Listen up, speak up, break down barriers It’s here, episode 2 of The RNIB NI podcast. Did someone say new CEO, Announcing RNIB NI Technology Fair 2026, and What has the RNIB Policy and Campaigns team in Northern Ireland been up to since last we spoke? Find out in this month’s episode. If it matters to people affected by sight loss, then it matters to us. Get in touch with the team by emailing RNIBNI@rnib.org.uk Join the conversation on our NI social media channels Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram We’re also on Blueskyand Linked In
About Connie Evans: Connie Evans was born in 1921 in London’s East End and was raised in Shoreditch. Living in wartime London, Connie worked in Dalston as a machinist making menswear, before later joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service. While serving, she met her partner, Ted, whom she married in 1943. In her later years, Connie supported people in need within her local community, supplying wheelchairs and becoming Chair of her local residents’ association. Eventually, she joined the Chelsea Pensioners at Royal Hospital Chelsea, where she gave talks to school children about her wartime experiences. In 2019, the Royal Chelsea Hospital published an article detailing her vivid memories of life on the home front. Connie passed away in 2025 at the age of 103. We wish to thank Connie and her family for her participation in Seen. Joshua Bratt’s reflections on photographing Connie for Seen “Connie was warm, kind and had effortless poise. It was lovely to shoot someone that had lived as long as her and seen so much during her life. She’s a wonderful example to us all.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Connie Evans by Joshua Bratt.
About Red Szell: Red Szell is a writer, broadcaster and blind rock climber. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in his teens, he has been registered blind since 1989, and lives in London with his wife and their two children. In 2013, he became the first blind person to climb the Old Man of Hoy – the tallest sea-stack in the Northern Hemisphere at 450ft high. The feat was captured in a BBC TV documentary, and Red’s account of the adventure, The Blind Man of Hoy, was published in 2015. He continues to climb and use his platform as a blind athlete and broadcaster to promote the message that we should focus less on what we have lost and more on what we can still achieve. Red’s reflections on Seen “I was photographed at BethWall, a London Climbing Centre in Bethnal Green, during a weekly training session with my climbing partner, Carl. I hope that people will leave this exhibition with a greater appreciation of the wide range of jobs and activities that blind and partially sighted individuals can undertake – if we are given access and opportunity. We are natural problem solvers, because we have to be.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Red Szell by Joshua Bratt.
About Mike Duxbury: Mike Duxbury lost his sight to childhood glaucoma at the age of 6. Undeterred by his sight loss, Mike continues to pursue his wide range of passions – including attending and graduating from agricultural college, driving racing cars, travelling the world, becoming a confident public speaker and a talented musician, and above all, achieving his ultimate dream of becoming a farmer in his own right. Mike has spent the last 25 years developing projects to help people with disabilities in the telecoms industry, and most recently, the farming industry. Continuing in his quest for equality and inclusion, Mike created the first working farm built by a blind person. As CEO of Inclusive Farm Scotland at MacRobert, he aims to build a better world for disabled people and those with differences – using his drive and passion to create equal opportunities for all. Mike’s reflections on Seen “The moment this photo was taken, I was thinking about what farm jobs needed to be done and enjoying the surroundings that I had created for myself and others. I hope Seen challenges the stigma around the capabilities of blind people. No matter our differences, we are able to do the things that we are most passionate about and remember, dreams do come true.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Mike Duxbury by Joshua Bratt.
