RNIB Connect

RNIB’s Accessible Media Symposium brings together broadcasters, streamers, technology companies, creatives, researchers and people with lived experience to explore the future of accessible media. 

Barry Snell chats with Allan Russell as he gets ready to chair the two-day event.

Image shows Allan smiling and standing at a podium. He's wearing a light pink short sleeve shirt.

Seen, is a new photography exhibition featuring 22 powerful portraits that bring into focus the lives of blind and partially sighted people.  The exhibition is a collaboration between the RNIB and photographer Joshua Bratt.

Over the last two years, Joshua has travelled the country, meeting people with sight loss and capturing their stories through his lens. These portraits reveal the extraordinary lives of blind and partially sighted people: individuals thriving in their careers, pursuing their passions and overcoming barriers.

On Friday 12 September 2025 the first day that the exhibition was open to the general public RNIB Connect Radio’s T...

A recent YouGov poll shows one in five UK parents feel their children often can’t read print in the way it is presented to them at school. David Hogg finds out about RNIB Bookshare, a free service which can level the playing field.

Through ‘Andrea Bocelli - Because I Believe’ Film Director, Cosima Spender showcases the life of one of the world’s greatest singers, Italian blind opera and pop singer Andrea Bocelli, from humble beginnings to sold-out shows around the world which will be in selected cinemas across the world from 21 September 2025.

With unprecedented access into the celebrated tenor’s life, Cosima followed Andrea Bocelli beyond the footlights to reveal an uncompromising artist and devoted family man with a fearless passion for living, and for the first time allowing Bocelli to tell his story in his own words. 

The film...

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 charity’s annual report, an accessible photography exhibition and hosting an accessible media symposium with some of the biggest names in global broadcasting.

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 ca...

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 we are celebrating 20 years of Stage Experience the Youth Theatre Company at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with their production of ‘West Side Story’ through the talents of the young performers with description by Professional Audio describer Remy Lloyd.

About Stage Experience and their production of ‘West Side Story’.

Stage Experience, the Youth Thea...

Seen, is a new photography exhibition featuring 22 powerful portraits that bring into focus the lives of blind and partially sighted people.  The exhibition is a collaboration between the RNIB and photographer Joshua Bratt.

Over the last two years, Joshua has travelled the country, meeting people with sight loss and capturing their stories through his lens. These portraits reveal the extraordinary lives of blind and partially sighted people: individuals thriving in their careers, pursuing their passions and overcoming barriers.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was there for the launch of the Seen photography exhibition on Thursday 11 Sep...

Seen, is a new photography exhibition featuring 22 powerful portraits that bring into focus the lives of blind and partially sighted people.  The exhibition is a collaboration between the RNIB and photographer Joshua Bratt.

Over the last two years, Joshua has travelled the country, meeting people with sight loss and capturing their stories through his lens. These portraits reveal the extraordinary lives of blind and partially sighted people: individuals thriving in their careers, pursuing their passions and overcoming barriers.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was there for the launch of the Seen photography exhibition on Thursday 11 Sep...

Seen, is a new photography exhibition featuring 22 powerful portraits that bring into focus the lives of blind and partially sighted people.  The exhibition is a collaboration between the RNIB and photographer Joshua Bratt.

Over the last two years, Joshua has travelled the country, meeting people with sight loss and capturing their stories through his lens. These portraits reveal the extraordinary lives of blind and partially sighted people: individuals thriving in their careers, pursuing their passions and overcoming barriers.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was there for the launch of the Seen photography exhibition on Thursday 11 Sep...

Seen, is a new photography exhibition featuring 22 powerful portraits that bring into focus the lives of blind and partially sighted people.  The exhibition is a collaboration between the RNIB and photographer Joshua Bratt.

Over the last two years, Joshua has travelled the country, meeting people with sight loss and capturing their stories through his lens. These portraits reveal the extraordinary lives of blind and partially sighted people: individuals thriving in their careers, pursuing their passions and overcoming barriers.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was there for the launch of the Seen photography exhibition on Thursday 11 Sep...

Seen, is a new photography exhibition featuring 22 powerful portraits that bring into focus the lives of blind and partially sighted people.  The exhibition is a collaboration between the RNIB and photographer Joshua Bratt.

Over the last two years, Joshua has travelled the country, meeting people with sight loss and capturing their stories through his lens. These portraits reveal the extraordinary lives of blind and partially sighted people: individuals thriving in their careers, pursuing their passions and overcoming barriers.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was there for the launch of the exhibition on Thursday 11 September 2025 and cau...

Seen, is a new photography exhibition featuring 22 powerful portraits that bring into focus the lives of blind and partially sighted people.  The exhibition is a collaboration between the RNIB and photographer Joshua Bratt.

Over the last two years, Joshua has travelled the country, meeting people with sight loss and capturing their stories through his lens. These portraits reveal the extraordinary lives of blind and partially sighted people: individuals thriving in their careers, pursuing their passions and overcoming barriers.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was there for the launch of the exhibition on Thursday 11 September 2025 and cau...

