RNIB Connect (RNIB Connect Radio)

The World Triathlon Para Series makes its way back to the UK this summer. Hywel Davies spoke to British PTVI athlete Oscar Kelly as he prepares to take part in the event once again

Let's hear from Allan Russell, who's talking with Chris Danielsen, from the USA, about improving the accessibility of STEM subjects for blind and partially sighted people.

RNIB wants to hear your views, and experiences in regards to accessible gaming. You can do this via a survey and a possible follow up interview. You can take the survey until the first of May using the link below:
https://www.visionary.org.uk/latest/rnib-survey-on-video-games-help-us-understand-the-impact-of-being-able-to-play-the-video-games-you-want-to-play/

Glaucoma Stents have been around for a few years now but maybe not every person who has Glaucoma knows about the treatment and how it helps to drain some of the extra fluid that builds up in patients eyes. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Leon Au, consultant ophthalmologist from Manchester Royal Eye hospital who is also a member of the Glaucoma UK Clinical Advisory Panel to explain a bit more about Glaucoma stents and how the treatment helps people with Glaucoma.

To find out more about Glaucoma Stents do call the Glaucoma helpline on 01233 64 81 70, email helpline@glaucoma.uk or visit their website - https://glaucoma.uk
 

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Looking for a new hobby, or a new chess opponent?

The Braille Chess Association hold virtual and in-person lessons, matches and tournaments across the UK. You don't need to read braille to play, as they also play using adapted physical chess sets, email tournaments, computer software and more.

Amelia talked to Abi Baker to learn about the matches and socials.

Learn more by visiting their website braillechess.org.uk

Image shows Abi, a white woman with short blond-grey hair, touching wooden chess pieces on a wooden chess board. There is a cream coloured wall behind her and she's wearing a green fleece, with white fluffy cuffs and collar.

Did you know RNIB have weekly telephone befriending and social groups? If you’re looking to have a friendly chat with others living with sight loss, it might be the perfect thing for you.

Amelia talked to Dan Swales, An RNIB Talk and Support Co-ordinator, to learn more.

Register your interest by visiting the RNIB Website www.rnib.org.uk

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

If you’re a blind or partially sighted student then Thomas Pocklington trust have a new suite of tools and resources to help supercharge your studies. David Hogg learned 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 the next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews.

This week Vidar was reviewing the fresh and funny, new musical Bhangra nation that fuses college-campus angst with the colourful, high octane world of competitive bhangra dance competitions at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describers Carolyn Smith and Julia Grundy.

About Bhangra Nation:

Are you ready to Bhangra? As the Uni Bhangra dance team wait nervously backstage to find out if they’ve made it to Nationals, the real showdown has already begun as team mates Preeti and Mary clash over what Bhangra really means to them. Whilst Preeti believes that the team needs to stick to tradition, Mary is passionate about shaking things up to belong to today. When a huge row changes the team forever, Mary and Preeti start on journeys of discovery into what they stand for and who they want to be.

A moving and funny new musical about friendship, family and identity, brought to life with boundless energy and joy, incredible dance moves and a truly bhangin’ soundtrack.

To find out more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre along with details about audio described performances do visit the access pages of the REP’s website - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ 


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How easy is it to study the world’s oceans if you’re blind or partially sighted? Hywel Davies has been speaking with one blind oceanographer to hear about her experiences working in science, the technology that helps her do it, and her hopes for encouraging more young people into the field.

Find out more about Dr Amy's work here - About Amy Bower :: OceanInsight (whoi.edu)

Rachel Looby has multiple disabilities and conditions including Retinitis Pigmentosa, epilepsy and autism. She talked to Amelia about they interact and impact her life. 

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

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:

Michael Sheen as Nye Bevan, the man who lead the battle to create the NHS in ‘Nye’, Friday 3 May, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre.

An irreverent retelling of the life and legend of the Brontë sisters by Sarah Gordon in ‘Underdog: The Other Other Brontë’, Friday 10 May at 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, National Theatre’s Dorfman Theatre.

A romantic thriller which has been described as a hymn to the city of London and the River Thames that runs through it with ‘London Tide’ which includes music by PJ Harvey, Saturday 18 May 1pm, touch tour 11.30am  and Thursday 20 June 7pm, touch tours 5.30pm, National Theatre’s Lyttleton Theatre

From NTAtHome.com with audio description David recommended ‘Little Big Things’ and ‘Constellations’

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 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 Southampton Sight swimming group are making a splash to celebrate 125 years of the charity. Amelia talked to Tom and Kris to learn more.

Learn more about Southampton Sight on their website southamptonsight.org.uk/
Sponsor the swim by visiting their GoFundMe Page www.justgiving.com/page/mark-jones-1710757495129

Image shows swimmers Chris, Jenny and Tom, along with Supporter Paul and guide dog Toby, standing in line and smiling at the camera.

What’s your best play-time memory? TourettesHero are gathering positive play memories from disabled children, adults, parents and care-givers to inspire inclusive play events. 

Amelia talked to co-founder and co-artistic director Jess Thom about the project.

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Jemma Davison, RNIB Customer Insight Co-ordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey.

Opportunities highlighted this week included:

Help Shape the Future of Inclusive Employment with Your Insights! 
Student Shiyi is working to improve employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted individuals through the Thomas Pocklington Trust's Get Set Progress internship program. Just 5-10 minutes of your time is required to provide feedback on a survey that will help illuminate the path to creating a more inclusive workforce. Your voice will directly influence the internship program to better serve both employers and visually impaired job seekers. To be emailed the survey linked or find out more information, you can reach Shiyi at shiyi.wang-2@student.manchester.ac.uk

Are You Visually impaired, aged 18-65 and live in London or the South East?
If so then you are invited to join the RNIB London & South East Connect telephone group. There will be 4 sessions with Dates and Times confirmed with individuals (weekday evening 6:30-7:30pm). The purpose of the sessions are for blind and partially sighted people of working age who live in London and the South East, to connect informally over a range of topics that are important to them. From challenges of living with a sight loss, to exchanging motivational tips and tricks. Common topics on these calls often include hobbies, interests, employment, social lives, education and much more.
To sign up or for more. information, please contact Hazel Cross by email - hazel.cross@rnib.org.uk

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


(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’re looking for new ways to access printed text, then Tech Talk’s Dave Williams has been hearing about some of the latest items available from RNIB’s Products For Life Store.

More information on each of the products discussed can be found here:
Hark Reader - Hark Reader | RNIB
RNIB Communiplayer - RNIB Communiplayer USB Player | RNIB
RNIB Accord - RNIB Accord USB Player | RNIB

New research has shown that a vast number of blind and partially sighted people, in the UK, are missing out on vital benefit payments, that they may be entitled to.

RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dominic Milne, from RNIB's Legal Rights Service, to find out why this is and how people can get what they're entitled to.

If you would like help from the charity's legal rights team, call 0303 123 9999.

#RNIBConnect
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Blind and partially sighted people in Castle Donnington are dressing to the nines to raise money for their local sight loss charity. 

Tilly Dowler, the partially-sighted co-owner of Wanted Wardrobe, and model Sam Ball, told Amelia about their fashion show this Friday. 

