RNIB Connect

EyeCAN is Jersey’s only sight loss charity supporting visually impaired Islanders since 1886. Prior to 2015, they were known as Jersey Blind Society before changing their name to EYECAN. The charity supports anyone and everyone who is visually impaired, through social activities, mobility, daily living advice, wellbeing and more. Jennifer Murray speaks to Mark Coxshall, Chief Executive Officer of EYECAN to find out more.

If you would like to learn more about EYECAN or simply get in touch, you can reach out to them in any of the following ways:

EYECAN’s Website:

https://eyecan.je/

Phone:

01534 864689

Email:

[email protected]

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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 engaging with NHS changes, the RNIB board of trustees and the live audio description of the Rugby 6 Nations on ITV.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 

Or ask your Amazon device to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

Image Shows A Smiling Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, Wearing Glasses and A Grey Jacket

Time now for our monthly update from the Macular Society and their My Macular and Me webinar. David Hogg caught up with the organiser of the webinars Colin Daniels to find out what's in store this month. 

Evie Roberts is 15 years old, totally blind and is from the Isle of Mann. About 19 months ago, she started to make her own podcast called Talking in the dark raising awareness of visual impairment. Evie talks to other disabled people and gets to know more about them in a fun and light-hearted way. Evie won a Young Hero of Mann Award in 2023. Jennifer Murray talks to Evie to find out more.

If you would like to listen to Talking In The Dark, you can go to Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts App, Amazon Music, Instagram and TikTok. You can also search for Talking In The Dark on any major podcast platform.

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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 of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025.

This week Vidar was reviewing a new stage production of Sebastian Faulks’s ‘Bird Song’ at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith.

About “Bird Song’

Sebastian Faulks’s epic story of love and loss returned to the stage marking the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel.

‘Bird Song’ tells the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War. In pre-war France, a young Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down. As the war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground. Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him.

A mesmerising story of love and courage. Set both before and during the Great War.

Starring award-winning actor Max Bowden, best known for the role of Ben Mitchell in Eastenders, and produced by the award-winning Original Theatre, who brought you the smash hit productions of The Mirror Crack’d by Agatha Christie, Murder in the Dark and The Habit of Art. Alastair Whatley has directed an excellent cast in a piece that will live on in the memories in the same way as Faulks’ novel that inspired it.

For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre including details of audio described performances do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/


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David Hogg speaks to Sharron Schafer and Zsuzsi Szabo to find out more about the Essex based sight loss charity.

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description to look at some forthcoming events with Audio Description.

AD makes television, movies, galleries  and other arts events more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people.

This month they’re looking at a classic theatre show, a world premiere dance production and a must attend festival in Liverpool.

If you'd like more information on audio described events, go to www.mindseyedescription.co.uk

#RNIBConnect
Image Shows Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description Sitting In front Of A Microphone

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 Wales.

For more information and tickets, visit the Sight Village Wales Website - Sight Village Wales 2025 - Queen Alexandra College

Lisa Hollyhead is the Chief Executive officer of Sight for Wight; a sight loss charity based on the Isle of Wight and has been going since 1865. The charity supports visually impaired people through a wide range of groups, activities, provides assistive technology support and many other vital services. Sight for Wight have a charity shop called Dress for Less, helping to raise funds for the charity. Jennifer Murray finds out more.

Sight for Wight's Contact Details:

Phone:

01983 522205

Email:

[email protected]

Sight for Wight’s Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/sight4wight/?locale=en_GB

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Dot Lumen is a tech company creating AI glasses to replace the guide dog. David Hogg spoke to their CEO Cornell to find out more… 

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How did February get its name? What bird calls can you listen out for this month?

Amelia is back with another Winter warmer to highlight some of the folklore and nature you can enjoy over February.

Learn more about February nature on the RSPB website - Nature's calendar February

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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 that are available online with audio description too via NTatHome.com.

Audio described performances included:

Lynette Linton Directing Michael Abbensetts’ seminal comedy, illuminating the Guyanese experience of 1970s London and the aspirations and sacrifices of the Windrush generation in ‘Alterations’

'Alterations’ audio described performances - Saturday 15 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm and Friday 28 March, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, national Theatre’s Lyttleton Theatre.

Then to the return to the National Theatre of ‘Dear England’, James Graham’s Olivier-Award winning examination of nation and game which reflects on Gareth Southgate’s final chapter as England manager.

‘Dear England’ audio described performances - Saturday 12 April, 2pm, touch tour 12noon and Friday 23 May, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre. 

From NTAtHome.com with audio description David recommended ‘The Hot Wing King’ and ‘Dear Octopus’ both available from NTAtHome.com.

To find out more about the National Theatre’s audio description offer and services for blind and partially sighted people do either call the NT on 020 7452 3961 or visit the NT website - https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

And for more about NTatHome.com and to view many theatre productions online with audio description do visit - https://www.ntathome.com

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ParaPride are marking history by hosting an event in celebration of the disabled LGBTQ+ community.

The day at Hoxton Hall will feature a variety of performances from drag to acrobatics to comedy, and includes a ‘Dis-section’ panel discussion: 'The Naked Truth about Disability & Sexuality' with special guest speakers and interactive Q&A.

Amelia spoke to Co-founder and Community Engagement Director, Daniele Lul, to learn more...

Book your tickets using this link - ParaPride Marking History 2025 Tickets, Sat 8 Feb 2025 at 12:00 | Eventbrite

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If you’re blind or partially sighted, in the Hampshire area and fancy a kickabout then check out Sight Loss Soccer. 

David Hogg finds out more.

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Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio 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 Matt started by talking about the two RNIB Braille 200 events in Scotland, the Braille and Beyond event at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow and the RNIB Scotland Braille 200 reception at the Scottish Parliament, then to the RNIB transformation programme and ending with news about audio description of the Six Nations rugby games on ITV.    

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Amazon device to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

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Galloways Society for the Blind is a sight loss charity based in the North-West of England supporting people across Lancashire and Sefton. Galloways was founded in 1867 and offers numerous services to blind and visually impaired people in Lancashire and Sefton. Jennifer Murray speaks to Glen Sheader to find out more.

Contact details for Galloways Society for the Blind:

Galloways Society for the Blind's Website:

https://galloways.org.uk/

Phone:

01772 744148

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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 of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025.

This week it is all about that maybe first live theatre experience as Vidar reviews two audio described pantomime performances with ‘Peter Pan’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome and ‘The Little Mermaid’ at the Newcastle Theatre Royal. 

The panto adventure that never grows old!

Following a triumphant season last year, and by popular demand, Birmingham’s own Alison Hammond returned to Birmingham Hippodrome’s panto, leading the cast as The Magical Mermaid!

Alison joins Hippodrome panto star and award-winning comic Matt Slack, who returned for an eleventh season as Smee, star of stage and screen Danny Mac as Captain Hook, resident dame Andrew Ryan and Billie-Kay who returnd for a second year as Tink!

They were joined by Rhiannon Chesterman as Wendy, and Noah Harrison in the title role of Peter Pan.

With amazing special effects, stunning sets and beautiful costumes direct from The London Palladium, Peter Pan takes the whole family on a magical trip to Neverland like never before!

For more about access at the Birmingham Hippodrome including details of audio described performances do visit - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/


More about The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a family show with bangs and flashes, a couple of scary moments, a bit of panto innuendo (never intended to offend) – and some very old jokes!

With Pinocchio smashing Box Office records, Newcastle Theatre Royal premiered another new pantomime spectacular with a magical adventure under the sea – The Little Mermaid.

Cast included Newcastle’s pantomime superstar Danny Adams, Theatre Royal favourites Clive Webb, Chris Hayward and Joe McElderry, returning panto regulars Mick Potts, Wayne Smith, Kylie Ann Ford, and Christina Berriman Dawson and newcomers Christian Maynard and Maggie Lynne, as they dived to the depths of the ocean in an exhilarating and enchanting theatrical extravaganza.

Danny plays Danny Crabstix, best friend to Ariel, the bravest mermaid in King Triton’s kingdom, who must fight-off the evil Sea Witch after she steals her voice in return for the ability to live amongst the humans, way above the ocean.

For more about access and audio described performances at Newcastle Theatre Royal do visit - https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/plan-your-visit/access-information/


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We've brought together four current and graduated students to talk all things Education in our latest Roundtable.

Listen as aspiring criminal barrister Haleemah Faroq, Educational Psychologist Kerrie Campbell, Current Student Samih Elsanhouri and RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert Pawelkiewicz share their learning journeys.

They compare their experiences of mainstream and specialist schools, reflect on the challenges and achievements that shaped them and discuss the changes they want for future blind and partially sighted students.

Learn more about Haleemah on her LinkedIn page - Haleemah Sadia Farooq | LinkedIn
and listen to her podcast 'Disability's Not A Bar' on all major platforms.

Listen to Hubert present the Lunchbreak every weekday on RNIB Connect Radio at 12 noon.

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Each month, RNIB Connect Radio are joined by some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re working on.

This month’s topics include the recent '10 Minute Rule Bill' on accessible voting that Julie Minns MP worked with RNIB to put together  and information on how you can take part in 'The Big Travel Survey' from RNIB.

If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved , email [email protected]

You can visit rnib.org.uk/news 

or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999

Follow @RNIB_Campaigns on X or search your socials for RNIB Campaigns

#RNIBConnect

At the Brialle 200 Reception at the Scottish Parliment, David Hogg spoke to Cara and Lucy from Uddingston Grammar about their experiences with Braille.

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Ahead of the Braille 200 reception at the Scottish Parliment in Edinburgh, David Hogg spoke with Stéphane Pailler, consul general and director of the French Institute of Scotland.

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Ahead of the Braille 200 reception at the Scottish Parliment in Edinburgh, David Hogg caught up with RNIB Scotland Director James Adams.

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RNIB Scotland recently organised a reception at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate 200 years of Braille.

Amelia spoke to Dr Hazel McFarlane MBE who is the ALLIANCE Senior Sensory Hub Officer and has been campaigning for disability rights since the 90s.

To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

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RNIB Scotland recently organised a reception at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate 200 years of Braille.

Amelia spoke to Rosie Dempsey, the Deputy Lead, Children, Young People, Families & Education, Devolved Nations at RNIB to learn about how young people benefit from braille.

To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

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On Wednesday 29th of January RNIB Scotland's Braille 200 reception was held at the Scottish Parliament. 

A night of celebration for the tactile reading and writing system, our Paulina Kuchorew was there and spoke with Provost of North Ayrshire Anthea Dickson.

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At the Braille 200 reception at the Scottish Parliament, guests were serenaded by blind harpist Fiona Kyle. Robert Kirkwood spoke to her after her performance.

To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

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RNIB recently held an event to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of braille. The Scottish Parliament reception, organised by RNIB Scotland, marked 200 years of the tactile code which enables blind and partially sighted people to read and write.

RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell chats to Sue Marshall who was one of the guest speakers at the event.

To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

RNIB recently held an event to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of braille. The Scottish Parliament reception, organised by RNIB Scotland, marked 200 years of the tactile code which enables blind and partially sighted people to read and write.

RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up Emma Tracey, who is the presenter of BBC's Access All podcast, and a lifelong braille user.

To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

RNIB recently held an event to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of braille. The Scottish Parliament reception, organised by RNIB Scotland, marked 200 years of the tactile code which enables blind and partially sighted people to read and write.

RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up with RNIB Connect Radio presenter Alan Dudley, who himself is a huge advocate of braille.

To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

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On Wednesday 29th of January RNIB Scotland's Braille 200 reception was held at the Scottish Parliament. 

A night of celebration for the tactile reading and writing system, our Paulina Kuchorew was there and spoke with RNIB’s Chair of Trustees following her speech at the event.

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

RNIB recently held an event to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of braille. The Scottish Parliament reception, organised by RNIB Scotland, marked 200 years of the tactile code which enables blind and partially sighted people to read and write.

RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up with former RNIB volunteer and presenter Alan Dudley, who himself is a huge advocate of braille.

To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

As the Six Nations rugby tournament kicks off, Hywel Davies has been hearing about how ITV are making matches more accessible for fans at home.

An important meeting took place at the RNIB Grimaldi building of the Shaping The Future Of Volunteering Group. Hubert spoke to two co-chairs of the group, Andrew Lennox from Guide Dogs, and Cathrine Johnstone from the Royal Voluntary Service, to find out the purpose of the meeting, what lessons have been learned, and their thoughts on the currant state of volunteering.

