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RNIB Connect

RNIB Connect Radio

RNIB Connect Radio is the UK radio station for blind and partially sighted people to find out what is happening in the community. You can also contribute and share your stories by emailing radio@rnib.org.uk. Get involved and join the conversation.


Other great podcast channels from RNIB Connect Radio

Conversations - Blind and partially sighted people speaking about a wide range of topics.

Read On - The Audiobook show all about accessible reading.

Tech Talk - Technology for blind and partially sighted people.

Sport - See sport differently.

The Happy Hour - Mental health, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing.

Tracks of My Life - Take a journey through our guest's life.

Support - Other podcasts from RNIB.

TV Guide - Daily audio TV listings




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  • 178 episodes
  • Avg 8 min
  • English

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  • S2 · E1966
    October 17 · 8 min

    S2 Ep1966: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 17/10/2026

    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 a celebrity panel on talking books, launching a new Eye Care Liaison Officer service and an award for one of our staff members. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect Image a headshot photograph of Simon Antrobus smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short brown hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

  • S2 · E1964
    October 16 · 7 min

    S2 Ep1964: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Twelve Angry Men, AD Theatre Review

    RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for another audio described theatre review. This week we have the current tour of the West End stage production of the 1957 film ‘Twelve Angry Men’ visited the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About ’Twelve Angry Men’ A life in the balance. Twelve men. One verdict. Following record-breaking West End seasons, this powerful production of Twelve Angry Men is back in session! Twelve Angry Men has been hailed ‘the classiest, most intelligent drama playing in the West End’. It brings the 1957 three-time Academy Award nominated film, considered one of the great ‘must-sees’ of all time, to the stage. A jury has murder on their minds and a life in their hands as they decide the fate of a young delinquent accused of killing his father. But what appears to be an open and shut case soon becomes a huge dilemma, as prejudices and preconceived ideas about the accused, the trial, and each other turn the tables every which way, until the nail-biting climax…. Reginald Rose’s gripping courtroom thriller stars Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street, Peak Practice), Bill Ward (Emmerdale, Coronation Street), Ricky Norwood (EastEnders), Tristan Gemmill (Casualty, Coronation Street) and Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier). Now it’s your turn to witness a ‘BRILLIANT’, ‘RIVETING’, ‘TRIUMPH’ of a show. For more about the current tour of ‘Twelve Angry Men’ including details of audio described performances near you do visit -https://www.kenwright.com/productions/twelve-angry-men-2026-27-uk-tour/ 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.

  • S2 · E1960
    October 15 · 7 min

    S2 Ep1960: What is RNIB's Let's Play?

    RNIB’s Let’s Play is a sensory‑play guide designed to help parents, carers and professionals create fun, accessible play experiences for blind and partially sighted children. Barry Snell caught up with RNIB’s Education and Children Information Resources Officer Tom Norton, to find out more. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

  • S2 · E1963
    October 15 · 5 min

    S2 Ep1963: RNIB Online Shop - Lighting Sale and Braille Drop-In Event

    For our regular browse through the RNIB online shop here on RNIB Connect Radio this time our Toby Davey is joined by Claire Maxwell, RNIB Shop’s Buyer, to highlight some great lighting options including desk lights, floor lamps and head torches that are currently discounted through the shop’s lighting sale. Also for anyone who wants to get hands on with a number of HumanWare Braille displays there is a drop-in event on Monday 19 October 2026 from 10am to 12noon at the RNIB’s Grimaldi Building in London where you could get lucky and be in the running to come away with a Brailliant Braille display. For more about those highlighted lighting products plus many other great products that you will find in the RNIB online shop do visit - https://shop.rnib.org.uk/connect 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.

  • S2 · E1962
    October 14 · 6 min

    S2 Ep1962: Lizzi Jordan Campaigns For Tax Free Tandems

    Paralympic Champion Lizzi Jordan is campaigning to have VAT removed from Tandem bikes. Amelia learned more about the Tax free tandems campaign… Learn more on the British Cycling webiste - Tax Free Tandems 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.

