Podcasts about rnib connect radio

The latest RNIB Voice of the Customer survey is focusing on the experiences of blind and partially sighted people around volunteering.  The Research and Insight Team would like to hear about your motivations, barriers, and what might encourage you to volunteer. Even if you don't volunteer, your input is invaluable in understanding your decisions and what could inspire you to get involved with a volunteering opportunity in the future. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Robin Kay, RNIB Research and Insight Officer to find out more about the Voice of the Customer Survey and why this time the team are looking at volunteering as a blind or partially sighted person.  To find out more about the Voice of the Customer Survey, take part and give your comments and feedback on volunteering do either email customervoice@rnib.org.uk or fill in the following online form - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RW39PQJ  (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Jennifer Murray chats to Barry Williamson from Causeway Talking News based in Northern Ireland to find out more. If you would like to reach out to Barry Williamson regarding the talking newspaper, you can contact him in the following ways: Barry Williamson's Email Address: barry.williamson@outlook.com Bary Williamson's Mobile Number:  07843847751 Image description: 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.

Jennifer Murray catches up with Robin Finlay the Chair of Argyll Talking Newspapers. Robin Finlay can be contacted on the following number should you wish to get in touch with Argyll Talking Newspapers: 01546602718 Image description: 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.

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 12th till 18th of May, and this year we focus on the importance of community in supporting individual wellbeing. Joining us now to talk about how you could connect with a community that understands what it is like to live with sight loss, is Trish Sail Peer to Peer Coordinator at RNIB. Find out about RNIB's Connect Facebook groups here: Connect Facebook groups | RNIB 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.

Andrew Pettigrew speaks to Jennifer Murray about his hearing and sight loss and the many different things he does. Image description: 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: The Devil Wears Prada - Thursday 15 May, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Dominion Theatre, London Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One & Two - Saturday 17 may, Part One 2pm, Part Two 7pm, touch tour 11am, Palace theatre, London Six the Musical - Saturday 31 May, 4pm, touch tour 2.30pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester Dealer's Choice - Saturday 31 May, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Donmar Warehouse, London Shucked - Saturday 7 June, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Regent's Park Open air 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 (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about progress on the Accessible Health Information Standard, an ask for your feedback if you voted in the English elections on May 1st and some exciting news for RNIB Connect Radio. 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 device to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect Image Shows Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, Wearing a Glasses And A Grey Jacket

Did you know there are more statues of animals in Edinbugh than Women?  Theatre company F-bomb have a new theatre show dedicated to women who made the city, including a visually impaired saint. Amelia learns more from writer and founder of Visually Impaired Creators Scotland (VICS) 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 the 28th of April 2025, Spain was one of a couple of countries effected by a massive blackout/power cut. Jennifer Murray chats to visually impaired Javier Rodriguez to learn about his experience of the blackout and how it affected him. Image description: 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.

