Podcasts about rnib connect radio

Hair & Care CIC have created a short film called 'Beyond Vision' in collaboration with director Hector Hilleary. Thery also held a panel conversation, moderated by Maliha Shoaib with panellists including Broadcaster and Activist Lucy Edwards, Designer Chet Lo, Beauty Director Alex Peters from Dazed Beauty, Jane Manley who is a Deaf Blind Social Media Analyst at the RNIB, and Hair & Care founder Anna Cofone. Amelia spoke to Fiona Quinn, Business Development, PR & Marketing Manager, to hear the evening went, Learn more about Hair & Care on their website - Hair&Care | Self care Workshops for the Visually Impaired Community in Greater London 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.

University of Limerick Graduate, Leah Shanahan, has designed a prototype for a fully accessible pregnancy test based on feedback from blind and partially sighted women. Amelia learned more about the development and creation of the test. Find Leah on linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-ni-sheanachain/ 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. 

Remember A Charity Week is running from the 8th to 14th September this year, and is an opportunity for everyone to take a moment to consider leaving a gift to charity in their will, after looking after family and friends.  This year's campaign celebrates the funny moments, interesting hobbies and unique quirks that we remember and cherish about our loved ones. Amelia spoke to Helen Smith, Head of Supporter Experience at RNIB, to learn more. Learn more about leaving a gift in your will here - Leaving a gift to RNIB in your Will | 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. 

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, RNIB Connect Radio sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. 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

This September the RNIB is launching the second in a series of major surveys to help map out the future of support for people diagnosed with serious eye conditions.  The RNIB is reaching out to people with lived experience of sight loss, their loved ones, carers and professionals in the field, to get their feedback on ideas to improve post-diagnostic support.  Services are currently delivered in many forms, but in some areas of the UK it is a patchy, postcode lottery. The first survey in April this year asked about people's experiences and ideas and this second survey seeks feedback on those ideas to see which ones people think will have the most impact and value. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Caroline Beard, RNIB's Head of Strategic Innovation to find out more about the findings and key messages of the first survey and how people can take part in the follow-up survey too. You don't have to have taken part in the first survey to take part in the follow-up survey. To find out more about the survey and take part do visit the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk  (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

This week RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined by both Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands along with Alan Russell, presenter of ‘The Daily Connect Show' to review and discuss the audio described performance of Shakespeare's ‘the Winter's Tale' at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon which Vidar and Allan saw a few weeks ago.  About ‘The Winter's Tale' Wild worlds, fractured loves, and second chances.  When a king's obsessive jealousy leads to a devastating series of acts, the journey toward healing must begin, led by time, truth, and the hope of forgiveness. From the shadowy dystopia of Sicilia to the untamed beauty of Bohemia, immerse yourself in Shakespeare's most mysterious play. Directed by Yaël Farber (King Lear, Olivier-nominated Macbeth for the Almeida), and featuring double Olivier and Tony Award-winner Bertie Carvel (Matilda The Musical), Madeline Appiah, Aïcha Kossoko and John Light this reimagined tale is brought vividly to life through Soutra Gilmour's elemental set and costume design, and striking lighting design by Tim Lutkin. In a time of darkness and uncertainty, hope endures in The Winter's Tale. For more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company including details of audio described performances of their productions do visit - https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access  (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

UK sight loss charity RNIB, has published the second part of its Big Travel Survey, looking at safe and independent mobility for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ross Megan and Erik Mathies, from RNIB, to discuss the latest results of their research around issues faced by pedestrians. If you'd like to read the report or get involved by sharing it with your local politicians, go to rnib.in/travel-reports #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters with A Solid Pink Line Below

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. 

Audio Description Association (ADA) Scotland have appointed their first blind chairperson, Amanda Foster. Amelia learned when her passion for AD began and what she plans to do in the role. Learn more about ADA Scotland on their website - Audio Description Association Scotland - ADA 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. 