You can learn more about Wanted Wardrobe by following them on Instagram and TikTok, and can visit their store on Vinted by searching 'Wanted Wardrobe'.

Image shows Tilly, a white woman with mid-length blond hair, wearing a snakeskin printed jumpsuit and holding a white symbol cane in her left hand. Her right hand rests on a bright green clothing rail holding different printed clothing items . She stands in the Wanted Wardrobe shop which has hard wood floors, brick outer walls and a bright yellow dividing wall with clothes and accessories hung up.

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 reimagining for the stage of Mark Ravenhill’s 2013 radio play’ Ben and Imo’ at the Swan Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon with description by Professional Audio Describers Emily Magdij and Carolyn Smith.

About Ben and Imo:

This is the true story of the passionate partnership between Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst. The 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II is fast approaching. To mark the occasion, Benjamin Britten has just nine months to write a new opera about her predecessor Elizabeth I. Into the world of the disheartened composer enters the exuberant and passionate Imogen Holst, daughter of Gustav and an accomplished musician in her own right. Her candid and can-do attitude proves to be the perfect foil for the capricious and often maddening Britten, and what begins as an arrangement of practical support turns into a bond that not only sees Gloriana to its premiere but endures throughout the rest of their lives.

Originally written to mark the centenary of Britten’s birth and performed on BBC Radio 3 in 2013, Mark Ravenhill’s Ben and Imo is a powerful new play, reimagined for 2024 that explores the brilliant yet often turbulent working relationship of two of the 20th Century’s greatest musical minds.

For more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company including details of audio described performances of their productions do visit the access 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)

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 started by talking about the number of people running the London marathon on Sunday 21 April 2024 in aid of the RNIB, the achievements of Mark Rogerson who has completed the six World Marathon Majors in aid of RNIB plus a mention of how Yahya Pandor completed the Manchester marathon without a guide runner.  

Matt also talked about the recent Living Streets report on bus stops which revealed that the concerns of blind and partially sighted people are being ignored.

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

A new survey in Wales is aiming to improve the experience of blind and partially sighted people who live in privately rented or social housing. Hywel Davies has been finding out more. 

Learn more about the work of Tai Pawb here - Home - Tai Pawb

The Braille Chess Association (BCA) host murder mystery parties at their residentials.

Julie Leonard gave Amelia some tips on hosting a frightfully fun and accessible party.

Learn more by visiting their website braillechess.org.uk

Image shows five BCA members standing up and holding paper scripts and ipads to act out a murder scene. 

RNIB’s Products For Life Store has a wide range of products to help you look after your health and wellbeing. Tech Talk’s Dave Williams has been hearing about some of the latest additions to the RNIB Shop.

For more information about the products discussed, visit the RNIB Shop:
Talking Thermometer - Talking Ear And Forehead Thermometer | RNIB
Talking Scales - Terraillon Talking Bathroom Scale | RNIB
Eye Drop Applicator - Ezidrops Eye Drop Applicator | RNIB
Jumbo Pill Organiser - Large Four Times Daily 7 Day Pillbox With Braille | RNIB

UK sight loss charity and energy provider Cadent, have joined forces to provide grants to help blind and partially sighted people who are struggling during the current cost of living crisis.

RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dominic Milne, from RNIB's Legal Rights Service, to hear more about the grants and how people can apply.

If you'd like help from the Legal Rights Team at RNIB, call 0303 123 9999.

You can also get more info on the cost of living help by visiting www.rnib.org.uk

#RNIBConnect
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Up to one in five women experience mental health challenges during pregnancy and up to one year after birth.

The 29th April to the 5th of May is Maternal Health Week and Amelia heard from mother and CYPF Support Officer Jenny Molinuex about her own maternal health challenges.

If you want to talk or get advice on mental health challenges and/or parenting, contact the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or by saying “Alexa, call RNIB Helpline” on Alexa-enabled devices.

Follow this link for RNIB's VI Parenting Guide Part 1 -APDF-RNIB_A4_Guide_for_VI_Parents.pdf

Follow this link for RNIB's VI Parenting Guide Part 2 - APDF-SV230904_VI_Parent_Guide_Part_2-v04_1.pdf (rnib.org.uk)

You can find more information and resources concerning mental health on the RNIB website - Mental wellbeing resources | RNIB

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RNIB have just added a part 2 to their parenting guides. This guide shares information, advice, resources and support from blind and partially sighted parents across the UK.

Amelia talked to Lisa Billington and Jenny Molinuex from the RNIB Children, Young People and Families Team to learn more about the challenges VI Parents experience.

If you want to talk or get advice on mental health challenges and parenting, contact the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or by saying “Alexa, call RNIB Helpline” on Alexa-enabled devices.

Follow this link for RNIB's VI Parenting Guide Part 1 -APDF-RNIB_A4_Guide_for_VI_Parents.pdf

Follow this link for RNIB's VI Parenting Guide Part 2 - APDF-SV230904_VI_Parent_Guide_Part_2-v04_1.pdf (rnib.org.uk)

You can find more information and resources concerning mental health on the RNIB website - Mental wellbeing resources | RNIB

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We’ll travel back to high school crushes and chippies with friends in the 1980 film Gregory’s Girl. 

Amelia and Allan had a laugh reviewing the Scottish coming of age comedy film, here they are with more. 

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Are you based in the west of England? Sight Support West of England supports blind and ps people in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

Amelia talked to Sight Loss Advisor Team Manager, Marc Gulwell, to learn more. 

Image shows Sight Support West of England logo. Font is dark blue and 'West of England' is inside a white eye shape with a dark blue circle behind it.

RNIB is calling on the government to provide better funding for young people in education with sight loss. Hywel Davies has been hearing about the latest education report from England.

You can read more about RNIB's Freedom of Information Reports here: Freedom of Information Reports | 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 we have all those Stock Aitken Waterman hit factory songs from the 80s and 90s as Vidar was reviewing ‘I Should Be So Lucky’ a brand new musical that is all about love, laughter and last-minute getaways at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description by Professional Audio Describer Anne Hornsby. 

About I Should Be So Lucky:

The Wedding’s Off, but the Honeymoon is On! All the hit factory songs you know and love – finally on stage in an all-new, feel-good musical!

Head from the aisle to the isles in the official Stock Aitken Waterman musical featuring the soundtrack of a generation with music from pop royalty including Kylie Minogue (I Should Be So Lucky), Rick Astley (Never Gonna Give You Up), Jason Donovan (Especially for You), Bananarama (Love In The First Degree) and more, all intertwined in an original story of love, laughter and last-minute getaways!

Dive deep into a heartwarming and rib-tickling tale of Ella and Nathan – a star-crossed couple with wedding jitters and tropical dreams. Will their love sail smoothly, or are stormy break-ups ahead? Only time and tunes will tell.

For more about ‘I Should Be So Lucky’ along with details about venues, dates and times of performances do visit the shows website - https://soluckymusical.com


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‘Expressionists - Kandinsky, Münter And The Blue Rider’ is a major exhibition at Tate Modern that tells the story of the international circle of friends who came together in the early 20th century to transform modern art. From celebrated artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter, Franz Marc and Paul Klee, to previously overlooked figures like Wladimir Burliuk and Maria Franck-Marc.