As we celebrate 200 years since the invention of the tactile reading and writing system  braille, RNIB’s Braille and Beyond Tour is continuing to make its way across the UK.

And on Tuesday 28th of January the tour arrived at The Mitchell Library in Glasgow.

Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Dave Williams, ahead of the doors opening for the day's event.

To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

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A brand new show is coming to RNIB Connect Radio this February!

Good Company features our newest presenter, Karen Wye, alongside Weekend Connect Presenter, Amelia Hilton. They'll explore the joys and challenges of relationships with honest conversations, great music and thoughtful reviews.

Listen for insights on meeting new people, healing from difficult experiences and strengthening your connections.

Tune in on Tuesday 11th February at 7pm with a repeat on Sunday 16th at 8pm, only on RNIB Connect Radio.

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More form David at the Braille and Beyond event at the Mitchell Library as he catches up with Andrea Curro 

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Guernsey Blind Association was founded in 1919 and to this day, continues to support visually impaired people in Guernsey. The charity offers a wide range of services from social activities, a resource centre equipped with aids helping with independent living to the provision of practical and emotional support and more. Jennifer Murray speaks to Chantelle Tucker, Vision Support Services Officer to learn more about the charity.

Contact details for Guernsey Blind Association:

Phone:

01481 236933

Email:

[email protected]

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/VisionSupportGuernsey/

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A brand new show is coming to RNIB Connect Radio!

Good Company explores the joys and challenges of relationships with honest conversations, great music and thoughtful reviews. Karen Wye and Amelia Hilton speak to the blind and partially sighted community to get insights on meeting new people, healing from difficult experiences and strengthening your connections.

Here's David Hogg with more...

Tune in for the first episode on Tuesday 11th February at 7pm, with a repeat at 8pm on Sunday 16th.

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Let’s talk Braille, in this podcast Hubert chats to Tom Norton from our Children, Young People and Families team about what resources for learning braille are available from his team, and other departments within RNIB.

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A new audio described play tours Wales this February, Hywel Davies has been finding out about the message behind ‘Tidy’.

More information on 'Tidy' can be found on the Theatr Iolo website - Tidy — Theatr Iolo 

If you’re a fan of rock music, from across the decades and from around the globe, we’ve got a brand new show for you.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to presenter Pete Wild about his new show, The Rock Years.

To find out more about the show, and Pete, go to www.rnib.org.uk/connect-radio

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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 NHS Long Term Plan and the ‘Shaping The Future Of Volunteering’ Group which took place in London.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 

Or ask your Amazon device to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

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 of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025.

This week Vidar was reviewing the maybe slightly outrageous musical comedy from the creators of South Park as the current tour of ‘The Book of Mormon’ visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description by Professional Audio Describer Theo Hornsby Walsh.

About The Book of Mormon 

The Book of Mormon is the nine-time Tony Award and four-time Olivier Award-winning Best Musical which is currently touring the Uk.

This outrageous musical comedy from the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Bobby Lopez, the Co-writer of Avenue Q and Frozen, follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent on a mission to a place that's about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get.

What the critics say

A work of genius. As smart as hell. - The Guardian

It's hilarious. God have mercy upon my soul. - The Sunday Telegraph

You may find yourself with your jaw on the floor - Huffington Post

Foul-mouthed, funny and wild. Terrifically entertaining. - Daily Mail

For more details about The Book of Mormon including dates and times of performances do visit - https://thebookofmormonmusical.com


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Something for the Weekend highlights the best in accessible audio content each week. This weekend, Oscars frontrunner 'The Brutalist' comes to a screen near you! Hear the rest of my picks of unmissable content here.

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As part of celebrating 200 years of tactile literacy, it’s important to hear just how much of a difference braille makes to people’s lives. 

Hubert chats to Paralympians Scarlett and Eliza Humphrey to find out how much braille they use, and the importance they feel it has to blind and partially sighted people.

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In March 2025 RNIB's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference is coming to Glasgow. On the 17th and 18th March global experts in the technology and accessibility sector will gather at The Glasgow Science Centre.

Alongside the conference, the IDS Tech Marketplace will host many different organisations demonstrating their products and services. This is your chance to get hands on with the latest innovations in accessibility.

Amelia learned more from James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland.

Learn more and book your tickets on the RNIB Website - Come to RNIB's Inclusive Design for Sustainability conference in Glasgow | RNIB

James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland, addressing the audience from a podium at the 2023 Inclusive Design Conference.  

George has been a dedicated volunteer with the RNIB personal Transcription service for 15 years. Amelia spoke to her about why she loves the role along with her volunteer manager Michele.

Learn more about the personal transcription service on their website - Home Page - RNIB Personal Transcription Portal

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UK sight loss charity, RNIB, has just launched an extensively updated version of it’s online shop.

Packed with products, fully accessible and security protected for transactions, the charity is looking for feedback from customers.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Daphne Mavroudi-Chocholi, from RNIB, to find out more.

If you’d like to have a look at the new shop, go to shop.rnib.org.uk

#RNIBConnect
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The RNIB NI Technology Fair is returning for 2025. Dave Williams from Tech Talk has been finding out all about what to expect from this year’s event.

For more information, visit the RNIB website - Come to the RNIB NI Technology Fair 2025 | RNIB

Chris McCausland’s appearance on Strictly Come Dancing encouraged dance lover Deborah to look for accessible classes and she’s fallen back in love with dance. 

Amelia learned more about when her love of dancing began and her current lessons with Step Change Studios.

Learn more about Step Change Studios on their website www.stepchangestudios.com/

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 Matt began by talking about the new RNIB online shop and the improvements that have been made to make the shop even more accessible and user friendly.

Then to two up-coming RNIB in person workshops enabling blind and partially sighted people who find it difficult filling in online forms to provide feedback and comment on the NHS 10 Year Health Plan and a mention of some of the meetings that the RNIB has been involved in around eye health and health care.   

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.
#RNIBConnect

Image shows a smiling Matt

Our David Hogg speaks to Jan Harrison about her sight loss journey and the support she received from North East Sensory Service and RNIB’s Counselling team.

For more information on the counselling services offered by RNIB then call the helpline on 0303 123 99 99

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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 of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025.

This week continuing the theme of winter tales Vidar was reviewing The Snowman as the production returned home to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith.

About The Snowman

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s enchanting production of The Snowman has been delighting audiences for over 30 years and is the West End’s longest running Christmas Show. It returned home over the festive season to give Birmingham audiences the chance to be part of the magic again.

When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape evil Jack Frost and get back home for Christmas morning?

Based on Raymond Brigg’s much-loved book and featuring Howard Blake‘s classic song Walking In The Air, this enchanting live show has thrilled audiences throughout the world since first appearing on stage over twenty-five years ago. 

For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre along with details of audio described performances of their productions do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/


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The return of RNIB Connect Voices opportunities to RNIB Connect Radio with Amrit Dhaliwal who is just coming up to the end of her internship with the RNIB Research and Insight Team.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey firstly asked Amrit about her internship with the RNIB, an outline of the skills and experiences she has gained during her time with the RNIB and the benefits of taking up an internship in helping to start your career journey or helping you when returning to employment after a break.

Then to just one RNIB Connect Voices opportunity  -

Robotic Guide Dog Research

Maia, a University of Edinburgh student, is working on their final year honours project to develop a robotic guide dog system. The study will explores how robotic guide dogs could enhance the lives of people with visual impairments, and how to improve the way current technology-based navigation systems interact with their users.

Maia is hoping to learn about your daily experiences, how you interact with guide dogs (or manage without one), and your thoughts on how a robotic guide dog could support you in your everyday life.

What’s involved?
 
A short interview (approximately 30 minutes) at a time that works for you, conducted online, via phone or in person (if you live around Edinburgh). There may also be an opportunity to test the system in early March if you live in the Edinburgh area, however this is completely optional.

Interested in participating?
 
If you’d like to take part or learn more, please contact Maia via email - [email protected] or on 07306 616 993 by March 2025.

To find out more about these and other Connect Voices opportunities along with how you can get involved with RNIB Connect Voices do visit - https://www.rnib.org.uk/connect-community/connect-voices-network/connect-voices-current-opportunities


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Becoming a ‘Visibly Better Employer’ helps businesses to widen their talent pool and increase opportunities for blind and partially sighted workers. Hywel Davies has been speaking to Bron Afon Community Housing, one of the latest employers to take part in the scheme.

To learn more about becoming a Visibly Better Employer, visit the RNIB website - Visibly better employer quality standard | RNIB

Craig Brown is from Leicester and lost his sight at the age of 30 as part of having type one diabetes. To help him cope with his sight loss, Craig took up learning to play the guitar and now wants to inspire others to do likewise. He also does some work with Vista, a local sight loss charity in Leicester who helped him come to terms with his sight loss. Jennifer Murray finds out more.

Blind Guitar Guy's Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565890252814

TikTok: blindguitarguy

Image description: 

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‘Blind In Business’ are working with Tesco to offer work experience opportunities to young people aged 14 to 18. Hywel Davies has been finding out more about the scheme.

For more information on the scheme, visit the Blind in Business website - Blind in Business » Blog Archive Tesco Work Experience applications Now Open! - Blind in Business

After a successful 2024, That Funny Blind Guy is back on tour and one of his stops will be at the Glasgow Comedy Festival in March 2025.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jamie MacDonald about his busy 2024, including Celebrity Master Chef, and how he gets ready for live audiences.

To find out more about Jamie’s work, go to www.jamiemacdonaldcomedian.com

#RNIBConnect

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Beth O'Brien is an author, poet and the founder Disabled Tales - a website which explores and discusses disabled characters in folklore and fairy tales.

In part 1 of this 2 part interview, Amelia learns how disability is represented in folklore, how Disabled Tales began, and about their upcoming virtual symposium on the 24th and 25th February.

Read and submit work on the Disabled Tales website - www.disabledtales.co.uk

Learn more about Beth's debut novel 'Wolf Siren' on the Harper Collins website - Wolf Siren by Beth O’Brien – HarperCollins Publishers UK

Learn more about Beth and her other work on her website - www.bethobrienwriter.com

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. 

Beth O'Brien is an author, poet and the founder Disabled Tales - a website which explores and discusses disabled characters in folklore and fairy tales.

In part 2 of this 2 part interview, Amelia learns about Beth's debut novel ‘Wolf Siren’ coming out on the 27th march . This re-telling of little red riding hood follows a partially sighted ‘Red’ on her journey into the forest. 

Learn more about Beth's debut novel 'Wolf Siren' on the Harper Collins website - Wolf Siren by Beth O’Brien – HarperCollins Publishers UK

Learn more about Beth and her other work on her website - www.bethobrienwriter.com

Read and submit work on the Disabled Tales website - www.disabledtales.co.uk

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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. 

Now our Daivd Hogg chats to the last certified Perkins braille fixer in the UK, Alan Thorpe.

Remember if your Perkins Braille from the RNIB is in need of repair and within its one-year guarantee then call the RNIB helpline. For out of guarantee repairs contact the RNC: [email protected]

The UK Government has launched a major public consultation to gather views on how to make a health service fit for the future as part of their 10 Year Health Plan for England.

Amelia spoke to Ross Meegan and Amy Craddock from the RNIB Policy and Campaigns team to learn how RNIB are making completing the consultation more accessible.

Learn more about how to share your views on the consultation by going to the RNIB Website - Find out how to share your views on the future of the NHS IN England | RNIB

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BT are moving all analogue home phone services to their One Digital Voice system and they’re looking for blind and partially sighted people to help make the switch as smooth and accessible as possible.

If you take part , you’ll also receive a £50 Amazon voucher as a thank you.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Vicky Hicks, Head of Engagement, for BT’s Digital Voice Programme to find out more.

If you, or someone you know, would like to get involved, email [email protected]

#RNIBConnect
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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.

For the first catch up of 2025 Matt began by reflecting on all the great coverage in both national and local press of how the RNIB and blind and partially sighted people had been celebrating World Braille Day on 4 January 2025, marking the day that Louis Braille was born, plus all the on-going Braille 200 events as we all mark 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system.