About Maud Rowell: Maud Rowell is a writer, photographer and civil servant. She began losing her sight at age 19 due to a rare degenerative disease called FEVR. She went on to study Japanese at the University of Cambridge before training as a journalist. Her first book, Blind Spot: Exploring and Educating on Blindness, was published in November 2021. Maud now works for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs while writing her next book, which explores her adventures in remote Japan following a $25,000 grant awarded through the 2021 Holman Prize. Her short film, Picturing Wonderland, about the beauty of blindness and analogue photography will be released this year. Maud’s reflections on Seen “This image was taken in Kew Gardens, a place that represents many important things to me – nature, history, memory, and connection. From primary school trips to getting engaged here last year, I love that it’s always changing and growing and will keep doing so long after I’m gone. I hope visitors to this exhibition will come away appreciating that blindness is a spectrum. Everyone’s way of seeing is unique, and that’s a beautiful thing. I want everyone to be able to take pride in their identity and celebrate the diversity that makes us all strong. To anyone struggling with sight loss: you are not alone. I promise you that acceptance is not the end of the road. You can – and will – reach a place where blindness can inspire you to make art, meet new people, learn new skills and see what no one else can.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Maud Rowell by Joshua Bratt.
About Ian Treherne: Ian Treherne is an Essex-born and based photographer with a truly unique take on the world, navigating it through the lens of RP Type 2 Usher Syndrome – a condition that combines blindness and deafness. From the moment he was told he was going blind at age 15, he knew he wanted to see and capture as much of the world as possible. Now working as a commissioned photographer, he serves as an ambassador for numerous charities and regularly collaborates with major brands including Apple and Canon UK. Throughout his career, Ian has been an advocate for accessibility in the arts, working to ensure that blind and partially sighted people have the opportunity to express themselves creatively. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions around Europe. Ian’s reflections on Seen “Joshua chose the Soif studio in Hackney to reflect the studio environment I work in. It gave him the freedom and time to be creative in a controlled space and experiment with ideas. It was an unusual experience to be the subject of a photograph – but an enjoyable one! I would like visitors to be inspired by others with disabilities to pursue their passions. My personal journey – from a man losing my vision to becoming a photographer – serves as an inspiration to others, with or without disabilities. I aim to show that it’s possible to transcend limitations and achieve greatness in whatever field one chooses.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Ian Treherne by Joshua Bratt.
About Lord Blunkett: David Blunkett is a UK politician who transitioned from leading England’s fourth largest city (Sheffield), to becoming the Member of Parliament for Sheffield Brightside in 1987. He joined the incoming government in 1997 and served for eight years in Tony Blair’s Cabinet. During that time, he held the posts of Education and Employment Secretary, Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. After leaving government, David worked with a number of key charities – including RNIB – and advised on diverse issues such as cyber security, education and skills. Having stepped down from the House of Commons at the 2015 general election, David was awarded a seat in the Upper House in the Dissolution Honours list that same year, taking the title of Lord Blunkett, of Brightside and Hillsborough in the City of Sheffield. That year, he became Professor of Politics in Practice at the University of Sheffield Department of Politics and Chair of the Board of the University of Law, based in London. More recently, David led on the production of a major report on the future of education and skills for the now Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. David’s reflections on Seen “The photo was taken in the House of Lords, which is my working environment. I hope that Seen will encourage people to feel that blind and partially sighted men and women can – and do – live equal and successful lives across life’s many settings.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Lord Blunkett by Joshua Bratt.
About Sylvia Chengo: Sylvia Chengo is a digital content creator, storyteller, public speaker and mother who uses her platform to amplify underrepresented voices and redefine perceptions of blindness, parenthood and identity. Experiencing life-changing sight loss shortly after the birth of her first child marked the beginning of a journey that transformed Sylvia’s personal and professional life. Today, she empowers others by sharing lived experiences through advocacy work and authentic online content – proving that visibility is not just about being seen, but about being heard. She is also a director at Beyond Strength CIC, a community interest company supporting families navigating disability and chronic illness. Sylvia’s reflections on Seen “This portrait was taken in Barking Park, a location rich with meaning. I grew up in Barking, and the park is steeped in personal memory. Now, it’s a regular destination for long walks with my children, a space where we laugh, connect and simply be. There’s something quietly powerful about revisiting the same paths I once walked as a child, now as a blind mother raising children of my own. The location captured not just a moment, but a full-circle story of resilience and belonging. I hope visitors leave Seen with a deeper appreciation of the complexity, creativity and confidence that exists within the blind and partially sighted community. This exhibition doesn’t just challenge misconceptions – it invites people into our world. My hope is that it opens the door to collaboration, advocacy and new narratives, where lived experience is recognised not as a limitation, but as a source of innovation and strength.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Sylvia Chengo with her daughter and son by Joshua Bratt.
