Podcast appearances and mentions of emma tracey

The recent documentary Braille and Me featured personal stories from around the world of highly successful blind people in different fields who continue to celebrate how this very simple invention has transformed lives. Listeners share their views and we talk to presenter Emma Tracey.Plus, a follow-up grumble about interviewees being cut short in news shows hits our listener inbox.Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

Labour MP for Nottingham East, Nadia Whittome, cannot support the announced benefits changes and speaks to Emma Tracey about the experiences she has had as a disabled person herself. BBC's political correspondent Helen Catt walks us through whether government will face a significant challenge getting their legislation through parliament this summer, with other insights. Then, music from American artist, Gaelynn Lea, who's touring the UK. The discussion includes the folk singer and musician's bespoke way of playing violin, like a cello rather than up on her shoulder.Sound recording and mixing by Dave O'Neill, producers Beth Rose and Alex Collins, the editor was Damon Rose. Spread the word loyal followers.

The dotty medium of Braille has just turned 200 years old. Famously invented by French boy, Louis Braille, it spread worldwide and became the way blind people were finally able to read. Access All's presenter Emma Tracey explains what she does with it and why she loves it whilst meeting interesting people who have used the medium in very interesting ways…including, Stevie Wonder. Presenter: Emma Tracey Producer: Adele Armstrong First broadcast on the BBC World Service April 2025.

This week we bring you inspiration and strategies for getting a job if you're disabled, with tips from two disabled people who have heaps of experience in this area. Should you disclose you're disabled on a job application form? Is there a better way to catch the eye of an employer? Or maybe you're thinking about heading down the self employment route cos you're sick of being rejected? Entrepreneur Liz Jackson MBE, and former disability consultant Phil Friend OBE speak with Emma Tracey. Liz tells how she set-up a business the same year she went blind. While Phil brings 35 years of speaking to employers and disabled people to the table. Some disabled people simply can't work and have to rely on benefits and others want and need nothing more than to be part of the workforce. We get it and we will be looking at this subject again soon from a different angle. Presenter: Emma Tracey Sound recording and mixer: Dave O'Neill. Editor: Damon Rose, Beth Rose Executive Editor: Emma Rippon

Myra Anubi is joined by BBC Access All presenter Emma Tracey to look at new technology that could help blind people in their everyday lives. Glide is a new mobility aid – it's a device with wheels and cameras that aims to provide blind people with an alternative to white canes and guide dogs, while using AI to give them more information about their surroundings. Emma tries the gadget out in Los Angeles. She also looks at a device that is much simpler but in its own way revolutionary – the BrailleDoodle is a tactile tablet that makes it easy for blind children to learn braille, create art and understand graphs and diagrams.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Reporter: Emma Tracey Producer: William Kremer Editor: Jon Bithrey Sound mix: Annie Gardiner(Image: Emma Tracey walks across a road in LA with the Glide device, BBC)

Built around a game of Braille Scrabble, Emma Tracey presents a celebration of Braille, 200 years after it was invented. Emma, who's been blind since birth, talks to others who love the six tiny dots: Geerat Vermeij, one of the world's leading experts in molluscs; Yetnebersh Nigussie, an Ethiopian lawyer, who describes her blindness as ‘a lottery I won at the age of 5'; Sheri Wells-Jensen, a linguistics professor who's been a linguistic consultant on Star Trek and is on the US advisory board for messaging extra-terrestrial intelligence; Japanese concert pianist, Nobuyuki Tsujii, who learnt to play using Braille music; and Emma's friend and Scrabble partner, Ellie. And there's a chance encounter with the most famous Braille user of them all, Stevie Wonder. But can Braille survive with the ever-increasing supply of tech that allows blind people to listen to, rather than feel, information? Presenter: Emma Tracey Producer: Adele Armstrong Sound design: Steve Brooke Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Lucy Edwards, well known influencer and star of TV shampoo commercials (among many other things), joins Emma Tracey to talk about her new book for children Ella Jones Versus The Sun Stealer. While together the two women, both of whom are blind, talk about wide-ranging subjects from beauty hacks and disability politics to Lucy's exciting new business venture. Plus Lucy talks openly about the genetic condition she has, incontinentia pigmenti, and how she and her husband are going through an IVF process in order to decrease the risk of passing it on. Sound recording and Mix: Dave O'Neill Editor: Beth Rose

Sir Stephen Timms, the minister for Social Security and Disability talks to Emma Tracey about the proposed £5bn worth of welfare cuts the government recently announced.The Minister explains the Labour government's thought process around the planned changes which include tightening up eligibility for Personal Independence Payment and explains why people under the age of 22 will no longer get the health top-up to Universal Credit.Sir Stephen also reacts to news that Disabled and Deaf People's Organisations (DPPO) are considering stepping back from working with him as a result of the plans.Presented by Emma Tracey Produced by Alex Collins Sound mixed by Mike Regaard Edited by Beth Rose and Damon Rose