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 the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have the multi-award winning musical ‘Chicago' as the current UK tour visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description by Professional Audio Describer Anne Hornsby. About ‘Chicago' ‘CHICAGO', the "sexiest musical ever" (Metro) is currently on it's UK tour starring Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancer and TV Star Janette Manrara (It Takes Two, Burn The Floor, Glee) as Roxie Hart, West End and TV star Brenda Edwards (Loose Women, Chicago, The X Factor) as Matron ‘Mama' Morton and West End leading man Dan Burton (Gypsy, The Mousetrap, White Christmas) as Billy Flynn. With 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations, ‘CHICAGO' truly is “SUPERB” (Daily Telegraph). Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids. Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, ‘it's sexy, sassy score with one show-stopping song after another includes “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”. With 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations, ‘CHICAGO' truly is “SUPERB” (Daily Telegraph). For more about the UK tour of ‘Chicago' along with dates and times of performances near you do visit - https://chicagothemusical.com/uk-tour/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Something for the Weekend highlights the best in accessible audio content each week. Hear Hannah Sweeney's picks of unmissable content here. Image description: 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 8 May 1945, after almost six years of brutal war, Germany finally surrendered to the Allies, and Victory in Europe was declared. 'VE Day 80: After the Darkness' is a new Blind Veterans UK online exhibition featuring the extraordinary first-hand accounts from a number of Blind Veterans who were there on the day. Each story is also accompanied by a wonderful illustration by award-winning Artist and Illustrator Martin Impy which is also described on the website too.  RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Martin to firstly find out about his own family's experiences of WWII and VE-Day along with any previous connections he may have had with Blind Veterans UK. Then Martin talks about his illustrations for VE Day 80: After the Darkness and how he worked on the illustrations for Blind Veteran Derrick and Matt's stories that feature in the online exhibition. Derrick was a pilot during WWII, shot down over Italy and by taking a wrong turn ended up being captured, spending over a year as a Prisoner of War and forced to march across Germany in freezing conditions.   Matt was serving with the SAS behind enemy lines in Italy and no grand announcements or celebrations for him on VE Day. The audio clips from VE-Day 80: After the Darkness and Martin's illustration have been included with the kind permission of Blind Veterans UK and by Martin Impy.  You will find all of the Blind Veterans UK first hand VE Day stories along with Martin's wonderful illustrations by visiting - https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/news-stories/ve-day-80-after-the-darkness/ And for more about Martin, his work and his new illustrated book ‘BLITZ One Family's War' then do visit his website - https://martinimpey.com If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then do get in touch with Blind Veterans UK by calling 0800 389 7979 or visit their website - https://www.blindveterans.org.uk Image shows Derrick standing in the foreground of a prisoner of war camp, calm but alert. Around him, fellow airmen mill about under the watchful gaze of a guard tower. There's music, chatter and movement - but no certainty yet of what tomorrow will bring.

What would be your first snack after running a marathon? Amelia spoke to Caroline who just completed the London marathon to raise money for RNIB about her experience… Learn more about running for RNIB next year here - Run the London Marathon 2026 for RNIB | RNIB 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. 

Would you like to learn all about East Lothian Messenger Talking News? Well, Jennifer Murray chats to Veronica Wallace to find out more. You can contact Veronica Wallace on either of the following phone numbers: Landline: 01368830363 Personal Mobile: 07879870232 Image description: 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.

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. 

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. 

With technology advancing and volunteer numbers declining, Jennifer Murray chats to James Walton about the impact this is having on Bolton Newstalk. You can visit Bolton Newstalk's website and listen to their podcasts. The link to Bolton Newstalk's website is: Bolton Newstalk They can be contacted by email at the following email address: newstalk@icloud.com It is also possible to listen to the talking newspaper via phone. The paper is also available by calling 01204 226336, this service is for people who do not have internet access or a smart phone. Image description: 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.

Barry Snell catches up with a former soldier Tony Haskey, who has been getting creative with ways to remember our fallen soldiers and also to raise money for the charity Blind Veterans 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. 

What is international dawn chorus day? How did May Day celebrations begin? Amelia is here to fill you in with the May Almanac. 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. 

We do hear a lot about new medicines being released but what about if you have a reaction or a side effect to that new medicine? For this week's regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about reactions and side affects to new medicines Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey all about how the health authorities gather information about side effects and reactions to new medicines.  Then Elizabeth talked about how we as members of the general public can report any side effects we might be experiencing from new medicines and whether there is more care taken with new medicines that our on the market. Finally Toby asked Elizabeth whether she had ever reported a side effect to a new medicine that a patient may have been prescribed. For more about using the Yellow Card system to report any reactions or side affects you might be experiencing from a new medicine do visit - https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.co Image:  Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Barry Snell caught up with charity fundraiser Blind Dave Heeley who recently completed his 17th & final London Marathon. An emotional Dave, who was was joined for the race by his 3 daughters, feels it was a fitting way to bow 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. 

Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we sit down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt began by talking about the DCC (Disability Charity Consortium) meeting with the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) on how the DCC work with the DWP going forward covering topics like the review into employment, then to news about the RNIB Grimaldi Building winning the Disability Smart Accessibility Built Environment Award, a thank you to all the RNIB runners in the London Marathon and as people in England cast their vote in the local elections (1 May 2025) a reminder for listeners to give feedback on how they found the voting experience as a visually impaired person. 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 device to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect Image shows a smiling Matt

