RNIB Connect

National Eye Health Week runs from the 21st to the 27th September, Amelia speaks to RNIB's Louise Gow to learn why regular eye tests are so important.Find Resources On Eye Health On the RNIB Webiste - Your eyes - find information on sight and conditions | RNIBImage 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.

As it is National Eye Health Week (21-27 September 2026) for our regular browse through the RNIB online shop with Charlee Jarvis, RNIB Shop's Buying coordinator we have some great products around eye health and taking care of your eyes including, eye shields, optical and video magnifiers with lighting options plus a couple of useful gadgets for taking care of your eyes tooFor more about all those great eye health products plus many more that you will find in the RNIB online shop do visit - https://shop.rnib.org.uk/connectImage 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 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 National Eye Health Week, the Audio Is King conference and some exciting news from NaviLens.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 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.

On Thursday 17 September 2026 at the RNIB's Grimaldi Building in London, CPI and the RNIB brought publishers, authors, accessibility specialists, technology providers and industry partners together for the ‘Accessible Publishing Conference – Writing a New Chapter of Inclusion', giving people the opportunity to have have meaningful conversations, share valuable insights and spark new ideas ensuring that visually impaired people and everyone no matter how they read will have equal access to books and the joy they bring too.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there and caught up with Elizabeth Killingly Accessibility Manager at Bloomsbury publishing who took part in the Inclusion Creates Commercial Opportunity panel discussion. To find out more about making books and reading accessible to blind and partially sighted people do visit the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/independent-living/leisure/reading-and-books/ 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.

On Thursday 17 September 2026 at the RNIB's Grimaldi Building in London, CPI and the RNIB brought publishers, authors, accessibility specialists, technology providers and industry partners together for the ‘Accessible Publishing Conference – Writing a New Chapter of Inclusion', giving people the opportunity to have have meaningful conversations, share valuable insights and spark new ideas ensuring that visually impaired people and everyone no matter how they read will have equal access to books and the joy they bring too.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there and caught up with Lorna Dolan from CPI publishing the main organisation behind the conference.To find out more about making books and reading accessible to blind and partially sighted people do visit the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/independent-living/leisure/reading-and-books/ 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.

On Thursday 17 September 2026 at the RNIB's Grimaldi Building in London, CPI and the RNIB brought publishers, authors, accessibility specialists, technology providers and industry partners together for the ‘Accessible Publishing Conference – Writing a New Chapter of Inclusion' giving people the opportunity to have have meaningful conversations, share valuable insights and spark new ideas ensuring that visually impaired people and everyone no matter how they read will have equal access to books and the joy they bring too.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there and caught up with Simon Mellins Digital Publishing Consultant who works on accessible publishing and took part in the removing barriers through accessible design panel discussion. To find out more about making books and reading accessible to blind and partially sighted people do visit the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/independent-living/leisure/reading-and-books/ 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.

On Thursday 17 September 2026 at the RNIB's Grimaldi Building in London, CPI and the RNIB brought publishers, authors, accessibility specialists, technology providers and industry partners together for the ‘Accessible Publishing Conference – Writing a New Chapter of Inclusion', giving people the opportunity to have have meaningful conversations, share valuable insights and spark new ideas ensuring that visually impaired people and everyone no matter how they read will have equal access to books and the joy they bring too.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there and caught up with Emma Steel from Every Cherry a publisher of special educational needs books who took part in the panel discussion about equal access begins with accessible formats. To find out more about making books and reading accessible to blind and partially sighted people do visit the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/independent-living/leisure/reading-and-books/ 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.

On Thursday 17 September 2026 at the RNIB's Grimaldi Building in London, CPI and the RNIB brought publishers, authors, accessibility specialists, technology providers and industry partners together for the ‘Accessible Publishing Conference – Writing a New Chapter of Inclusion', giving people the opportunity to have have meaningful conversations, share valuable insights and spark new ideas ensuring that visually impaired people and everyone no matter how they read will have equal access to books and the joy they bring too.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there and caught up with Beth O'Brien, visually impaired best-selling Author of ‘Wolf Siren' who delivered the key note speech at the conference. To find out more about making books and reading accessible to blind and partially sighted people do visit the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/independent-living/leisure/reading-and-books/ 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.