A Scottish coach has been working to have Para Gymnastics included as a discipline for the Paralympic Games. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Coach Angela Turner and visually impaired gymnast Zara Coote to hear more about the work and details of a forthcoming fundraiser for gymnasts to attend a showcase in Finland. If you'd like more info on the fundraiser in Glasgow on Sept 21st 2025, go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/benefit-in-aid-of-scottish-para-gymnastics-tickets-1630782677889?aff=oddtdtcreator You can also find details on Angela's club on: instagram is @coggc_dis  and TikTok coggc_dis #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters With A Solid Pink Line Below

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. 

Jay ‘Cruz' Semple has reached incredible hights in Taekwondo despite living with a debilitating eye condition.   He has been sharing his 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. 

 If you love audio books and live in the Newquay area, you might want to check out this new audio book club. Set up by iSightCornwall member and trustee Beatrix Love, and with the support of the RNIB Library, the club will connect blind and partially sighted people with a passion for a good story. 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 Chairman, Dave Wiliams, was thrilled to have addressed the American Council of the Blind (ACB) at their 64th Annual National Conference & Convention held in Dallas, Texas. On 10 July 2025, Dave delivered the keynote speech at the annual Convention banquet to a sold out audience. He called for greater investmentt in braille as a proven literacy tool that can transform the lives of blind people around the world. He was introduced by ACB Treasurer and Master of Ceremonies, the Reverend Michael Garrett, from Missouri City, Texas. Sponsorship With thanks to Dot Inc. for sponsoring Dave's attendance. Find out more about Dot Pad X and the Raising the Dots Podcast. Dot is proud to have played its part in the Monarch, in partnership with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and HumanWare. Links Related to the Braillists National Braille Press (NBP) Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation Points of Light award 1982, 8 February 2023 Links Related to Braille The International Council on English Braille (ICEB) Links Related to RNIB RNIB, the Royal National Institute of Blind People RNIB Tech Talk Links Related to ACB ACB Media Braille Revival League Links Related to the World Blind Union and European Blind Union World Blind Union (WBU) European Blind Union (EBU) Living Braille, the website of the EBU Braille Working Group Links Related to Running Parkrun UK Couch to 5K (C25K) Abbott World Marathon Majors Full Text of Dave's Speech Good evening ACB President, friends, advocates, everyone here and online. Thank you for your hospitality! I am grateful for your invitation to share in ACB's “Big Dreams and Bold Ideas”, not only this week here in Dallas, but over many decades in many places far beyond your shores. It is a privilege to stand before you tonight, as someone whose life has been profoundly shaped by this movement. Let me begin with a deeply personal truth: for a long time, I resented my blindness. Like many, I struggled to accept blindness as part of my identity. Through you, I learned to think differently, to dream boldly, and to act decisively. That shift in perspective changed everything. It is why I am here tonight—to celebrate what is possible when we embrace who we are and empower others to do the same. Our blindness stories break down barriers and build bridges. They turn isolation into community, fear into action, and doubt into confidence. Together, I believe we can ignite that transformation for countless others. When I talk about blind people, I intend “blind” in the broadest sense. Whether you identify as blind, low vision, vision impaired, we are all valued in this community and our voices carry equal importance. And if you are a sighted person who works to elevate the voices of blind people, we thank you for your solidarity. Before I share how it was you in this movement who taught this northern English lad to feel differently about my blindness, becoming a passionate braille advocate and Six-star World Marathon Majors Finisher, we must extend our gratitude to our friends at Dot, who's support means I can be with you here tonight. I know many of you took the opportunity this week to get your hands on Dot Pad X, a highly versatile multiline braille and tactile display portable enough to be carried in a schoolbag. Dot's technology is disrupting the braille display industry. Using Dot Pad and the Dot Canvas app, I recently supported my sighted 16-year-old son's math revision and got to touch his signature for the first time. Dot and partners are delivering new educational and employment opportunities we could only dream of just a few years ago. Do we have any first timers here? My first ACB Convention was Birmingham, Alabama. Your Birmingham in July is a bit warmer than our Birmingham near my home in England. We simply do not have anything like these blindness conventions in the UK. I jumped in at the deep end with you. 2003 was an eventful year for ACB. General Session ran over into an extra day. As Director of ACB Radio, I was responsible for making sure ACB's membership, and listeners tuned in from offices and homes in countless countries, could hear our coverage. And while we were very well looked after by ACB's Alabama affiliate, the internet connectivity at convention that year was especially problematic and seamed to get even more challenging during the liveliest debates. My purpose then, as it is today, is to empower as many blind people as possible by increasing our access to the information and tools we need to live our best lives. A year before Birmingham, ACB Radio's founder and mentor to many of us decided to move on. I took the call. My predecessor, Jonathan Mosen, would be an impossible act for anyone to follow. But he believed in