 17, 2024
5m
S2 Ep733: Blind Leading 2024 Tai Chi
Time for another in our Blind Leading series, showing that sight loss is no barrier to achievement. This time, David Hogg tries some Tai Chi from Chris Godwin. Image: Chris on left and David on Right. They're facing each other, David's left hand is holding onto Chris' right arm. With his right hand Chris is pointing down at David's hips as he explains something. They are keeping heir knees ge...
15m Sep 17, 2024
15m
S2 Ep732: Braille 200 - Denise and Stefan
With the launch this week of RNIB's Braille 200, a yearlong celebration of all things braille, David Hogg speaks to musicians and married couple Denise and Stefan to hear what braille means to them. Image shows a square with three stripes. From top to bottom: pink stripe with 'Braille 200' written in white text, black stripe with an image depiction of the same text in white braille dots, and f...
10m Sep 16, 2024
10m
S2 Ep711: Braille 200 - The Braillists Foundation - Dave Williams
As we celebrate 200 years of Braille, Hywel Davies has been speaking with The Braillists Foundation, a grass-roots community group offering training and support to both new and established braille users. To find out more about the work of The Braillists Foundation, visit their website - The Braillists Foundation – Our Mission: More Braille! (https://www.braillists.org/) Image shows a square w...
15m Sep 16, 2024
15m
S2 Ep693: Braille 200 - Willow Freeman from the American Printing House for the Blind
As we all celebrate 200 years since Louis Braille invented his tactile reading and writing system for blind and partially sighted people through the RNIB Braille 200 year long campaign raising the awareness of braille to visually impaired and sighted people here on RNIB Connect Radio we are chatting with people who are braille users to find out what braille means to them and how braille has may...
13m Sep 16, 2024
13m
S2 Ep730: RNIB Chief Executive Matt Stringer's Weekly Update
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. This week we covered the Post-Paralympics party with RNIB Connect Radio, Louisa Wickam's endorsement of RNIB's Eye Care Support Pathy in Optometry Today and the upcoming party conferences. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and servic...
8m Sep 14, 2024
8m
S2 Ep729: Marianas Trench Are On A Little Alternative
Marianas Trench have just dropped their sixth album Haven. their bassist Mike Ayley speaks to A Little Alternative's David Hogg, about the creation of the record, how tour preparations are going and when we can expect the band to tour the UK. You can catch A Little Alternative on RNIB Connect Radio every Friday at 9pm or Saturdays at 7pm. Image Description: Marianas Trench band members stand ...
9m Sep 13, 2024
9m
S2 Ep731: RNIB Street Survey In Cardiff
How accessible is your local city centre? RNIB Cymru have had help from some special volunteers to complete their recent ‘Street Survey’ in Cardiff, as Hywel Davies has been finding out.
9m Sep 13, 2024
9m
S2 Ep728: The Relaunch Of 'Fight For Sight'
The charity ‘Fight For Sight’ has relaunched. Hywel Davies has been hearing about the new identity and new mission of the organisation. For more information on Fight For Sight, visit their website - www.fightforsight.org.uk Image: The Fight for Sight logo which resembles an eye and the eyelid below it, with the eyelid curving upwards to reference outstretched arms.
14m Sep 11, 2024
14m
S2 Ep706: Galapagos Islands - Travelogue 14 With Jonathan Abro
With ancient tortoises, blue footed boobies, clambering iguanas and more, the Galapagos islands are a nature-lover's paradise. Join Jonathan as he encounters the wonders of the island in this week's Travelogue. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ writte...
6m Sep 11, 2024
6m
S2 Ep727: Lavery On Location At The National Galleries Of Scotland
Fancy a trip to Paris, Morroco or New York? Well, you can explore these locations and more through Sir John Lavery’s beautiful artworks at the national galleries of Scotland. Amelia talked to Meg Faragher to learn more about the AD tour and art workshop. The session takes place in person on Wednesday 18 September 2024, 10.15am–3.30pm Learn more on the NGS website - Visually Impaired Programme...
7m Sep 11, 2024
7m
S2 Ep726: Theatr Iolo Bring 'The Welsh Dragon' To Life
A new play for children will explore Britain’s black ancestry using music and rap. Hywel Davies has been finding out all about ‘The Welsh Dragon’. For tickets and visit more information, visit the Theatr Iolo website - Welsh Dragon — Theatr Iolo (https://www.theatriolo.com/welsh-dragon-1) Image: A black dragon opens its wings above the text 'The Welsh Dragon' written in chunky graffiti letter...