On Thursday 17 September 2026 at the RNIB's Grimaldi Building in London, CPI and the RNIB brought publishers, authors, accessibility specialists, technology providers and industry partners together for the ‘Accessible Publishing Conference – Writing a New Chapter of Inclusion', giving people the opportunity to have have meaningful conversations, share valuable insights and spark new ideas ensuring that visually impaired people and everyone no matter how they read will have equal access to books and the joy they bring too.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there and caught up with Hannah Whitcombe, RNIB Corporate Partnerships Manager, to find out why it is so important for the RNIB and CPI to bring everyone from across the publishing and access sector together to ensure that there is equal access to books for everyone .To find out more about making books and reading accessible to blind and partially sighted people do visit the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/independent-living/leisure/reading-and-books/ 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.

Sight Support Ryedale have an event on Monday for National Eye Health Week.The event is free and features variety of talks, technology demonstrations and more. Chief Officer Victorian Dean told Amelia what people can enjoy on the day.The event takes palce on the 21st September 2026, at Sight Support Ryedale, Commercial Street, Norton, YO17 9ES, from 10.30-3.30pm.Learn more on the Sight Support Ryedale Website - Home | Sight Support | Visually Impaired | North YorkshireImage 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.

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 step into the dressing room of three comedy heroes - Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse as the current tour of ‘The Last Laugh' visited the Wolverhampton Grand theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Nicola Williams.About ‘The Last Laugh' The Last Laugh is a “brilliant” (The Telegraph) smash-hit, West End play which imagines three of Britain's all-time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse, in a dressing room, discussing the secret of life, death, comedy and what it means to be funny… really funny!“Lovingly written and directed” (Sunday Times) by the award-winning Paul Hendy, The Last Laugh features Damian Williams as Cooper, Simon Cartwright as Monkhouse and Britain's Got Talent finalist Steve Royle as Morecambe.The show consists of an 80-minute first act, a 20-minute interval, and a 30-minute post-show Q&A with the cast – the full 2 hour and 10 minute experience includes the Q&A.For more about the tour of ‘The Last Laugh' do visit the productions' website - https://thelastlaughplay.co.ukImage 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.

This week is Pension Awareness week and HMRC is encoring everyone to look at their state pension forecast. David Hogg finds 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.

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 engaging with political parties ahead of next year's double elections and work to make claiming heating oil support accessible.If you'd like to find out more, or get involved in campaigning, email campaignsni@rnib.org.uk#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

What is it like to do Freshers Week as a VI student? Amelia spoke to tiktokker and student Lacey Roo about her experiences of starting conversations and making friends at university.Follow Lacey on tiktok @laceyroo.hImage 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.

Eva Chappell has written and recorded a song called ‘We See You' all about the powerful impact and difference the RNIB Talk and Support Group has had on her life as a visually impaired person.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Eva to firstly find out a bit more about her level of vision, the difference the RNIB Talk and Support Group has made on her life being able to chat with other visually impaired people about absolutely anything and as Eva says very much like a group of people sitting down round a table and having a coffee and a chat.  Then to how Eva put the song ‘We See You' together, how the RNIB Talk and Support Group influenced some of the lyrics and how she came up with the music and using technology to put it all together in her garden studio.to find out more about the RNIB Talk and Support Groups do either call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/community-connection-and-wellbeing/talk-and-support/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.

For many parents, seeing their baby on an ultrasound screen is a milestone they'll never forget. But how can b and ps people experience that exciting moment?Guide Dogs has launched First Hello, a pilot transforming traditional 20-week printed ultrasound scans into tactile sonograms. Amelia spoke to Kerry Bevan, Head of Support Services at Guide Dogs, to learn more. Learn more on the Guide Dogs website - First hello | Tactile sonograms for people with sight lossImage 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.

For this week's CEO update on RNIB Connect Radio as Chief Executive Simon Antrobus is still on annual leave Dan Fisher RNIB's Chief Strategy and Public Affairs Officer sits in for Simon to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.Dan began by talking about the launch of the ‘Audio is King' report at the conference at the RNIB Grimaldi Building (Thursday 8 September 2026) looking into increasing audio description through the establishment of a possible secondary audience for AD.  Then to the first new Gruffalo story in 20 years with ‘Gruffalo Granny' and the launch of the Braille / print version which was released on the same day as the print version (Thursday 10 September 2026) which is now available in the RNIB online shop, a real sign of true inclusion for visually impaired children and adults too.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 Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnectImage 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.