Then to the visit from Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC to our London office the Grimaldi Building on Wednesday 8 January 2025 with Matt talking about how the visit had gone which also included a tour of the Grimaldi Building, a meeting with Matt and other senior RNIB staff along with Matt mentioning a project that the BBC and the RNIB are working together on which we will all hear more about in the summer.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.
#RNIBConnect

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UK sight loss charity RNIB, have picked up a major award for the work of their pre employment team.

The accolade recognises the high quality work which goes into helping more blind and partially sighted people into the workplace.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to some of the team to learn more about their vital, and award winning, work.

If your blind or partially sighted and would like more information about getting into employment, call 03031239999

You can also check out the website, www.rnib.org.uk/employment

#RNIBConnect
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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 first of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025.

Vidar was reviewing mark Gatiss’ retelling of Dickens’ classic winter tale with ‘A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story’ at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith for his first review of 2025.

About A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story

Birmingham Rep presents a Nottingham Playhouse Production in association with Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Eilene Davidson Productions with A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story.

It’s a cold Christmas Eve and mean-spirited miser Ebenezer Scrooge has an unexpected visit from the spirit of his former business partner Jacob Marley. Bound in chains as punishment for a lifetime of greed, the unearthly figure explains it isn’t too late for Scrooge to change his miserly ways in order to escape the same fate, but first he’ll have to face three more eerie encounters.

Filled with Dickensian, spine-tingling special effects, prepare to be frightened and delighted in equal measure as you enter the supernatural Victorian world of A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story. Mark Gatiss‘ acclaimed retelling of Dickens’ winter ghost story stars Matthew Cottle as Scrooge.

“In the hands of Gatiss, Dickens’ festive tale banishes all thoughts of ‘bah, humbug’.” - Evening Standard

For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre along with details of audio described performances of their productions do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/


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Explore the celebrations, folklore and natural changes of January in the winter warmer.

Amelia discusses some tasty traditions, celebrating Scotland's most famous poet and listens out for bird calls.

Learn more about January nature on the RSPB website - Nature's calendar January

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During a visit to the RNIB’s London office the Grimaldi Building on Wednesday 8 January 2025, just after a meeting with RNIB Chief Executive Matt Stringer, Tim Davie Director General of the BBC joins RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey for a look back on 2024 for the BBC and of course not forgetting the great success of blind Liverpudlian Comedian and Actor Chris McCausland winning Strictly Come Dancing 2024 too. 

Tim talks about 2024 being a great year for the BBC, his hopes for how the BBC can continue to improve access to it’s content for blind and partially sighted people, the representation both in front of the camera and microphone as well as behind the scenes of visually impaired people at the BBC and finally some highlights of BBC programmes or audio content he has enjoyed watching or listening to during 2024.

For more about the BBC including details of of how to access TV and audio programmes online via iPlayer or BBC Sounds do follow the links on the home page of the BBC website - https://www.bbc.co.uk


Image shows Tim and Toby stood in the RNIB Connect Radio studio at the Grimaldi building with Toby's retired guide dog Willow in front of them

On Tuesday, 26 November 2024 RNIB along with their event partner, The British Library, hosted an official launch event celebrating 200 years of the power of braille. 

This special show was recorded live at the British Library and features a panel including Lord David Blunkett, BBC journalist Emma Tracey,  singer Jane Constance and author Betsy Griffin.

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

Celebrate 200 years of braille and find out how your name could look written in braille.

Yes, the braille name generator is back on Tuesday 7th of January! We spoke with Holly Tuke from RNIB's Social Media team to find out more.

Make sure to get your requests in via RNIB's social media channels on BlueSky, Threads and Twitter, on Tuesday 7th of January between 10 am and 1 pm.

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There are many reasons why people may find it difficult to get online and build their digital skills. Hywel Davies has been hearing about one project in Wales that’s been working to battle digital exclusion across the country.

You can find more information on Digital Inclusion on the Welsh Government website - Digital inclusion in Wales

For many people, selling items online is an easy way to make some extra money and clear out unwanted clutter. But when do you need to start paying tax on these earnings? Hywel Davies has been speaking to HMRC for some advice.

You can find out more information about selling online here - Information for online sellers - GOV.UK

On World Braille Day 2025 as we mark the day that Louis Braille was born (4 January 1809) and in the year where we all celebrate 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system that we all know as Braille do join our Toby Davey for an amazing guided tour of the Louis Braille Museum. 

The Louis Braille Museum is located in the actual Braille family home where Louis grew up in the village of Coupvray just over 30 miles from the centre of Paris which includes his Father’s workshop where he had the accident that caused his blindness.

Farida Saïdi the Director of the Louis Braille Museum gave RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey a guided tour of both the house and museum, giving an insight into Louis Braille’s early life and how he came to invent his six-dot tactile reading and writing system.  Farida very kindly also offered Toby the opportunity to explore through touch some of Louis’ belongings including one of his raised letter school books, a domino that he had played with plus the Braille slate he used to write his Braille on. 

You will find more information about the Louis Braille Museum by visiting there website - https://museelouisbraille.com/en

More details about how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented Braille and be found on the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200/


Image shows Toby stood in front of the Louis Braille Museum holding his cane in his right hand

We’ve brought four blind and partially sighted Christmas lovers together to discuss their favourite festive traditions, food and films and some of their not-so-favourite things about the Christmas period. 

Social Media Content Creator and RNIB Ambassador Claire Sisk, husband and wife Sam and Martin Ralfe and Haggeye member Georgea are the festive four, making some jolly conversation and sharing their festive song pics. 

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Take a seat and get wrapped up in Grace’s wonderful short story, The Christmas Bake-off Bonanza. 🧁

It follows her main character Holly, who is blind, as she takes on a challenge with her best friend Hazel. 

Grace is a passionate young writer, who was born with a condition called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and only has light perception. She won RNIB's World Book Day competition with her previous piece, The Mysterious Box.

Image: Grace is sat in a comfy grand navy armchair. She’s got long brunette hair and is wearing a red Christmas jumper that has a picture of a festive white cat with a glittery bow and star above its head. Around her armchair is Christmas décor, made up of a traditional Santa Claus statue, a golden Christmas tree and a white snowman teddy with a big glittery, pointy hat.

Join Jonathan for a very special festive trip to New York.

Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues.

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Join Jonathan as he celebrates Hannukah and Christmas with friends across the world.

Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues.

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Chris McCausland's Strictly win has prompted more blind and partially sighted people to get dancing.

Amelia spoke to Dr Rashmi Becker MBE, the founder of inclusive Dance Company Step Change Studios, to hear about their new students and why more people are trying out their twinkle toes.

Learn more about their classes on the Step Change Studio website - www.stepchangestudios.com/

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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 was reviewing a new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Red Shoes by Playwright Nancy Harris at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describers Ess Grange and Carolyn Smith.

About The Red shoes:

When an orphaned young woman is taken in by some local do-gooders, she is expected to be seen and not heard. Dazzled by a pair of beautiful shoes, she sees the chance to do and be so much more, but soon her feet betray her, taking her to places she does not wish to go.

This Christmas, get up close to the magic as playwright Nancy Harris brings Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairy tale into the 21st century in the intimate surroundings of the Swan Theatre.

Directed by Kimberley Rampersad (Associate Artistic Director of the Shaw Festival, Canada) in her RSC debut, The Red Shoes is both wickedly funny and a cautionary tale of pride, vanity and how we all deserve to dance how we wish to dance.

There is another audio described performance of the Red Shoes on Saturday 28 December at 1pm and for more details about this and other described performances at the RSC do visit the access pages of their website - https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access

You will also find out more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company by visiting the following pages of their website - https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access


(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

The Royal Ballet and Opera House in London continue their programme of access to their productions for blind and partially sighted people with both live and recorded audio described performances, along with accompanying introductory notes and touch tours.

If you have ever wondered what goes in to audio describing ballet and dance then do join RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey for an insight into how the Royal Ballet’s current production of Cinderella is brought to life for blind and partially sighted people through pre show introductory notes, touch tours and audio described performances.

Prior to the general rehearsal of Cinderella On Monday 2 December 2024 Toby caught up with Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jane Brambley to find out what goes in to the process of describing a ballet production like Cinderella, how they both work on their description scripts, thinking about what props and costumes to include on a touch tour and whether they adapt their live description script at all for the recorded description which is now available at every performance of Cinderella. 

After chatting with Julia and Jane Toby also caught up with Ania Kapazat, one of the Administrative Producers at the Royal Ballet, to find out more about how she has helped Julia and Jane with their description as well as listening in to the dry run of their audio description at the general rehearsal of Cinderella.

During the first interval of the general rehearsal of Cinderella Toby managed to catch up with Kevin O'Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet, to firstly chat about how things have gone in getting this production of Cinderella to the general rehearsal, how embedded access and audio description is within the company and a snap shot stand out moment from Cinderella that really shows how everything comes together to bring the story of Cinderella to life on stage with audio description too.

About Cinderella

The Royal Ballet’s current production of Cinderella continues on the main stage of the Royal Opera House until 16 January 2025 with recorded audio description now available at every performance. 

This enchanting ballet by The Royal Ballet’s Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton is a theatrical experience for all the family over the festive holiday. A co-production between the Royal Ballet and the national Ballet of Canada.

In 1939, Frederick Ashton first began to consider creating a full-length work, the Company's first three-act ballet. At the time it seemed like the obvious next step for British ballet. The idea was shelved during the war but in 1946 Ashton returned urgently to it. Inspired by other balletic adaptations of Cinderella coming out of Russia, Ashton chose to create his own version of Charles Perrault’s famous rags-to-riches story. Set to Prokofiev’s exquisite score the ballet received its premiere in 1948 featuring Moira Shearer and Michael Some's in the lead roles. 

A World Where Dreams Blossom 

The designs of this production of Cinderella are heavily influenced by nature and flowers. As the Fairy Godmother and the Seasons’ fairies come into Cinderella’s world, the muted tones of the family living room are taken over by a burst of colour. The creative team behind the exquisite world of Cinderella includes set designer Tom Pye (My Neighbour Totoro, Olivier award for Best Set Design), costume designer Alexandra Byrne (Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Academy Award for Best Costume Design), lighting designer David Finn (Brokeback Mountain), video designer Finn Ross (Les Miserables, Frozen) and illusions by Chris Fisher (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child).  

To find out more about The Royal Ballet’s current production of Cinderella do visit the following pages of the RBO website - https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/cinderella-details

You will also find more information about access at the royal Ballet and Opera House on the following access pages of their website - https://www.rbo.org.uk/visit/access-at-rbo

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RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sat down with some of RNIB’s campaigns team to look back at a few national and local projects the charity took on in 2024.

If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved, email [email protected]

Visit rnib.org.uk/news or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999

If you like your socials, follow @RNIB_Campaigns on X or search your socials for RNIB Campaigns

#RNIBConnect
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UK sight loss charity has recently published it’s annual report for 2024.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Matt Stringer, RNIB CEO, to find out what the report contains and how people can read the interactive document.

If you’d like to read the report, go to www.rnib.org.uk

#RNIBConnect

Image Shows A Smiling Matt Stringer Wearing A Grey Jacket and Glasses

As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. 
They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. 
Today, it’s Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB. 

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Today Jonathan takes us on an adventure to a natural wonder. Join him as he visits a waterfall in Guatemala which runs both hot and cold.

Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues.

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Join Jonathan as he visits the iconic Niagra Falls in North America.

Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues.

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Join Jonathan as he enjoys a tango performance and visits the waterfalls of Brazil and Argentina.

Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues.

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Time for a trip to the famous Victoria Falls with Jonathan Abro. He takes us to the world's largest waterfall in today's Travelogue.

Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues.

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Build something magical with text-based lego instructions. 

Bricks For The Blind share free guides so blind and partially sighted people can enjoy the beloved sets. 

Amelia spoke to CEO and Founder, Matthew Shifrin, to learn more.

Learn more about Bricks For The Blind and access their accessible building instructions on their website - https://bricksfortheblind.org/

Image shows Matthew, a white man with curly ginger hair, sitting at a desk with his hand on a completed Lego set of a large 1900s building.

In the lead up to Christmas and with many productions of what is a real classic festive ballet treat The Nutcracker, what might it be like going to an audio described ballet performance from a blind or partially sighted persons point of view. 

Well for a bit of a festive audio described theatre review RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was not only joined by ITV News Inclusion and Diversity Consultant Vidar Hjarding MBE but also by our very own Allan Russell to go on a magical journey through a number of ballet productions of The Nutcracker. Following the whole AD experience from the pre-show introductory notes, to the touch tour prior to the performance and then to the live audio described performance itself.

