RNIB Connect

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

Tech Talk is one of RNIB Connect Radio’s most popular shows and podcasts.As the team celebrate the milestone of their 200th showPresenter Callum Stoneman spoke to Allan Russell about it’s popularity, his favourite tech and what’s on the 200th episode.Listen to Tech Talk on Tuesday’s at 1pm, catch up on Thursday’s at 9pm or Saturday’s at 5pm.You can also podcast the shows by searching your favourite podcast provider for RNIB Tech Talk.#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters,  A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath 

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.This week Simon talks about the charity’s ECLO service and RNIB Bookshare.If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnectImage shows Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.This time we have Birmingham Royal Ballet’s revival of Director Carlos Acosta’s 2022 production of ‘Don Quixote’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome described by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash.About ‘Don Quixote’In this first revival of his 2022 production Director Carlos Acosta delivers entertainment for all ages. Don Quixote introduces us to Cervantes’ famous knight himself, lovers Kitri and Basilio, and a host of supporting characters. As the Don sets out on a quest to track down his true love, with his loyal friend and servant Sancho Panza at his side, he finds himself embroiled in an unlikely adventure of love and dreams.If you like Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, you shouldn’t miss this stunning 19th-century masterpiece, full of thrilling pas de deux, delightful music played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and much, much more!https://www.brb.org.uk/shows/don-quixote-202

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

Once again, Channel 4 is providing a wealth of Audio Described coverage of the 2026 Winter Paralympics.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jonathan Penny, from Channel 4, to find out how you can enjoy the games with AD.If you’d like more info on the coverage, or would like to give feedback on the AD coverage, go to www.channel4.com/4viewers#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, A White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Below 

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

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description to look at some forthcoming events with Audio Description.AD makes television, movies, galleries  and other arts events more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people.This month they’re looking at Mean Girls, Here And Now and an exhibition at the Lowry.If you'd like more information on audio described events, go to www.mindseyedescription.co.uk#RNIBConnectImage Shows Anne Sitting In Her Studio In Front Of A Mic Wearing Headphones

2026 is a special year for RNIB Connect Radio presenter Aly Prince, it is the 10 year anniversary of his weekly music show, plus the 10th anniversary of his volunteering with the UK's leading sight loss charity - RNIB.Barry Snell caught up with Aly to congratulate him on his milestone & also to reflect on some of his highlights over the past decade.Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath.

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.This week Simon talks about the RNIB’s Eye Care Liaison Officers and the power of Audio Description.If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.ukYou can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnectImage shows Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.This time we have a contemporary dance piece where fearless dancers summon a whirlwind of myth and magic to traditional Irish music with Dance Consortium ’MÁM’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describer Caroline Burn.About ‘MÁM’MÁM is international dance-theatre at its finest. Described as ‘80 minutes of ritualised ecstasy’ by The Irish Times, this visionary piece playfully and provocatively takes you on an otherworldly journey steeped in the landscape and culture of West Kerry in Ireland.MÁM sees 12 fearless dancers summon a whirlwind of myth and magic, moved by the collaborative music making of virtuoso Irish traditional concertina player Cormac Begley and European classical contemporary collective s t a r g a z e, performed live on stage.Nominated for an Olivier Award, MÁM has enjoyed sell-out performances at Sadler’s Wells, London and across Festivals world-wide. This rapturous production is now on its debut UK tour for Dance Consortium.For more about the tour of Dance Consortium ‘MÁM’ do visit - https://danceconsortium.com

We know how difficult it can be for blind and partially sighted people to get that first run on the career ladder or come back into work after a break. Well one way the RNIB is helping visually impaired people to take that first step into employment or return to work is through the RNIB See Work Differently Work placement scheme.These are paid placements for a fixed term of twelve weeks and are generally for fourteen hours per weekRNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Brian Murry who is currently on placement as an RNIB Community Social Action Assistant and Elaine Manson, RNIB Northern Island, Community Social Action Manager who is supporting Brian during his placement to find out what the See Work Differently Work Placement scheme is all about, why Brian wanted to apply for a placement, how things have been so far for him plus Elaine outlining what the benefits are to organisations like the RNIB and others on offering work placement places for visually impaired people.To find out more about the RNIB See Work Differently Work Placement scheme do visit the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/equality-and-employment/see-work-differently-placement-programme/New placements will appear from time to time on the careers pages of the RNIB website too.

RNIB Scotland has a new project which aims to provide more advice, support, events and community connections for blind and partially sighted people living in rural or isolated areas of Scotland. David Hogg spoke to Louise from Thurso about her son Frankie…

The Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Falkirk, provides a wide range of services for people with varying degrees of sensory loss.The purpose built centre is about to reach a Milestone Anniversary, with great plans to celebrate. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jacquie Winning MBE and Laura Cluxton, from Forth Valley Sensory Centre, to find out more.For more info on the centre, go to www.forthvalleysensorycentre.org or call 01324590888#RNIBConnect@Allan_insight @FVSensoryCentre @RNIBScotland #Blind #PartiallySightedImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

RNIB Cymru has published it’s Manifesto ahead of the forthcoming Welsh Elections, outlining how parties can help improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people in Wales.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Liz Williams, from RNIB Cymru, to hear more about the asks…If you’d like more info on services in Wales, or would like to see the Manifesto, go to www.rnib.org.uk/cymru#RNIBConnectImage shows RNIB Cymru logo, white background, "RNIB Cymru" in bold black letters, a solid pink line below. 

Following tragedy, Ryan Davison wanted to give back so he set up A1 Vipers, a football team for VI children. He shares his story with David Hogg. 

Folk and Roots presenter Aly prince has now been volunteering with RNIB and making his weekly music programme for 10 years. An incredible milestone. Barry Snell caught up with him to chat about his time presenting and volunteering with the UK's leading sight loss charity - RNIB.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by some of RNIB Northern Ireland’s Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re working on.This month’s topics include Active Travel, Disability Strategy and accessible voting. If you’d like to find out more, or get involved in campaigning, email campaignsni@rnib.org.uk#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo

Following on from the great success of the first Lived Experience Leadership Conference which brought many blind and partially sighted people together to shape stronger leadership within the sight loss sector from people with first hand lived experience of sight loss the conference is back for 2026. The Lived Experience Leadership Conference 2026: Resilience Reimagined takes place from 25 to 26 March 2026 at Conference Aston in Birmingham.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by David Aldwinckle, RNIB’s Director of Insight for a look back on the first Lived Experience Leadership conference went and an overview of what will be happening during this year’s conference too.(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font)

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.This time we have a very powerful play with ‘Please Do Not Touch’ in the Patrick studio at the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Burn.About ‘Please Do Not Touch’“They will tell you that legal and illegal are the same as right and wrong. And I’ve told you that you only have to sit still for a moment and watch the pieces move to see what a lie that is.”Mason is an activist who explores historic houses on TikTok to uncover the true stories behind the objects that lie within. After an incident with a Somali Afro comb, he is wrongly imprisoned in a Young Offender Institution. Can he find a way to survive this ordeal and navigate how to keep speaking up when everything is designed to silence him?Written by former Birmingham Poet Laureate Casey Bailey and directed by award-winning theatre maker, Gail Babb – ‘Please Do Not Touch’ asks important questions about colonial legacy and contested heritage whilst shining a light on the criminal justice system.For more about ‘Please Do Not Touch’ do visit China Plate Theatre Company’s website - https://chinaplatetheatre.com/whats-on/current/please-do-not-touch/(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font)