me. Long before ACB Radio, as a young blind man, I avoided the tools and skills that could have empowered me. I resisted the cane. I dismissed braille. I thought these things marked me as “different” in a way I was not ready to accept. I mistakenly believed specialist skills separated me from sighted people. These days we would say “othering”. I cast those skills aside for a long time. It took me years to recognise that confidence can come from a cane or guide dog, and enjoying bedtime stories with our kids can come from braille. The voices I heard on ACB Radio via my dial-up modem—leaders like Marlaina Lieberg and Paul Edwards—challenged me to rethink what it meant to be blind. They taught me that tools like braille and the white cane do not separate us from society—they connect us to the people and world around us. Their advocacy lifted me up, and I realized I could be part of something bigger. When I took on the role of ACB Radio Director, I was terrified. Could a young man from a small town in the UK really lead an initiative that connected blind people across the globe? But I said yes. Why? Because this movement showed me the power of taking risks. And because I knew that by sharing our stories, we could empower others to do the same. One of my first tasks as ACB Radio Director was to convince Marlaina to host her own talk show. She was so humble and asked me what if nobody listened? What would we even call it? I told her I was sure everyone would listen, and the name of the show would be Marlaina. Like many of you, I miss her lots and think of her often. I also knew Paul Edwards was a natural broadcaster and must have his own show. He teamed up with Brian Charlson, and Tuesday Topics was born. You certainly kept me busy. When I was not producing audio or trying to secure sponsors, my email and phone rang 24/7. If it were not a server in California needing a reboot, it was listeners frustrated they had missed the latest episode of Main Menu, Blind Handyman or Cooking in the Dark, and would I please send it to them? I convinced our tiny team of volunteer software developers to build us a listen again on-demand service, an early form of podcasting. ACB Radio did not just stream content; it brought blind people together online, long before Zoom calls and virtual conventions became the norm. We created opportunities for storytelling, advocacy, and community that spanned continents. From broadcasting ACB conventions to global events like the World Blind Union General Assembly, we ensured that the voices of blind people could be heard. The impact did not stop there. ACB Radio became a launchpad for careers, a platform for innovation, and a catalyst for change. It inspired similar initiatives worldwide. It proved that when blind people lead, we redefine what is possible. That legacy continues today through ACB Media, and its ripple effects are felt in every corner of our community. We will never know how many blind lives this priceless service has transformed. When it was my turn to pass on the ACB Radio baton, it was to join a team working on one of the first mobile screen readers with touch support. Talks, Mobile Speak and Pocket Hal pioneered many of the concepts we now take for granted in VoiceOver on iPhone and Talkback on Android. Following the early success of ACB Radio, blind people in many nations started their own online radio stations. In 2003, the Royal National Institute of Blind People in the UK launched Europe's first station for the blind community, now known as RNIB Connect Radio. I worked at RNIB for 6 years as their Inclusive Design Ambassador. We partnered with companies like Canon, Netflix, and Sony to advance their accessibility efforts. My ACB Radio experience meant I was also invited to host around 150 episodes of RNIB's flagship technology show, Tech Talk. We were recognised by the UK radio industry and were awarded community station of the year in 2024. As well as interviewing many movers and shakers from the technology world, including accessibility leaders from Microsoft and Google, I had the incredible honour in March 2024 of recording a short interview with legendary singer songwriter Stevie Wonder. As we were introduced, I recalled the awe with which Marlaina had interviewed Ronnie Milsap years earlier. She had taught me that it is ok to feel that child-like excitement even during the moments that define our careers. After shaking Stevie's hand, I asked if he would be willing to share some messages about accessibility and inclusion with our blind brothers and sisters in the UK. I held my breath. He said let us do that now. I began recording. He asked about my recording equipment, and he playfully imitated my English accent. You should hear his Bob Dylan. As we were talking, we were forced to move due to being jostled by the crowd. Before I could grab my cane, Stevie took my arm in his and proceeded to walk us both forward. Hold the phone, I am now being sighted guided by Stevie Wonder? He said, “don't worry Dave, in a moment I'll Walk you into a wall.” My other lasting memory of that moment, in the interview, Stevie said, “I could not have the career I enjoy were it not for braille.” He talked about how he uses braille to write and edit his many songs. And how he has an ambition to publish his catalogue in braille for blind musicians to study. Stevie is not alone. We can all think of high-profile blind people who would link their success to an ability to read braille. Leading journalists, educators, lawyers, politicians holding high office have all relied on braille to get the job done. As for many of you, spreading braille and tactile literacy is a subject close to my heart. Every day I continue to be amazed how combinations of just six little dots fitting neatly under our fingerprints represent every letter of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation, math, music, and other symbols for accessing any subject and any language. Incidentally, six is also the number of big city marathons you must run to complete the classic Abbott World Marathon Majors