3m Sep 10, 2024
3m
S2 Ep725: Changes To The Winter Fuel Payment
Changes are coming to the Winter Fuel Payments, but RNIB are here to help you understand them and how to claim. Amelia spoke to RNIB Legal Rights Officer, Dominic Milne, to learn more. Call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999 for support on which benefits you're entitled to. Image shows RNIB Connect Radio logo. RNIB is written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line...
9m Sep 10, 2024
9m
S2 Ep724: Sight Village North East Coming To Leeds
Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Hywel Davies has been hearing all about plans for this year’s Sight Village North East. For free tickets, you can visit the QAC website - Sight Village North East - Leeds - Queen Alexandra College (qac.ac.uk) (https://www.qac.ac.uk/exhibitions/sight-...
4m Sep 09, 2024
4m
S2 Ep723: Remember A Charity Week 2024: Dave's Story
Remember A Charity Week runs from September 9th to the 15th and encourages us to leave a legacy in our bequests to a favourite charity. How does the money left to RNIB benefit the lives of blind and partially sighted people? Our David Hogg spoke to RNIB Service User Dave Reaney to hear how the charity helped him following his sight loss. To learn more about RNIB and how to leave a legacy, go ...
9m Sep 09, 2024
9m
S2 Ep722: Remember A Charity Week 2024: The Impact Of Your Gift
Remember A Charity Week runs from September 9th to the 15th and encourages us to leave a legacy in our bequests to a favourite charity. How does leaving a gift in your will impact RNIB? Hywel Davies has been speaking to RNIB’s Head of Legacy Engagement this ‘Remember A Charity Week’. To learn more about RNIB and how to leave a legacy, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk/legacy #RNIBConnect Image: R...
7m Sep 09, 2024
7m
S2 Ep721: Remember A Charity Week 2024: Volunteer Leaves Gift To RNIB
Remember A Charity Week runs from September 9th to the 15th and encourages us to leave a legacy in our bequests to a favourite charity. Now here is our Toby Davey with news about why one visually impaired RNIB Volunteer wanted to leave a gift in his will to the RNIB… To learn more about RNIB and how to leave a legacy, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk/legacy #RNIBConnect Image: Remember A Charity...
8m Sep 09, 2024
8m
S2 Ep720: Remember A Charity Week 2024: Will-Writing
Remember A Charity Week runs from September 9th to the 15th and encourages us to leave a legacy in our bequests to a favourite charity. Are you one of the many people in the UK who doesn't have a will? Robert Kirkwood finds out why some people are put off writing them and the benefits of having one. To learn more about RNIB and how to leave a legacy, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk/legacy #RNIBC...
9m Sep 09, 2024
9m
S2 Ep719: Remember A Charity Week 2024: What Is Inheritance Tax?
Remember A Charity Week runs from September 9th to the 15th and encourages us to leave a legacy in our bequests to a favourite charity. Inheritance Tax is a 'plannable tax' that you can mitigate with some professional help. Robert Kirkwood finds out more this Remember A Charity Week. To learn more about RNIB and how to leave a legacy, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk/legacy #RNIBConnect Image: R...
8m Sep 09, 2024
8m
S2 Ep718: Remember A Charity Week 2024: Director Lucinda Frostick
Remember A Charity Week runs from September 9th to the 15th and encourages us to leave a legacy in our bequests to a favourite charity. Did you know that leaving a legacy to a charity in your will can help them plan for the future and support their customers through a variety of tailored services? Allan Russell has been talking to Lucinda Frostick about Remember A Charity Week which looks at ...
9m Sep 09, 2024
9m
S2 Ep710: Remember A Charity Week 2024: Weird & Wonderful Gifts
Remember A Charity Week runs from September 9th to the 15th and encourages us to leave a legacy in our bequests to a favourite charity. As we chat about the importance of writing a will this Remember A Charity Week, our Paulina hears about some weird and wonderful gifts which were left in wills. She spoke with RNIB's Senior Legacy Income Manager, Daniel Pepper. To learn more about RNIB and h...
9m Sep 09, 2024
9m
S2 Ep700: Braille 200 - Celebration With 15-Year-Old Keira Mills
As we celebrate braille turning 200-years-old, the system of raised dots continues to enable blind and partially sighted people to read and write. Talking with our Paulina Kuchorew about her love of reading and how she uses braille in her daily life is 15-year-old Keira Mills. Image shows a square with three stripes. From top to bottom: pink stripe with 'Braille 200' written in white text, bl...