  • S2 · E1959
    October 10 · 4 min

    S2 Ep1959: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 10/10/2026

    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 RNIB’s Accessible Streets campaign, pavement parking, and enhanced audio commentary on Premier League football. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect Image a headshot photograph of Simon Antrobus smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short brown hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

  • S2 · E1950
    October 9 · 13 min

    S2 Ep1950: First Global Summit for Eye Health

    On 2 November 2026 the first Global summit for Eye Health will bring senior leaders from governments, private and public sectors, NGO’s and funding institutions from across the world together to help to reach the 1 billion people living with avoidable sight loss and accelerate the progress towards universal eye health coverage too. The summit is being hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and supported by the international Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Peter Holland, Chief executive of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness to find out more about the first Global Summit for Eye Health, the themes and topics that will be discussed, what policies or statements might be launched on the day plus how the outcomes and recommendations from the summit will help to reach the 1 billion people living with avoidable sight loss and make the world see the value of vision. To find out more about the first Global Summit for Eye Health and follow the summit on the day too do visit - https://globalsummitforeyehealth.org 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.

  • S2 · E1958
    October 8 · 6 min

    S2 Ep1958: Share Your Experience In RNIB Accessible Healthcare Information Survey

    Have you been receiving healthcare information in accessible formats? RNIB want to hear about your experiences in their new survey - Amelia spoke to Khadija Raza, Policy Lead: Accessibility, to learn more. Fill out the survey here - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDTYQVJ Or complete it over the phone by calling 0303 123 9999 anytime from 9am-6pm Email campaign.mailbox@rnib.org.uk for more information. 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.

  • S2 · E1956
    October 8 · 4 min

    S2 Ep1956: Marking World Sight Day 2026 With MyVision Oxfordshire

    This World Sight Day we’ve been hearing about how one local sight loss charity will be marking the day with fundraising activities. Hywel Davies has been finding out more. Visit the MyVision Oxfordshire website for more details on how you can take part in fundraising activities - Host a World Sight Day Coffee Morning for 2026

  • S2 · E1910
    October 8 · 6 min

    S2 Ep1910: World Sight Day 2026 and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

    With it being World Sight Day 2026 today (Thursday 8 October 2026), the worlds’ attention is focussing on eye care that is accessible, available and affordable to all. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Simon Darvill, Director of Communications, Campaigns and Events at the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB ), the organisation behind the day, to find out more about World Sight Day and why it is important for us all to get behind the #LoveYourEyes campaign and the global movement to end avoidable sight loss too. To find out more about the IAPB, World Sight Day and get involved in the #LoveYourEyes campaign do visit - https://www.iapb.world/world_sight_day 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.

  • S2 · E1957
    October 8 · 6 min

    S2 Ep1957: New Enhanced Audio Commentary Offer For Blind Football Fans

    Broadcaster Sky, is about to launch another step forward for blind and partially sighted fans of English Premiership football. From October 10th, there will be an Enhanced Description which, they hope, will bring the game to life for anyone who uses their set up for Audio Description. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Steve Smith, from Sky, to learn more about the exciting launch and how blind and partially sighted people played a part in it’s creation. If you’d like more details, go to www.skysports.com #RNIBConnect Image shows a blue graphic with Sky Sports and Guiness 0.0 logos in two lines with text below: "Premier League accessibility."

  • S2 · E1953
    October 6 · 9 min

    S2 Ep1953: ECLOS To Be Front And Centre Of New Eye Infirmary

    Barry Snell learns about the role of ECLOS and also about the role they play in the new Sunderland Eye Infirmary. He is chatting to RNIB's Practice lead in eye care support, Cathie Burke. To learn more about ECLOS visit rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath.