On Tuesday 23 April 2024 at the Press View of ‘Expressionists - Kandinsky, Münter And The Blue Rider’ at Tate Modern, RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Genevieve Barton, Assistant Curator of the exhibition, to find out more about the background to the Blue Rider and how this exhibition reveals the multicultural and transnational nature of such a key moment in early modernist art.

About the exhibition ‘Expressionists - Kandinsky, Münter And The Blue Rider’ -

This major exhibition will tell the story of the international circle of friends who came together in the early 20th century to transform modern art. From celebrated artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter, Franz Marc and Paul Klee, to previously overlooked figures like Wladimir Burliuk and Maria Franck-Marc.

The exhibition will reveal the multicultural and transnational nature of this key moment in early modernist art. Drawing on the world’s richest collection of expressionist masterpieces at the Lenbachhaus in Munich alongside rare loans from public and private collections, including some never seen before in the UK, it will celebrate their radical experimentation with form, colour, sound and performance. Experience a collection of masterpieces from paintings, sculpture, and photography to performance and sound. 

The exhibition ‘Expressionists - Kandinsky, Münter And The Blue Rider’ continues at Tate Modern until 20 October 2024.  Description tours are available for blind and partially sighted people but need to be booked in advance via hello@tate.org.uk or on 020 7887 8888.

More details about ‘Expressionists - Kandinsky, Münter And The Blue Rider’ at Tate Modern can be found by visiting the following pages of the Tate website-
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/expressionists


(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)

Now for an exhibition of art works where audio description is the only way for everyone to experience and explore the work on display with Ensemble at APT Gallery, Deptford, south London 2-26 May 2024.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Hettie James and Stephanie Farmer the Curators of Ensemble to find out more about this audio only, audio described exhibition.

Hettie and Stephanie explained how they and the Artists worked with Audio Describer Anne Hornsby on the descriptions of the work on display, an outline of some of the work through just the information that the Artists provided as for them as Curators they have also not seen the Artist’s work.  Along with an outline of a number of workshops which will accompany the exhibition around audio description.

Ensemble is on at the APT Gallery, Deptford, South London from 2-26 may 2024 and for more about the exhibition along with details of the workshops do visit the Ensemble pages of the APT Gallery website - https://www.aptstudios.org/exhibitions2324ensemble


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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 voting and making streets safer and easier to navigate. 

If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved, email campaigns@rnib.org.uk 

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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The UK regulator Ofcom has published new guidelines around the provision of audio description for TV.

This also compliments new legal regulations, Media Bill, which is making its way through Parliament.

RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Helen Shaw, from Ofcom, and John Paton, from RNIB, to discuss the changes.

If you'd like more info on audio description, go to www.rnib.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999.

#RNIBConnect

Image shows Ofcom logo. A square split in half. Top half is dark navy with the words 'Ofcom' written in a rounder font and underlined. In the bottom section there's five vertical strips of varying width. From left to right: bright blue, purple, pink, orange, and green. 

 If you’re a blind or partially sighted student then Thomas Pocklington trust have a new suite of tools and resources to help supercharge your studies. David Hogg learned more.

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 better employment prospects for blind and partially sighted people, Parliamentary work on several topics and a big thank you to the 100 runners who raised money for RNIB at the London Marathon.

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. He's wearing a light shirt and a dark jacket over the top and is sitting in an outdoor setting with some greenery behind him. He has short dark hair with some lighter hairs sprinkled through and is wearing slim rimmed glasses.  

Film review time now as our Toby and Kris reminisce about their studying days and review the 1995 comedy film ‘Kicking And Screaming’.

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Tickets are available now for a new audio-described play in Cardiff. Hywel Davies has been finding out about the historical drama which examines Wales’ colonial past. 
For more information about 'The Women of Llanrumney', and to buy tickets, visit the Sherman Theatre website - The Women of Llanrumney | Sherman Theatre

Have you ever wondered what a dinosaur might do in a day?  What they actually really looked like?  What colour were they? 

Well, these and many more questions will be answered in The Colour of Dinosaurs, a rip-roaring, prehistoric science pop gig for curious humans of all ages at the Polka Theatre in London from 11 May to 9 June 2024 with an audio described performance on Friday 31 May 2024 at 2.30pm. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Lloyd Coleman, Composer, Musician and Associate Music Director of the Paraorchestra who composed the music for The Colour of Dinosaurs to find out more about how the idea for the show came about.  With a hint of some of those catchy songs that Lloyd has composed for the show along with more about the mind-blowing science that features in The Colour of Dinosaurs.

To find out more about The Colour of Dinosaurs including details of dates and times of performances do visit the following pages of the Polka Theatre website - https://polkatheatre.com/event/the-colour-of-dinosaurs/ 


(Image shows a close-up of Lloyd smiling at the audience with neon lights in the shapes of dinosaurs in the background. Photograph by Paul Blakemore)

I-SCREEN is a project being supported by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast which aims to revolutionise the care of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by developing an artificial intelligence (AI) programme to identify and monitor the early stages of AMD through equipment found in High Street Opticians. 

Dr Ruth Hogg from the Centre for Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast who is leading the project joins RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey to explain more about I-SCREEN. 

Dr Ruth Hogg alongside researchers from Northern Ireland Clinical Research facility will begin by recruiting patients with intermediate AMD, who they will follow for two years in order to identify the earliest stage of transition to late AMD. 
 
This data will then be used to help refine AI models that could be used in the community by High Street optometrists.

The I-SCREEN project has been established through the collaboration of a multidisciplinary network of clinical retina experts, computer scientists, community-based optometrists, and business specialists experienced in clinical decision support systems for ophthalmology.

More about I-SCREEN can be found on the project’s website - https://i-screen.eu


(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)

Are you always wondering what to buy, or how to find the perfect present? Or do you have the gift of gift giving?  

We brought together Campaigner, music-lover and tandem cyclist Ken Reid, Assitive Tech Advisor and Tiktoker Alison Bates, and RNIB Connect Radio's own Hubert Pawelkiewicz to talk all things gift-giving. 

Follow Alison on Tiktok @blindalison
Follow Ken on X @kenreid59
Listen to Hubert on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1pm on Weekdays from May 13th, Sounds of The Silver Screen and Tech Talk.

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Our David Hogg chats to Jessica Whyte from Birmingham City University following a Commons Committee about how the application and funding system around Disabled Students Allowance can be simplified…

If you use eye drops regularly then you’ll know just how hard it can be to administer them yourself. There’s a new product in the RNIB shop that could make taking care of your eye health much easier, it’s even had approval from the experts in Dragons Den, as Hywel Davies has been finding out.

You can find more information on the EziDrops applicator here: Ezidrops Eye Drop Applicator | RNIB

Clare Aldworth, RNIB Insight Community Manager shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey.

Opportunities highlighted this week included:

Your experience of website accessibility 
Tilly is a student studying Media Production at De Montfort University. She is currently undertaking research on website accessibility. Tilly is particularly interested in the experiences of users who have a visual impairment, but she’s also exploring other impairments and disabilities. She has created a short research exercise and is looking for volunteers to take part. 