6m Sep 09, 2024
6m
S2 Ep717: Visit The Paralympic Cauldron With RNIB Connect Radio
 On Saturday, was the final chance to see the Paralympic Cauldron up close ahead of the Closing Ceremony. This year's flame is unique, utilising lights and a cloud of water vapour instead of real fire. Visit it together with Allan, Toby and Paulina to find out more. Image shows our team posing in front of the cauldron. From left to right: Allan, Jane, Toby and Paulina. They're all smiling as ...
9m Sep 08, 2024
9m
S2 Ep716: RNIB Cymru Street Survey In Cardiff
RNIB Cymru are holding an event in Cardiff this week to find out more about the accessibility of the city centre. Hywel Davies has been hearing more about plans for the upcoming ‘Street Survey’.
10m Sep 06, 2024
10m
S2 Ep715: Covid Inquiry Enters Next Phase - RNIB
As the inquiry into the impact of the pandemic continues, Hywel Davies spoke to RNIB’s Head of Policy and Campaigns to hear about the progress of the inquiry so far.
8m Sep 06, 2024
8m
S2 Ep714: Visiting Pompidou Centre in Paris With Our Radio Team
Our team went over to Paris to cover the Paralympic Games, but whilst there, Toby and Paulina decided to step away from sport for a moment and immerse themselves in a bit of modern art. Image shows Toby posing in front of Chopin's Waterloo, a sculpture from 1962 made by artist Arman. Described the Pompidou Centre as "destruction-dislocation" of an upright piano. The scattered pieces of the mus...
8m Sep 06, 2024
8m
S2 Ep713: Travelling Around Paris When You're Blind Or Partially Sighted
What is it like travelling around Paris if you’re blind or partially sighted? Let’s find out with Toby and Allan, who are reporting from this year’s Paralympics Games. Image shows Allan and Toby standing in front of a protective metal net with a view over Paris far off in the distance. They're on the top floor of the Eiffel Tower. Allan is on the left and wearing a pink RNIB t-shirt, with Tob...
8m Sep 06, 2024
8m
S2 Ep708: Visiting The Eiffel Tower With RNIB Connect Radio Team
What is it like to visit the famous French tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris? Join Toby, Allan, John and Paulina to find out. Image shows Toby and John posing in front of The Eiffel Tower. They're both smiling as the wrought-iron lattice tower stands magnificently behind them. With lush green trees near the tower's legs, you can also spot the famous Olympic logo (5 interlaced rings of: blue...
13m Sep 05, 2024
13m
S2 Ep702: What Is It Like To Visit Arc de Triomphe If You're Blind?
Our team is in Paris right now reporting from the Paralympic Games, and whilst there they checked out one of the most famous landmarks in the city, Arc de Triomphe. Listen to find out how Allan, Jane and Paulina got on. Image shows Allan and Jane pose by a ornate lamp post with the Arc de Triomphe in the distance behind them. Allan has his left hand on the lamp post and holds his white cane i...
8m Sep 02, 2024
8m
S2 Ep701: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Monthly Campaigns Update
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio 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 includes the right to vote in secret, working with e-scooter companies and upcoming party conferences. If you’d like more in...
9m Sep 02, 2024
9m
S2 Ep699: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 31/08/2024
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 Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and rail accessibility, the start of the Paralympics and If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org...
10m Aug 31, 2024
10m
S2 Ep697: Graeae's Production Of Romeo And Juliet
Graeae are taking on a Shakespearean classic with an all D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent cast. How are they making the play accessible for disabled audience members and Shakespeare beginners? Amelia spoke to Graeae's Artistic Director, Jenny Sealey OBE, to learn more. You can watch the production at Shakespeare North Playhouse on 13 Sept – 5 Oct and Theatre by the Lake on 12 – 26 Oct. Le...
11m Aug 31, 2024
11m
S2 Ep696: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Hamilton, 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 Lin-Manuel Miranda’s multi award-winning cultural phenomenon that is Hamilton as the 2023/2024 touring production visited the...
8m Aug 30, 2024
8m
S2 Ep698: Social Media Update 28th August 2024
Hubert returns with our weekly chat with the RNIB social media team as he looks to get the latest trends, gossip and find out how RNIB are championing accessibility this week.
9m Aug 29, 2024
9m
S2 Ep704: San Blas Islands - Travelogue 13 with Jonathan Abro
Join Jonathan on his boat journey to the San Blas Islands, an archipelago of 378 islands in the Caribbean Sea. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows Jonathan Abro, a white middle-aged man holding a white cane, sat on some jagged grey rocks with two small, pink-faced monkeys close to him. One monkey is licking Jon...
5m Aug 27, 2024
5m