series. I may have mentioned that somewhere. I will come back to running later. Braille's invention meant for the first time blind people could independently read and author our own stories, find our voices, become educated, and employed, label household items, read our own greetings cards, identify medications, the list goes on. Whether you read braille or not, we can all recognise how deeply linked braille is with the emancipation of blind people. Of the many tactile reading systems developed in the 19th century, and there were many, it is no accident that the system that prevailed was one developed by a young person who knew what we really needed because he was blind. Braille is an early example of that modern disability mantra, “nothing about us without us”. And it is blind people who today, through organisations such as the International Council on English Braille, continue to maintain our code. Blind people around the world have been celebrating two hundred years since braille's invention. I have been communicating braille's value in national broadcast and print media, meeting with hundreds of braille ambassadors at libraries across the UK. On January 4, the Braillists Foundation delivered the UK's first face-to-face World Braille Day Conference. I recognise that in the US, Braillists refers to a braille producer. But in the UK, Braillists often describes any blind person who relies on braille. We formally established the Braillists Foundation in early 2020 to promote braille and tactile literacy. The aims of the Braillists Foundation are: Promote the value of Braille as a proven literacy tool that enriches the lives of blind people. Support efforts to make affordable Braille and tactile reading technologies available to all blind people irrespective of education and employment status. Provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas about the development of future Braille technology. When social distancing forced everyone online, we began offering classes to introduce braille to beginners, supportive reading groups for practicing braille skills, drop-in sessions where readers can get braille questions answered, and masterclasses covering more advanced braille topics. The work of the Braillists Foundation, to spread braille literacy, especially during the pandemic, was recognised by your National Braille Press Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation, a UK Prime Minister's Point of Light Award, and in May this year I was honoured to accept an invitation to a Royal Garden party celebrating learning and skills at Buckingham Palace. You are invited to join the international community celebrating Braille 200 for the rest of this year. The European Blind Union Braille Working Group encourages everyone to share creative experiences celebrating braille. You can do that through their website at LivingBraille.eu. You can follow the hashtag #Braille200 on social media. There's still time to organise your own braille two hundred events. And always you can elevate the voices of braille readers by connecting with ACB's Braille Revival League. And next year, 2026, APH will open the Dot Experience in Louisville to celebrate braille's rich heritage. Braille's profoundly personal connection with written language cannot be underestimated. Braille enabled me to write my proposal of marriage on a braille scrabble board. I waited, heart pounding, while my then girlfriend rummaged in the bag to find letters to compose her answer. She wrote blank e s. Next week we will celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary. I was also deeply moved, shortly after I crossed the finish line at the Tokyo Marathon this March, to discover braille featured on the finisher medal. I had run an exceptionally long way to get to that point, and reading that braille for myself, rather than having to ask a sighted person to read it to me, that really did feel like inclusion. Completing the much sought-after Abbott World Marathon Majors series was some journey. Blind since birth with Leber Congenital Amaurosis, I never saw myself as a runner. Seven years ago, I weighed over 220lb and could not run a bath. I had an idea of converting a guide runner into a pilot for my tandem bike gathering dust in my garage. I signed up for the England Athletics' “Find a Guide” database, a bit like your United in Stride. I soon met Steve and, later, Bex, my first real guide runners, who had no interest in piloting my tandem. What started as huffing and puffing to reach a mile turned into weekly runs and a community of support. I hated physical education at school: ill-fitting kit, smelly changing rooms, PE teachers. During those early attempts at something you could not describe as running, I thought about a blind lady I knew with asthma who ran marathons. I was reminded of Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to climb Everest, also interviewed by Marlaina. Just exactly what was my excuse? I decided I was going to get fit and set an example for my son, Arlo. With lots of encouragement, especially from other blind runners sharing their stories, I dragged myself from couch to 5K. While no guide runner seeks recognition for themselves, they really are amazing people. Some blind runners told me how they wanted their guides to appear in results and officially receive a finisher medal at London Marathon. It was the advocacy skills I learned from this movement that enabled me to support that campaign by producing a package for BBC Radio. Our combined efforts changed London Marathon's policy. In my excitement about this small win for guided running, I returned home from the pub one night and went online. Alcohol and the internet are always a winning combination, you know? I found myself filling in a ballot entry form for a place in the New York City Marathon. What was I thinking? I had barely run six miles at this point, and here I was entering a lottery to run 26.2 miles. Not to mention the thousand miles you need to run in months of training. Surely, I would not get a place? I would not need to tell