Nigel has lived with paranoid schizophrenia for decades, navigating "tormenting voices" and spending time in secure units and prison. He talks to Emma Tracey about his life, managing the condition and the importance of his friendship with Andy, who we also meet. Lucy Schonegevel from Rethink Mental Health reflects on Nigel's story and brings us up to date on reforms to the Mental Health Act, expected later this year, which might improve the experiences of people with schizophrenia. Last week, government changes to disability benefits grabbed the headlines. One grant scheme that didn't get the limelight was Access To Work. Angela Mathews from the Business Disability Forum gives us the lowdown on what's happening with that while BBC Transport Correspondent, Sean Dilley, pops in to talk about a select committee report which described the experience of many disabled people on public transport as a "national embarrassment". Emma also gets out and about on the London Underground to find out how a new Chatty Cabin scheme is helping commuters with their mental health. Produced by: Daniel Gordon and Alex Collins Recorded and mixed by: Dave O'Neill Edited by Beth Rose and Damon Rose

The charity Retina UK are seeking feedback from people with inherited sight loss conditions to learn how they can best support this community and feed into medical research. The charity primarily supports people who are living with genetic conditions, often with a progressive decline in sight. Some of these conditions are well known, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, Usher Syndrome and Stargardt Disease and others are more rare, such as Leber congenital amaurosis. To participate in Retina UK's Sight Loss Survey, you can call their Helpline: 01280 821334. Or you can complete the survey online: surveymonkey.com/r/SightLossSurvey2025. The link to the survey can also be found on the Retina UK website. The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference is an annual showcase of the latest developments in assistive technology. The BBC's Senior North America Correspondent, Gary O'Donoghue and Emma Tracey, presenter of the BBC's disability and mental health podcast Access All, were there and they provide In Touch with an overview of the latest bits of tech that piqued their interest.Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Liz PooleWebsite image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image and he is wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three separate white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch" and the Radio 4 logo (the word ‘radio' in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside of a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one is a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.

Billy Monger's ambition to become a professional racing driver looked like it had come to a serious and tragic end when a crash on the track aged 17 resulted in both his legs being amputated - one above knee, one below. Talking with Emma Tracey, he looks back at how life changed after the accident, and the challenges he's put himself through since then. After breaking it to his parents his racing career wasn't over, he was back on the track within months. Since then he's raced in F3, taken part in BBC Two's Celebrity Race Across the World and most recently the Iron Man challenge - which is the subject of a new BBC documentary on iPlayer this week. PRODUCERS: DANIEL GORDON, ALEX COLLINS PRESENTER: EMMA TRACEY EDITORS: BETH ROSE, DAMON ROSE SOUND RECORDING AND MIX: DAVE O'NEILL

What will the welfare reforms announced by the government on Tuesday mean for disabled people who claim benefits?In this emergency episode, Emma Tracey tries to find out by talking to the BBC's Disability Correspondent Nikki Fox, two claimants of disability benefits - Ellen Clifford and Justine Stamp - and to Arun Veerappan of the Disability Policy Centre. PRODUCERS: DANIEL GORDON, ALEX COLLINS PRESENTER: EMMA TRACEY EDITOR: DAMON ROSE SOUND RECORD AND MIX: DAVE O'NEILL

Corie Mapp, a double leg amputee, is fresh from winning gold at the Para-bobsleigh World Championships in Switzerland. Corie took up the sport after he was injured in Afghanistan and says “going down an ice chute in a bath tub” has given him a fresh perspective on disability and risk. Also on this episode, a suicide charity which runs the UK's only 24-hour phone line staffed by trained, paid, call handlers, says it's desperately short of funding. Emma Tracey talks to Francesca, a long-term user of Papyrus who credits the service with saving her life, and CEO Ged Flynn. And Chantal Nasseri, the Access Coordinator for the Hollywood film Wicked, describes how she made every aspect of the production accessible, from transport to costumes. Presenter: Emma Tracey Producers: George Sharpe, Daniel Gordon, Alex Collins Recorded and mixed: Dave O' Neill Editors: Beth Rose, Ben Mundy

Niamdh Braid took her local council to a tribunal at the age of 16 (and won!) after they refused to provide her with a BSL interpreter in class. She tells Emma Tracey how Fife Council had argued that she was able to access her education using hearing aids and lip reading. But after an expert witness told the tribunal that Niamdh could only hear 70% of what her teachers were saying, it ruled in her favour. Also on this episode, meet Alex Mitchell, the self-described queer, autistic, disabled comedian who found fame on Britain's Got Talent. Presenter: Emma Tracey Producers: Daniel Gordon, Alex Collins, George Sharpe Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill Editors: Beth Rose and Ben Mundy