About Chris Hunt Skelley MBE: Chris Hunt Skelley MBE PLY embodies resilience, determination and the power of adapting to life’s challenges. From being diagnosed with ocular albinism at 19 to becoming a Paralympic Champion, his journey inspires audiences worldwide. As a Tokyo 2020 Gold Medallist, Paris 2024 Bronze Medallist and former World No.1 Judoka, Chris demonstrates how challenges can become stepping stones to extraordinary achievement. His recognition with an MBE for services to the community from King Charles underscores his impact both on and off the mat. Chris’s reflections on Seen “I chose Gracie Swindon BJJ, Self Defence and Martial Arts Centre for the location of my portrait because the venue is a mat. The judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu mat is my escapism, it’s my time to tune out the world. When I’m struggling with my mental health or my sight loss, going to the mat is a relief and centres me. It’s my safe space. It’s where I feel whole. I hope visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the lives of blind and partially sighted people, and how these portraits capture the joyful, multifaceted lives we lead.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Chris Hunt Skelley MBE by Joshua Bratt.
About Ben Breen: Currently working as the Accessible Gaming Officer at RNIB, Ben Breen – also known online as SightlessKombat – is an award-winning, multi- credited accessibility consultant and content creator who has spent over 10 years in the video game industry. Born blind due to retinopathy of prematurity, Ben turned his passion into a diverse career and has become an important voice in the blind and partially sighted gaming community, advising studios on accessibility best practices to increase the inclusivity of gaming. Ben’s reflections on Seen “The space used in my portrait is my gaming setup. Pretty much every item that surrounds me can tell a story, from franchises I’ve worked on or games I’ve completed, with or without assistance. The physical versions of these characters help immerse me in gaming experiences, as without them, I wouldn’t know what they look like. I hope visitors leave the exhibition with a better understanding that sight loss doesn’t put a limit on what you can do with the right support. In fact, it can actually allow you to achieve even more interesting things that surprise both you and everyone else. Gaming should be more accessible. No matter how much sight you have, it’s something everyone should be able to enjoy.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Ben Breen by Joshua Bratt.
About Yahya Pandor: Yahya Pandor is an advocate, public speaker and record-holding athlete who became fully blind in 2021. After losing his sight, he discovered new passions and became the first fully blind person in the world to run a marathon untethered. Beyond sport, Yahya leads national engagement work, supporting blind and partially sighted people to influence change and improve accessibility across society. He is committed to challenging stereotypes and showing what blind people can achieve on their own terms. Yahya’s reflections on Seen “My portrait was taken on a busy London street where I travel for work – crowds are moving around me in the background while I stand still in the foreground. The contrast between movement and stillness reflects a deeper truth: that even in fast-paced, chaotic environments, I feel confident, present and grounded. Being blind doesn’t isolate me from the world; it doesn’t mean I shy away from its rhythm or energy. The setting captures how I navigate life – right in the middle of it, not on the margins. It’s a reminder that blindness is not a barrier to confidence, independence or belonging. I am more than just my sight loss. The portraits show our individuality, our ambition, our humour and our resilience. I hope visitors feel inspired to question assumptions, to think differently about blindness and to embrace a more inclusive vision of what it means to thrive.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Yahya Pandor by Joshua Bratt.