anyone, right? Wrong! “Dear Mr Williams” the email read. “Congratulations, you have a place in the 2019 New York City Marathon”. This had to be a joke. I checked my bank. Oh shoot. New York Road Runners had taken $270. Now I would have to tell my wife. I had nine months to train. And the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to show my then 10-year-old son that us blind dads could do things. Through the summer, I ran up and down hills in Worcestershire to prepare for the five massive bridges you must cross in the NYC marathon: Verrazano-Narrows, Pulaski, Queensboro, Willis Avenue, and Madison Avenue. I was doing my homework. I even joined a gym. It was a beautiful autumnal morning at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island as we lined up with 53,000 other runners to take on my first marathon. Helicopters hovered overhead and canons blasted as earlier waves set off. Nobody more surprised than me to be a part of it. Sinatra's New York, New York and Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind were on high rotation. New York would be the first of six starts that also included London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and Tokyo: six big city marathons that have come together to make the classic Abbott World Marathon Majors series. These big city marathons are 26.2-mile street parties. The atmosphere is electric. You really feel the heartbeat of a city when the crowds turn out in force. Complete strangers yell your name to encourage you on. Not only do you get to feel like a rockstar, but you run the same course on the same day as the best athletes in the world. 1st Avenue in New York City and Tower Bridge in London are exceptionally loud. The shrill piercing screams of Wellesley's students in the Boston Marathon put me in mind of Beatlemania. I need to channel that energy especially when the running gets tough, as it always does. When the course is hilly and the weather is hot, I can find myself contemplating my life choices. There have been many times when I have gulped down buckets of Gatorade and walked for a while. Ultimately, drawing on that positive energy from all those people willing me on, and the power of the marathon to bring people together, is replenishing. Some of these cities have deeply divided histories. But they come together to support the runners. Your life, your marathon, has the power to bridge division. It is that sense of hope that drives me on through the exhaustion running to the finish line every time. Shout out to Chicago, London and Tokyo who gave me a medal that featured braille. Berlin, Boston and New York City, you can do this too. But it is not over. In 2024 Abbott announced that the Majors series will be extended to include a seventh, eighth and nineth star. Next month I am heading to Sydney for my first marathon in the Southern hemisphere. If you have ever taken a risk, bitten off a little bit too much, felt like an imposter, found yourself winging it, you are among friends. I certainly feel a little bit of that every time I go out for a run or stand up to deliver talks like this one. As blind people we know we must push the boundaries and take a chance. None of us got here by always taking the easy path. While I live thousands of miles away, you and I have a shared history. Some of which is written in People of Vision, ACB's story, a copy of which I have at home. Braille is also part of our shared history. Braille is a tool of liberation. It has empowered generations of blind leaders. Yet, we know that braille literacy is not where it should be. Too many blind children and adults lack access to the tools they need to thrive. This is a call to action for all of us. If we believe in independence, in dignity, in opportunity, then we must invest in braille. We must champion its teaching, ensure its availability, and celebrate its value as the cornerstone of blind empowerment. Let us dream bigger. Today, blind people are excelling in fields once thought inaccessible—technology, arts, business, politics, sports. But there is so much more to achieve. Imagine a world where every blind child has access to quality education, where workplaces are universally inclusive, and where we lead not as exceptions but as examples. Technology is a critical piece of this puzzle. But innovation is not enough. We must advocate for systemic change. We require policies that prioritize accessibility in every industry. We must have blind leaders at the decision-making table, shaping the future of inclusion. And we need allies—sighted people who amplify our voices, speaking with us, not for us. Tonight, I challenge each of you: How will you contribute to this movement? Will you mentor a blind youth, helping them see their potential. Will you advocate for better policies in your community. Or will you share your story, inspiring someone else to embrace their blindness as a source of strength. Whatever it is, do it boldly. Do it with the knowledge that your actions ripple outward, creating change far beyond this room. At the same time, let us not forget the power of collaboration. ACB, RNIB, the Braillists Foundation—together, we are stronger. Let us share strategies, pool resources, and align our goals to create a global network of blind advocates. The challenges we face are too big for any one organisation to tackle alone. But united, there is nothing we cannot achieve. As I stand here tonight, I am reminded of a truth that has guided me throughout my journey: stories change lives. Whether it is a marathon medal, a braille book, or a conversation with a stranger, every story we share chips away at prejudice and builds a more inclusive world. Thank you, ACB, for teaching me to think differently about blindness. Thank you for showing me what is possible when we embrace our identities and lift each other up. Let us keep running—toward inclusion, toward equality, and toward a future where every blind person has the tools and opportunities to live their best life. Let us find each other at the next starting line. Thank you, and good night.