Allan reflected on going to see the recent Scottish Ballet production of The Nutcracker with Vidar looking back on many performances of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker which he has seen many times with audio description.

To find out more about Scottish Ballet’s access offer do visit - https://scottishballet.co.uk/discover/access/

And for more about Birmingham Royal Ballet do visit - https://www.brb.org.uk

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As we all celebrate 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system for blind and partially sighted people through the RNIB Braille 200 year long celebrations 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 maybe helped them throughout their life.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with the Right Honourable Lord Blunkett who has been using braille since a very early age to find out how it has helped him throughout his life and of course during his political career too. 

To find out more about braille and how RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system, do visit the Braille200 pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

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. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and Jonathan is taking us along for some of his most memorable festive adventures.

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. 

As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. 

They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. 

Today, it’s David Clarke, CEO of British Paralympic Association. 

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.

As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. 

They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. 

Today, it’s Andrew Lennox, CEO of Guide Dogs UK. 

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.

As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. 

They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. 

Today, it’s Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport. 

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.

As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. 

They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. 

Today, it’s Chris Danielsen, PR Director of the NFB in the USA.

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.

At this time of the year here on RNIB Connect Radio we do like to catch up with other organisations across the world who like the RNIB are supporting blind and partially sighted people, helping to make a more inclusive society for people living with sight loss for a bit of a look back on how 2024 was for them plus a look forward to some highlights that might be coming up in 2025.    

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined in our London studio by Angela Bonfanti, president and Chief Executive Officer of the CNIB Foundation in Canada to reflect on how 2024 has Been for the organisation plus some highlights for the year ahead too.

As we all celebrate 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system, Braille, Angela also gives a picture of the Braille services in Canada and ways they will be marking the bicentenary too. 

To find out more about the CNIB Foundation in Canada do visit their website - https://www.cnib.ca

Image shows Toby and Angela in the RNIB Connect Radio Grimaldi studio stood next to each other by the microphone and smiling towards the camera

Our David Hogg hears about how you can experience the magic of Christmas this year in regent Street and St James’, even if you’re Blind or Partially Sighted.

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.

As blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dancer Dianne Buswell lifted the glitter ball trophy on Saturday Night (14 December 2024) to win Strictly come Dancing 2024 our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind Ballroom Dancer Shaun Hayward is back with his final review of the series. 

For the grand final each couple had to dance three dances, the Judges choice, their show dance and their favourite dance of the competition.  

For Chris and Dianne the Judges chose their couples choice dance to ‘Instant Karma’ by John Lennon with that black out moment which gave them a score of 38 from the Judges. 

Then to their show dance to  ‘You Get What You Give’ by The New Radicals with again a total score of 38 from the judges.

Ending with their Favourite dance of the series which had to be their waltz to ‘You’ll Never Walk alone’’ with the Judges giving them top marks with a total score of 40, a standing ovation from the audience and a hug for Chris from Craig too.

Then Shaun and Toby chatted about how JB and Loren, Tasha and Aljaž and not forgetting Sarah and Vito had done during the grand final. 

You can watch the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 Grand Final and that amazing moment when Chris and Dianne lifted the glitter ball trophy to win Strictly on the BBC iPlayer website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq



(Image shows Shaun in a recording studio with microphones behind him in front of a colourful drape holding a plaque with medals on in each hand)

What amazing artworks can you enjoy at the National Galleries of Scotland in 2025? 

Amelia spoke to Meg Faragher for a rundown of their 2025 visually impaired programme. 

Learn more about the National Galleries Of Scotland Upcoming Events on their website - www.nationalgalleries.org

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Now time to speak to Peter Marshall, Marketing and Fundraising Lead from Sight Matters, a sight loss charity on the Isle of Man. Sight Matters has been going since 19:36 and provides support to visually impaired people on the Isle of Man. Jennifer Murray finds out more about the charity, the support provided, the closure of their charity shop and more.

If you want to get in contact with Sight Matters or find out more, go to: Home | Sight Matters 

To get in touch you can send them an email: [email protected] or phone on: 01624674727

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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 Mat began with news that the RNIB Pre-Employment Team had won the Tailored Employment Support category at the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) Employability 2024 Awards and also some meetings Matt has had recently around employment too. 

Then to the great news that two RNIB Volunteers George Sullivan and Stephen Newton are up for the Unsung Hero Category in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2024 on Tuesday night (17 December 2024) 

With Matt ending this week by talking about the great achievement for equality and sight loss awareness with blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his professional Dancer Dianne Buswell making it to the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 and will they lift the Glitter Ball Trophy on Saturday Night (14 December 2024) and win the competition.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.
#RNIBConnect

Image shows a smiling Matt

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 his audio described theatre review of the year plus a couple of highlights of shows he is looking forward to seeing in 2025. 

Audio described theatre highlights of 2024 included -

The reimagining for the stage at the RSC of Mark Ravenhill’s 2013 radio play’ Ben and Imo’, which told the true story of the passionate partnership between Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst. The touring production of the Lawrence Olivier award winning comedy musical retelling of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of)’ with only a cast of five women on stage playing all the characters of Pride and Prejudice. 
Welsh National Opera’s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff which had a bit of a Jacobean feel to the costumes and maybe some influences of Shakespeare coming through too. At the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and a musical that is all about first love and finding your voice with ‘Becoming Nancy’ based on the novel of the same name by author songwriter, music producer and singer Terry Ronald. Staying with Musicals at the Birmingham Hippodrome with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s multi award-winning cultural phenomenon that is Hamilton. 

Vidar also mentions a few highlights of shows that he is looking forward to seeing in 2025 too. 


(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

In this series, archaeologist Simon Tinsley guides us through one of the most dominant, but least understood powers in ancient Greece, the Spartans. In this final episode, how did the Spartan way of fighting set their armies apart from their enemies?

Stitched: Scotland's Embroidered Art is an exhibition at Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh which features a collection of beautiful embroidered artworks.

As a result of a two-year research and conservation programme by the National Trust for Scotland, many of these pieces are now in a condition to be on public display for the first time.

There is a descriptive gallery tour for blind and partially sighted visitors on Wednesday 18th January, and Amelia spoke to Emma Inglis from the National Trust for Scotland and Elinor Brown from Dovecot Studios to learn more.

Learn more about the Exhibition and book tickets for the descriptive tour on the Dovecot Studios website - Descriptive Gallery Tour: Stitched | Visually Impaired Visitors – Dovecot Studios

Learn more about the National Trust for Scotland on their website - Nature, Beauty and Heritage for Everyone | National Trust for Scotland

Image shows a detailed embroidery of orange, pink and blue flowers with green leaves on a table runner from the Hill of Tarvit, Fife. Image credit to the National Trust for Scotland.

As we move this week from the semi final in to the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind ballroom dancer Shaun Hayward is back reflecting and commenting on how well blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dance Partner Dianne Buswell did in the quarter final of the competition on Saturday night (7 December 2024). 

For the semi final each of the 5 remaining couples were dancing two dances with Chris and Dianne dancing a Charleston to The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn's 'When You're Smiling' and a Viennese Waltz to Metallica's 'Nothing Else Matters’.

Shaun and Toby as usual started by discussing how well Chris and Dianne had done with their two dances for the semi final with Shaun commenting that their Charleston was the b-side to their Viennese Waltz. 

Then to a run through on how the other couples performed on Saturday night with of course Toby praising Sarah and Vito and reflecting on not only Craig’s Hollywood Handshake for JB but also some great praise and good feedback from the Judges for all the semi final dances by the five remaining couples.

Sadly it was Pete and Jowita who left the competition after the dance off with Tasha and Aljaž at the end of the Sunday night results show but great for Pete to have made it all the way to the semi final of Strictly Come Dancing 2024.

Shaun and Toby will be back next week with a review of the grand final of Strictly Come Dancing 2024, commenting on whether they felt it was the right couple lifting up the glitter ball trophy and winning the competition.

To follow how Chris and Dianne are progressing through Strictly Come Dancing 2024 along with how all the other dance couples are fairing in the competition, do visit the following Strictly Pages of the BBC website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq


(Image shows Shaun in a recording studio with microphones behind him in front of a colourful drape holding a plaque with medals on in each hand)

During the 200th anniversary of the invention of Braille, the reading and writing system for the blind, North Ayrshire Council, in Scotland, have named a street in a brand new development after the versatile dots.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, and Councillor Shaun MacAulay, Depute Leader of the council, to find out more.

#RNIBConnect
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North Harrow Community Library is an independent volunteer-led library in north-west of London.

They run a VI group that offers peer support for anyone who has some questions around technology.  Find out more as we speak with Kamal Shah.

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Now time to speak to Margaret Keogh, a deafblind woman from Ireland who wrote her book on her experiences of being deafblind and navigating life in general. Snakes and Ladders was released on the 30th of August 2024 and Jennifer Murray finds out more.

The book, "Snakes and Ladders" is available in E-book format (via Kindle) as well as in hard copy. It is also available on Amazon.

Image description: 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.

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. 

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. 

Our David Hogg hears about how you can experience the magic of Christmas this year in regent Street and St James’, even if you’re Blind or Partially Sighted… 

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 was reviewing the Royal Shakespeare Company and Wise Children stage adaptation of Hanif Kureishi’s award-winning novel ‘The Buddha of Suburbia’ as the production transferred to the Barbican Theatre in London with description by Professional Audio Describer Gethyn Edwards.

About ‘the Buddha of Suburbia’ 

South London in the late seventies. High unemployment, high inflation, food shortages and strikes. But despite the winter of discontent, 17-year-old Karim’s life is about to explode into glorious technicolour as he navigates a path to enlightenment. Or at the very least, Beckenham.

Director Emma Rice brings her unique and joyful style to Hanif Kureishi’s award-winning 1990 novel, exploring family, friends, sex, theatre and, ultimately, belonging, in a critically acclaimed production that will leave you ‘on a rare high’ (Telegraph).

For more about access at the Barbican centre in London do visit the access pages of their website - https://www.barbican.org.uk/your-visit/accessibility

You will also find out more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company by visiting the following pages of their website - https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access


(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

If you live in the UK, are of pension age and are struggling with the cost of living crisis, there’s an important deadline for claiming Pension Credit.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Dominic Milne, from RNIB’s Legal Rights Service, to find out more.

If you’d like to check what your entitled to, call RNIB’s Helpline on 03031239999.

#RNIBConnect
Image: RNIB Logo

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 a letter which was handed into the Department for Health and Social Care, the value of volunteers and a forthcoming Christmas Carol Concert.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect
Image Shows Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB

New e-scooter trials have been proposed in two new cities in South Wales. Hywel Davies has been hearing from RNIB Cymru about the impact the trials could have on blind and partially sighted residents.

Our David Hogg finds out about a panel that took place at Arsenal this week around accessibility and inclusion. 

He spoke to Gareth Davies from RNIB to find out more.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

In this series, archaeologist Simon Tinsley guides us through one of the most dominant, but least understood powers in ancient Greece, the Spartans. In this episode, we look at the role of women in Spartan society.

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. 

The Braille 200 Library Tour continues and today it arrived at Clitheroe Library.

The event, organised by RNIB, was a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the revolutionary system of tactile dots. 

Dave Williams was there and spoke with  Allan Russell during Thursday's Daily Connect show.

 Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

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 that are available online with audio description too via ntathome.com.

Audio described performances included:

The much loved best-selling book ‘Ballet Shoes’ is spectacularly reinvented for the stage in a new adaptation by Kendall Feaver.

‘Ballet Shoes’ will be audio described on Saturday 21 December at 1.30pm with  touch tour at 11.30am and on Thursday 30 January at 7pm with a touch tour at 5pm in the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre.

Max Webster directs a joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy ‘The Importance of Being Ernest’ with Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke, Ncuti Gatwa and Hugh Skinner in this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance.

‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ will be audio described on Friday 10 January at 7.30pm with a touch tour at 5.30pm at the National Theatre’s Littleton Theatre. 


From ntathome.com with audio description David recommended ‘Vanya’ and ‘Nye’ both available from ntathome.com.