RNIB recently held an event to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of braille. The Scottish Parliament reception, organised by RNIB Scotland, marked 200 years of the tactile code which enables blind and partially sighted people to read and write. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up Emma Tracey, who is the presenter of BBC's Access All podcast, and a lifelong braille user. To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200 Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

A mum of two tells Emma Tracey about spending more than half of the family's income on her children's special educational needs (SEND).Alice moved her two daughter's to a private school after she felt they weren't being supported in state education. But, from 1 January, private schools lost their charitable status and now must pay VAT of 20% with many schools passing those costs onto parents. Alice fears her family's financial will only worsen as a result. The Department for Education (DfE) said the government was "making progress" on the issue with a £1bn investment in SEND. We also hear from Luke Sibieta, an economist from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, who shares his recent research into the state of SEND education in England.Emma also catches up with adventurer Jonny Huntington who became the first disabled person to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole.And, we meet Tina and Jack from Daylight Studio, a music charity which supports people with learning disabilities, whose song Watermelon Fantasy has been sampled by Snoop Dogg!Presented by Emma Tracey Produced by Dan Gordon and Alex Collins Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill Editor: Beth Rose

On Tuesday, 26 November 2024 RNIB along with their event partner, The British Library, hosted an official launch event celebrating 200 years of the power of braille.  This special show was recorded live at the British Library and features a panel including Lord David Blunkett, BBC journalist Emma Tracey,  singer Jane Constance and author Betsy Griffin. Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Braille 200' written at the top in white text on a pink background with a visual Braille representation of the same text below it. Across the bottom is written Powered by RNIB and EBU written in their respective logos.

Days after clinching the Strictly Come Dancing trophy, Chris McCausland chats with Access All's Emma Tracey, who is also blind. Chris talks about conquering self-doubt, the trust that went into his partnership with Strictly pro, Dianne Buswell and how his success on the show has caused positive waves far beyond the blind community. He also gives the inside track on his brand new Christmas film, Bad Tidings, with Lee Mack and the huge comedy tour he is about to embark on with 250 dates… Presenter: Emma Tracey Producers: Daniel Gordon, Alex Collins Editor: Beth Rose Sound recording and mixing: Dave O'NeillSubscribe to Access All on BBC Sounds and contact the team by emailing accessall@bbc.co.uk

The latest part of the Covid inquiry, which looks at the impact of the pandemic on the NHS, has heard powerful evidence from disabled people and their relatives for the first time. BBC Health Reporter Jim Reed — who presents The Covid Inquiry Podcast — shares some of the most poignant testimony that has been shared so far. Emma Tracey also hears from Rachael Andrews, who is partially sighted and has fibromyalgia, and Lisa Burke, whose son Seth has Duchenne muscular dystrophy about how their lives have been severely impacted by the pandemic. We also hear from roving reporter Ben Morris who has been to Belgium to learn more about some clever AI solutions for wheelchair users. Presenter: Emma Tracey Producers: Daniel Gordon, Alex Collins Audio recording and mixing: Dave O'Neill Editor: Beth Rose

More than 350 disabled people's organisations have formed a coalition to oppose the Assisted Dying Bill. The bill proposes that anyone aged over 18 in England and Wales who has a terminal illness with six months or less to live should be allowed assistance to end their lives. Safeguards within the proposals include two doctors and a high court judge approving the request.The new coalition is being led by Disability Rights UK, which despite having long held a neutral stance on the issue has now announced it opposes it.Emma Tracey speaks to DRUK Policy and Campaigns Officer, Bethany Bale and Professor Tom Shakespeare, who was one of eight disabled academics and campaigners to sign an open letter to MPs calling on them to support the bill.Also on the show – Strictly Come Dancing insider, Reece Finnegan-Knight, comes on to spill all about blind contestant Christ McCausland and THAT blackout performance.Reece himself is blind and works as an assistant producer on the show. He also runs popular TikTok account, Blind and Blonde, with his wife, Sophie, and during the interview reveals the inspiration behind their viral videos like “My Blind Boyfriend - the Stereotype edition”. Presenter: Emma Tracey Producers: Daniel Gordon, Alex Collins Editor: Beth Rose Sound recording and mixing: Dave O'Neill

The Budget is done and dusted and the US elections about to start. How do disabled people fit in to these big political events? Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her budget. Bethany Dawson from Politico and disability charity Scope's head of policy, James Taylor,talk us through the bits disabled people care about. They discuss the increase in the minimum wage and a rise in what carers can earn before their carer's allowance gets stopped. Will any of the chancellor's announcements help disabled people with their household bills? And how significant is the £1 Billion Reeves has promised for special educational needs and disabilities?The experts break it down for us. As Over 40 million disabled Americans head to the polls to vote for their next president, Trump supporter and disability policy expert Melissa Ortiz and disability activist and Harris supporter Mia Ives Rublee predict what their candidate will do for this community if they win. Our guests also give us an insight into how Trump and Harris treat disabled people when the cameras are off.. Presented by Emma Tracey Produced by Alex Collins and Emma Tracey. Edited by Damon Rose and Sara Wadeson.