Jennifer Murray chats to Kate Charles, Chief Executive of VisionPK, a sensory impairment charity based in Perth, Scotland. If you would like to learn more about VisionPK or contact them, you can do so in the following ways: VisionPK's Website: Home - VisionPK VisionPK's Email Address: info@visionpk.org.uk Phone: 01738626969 Image description: 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 the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they're working on. This month's topics include work to stop financially detrimental changes to some welfare payments and we look ahead to a couple of projects that you can get involved in. If you'd like more information on campaigns or want to get involved , email campaigns@rnib.org.uk You can visit rnib.org.uk/news  or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 Follow @RNIB_Campaigns on X or search your socials for RNIB Campaigns #RNIBConnect Images Shows RNIB Logo

Tim has been a volunteer with RNIB for over 20 years.  He told Amelia about his most memorable experiences, how his role has changed, and why volunteering is so beneficial to him. 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. 

Ellen Renton is a poet, performer and play-wright with albinism. She recently received An Unlimited UK Partner Award 2025 commission with Imaginate and funding from Creative Scotland. She told Amelia about her career and upcoming theatre project, PALS, A musical theatre piece for blind and partially blind children. Learn more about Ellen on her website - Ellen Renton Learn more about PALS on the Unlimited website - Pals 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. 

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 the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have the brand new stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman OBE's novel 'Pig Heart Boy' as the touring production visited the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Faith Florence Agaba. About Pig Heart Boy: Based on the novel by Malorie Blackman. Adapted by Winsome Pinnock Is it better to have a pig's heart that works … than a human heart that doesn't? Cameron is thirteen, and all he wants is to be normal – have friends, go to school, and dive to the bottom of his local swimming pool. But he desperately needs a heart transplant and time is running out. When he's finally offered a new heart, Cameron must choose how far he'll go to get his life back. From the multi award-winning writer Malorie Blackman OBE, author of Noughts and Crosses, this brilliant novel is brought to life in a brand-new adaptation by Winsome Pinnock, and is directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu. Pig Heart Boy was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and adapted by the BBC into a Bafta award-winning TV series. For Ages 9 – 13yrs. For more about the tour of ‘Pig Heart Boy' including details of Venus, dates and times of performances near you do visit - https://www.pigheartboyplay.co.uk To find out more about access at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre do visit the access pages of their website - https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/access/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Would you like to learn all about Pendle Voice? Well Jennifer Murray chats to Luke Howarth, chair of the Talking Newspaper, to find out more. If you would like to contact Pendle Voice, you can do so in the following ways: Website: Talking Newspaper – Talking Newspaper Email Address: admin@pendlevoice.mytn.uk  Image description: 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.

Physics Graduate Eilidh Morrison has a huge passion for outer space and the wider universe, she has been sharing her story with RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell 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. 

Hubert went along to the 32nd BBS UK Annual Conference which took place in Northampton and aims to support friends and family, and people with the genetic syndrome BBS. There he spoke to Professor Phil Beales about the genetic side of the syndrome, plus about a therapy that's being worked on to help the vision loss side of the syndrome. 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. 

In this podcast, Hubert is back at the BBS UK Annual Conference 2025 in Northampton, as he chats to Dr Elizabeth Forsythe about a new drug being tried out which could help with another aspect of the genetic syndrome BBS. 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. 

Returning to this years BBS UK Annual Conference, Hubert grabbed a word with chair of trustees Emma Hughes to get her closing thoughts on her first conference as chair of trustees. 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. 

Jennifer Murray chats to Michael May from Mid-Ulster Talking Newspaper, based in Northern Ireland. If you would like to contact Michael directly, you can email him on: m.smay@btinternet.com  Image description: 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.

Will the rapid growth in independent eye care services put patients with more complex eye conditions at greater risk of losing their sight?   With increasing numbers of NHS Eye consultants taking on more private work such as cataract operations this could mean fewer NHS appointments being available for patients with more complex conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration which in turn could cause a crisis point in eye care services. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Ben Burton, Consultant Ophthalmologist and President of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists to discuss some of the concerns the College has about the growth of independent practices taking on more cataract work and what this means for patients with complex eye conditions who need more urgent eye appointments which would in turn prevent more people from losing their sight and what can be done to stop this potential crisis point in eye care services. To find out more about The Royal College of Ophthalmologists do visit their website - https://www.rcophth.ac.uk (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by RNIB Project Support Officer Ian White to find out more about the up-coming RNIB Scotland Living With Sight Loss Information Event on the Isle of Arran on Friday 23 May 2025. Ian explains to Toby more about the event, who it is for, the other organisations and assistive technology manufacturers who will be joining RNIB Scotland on the day. To find out more about RNIB Scotland do visit the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/nations/scotland/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