Seen, is a new photography exhibition featuring 22 powerful portraits that bring into focus the lives of blind and partially sighted people.  The exhibition is a collaboration between the RNIB and photographer Joshua Bratt.

Over the last two years, Joshua has travelled the country, meeting people with sight loss and capturing their stories through his lens. These portraits reveal the extraordinary lives of blind and partially sighted people: individuals thriving in their careers, pursuing their passions and overcoming barriers.
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was there for the launch of the exhibition on Thursday 11 September 2025 and caught up...

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 some exciting new productions and a spooky showstopper.

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

#RNIBConnect
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RNIB NI have launched a new podcast to discuss campaigning and breaking down barriers for people with sight loss.

Amelia spoke to hosts Joe Kenny and Micheal Smith to learn more...

Listen to episode one here - RNIB Support / RNIB NI Podcast episode 01 - Disability is a team sport

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Northern Ballet will be touring two great productions this autumn and into the spring of 2026 with ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ for younger audiences and ‘Merlin’ for slightly older audiences. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Pippa Moore MBE, Northern Ballet’s Artistic and Learning Assistant to find out more about both ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and ‘Merlin’.

More details about Northern Ballet and their audio described performances including ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and Merlin’ can be found by visiting the Audio Described pages of their website - https://northernballet.com/accessible-performances/audio-described-performances


(Image shows the N...

Hair & Care CIC have created a short film called 'Beyond Vision' in collaboration with director Hector Hilleary.

Thery also held a panel conversation, moderated by Maliha Shoaib with panellists including Broadcaster and Activist Lucy Edwards, Designer Chet Lo, Beauty Director Alex Peters from Dazed Beauty, Jane Manley who is a Deaf Blind Social Media Analyst at the RNIB, and Hair & Care founder Anna Cofone.

Amelia spoke to Fiona Quinn, Business Development, PR & Marketing Manager, to hear the evening went,

Learn more about Hair & Care on their website - Hair&Care | Self care Workshops for...

University of Limerick Graduate, Leah Shanahan, has designed a prototype for a fully accessible pregnancy test based on feedback from blind and partially sighted women.

Amelia learned more about the development and creation of the test.

Find Leah on linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-ni-sheanachain/

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Remember A Charity Week is running from the 8th to 14th September this year, and is an opportunity for everyone to take a moment to consider leaving a gift to charity in their will, after looking after family and friends. 

This year's campaign celebrates the funny moments, interesting hobbies and unique quirks that we remember and cherish about our loved ones.

Amelia spoke to Helen Smith, Head of Supporter Experience at RNIB, to learn more.

Learn more about leaving a gift in your will here - Leaving a gift to RNIB in your Will | R...

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.

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

A community choir in South Wales is proving that a community choir is ‘More Than Music’, as Hywel Davies has been finding out.

You can find out more about the work of More Than Music Cymru on their website - Home - More Than Music Cymru

This week RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined by both Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands along with Alan Russell, presenter of ‘The Daily Connect Show’ to review and discuss the audio described performance of Shakespeare’s ‘the Winter’s Tale’ at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon which Vidar and Allan saw a few weeks ago. 

About ‘The Winter’s Tale’

Wild worlds, fractured loves, and second chances. 

When a king’s obsessive jealousy leads to a devastating series of acts, the jour...

This September the RNIB is launching the second in a series of major surveys to help map out the future of support for people diagnosed with serious eye conditions. 

The RNIB is reaching out to people with lived experience of sight loss, their loved ones, carers and professionals in the field, to get their feedback on ideas to improve post-diagnostic support. 

Services are currently delivered in many forms, but in some areas of the UK it is a patchy, postcode lottery.

The first survey in April this year asked about people’s experiences and idea...

UK sight loss charity RNIB, has published the second part of its Big Travel Survey, looking at safe and independent mobility for blind and partially sighted people.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Ross Megan and Erik Mathies, from RNIB, to discuss the latest results of their research around issues faced by pedestrians.

If you’d like to read the report or get involved by sharing it with your local politicians, go to rnib.in/travel-reports

#RNIBConnect
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A Scottish coach has been working to have Para Gymnastics included as a discipline for the Paralympic Games.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Coach Angela Turner and visually impaired gymnast Zara Coote to hear more about the work and details of a forthcoming fundraiser for gymnasts to attend a showcase in Finland.

If you’d like more info on the fundraiser in Glasgow on Sept 21st 2025, go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/benefit-in-aid-of-scottish-para-gymnastics-tickets-1630782677889?aff=oddtdtcreator

You can also find details on Angela’s club on:

instagram is @coggc...

Audio Description Association (ADA) Scotland have appointed their first blind chairperson, Amanda Foster.

Amelia learned when her passion for AD began and what she plans to do in the role.

