S1 Ep789: Free App Brings Sighted Support To Visually Impaired Users
The 20th of May 2021 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day and it shines a light on how commerce and government's can make digital accessibility a level playing field for people with disabilities. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Will Butler, from Be My Eyes, to learn more about the free app which links up sighted volunteers with blind or partially sighted customers, as well as host...
7m May 20, 2021
7m
S1 Ep789: Google Looks At The Future Of Accessible Websites
The 20th of May 2021 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day and it shines a light on how commerce and government's can make digital accessibility a level playing field for people with disabilities. RNIB, Google and The Guardian came together to look at how to improve the web experience for people with a range of access requirements. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Kate Baker, from ...
7m May 20, 2021
7m
S1 Ep788: Global Accessibility Awareness Day - The University of Sunderland
It's Global Accessibility Awareness Day today and we're covering lots of different types of accessibility in the lives of blind and partially sighted people, and some of those people are students. Ellie's been chatting to a student and a member of the disabilities team at the University of Sunderland about the measures they have in place to ensure all students have access to the same university...
12m May 20, 2021
12m
S1 Ep788: Introduction to Ablenet
You may have heard a couple of weeks ago we spoke to Ghazi who had taken part in one of Ablenet's experiences driving a supercar well, Ellie's been catching up with the Founder of Ablenet about what other extreme experiences they can offer blind and partially sighted people. If you want to find out more you can visit the Ablenet website here: www.ablenet.co.uk  (https://ablenet.co.uk/) Images...
8m May 20, 2021
8m
S1 Ep786: How Accessible Was Your Voting Experience
UK sight loss charity RNIB is asking blind and partially sighted people to take part in their Turned Out survey. They want to learn about your experiences of casting your vote in privacy and in an accessible way, did it work for you this year? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mike Wordingham, from RNIB, to look at the survey, learn about an accessible voting trial and what the char...
6m May 19, 2021
6m
S1 Ep785: The book group with a difference
Reading is one of the big joys in life and lockdown has put the brakes on lots of book groups, but it's also given others the chance to thrive, Ellie has been finding out more… Free. Open to all. No homework. One and a half hours a week for six weeks. To find out more contact  fiona@fiona-shaw.com Image: open book on a pile of other books.
8m May 19, 2021
8m
S1 Ep779: It's A Family Challenge For Charity's Marathon Mates Fundraisers
May is Marathon Mates month for UK sight loss charity RNIB. They're asking us to pair up, virtually if necessary, to run a marathon distance, 26.2 miles, over the month of May, not too taxing! RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Adam Ferguson and his son Jacob to find out why they're getting involved in the fundraiser and what's Jacob's favourite RNIB service. You can still sponsor A...
6m May 19, 2021
6m
S1 Ep779: Why Do People Volunteer?
Volunteering is a great way of giving back something to charity, or even building new skills when looking for a job. There are a diverse range of rolls and you can give as much, or as little, time as you can afford. RNIB Connect Radio's Lynne Morgan spoke to Billy Horsburgh and Janette Scott to find out why they volunteer for RNIB. To learn more about volunteering for RNIB, go to http://www....
9m May 19, 2021
9m
S1 Ep778: The State of Digital Accessibility of the Arts
With Global Accessibility Awareness Day this week (Thursday 20 May 2021) here on Connect Radio we are looking at digital accessibility for blind and partially sighted people.    One area of accessibility we talk a lot about on Connect Radio is audio description of the arts. During the Covid-19 pandemic many theatres, museums, galleries, and other arts venues put their audio description offer ...
8m May 19, 2021
8m
S1 Ep784: Pub Quiz with Galloways!
Get your thinking caps on now, Ellie's been catching up with Galloways a charity in the North West about their virtual pub quiz's, with a little quiz demonstration at the end…
10m May 19, 2021
10m
S1 Ep783: Audio Described beauty of the Causeway Coast and Glenns
We can finally get out and about! But if you don’t quite feel up to it yet, Ellie's been catching up with Nikki from the Causeway, Coast and Glenns' Heritage Trust to find out about their new Audio Described flyers information packs that you can access from the comfort of your sofa…  Image: shows the opening of the Giants Causeway
6m May 19, 2021
6m
S1 Ep782: One Voice Choir
We're off to Teesside now to Middlesbrough to catch up with Alison Trelfa who is the Musical Director of the One voice Choir and is telling Ellie about how the choir is open to any level and ability to join in and enjoy the music… 
8m May 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep781: Improving Access To Sport Through See Sport Differently
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in partnership with British Blind Sport have received £1m in funding from Sport England to help develop participation in sport amongst people with sight loss.   The organisations will work together and through their See Sport Differently programme deliver opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to access and participate in sport...