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 the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we are taken back to Liverpool in the 1980s with James Graham's powerful new stage adaptation of Alan Bleasdale's BAFTA award-winning TV series Boys from the Blackstuff direct from the National Theatre and London's West End as the touring production visited the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About Boys from the Blackstuff Gizza job. Go on, gizzit. 80s Liverpool. Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser are used to hard work and providing for their families. But there is no work and there is no money. What are they supposed to do? Work harder, work longer, buy cheaper, spend less? They just need a chance. Life is tough but the lads can play the game. Find jobs, avoid the ‘sniffers' and see if you can have a laugh along the way.  James Graham's powerful new adaptation of Alan Bleasdale's BAFTA award-winning TV series is directed by Kate Wasserberg and comes to The Rep direct from the National Theatre and the West End. Boys from the Blackstuff continues on it's tour of the UK and more details about the show including venues, dates and times of performances can be found by visiting - https://boysfromtheblackstuff.com For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about a group of charities meeting with DWP to look at employment, Team RNIB taking on London Marathon on Sunday, and finally he looks ahead to accessible voting for the English local elections. 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 device to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect Image Shows  Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, Wearing Glasses And A Grey Jacket

Jennifer Murray chats to Helen McIntosh from Mid Devon Messenger to learn more. If you would like to contact Mid Devon Messenger, you can do so in the following ways: Website:   Mid Devon Messenger | A Talking Newspaper for the Visually Impaired Email Address:   helen@middevonmessenger.org.uk Mobile: 07834688838 Image description: 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.

 A new public speaking club is launching in Glasgow and blind and partially sighted people are invited to come along. Joining Paulina Kuchorew to tell us more about it, is Conor Joseph, who is a Community Coordinator with RNIB Scotland. 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.

Our David Hogg speaks to professional photographer Karren Visser about their love of photography, how they take photographs with sight loss and some career highlights so far. 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.

Tales from the 15th Floor by blind composer Micheal Stimpson reflects on his time in intensive care at Charing Cross Hospital after a life-changing illness that left him blind will have it's UK premier during a concert celebrating Creativity in Hospitals to thank the NHS in aid of Horatio's Garden on Friday 2 May 2025 at Sinfonia Smith Square in London. Michael talks to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey about his time in hospital, waking up after the life changing illness that left him unconscious and paralysed in intensive care at Charring Cross hospital for about four and a half months, how he turned those experiences in hospital into the 3 movements of Tales from the 15th Floor and why he is putting on the concert featuring it's UK premier on Friday 2 May 2025 at Sinfonia Smith Square, London ‘Celebrating Creativity in Hospitals', thanking the NHS and in aid of Horatio's Garden an organisation and place that is close to his heart. To find out more about the concert Celebrating Creativity in Hospitals featuring the UK premier of Tales from the 15th Floor at Sinfonia Smith Square, London, Friday 2 May 2025 do visit - https://www.sinfoniasmithsq.org.uk/event/celebrating-creativity-in-hospitals/ For more about Michael Simpson and his work including Tales from the 15th Floor do visit his website - https://www.michaelstimpson.co.uk And to find out more about Horatio's Garden do visit their website - https://www.horatiosgarden.org.uk (Image shows Michael sat at a desk in front of a large book with a pen in his hand and looking towards the camera)

Jennifer Murray catches up with Pam Downing to learn all about Reading Talking News. Image description: 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.