Seable Holidays, a not for profit social enterprise organisation who provide accessible tailored and group holidays for blind and partially sighted people ran their first safari holiday this year which they will be offering again in 2026.  RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by both Damiano La Rocca, founder of Seable Holidays and Paul Nugent who is visually impaired and had an amazing experience on their recent safari holiday.  Damiano explains a bit about who Seable Holidays are and what they do before talking about the fully accessible safari holiday while Paul gives an idea of what it was like going on this fantastic Seable safari holiday from a visually impaired persons point of view.  To find out more about Seable Holidays, their next safari trip and other holidays do visit - https://seable.co.uk (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

How did Jamie MacDonald get on at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival? Amelia learned more about his highlights, navigating around the city and his upcoming projects. Learn more about Jamie on his website - Jamie MacDonald - comedian, writer, actor and voice over artist You can see Jamie perform his show in London on the 19th September - Jamie MacDonald: Toxic Bastard | Underbelly Boulevard Soho 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, we are joined by some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they're working on. This month's topics include the RNIB Campaigns Discussion Group, the National Emergency Alert, Guided Walks with MPs and the return of Parliament. 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 your socials or search for RNIB Campaigns #RNIBConnect 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. 

Young, neurodiverse, visually impaired artist Hannah Evans uses art to communicate her feelings and experience of the world. Amelia spoke to her and her mum Carol about her upcoming exhibitions. Hannah will be at the Livingston Designer Outlet Mall in in unit 73 from 10.30 am to 5 pm 29th to 31st August. Hannah will be at the Create Ed Gallery Kirkintiloch on Sat 6th September from 1 to 4.30pm. The exhibition is open from the 5th to the 13th September. Learn more about Hannah on her facebook - Facebook 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 Friday 5 September 2025 at 10.30am the Design Museum in London will be running an audio described tour of their exhibition ‘More than Human' which looks at some radical ideas on how to design with and for other species. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Nao Zaragoza, Assistant Curator of Public Practice at the Design Museum, to firstly find out more about the museum, the ‘More than Human' exhibition and what blind and partially sighted people can expect on the audio described tour of the exhibition on Friday 5 September at 10.30am.  To find out more about the Design Museum, the audio described' tor of the More than Human' exhibition do visit - https://designmuseum.org/whats-on/talks-courses-and-workshops/audio-described-tour-more-than-human  (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: London Wetland Centre - Audio Described Tour, Monday 8 September, 10.50am   Born with Teeth - Saturday 20 September, 2.30pm, Wyndham's Theatre, London The Postal Museum - audio described Tour, Sunday 21 September, 2pm, London Hamilton - Friday 3 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.30pm, Norwich Theatre Royal The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - Wednesday 8 October, 7pm, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 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)