To find out more about the National Theatre’s audio description offer and services for blind and partially sighted people do either call the NT on 020 7452 3961 or visit the NT website - https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

And for more about ntathome.com and to view many theatre productions online with audio description do visit - https://www.ntathome.com

(Image shows National Theatre logo, A capital N and T in black against a white background)

As we move from the quarter finals into the semi-final of Strictly Come Dancing our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind ballroom dancer Shaun Hayward is back reflecting and commenting on how well blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dance Partner Dianne Buswell have been faring in the competition this week. 

It was musicals week on Saturday night (30 November 2024) for the quarter finals with Chris and Diane dancing a quick step two ‘Anything Goes’ with Toby and Shaun commenting on their performance, the Judges comments and whether Chris has enough time to work on things before the semi final. 

Then to a round up on how the other couples had done on Saturday night as we move into the semi final of Strictly Come Dancing with praise for Sarah and JB.

Then to Shaun and Toby trying to work out why the general public had put Tasha and Aljaž into the dance off with Montell and Johannes and how much of a difficult choice it was for the Judges to vote Montell and Johannes out of the competition at this late stage.

To follow how Chris and Dianne are progressing through Strictly Come Dancing 2024 along with how all the other dance couples are fairing in the competition, do visit the following Strictly Pages of the BBC website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq


(Image shows Shaun in a recording studio with microphones behind him in front of a colourful drape holding a plaque with medals on in each hand)

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description to look at some forthcoming events with Audio Description.

AD makes television, movies, galleries  and other arts events more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people.

This month it’s Panto time!

If you'd like more information on audio described events, go to www.mindseyedescription.co.uk

#RNIBConnect

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Chantage one of the UK's leading amateur choirs will be providing the music for RNIB’s Gift in Wills team sold out evening of festive music on Thursday 5 December 2024 at Westminster Chapel in London to celebrate the festive season.

Chantage was formed in 1999 by its Director James Davey and is now well known as a stylish and energetic young chamber choir. Chantage won the 2015 Grand Prix at the Malta International Choir Festival, performed at the BBC Proms in 2014, and is frequently featured on Classic FM and BBC radio.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with James to find out a bit more about his musical background and career, how Chantage was formed plus some of the highlights for both James and Chantage since the Choir was formed back in 1999.  Along with a hint of the music that the coir will be performing during the evening of festive music at Westminster Chapel too.

To find out more about Chantage do visit the choir’s website - https://www.chantage.org

If you would like to find out more about leaving a gift in your will to the RNIB to continue the great work that the organisation does in supporting blind and partially sighted people do visit the fund-raising pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/gifts-in-wills/

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March 2025 will see a conference, dedicated to inclusive and accessible technology, arrive at the Glasgow Science Centre.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to RNIB’s Robin Spinks to hear more about the content and who will be there.

If you’d like more details about the conference, go to www.rnib.org.uk/inclusivedesign

#RNIBConnect

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Another Winter Warmer is here to help bring some light during the cold months. 

Today Amelia looks at the history, folklore and nature we can celebrate during the month of December.

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Scottish Disability Sport collaborates with governing bodies, clubs and 3rd sector organisations to make sporting opportunities more inclusive and accessible.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Mark Gaffney, from SDS, to learn more about the work and look at some forthcoming events that you can get involved in.

If you’d like to learn more about SDS, go to www.scottishdisabilitysport.com

#RNIBConnect

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. 

RNIB together with partner organisations went to the Department of Health and Social Care to hand in a hard to read health appointment letter to the Health Secretary, to help showcase issues faced by people with communication needs when receiving communications from the NHS. 

Hubert was there too and got a few words from our Chair of Trustees, Anna Tylor, right after the hand-in took place.

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.

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 RNIB's Braille 200 event at the British Library, closing remarks at the COVID Enquiry and the deadline for RNIB’s Letters From Santa program.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

Image of Matt smiling in grey jacket and wearing glasses. 

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 was reviewing the current touring production of Disney’s Aladdin the Musical as the tour visited the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describers .

About Disney’s Aladdin the Musical 

Experience this thrilling production filled with unforgettable magic, comedy and breath-taking spectacle! 

The show’s music, written by 8-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken, includes “Arabian Nights”, “Friend Like Me” and “A Whole New World” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Don’t miss this extraordinary theatrical event, seen by over 14 million people worldwide, where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite!

To find out more about the current tour of Disney’s Aladdin the Musical do visit the following website - https://www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk

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.

After Stuart Hann’s eyesight began to deteriorate, he decided to take a leap of faith and start his own business.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Stuart to learn more about his chocolate business and what he has in store for Christmas gift ideas.

If you’d like to check out the yummy website, go to www.theblindchocolatier.co.uk

#RNIBConnect

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.

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell 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 the discussion is around a successful event, held at the Houses of Parliament in London.

If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved, email [email protected]

Visit rnib.org.uk/news or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999

If you like your socials, follow @RNIB_Campaigns on Twitter for campaign specific updates.

#RNIBConnect

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.

As we move from week 10 into week 11 of Strictly Come Dancing our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind ballroom dancer Shaun Hayward is back reflecting and commenting on how well blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dance Partner Dianne Buswell have been faring in the competition. 

It was back to Elstree this week after the Blackpool special with Chris and Diane dancing a paso doble with Dianne’s parents in the audience having come all the way from Australia to see them dance in the competition.

Then to Shaun and Toby discussing the other couples including Tasha and Aljaz with a top score of 40 points for their American smooth, a great Charleston from JB and Loren just one point away from that top score of 40 points with just Craig not giving them 10 and not forgetting Toby’s favourite couple Sarah and Vito too. 

Ending as usual with Shaun and Toby discussing whether it was the right choice for Jamie and Michelle to leave the competition.

To follow how Chris and Dianne are progressing through Strictly Come Dancing 2024 along with how all the other dance couples are fairing in the competition, do visit the following Strictly Pages of the BBC website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq


(Image shows Shaun in a recording studio with microphones behind him in front of a colourful drape holding a plaque with medals on in each hand)

In this series, archaeologist Simon Tinsley guides us through one of the most dominant, but least understood powers in ancient Greece, the Spartans. In this episode, how were the Spartans educated?

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.

RNIB is working with the LADbible Group to increase understanding of sight loss by addressing misconceptions and closing any knowledge gaps that younger people might have. 

TikTok star BlindTobes recently took part in a shoot with LADbible and RNIB. He spoke to our David Hogg about the shoot and the new partnership.

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.

With the rise in the use of dockless bikes and e-scooters, there’s a concern that pedestrians are more likely to be injured by the devices being abandoned on pavements when their hire time is up.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Erik Matthies, from RNIB, to look at the problem and the possible solutions.

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.

How can you stay safe this Tax season? HMRC are reporting more scams than ever are targeting people in the UK. Hywel Davies has been finding out some of the best ways to protect your data and avoid the scammers.

For more information on how to report suspicious activity, visit the HMRC website - Scams warning as Self Assessment deadline loom - GOV.UK

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.

Charity RNIB and the British Library hosted an event to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of braille, the system of raised dots that allows blind and partially sighted people to read with their fingers. 

RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert Pawelkiewicz was there and heard from two people learning braille and using it for their studies, Seren Jaye and Toben Durrant.

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

Charity RNIB and the British Library hosted an event to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of braille, the system of raised dots that allows blind and partially sighted people to read with their fingers. 

RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert Pawelkiewicz was there and spoke with former paralympic skier, Mike Brace CBE DL.

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

Charity RNIB and the British Library hosted an event to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of braille, the system of raised dots that allows blind and partially sighted people to read with their fingers. 

RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert Pawelkiewicz was there and spoke to the host of the evening’s panel event, our very own Dave Williams. 

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

Charity RNIB and the British Library hosted an event to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of braille, the system of raised dots that allows blind and partially sighted people to read with their fingers. 

RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert Pawelkiewicz was there and spoke with Ellie Southwood from Fight for Sight and RNIB's Chair of Trustees, Anna Tylor.

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

To mark 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system braille the RNIB is leading a year of celebrations with an event which was held at The British Library on Tuesday 26 November 2024 for invited guests where a panel of distinguished braillists will delve into the rich history of braille and debate its promising future too. 

On the night of the event at the British Library RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Alison Hollands QTVI and Lego Braille Bricks Europe Ambassador and  11-year-old braille author Betsy Griffin who was one of the distinguished panel Speakers at the event.   

To find out more about Braille and the how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented braille by visiting the following link to the Braille 200 pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200


Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

To mark 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system braille the RNIB is leading a year of celebrations with an event which was held at The British Library on Tuesday 26 November 2024 for invited guests where a panel of distinguished braillists will delve into the rich history of braille and debate its promising future too. 

On the night of the event at the British Library RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with RNIB Head Joy Maker Keira Mills to find out a bit more about what Braille means to them

To find out more about Braille and the how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented braille by visiting the following link to the Braille 200 pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200


Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

To mark 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system braille, the RNIB is leading a year of celebrations with an event which was held at The British Library on Tuesday 26 November 2024 for invited guests where a panel of distinguished braillists will delve into the rich history of braille and debate its promising future too. 

On the night of the event at the British Library RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Marc Aufrant from the Association Valentin Haüy and RNIB ambassador Dr Amit Patel to find out a bit more about what Braille means to them
To find out more about Braille and the how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented braille by visiting the following link to the Braille 200 pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200


Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

To mark 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system braille the RNIB is leading a year of celebrations with an event being held at The British Library on Tuesday 26 November 2024.

Dot Inc are one of the sponsors of the RNIB Braille 200: Championing tactile literacy event and RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert Pawelkiewicz caught up with them when they visited the RNIB building before the event.

To find out more about Braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented braille by visiting the following link to the Braille 200 pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

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On Monday 25th of November RNIB hosted a Parliamentary drop-in event for MPs.

Those in attendance were able to learn how to support their blind and partially sighted constituents, including how to make communications accessible, and gain insights into daily life with sight loss.

RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert Pawelkiewicz spoke to RNIB's Chair of Trustees Anna Tylor, to get her reflections on the success of the event. 

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Now time to catch up with Hayley Grocock, Chief Executive Officer at Wakefield District Sight Aid (WDSA). WDSA is a sight loss charity supporting visually impaired people across Wakefield and the surrounding area. Jennifer Murray talks to Hayley to hear more about her job, to learn about WDSA, the exciting achievement of winning a King’s Award for Voluntary Service and more.

Should you wish to find out more about WDSA, you can do any of the following:

Website:

www.wdsa.org.uk

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/WDSightAid/

Phone:

01924215555

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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.

On Monday 25th of November RNIB hosted a Parliamentary drop-in event for MPs.

Those in attendance were able to learn how to support their blind and partially sighted constituents, including how to make communications accessible, and gain insights into daily life with sight loss.

RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert Pawelkiewicz was at the event and to some of the MPs to find out what they have learned.

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.

On Monday 25th of November RNIB hosted a Parliamentary drop-in event for MPs.

Those in attendance were able to learn how to support their blind and partially sighted constituents, including how to make communications accessible, and gain insights into daily life with sight loss.

RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert Pawelkiewicz went along to the houses of Parliament and spoke with MP Steve Darling.

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.

On Monday 25th of November RNIB hosted a Parliamentary drop-in event for MPs.

Those in attendance were able to learn how to support their blind and partially sighted constituents, including how to make communications accessible, and gain insights into daily life with sight loss.

Scott Arthur helped to organise the event, and he spoke to RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert Pawelkiewicz about his hopes for it.

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.

On Monday 25th of November RNIB hosted a Parliamentary drop-in event for MPs.

Those in attendance were able to learn how to support their blind and partially sighted constituents, including how to make communications accessible, and gain insights into daily life with sight loss.

RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert Pawelkiewicz went along and spoke to Cate Vallis from RNIB.

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Each month RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with Chris Danielsen, PR Director for the National Federation of the Blind in the USA.

This month they talk about the charity’s promotion of learning Braille and how blind children in the US, can get an accessible letter and fun pack from Santa.

#RNIBConnect

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RNIB Scotland have reached a milestone with their Swap With Me public transport events.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Aileen Clarkson, from RNIB Scotland, and Olivia Skleaner, from Lothian Buses, to find out how bus drivers are learning how to make bus journeys for blind and partially sighted passengers, easier and more relaxing.

#RNIBConnect

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RNIB recently welcomed visitors all the way from Japan.

Amelia spoke to Dr. Risa Nara, who has both sight and hearing loss, about her trip to the UK and how she is improving support for deafblind people in Japan. Alongside her translator Mami Schramm, she has visited RNIB and other charities across the UK to share ideas. 

