RNIB Connect

Looking for free and fun activities to do over august?

Amelia speaks to Family Fund about their Discover Digital Summer Festival for disabled and seriously ill children, and their families.

Learn more on the Family Fund website - Discover Digital summer festival - Family Fund

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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 speaks to the Policy and Campaigns Team from RNIB Cymru. This month, we hear about the new ‘Life On Pause’ campaign, plus details on how you can make your voice heard.

For more information on the work of RNIB Cymru's Policy and Campaigns Team, visit the website - Policy - Wales - RNIB Cymru campaigns I RNIB | RNIB

In light of the 10th Anniversary of the accessible information standard, Hubert has been speaking to blind and partially sighted people about their experiences of issues they've been having with inaccessible health information, and what still needs to be done in order to improve things. In this podcast, he chats to Jenny, who's accessibility difficulties came at a time which stressful enough, becoming a new parent. 

Amelia and Allan review Christopher Nolan's epic film adaptation of 'The Odyssey' by Homer.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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. 

Century-old charity British Wireless for the Blind Fund today (Wednesday 22 July 2026) launches new brand and direction under the name Visably, as the research from their report Until It Clicks revealed that people with sight loss were missing out on the mental health benefits of tech.

The re-brand marks a significant moment in BWBF’s century-long history. Founded by a group of friends who crafted a makeshift braille-dial radio (or ‘wireless’) for blinded war veteran Sir Ernest Towse, for nearly 100 years the charity has helped tens of thousands of blind and partially sighted people with free specialist and sight...

Century-old charity British Wireless for the Blind Fund today (Wednesday 22 July 2026) launches new brand and direction under the name Visably, as the research from their report Until It Clicks revealed that people with sight loss were missing out on the mental health benefits of tech.

The re-brand marks a significant moment in BWBF’s century-long history. Founded by a group of friends who crafted a makeshift braille-dial radio (or ‘wireless’) for blinded war veteran Sir Ernest Towse, for nearly 100 years the charity has helped tens of thousands of blind and partially sighted people with free specialist and sight...

With the lead up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with visually impaired Double Paralympic Champion, seven time World Champion and world record holder Para-Cyclist Sophie Unwin to not only reflect on that amazing road race win for Sophie and her Pilot Jenny Holl at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, but how Sophie is preparing to compete in Glasgow with her new Pilot Sylvia Misztal as Jenny will be piloting one of the Scottish tandems while Sophie competes for England with Anna Anna Whitworth-Hay.

More about the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games an...

Edinburgh in August during the Festival Fringe means crowded streets, shifting queues, and venues that pop up overnight. For blind and partially sighted attendees, that can be difficult and exhausting to navigate.

Not everyone has someone available to help, so RNIB Scotland are partnering with Edinburgh Festival Fringe to launch a sighted-guide service ensuring nobody has to miss out on the fun.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Neil Atkinson, RNIB Scotland Social Action Community Coordinator, and Albany Wallace, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Access Projects Officer, to find out more about how the pa...

A new, one-woman show is coming to Brighton in October. As artist Jo Bannon breaks down ‘The Dirty Work’. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.

For more information and tickets, visit the website for the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio sit down with Simon Antrobus, 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 Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Unde...

The Beach Access Project works with partners to enhance and improve the accessibility of the UK’s beaches.

A pilot scheme at Weymouth Beach has secured funding from Dorset Council and is aiming to make the beach a leading example in accessibility.

Amelia spoke to Beach Access Project Founder, Will Bahenna, to learn more...

Learn more on the Beach Access Project Website - Beach Access Project – Beach Access Project

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This time for our regular browse through the RNIB online shop with Charlee Jarvis, RNIB Shop’s Buying Administrator We are looking at an adjustable LED light and fan plus some great end of year tactile cards for teachers, exams and graduation.

You will find out more about the LED light and fan, the range of end of year tactile cards along with many other products by visiting the following link to the RNIB Online Shop - https://shop.rnib.org.uk/connect

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On Monday 13 July 2026 representatives from across the sight loss sector along with a number of employers and visually impaired people came together at the House of Lords for the launch of the Employment Gap Report: Out of Sight – Out of Work by Lord Holmes which is making recommendations for Government and the Department of Work and Pensions to bridge the gap in employment for blind and partially sighted people. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at the launch event and caught up with Lord Chris Homes of Richmond MBE to find out more about the findings and r...

On Monday 13 July 2026 representatives from across the sight loss sector along with a number of employers and visually impaired people came together at the House of Lords for the launch of the Employment Gap Report:  Out of Sight – Out of Work by Lord Holmes which is making recommendations for Government and the Department of Work and Pensions to bridge the gap in employment for blind and partially sighted people. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at the launch event and caught up with Diane Lightfoot from the Business Disability Forum to find out more about the BDF an...

On Monday 13 July 2026 representatives from across the sight loss sector along with a number of employers and visually impaired people came together at the House of Lords for the launch of the Employment Gap Report: Out of Sight – Out of Work by Lord Holmes which is making recommendations for Government and the Department of Work and Pensions to bridge the gap in employment for blind and partially sighted people. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at the launch event and caught up with Josh Feehan, Head of Internships, Thomas Pocklington Trust who gave a presentation at the e...

On Monday 13 July 2026 representatives from across the sight loss sector along with a number of employers and visually impaired people came together at the House of Lords for the launch of the Employment Gap Report: Out of Sight – Out of Work by Lord Holmes which is making recommendations for Government and the Department of Work and Pensions to bridge the gap in employment for blind and partially sighted people. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at the launch event and caught up with Khadija Raza, RNIB Policy Lead on Accessibility who also gave a presentation at the e...