At a conference at the RNIB's Grimaldi building in London on Thursday 10 September 2026 the RNIB launched a new report titled ‘Audio is King: television beyond the screen' looking into whether establishing a secondary audience for audio description could help to make the case for greater investment in AD.The conference brought together broadcasters, AD producers, journalists, sight loss sector stakeholders and many visually impaired people to discuss the findings of the report, build momentum for the wider adoption of audio description and support the business case for the growth of AD within the audio landscape.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there and caught up with Emma Nagouse, Podcast Producer, broadcaster and academic to find out about the cross over between podcasting and audio description and whether they can both learn something from each other too.There is more about the ‘audio is King: television beyond the screen' report on the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/research-and-data/reports-and-insight/audio-is-king-television-beyond-the-screen/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.

At a conference at the RNIB's Grimaldi building in London on Thursday 10 September 2026 the RNIB launched a new report titled ‘Audio is King: television beyond the screen' looking into whether establishing a secondary audience for audio description could help to make the case for greater investment in AD.The conference brought together broadcasters, AD producers, journalists, sight loss sector stakeholders and many visually impaired people to discuss the findings of the report, build momentum for the wider adoption of audio description and support the business case for the growth of AD within the audio landscape.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there and caught up with Marie Campbell from Red Bee Media for her thoughts on the development of audio description along with news about some of the projects that the company are about to describe too.There is more about the ‘Audio is King: television beyond the screen' report on the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/research-and-data/reports-and-insight/audio-is-king-television-beyond-the-screen/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.

At a conference at the RNIB's Grimaldi building in London on Thursday 10 September 2026 the RNIB launched a new report titled ‘Audio is King: television beyond the screen' looking into whether establishing a secondary audience for audio description could help to make the case for greater investment in AD.The conference brought together broadcasters, AD producers, journalists, sight loss sector stakeholders and many visually impaired people to discuss the findings of the report, build momentum for the wider adoption of audio description and support the business case for the growth of AD within the audio landscape.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there and caught up with Tak Ha, Research director at IPSOS who worked with the RNIB on the report. There is more about the ‘Audio is King: television beyond the screen' report on the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/research-and-data/reports-and-insight/audio-is-king-television-beyond-the-screen/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.

At a conference at the RNIB's Grimaldi building in London on Thursday 10 September 2026 the RNIB launched a new report titled ‘Audio is King: television beyond the screen' looking into whether establishing a secondary audience for audio description could help to make the case for greater investment in AD.The conference brought together broadcasters, AD producers, journalists, sight loss sector stakeholders and many visually impaired people to discuss the findings of the report, build momentum for the wider adoption of audio description and support the business case for the growth of AD within the audio landscape.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there and caught up with Jonathan Penny, Access Services Manager at Channel 4, firstly for a snapshot of the level of AD on the channel and then his thoughts around widening AD to a larger audience including sighted people.  There is more about the ‘audio is King: television beyond the screen' report on the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/research-and-data/reports-and-insight/audio-is-king-television-beyond-the-screen/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.

At a conference at the RNIB's Grimaldi building in London On Thursday 10 September 2026 the RNIB launched a new report titled ‘Audio is King: television beyond the screen' looking into whether establishing a secondary audience for audio description could help to make the case for greater investment in AD.The conference brought together broadcasters, AD producers, journalists, sight loss sector stakeholders and many visually impaired people to discuss the findings of the report, build momentum for the wider adoption of audio description and support the business case for the growth of AD within the audio landscape.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there and caught up with Sonali Rai RNIB Senior Manager for Media, Culture and Immersive Technologies to find out more about the findings of the report.There is more about the ‘Audio is King: television beyond the screen' report on the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/research-and-data/reports-and-insight/audio-is-king-television-beyond-the-screen/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.

Looking for a new book to enjoy? Amelia is here with a debut novel by Caro Claire Burke where a tradwife influencer gets more than she bargained for…Our RNIB Talking Books service is absolutely free. Giving you access to over 40,000 fiction and non fiction books for adults and children in accessible formats that suits you.For more information or to sign up to the RNIB Library get in touch. Call our Helpline on 0303 123 999 or Email helpline@rnib.org.uk.

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 the first Sight Village North Wales.

Poppy Levinson is a designer, researcher and disability activist working across the creative industries. She applies her lives experience as a blind woman to the world of architecture and design.She recently completed her masters in Architecture at the Royal College of Art and became Co-director at the DisOrdinary Architecture Project.She told Amelia about her career challenges and highlights so far, and how she applies her lived experience to design.Learn more about Poppy on her website - Poppy Levison | Blind Architecture, Designer and ActivistLearn more about DisOrdinary on their website - The DisOrdinary Architecture ProjectImage 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.