8m May 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep780: Joe Kenny introduces his new EP
Ellie catches up with Joe Kenny, a partially sighted musician who before lockdown was well known on the music scene in Belfast before lockdown, he's now wrote his first EP released in July, Ellie caught up with him for a chat and sneak peak of his new single...
12m May 18, 2021
12m
S1 Ep777: Charity's Ongoing Customer Need Research
UK sight loss charity RNIB has been carrying out regular research, into the needs of its customers and the effects on their lives caused by the pandemic restrictions. The ongoing work will help the organisation act in a more agile way, responding to their needs and working better with partners from across the globe. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jane Manley, from RNIB, to learn ...
11m May 18, 2021
11m
S1 Ep776: The Longest Battle with Vanessa Wallace
In The Longest Battle Emma Martins chats with people who have gone through a similar life changing situation to her own when Emma caught a virus in 2013 which completely changed her life for ever.  The virus that Emma caught in Vietnam caused a brain aneurysm which in turn has severely affected Emma’s eyesight. In today's The Longest Battle Emma is chatting with World Para-Athletic shot-put m...
36m May 17, 2021
36m
S1 Ep775: World Blind Union Looks Ahead To Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2021
Each year Global Accessibility Awareness Day gives focus to the call for improved access, including  the digital world, for people with disabilities. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Fred Schroeder, President of the World Blind Union, to find out what the WBU will be working on around the spotlight event. If you'd like more information about the World Blind Union and it's work, go ...
7m May 17, 2021
7m
S1 Ep775: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Round Up 17/05/2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to discuss some of the latest news coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt tells us about a new survey to gather experiences of accessible voting, free mental well being support for everyone, the opening of RNIB shops and a fundraising update from Marathon Mates. To find out more about our f...
8m May 17, 2021
8m
S1 Ep774: Blind And Partially Sighted Gamers Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2021
May 20th 2021 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day and events will be taking place across the world to promote the need for more digital accessibility for people with disabilities. As part of this, charity RNIB is organising a big fundraiser with visually impaired gamers live streaming games and much, much more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ian Strachan and Conor Joseph, both ...
6m May 14, 2021
6m
S1 Ep773: Volunteers Get So Much From Giving Their Time To Sight Loss Charity
Volunteering is a great way of giving back something to charity, or even building new skills when looking for a job. There are a diverse range of rolls and you can give as much, or as little, time as you can afford. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell spoke to Allan and Heather Owens to find out why they volunteer for RNIB. To learn more about volunteering for RNIB, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk...
7m May 13, 2021
7m
S1 Ep773: Charity's New Resource Unlocks Sight Loss Mysteries
When you mention the word Genetics, you start to imagine a topic that's over your head, but that's not the case for those with inherited sight loss. The charity Retina UK has launched it's Unlocking Genetics resource that will help people better understand their sight loss condition and get info on the latest treatments and clinical trials. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Amy Pear...
9m May 13, 2021
9m
S1 Ep772: Charity's Marathon Mates Fundraisers Hit The Streets
May is Marathon Mates month for UK sight loss charity RNIB. They're asking us to pair up, virtually if necessary, to run a marathon distance, 26.2 miles, over the month of May, not too taxing! RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Shivani Maharana to find out why she's getting involved in the fundraiser and why she's encouraging others to join in. If you'd like more info on the fundrai...
5m May 12, 2021
5m
S1 Ep771: Connect Voices Round-Up 12 May 2021
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted included: Your chance to get involved in the Design for Everyone campaign and share your stories about how you manage food allergies as a blind or partially sighted person. An App Developer is looking for help with makin...
8m May 12, 2021
8m
S1 Ep770: David Reaney, the Importance of Phone Groups
David Reaney talks to RNIB Connect Radio about the importance of phone groups.  David wants to encourage people to join a phone group, as a chat with someone can really help. Image is RNIB Logo.  RNIB written in bold black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' in black letters underneath.  
7m May 11, 2021
7m
S1 Ep769: Supercar experiences for Blind and Partially Sighted people with Ablenet
Time for some supercar chat now, RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has been catching up with Paul from Ablenet and Ghazie who has actually been behind the wheel about providing supercar driving experiences to blind and partially sighted people. Find out more: Blind Supercar Drive Yourself – Ablenet Experiences (https://ablenet.co.uk/product-category/supercar-experiences/blind-supercar-drive-you...
9m May 11, 2021
9m
S1 Ep765: Company Creates Clothing For Kids With Disabilities
Blossom And Best is a company that specialises in creating fantastic clothing for kids with a range of disabilities. They're now crowd funding to raise money to buy a special machine that can put Braille on clothes. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to company founder Michelle Best to find out more. To learn more about Blossom And Best, go to http://www.facebook.com/chelliescreations ...
