RNIB Connect

S2 Ep1883: Experiencing the RNIB Scotland Sighted Guide Service at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

With the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in full swing at the moment RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with RNIB Scotland Volunteer Sighted Guide Jessica and visually impaired festival goer Bilal to find out how the sighted guiding service has been working for them both as Jessica has helped Bilal get to see a couple of great shows during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026. More details about the sighted guide service and how to apply for a guide for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 can be found by visiting - https://www.edfringe.com/experience/accessibility/sighted-guide-service/ 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 Ep1882: VocalEyes Describing Heritage: Co-creating Access - Update

The VocalEyes Describing Heritage: Co-creating Access Project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with the input of blind and partially sighted people from a number of Thomas Pocklington Trust Sight Loss Councils explores, through the co-creation of audio description in 10 heritage hubs across the country, ways of improving access to museums, galleries and heritage sites for visually impaired people. Now that all of the 10 museum hubs have received their two-day training workshops Lindsay Bywood, VocalEyes Describing Heritage Project manager gives RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey an update on the progress of the project, how those workshops went for the museum staff and visually impaired people along with a look forward to the creation of the recorded audio descriptions. To find out more about the Describing Heritage project and more on audio description of the arts do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk 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 Ep1880: Double Audio-Described Exhibition Tour at the Collective Gallery, Edinburgh

The Collective Gallery in Edinburgh is running a free audio described tour on Sunday 30 August from 2pm of both ‘Afterlife’ by Katie Paterson and ‘There Is No Beginning, As There Is No End’ by Richard Maguire lead by Artist Juliana Capes. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Juliana and Claire Craig, Collective Gallery’s Programme Manager and Curator, to find out more about both Artist’s and how their work will be brought to life for blind and partially sighted people through the audio-described tour. To find out more about the Collective Gallery and book your place on the audio-described exhibition tour on Sunday 30 August at 2pm do visit - https://www.collective-edinburgh.art/event/audio-described-tour-afterlife/ 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 Ep1879: Charity’s Chief Operations Officer Talks About Building A Successful Career.

Despite her sight loss condition, Debbie Miller has climbed the career ladder from online sales, through customer service leadership positions and is now the Chief Operations Officer for the UK sight loss charity RNIB. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Debbie to learn more about her career ladder, coming to terms with a sight loss condition and what advice she has for blind and partially sighted people, when it comes to succeeding in employment. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath.

S2 Ep1879: Some Audio Described Highlights From MindsEye Description.

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description to look at some forthcoming events with Audio Description. AD makes television, movies, galleries and other arts events more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people. This month they’re looking at a couple of outdoor festivals, a thought provoking play in Keswick and art at the Lowry. If you'd like more information on audio described events, go to www.mindseyedescription.co.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 Ep1877: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 15/08/2026

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 two positive NHS stories, importance of eye checks, and free sighted guides for the Edinburgh Festival. 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 shows 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 Ep1878: DARK Disability In Horror Film Club

Are you a film fan and looking for a place to chat ideas? Amelia spoke to Disability Action Research Kollective (DARK) founder Richard Amm and horror film club programmer and host Aaliyah Bates about disability representation in horror. To join the club email darkhorrorfilm@gmail.com 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 Ep1878: Ihsane Audio Described at the Edinburgh International Festival

Ihsane is one of several audio described shows at this year's Edinburgh International Festival. David Hogg speaks with audio describer Emma-Jane McHenry to find out more. 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 Ep1877: Scottish Racing Circuit Offers Driving For All Opportunities.

The Knockhill Racing Circuit in Scotland, is an all year round attraction with events taking place almost everyday. Did you know that you can get out on the track, even if you have accessibility requirements? RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell went along to find out what’s on offer… If you’d like more info, go to www.knockhill.com You can also call 01383723337 #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath.