Quick-steps, spins and sparkles now as Vocaleyes and Step Change Studios are developing live AD for dance competitions.Amelia spoke to audio describer Willie Elliott to learn more about his research and recommendations to bring blind and partially sighted into the action.Step Change Studios have space in their blind ballroom classes starting on the 12th September. Learn more on the Step Change Studios website - Step Change Studios | inclusive dance | London, UK and email contact@stepchangestudios.com to register.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.

If you're looking for new ways to get involved in the community and make new friends, then a social club might be just up your street. Hywel Davies has been finding out the only social club in mid-Wales for blind and partially sighted people.

Mirrorbox is an interactive social art installation by I Would Be Here if I Could, co-created by people living with ME or Long Covid, carrying messages from people living with one of these conditions to places around the UK they love but can no longer visit due to their illness.Mirrorbox will be touring a number of locations around the UK starting with the Royal Opera House in London (13-14 September 2026). Visitors are invited to listen, reflect, and write a postcard to the message sender in return.  All the audio messages are also available to listen to online via the I Would Be Here if I Could website.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Alison Larkman, lived-experience artist and creator of I Would Be Here If I Could and The Mirrorbox project who has ME, to find out more about mirror box and how the messages can relate to a wide audience including visually impaired people too. To find out more about Mirrorbox, the UK tour, listen to the audio messages online and to get involved with the project too do visit the I Would Be Here if I Could website - https://www.iwouldbehereificould.comImage 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.

See Work Differently Placements can be a great way for blind and partially sighted people to get into employment but what's a placement actually like? David Hogg spoke to Michael Kear and Kate Charles from Vision PK to find out.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.

Following on from releasing his first solo track, blind musician and producer Marshall Fairbrother has been working with the band Little Trees who hail from Nottinghamshire representing Neurodivergent and disabled communities with songs reflecting the band members own experiences of life Little Trees' music has been described as pop/rock that comes from the heart, full of energy and joy which can be heard in ‘Stronger', their first single release.RNIB connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Marshall to find out more about how Little Trees came about, the make up of the band, his role in the band as bass player on their first single ‘Stronger' and producing the track as a blind person too.To find out more about Little Trees do visit their YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@LittleTreesband For more about Marshal do visit his website - https://marshallfairbrother.comImage 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.

Autumn is coming and brings with is changing leaves and beatiful birdsong. Amelia is back with another monthly almanac to celebrate all things September.Learn more about the birdsong and nature you can enjoy this month on the RSPB website -RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity 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.

Are you one of the many people in the UK who doesn't have a will? David Hogg finds out why some people are put off writing them, why you should really have one and how will writing has become easier in ScotlandImage 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.

Remember A Charity Week takes place from September 7 to September 13, encouraging people to leave a gift in their Will to causes they care about.For charity RNIB, gifts in Wills are truly life changing. They help the charity to be there for people with sight loss not just today, but long into the future.  Here's our Paulina Kuchorew speaking with RNIB's Head of Supporter Experience, Helen Smith. 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. 

Leaving a gift in your will is a powerful way to make sure the causes you care about continue to thrive for years to come. Hywel Davies has been finding out how straightforward the process is and how even a small gift can make a lasting difference.For more information on the National Free Wills Network, you can call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 99 99. giftsinwills@rnib.org.ukImage 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.

Writing a will can sound daunting, but the process is often much simpler than expected. Hywel Davies has been finding out how the National Free Wills Network can help to get your affairs in order. For more information on the National Free Wills Network, you can call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 99 99. giftsinwills@rnib.org.ukImage 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.

Barry Snell chats to RNIB's Legacy Management Lead, Daniel Pepper to find out about the importance of creating a will and leaving a will & about some of the more unusual gifts people have left to RNIB over the years.For more information on the National Free Wills Network, you can call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 99 99. giftsinwills@rnib.org.ukImage 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. 

For this week's CEO update on RNIB Connect Radio as Chief Executive Simon Antrobus is on annual leave RNIB's Interim Chief Operations Officer Debbie Miller sits in for Simon to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.Debbie began by talking about the Synapptic Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses that are now available in the RNIB online shop which Debbie also has on order too. Then to some great topics and themes that came out of the recent BBC Access All interview with TV Producer, Presenter and best-selling Author Richard Osman, who has Nystagmus. Toby and Debbie discussed how he manages to get about with the condition and some of those problem solving skills that we all have as visually impaired people, which would be of great value as we move into a world relying more on AI, plus topics that also chimed with Debbie as a visually impaired person that alined with all the work that the RNIB does to make a more inclusive world for people living with sight loss.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 Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnectImage 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.