5m May 11, 2021
5m
S1 Ep768: New Research Looks At Retinal Gene Editing To Restore Sight
Sight Loss charity Fight For Sight UK is funding new research that will look at gene editing, with an end goal of repairing damage to the retina. If successful, it could mean that people with a wide range of sight loss conditions could have their sight improved or restored. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dr Jacqui Van Der Spuy, from University College London, to learn more about ...
6m May 11, 2021
6m
S1 Ep767: RNIB Counselling Service and Demystifying Some of Those Preconceived Ideas of Counselling Interview with Amanda Hawkins and Tina Doyle
You may of heard about the availability of the Mental Wellbeing Check In Sessions but did you know about the other services that the RNIB Sight Loss Counselling service is able to offer you if you are looking for help and support around mental health issues at the moment?    Amanda and Tina explained to Toby how the RNIB Sight Loss Counselling service is here to help blind and partially sight...
10m May 10, 2021
10m
S1 Ep766: Top Tips For Managing Anxiety
This Mental Health Awareness Week it's vital that we recognise the importance of discussing our feelings and emotions.  So if you're struggling with feelings of anxiety, RNIB's Organisational Development Partner Chris Simpson has some tips that could help.  You'll find resources, tips and advice, as well as information around RNIB's Mental Wellbeing Check-Ins, Living with Sight loss courses a...
7m May 10, 2021
7m
S1 Ep765: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 10/05/2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB CEO Matt Stringer to discuss some of the latest news from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about mental health support for everyone, RNIB's shops re-opening, news on our Eye Clinic Liaison Officer service and a fundraising call. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can get free mental health support f...
8m May 10, 2021
8m
S1 Ep764: Campaign For Safer Rail Platforms Gains Momentum
After many accidents, and 1 death, on our train station platforms, UK sight loss charities RNIB and Guide Dogs launched a campaign to make the areas safer for blind and partially sighted commuters. They want all platforms to have tactile markers at the edges, so visually impaired people can recognise the danger zone and stay safe. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Jacklin, fr...
10m May 07, 2021
10m
S1 Ep763: Even More Description For Naked Attraction
It's fair to say that Channel 4's Naked Attraction show is a dating show with a difference and has the UK talking. Did you know that the show has audio description for blind and partially sighted viewers? Did you also know that a couple of Radio 1 presenters asked to become audio describers on the show? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Graham Wilkinson, from Channel 4, and Naked A...
7m May 07, 2021
7m
S1 Ep762: Avoiding New Barriers As Pandemic Restrictions Ease
As Covid-19 restrictions ease across the UK, charities are voicing their concerns that it may lead to new, but unintended, barriers being created for many of their customers. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland, to find out what barriers could be created, as we get more freedom, and what can be done so blind and partially sighted people can enjoy ...
5m May 06, 2021
5m
S1 Ep762: Charity Volunteers Discuss Their Work Through Lockdown
The Covid-19 restrictions forced many charities to change the way they work and the ways that they support their customers. For many volunteers, this meant turning their skills to new services and new experiences to provide vital help and advice to blind and partially sighted people. RNIB's Ellie Marsh spoke to George Devlin and Conor Joseph, volunteers for sight loss charity RNIB, to find ou...
8m May 06, 2021
8m
S1 Ep762: Return Of Outdoor Activity Taster Days For Visually Impaired People.
It's been a long time but finally British Blind Sport can resume their sport, and activity, taster days around the UK. The days give blind and partially sighted people, of all ages and abilities, the chance to try some new sports and activities with professional coaching. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David Melville, from BBS, to learn more about the first face to face event and...
4m May 06, 2021
4m
S1 Ep761: Emma Arnold, Marathon Mates
Emma Arnold experienced excruciating pain when losing the sight in one eye.   Emma told RNIB Connect Radio the counselling she received from RNIB, helped her come to terms with her condition and the pain.  Now, Emma is taking on the Marathon Mates challenge, running a distance of 26.2 miles, throughout May, along with her friend Nadia.  Image is of Marathon Mates logo.
5m May 05, 2021
5m
S1 Ep760: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Goes On The Road
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with John Rafferty, CEO of CNIB, to look at some of the latest news coming from the Canadian charity. This month, John tells us about a pilot project which will see a mobile unit travel to some outlying areas, delivering a whole host of services and support. For more information on the CNIB's services or to join in with some of their virtua...
7m May 05, 2021
7m
S1 Ep759: Blind Driving Record Attempt For US Sight Loss Charity
10 Years ago the National Federation of the Blind, in the USA, demonstrated it's tech packed car that would allow a blind person to independently drive. The challenge, at Daytona, was a big success and 10 years later, they're involved in a world record attempt to prove that a blind person can drive a car, on a race track, at over 200 miles per hour. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to...