You will be asked to take a look at 2 different websites. You’ll then complete a quick 5 minute survey asking you various questions on how accessible you found them. Tilly hopes that her research will help future website designers in making their website more accessible for all. For more details and to receive a link to the research exercise do email involvement@rnib.org.uk


Opportunity for podcast fans
Catalina is a student doing some research to explore the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted users when browsing podcasts and identify ways to improve accessibility on mainstream podcasting apps. She would love to hear from anyone who listens to podcasts and has a vision impairment.

You will be taking part in a 1-hour Zoom interview (with your camera off if you want!) to share your insights. Catalina will ask you some open-ended questions on your overall experience with podcast platforms, thoughts on browsing for new podcasts, frustrations, things you like, things you wish were different etc...
Catalina can be flexible in terms of scheduling and of course because the interviews will be online you can participate from the comfort of your home. 
Participants will receive a £5 giftcard for either Amazon or a place of their choice.
if you are interested in getting involved do email involvement@rnib.org.uk for more details.

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


(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 Department of Work and Pensions has launched a consultation into changed to Personal Independence Payment. David Hogg caught up with RNIB’s Rosin Jacklin to learn more about the consultation…

Thomas Pocklington Trust were involved in the recent Education Select Committee around Disabled Students Allowance. David Hogg speaks to TPT’s Lucy Merritt to find out more

Two new members have just joined Haggeye, RNIB Scotland's award-winning youth forum.

Amelia talked to Jemima and Luke about the group and what they’re looking forward to most.

Learn more about Haggeye on the RNIB Website https://www.rnib.org.uk/nations/scotland/youth-engagement-haggeye/
Follow @Haggeyefamily on Twitter and Facebook.

Image shows the Haggeye Logo of a cartoon haggis wearing a red tartan kilt and hat with black shoes on.

Despite losing her sight at university, Victoria Harrison has risen through the Civil Service to become the new British Ambassador to Slovenia.

RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Victoria about her education, career and favourite assistive tech, not forgetting her guide dog Otto of course.

#RNIBConnect
Image Shows Victoria and Her Guide Dog Otto, Posing on a Very Grand Staircase

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 possible changes to Personal Independent Payments from the government, accessible voting, plus the recent Lived Experience Conference.

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. He's wearing a light shirt and a dark jacket over the top and is sitting in an outdoor setting with some greenery behind him. He has short dark hair with some lighter hairs sprinkled through and is wearing slim rimmed 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 an action packed theatrical experience with David Haig’s stage adaptation of that iconic sci-fi thriller, Minority Report at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

About Minority Report:

In 2050, neuroscientist Dame Julia Anderton is about to launch the next phase of her pioneering Pre-Crime programme, monitoring people’s thoughts and detaining them before crimes are committed. But when Julia is accused of pre-murder, she’s in a race against time to save herself from her own system.

David Haig’s electrifying adaptation of Phillip K. Dick’s iconic sci-fi thriller challenges our beliefs about justice and freewill in a real-time chase through London of the future.

Minority Report sees award-winning director Max Webster re-united with the producers of the globally successful stage version of Life of Pi.

This action packed theatrical experience will take you on an electrifying ride into the future, as it creates a world bordering science fiction and reality.

For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre including details of audio described performances of their productions do visit the access pages of the REP 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)

A new project from RNIB is hoping to learn about experiences of blind and partially sighted travellers and also work to improve those experiences. Tech Talk’s Dave Williams has been finding out more.

There are over 1 million adults with a learning disability in the UK and it is estimated that 1 in 10 adults with a learning disability will be blind or partially sighted. 

Sight loss charity RNIB and the CareTech Charitable Foundation worked together to design and roll out a unique package of training to care sector staff supporting people with Learning Disabilities.

Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Iain Kennedy from RNIB's Health and Social Care Team to find out more about the partnership. 

Image shows RNIB Connect Radio logo. RNIB written in bold black capital letters upon a white background and underlined with a bold pink line. Below the line, 'Connect Radio' is written in a smaller font in black. 

Some exciting news to share!

RNIB Connect Radio was named Community Station of The Year at ARIAS, the Audio and Radio Industry Awards which are annual awards awarded for excellence in UK radio and audio presenting and production.

Our Paulina spoke with Allan, post the big event to hear how it was attending and winning an award.

Image: Yvonne and Allan smile wide as they hold up the award, which is a rectangle block shaped like a speaker. Yvonne is on the left and wearing a deep green dress and Allan has a crisp white Ghillie shirt with dark leather laces tied at the top of the shirt.

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 Central.

Find out more about this year's Sight Village Central here: Sight Village Central - Queen Alexandra College (qac.ac.uk)

National Galleries of Scotland are offering a free descriptive gallery tour and art workshop for blind and partially sighted people centred on Johannes Vermeer's 'A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal'. The event takes place on Wednesday 15 May from 10.15am to 3.30pm.

This piece comes Scotland as part of National Treasures, a programme celebrating the National Gallery’s bicentenary. To celebrate 200 years of the National Gallery, 12 of the UK’s most iconic and well-loved paintings from the gallery's outstanding collection are being lent to 12 venues across the UK.

Amelia talked to Meg Faragher from the National Galleries of Scotland to learn more.

Learn more by going to the National Galleries of Scotland Website - https://www.nationalgalleries.org/event/visually-impaired-programme-live-gallery-vermeer-edinburgh

Image shows RNIB Connect Radio logo. RNIB written in bold black capital letters upon a white background and underlined with a bold pink line. Below the line, 'Connect Radio' is written in a smaller font in black. 

The 13th to the 19th may is world Retinoblastoma awareness week.

Amelia talked to Richard Ashton, the CEO of Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT), to learn more about the disease and who is affected. 

Learn more about CHECT by https://chect.org.uk/

Image shows CHECT logo, an eye with a blue outline and blue centre with the white outline of a baby sitting down. The baby is reaching up towards a white sparkle in the eye and text around the eye reads 'Fighting Retinoblastoma Childhood Eye Cancer Trust'.

The Outlook Trust was set up in 2000 to offer adventure sports and activity weekends and holidays for young blind and partially sighted people with activities ranging from sailing, rock climbing, zip wires and much more all from their base on the shores of Lake Windermere. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Jeff Davies from the Outlook Trust to firstly give a bit of background to the setup of the trust, then highlight the range of activities on offer to blind and partially sighted young people.  

Jeff then talked about how all the activities that the Outlook Trust offer are facilitated and supported by trained instructors and support staff before ending with some of the feedback they have had from young visually impaired people who have attended their weekends and holidays.

To find out more about the Outlook Trust and book a place on one of their adventure sport activity weekends or holidays for a young blind or partially sighted person do visit their website - https://www.outlooktrust.org/events/


(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)

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 Emma Rice’s up-to-date version of the French folk tale Blue Beard which certainly has a powerful political punch at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

About Blue Beard:

Blue Beard the Magician makes hearts flutter and pupils dilate. With a wink, a stroke and a flick – things just seem to vanish. Cards, coins, scarves… and women. Puff! Gone. Without a trace. He meets his match when his young bride discovers his dark and murderous secret. She summons all her rage, all her smarts and all her sisters to bring the curtain down on his tyrannous reign.