Pop Idol star Gareth Gates and former Labour politician-turned-TV star, Ed Balls drop by the Access All studio to chat to Emma Tracey about living with a stammer. More than 20 years after he shot to fame on Pop Idol in 2002 Gareth talks about the new musical he is penning which is all about stammering. He has an overt or exteriorised stammer which causes him to get stuck at the start of a word and repeat the initial letter. Former politician, Ed, didn't realise he had a stammer until he was already serving in Gordon Brown's government. He has a covert stammer and describes it as a “block” which means the right words don't always come. He reveals the impact it had on political life when his rivals used it to rock the public's confidence in him and the moment he knew he had to go public. Presenter: Emma Tracey Producer: Alex Collins Editor: Beth Rose Sound: Dave O'Neill and Daniel Gordon

This week, Access All lives up to its name - we've been granted permission to go inside MI5 and meet an autistic senior intelligence officer. Liam (not his real name and voiced by an actor) tells Emma Tracey what it's like to work as a senior manager and the responsibility he feels for protecting public security. He reveals the moment he first experienced autistic burnout and the strategies he has learned to cope going forward. Liam goes on to describe the support he was offered by MI5 and his colleagues. The BBC's Security Correspondent, Gordon Corera, also drops by to give the inside story on the role of Britain's domestic intelligence agency and offers up some interesting spy stories from the past. Presenter: Emma Tracey Producer: Alex Collins Actor voicing Liam: Matthew McCloud Mixed by Dave O'Neill Editors: Beth Rose and Daniel Gordon The Access All team love hearing from you. You can email accessall@bbc.co.uk or find @bbcaccessall on X and Instagram.

New research has revealed that the quality of life for some people with learning disabilities can decline after they hit the big 4-0. Manchester Metropolitan University researchers came across cases of people who were still being cared for by their parents and others who were being sent to bed at 5pm.Emma Tracey asks lead researcher, Professor Sara Ryan why this is happening and what can be done to improve the situation.Also in this episode, Labour's Marie Tidball gives an insight into her early days in office as a high profile, newly-elected, disabled MP.Presenter Emma Tracey Producers Daniel Gordon, Alex Collins Recorded and Mixed by Dave O'Neill Editors: Beth Rose and Damon Rose

Alison Lapper was pregnant with her son Parys when she famously – and controversially – posed naked for a statue that was displayed on Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth in 2005. Alison was born with phocomelia, meaning she has no arms and shortened legs, and uses her mouth to create her artwork. Her career was tragically interrupted in 2019 when her son, Parys, died aged 19. He had developed severe mental health issues and died of an accidental overdose. In this moving interview, Alison tells Emma Tracey why it's taken her five years to start to process her grief and the exhibition she has put together about her son, called Lost in Parys. She also talks about the making of Alison Lapper: In My Own Words - a new BBC documentary about her life which you can watch on BBC iPlayer. Presenter Emma Tracey Producer Daniel Gordon Mixed by Dave O'Neill Editors: Beth Rose and Ben Mundy If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in this episodes you can visit BBC Actionline for more support. The Access All team love to hear from you. You can email accessall@bbc.co.uk or find @bbcaccessall on X and Instagram.

As the 17th summer Paralympic Games start in Paris, some of Great Britain's athletes have been going the extra mile when it comes to training by working out in a heat chamber set to 40C. But it's about more than just heat. Athletes with spinal cord injuries or limb differences don't have the same surface area through which to sweat, so the chamber is also about seeing how their bodies adapt and recover. After every session, the sweat hoover is brought out… Plus, Canadian filmmaker and activist, Kyla Harris, discusses her new BBC comedy, We Might Regret This. It follows Freya (played by Kyla) as she attempts to navigate moving to London and a romance with a silver fox lawyer. What could possibly go wrong…? Just a heads up, there is some stronger language than usual in this episode. Presented by Emma Tracey and Paul Carter Produced by Daniel Gordon, Claire Bates and Alex Collins Sound design and mixed by Dave O'Neill The editors were Beth Rose and Ben Mundy Get in touch with the team by emailing accessall@bbc.co.uk or find us on the socials @bbcaccessall