About Nan M: Nan Mthembu is a British South African model with albinism, based in London. Nan enjoys the creative outlet of modelling, using it to express emotion and channel their passion for visual art, movement and fashion. They advocate for the disabled community by pushing boundaries through their work – subverting expectations of albinism and capturing raw artistry and emotion that reflects their perspective beyond their condition. Nan’s reflections on Seen “I hope this exhibition underscores and emphasises how incredibly independent and talented people with sight loss are. Ignorance is normal, but it should manifest as teachable moments that connect us and facilitate personal growth. Disability shouldn’t be shied away from, but rather learnt about and celebrated. Not doing so is dismissive of people’s experiences and blocks the joy we have to bring to the world.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Nan M by Joshua Bratt.
About Dr Nicolas Bonne: Originally from Australia, Dr Nicolas Bonne was born with a severe vision impairment due to an eye condition called retinopathy of prematurity. Nicolas pursued a childhood fascination with space by completing a PhD and moving to the UK to start a career as a professional astronomer. He now works at the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation as a science communicator, using his knowledge of astronomy to help colleagues communicate their science to different audiences. His work involves developing multi-sensory resources to give blind and partially sighted people more ways to access the visual elements of astronomy. Nicolas’s reflections on Seen “The walls of the corridors of our Institute are full of beautiful, detailed, complex images of space like the one I’m standing in front of in my portrait. These images remind everybody here why their work is worth doing, but for me they also highlight why astronomy is still a subject that can be difficult for blind and partially sighted people to access without the right tools. I’m in a position now where my unique perspective on astronomy is valued by my colleagues. I hope that after attending this exhibition, visitors will come away understanding that, with determination and sometimes some clever problem solving – blind and partially sighted people can achieve anything they set their minds to.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Dr Nicolas Bonne by Joshua Bratt.
About Steve Darling: Steve Darling is a Member of Parliament for Torbay. Though his vision was affected at a young age due to Stargardt’s disease, his ambition and drive to pursue his passions never faltered. Motivated by a desire to help others, Steve has had a long career in politics – from serving as a councillor for over 30 years, working for the previous Liberal Democrat MP, and becoming Leader of Torbay Council, to his current role as the MP for Torbay. Despite a challenging journey, Steve is truly honoured to serve as Torbay’s representative in Westminster. Steve’s reflections on Seen “Having my portrait taken in Victoria Tower Gardens in London was a special moment, realising that it had nearly been a year since I was elected. Getting to share a sunny half hour out of the office with Jennie, my guide dog, was a great way to break up the busy day and take some time to reflect. With recent focus on welfare reform and uncertainty around Personal Independent Payment and Universal Credit, this exhibition is incredibly important. I hope people remember that living with a disability like sight loss does not hold you back. With the right opportunities, support and determination, blind and partially sighted people can go wherever they want in life.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Steve Darling with guide dog Jennie by Joshua Bratt.
About Penny Melville-Brown: During her time as a Commander in the Royal Navy, Penny Melville- Brown worked in uniform using a white cane, before her eyesight deteriorated completely due to uveitis. After being medically discharged, Penny used the confidence gained from her experience in the Royal Navy to launch her own business, take on senior Government roles and help thousands of other disabled people fulfil themselves through work. Penny’s new handbook, It Could Be You..., shares ideas from nearly 30 years of professional experience in the field. Penny’s reflections on Seen “This picture was taken at home. It celebrates my international prize-winning cooking tour of professional and home kitchens across six continents – surviving near-death on the way! The goal was to show that blindness needn’t hold anyone back. Disability isn’t a “lifestyle choice”, but with the right help, we can all achieve our potential and live happier, more fulfilled and more independent lives. We want to take charge of our lives again and avoid relying on benefits. We are a huge untapped national resource!” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Penny Melville-Brown by Joshua Bratt.