6m May 04, 2021
6m
S1 Ep757: Looking into Audio Description of the Performing Arts in London, Adelaide and Singapore
If you are a fan of theatre audio description, then it is your chance to help out Kari Seeley, an Audio Describer from Australia with her research into theatre audio description in London, Adelaide and Singapore. Kari Seeley is a professional Audio describer from Adelaide who is carrying out research into visually impaired people’s experience of audio description of the performing arts in Lond...
8m May 04, 2021
8m
S1 Ep759: Casting Your Vote As A Partially Sighted Person
On May 6th 2021 the UK will be going to the polls, on a variety of elections, in the biggest day of voting outside the General Election. How easy is it to independently and secretly cast your vote if you are blind or partially sighted? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Holly Matthies, who is partially sighted, to find out what her experience was like and what she thinks would make i...
5m May 04, 2021
5m
S1 Ep756: The Longest Battle with Alex Corbisiero
In The Longest Battle Emma Martins chats with people who have gone through a similar life changing situation to her own when Emma caught a virus in 2013 which completely changed her life for ever.  The virus that Emma caught in Vietnam caused a brain aneurysm which in turn has severely affected Emma’s eyesight. In today's The Longest Battle Emma is chatting with rugby legend Alex Corbisiero w...
33m May 03, 2021
33m
S1 Ep651: RNIB Employment Service - Jurgen’s employment success story
Jurgen Donaldson started to lose his sight in August/September 2019, he had to take some time away from his job at the time, when he returned his employer was not that accommodating to his situation.   After being made redundant and reached out to the RNIB Employment Service for support through this tricky time for him and was teamed up with Emma Griffiths RNIB Employment Advisor. Thankfully J...
9m Apr 30, 2021
9m
S1 Ep758: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 30.04.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to discuss some of the latest news coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about the free will service from RNIB, work on accessible voting, Marathon Mates and believe it or not? Naked Attraction! If you'd like to learn more about RNIB and it's services, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk Y...
7m Apr 30, 2021
7m
S1 Ep752: Michelle And Eli Take On Marathon Mates Challenge For Charity
Michelle Baker and her son Eli are taking on the challenge of running a marathon distance, 26.2 miles, over the month of May to raise funds for the UK sight loss charity RNIB. There's still time to sign up, raise funds, get some fresh air and get a friend to join in the fun. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Michelle to find out why she's getting involved and how RNIB supported her ...
5m Apr 29, 2021
5m
S1 Ep752: Is Voting Getting More Accessible For Blind And Partially Sighted People?
Casting your vote independently and in secrecy is a statutory right in the UK but if you have a visual impairment, that's not always true. UK sight loss charity RNIB has worked with the UK Cabinet Office and the Electoral Commission to improve the voting process and they are also piloting a new way of independent voting. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mike Wordingham, from RNIB, ...
5m Apr 29, 2021
5m
S1 Ep755: Angel Eyes NI
Lockdown has been tough and people have needed that extra bt of support. Angel eyes NI, a charity based in Northern Ireland have been supporting local families before, during and after the lockdowns. Ellie caught up with Sara to find out more about what they do You can find our more about Angel Eyes NI here: www.angeleyesni.org  Image shows: The Angel Eyes NI logo, three animated people, blue...
7m Apr 28, 2021
7m
S1 Ep754: Lockdown lifting - Transport for All
Everyone is looking forward to lockdown lifting, but the relaxation of restrictions is throwing up different issues for blind and partially sighted people. Ellie Marsh spoke to Katie from Transport for all about what needs to be done as we slowly return to normality. Find out more about transport for all here:  www.transportforall.org.uk Image shows: The transport for all logo, TFA in white l...
8m Apr 28, 2021
8m
S1 Ep753: Seeing in Isolation - Part 3 - Karren
We hear about a brand new arts project created by severely sight impaired photographer Karren Visser, in partnership with Multistory and Sandwell Visually Impaired. In this episode we hear from Karren about her experience with this project and going infront of the camera for the first time 
9m Apr 28, 2021
9m
S1 Ep751: Connect Voices Round-Up 28 April 2021
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted included: A reminder about a call out from the BBC News Team for visually impaired people to share their Covid experiences for BBC News output on radio, TV and online, an opportunity to give feedback and help Legal and Gen...
6m Apr 28, 2021
6m
S1 Ep750: RNIB Pocket Guide to Voting
With elections on 6th May, RNIB has produced a Pocket Guide for blind and partially sighted people to take with them to their local polling stations.  Nathan Owen, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for RNIB Cymru, gave the details to RNIB Connect Radio. Image is of the RNIB logo.  RNIB in bold, black capital letters, underlined with a pink line and below, the words 'See differently' in bold bla...
4m Apr 27, 2021
4m