Broadcaster and writer Stephen Fry has travelled to Ukraine to see how war is impacting the country's mental health. He joins Lyse Doucet and Vitaly Shevchenko, from Access All's sister podcast Ukrainecast, to discuss his new documentary ‘Stephen Fry into Ukraine', in which he speaks to those affected and asks whether there is sufficient government support. He also reflects on his own struggles with mental health and why Ukraine matters to him. The producers were Arsenii Sokolov, Cordelia Hemming, Hatty Nash and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Rohan Madison. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith. Access All's Emma Tracey also makes an appearance with team support from Dave O'Neill and Beth Rose. You can watch ‘Stephen Fry into Ukraine' here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FO6ZJL26eM If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode you can visit BBC Action Line on www.bbc.co.uk/actionline Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast's Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

As Edinburgh's world famous arts festival continues, Emma Tracey takes to the stage at Dynamic Earth to host an episode in front of an audience. Adam Hills has presented The Last Leg for 12 years and has his face on an Australian postage stamp, but it's only now he's realising life is better when your “shoes are half full”. The comedian, who has a prosthetic foot, also gives the inside track on what he'll be doing at the Paris Paralympics. Dan Tiernan has been winning all sorts of comedy awards and is making a huge name for himself as a dyspraxic comedian. But with constant mishaps – tripping over and losing items – he wonders whether there should be tax breaks for neurodivergent people. Plus they both reveal that receiving bad news is often good news for a comedian who has a show to write…something Dan discovered when he was recently diagnosed with gout at the tender age of 28… Recorded by, and with thanks, to the BBC Edinburgh Festivals team Mixed by Dave O'Neill Produced by Claire Bates and Alex Collins The Editors were Beth Rose and Ben Mundy Email: accessall@bbc.co.uk, find us on BBC Sounds and your smart speakers and follow us on X and Instagram as @bbcaccessall

Edinburgh's world famous arts festival is in full swing with Emma Tracey in the Scottish capital to put on a show at Dynamic Earth in front of an audience. Comedian and host of The Political Party podcast, Matt Forde, reflects on joining the disability club just 12 months ago after receiving life-changing news at last year's Fringe. He also throws in a few impressions of politicians you'll be very familiar with… And Blue Peter's 42nd presenter, Abby Cook, gives us the lowdown on life as the first physically disabled presenter and the terrifying challenge she had to complete to get her badge... Recorded by, and with thanks to the BBC Edinburgh Festivals team. Mixed by Dave O'Neill Produced by Claire Bates and Alex Collins The Editors were Beth Rose and Ben Mundy Email: Accessall@bbc.co.uk and Google us for the latest transcript. Find us on BBC Sounds and smart speakers and follow us on X and Instagram - @bbcaccessall .

Research published by the UK parliament has revealed that talking therapies provided by the NHS, including counselling, are less effective for people from ethnic minorities compared to people from a white background.   Emma Tracey hears the experience of Ayisha, a British Pakistani woman with mental health difficulties. Emma also talks to clinical psychologist Dr Habah Hassan, who outlines some of the reasons that underly this reduced success rate.   Also on the show, the blind, British model who's walking down the catwalk at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Lastly, we profile track and field star, Hollie Arnold, ahead of the Paris Paralympics.Presenter Emma TraceyProduction by Daniel Gordon, Alex Collins and Claire BatesRecorded by Dafydd EvansMixed by Ben MundyEdited by Ben Mundy and Beth Rose

It is known as the land of the “fair go” but some disabled people hoping to move to Australia are having their visa applications rejected because of presumed costs around their health care. Emma Tracey speaks to the BBC's Australia correspondent, Katy Watson, who experienced this policy first hand when filing paperwork for her son who has Down's syndrome. And Jonathon Wales, who planned to move to Australia for a dream job, says his family's hopes were crushed when their plans were halted because his son is autistic. And we hear about the legislative review that is looking into this. Also in this episode, Dominique Davis - aka Variety D - talks about how it feels to perform on stage as a black, female, disabled comic.