RNIB Scotland has launched a new project, designed to provide more advice, support, events and community connections for blind and partially sighted people in rural and isolated areas. RNIB Connect Radio's David Hogg spoke to Mark Campbell, who lives in Kingussie and attended one of the charity's events. If you live in Scotland, are blind or partially sighted, and would like more info, go to www.rnib.org.uk/scotland #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters With A Solid Pink Line Below

We now compare and maybe contrast the experiences of going through education, employment and life for two Yorkshire blind people 50 years apart with the Rt Hon Lord Blunkett and Holly Tuke.   In a recent column in the Yorkshire Post the Right Honourable Lord Blunkett talked openly about the challenges of being blind, something he rarely talks about as he prefers to be defined by his achievements in life and not by the barriers he has had to overcome. Holly Tuke, RNIB's Social Media Manager who has been blind from birth and went through education about 50 years after Lord Blunkett has written a follow up article in The Yorkshire Post talking about some of the challenges she has faced and over come in her life too.  RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey brought both Lord Blunkett and Holly together to share an insight into their lives as two Yorkshire blind people who may be 50 years apart but possibly very much similar in so many ways. 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. (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)

NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recently approved new treatment in England for people living with the eye condition Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) helped by Researchers at the University of Cambridge. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Cambridge who was involved in the research into using idebenone to treat Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) who explains more about the eye condition and how the NICE approved treatment might be appropriate for some people who have LHON. To find out more about the University of Cambridge research into the new treatment for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) do visit the following pages of the University website - https://www.clinical-neuroscience.cam.ac.uk/news/first-ever-mitochondrial-disease-treatment-approved-nhs-england (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)

Abi Way recently graduated from Product Design Engineering in Queen's University and is the first student with a significant visual impairment to complete the course. She has graduated with multiple awards and honours and is forming the charity 'Boomerang' to support blind and partially sighted young people to enter into Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM). Amelia spoke to her about her passion for design, overcoming barriers on her course and her plans for Boomerang. 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. 

Seen, a collaboration between RNIB and photographer Joshua Bratt, is a new exhibition featuring 22 powerful portraits that bring into focus the lives of blind and partially sighted people. It is free of charge and is being held at RNIB's Grimaldi Building in London from the 12th-14th September. Barry Snell caught up with Joshua to learn more about the exhibition and his love of photography Click here to learn more about 'Seen' 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. 

HMS Belfast, built by Harland & Wolff in 1936 was launched on St Patrick's Day, 17 March 1938 by Anne Chamberlain – the wife of then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. In her 24 year's of active service HMS Belfast played many key roles in battles and peace-keeping duties around the world before being brought to London by IWM and opening to the public on Trafalgar Day, 21 October 1971. So do join RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey for a guided tour of HMS Belfast, London's unique warship experience with Nigel Steel, one of the IWM Curators of Belfast, to find out more about her history and what life would have been like for the sailors who served and lived on her during active service.  During the tour you will also hear clips from the recorded audio described guide for HMS Belfast which is available from the Visitors Centre for blind and partially sighted people.  As mentioned in the guide due to the nature of the layout of HMS Belfast it is strongly recommended to visit with a sighted companion to help with navigating some areas of the ship. To find out more about HMS Belfast and the recorded audio described guide do visit - https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast 'The image shows HMS Belfast moored in her birth on the Thames from her prow to her stern with Tower Bridge in the background.' (HMS Belfast IWM copyright)

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio sits down with  of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week RNIB's Chief Strategy and Public Affairs Officer Vivienne Francis talks about  the next stage of RNIB's Travel and Transport reports.  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 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. 

