RNIB Connect

Visionary have launched a new project for blind and partially sighed people working in the sight loss sector. To learn more Amelia spoke to Raquel Garrido-Soriano from Visionary, Nia Greer from Vision Support and Andy Smith from My Vision Oxfordshire...

Learn more on the Visionary website - Welcome to Visionary - Visionary

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This week Amelia attended Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Graham Longly about three products they were excited to share.

Learn more on the Aspire Consultancy Website - Home - Aspire Consultancy
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This week Amelia attended Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to RNC about their upcoming professional and student open days.

Learn more on the RNC website - A specialist residential college for young people with visual impairment
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This week Amelia attended Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Jason Shaw from VisionAid technologies about the wearable technology they offer to improve tv, bird and event watching.

Learn more on the Synaptic website - Accessible Smartwatches | Synapptic

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This week Amelia attended Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Mary McMahon, Managing director at Synaptic to learn about the first smart watch designed specifically for VI people.

Learn more on the Synapptic website - Accessible Smartwatches | Synapptic

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. 

Amelia went to Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Martin Roberts from Humanware about a new piece of tech with a lot of buzz…

Learn more on the Humanware website - Home - HumanWare 

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. 

Amelia went to Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Paul Bartley from Optolec about how they are modernising a classic bit of kit...

Learn more on the Optolec website - Optelec - Optelec United Kingdom
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. 

Amelia went to Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Calum McCready Look UK team about their upcoming events and some of the challenges young blind and partially sighted people are facing.

Learn more about Look UK on their website - LOOK – Supporting Visually Impaired Young People to Thrive

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. 

Amelia went to Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Francesca Munoz from the Sight Loss Councils Scotland team about their upcoming inclusive one-day music festival and training sighted guides for VI runners.

Learn more on the sight loss council website - Scotland - Sight Loss Council

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For many people, balancing rising energy costs with keeping homes safe and warm, is becoming more and more of a challenge. RNIB’s ‘Energy Advice Service’ can offer practical advice to help. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.

There's lots more information about RNIB's Energy Advice Service on their website - Energy saving advice for blind and partially sighted people | RNIB

HMRC are making changes to the way that some people need to file income tax. Hywel Davies has been hearing more about the changes and what you need to do if you’re affected.

More information is available on the Gov.UK website - Making Tax Digital for Income Tax - GOV.UK

Campaigners in Northern Ireland are aiming to expand concessionary transport for a wider range of blind and partially sighted people.

Amelia learned more from Julianne Crothers who shares why the cause is so important to her.

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. 

Barry Snell joins director Josh Feder to go behind the lens of RNIB’s latest legacy advert. They discuss his creative process, career, and the power of collaborating with the sight-loss community.

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's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.

This week Simon talks about visits to UK political parties and The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.

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 Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

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Fancy a relaxed boat-cruise on the Scottish canals?

Amelia spoke to Stuart Rennie from Segaull Trust cruises about their new audio-described trips developed with RNIB.

Learn more and book your place by calling 07511055081 or email rathobookings@seagulltrustcruises.org.uk

Learn more on the Seagull Trust Cruises website - Seagull Trust Cruises

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Let’s find out more about RNIB’s Helpline and Customer Care Team as our David Hogg speaks with Kyle Ferrier.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Visually Impaired Actor Heather Seymour is on the BBC show ‘Can You Keep A Secret?’ and told Amelia about her career in acting and music, and shared tips for other people interested in acting.

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 another audio described theatre review.

This week we have Chichester Festival Theatre’s touring production of ‘Top Hat’ as it visited the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre with description by Professional Audio Describers Nadine Beasley and Jonathan Nash. .

About ‘Top Hat’

Based on the classic 1935 movie starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Top Hat is a sparkling romantic cocktail laced with witty comedy, stunning choreography and tap-danc...

 If you’re in or around the Fife area and want to get involved in a Tandem group then our David Hogg has got some information for you…

What’s it like attending a major wrestling event when you’re living with sight loss? David Hogg spoke to Rob Sears whose done just that…

A study from Cardiff University is hoping to uncover more information on the potential links between sight loss and visual imagination. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.

To take part in the survey, visit the Cardiff University Website - Invitation to participate in research on visual imagination and sight impairment - Cardiff University

For the RNIB Out of Sight campaign and the Life On Pause petition RNIB Ambassador, content creator and Radio Broadcaster Claire Sisk plus Celebrity Chef, Presenter and Podcaster Briony May Williams came together to film a baking session at PaperMill Studios in London to support the campaign and to encourage people to sign the petition which is all about the importance of Vision Rehabilitation Services ensuring blind and partially sighted people get the support they need when they need it.