This celebration of female power – revelling in all kinds of naughtiness, sensuality, rage and joy – is a music-fuelled feminist revenge plot infused with high comedy, tragedy, romance, and just a sprinkle of spine-tingling horror. Narrated by a chorus of nuns, don’t miss the live score, incredible performers, and breath-taking set design – it’s the ultimate night out with a powerful political punch.

Emma Rice brings her own brand of theatrical wonder to this most beguiling and disturbing of tales. With her signature sleight of hand, Blue Beard explores curiosity and consent, violence and vengeance – all through an intoxicating lens of music, wit and tender truth.

For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre including details of audio described performances of their productions do visit the access pages of the REP 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)

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 started by talking about the launch of the RNIB’s Be Helpful Guide and campaign which provides hints and advice for sighted people on how best to offer a helping hand or voice to blind and partially sighted people, wonderful news that His Majesty King Charles III will be continuing the Royal patronage of the RNIB and ending with congratulations to everyone at RNIB Connect Radio on winning Gold for Community Station of the Year at the 2024 ARIAs (Audio and Radio Industry Awards) on Tuesday 7 May 2024 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 also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.
#RNIBConnect


Image shows a smiling Matt

For all those lucky blind and partially sighted Swifties, Taylor Swift fans who do have tickets for the up-coming The Era’s Tour concerts at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium on Friday 7, Saturday 8, and Sunday 9 June 2024 there will be live audio description of the concert provided by two of ADA Scotland Describers.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Veronica Kinahan, who has described many Scottish Opera productions over the years but this will be her first description of a big outdoor music concert with fellow Describer Caroline Jaquet, to firstly find out whether there are any differences or not when it comes to describing an opera compared to the Taylor Swift concerts.

Veronica then explained to Toby how she and Caroline will be preparing their description for the live concerts and how the live audio description will work on the night for those lucky blind and partially sighted people who do have tickets to the Taylor Swift concerts in June at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield stadium.

If you do have tickets and would like to access the audio description on the night of the Taylor Swift concerts please do email ADA Scotland via admin@adascotland.com so that they are able to ensure that you have a headset to listen to the live audio description.

For more about ADA Scotland do visit their website - https://www.adascotland.com  


(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)

This June sight loss charity ‘Blind Veterans UK’ are encouraging everyone to raise money and mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, by getting creative with the number 80. As Hywel Davies has been finding out.

If you'd like to support Ian's 'Blindfolded Bimble', you can find more information on his Just Giving page - Supporter of Blind Veterans UK is fundraising for Blind Veterans UK (justgiving.com)

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is movement, from more active things like running or doing sports, to something smaller like going out for a walk in nature.

And to help you enjoy the great outdoors a bit more, we’re joined now by Adrian from Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) who will teach you to recognise some commonly heard birdsong.

Listen to part 2 here: RNIB Connect / Learn Birdsong With RSPB Pt 2 (audioboom.com)

Image shows a robin with his bright orange-red chest and lovely round black eyes. Its head is turned gently and its perched on a dry branch. (Photo credit: RSPB)

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is movement, from more active things like running or doing sports, to something smaller like going out for a walk in nature.

And to help you enjoy the great outdoors a bit more, we’re joined now by Adrian from Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) who will teach you to recognise some commonly heard birdsong.

Listen to part 1 here: RNIB Connect / Learn Birdsong With RSPB Pt 1 (audioboom.com)

Image shows a swift mid flight with a pale blue sky above. Swifts are plain sooty brown, with a white throat, but in flight against the sky they appear black. They have curved wings and a forked tail. (Photo credit: RSPB)

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is movement, from more active things like running or doing sports, to something smaller like going out for a walk in nature.

Today, we chat with Julia Smith from Thrive, who shares her tips for gardening and growing your own produce at this time of year.

Find more tips here: Gardening when blind or visually impaired - Thrive

Image shows a woman walking through a lush green garden. She has short brown hair, light rimmed glasses and a red beaded necklace over a peach-toned sweater. She's passing two budding roses in shades of pink and rich purple.

With the pressures and stress of life that many blind and partially sighted people face on a day to day bases there are more than likely many links between blindness, mental health and anxiety.

Reaching out to a trained Psychotherapist or Counsellor might be a good way of working through the stresses and emotions of being blind or partially sighted.

For Mental health Awareness Week 2024 (13 - 17 May 2024) RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Freelance Opera and Classical Singer Victoria Oruwari who is also a trained Psychotherapist to talk about some of those links between blindness, mental health and anxiety.

If you or someone you know is feeling the pressures of life as a blind or partially sighted person you will find a wide range of information and advice on the following pages of the RNIB website or if you would like to talk to someone you can always call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 - 

https://www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/navigating-sight-loss/resources-for-mental-wellbeing/guides-to-good-mental-health/good-mental-health-mindfulness/

(Image shows Victoria. She has flowing brown hair a sparkling necklace and a glamorous black gown on. She's smiling.)

OrCam products uses a smart camera and AI technology to instantly read out text from any printed surface or digital screen. Tech Talk’s Dave Williams has been hearing about several devices in the range, now available from the RNIB Shop.

More information can be found on the RNIB Shop website:

OrCam Read Smart - Orcam Read Smart | RNIB
OrCam Myeye Pro - Orcam Myeye Pro | RNIB
OrCam Myeye Smart - Orcam Myeye Smart | RNIB

RNIB See Differently Awards are just around the corner, with the big night taking place on Tuesday 21st of May.

People’s Postcode Lottery are the headline supporter of the awards, with players raising over £10 million pounds for RNIB since our partnership began.

We spoke with their Head of Charities, Laura Chow.

Find out more about the See Differently Awards here: See Differently Awards | RNIB | RNIB

More about the causes supported by People's Postcode Lottery here: Helping Charities And Good Causes | People's Postcode Lottery

Image: People's Postcode Lottery logo. On a red square a white box with a gold ribbon on top and then written in three rows below: 'People's' in blue, 'Postcode' in bold green letters, 'Lottery' in red. 

How can Functional Neurological Disorder effect your sight?

Heather told Amelia how it impacted her running, why she took up long cane training and her 25 km fundraising walk for Southampton Sight.

Learn more about Southampton Sight on their website southamptonsight.org.uk/
Sponsor the walk by visiting Heather's GoFundMe Page https://www.justgiving.com/page/jurassiccoastultrachallenge?newPage=true

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. 

Kelsey Ellison uses her platform to challenge stigma and misinformation about prosthetic eyes. She went viral for reacting to a promotional video, and talked to Amelia about her experience...

Find Kelsey on Instagram and Youtube as @kelseyellison, and on Tiktok and Spotify as @normanight.

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. 

Do you match your prosthetic eyes to your glam outfits? 

Pop musician and content creator Norma Night (also known as Kelsey Ellison) certainly does. 

She talked to Amelia about her career and love of pop music... 

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. 

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. 