Learn more about Prof. Nara's most recent paper here - The professional structure required of primary school teachers in Japanese schools for the deaf - Nara - British Journal of Special Education - Wiley Online Library

A photo of four people smiling and posing in the RNIB Connect Radio studio. Mami has shoulder length brown hair and is sitting on the left side in front of a studio microphone. Risa is sitting further down the desk in front of her own microphone and has a sleek short dark bob. Standing between them is Yvonne, with chin-lenght short blonde hair and James with a short crop of grey-white hair.

To mark 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system braille the RNIB is leading a year of celebrations with an event being held at The British Library on Tuesday 26 November 2024 for invited guests where a panel of distinguished braillists will delve into the rich history of braille and debate its promising future too. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Andrew Flatres, Braille Product Manager at HumanWare who are one of the sponsors of the RNIB Braille 200: Championing tactile literacy event to find out why HumanWare wanted to get involved and be one of the sponsors of the event at the British Library, a look at the development of braille technology from the early 1980s to what the future might be and what Andrew would say to people to encourage them to start their journey on learning braille.

To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented braille by visiting the following link to the Braille 200 pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200

Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

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 being part of a UK Government NHS for the future panel, an award for their London HQ and the launch of RNIB’s Letters From Santa.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

Image of Matt smiling in grey jacket and wearing glasses. 

How easy is it to learn Braille and follow all your high school studies?

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell will be following Cara Murphy’s learning curve as she juggles learning the reading and writing code, alongside studying her Uddingston Grammar School subjects.

Here’s the first of 3 pieces recorded at the South Lanarkshire school, which has a specialist Vision Support Team, geared to help blind and partially sighted students thrive in the mainstream environment.

#RNIBConnect

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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 that are available online with audio description too via ntathome.com

Audio described performances included:


The much loved best-selling book ‘Ballet Shoes’ is spectacularly reinvented for the stage in a new adaptation by Kendall Feaver. In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – are learning who they are and what they want to be.

Under the watchful eyes and guidance of their guardian Sylvia, Nana, and some unlikely lodgers, they fight to pursue their individual passions. But in a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way?

‘Ballet Shoes’ will be audio described on Saturday 21 December at 1.30pm with  touch tour at 11.30am and on Thursday 30 January at 7pm with a touch tour at 5pm in the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre.


Max Webster directs a joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy ‘The Importance of Being Ernest’ with Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke, Ncuti Gatwa and Hugh Skinner in this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance.

The Importance of Being Earnest’ will be audio described on Friday 10 January at 7.30pm with a touch tour at 5.30pm at the National Theatre’s Littleton Theatre. 


From ntathome.com with audio description David recommended ‘Vanya’ and ‘Nye’ both available from ntathome.com

To find out more about the National Theatre’s audio description offer and services for blind and partially sighted people do either call the NT on 020 7452 3961 or visit the NT website - https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

And for more about ntathome.com and to view many theatre productions online with audio description do visit - https://www.ntathome.com


(Image shows National Theatre logo, A capital N and T in black against a white background)

The exhibition ‘The 80s: Photographing Britain’ at Tate Britain is a landmark survey looking at the decade as a pivotal moment for the medium of photography. The exhibition brings together nearly 350 images and archive materials from the period, exploring how photographers used the camera to respond to the seismic social, political and economic shifts around them. Through their lenses the show considers how the medium became a tool for social representation, cultural celebration and artistic expression throughout this significant and highly creative period for photography.

During the Press View of ‘The 80s: Photographing Britain’ on Tuesday 19 November 2024 RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey sat down with Assistant Curator of the exhibition Jasmine Chohan to find out a bit more about the exhibition, the use of photography during the 80s to document changes that were happening in Britain during this decade and how people were responding to the changes too.

The exhibition ‘The 80s: Photographing Britain’ continues at Tate Britain until 5 MAY 2025. Audio described tours of the exhibition with one of Tate’s Visitor Engagement Assistants can be booked in advance by either emailing [email protected] or calling 020 7887 8888.  

More details about ‘the 80s:  Photographing Britain’ can be found on the following pages of the Tate website - https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/the-80s-photographing-britain


Image shows 'Joy Gregory, Magenta dress with pink tulips 1985', a figure in a magenta pink dress facing away from the camera, holding a tulip in one hand over their head and leaning with the other hand on a table with a green cloth over it with a vase of tulips on top.

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 was reviewing a new production of Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage in Stratford-upon-Avon where guilt has nowhere to hide, except in hearts and minds with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Annette Stocken.

About ‘Othello’

Othello is at the peak of his powers: not only Venice’s greatest general, but now husband to the noble and beautiful Desdemona. But he does not know that in passing over his servant Iago for promotion, he has created a deadly – and brilliant – enemy.

John Douglas Thompson (Till, Theatre for A New Audience’s The Merchant of Venice) takes the title role opposite Will Keen (Operation Mincemeat, Wolf Hall) as Iago and Juliet Rylance (McMafia, Perry Mason) as Desdemona, in this new production from director Tim Carroll (Artistic Director of Canada’s Shaw Festival and director of the award-winning Twelfth Night and Richard III featuring Mark Rylance at Shakespeare’s Globe, in the West End and on Broadway).

For more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company along with details of audio described performances of their productions do visit -
https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access

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In this series, archaeologist Simon Tinsley guides us through one of the most dominant, but least understood powers in ancient Greece, the Spartans. In this episode, how were the Spartans governed and why was the approach so different to the rest of ancient Greece? 

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.

As we move from week 9 into week 10 of Strictly Come Dancing our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind ballroom dancer Shaun Hayward is back reflecting and commenting on how well blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dance Partner Dianne Buswell have been faring in the competition. 

With this week being the Blackpool special coming live from the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Saturday night (16 November 2024) with Chris and Diane performing the first dance of the night with an American Smooth to Jump by Paul Anka after a fantastic dance by the Professional Dancers to The Pet Shop Boys playing a live medley of their hits Toby began by asking Shaun about this great start to the Blackpool special before finding out what Shaun felt of Chris and Dianne’s American Smooth.

Then to how some of the other couples had done on Saturday night with praise again from Toby for Sarah and Vito!

Ending as usual with Shaun and Toby discussing whether it was the right choice for Wyn and Katya to leave the competition.

To follow how Chris and Dianne are progressing through Strictly Come Dancing 2024 along with how all the other dance couples are fairing in the competition, do visit the following Strictly Pages of the BBC website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq


(Image shows Shaun in a recording studio with microphones behind him in front of a colourful drape holding a plaque with medals on in each hand)

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 exhibits.

This month they look at some pantos and a Da Da Fest launch event

If you'd like more information on audio described events, go to www.mindseyedescription.co.uk

#RNIBConnect
Image Shows Anne Sitting In Front Of A Microphone

A new device is hoping to make communication easier between music students and their teachers. 

Hywel Davies has been speaking to the team behind the ‘Tap Tap’.

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. 

Time for our first winter warmer, where we discuss ways to enjoy and look after yourself over the colder months

Sometimes it can be tough to choose a meaningful gift, but Amelia and Hubert are here to help with some personalised, inexpensive gift ideas for your close ones. 

Find more gift inspiration in the RNIB Shop - https://shop.rnib.org.uk/gifts

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. 

Now time to catch up with Clarke Reynolds, a blind braille artist, who creates pieces of artwork out of Braille. Clarke Reynolds recently became ambassador for the sight loss charity Fight for Sight in October 2024. Jennifer Murray finds out more.

If you would like to know more about Clarke Reynolds and the work he does, you can do any of the following:

Instagram: @clarkereynoldsofficial

Website: www.seeingwithoutsing.com

Email: [email protected]

Image description: 

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.

Robert Kirkwood talks to the RNIB Bookshare Team Leader Rochelle Davis-Pretsell to find out about the service, who can use it and hears about a big change going on behind the scenes.

Celebrate the life of your loved one by supporting a charity in their memory. 

Our David Hogg spoke with RNIB's Hazel Stirling about Remember a Loved One This Christmas and how it can help make the world a better place for blind and partially sighted people.

Find out more here: Remember a loved one - celebrate their life | RNIB | RNIB

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Immerse yourself in a world of magic and mayhem with 'It's Your Role' as troupe of professional actors brings the world of Dungeons & Dragons to life.

Each live D&D show is captured in high definition audio and then made available in the RNIB library with the first two episodes available right now. Robert Kirkwood finds out more ...

The image features a promotional poster with a fantasy-themed design. At the center is a golden 20-sided die (D20) commonly associated with tabletop role-playing games, bearing the text "It's Your Role" across it on a ribbon banner. The die is surrounded by a glowing magical aura.

Around the die are five people:

Top Center: A person with a reddish beard, wearing an orange blazer. Their hands are clasped together as if plotting or calculating something.

Top Right: A person with short, dark hair, holding a glowing flame in their hand, representing a magical ability.

Top Left: A person holding a frothy mug, suggesting a tavern setting or a jovial character.

Bottom Left: A person wearing a green sweater and holding up a 12-sided die (D12) with an excited or playful expression.

Bottom Right: A person with dark hair, a mustache, and a white shirt, holding an open book as if reciting or referencing spells.

A mysterious silhouette with a question mark overlays the die, hinting at an unknown or missing member. The background is a mystical blue with swirling magical patterns and decorative golden embellishments in the corners. 

The Royal Ballet and Opera House in London continue their programme of access to their productions for blind and partially sighted people with both live and recorded audio description for their current production of Puccini’s La Bohème from 18 December 2024 into January 2025. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Principal Guest Conductor Designate - Speranza Scappucci, freelance Audio Describer - Julia Grundy and Paul Adams - Access manager at The Royal Opera House for an overview to the story of La Bohème, what blind and partially sighted people might expect from either attending the live audio described performance on Wednesday 18 December 2024 at 7.30pm with a touch tour at 6.30pm or from the recorded audio description at the remaining performances throughout December and into January 2025.

About Puccini’s La Bohème 

Set in 19th-century Paris, La Bohème is about the lives of a group of struggling young artists. Based on Henry Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de Bohème, the opera follows a love story between a poet named Rodolfo and Mimi, a seamstress, as they are forced to face the challenges of Mimi’s declining health and the realities of living in Paris’ Latin Quarter during the 1830s. The relationships and hardships faced by the pair along with their friends Marcello and Musetta are explored, alongside the effects of poverty, illness and youthful passion. A poignant take on the fleeting nature of happiness, La Bohème is an everlasting tale of tragic romance.

To find out more about Puccini’s La Bohème at The Royal Opera House in London, book your tickets for one of the up-coming audio described performances do visit the following website link and you can always of course email [email protected] if you have any enquiries regarding access at The Royal ballet and Opera House. https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/la-boheme-details


(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

The National galleries of Scotland host monthly descriptive tours and workshops for blind and partially sighted art lovers.

Their next event 'Dürer to Van Dyck - Drawings from Chatsworth House' explores drawings and watercolours a spectacular group of some 50 Flemish, Dutch, Early Netherlandish, and German drawings and watercolours, spanning from about 1500 to 1700.

The session takes place in person at The National Gallery on Wednesday 20 November 2024, 10.15am–3.30pm.

Learn more on the NGS website - Visually Impaired Programme Live | Dürer to Van Dyck | National Galleries of Scotland

Image shows RNIB Connect Radio logo. RNIB is written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath, 'Connect Radio' written in smaller black letters. 

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 the new Eyeware tech launch, UK Ministerial meetings and Christmas!

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.
#RNIBConnect

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.

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 was reviewing the critically acclaimed new musical ‘Becoming Nancy’ at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional audio describer Carolyn Smith.

About Becoming Nancy 

A new musical about first love and finding your voice! Adapted from Terry Ronald’s best-selling novel – this critically and audience acclaimed new musical!

It’s 1979 and David Starr is unquestionably one of the smartest, most talented sixth-formers in East Dulwich – he’s got a wild imagination, a vocal range to die for, and a bedroom plastered with posters of his beloved pop idols: Blondie, Sting, and Kate Bush. But being clever, with a great taste in music may not be enough to get him through secondary school, where, to his great surprise, he’s just been given the female lead in the school play, Oliver… The unconventional casting sends shockwaves through David’s small town, first with David, and then with his parents, his aunt, and his classmates.