S2 Ep1876: DARK Seek Volunteer Writers For Blind and Deafblind History Zine

The Disability Action Research Kollective (DARK) is a multidisciplinary group of disabled researchers who write short, free, accessible publications aimed at the general public. They're seeking volunteer writers for their deafblind history zine, Amelia spoke to founder Richard Amm to learn more... Contact richardamm@gmail.com to share your submission Learn more about DARK via their linktree - DARK Official: Instagram, Facebook | Linktree 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 Ep1875: Race Across Devon Competition Winners

Devon In Sight hosted their very own version of 'Race Across The World' with a visually impaired person in each team. Amelia spoke to some of the organisers and competitors to learn about the highlights, hijinks and cream-tea challenges. She's joined by Mandy Darling and Keith Brokenshire from the Devon In Sight along with Geoff from the winning team 'Eyeconic', and Beatrix and Jahred from highest fundraising team 'The Sightseers'. Learn more on the Devon In Sight website - Devon in Sight - Sight Support Services in Devon

S2 Ep1874: 2027 Large Print and Braille Stationery Available in the RNIB Online Shop

This time for our regular browse through the RNIB online shop with Charlee Jarvis, RNIB Shop’s Buying Coordinator, we have the launch of the 2027 large print and Braille stationery which includes; diaries, calendars and note binders plus news that the LED light and fan that we highlighted last time is now back in stock after a bit of a rush on the product. To find out more about the 2027 large print and Braille stationery, more stock of the LED light and fan plus many other products do visit - https://shop.rnib.org.uk/ 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 Ep1684: Dan Daw's EXXY AD Performance at Edinburgh International Festival

Edinburgh International Festival is on at the moment, bringing best artists from opera, music, theatre and dance to the city. And today we’re looking at an upcoming audio described performance of EXXY, Dan Daw’s dance-theatre work exploring the artist’s relationship with Imposter Syndrome and Working Classness through the lens of his disability. Let’s learn more about the show and how to catch it as we’re joined by audio describer Christopher McKiddie. More about the show: EXXY | Edinburgh International Festival Image shows a still from the performance. Dan moves on stage as a figure of a girl sitting on the floor behind him watches. He's tall, ginger with short hair and a beard and is wearing a charcoal leather kilt and a sleeveless turtleneck. His arms are covered in tattoos and outstretched at his sides. (Copyright: Hugo Glendining)

S2 Ep1873: Clown Show AD at Edinburgh International Festival

Clown Show is one of several audio described shows at this year's Edinburgh International Festival. Part-clown, part-magician, Geoff Sobelle is joined by an army of clowns holding it together as best they can, performing the original score on questionable instruments. David Hogg speaks with audio describer Amanda Drollinger to find out more. For more information about the Audio Described performance of Clown Show on Sunday 30 August head to https://www.eif.co.uk/events/clown-show 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 Ep1872: August 2026 Almanac

Which animals can you listen out for this month? Amelia discusses the harvest moon, swifts and more of August's nature. Learn more on the RSPB website - The year in nature: August 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 Ep1864: Visionary Podcast Explores Disclosing A Visual Impairment

What does it feel like to disclose your vision impairment? Visionary have a new podcast episode where blind and partially sighted people talk about their experiences. Amelia spoke to Raquel Garrido-Soriano from Visionary and Podcast Host and Producer Fern Lulham to learn more... Listen to the podcast by searching for 'A Space Of our Own' wherever you get your podcast. New! "A Space of Our Own" Podcast Series Launches with a Powerful Conversation on "Disclosure" - Visionary 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 Ep1870: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 08/08/2026

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 looks at Commonwealth Games success for blind and partially sighted athletes. 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 Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath.

S2 Ep1866: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Sweeney Todd, 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 are off to London’s Fleet Street for the Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s revival of Stephen Sondheim’s musical masterpiece ‘Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ by REP Artistic Director Joe Murphy with description by Professional Audio Describer Caroline Burn. About ‘Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ “Swing your razor wide, Sweeney!” Wrongfully imprisoned for 15 years, Benjamin Barker returns to Victorian London as the mysterious barber, Sweeney Todd. Upon finding out he’s lost everything he ever loved, Sweeney swears revenge and so begins a chilling tale of macabre murder and Mrs Lovett’s pies! A deliciously bloodcurdling version of Stephen Sondheim’s musical” First performed on Broadway in 1979, Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler‘s 12-time Tony Award-winning masterpiece is considered one of the greatest musicals ever written. For more about access at the Birmingham REP do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ (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)

S2 Ep1870: Thinking About Taking Your Guide Dog Abroad?

If you're planning a holiday and want to take your Guide Dog, or your pet dog, abroad, there are some very important steps that you need to consider and pay for. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke with Dr Caroline Goulton and Chris Theobald from Guide Dogs to find out more. If you’d like more details on taking your Guide Dog abroad, go to www.guidedogs.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 Ep1869: Writing A Hilarious Comedy Podcast Takes Great Writers.