About Jessikah Inaba: Jessikah Inaba was born and raised in Lewisham, South London, with bilateral microphthalmia and is completely blind as a result. On 13 October 2022, she was called to the Bar of England and Wales, becoming the first Black and blind barrister in the country’s history. Her academic work spans two doctoral research projects: the treatment of Black and low-income families within English family law, and the experiences of Congolese refugees in African refugee camps and their reception in host countries globally. Jessikah is also the founder and managing director of Realeyesation, an organisation that promotes blindness awareness and inclusion. Jessikah’s reflections on Seen “The portrait was taken in Middle Temple Hall, the very place where I was called to the Bar of England and Wales on 13 October 2022. As a member of Middle Temple, the location holds deep personal and professional significance for me. Standing in that space as the first Black and blind barrister felt like a powerful moment of contrast and progress. I hope visitors leave the exhibition feeling inspired and challenged in equal measure. I want them to see that blindness – or any form of disability – does not diminish a person’s ability to achieve and contribute meaningfully to society. Ultimately, I want people to leave with a renewed sense of possibility: to recognise that diversity strengthens every community, and to believe in their own capacity to break barriers and create change.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Jessikah Inaba by Joshua Bratt.
About Clive Jones: Clive Jones is a blind veteran who served for 12 years in the British Army before an attack left him blind in both eyes. During his rehabilitation in 2001, Clive took up archery and quickly discovered a remarkable talent for the sport. Since then, he has competed in numerous British Blind Sport competitions, earning multiple titles as the B1 champion. Most recently, he won the British Blind Sport Outdoor National Championship by over 100 points. Clive now serves as the chairman of Blind Veteran UK’s archery club. Clive’s reflections on Seen “The portrait was taken at my local rugby club. It’s a beautiful, quiet and safe place to train locally. These factors help with my concentration. I hope visitors will realise that there is definitely life after sight loss and that life should be celebrated for what you can achieve, not what you can’t. With the help and support of the wonderful sight loss charities in the UK, anything is achievable when you put your mind to it.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Clive Jones by Joshua Bratt.
About Clarke Reynolds: Clarke Reynolds is a professional artist based in Portsmouth, known nationally and internationally for his pioneering use of colour-coded braille as a visual language in contemporary art. Having gradually lost his sight following his diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa, Clarke has redefined what it means to communicate through creativity. His practice invites audiences to engage with art, not just by seeing, but through touch, interpretation and emotion. Clarke’s reflections on Seen “My studio, where I chose to be photographed, is where the magic happens. It’s where I turn dots into stories. It’s where my blindness isn’t a limitation – it’s a superpower. I hope visitors will leave feeling inspired, challenged and uplifted. I want people to see blindness not as a deficit, but as a different way of understanding and contributing to the world – one that has value, creativity and professionalism at its heart.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Clarke Reynolds by Joshua Bratt.
About Anna Tylor: Anna Tylor was born severely sight impaired and has been a life-long advocate of disability rights. Her early career included working on employment programmes, and she has also worked in service settings delivering training and development activities. She was involved in leading the roll out of equalities legislation and has worked on inclusion programmes – including with the City of London Police, and in the banking and retail sector. She is a trained mediator with a master’s degree in Sociology and Social Policy. Anna established the UK educational collection, now known as RNIB Bookshare, to offer blind and partially sighted people – and other disabled learners – equal access to the curriculum. She became Chair of RNIB in 2020. Anna’s reflections on Seen “I chose RNIB’s London office, The Grimaldi Building, as the location for my portrait because it’s living proof of the world we want to create. I stand in front of a selection from our archive, which demonstrates the vast history of impact and change RNIB has become known for. I’m immensely proud of all that RNIB contributes to society and to the lives of those we serve. I really hope that visitors will leave the exhibition with a strong sense that blind and partially sighted people are as varied as the society we reflect. That we are net contributors, that our lives can be rich and fulfilled and that – just like anyone else – we strive forward.” For more information about the exhibition and to view more portraits by Joshua Bratt please visit www.rnib.org.uk/seen Image shows: A portrait of Anna Tylor by Joshua Bratt.