It's the summer of sport, with Wimbledon and the Euros underway and the Olympics and Paralympics to come. The charity Level Playing Field, which advocates for disabled sports fans, says the sporting action has brought with it an increase in disability hate speech online and in stadiums. Emma Tracey speaks to Tony Taylor from Level Playing Field and Willoughby Ellson, a player from Norwich City's cerebral palsy team which recently won the FA Disability CP Cup in a match against Chelsea Foundation. Also in this episode, Emma speaks to American social media influencer Rachel Chaleff, also known as Keet. Her social media videos about life with Tourette's syndrome are watched by millions of followers. Presenter Emma Tracey Production by Daniel Gordon and Alex Collins Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill Edited by Ben Mundy and Beth Rose

Emma Tracey has a long association with In Touch and is now the presenter of the BBC disability and mental health podcast "Access All". Emma has been speaking to politicians ahead of the general election about issues affecting disabled people. We welcome her back to tell us what she learned, including about issues specific to the blind and visually impaired community.Andrew Hesser is fascinated by wildlife. Indeed, his curiosity of creatures set him on a mission to identify ways of giving blind people like himself the tools to better understand what animals look and feel like. Andrew has collaborated with the British Library in London on his work and we visited him there to find out more about his plans. Presenter: Peter White Producer: Fern Lulham Production Coordinator: David BaguleyWebsite image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.'

Emma Tracey interviews representatives from all the major parties to find out what they are pledging when it comes to disability and mental health, ahead of the general election on 4 July. In this edition, we hear from Mags Lewis of the Green Party and Liz Saville Roberts from Plaid Cymru. Reform UK did not put forward a representative for this interview. Instead, BBC Political Correspondent, David Cornock, has taken a look at Reform UK's manifesto to discuss what the party is planning. Kate Lamble, from More or Less, a Radio 4 programme all about numbers, also offers some analysis on how the plans add up. Production: Daniel Gordon, Alex Collins and Natasha Mayo Sound recording and editing: Dave O'Neill Editors: Farhana Haider and Beth Rose At the time of recording, all the statistics provided by the Disability Policy Centre, around the number of disabled candidates were correct. The DPC says it will continue to collate the information and will have a final tally shortly after the election. Get in touch, we really want to hear from you. You can email us at accessall@bbc.co.uk or message @bbcaccessall on X or Instagram. Our WhatsApp number is 0330 123 9480, please begin your message with the word ACCESS.

Emma Tracey interviews representatives from all the major parties to find out what they are pledging when it comes to disability and mental health, ahead of the general election on 4 July. In this edition, we hear from Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, and Marion Fellows, disabilities spokesperson for the Scottish National Party. Kate Lamble, from More or Less, a Radio 4 programme all about numbers, also offers some analysis on how the plans add up. Production: Daniel Gordon, Alex Collins and Natasha Mayo Sound recording and editing: Dave O'Neill Editors: Farhana Haider and Beth RoseAt the time of recording, all the statistics provided by the Disability Policy Centre, around the number of disabled candidates were correct. The DPC says it will continue to collate the information and will have a final tally shortly after the election.Get in touch, we really want to hear from you. You can email us at accessall@bbc.co.uk or message @bbcaccessall on X or Instagram. Our WhatsApp number is 0330 123 9480, please begin your message with the word ACCESS.

Emma Tracey interviews representatives from all the major parties to find out what they are pledging when it comes to disability and mental health, ahead of the general election on 4 July.In this edition, we hear from Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the Labour Party.Kate Lamble, from More or Less, a Radio 4 programme all about numbers, also offers some analysis on how the plans add up.Production: Daniel Gordon, Alex Collins and Natasha MayoSound recording and editing: Dave O'NeillEditors: Farhana Haider and Beth RoseAt the time of recording, all the statistics provided by the Disability Policy Centre, around the number of disabled candidates were correct. The DPC says it will continue to collate the information and will have a final tally shortly after the election.Get in touch, we really want to hear from you. You can email us at accessall@bbc.co.uk or message @bbcaccessall on X or Instagram. Our WhatsApp number is 0330 123 9480, please begin your message with the word ACCESS.

Emma Tracey interviews representatives from all the major parties to find out what they are pledging when it comes to disability and mental health, ahead of the general election on 4 July.In this edition, we hear from Mims Davies, the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work for the Conservative Party. Kate Lamble, from More or Less, a Radio 4 programme all about numbers, also offers some analysis on how the plans add up.Production: Daniel Gordon, Alex Collins and Natasha MayoSound recording and editing: Dave O'NeillEditors: Farhana Haider and Beth RoseAt the time of recording, all the statistics provided by the Disability Policy Centre, around the number of disabled candidates were correct. The DPC says it will continue to collate the information and will have a final tally shortly after the election.Get in touch, we really want to hear from you. You can email us at accessall@bbc.co.uk or message @bbcaccessall on X or Instagram. Our WhatsApp number is 0330 123 9480, please begin your message with the word ACCESS.