  • S2 · E1955
    October 3 · 10 min

    S2 Ep1955: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 03/10/2026

    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 RNIB’s Cost Of Living report, a move for RNIB Northern Ireland and Christmas at the RNIB Online Shop. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect Image a headshot photograph of Simon Antrobus smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short brown hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

  • S2 · E1954
    October 2 · 16 min

    S2 Ep1954: BRAILLED IT - A Documentary Made By Blind And Partially Sighted Young People

    Every year, the top under-18 Braille readers and writers from across the English-speaking world gather in Los Angeles to compete in the Braille Challenge. In a new feature film BRAILLED IT, blind and low-vision young people document their experience of the competition using go-pro cameras. Designed with integrated audio description and accessibility at its core, the film lets young people tell their story. Amelia spoke to Executive Producer David Grabias from Production Company Artifact to learn more. Learn more on the BRAILLED IT Website - BRAILLED IT—A Documentary Filmed by the Blind, for the Blind 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.

  • S2 · E1949
    October 2 · 8 min

    S2 Ep1949: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake, AD Theatre Review

    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 a true ballet classic with ‘Swan Lake’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. About ‘Swan Lake’ Birmingham Royal Ballet revives Sir Peter Wright and Galina Samsova's glorious journey into Swan Lake – with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia performing Tchaikovsky’s superb music live alongside BRB’s spectacular dancers. Prince Siegfried is out hunting one night when he happens upon a flock of graceful swans. When one of them turns into a beautiful woman, the Prince is utterly smitten – but Odette explains that she has fallen under an evil spell cast by Baron von Rothbart, which keeps her in swan form from dawn to dusk. Can Siegfried’s love break the spell? Find out in this exquisite production of a true ballet classic. There is another audio described performance of ‘Swan Lake’ at Sadler’s Wells in London on Saturday 31 October at 2pm with the touch tour at 11.15am. and to find out more about Birmingham Royal Ballet’s access programme including described performances of their productions do visit - https://www.brb.org.uk/whats-on/access 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.

  • S2 · E1952
    October 1 · 9 min

    S2 Ep1952: Radio Presenter Takes On Blind Sailing Championship.

    Toby Davey can be heard on RNIB Connect Radio, keeping listeners up to date on what’s going on in the world of accessible arts. He’s also an accomplished, award winning, blind sailor, competing for GB around the globe. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Toby ahead of his latest European Championship competition in Portugal. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath.

  • S2 · E1923
    October 1 · 6 min

    S2 Ep1923: October Almanac 2026

    What does the UK's tiniest bird sound like? Amelia is back for the October almanac. Learn more about bird song and the nature you can enjoy each month on the RPSB website - www.rspb.org.uk

  • S2 · E1952
    October 1 · 9 min

    S2 Ep1952: News On Proposed Changes To Personal Independence Payments.

    The UK Government is looking to make changes to the welfare system, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Although changes are still under discussion, there are some suggestions to make PIP fit for purpose. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Ross Megan, from RNIB, to look at what we know so far. If you’d like more info on welfare payments for blind and partially sighted people, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can also call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath.

  • S2 · E1951
    September 29 · 21 min

    S2 Ep1951: Success on Both the Tennis Court and Concert Stage for Ivan Rodriguez

    Ivan Rodriguez Deb is a Visually Impaired Tennis player, concert Pianist and organist who after winning every match in his category (B4) was crowned World Champion at the VI Tennis tournament in Vilnius, Lithuania earlier this summer and as well as starting his 3rd year at the guildhall School of Music and Drama has already performed on stage at many prestigious places including The Royal Albert Hall, Downing Street and St. George’s Hanover Square in London. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Ivan to find out how he got into playing VI tennis and getting into music at the same time, how his Mum, Brother and Tennis Coach helped him to succeed in the sport and be crowned World Champion in the B4 VI Tennis category this summer, how he has become an accomplished pianist at such an early age and his advice for other visually impaired people on getting into sport and music. There is more about Ivan and his music career on his website via the following link and to keep up to date with his continued success on the tennis court do follow him on Instagram @IvanRDeb - https://www.ivanrdeb.com Image shows an action shot of Ivan playing tennis on the court, crouching low hitting the ball backhanded with his left hand.

Showing 41–60 of 178 episodes