Learn more about ADA Scotland on their website - Audio Description Association Scotland - ADA Scotland

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Seable Holidays, a not for profit social enterprise organisation who provide accessible tailored and group holidays for blind and partially sighted people ran their first safari holiday this year which they will be offering again in 2026. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by both Damiano La Rocca, founder of Seable Holidays and Paul Nugent who is visually impaired and had an amazing experience on their recent safari holiday. 

Damiano explains a bit about who Seable Holidays are and what they do before talking about the fully accessible safari holiday while Paul gives an idea of w...

Young, neurodiverse, visually impaired artist Hannah Evans uses art to communicate her feelings and experience of the world.

Amelia spoke to her and her mum Carol about her upcoming exhibitions.

Hannah will be at the Livingston Designer Outlet Mall in in unit 73 from 10.30 am to 5 pm 29th to 31st August.

Hannah will be at the Create Ed Gallery Kirkintiloch on Sat 6th September from 1 to 4.30pm. The exhibition is open from the 5th to the 13th September.

Learn more about Hannah on her facebook - Facebook

Image shows the RNIB...

Each month, we 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 RNIB Campaigns Discussion Group, the National Emergency Alert, Guided Walks with MPs and the return of Parliament.

If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved , email campaigns@rnib.org.uk
You can visit rnib.org.uk/news
or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999

Follow @RNIB_Campaigns on your socials or search for RNIB Campaigns
#RNIBConnect
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How did Jamie MacDonald get on at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival?

Amelia learned more about his highlights, navigating around the city and his upcoming projects.

Learn more about Jamie on his website - Jamie MacDonald - comedian, writer, actor and voice over artist

You can see Jamie perform his show in London on the 19th September - Jamie MacDonald: Toxic Bastard | Underbelly Boulevard Soho

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On Friday 5 September 2025 at 10.30am the Design Museum in London will be running an audio described tour of their exhibition ‘More than Human’ which looks at some radical ideas on how to design with and for other species.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Nao Zaragoza, Assistant Curator of Public Practice at the Design Museum, to firstly find out more about the museum, the ‘More than Human’ exhibition and what blind and partially sighted people can expect on the audio described tour of the exhibition on Friday 5 September at 10.30am. 

To find out more about...

RNIB Scotland has launched a new project, designed to provide more advice, support, events and community connections for blind and partially sighted people in rural and isolated areas.

RNIB Connect Radio’s David Hogg spoke to Mark Campbell, who lives in Kingussie and attended one of the charity’s events.

If you live in Scotland, are blind or partially sighted, and would like more info, go to www.rnib.org.uk/scotland

#RNIBConnect
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We now compare and maybe contrast the experiences of going through education, employment and life for two Yorkshire blind people 50 years apart with the Rt Hon Lord Blunkett and Holly Tuke.  

In a recent column in the Yorkshire Post the Right Honourable Lord Blunkett talked openly about the challenges of being blind, something he rarely talks about as he prefers to be defined by his achievements in life and not by the barriers he has had to overcome.

Holly Tuke, RNIB’s Social Media Manager who has been blind from birth and went through education about 50 yea...

NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recently approved new treatment in England for people living with the eye condition Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) helped by Researchers at the University of Cambridge.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Cambridge who was involved in the research into using idebenone to treat Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) who explains more about the eye condition and how the NICE approved treatment might be appropriate for some people who have LHON.

To find out mo...

Seen, a collaboration between RNIB and photographer Joshua Bratt, is a new exhibition featuring 22 powerful portraits that bring into focus the lives of blind and partially sighted people. It is free of charge and is being held at RNIB's Grimaldi Building in London from the 12th-14th September.

Barry Snell caught up with Joshua to learn more about the exhibition and his love of photography

Click here to learn more about 'Seen'

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HMS Belfast, built by Harland & Wolff in 1936 was launched on St Patrick's Day, 17 March 1938 by Anne Chamberlain – the wife of then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain.

In her 24 year’s of active service HMS Belfast played many key roles in battles and peace-keeping duties around the world before being brought to London by IWM and opening to the public on Trafalgar Day, 21 October 1971.

So do join RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey for a guided tour of HMS Belfast, London’s unique warship experience with Nigel Steel, one of the IWM Curators of Belfast, to find out more abo...

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio sits down with  of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.

This week RNIB’s Chief Strategy and Public Affairs Officer Vivienne Francis talks about  the next stage of RNIB’s Travel and Transport reports. 

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

If you’re a user of the JAWS screen reader, you might be aware of recent changes to the pricing structure of the software. But what does it all mean for UK users? Tech Talk’s Jackie Brown has been finding out.

You can hear Jackie's full conversation with Stuart Lawler from Sight and Sound on this week’s episode of Tech Talk, on Tuesday August 26th at 2pm.

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For students up and down the country results day is a nerve-wracking time. But students at The Royal National College for the Blind have had a lot to celebrate, as Hywel Davies has been finding out.

For more information on the RNC, visit the ir website - A specialist residential college for young people with visual impairment