BBC Scotland political reporter Ian Hamilton joins Emma Tracey on this week's podcast. Both of them are blind and they discuss why they and other blind people can't confidently vote in secret.They talk about the pitfalls of tactile voting templates and share their experiences of polling station staff. They also consider whether technology might offer a solution in the future. Also on the show: Britain's fastest deaf swimmer, 25-year-old Nathan Young, on his 1,000 day campaign to persuade politicians to fund his bid to compete in next year's Deaflympics.Presented by Emma Tracey Production by Daniel Gordon and Alex Collins Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill The editor was Farhana HaiderIs there is an election issue affecting disabled people you think we should be talking about? Get in touch, we really want to hear from you. You can email us mailto:accessall@bbc.co.uk or message @bbcaccessall on Twitter/X or Instagram. Our WhatsApp number is 0330 123 9480, please begin your message with the word ACCESS.

We hear what it's like to live with a disability in a war zone.Boshra is an 18-year-old woman who lives in Gaza and has muscular dystrophy. She and Oleksii, a man with a learning disability from Ukraine, share their experiences with presenter Emma Tracey. Emma also speaks to George Graham, CEO of Humanity and Inclusion, a charity which supports disabled people living in conflict areas. Presenter Emma Tracey Production by Daniel Gordon and Alex Collins Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill Special thanks to Irena Taranyuk, BBC Ukrainian Service Edited by Farhana HaiderIs there an election issue affecting disabled people you think we should be talking about? Get in touch, we really want to hear from you. You can email us accessall@bbc.co.uk or message @bbcaccessall on Twitter/X or Instagram. Our WhatsApp number is 0330 123 9480, please begin your message with the word ACCESS.

The launch of Chat GPT-4o is already making it easier for blind and visually impaired people to live independent lives, and promises to open up accessibility for people with many other disabilities. Emma Tracey gathers a panel of experts, featuring technology journalist Paul Carter; the CEO of Be My Eyes Mike Buckley; and Professor Annalu Waller, Director of the Augmentative and Alternate Communication Research Group at the University of Dundee. They discuss what the technology might mean for disabled people – considering not only the advantages, but also the potential downsides. Also in this episode, Emma takes part in a workshop called Hair&Care, where visually impaired people learn to style their own hair.Presenter Emma Tracey Production by Daniel Gordon and Alex Collins Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill Edited by Ben Mundy

Mims Davies knows first-hand about disability having been a carer for her dad after he sustained a head injury. But how is the Minster for Disabled people, Health and Work faring in the job? In an extended interview, Emma Tracey quizzes her on a variety of topics including the government's decision to make people on a modest income pay back money for over-claiming Carer's Allowance. The minister responds to claims by a United Nations committee that the UK is failing in its duty to give disabled people dignity in life and work. Plus it's a year since the British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board first met to advise the government on key issues impacting BSL users in the deaf community. What has it achieved so far?Presenter Emma TraceyThe episode was made by Alex Collins, Daniel Gordon and Drew HyndmanRecorded and mixed by Dave O'NeillThe editors were Damon Rose and Alex Lewis

Activism has been a part of Liz Carr's career since the start, particularly when it comes to assisted dying, also known as assisted suicide. She's made a documentary on the world service, and even a musical on the topic, and now she has a new BBC documentary, provocatively named Better Off Dead? In this special episode, Liz chats to Emma about making the documentary including: seeing how it works in Canada, her fears about abuse and her sympathy for terminally ill people. "Alexa, ask the BBC for Access All" is one way of listening to us; subscribing on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts is another. Access All was made by: Daniel Gordon, Drew Hyndman and Alex Collins. The editor is Alex Lewis, senior editor Sam Bonham, the presenter is Emma Tracey. It was recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill.

The government has published its consultation on changes to the Personal Independence Payment benefit, PIP. Emma Tracey asks Scope's Head of Policy James Taylor for his analysis. With GCSEs, A-levels and other exams starting this month, Emma speaks to one of the people responsible for working out exam access arrangements for students who need it. Here's where you get the lowdown on extended time, breaks, alternative quiet exam rooms, prompters etc that you or your child may be given, from someone on the ground right now fixing it all - Martine Chapman Special Literacy Teacher at Dorothy Stringer School in Brighton. And, How To Do Life with a Chronic Illness is the title of Pippa Stacey's new book. Pippa has ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and she tells Emma that she likes to focus on things you CAN do and how you can do them, rather than concentrating on medical matters. "Alexa, ask the BBC for Access All" is one way of listening to us; subscribing on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts is another. Access All was made by: Niamh Hughes, Drew Hyndman and Alex Collins. The editor is Damon Rose, senior editor Sam Bonham, the presenter is Emma Tracey. It was recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill.