On Monday 13 July 2026 representatives from across the sight loss sector along with a number of employers and visually impaired people came together at the House of Lords for the launch of the Employment Gap Report:  Out of Sight – Out of Work by Lord Holmes which is making recommendations for Government and the Department of Work and Pensions to bridge the gap in employment for blind and partially sighted people. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at the launch event and caught up with Laura Davies from the British Association for Supported Employment who gave a presentation at the...

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 new Trustees for the RNIB board and audio described sport on tv.]=

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.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio...

Hubert talks to RNIB's Dan Fisher after the concert to get his thoughts on a great event, the key takeaways, and the important part the Elizabeth Eagle Bott Memorial Fund plays in supporting blind and partially sighted musicians. 

Following the concert, Hubert managed to catch up with Jay Pocknell from Sound Without Sight, which has been made possible because of the Elizabeth Eagle Bott Memorial Fund. They discuss thoughts on the concert, and all about Sound Without Sight. 

In this episode Hubert finds out about how Gareth Churchill got into music, and also a bit about a new instrument Gareth was going to use for his performance. 

Before James Risden took to the stage to perform and help cohost the event, Hubert grabbed a chat with him to talk about his music journey. 

In this episode Hubert talks to Lloyd Coleman before he takes to the stage. They discuss his start to music, how the Elizabeth Eagle Bott Memorial Fund has helped him, his future plans, and what advice he'd share with future musicians. 

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Joanne before her performance about her artist journey, the impact the fund had on her career, and her future plans. 

The long awaited, interim report on welfare in the UK has been released. Allan Russell spoke to RNIB’s Roisin Jacklin for the organisation's response.

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In this podcast, Hubert talks to Zachary Smith before his performance on the night about his music journey, and how important the Elizabeth Eagle Bott Memorial Fund was to help him along the way. 

Before the concert got started, Hubert got to speak to some of the artists performing on the night. In this podcast he chats to Charlotte Hardwick. 

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, huge, exhibition, a decadent dance favourite and a show about that dream of fame and fortune.

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

#RNIBConnect

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There are 12 AD performances at this year's Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) across opera, theatre, dance and a theatrical concert.

Amelia spoke to Access Manager Callum Madge to learn more about the highlights and access at the EIF.

Learn more about the AD performances on the EIF website - Accessible performances | Edinburgh International Festival

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The ‘Sight Village Central’ exhibition returned to Birmingham this week. Our ‘Tech Talk’ team were on hand to find out about some of the latest assistive technology on offer. The ‘WeWalk’ smart cane was at one of the stands, where Callum spoke to the developers.

The ‘Sight Village Central’ exhibition returned to Birmingham this week. Our ‘Tech Talk’ team were on hand to find out about some of the latest assistive technology on offer. Callum Stoneman spoke to the team at ‘Hable’ about a new, innovative, low-tech solution.

The ‘Sight Village Central’ exhibition returned to Birmingham this week. Our ‘Tech Talk’ team were on hand to find out about some of the latest assistive technology on offer. Callum Stoneman got the lowdown on some of the latest multi-line braille devices on the market.

The ‘Sight Village Central’ exhibition returned to Birmingham this week. Our ‘Tech Talk’ team were on hand to find out about some of the latest assistive technology on offer. Callum Stoneman spoke to Ravencourt Living at the event.

The ‘Sight Village Central’ exhibition returned to Birmingham this week. Our ‘Tech Talk’ team were on hand to find out about some of the latest assistive technology on offer. Callum Stoneman heard about the wide range of products on offer from Sight and Sound Technology.

The ‘Sight Village Central’ exhibition returned to Birmingham this week. Our ‘Tech Talk’ team were on hand to find out about some of the latest assistive technology on offer. Callum Stoneman caught up with the Team at Bristol Braille Technology. 

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 creating RNIB’s new Purpose and working with BT on an important change for everyone with a landline telephone.

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 Hel...

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 iconic characters, razor-sharp wit and killer songs as the current tour of Mean Girls The Musical visited the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Sue Reading. 

About ‘Mean Girls The Musical’

Direct from the West End, Mean Girls is the smash-hit musical comedy from an award-winning creative team including Tina Fey (30 Rock, U...

This time for our regular browse through the RNIB online shop with Charlee Jarvis, RNIB Shop’s Buying Administrator, we are looking at the RealSAM Pocket A17 Lifetime Phone and the Ravencourt Living Talking Easy USB Music and Radio Player which have just been added to the RNIB online shop. 

You will find out more about the RealSAM Pocket A17 Lifetime Phone, the Ravencourt Living Talking Easy USB Music and radio Player along with many other products in the RNIB online shop by visiting - https://shop.rnib.org.uk/connect

(Image shows the RNIB Con...

Join Jonathan in the high apline resort town of St. Moritz in Switzerland.

Listen to Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.

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 Barbican Centre’s new immersive exhibition ‘in Other Worlds’ invites visitors to step into the future as Liam Young’s imaginary worlds take over various locations at the Barbican inviting us to imagine the future of humanity and the challenges and adventures to come. 

This is the first major UK solo exhibition of the filmmaker and speculative architect Liam Young who operates in the spaces between design, fiction and futures. The works in the exhibition will immerse us in the consequences and opportunities of the decisions we make today. It is about stepping away from dystopia, asking: w...