Volunteers' Week 2024 runs from 3rd till 9th of June and we celebrate 40 years of the event by saying a big ‘thank you’ to all of our amazing volunteers.

RNIB volunteer Dorothy Leeman chats to Barry Snell about her love of volunteering and being involved with the UK's leading sight loss charity, RNIB.

Learn more about volunteering on the RNIB website - Volunteer to support blind and partially sighted people | RNIB | RNIB

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. 

Alice Findlay, RNIB Customer Voice Insight Co-ordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey.

Opportunities highlighted this week included:

Help the RNIB to review the Giant Cell Arteritis factsheet - 
RNIB has a range of factsheets for a wide variety of eye conditions. And we're looking for people who can help us by reviewing our factsheet on Giant Cell Arteritis or GCA. By contributing a small amount of your time, you could support one of our key services teams by reviewing our GCA factsheet. 
Is this factsheet useful, easy to read and detailed enough – or could we improve it?
Your valuable feedback will make sure our eye health information is as helpful as possible for people diagnosed with this condition. 
To take part and for more information email eyehealth@rnib.org.uk

Would you like to take part in a podcast about sexual health for visually impaired people?
SASH is a mental health and wellbeing charity focused on sexual health. They offer a range of services including counselling, coaching, peer support, training and workshops. They would like to invite you to join their podcast series on sexual health for visually impaired people. The podcast will take place on Monday 24 June from 1pm to 2:30pm. They are looking for volunteers to help them raise awareness, debunk myths, discuss barriers to accessing services and address misconceptions around relationships as well as the risk of domestic violence.
Complimentary drinks and snacks will be provided. The recording will be taking place at their office at 30 Wardour street, London, W1D 6PT.
To find out more and to take part in the recording do contact Sade via email sade.vassel@turning-point.co.uk

Research participants needed for two studies at the Vision and Eye Research Institute (VERI) in Cambridge.
VERI is part of Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge and their researchers are looking for people willing to take part in two novel studies they are carrying out. 
Study one - examining attention versus perception in individuals with low vision.
The study will take place at VERI, Young Street, Cambridge and travel expenses of up to £50 will be covered for people willing to commute. 
The study involves a combination of two visual examinations and two computerized tasks that will take about 90 minutes to complete. Your participation could make a significant impact on improving support for the low vision community. 
Study two - researchers are specifically looking for people with experience of Charles Bonnet syndrome. This second study aims to understand how the brain creates visual hallucinations for people with Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
The researchers will be measuring brain activity recorded by an EEG, but don't worry, it's completely non-invasive and harmless.
The study will take place at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge and travel expenses of up to £50 will be covered for people willing to commute to Cambridge for the study.
Your participation could contribute to research and support for those with Charles Bonnet Syndrome. 
If you’re interested in taking part in either study, please contact Natalie Assaf at Natalie.Assaf@aru.ac.uk for further details.

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


(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)

For Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) Thursday 16 May 2024 one of Sir Antony Gormley’s sculptures ‘Another Time’ which was installed on Fulsam Rock near Tate Contemporary Margate in 2017 which only appears three hours before low tide will now also be accessible to everyone through alt text descriptions found on the railings in front of the sculpture on margate beach. 

The alt text description of ‘Another Time’ will be available until 21 May 2024 and will help to raise awareness about access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Martin Wingfield, RNIB’s Director of Brand, to talk about how alt text descriptions of art and much more is making a more inclusive world for blind and partially sighted people on Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2024 and at all times too.

You will find a wide range of information and advice on living with sight loss on the RNIB website including information about access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people or by calling the RNIB Helpline 0303 123 999 and don’t forget to follow Global Access Awareness Day on social media via #GAAD2024.

https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/community-connection-and-wellbeing/leisure/art-galleries-museums-and-theatres/ 


(Image shows a photograph of 'Another Time', a sculpture of a figure facing out towards the sea with green plants growing on it)

How can you prepare for university as a blind student?

Student Abdul talked to Amelia about his university experiences, preparing for his next steps and advocating for job applications to be provided in accessible formats.

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. 

The RNIB has just launched the new ‘Be Helpful Guide’ and campaign with the aim to encourage more sighted people to offer a helping hand or voice, rather than waiting to be asked.

As we know the world is not really designed with blind and partially sighted people in mind and recent RNIB research tells us that almost 9 in 10 blind or partially sighted people may need some help when they’re making an unfamiliar journey.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Lisa Hughes, RNIB’s Senior Campaigns Officer, to explain more about the pivotal role that many blind and partially sighted people played in the development of the ‘Be Helpful Guide’ and campaign.

Lisa outlined some of the main things that blind and partially sighted people would like sighted people to offer them when they are out and about, and things that they would like sighted people to be aware of when offering help and advice such as introducing themselves and saying when they were leaving too.

Along with a mention about the ‘Be Helpful Guide’ campaign film that features blind and partially sighted actors which really helps to illustrate the issues that blind and partially sighted people face when out and about and how helpful that assistance from sighted people can be too.

To find out more about the ‘Be Helpful Guide and campaign along with how to download a copy of the guide do visit - https://www.rnib.org.uk/our-campaigns/be-helpful-guide/


(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)

Charities Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation released a report highlighting the acute experiences of loneliness among people who are blind or vision impaired.

The report, based on evidence gathered by Abertay University, found that blind and vision impaired people are three times more likely to experience loneliness or isolation than the general population.

Joining our Paulina Kuchorew to discuss the report and its findings is Ellie Southwood.

More on the report here: Our latest report: Outside - Insights into loneliness and isolation for blind and vision impaired people – Vision Foundation

Image: 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. 

Volunteers' Week 2024 runs from 3rd till 9th of June and we celebrate 40 years of the event by saying a big ‘thank you’ to all of our amazing volunteers.

Let’s meet an RNIB Volunteer, Malcolm, who helps deliver the Living Well With Sight Loss Courses in Wales.

He told Amelia what RNIB means to him and why he loves being a volunteer.

Learn more about volunteering on the RNIB website - Volunteer to support blind and partially sighted people | RNIB | RNIB

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. 

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 remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them, direct from London’s West end as the UK and Ireland tour of the musical that is The Drifters Girl visited the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre.

About The Drifters Girl:

Nominated for BEST NEW MUSICAL at the 2022 Olivier Awards, this smash-hit show has audiences on their feet night after night with a phenomenal soundtrack packed full of iconic Drifters hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, Save The Last Dance For Me and Stand By Me.

Discover the remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them. From the highs of hit records to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, Faye Treadwell was the legendary manager of The Drifters who refused to give up on the group she loved. Thirty years, and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl.

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

A new report has been released around blind and partially sighted people’s mental health following diagnosis. David Hogg spoke to Vivienne Francis to find out more.

Cue: Now time to find out what life is really like living with sight loss as our David Hogg chats with Matthew Johnson. 

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 started by talking about Global Accessibility Awareness day and some of the things RNIB have been doing to mark the day including ‘Another time’ by Sir Anthony Gormley with alt text description plus alt text being added to the new portrait of His Majesty King Charles III.

Then to a mention about Mental Health Awareness Week focusing on movement and the support that the RNIB is able to offer anyone who might be feeling the stress and emotional impact of their day-to-day life as a blind or partially sighted person. 