Emma Tracey speaks to the mother of a 35 year old woman with learning disabilities who she says has been living “unnecessarily” in a mental health facility for 10 years. She says there is no reason for her to be living there and that it's due to lack of appropriate housing and care in the community We also hear from autistic author Alexis Quinn who also feels let down by the system but is living in her own home now. Dan Scorer from Mencap shines some light on the situation as the government misses its own target to bring down the numbers. Mencap analysis shows almost 1500 learning disabled or autistic people are inappropriately leading restricted lives in hospital. Last week prime minister Rishi Sunak outlined the Conservative's plans to change work and Personal Independent Payments (PIP) benefits if they win the pending general election. Talk of benefits change is always concerning and Drew Hyndman from the Access All team combs through what he said and puts it in perspective. Activist Shani Dhanda is presently the number one most influential disabled person in the UK according to Shaw Trust's Power 100 list. As the proud Brummy starts a new programme on the BBC's Asian Network, she talks to us about her journey to understanding what being disabled means. Access All was made by Niamh Hughes, Alex Collins, Drew Hyndman, and edited by Damon Rose and Alex Lewis. Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill. The Senior Editor is Sam Bonham. "Alexa, ask the BBC for Access All" to play the latest episode. Or subscribe on BBC Sounds app or website.

Today, we look at a new report which says the NHS cannot meet “avalanche” of demand for autism and ADHD services. Why has there been a five-fold rise in people waiting to see an autism specialist? Why has there been a 51% increase in prescriptions for ADHD medication? Adam is joined by Access All presenter, Emma Tracey, Chief Executive of the Nuffield Trust, Thea Stein and autistic and ADHD creator, writer and consultant, Ellie Middleton.And US President Joe Biden tells Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that US support for Israel depends on 'steps to address civilian harm and suffering' after seven aid workers were killed in Gaza. But what more pressure are the US and UK willing, and able, to put on Israel? BBC US special correspondent, Katty Kay and diplomatic correspondent, James Landale, bring us up to date. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Gemma Roper and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Tom Shakespeare is Access All presenter Emma Tracey's special guest for an Easter spectacular edition of the podcast.He talks about becoming a novelist for the first time in his 50s, and why he created a disabled character to be the hero of his first non-fiction book. He also discusses the work he is better known for - a lifetime of disability activism and research - and his profile as a commentator on issues that affect disabled people. The episode was made by Daniel Gordon, with Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey. The editor is Alex Lewis. Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill.To get in touch with the team, email accessall@bbc.co.uk or find us on X, @bbcaccessall .

Heartstopper star Bradley Riches lifts the lid on how he coped with having autism as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother. Also on the show: the inventor of a new dating app which he says is fully neuro-diverse friendly.The episode was made by Daniel Gordon with Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey. Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill. The editor is Alex Lewis. To get in touch with the team email accessall@bbc.co..uk or find us on X, @bbcaccessall.

The UN in Geneva questions the UK government on its commitment to disabled people. We speak to two people who followed the proceedings - disability reporter Rachel Charlton-Dailey and Rensa Gaunt from Inclusion London, which campaigns for equality for deaf and disabled people.Actress and broadcaster Madison Tevlin on challenging assumptions about disabled people - and why having Down's Syndrome is her least interesting trait.Plus Don Biswas talks neurodiverse comedy.The episode was made by Daniel Gordon with Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey. The editor is Alex Lewis. Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill. To get in touch with the team email accessall@bbc.co..uk or find us on X, @bbcaccessall. Don't forget to subscribe by finding us on BBC Sounds.

In this episode, Emma Tracey gets reaction to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's spending plans from Fazilet Hadi of Disability Rights UK. Plus Stephen Kingdom from the Disabled Children's Partnership on the Budget announcement that £105 million is to be spent on building schools for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. There's also an interview with Henry Fraser. Once an aspiring rugby player, he was paralysed from the neck down in a diving accident and has since become famous for painting using his mouth and a specially-adapted paint brush.The episode was made by Daniel Gordon with Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey. The editor is Alex Lewis. Recorded by Hannah Montgomery. Sound design by Dave O'Neill. To get in touch with the team email accessall@bbc.co..uk or find us n X, @bbcaccessall. Don't forget to subscribe by finding us on BBC Sounds.

The ADHD medication shortage is still not over – and promises made by the main manufacturer and the government to fix the problem by April are being questioned.Drugs prescribed to help manage the condition – and one in particular, called Elvanse – have been in short supply since last year. People who have ADHD – Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder – find it hard to focus on single tasks as a result.Access All hears from people who are struggling to carry on working without the drugs they rely on.The world's shortest comedian – Tanyalee Davis – also drops in to talk about her new show.The episode was made by Daniel Gordon with Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey. The news editor is Alex Lewis.Recorded by Dave O'Neill. Sound design by Dave O'Neill.To get in touch with the team email accessall@bbc.co..uk or find us n X, @bbcaccessall. Don't forget to subscribe by finding us on BBC Sounds.