Before long, it seems like everybody has an opinion on whether David should go on with the show, inspiring him to turn to his no-nonsense best friend Frances and his unlikely co-star Maxie, the enigmatic captain of the football team.

With smash-hit songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, Becoming Nancy is the feel good, joyous, new musical that weaves a story of family and first loves, with the courage it takes to finFor more about ‘Becoming Nancy’ do visit the production website - https://www.becomingnancymusical.com

To find out about audio described performances and general access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre do visit the access pages of their website - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/


(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Scottish Ballet will once again take to the road with a festive classic, that will feature audio description for blind and partially sighted patrons.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Emma-Jane McHenry to hear more about Nutcracker…

If you’d like more info on Scottish Ballet and accessible performances, go to www.scottishballet.co.uk

#RNIBConnect
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In this series, archaeologist Simon Tinsley guides us through one of the most dominant, but least understood powers in ancient Greece, the Spartans. In this episode, we take a closer look at the Helot population of Sparta.

As we move from week 8 into week 9 of Strictly Come Dancing our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind ballroom dancer Shaun Hayward is back reflecting and commenting on how well blind Liverpudlian comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dance Partner Dianne Buswell have been faring in the competition. 

Toby began by asking Shaun how he felt people watching would have reacted to the VT before Chris and Dianne’s couples choice dance to John Lennon’s ‘Instant Karma! (We All Shine On’ With some very powerful and personal messages from Chris in that VT. To then chatting about their dance and the black out moment and the incredible lifts that Chris was doing too.

Then to how some of the other couples had done on Saturday night with praise again from Toby for Sarah and Vito!

Ending as usual with Shaun and Toby discussing whether it was the right choice for Shane and Nancy to leave the competition.

To follow how Chris and Dianne are progressing through Strictly Come Dancing 2024 along with how all the other dance couples are fairing in the competition, do visit the following Strictly Pages of the BBC website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq


Image shows Shaun in a recording studio with microphones behind him in front of a colourful drape holding a plaque with medals on in each hand

Each year on 16 November it is Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) Awareness Day highlighting how CBS affects many blind and partially sighted people with the experience of seeing visual hallucinations which can range from simple patterns to vivid scenes, such as faces, animals or landscapes.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by RNIB ambassador Dr Amit Patel to find out more about Charles Bonnet Syndrome, how he first realised he was experiencing CBS and how he copes with the condition on a day-to-day basis. 

There is a wide range of information and advice about Charles Bonnet Syndrome on the following pages of the RNIB website and you can always call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 if you would like to chat with someone about anything related to sight loss. https://www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/charles-bonnet-syndrome-awareness-day/

(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

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Yes, our alternative music show is celebrating 10 years!

Find out how host David Hogg got involved in hosting A Little Alternative on RNIB Connect Radio in the first place, hear about his favourite memory from the years of making it, and let David recommend an alternative album that he thinks everyone should hear.

Image: David pondering how in the world is the show already 10 years old. He's sitting with a party hat, which has a pattern of colourful balloons, and is holding his chin in deep thought as he glances at the big studio microphone, an eyebrow raised questioningly. 

Turn2us are a national charity providing practical financial support and they’ve launched a free tool to help people applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). 

Amelia spoke to Welfare Benefits Specialist, Conor Lawlor, to learn more about the tool. 

Learn more about the tool and Turn2Us on their website - Turn2us PIP Helper

Strap in because we're boarding some of the world's biggest rollercoasters with Jonathan this week.

Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues.

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Online communities are a great way of feeling supported, all whilst sharing your experiences with like-minded people. Hywel Davies has been hearing about new ‘Virtual Hubs’ from Sight Support West of England.

For more information, visit the Sight Support West Of England website - Join Our New Virtual Hubs for Peer Support and Connection - Sight Support West of England

In the UK, we’re seeing more programmes on tv incorporating audio description for blind and partially sighted viewers but what about adverts?

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Sonali Rai, from RNIB and June Johnson, from AD Text, about the increase in AD adverts and why some advertisers could be missing out on income by not including audio description.

#RNIBConnect
Image Shows RNIB Logo, 

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 the Eyes Have It group, Trustees, and a new RNIB Ambassador.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.
#RNIBConnect

Image of Matt smiling in grey jacket and wearing glasses. 

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 was reviewing the Lawrence Olivier award winning comedy musical Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) as the current touring production visited the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with description by Professional audio describer Remy Lloyd.

About Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

Direct from its triumph in the West End where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, this is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. 

This multi-award-winning production features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain. It’s the 1800s. It’s Party Time. Let The Ruthless Matchmaking Begin.

For more about the current tour of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) do visit the production website - https://prideandprejudicesortof.com

And for more about access at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre including details of audio described performances do visit - https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/access/ 


(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Each year we highlight Purple Tuesday and encourage business owners and service providers to make their services fully accessible for people with disabilities.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Gavin Neate, from NeateBox, to find out why the world of commerce needs to embrace accessibility and why the Welcome web based app can help business owners and disabled people create the best possible customer experience.

If you’d like to learn more about Purple Tuesday, go to https://purpletuesday.co/

For more on the Welcome web app, go to www.wel-co.me

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RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell has put on his winter jacket and made his way to Santa’s Grotto at the North Pole.

He’s chatting with Titch The Elf to find out what the big people need to do to get accessible letters, from Santa, for blind and partially sighted children. We even get to drop in on a call from Santa with two lucky, well behaved, believers.

If you’d like more info on Letters From Santa, go to www.rnib.org.uk/santa

#RNIBConnect

Image shows Keira, a young girl in a red Christmas jumper, who smiles while holding up a braille letter from Santa.

As we all come together for the National Service of Remembrance this Sunday 10 November and observe the 2 minutes of silence at 11am to commemorate the brave sacrifice of all those who lost their lives for their country.  

Blind Veterans UK the national charity for vision-impaired ex-service men and women will be supporting their blind veterans in making the journey to London to march past the Cenotaph, or to mark the important occasion at events closer to home.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Blind Veteran Graham Grange who was a musician in the Coldstream Guards and will be attending his local war memorial on Sunday with his trusty Guide Dog to remember all those service men, women and civilians who gave so much for their country and for us all too. 

Graham talks about his musical military career in the Coldstream Guards, playing for the late Queen, why it is so important to remember on Remembrance Sunday as well as on Armistice Day on Monday 11 November and how Blind Veterans UK have helped him over the years since he started to lose his sight.

If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, do get in touch with Blind Veterans UK by calling 0800 389 7979 or visit their website - https://www.blindveterans.org.uk 


(Image shows Graham sat in his living room with his guide dog next to a piano)

In this series, archaeologist Simon Tinsley guides us through one of the most dominant, but least understood powers in ancient Greece, the Spartans. In this episode, he looks at the evidence that historians use to study the Spartans.  

As we move from week 7 into week 8 of Strictly Come Dancing our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind ballroom dancer Shaun Hayward is back reflecting and commenting on how well blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dance Partner Dianne Buswell have been faring in the competition. 

Our Toby Davey began by asking Shaun how he felt Chris and Dianne had done with their Tango to ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ by Kiss as after the judges scores they ended up in the middle of the leader board on Saturday Night with Chris saying how hard it had been for him dancing the Tango, with Shaun giving a bit of insight into the foot movements for a tango too. 

Then to how the other couples had performed on Saturday Night with praise for JB and Loran dancing a Jive to Bruno Mars hits and almost a perfect score from the Judges of 39 points.

Ending with as usual with Shaun and Toby discussing whether it was the right choice for Sam and Nikita to leave the competition.

To follow how Chris and Dianne are progressing through Strictly Come Dancing 2024 along with how all the other dance couples are fairing in the competition, do visit the following Strictly Pages of the BBC website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq


Image shows Shaun in a recording studio with microphones behind him in front of a colourful drape holding a plaque with medals on in each hand.

There’s not long to go now before the Self Assessment Tax Deadline, Hywel Davies has been speaking to HMRC to find out how accessible the process is for blind and partially sighted people.

For more information, you can visit the HMRC website - Self Assessment tax returns: Overview - GOV.UK

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Jonathan Abro continues his art adventures in Colombia and Venice.

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. 

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. 

Blind content creator, disability advocate and host of the Happy Hour Show on RNIB Connect Radio, Claire Sisk has just become an RNIB Ambassador! 

Claire Sisk’s sight loss journey began after experiencing two strokes in 2009. She started her social media channels 'Can See Can't See' to educate and break the stigma around sight loss and has supported RNIB’s work throughout the years.

She spoke about the announcement with our Paulina Kuchorew.

Image shows Claire. She's sitting on the armrest of black couch and smiling gently at the camera, her straight blonde hair flowing down her shoulders. She's dressed in a silky pink short sleeve dress that's gathered at the waist. 

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 was reviewing David Edgar’s 10th play for the RSC with ‘The New Real’ at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Other Place Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon with description by Professional Audio Describers Gethyn Edwards and Carolyn Smith.

About The new Real 

In a faraway country, a ferocious election is about to be fought, and it's hard to tell what's real and what's fake. ‘So here’s the offer. To run a highly ethical campaign for a candidate you really can believe in, actually. In a place that needs you. Now.’

It’s the 2000s. We’re in a faraway country. Rachel, a stellar American political strategist, and Caro, her British data whizz, have been hired to fight a ferocious election, in a place where it’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s fake.

They think they’re here to teach the Eastern Europeans how to do democracy, but it turns out they’re here to learn. And when Rachel’s former political partner Larry rocks up on the rival side, their showdown threatens to change global politics, from Warsaw to Wisconsin. Forever.

At a time of epoch-changing elections on both sides of the Atlantic, Holly Race Roughan (Artistic Director of Headlong) directs The New Real, David Edgar’s epic, panoramic play about how the political fault-line was redrawn. An origin story, for right now.

For more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company including details of audio described performances do visit - https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access/


(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

What is it like to study theatre as a VI person? Amelia talked to actor Brooke Walker about her studying experiences, sight loss story, and stage and screen work.

Watch Brooke in the #BeforeYouAsk | RNIB campaign video.

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Cue: November 5th is International Volunteer Manager’s Day. David Hogg finds out more about the importance that a good volunteer manager has on a team of volunteers,

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. 

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 Mat began by reflecting on Rachel Reeves Labour Budget and what it might mean for blind and partially sighted people.   

Then to an update on the National Covid Enquiry and how other organisations in the disability sector have been continuing to raise how the Covid Pandemic had affected the lives of many disabled people.

Matt ended this week’s update with news about the publication of accessible versions of the Marks and Spencer Christmas brochures and catalogues.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.
#RNIBConnect

Image shows Matt smiling in grey jacket and wearing glasses. 

As we move from week 6 into week 7 of Strictly Come Dancing our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind ballroom dancer Shaun Hayward is back reflecting and commenting on how well blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dance Partner Dianne Buswell have been faring in the competition. 

Our Toby Davey began by asking Shaun how he felt Chris and Dianne had done with their dance for Halloween week with maybe a few scary moments for them dancing a Sambar to Staying alive by the Bee Gees as not a great performance for them as they ended up joint bottom on the leader board on Saturday Night but saved from the dreaded Dance Off by viewers votes which Chris thanked viewers for while chatting to Claude during the Sunday Night Results show. 

Toby and Shaun then talked about what they felt were the best dances from the other celebrity couples on Saturday Night with Toby again praising Sarah and veto. 
. 

Ending with a discussion about whether it was right for Punam and Gorka to leave the competition. 

To follow how Chris and Dianne are progressing through Strictly Come Dancing 2024 along with how all the other dance couples are fairing in the competition, do visit the following Strictly Pages of the BBC website -
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq
 
Image shows Shaun in a recording studio with microphones behind him in front of a colourful drape holding a plaque with medals on in each hand.

Happy 15 years to Sunset Melodies!

We spoke with host Gary Moritz ahead of the big anniversary show to find out how he got into radio, how the show came to be and reminisce about his favourite shows and memories from the last 15 years of Sunset Melodies.

Catch the 15th Anniversary show on Wednesday 6th of November at 7 pm, with a repeat Sunday at 6pm, and hosted on the website throughout the week: Sunset Melodies - RNIB Connect Radio | RNIB

Image shows Gary posing and smiling against a blue background. He has dark short hair, black-rimmed rectangle glasses and is wearing a bright blue polo shirt. A small 'RNIB Connect Radio' logo is in the upper left corner, whilst a pink ribbon in the bottom right reads in three rows: Gary Moritz, Sunset Melodies, Wednesdays at 7 pm.