UK sight loss charity RNIB, runs monthly Campaigns Groups to help inform and carry out their campaigning strategies. They're looking for more blind and partially sighted people to get involved and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Clay Nash, from RNIB, to find out more… If you'd like to get involved, email campaigns@rnib.org.uk or call 0303 123 9999 #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background RNIB In Bold Black Letters With A Solid Pink Line Below

Now for the next in our regular slots here on RNIB Connect Radio highlighting what is on offer at the National Theatre in London for blind and partially sighted people with audio description. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined again by David Bellwood, Head of Access at the National Theatre to chat about a few up-coming audio described shows at the NT and a couple that are available online with audio description via NTatHome.com. Audio described performances included:  Here We Are - Saturday 31 May, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.15pm and Thursday 26 June, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre London Road - Friday 20 June, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National Theatre's Olivier Theatre Nye - Saturday 26 July, 2pm, touch tour 12noon and Friday 8 August, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National Theatre's Olivier Theatre From NTAtHome.com with audio description David recommended ‘Life of Pi' and ‘The Other Place'. To find out more about the National Theatre's audio description offer and services for blind and partially sighted people do either call the NT on 020 7452 3961 or visit the NT website - https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk And for more about NTatHome.com and to view many theatre productions online with audio description do visit - https://www.ntathome.com (Image shows National Theatre logo, A capital N and T in black against a white background)

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 the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have the smash-hit musical that is ‘Only Fools and Horses The Musical' as the current tour visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Ellie Packer.  About ‘Only Fools and Horses The Musical' The smash hit show ‘Only Fools and Horses the Musical- is on a UK tour direct from a record-breaking four-year sold-out run-in London's West End – featuring Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, Cassandra, Raquel, Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Denzil, Mickey Pearce. Starring comedy legend Paul Whitehouse reprising his role as Grandad and based on John Sullivan's legendary television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown musical spectacular features cherished material from Britain's best loved TV series.  With a script and original score written by John's son, Jim Sullivan, and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain's most lovable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life on stage through an ingenious script and 20 hilarious songs. So take a trip back in time, where it's all kicking off in Peckham. While the yuppie invasion of London is in full swing, love is in the air as Del Boy sets out on the rocky road to find his soul mate, Rodney and Cassandra prepares to say ‘I do', and even Trigger is gearing up for a date (with a person!). Meanwhile, Boycie and Marlene give parenthood one final shot and Grandad takes stock of his life and decides the time has finally arrived to get his piles sorted. With musical contributions from the iconic Chas & Dave, the beloved theme tune as you have never heard it before, and an array of brand-new songs full of character and cockney charm, you're guaranteed to have a right ol' knees-up!   For more about ‘Only Fools and Horses The Musical' along with details of venues, dates and times of performances do visit - https://onlyfoolsonstage.com (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

With the up-coming local elections in England on 1 May 2025 RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Tom Skelton, RNIB policy Officer and lead on accessible voting to explain all about how to request reasonable adjustments at the polling station to make the experience as accessible as possible for blind and partially sighted people. Tom outlines the types of accessible voting that you can request to have at the polling station, the forms  of ID that you now need to show when turning up to cast your vote and how the RNIB would like to hear about your experiences of voting in the England local elections on 1 May 2025 as a blind or partially sighted person.  You will find out more about how to request reasonable adjustments when voting, the types of accessible voting and much more by visiting the following pages of the RNIB website: Voting and elections: what you need to know | RNIB | RNIB 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. 

Would you like to learn all about Sound Around Ards Talking Newspaper? Well Jennifer Murray chats to Alison Coyle to find out more. If you would like to contact Sound Around Ards Talking Newspaper, you can do so in the following ways: Sound Arounds Ards Email Address: soundaroundards@outlook.com  Mobile: 07977473080 Image description: 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.

Josh Loebner, PhD, has 20 years of experience in advertising and inclusive design.  He is partially sighted and supports global brand initiatives centring on inclusive design, disability, and accessibility. He also does research focused on greater disability inclusion within integrated marketing campaigns, and the advertising creative process. Here he is talking to Amelia about his career so far and the changes he's experienced in the industry. 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 looking for some accessible easter fun?  The Farm at Wellsgreen are hosting are bleeping egg hunt this Friday from 3 to 7 pm. Amelia learned more from Pete about the farm and how you can enjoy searching for chocolate. Learn more on their website - The Farm at Wellsgreen | Farm Visits, Farm Walks and Events in Fife 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. 

Ramadan is traditionally observed through visual cues like moon sightings and printed prayer timetables. Bank Al Etihad and VML Jordan have created a wearable tactile calendar to support blind and partially sighted Muslims engage in traditions independently. Amelia spoke to Basel Jumaa, Executive Creative Director, and Josh Loebner, Global Head of Inclusive Design, 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.