Ending with a mention about the up-coming RNIB See differently Awards 2024 supported by People’s Postcode Lottery winners which is taking place in central London this coming week. 

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

What barriers do disabled women face in politics?

If you’re a blind and partially sighted woman and want to make a difference, 50:50 parliament are a charity that support women to progress in politics.

Amelia talked to CEO Lyanne Nicholl and facilitator Natasha Osei to learn more.

Learn more about 50:50 by visiting their website 5050parliament.co.uk

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. 

‘Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920’ is an ambitious group show at TATE BRITAIN that charts the 400 year long journey that it took for women to become recognised as professional artists which paved the way for future generations and established what it meant to be a woman in the British art world. 

On Tuesday 14 May 2024, at the Press View of the exhibition ‘Now You See Us:  Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920’, RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Tim Batchelor, Assistant Assistant Curator of the exhibition, to find out more about the 400 year journey that it took for women to become recognised as professional Artists along with an insight into the work of some of the 100 Women Artists featured in the exhibition.

About the exhibition ‘Expressionists - Kandinsky, Münter And The Blue Rider’ -

The exhibition ‘Now You See Us: Women Artis in Britain 1520-1920’ covers the period in which women were visibly working as professional artists, but went against societal expectations to do so.

Featuring over 100 artists, the exhibition will celebrate well-known names such as Artemisia Gentileschi, Angelica Kauffman, Julia Margaret Cameron and Gwen John, alongside many others who are only now being rediscovered. Their careers were as varied as the works they produced: some prevailed over genres deemed suitable for women like watercolour landscapes and domestic scenes. Others dared to take on subjects dominated by men like battle scenes and the nude, or campaigned for equal access to training and membership of professional institutions. Tate Britain will showcase over 200 works, including oil painting, watercolour, pastel, sculpture, photography and ‘needlepainting’ to tell the story of these trailblazing artists.

‘Now You See Us’ begins at the Tudor court with Levina Teerlinc, many of whose miniatures will be brought together for the first time in four decades, and Esther Inglis, whose manuscripts contain Britain’s earliest known self-portraits by a woman artist. The exhibition will then look to the 17th century. Focus will be given to one of art history’s most celebrated women artists, Artemisia Gentileschi, who created major works in London at the court of Charles I, including the recently rediscovered Susannah and the Elders 1638-40, on loan from the Royal Collection for the very first time. The exhibition will also look to women such as Mary Beale, Joan Carlile and Maria Verelst who broke new ground as professional portrait painters in oil.

In the 18th century, women artists took part in Britain’s first public art exhibitions, including overlooked figures such as Katherine Read and Mary Black; the sculptor Anne Seymour Damer; and Margaret Sarah Carpenter, a leading figure in her day but little heard of now. The show will look at Angelica Kauffman and Mary Moser, the only women included among the Founder Members of the Royal Academy of Arts; it took 160 years for membership to be granted to another woman. Women artists of this era are often dismissed as amateurs pursuing ‘feminine’ occupations like watercolour and flower painting, but many worked in these genres professionally: needlewoman Mary Linwood, whose gallery was a major tourist attraction; miniaturist Sarah Biffin, who painted with her mouth, having been born without arms and legs; and Augusta Withers, a botanical illustrator employed by the Horticultural Society.

The Victorian period saw a vast expansion in public exhibition venues. Now You See Us will showcase major works by critically appraised artists of this period, including Elizabeth Thompson’s monumental The Roll Call 1874 (Thompson’s work prompted critic John Ruskin to retract his statement that “no women could paint”), and nudes by Henrietta Rae and Annie Swynnerton, which sparked both debate and celebration. 

The exhibition will also look at women’s connection to activism, including Florence Claxton’s satirical ‘Woman’s Work’: A Medley 1861 which will be on public display for the first time since it was painted; and an exploration of the life of Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon, an early member of the Society of Female Artists who is credited with the campaign for women to be admitted to the Royal Academy Schools. On show will be the student work of women finally admitted to art schools, as well as their petitions for equal access to life drawing classes.

With the exhibition ending in the early 20th century with women’s suffrage and the First World War. Women artists like Gwen John, Vanessa Bell and Helen Saunders played an important role in the emergence of modernism, abstraction and vorticism, but others, such as Anna Airy, who also worked as a war artist, continued to excel in conventional traditions. The final artists in the show, Laura Knight and Ethel Walker, offer powerful examples of ambitious, independent, confident professionals who achieved critical acclaim and finally membership of the Royal Academy.

‘Now You See Us - Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920’ continues at TATE BRITAIN until 13  October 2024.  Description tours are available for blind and partially sighted people but need to be booked in advance via hello@tate.org.uk or on 020 7887 8888.

More details about ‘Now You See Us:  Women Artists in Britain 1520 - 1920’ at Tate Britain can be found by visiting the following pages of the Tate website-
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/women-artists-in-britain-1520-1920


Image shows: Gwen John, Self-Portrait, 1902. Photo Tate (Mark Heathcote and Samuel Cole), a painting of a white woman wearing a red blouse and a broach with her hair light brown tied up against a dark brown background.

Off to the RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners now as our team on the ground sets the scene.
 
Photo: A grand ballroom with high ceilings and chandeliers and at the front a white lightbox with RNIB logo on one side of the cube and RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 on the other. The box is atop green foliage at a round table with a black table cloth and contrasting white linen. Beyond the lightbox more set tables. A very glamorous set up indeed.

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

And we head over to the glitzy event our Toby and Hubert spoke with the host of the night Jamie MacDonald and the entertainer of the night, singer Kelsey Ellison. 

Photo: A bright pink light box with the RNIB logo set atop a dark round table. On the light box: RNIB written in bold black letters and underlined with a bold pink line and 'See differently written underneath'. Beyond a vast ballroom with tables set for a glitzy ceremony. On a big screen at the end and on the side of the room: 'RNIIB See Differently Awards 2024'

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

Let’s hear from some of those in attendance at last night’s event, moments before everything started!

Photo: A bright pink light box with the RNIB logo set atop a dark round table. On the light box: RNIB written in bold black letters and underlined with a bold pink line and 'See differently written underneath'. Beyond a vast ballroom with tables set for a glitzy ceremony. On a big screen at the end and on the side of the room: 'RNIIB See Differently Awards 2024'

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

Margaret Rees won Campaigner Of The Year Award sponsored by Microsoft at the glitzy event and spoke with RNIB Connect Radio.

Photo: Margaret smiles as she poses with her award in front of a large black banner with all the logos for the night in high contrast white and some pink accents. The Award is a black cube with writing in contrasting colours on it. She is in a gorgeous orange red-dress with a delicate cream floral pattern. The dress is floor length and has billowing sleeves. Margaret has strawberry blonde hair with a blunt fringe.

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

Dr Jane Macnaughton won Eye Care Professional of the Year Award supported by Roche at the glitzy event and spoke with RNIB Connect Radio.