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell 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 include accessible health information courses to help you get your info, your way, and help RNIB ask your MP to a Westminster event in November.

If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved, email [email protected]

Visit rnib.org.uk/news or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999

If you like your socials, follow @RNIB_Campaigns on Twitter for campaign specific updates.

#RNIBConnect

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Rachael Reeves just announced her first Budget as Labour Chancellor on Wednesday 30 October 2024.

Cate Vallis, RNIB’s Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager, joins Toby Davey to discuss and go through some of the outcomes of Labour’s first Budget in 14 years and how it might affect blind and partially sighted people.

To find out more about how the RNIB campaigns to change behaviours and perceptions around sight loss visit the campaign pages of the RNIB’s website: https://www.rnib.org.uk/our-campaigns/

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And for our final spooky season review...

Allan and Amelia review John Carpenter's 'Halloween'!

Image shows a spoof poster for Halloween (1978) edited to feature RNIB Connect Radio presenters and text. We say spoof, but it's just too good! A green-tinted Allan is in the background standing behind a window frame with a dead-pan expression (a la Michael Myres) while a green-tinted Amelia is in the foreground crouched behind a chair with an angry expression and wielding a microphone (a la Jamie Lee Curtis). The text on the poster is in a 1970s font, at the top of the poster is reads "You Can't Stop The Presenter!" and at the bottom of the poster it reads "The trick is to stay on air." "RNIB CONNECT RADIO'S HALLOWEEN" with listening information below and a small box that reads 'BOOGEYMAN PRODUCTIONS.'

We're back with our movie reviews!

And this year, we kick things of with a family-friendly witchy classic, Hocus Pocus.

Hear their review of the movie and its audio description, with Allan and Amelia.

Image shows a spoof poster of the Hocus Pocus movie. Allan is dressed as Bette Midler's witch Winifred. He has a red wig piled high on his head in a pompadour style, a black dress with big sleeves, red lipstick, rouge cheeks and is smiling with a slight pout. His hands with long witchy fingers and red nails are gently cradled around a blue moon. Behind his right shoulder, a carved pumpkin in a blonde flowy wing stands in for Sarah Jessica Parker. Amelia is behind his other shoulder, smiling with a black wig, shaped atop her head like a witches hat. She's dressed as Kathy Najimy's witch Mary. 

In a Halloween special, Jonathan recounts some of his scariest animal encounters.

Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues.

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Let’s hear about a social group that meets on Fridays near Edinburgh to play dominoes.

Our Paulina spoke with Jimmy, Barbara, and Iain from the group to find out how you can join in and why it's a nice activity to take part in.

Image shows the Dominoes group sitting in front of three tables set up in a long line. They're all smiling and looking over at the camera. 

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.

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.

Seable Holidays offer accessible, inclusive tailored, and group holidays for blind and partially sighted people with trained assistance for a happy, stress-free holiday.

From Sunday 19 to Friday 24 January 2025 Seable Holidays have a great sounding skiing trip to Italy open to anyone who is visually impaired whether they have never skied before or have been skiing for a number of years. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Lucy Ashton from Seable Holidays to find out more about this amazing skiing trip and what will be on offer each day both on and off the slopes.

The deadline to book a place on this Skiing Trip is 8 December 2024, to find out more and book do either email [email protected], call the office on 020 3375 or visit their website for more details - https://seable.co.uk


(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Time to catch up with Visionary, a membership organisation for sight loss charities across the UK.

Fiona Sandford from Visionary and Bhavini Makwana from Thomas Pocklington trust (TPT) joined Amelia to talk about TPT's new report 'You Said, We Did - Listening Month Update'.

Learn more about the report on TPT's Website - You Said, We Did - Listening Month Update - Thomas Pocklington Trust

Learn more about Visionary on their website - Welcome to Visionary - Visionary

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It’s been 30 years since the creation of the very first QR code to save space on automative parts barcodes.

These days, we’re seeing more and more Accessible QR codes included on UK’s most beloved brands to make their products accessible to blind and partially sighted people.

Charity RNIB has been championing accessible design by working closely with brands to help make these changes the norm.

So as we celebrate 30 years of the QR code, let’s find out a bit about some of the work RNIB has been involved in to make a difference.

Speaking with Paulina Kuchorew is Daphne Mavroudi-Chocholi, Managing Director of RNIB Enterprises.

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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 encourages listeners to engage with the NHS Big Conversation and there’s news about collaborative work with Motability.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.
#RNIBConnect

Image of Matt smiling in grey jacket and wearing glasses. 

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 was reviewing the critically acclaimed Bristol Old Vic production of ‘Wonder Boy’ by Ross Willis as the current tour visited the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Remy Lloyd.

About Wonder Boy 

Olivier Award-winner Sally Cookson (A Monster Calls) directs the critically acclaimed Bristol Old Vic production of WONDER BOY by Ross Willis, a heart-warming and inspiring story about the power of communication.

Sonny is twelve. Living with a stammer, he’s finding his way in a world ruled by vicious vowels, confusing consonants, and let’s not forget the biggest beast of them all–small talk. Sonny’s only friend is Captain Chatter, a comic book hero of his own creation, but in the real-world language is power and Sonny must find a way to be heard. When cast in the school production of Hamlet by the Headteacher, he finds the real heroes are closer than he thinks.

Packed with playful humour, dazzling visuals and thrilling original music, this innovative production includes live creative captioning on stage throughout. Winner of the 2023 Writers’ Guild Award for best play. 

To find out more about Wonder Boy including with details of dates and times of performances do visit - https://wonderboyplay.com

For more about access at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre do visit the access pages of their website - https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/access/


(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

As we move from week 5 into week 6 of Strictly Come Dancing our RNIB Connect Radio Strictly Star Reviewer blind ballroom dancer Shaun Hayward is back reflecting and commenting on how well blind Liverpudlian Comedian Chris McCausland and his Professional Dance Partner Dianne Buswell have been faring in the competition. 

Our Toby Davey began by asking Shaun how he felt Chris and Dianne’s waltz to ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ had gone on Saturday night’s live show.  To then asking Shaun for his thoughts on how some of the other dance couples performances had gone on Saturday and whether he felt the Judges were right to send former Arsenal footballer Paul Merson and his Professional Dance Partner Karen Hauer out of the competition in the dance off on Sunday night.

To follow how Chris and Dianne are progressing through Strictly Come Dancing 2024 along with how all the other dance couples are fairing in the competition, do visit the following Strictly Pages of the BBC website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq


(Image shows Shaun in a recording studio with microphones behind him in front of a colourful drape holding a plaque with medals on in each hand)

Did you know that 2024 marks 30 years since RNIB provided its very first Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO)?
 
We’ve come a long way since the very first ECLO at Rotherham District General Hospital in 1994 and now have more than 130 RNIB ECLOs supporting people across the UK.

To celebrate RNIB Connect Radio hosted an anniversary roundtable featuring people involved in delivering the service.

Here’s Amelia Hilton talking with panellists Lynn Martin, manager of Corneo-Plastic Unit at the Queen Victoria Hospital in West Sussex, Matt Bower Allocations Manager in the Eye Care Support Service at RNIB, Holly Muncey ECLO at Broomfield Hospital and Orsett Hospital in Essex, and Nathan Richards ECLO at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

For more information about 30 years of RNIB ECLOs visit: website

Image: A white square with colourful bursting fireworks going across the bottom into the right bottom corner. In the middle: a black circle with 'RNIB' written in bold white letters, underlined with a bold pink line and '30' below. The words 'years of ECLOs' gently curve with the bottom of the circle under the number.  So, you can read the text as 'RNIB, 30 years of ECLOs.'

Now time to catch up with Janice Mitchell, a veteran from Edinburgh who suddenly lost her sight overnight. Jennifer Murray finds out more about how Janice lost her sight and how she gradually adapted to her sight loss.

Image description: 

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VI Artist Victoria Claire was awarded with an honorary doctorate of fine arts from the University of Bolton this summer.

She told Amelia about her career so far and how she felt on the big day.

Learn more about Victoria on her website - Victoria Claire Beyond Vision

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A new survey has been launched by RNIB Cymru, aiming to learn more about the current state of bus travel in Wales. Hywel Davies has been hearing how the results of the survey could impact the future of bus journeys for blind and partially sighted travellers.

You can take part in the survey by clicking this link - RNIB Cymru Bus Survey

A Welsh language version of the survey can be found here - Arolwg Bysiau RNIB Cymru Survey

Take a thrilling Zipline across the canyons of Mexico with Jonathan Abro.

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. 

RNIB has once again partnered with the Mobility Foundation, working towards making travel and transport more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. Hywel Davies has been hearing more about how the 3 year project has been getting underway. 

For more information on the Motability Foundation, visit their website - Motability Foundation | Making all journeys accessible

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 an All Party Political Group on disability and employment, talking with charity retailers and RNIB’s thoughts on an X post by Lord Sugar. 

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk 

You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline. 

#RNIBConnect 
Image Shows  Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB 

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 was reviewing Welsh National Opera’s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash.

About Welsh National Opera’s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto

Depravity and deceit: a life disintegrating...
Step into the raucous court of the Duke of Mantua where Rigoletto, the court jester, uses vicious wit to conceal his tormented heart. In a world teetering on the edge of debauchery and deceit, his only joy is his daughter, Gilda. When the charming but womanising Duke sets his sights on Gilda, his actions set in motion a tragic chain of events where a father’s love and treachery collide in a crescendo of passion and heartbreak.

Set against the backdrop of a decadent and ruthless court, this heart-wrenching tale explores the intricate web of love, betrayal, and the consequences of power. Verdi wrote that Rigoletto was his best opera, and with its rich tapestry of emotions and unforgettable melodies – including opera’s most famous quartet and the instantly recognisable La donna è mobile – it’s easy to see why it transcends time and continues to resonate long after the curtain falls.

Welsh National Opera’s tour of Verdi’s Rigoletto continues until 16 November 2024 and for more about the tour including details of audio described performances do visit the following pages of the WNO’s website - https://wno.org.uk/whats-on/rigoletto#venues-and-tickets

https://wno.org.uk/access


(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Game on is an immersive exhibition exploring the history of video games at The National Museum of Scotland. 

They hosted an evening of accessible gaming in collaboration with RNIB and Triple Tap Tech, and Amelia spoke to Triple Tap Tech co-founder Graham Gunning about returning to gaming after sight loss and some of his recent favourite games.

Learn more about Game On on the National Museums Scotland website - Game On | National Museums Scotland (nms.ac.uk)

Learn more about Triple Tap tech and read gaming and tech reviews on their website - TripleTapTech – We Advise, Help, Support, and Train people with a visual impairment on everything to do with technology.

Image shows Amelia and Matthew from RNIB standing in the Game On exhibition space playing a console game

Game on is an immersive exhibition exploring the history of video games at The National Museum of Scotland. 

They hosted an evening of accessible gaming in collaboration with RNIB and Triple Tap Tech and Amelia spoke to Georgea Strachan about her gaming set-up, favourite games and hopes for the evening.

Learn more about Game On on the National Museums Scotland website - Game On | National Museums Scotland (nms.ac.uk)

Learn more about accessible gaming on the RNIB Website - Design for every gamer for people with sight loss | RNIB

Image shows Amelia and Matthew from RNIB standing in the Game On exhibition space playing a console game.

The 5th of November may be a fun night for many but for animals, fireworks can be frightening. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Tim Stafford, Director of K9 Affairs, from Guide Dogs to find out how we can prepare and support our Doggy friends. 

If you’d like more info on getting your dog ready for Bonfire Night, go to www.guidedogs.org.uk 

#RNIBConnect 
Image Shows A Beautiful German Shepard Guide Dog in Harness 

Game on is an immersive exhibition exploring the history of video games at The National Museum of Scotland.

They hosted an evening of accessible gaming in collaboration with RNIB and Triple Tap Tech, and Amelia walked around the exhibition space with Matthew Clark from RNIB as he reflected on gaming as a VI young person.

Learn more about Game On on the National Museums Scotland website - Game On | National Museums Scotland (nms.ac.uk)

Learn more about accessible gaming on the RNIB Website - Design for every gamer for people with sight loss | RNIB

Image shows Amelia and Matthew from RNIB standing in the Game On exhibition space playing a console game.