How can we have better disabled characters in film? Psychology Researcher and DARK (Disability Action Research Kollective) founder Richard Amm has created a tool for writers to improve disability representation.He tells Amelia about 'People Or Props'Read Richard's dissertation for free here - Development of the People or Props Tool: Integrating Prejudice Reduction Psychology Insights to Improve Representations of Disability on Screen – ScienceOpenLearn more about DARK on their website - The Disability Action Research Kollective (DARK) - Disabled Leaders NetworkImage 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. 

Guide Dog owner Jason Beal who lives in South East London has freed up the pavements of discarded unauthorised Lime bikes for him, his wife Jessica and other visually impaired people.  When the discarded Lime bikes were blocking the pavements Jason and his Guide Dog Cain would have to nervously step into the busy London streets to get past the bikes. Following on from raising the issue with their local MP Liam Conlon who took up the matter with Bromley Council and Lime who have now apologised to Jason and Jessica as well as changing their app to stop the hiring of Lime bikes in the borough.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Jason to find out more about what life was like for him and his Guide Dog Cain having to navigate around the discarded bikes and on occasions stepping in to the busy London streets to get past the bikes and what life is like now since the Lime bike ban was put in place in their area. (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)

Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we sit 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 back on his first six months or so as RNIB CEO, noting a few highlights both internally and externally as well as a few RNIB projects that he is looking forward to seeing develop over the next six months that will help to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people.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 Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnect

In Mere Mortals, San Francisco Ballet takes on the story of Pandora's Box through the contemporary lens of artificial intelligence.Composer and electronic musician Floating Points (Sam Shepherd) performs his original score live with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra as 40 dancers perform.Amelia spoke to Audio Describer Emma-Jane Mchenry to learn 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.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Audio Descriptions - Milestones Living History Museum, Basingstoke, Hampshire,Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London -Love's Labours Lost, Sunday 6 September, 1pm, touch tour 11am,,Much Ado About Nothing, Tuesday 8 September, 2pm, touch tour 12noon,AS you Like It, Thursday 10 September, 2pm, touch tour 12noon,A Tale of Two Cities, Saturday 19 September, 7.30pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury,The Choir of Man, Thursday 24 September, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford,Wicked 20 – “Pink” Performance, Saturday 26 September, 2.30pm, Apollo Victoria Theatre, London.To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit -https://vocaleyes.co.uk

Join RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey for a tour of one of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge in Wiltshire.English Heritage guides, Stonehenge Deputy Operations Manager Scarlott Rolfe and site Supervisor and Historian Liz Purves give Toby an insight into the history of this world heritage site.During the tour with Scarlot and Liz, Toby found out how the site had developed and evolved over the years through exploring some of the tactile models of Stonehenge that can be found in the visitor centre exhibition, touching the replica stones gave him a real sense of the size and texture of the stones, stepping into one of the replica neolithic houses opening up a window into the lives of the people who constructed Stonehenge and going around the monument itself he learnt more about the Heel Stone, the Station Stones and the Albury Holes too. Throughout the tour you will also hear extracts from the recorded audio described guide for Stonehenge that can be pre-downloaded to your smartphone before your visit.To find out more about Stonehenge and the recorded audio described guide do visit - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehengeImage shows Toby and guide dog Boston with the Sarsen stone circle of Stonehenge behind and a clear blue sky overhead.

Berthed in Edinburgh, The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the world's top tourist attractions and is a must visit for anyone coming to the Scottish capital.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell stepped aboard for a look around and hear about the accessible guides available for blind and partially sighted visitors.For more info about visiting, go to www.royalyachtbritannia.co.ukEmail enquiries@tryb.co.uk or call 01315555566.#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath.

Walking In The Light short documentary follows yoga teacher Dawn Blezard's journey as she takes on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge with failing vision due to her Stargardt's Disease.Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Dawn and filmmaker and journalist Anne Goulde about the documentary being selected for the Women Over 50 Film Festival 2026.Image shows a poster for the movie. Dawn in a rain walking jacket and dark glasses stands with a beautiful landscape opening up behind her from atop of one of the peaks.