Photo: Jane smiling and posing with her award in front of the backdrop banner with all the logos. The Award is a black cube with writing in contrasting colours on it. Jane has silver hair styled in a sleek shoulder length bob. She's wearing a black blouse with flowy sleeves and lace detailing at the V-neck and beading at the cuffs. She's paired it with a burnt-orange knee length skirt which has black lace detailing across and high knee velvet boots with a pointed toe and a heel. 

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

Molly Watt won Best Content Creator of the Year Award supported by Netflix at the glitzy event and spoke with RNIB Connect Radio.

Photo: Molly smiling and posing with her award in front of the backdrop banner with all the logos. The Award is a black cube with writing in contrasting colours on it. She's wearing a matching trouser set with a long flowing jacket. It's camel in colour with a white pattern of uneven squares, almost as if painted in. She has a lovely cream top and chunky white and tan boots. Her hair is brown and pulled back in a high ponytail with two front pieces framing her face sweetly. She's also holding her red and white striped cane.

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 that classic rock opera that is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar as the reimagined touring production visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Julia Grundy.

About Jesus Christ Superstar:

An album that inspired a revolution. A revelation that changed the world. A reinvention for this millennium. 

Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) directs this mesmerising new production of the iconic global phenomenon, Jesus Christ Superstar. Starring Ian McIntosh (We Will Rock You, Follies, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) as Jesus, Shem Omari James (Dreamgirls UK Tour) as Judas and Hannah Richardson (Sting’s The Last Ship) as Mary. 

Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, this reimagined production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Choreographed by Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), with music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, 

Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar.

For more about the reimagined touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar along with dates and times of performances do visit the production website - https://uktour.jesuschristsuperstar.com


(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 RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

SeeAbility's Special Schools Eye Care Team won Team of the Year Award sponsored by Meta at the glitzy event and we spoke with Malvi Patel, Martyn Howlett, Noopur Patel, and Louise Gow.

Photo: The group stand smiling as they're interviewed with their award in front of the backdrop banner with all the logos. From left to right: Martyn, Malvi, Noopur, Louise. Martyn is holding the award, which is a black cube with writing in contrasting colours on it. And Noopur is holding up a bright yellow microphone to Malvi. Martyn has short dark hair and glasses and is dressed in a navy suit with a white shirt and silver tie, Malvi has long black hair with a side part, sweeping over her shoulder and she's wearing a navy off the shoulder jumpsuit. Noopur has long brown hair and is wearing a black jumpsuit with a wrap detail across the waist and flowy see through sleeves. Louise has shoulder length blondish brown hair and glasses. She's wearing bright green earrings and a black midi dress with a white flower pattern.  

New research suggests that at least 1 in 12 blind or partially sighted people in the UK is a victim or survivor of domestic abuse. Nearly two hundred thousand people. Hywel Davies has been hearing about a new toolkit which aims to improve the lives of blind or partially sighted domestic abuse victims and survivors.

Find out more information about the toolkit here: Sight Loss DV toolkit | Beacon Centre for the Blind (beaconvision.org)

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

Suzie Simons won Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by Woods Valldata at the glitzy event and spoke with RNIB Connect Radio.

Photo: Suzie smiling and posing with her award in front of the backdrop banner with all the logos. The Award is a black cube with writing in contrasting colours on it. Suzie is wearing a pale pink maxi dress with a chiffon skirt with criss-crossing layers, lace detailing at the waist and a crinkle effect fabric across the bust with wide chiffon straps.

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

Rebecca Atkinson for Mixmups won Design for Everyone Award sponsored by Red Bee Media at the glitzy event and spoke with RNIB Connect Radio.

Photo: Rebecca smiling and posing with her award and a big wooden mixing spoon in front of the backdrop banner with all the logos. The Award is a black cube with writing in contrasting colours on it. Rebecca has shoulder length brown hair with black rimmed glasses. She is wearing a knee length shirt dress in a dainty black and white pattern. The dress has long sleeves and is buttoned at the collar. The outfit is finished with black leggings wit a slight sheen and black chunky boots.

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

Kelsey Ellison performed on the night and spoke with RNIB Connect Radio after her performance.

Photo: Kelsey posing with a bright pink cowboy hat and a matching pink jumpsuit. Her hair is brown and curly and her make up is pink and sparkly to match the outfit, as is her prostatic pink glittery eye. The jumpsuit has big billowy sleeves, cinched in at the wrists and is adorned with 3 glittery stars cascading down the side of her chest. A blue star necklace hangs low on her neck.

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.
 
Tesco won Employer Of The Year Award sponsored by T&Pm at the glitzy event and spoke with RNIB Connect Radio.

Photo: Richard Stanyard on the left and Henry Gosling on the right, holding the award in front of a large black banner with all the logos for the night in high contrast white and some pink accents. The Award is a black cube with writing in contrasting colours on it. Both men are white and tall. Richard is wearing a navy blue suit with a white shirt and Henry is wearing a grey waistcoat with matching trousers and a short sleeve white shirt. Both men are wearing glasses and smiling towards the camera

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

And as the big glitzy event wrapped up, we spoke with RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer to find out his thoughts on how the night went.

Photo: Matt holding up his light pink tie as he shows it off to the camera. His hair is salt and pepper and wind-swept. He's wearing thin, clear rimmed glasses, and a smart navy suit with a bright white dress shirt. 

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.
 
Sally Nevrkla and Georgina Rose from Red Bee Media were at the glitzy event and spoke with RNIB Connect Radio.

Photo: A bright pink light box with the RNIB logo set atop a dark round table. On the light box: RNIB written in bold black letters and underlined with a bold pink line and 'See differently written underneath'. Beyond a vast ballroom with tables set for a glitzy ceremony. On a big screen at the end and on the side of the room: 'RNIIB See Differently Awards 2024'

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

Actor Lucy Scott has been supporting RNIB Talking Books for 35 years and got her husband, actor Alistair Petrie involved in volunteering as well. RNIB Connect Radio grabbed a quick word with them before the event kicked off.

Photo: A grand ballroom with high ceilings and chandeliers and at the front a white lightbox with RNIB logo on one side of the cube and RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 on the other. The box is atop green foliage at a round table with a black table cloth and contrasting white linen. Beyond the lightbox more set tables. A very glamorous set up indeed.

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.
 
Sir Robin Millar CBE was [presented with the Duke of Westminster Lifetime Achievement Award at the glitzy event and spoke with RNIB Connect Radio.


Image shows Sir Robin Millar holding his award in front of a large black banner with all the logos for the night in high contrast white and some pink accents. The Award is a black cube with writing in contrasting colours on it. There is a large video camera in the right of the image filming Sir Robin and he is wearing a light blue suit with a white shirt and light blue tie, dark glasses and holing a thin cane with a curled handle 

The RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery winners took place in London on Tuesday 21st of May.

After the awards the host for the night Scottish Blind Comedian Jamie MacDonald spoke with RNIB Connect Radio.


Image shows Jamie being interviewed by Lisa from the RNIB social media team in front of a large black banner with all the logos for the night in high contrast white and some pink accents. Jamie is a while man wearing a navy blue jacket with a white shirt underneath, beige trousers and smart brown shoes and he is holding a folder cane in one hand. Lisa is a white woman wearing a black dress, black tights and black boots and the are both holding small microphones