Claire and Briony began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about what they baked together fo...

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.

This week Simon talks about his visit to Wales and RNIB’s Swap With Me bus travel work.

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 Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

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Looking for an uplifting watch? Amelia and Hubert are here with a warm and comforting recommendation. 

You can watch The Golden Spurtle with AD on Apple TV +

Image shows "The Golden Spurtle" poster. A cartoonised poster showing an array of intriguing characters. A man in a sharp suit sits at a centre tartan podium with a banner which reads: "World Porridge Championship." He's enjoying a glowing bowl of porridge. Behind him 6 characters, from left to right a tall serious man fills a pot with oats, a younger man eats his porridge, an grey-haired lady waves a...

If you know the difference between a pilot and a stoker then you might be just the person to join a growing cycling club in Berkshire. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.

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 another audio described theatre review.

This time we have the arrival of the Percy Jackson universe to the Birmingham Hippodrome with ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical’ following on from Rick Riordan’s best-selling novels, the two movies and the Disney TV series too with description by Professional Audio Describer Caroline Burn.

About ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical’

When 16-year-old Percy Jackso...

How can the weekly shop be a better experience for blind and partially sighted people? 

Amelia spoke to disability activist Katie Piper about Navilens comingto Fruit Shoot and recent research exploring sight loss and supermarket experiences...

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March is here which means another monthly almanac from Amelia. Here are some celebrations and birdsongs to look forward to…

P.S. Don’t forget the clocks go forward on Sunday the 29th March too!

Learn more about the nature you can enjoy all year round on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity

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RNIB is creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to gain practical experience. Hywel Davies caught up with members of RNIB’s Policy and Campaigns team to hear their experiences of the ‘See Work Differently’ scheme.

The Warm Homes Network helps people claim the support they’re entitled to, make their homes more energy efficient, and access advice on benefits, household costs and debt.

The network is a collaboration between Turn2us, Citizens Advice, and YES Energy Solutions, funded by Cadent and Northern Gas Networks.

Amelia spoke to Katy Palmer and Donisha Thompson from Turn2Us to learn more.

Learn more on the Turn2Us website - Warm Homes Network - Energy, bills, and benefits advice | Turn2us

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Robert Kirkwood chats to Robert Whan of Queen's University Belfast about how they use RNIB Bookshare to support both students and academics with a wide variety of print disabilities.

Tech Talk is one of RNIB Connect Radio’s most popular shows and podcasts.

As the team celebrate the milestone of their 200th show

Presenter Callum Stoneman spoke to Allan Russell about it’s popularity, his favourite tech and what’s on the 200th episode.

Listen to Tech Talk on Tuesday’s at 1pm, catch up on Thursday’s at 9pm or Saturday’s at 5pm.

You can also podcast the shows by searching your favourite podcast provider for RNIB Tech Talk.

#RNIBConnect
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Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.

This week Simon talks about the charity’s ECLO service and RNIB Bookshare.

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 Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

Image shows Simon smiling for the camera. He...

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 another audio described theatre review.

This time we have Birmingham Royal Ballet’s revival of Director Carlos Acosta’s 2022 production of ‘Don Quixote’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome described by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash.

About ‘Don Quixote’

In this first revival of his 2022 production Director Carlos Acosta delivers entertainment for all ages. Don Quixote introduces us to Cervantes’ famous knight himself, lovers...

If you’re looking for an accessible day out, Hywel Davies has news of one attraction in the Southwest that’s undertaken specialist training to welcome blind and partially sighted guests. 

Once again, Channel 4 is providing a wealth of Audio Described coverage of the 2026 Winter Paralympics.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jonathan Penny, from Channel 4, to find out how you can enjoy the games with AD.

If you’d like more info on the coverage, or would like to give feedback on the AD coverage, go to www.channel4.com/4viewers

#RNIBConnect
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Two new shows are making their way to venues in south Wales. Hywel Davies has been speaking to Audio Describer Michelle Perez ahead of the performances.  

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 Mean Girls, Here And Now and an exhibition at the Lowry.

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

#RNIBConnect
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2026 is a special year for RNIB Connect Radio presenter Aly Prince, it is the 10 year anniversary of his weekly music show, plus the 10th anniversary of his volunteering with the UK's leading sight loss charity - RNIB.

Barry Snell caught up with Aly to congratulate him on his milestone & also to reflect on some of his highlights over the past decade.

Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath.

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.

This week Simon talks about the RNIB’s Eye Care Liaison Officers and the power of Audio Description.

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 Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.
#RNIBConnect

Image shows Simon sm...