There are many ways in which you can help the RNIB in making a more inclusive society for blind and partially sighted people and one way is through the regular RNIB Voice of the Customer Focus Group meetings. The next round of the RNIB Voice of the Customer Focus Group meetings will be looking at community eye-care. RNIB connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Zein, one of the RNIB's Research Champion Volunteers to find out what being a Research Champion Volunteer is all about and how people can get involved in the next round of the RNIB Voice of the Customer Focus Groups which will be looking at community eye-care. To find out more about the RNIB Voice of the Customer Focus Groups and how to get involved do email community.insight@rnib.org.uk There will be discussion topics and quick polls around community eye-care over on the RNIB Connect Voices private Facebook research community where you will find lots of other opportunities to get involved in research and various projects. To join the RNIB Connect Voices Facebook Group just log in to Facebook, search for RNIB Connect Voices and follow the instructions. (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, 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 is joined by RNIB's Chief Financial Officer, Kathryn Sherratt, as they discuss the official opening of RNIB Scotland's new HQ in Edinburgh and there's even a mention of Christmas. 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 Images Shows RNIB Logo, White Background, RNIB in Bold Black Letter With A Solid Pink Line Below

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. This time we have the musical comedy that is ‘The Addams Family' as the current tour visited the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describer Jonathan Nash. About ‘The Addams Family' Following two hugely successful UK tours, and sold-out concerts at The London Palladium last year, everyone's favourite kooky family are back on stage this summer in The Addams Family, starring Alexandra Burke (The X Factor, Sister Act, The Bodyguard) as Morticia, Lesley Joseph (Birds of a Feather, Young Frankenstein, Sister Act) as Grandma, Clive Rowe (The Prince of Egypt, Sister Act, A Christmas Carol) as Uncle Fester and Ricardo Afonso (Jesus Christ Superstar, Thriller Live, We Will Rock You) as Gomez. The Addams Family is the spectacular musical comedy from Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (writers of the multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys), with music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominated Andrew Lippa, based on the characters created by Charles Addams. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, is all grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows. She's fallen in love with a sweet, young man from a respectable family. With his cherished Morticia in the dark will Gomez manage to keep his daughter's secret until the two families meet for a fateful dinner with hilarious consequences Join them, plus Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley, Grandma and more for a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship… with a twist! Featuring a live orchestra and extraordinary original score The Addams Family is sure to entertain whether you are 7 or 307! For more about the current tour of this vibrant gothic comedy musical that is The Adams Family along with details of performances near you do visit - https://theaddamsfamily.co.uk/uk-tour (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

RNIB Connect Radio's Kris Wallace, daughter Jess, and other family members will take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise funds for UK sight loss charity RNIB. Kris spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell about the challenge, the prep and why Jess is leading the charge. If you'd like to sponsor Jess and her family go to www.justgiving.com/team/jessjollywalkers #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, A 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 National Theatre at Home. Audio described performances included:  Inter Alia' - Saturday 23 August 2.30pm, touch tour at 12.30pm and Friday 12 September 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre Bacchae - Saturday 4 October 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm and Friday 24 October 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National Theatre's Olivier Theatre Till the Stars Come Down - Wednesday 10 September, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal Haymarket, London Dear England on tour from 15 September From National Theatre at Home with audio description David recommended ‘A Tupperware of Ashes' and ‘Mosquitos'. 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 National Theatre at Home 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)

The Pleasance Theatre Trust has been working with Sight Scotland to provide visual awareness training to over 250 of their Edinburgh Festival Fringe staff to make the experience of visiting one of their Pleasance Fringe venues as accessible as possible for visually impaired festival goers as well as offering more audio described performances this year too. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Jonny Patton, Head of Theatre Edinburgh for Pleasance to firstly give a bit of background to the history of the presence of this famous venue at the Fringe, how the visual awareness training went with Sight Scotland and more about some of the described shows at the many Pleasance venues at this year's Fringe. For listings of shows that include access at the many Pleasance venues do visit -  https://www.pleasance.co.uk/events/accessible   And to find out more about access generally at the many Pleasance venues at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 do visit - https://www.pleasance.co.uk/edinburgh-access  (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

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 with his review of RNIB's very own stand-up comedian Tom Skelton and his Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 show ‘Visually Impaired Papa', then looking forward to the official opening of the refurbished RNIB Scotland office in Hill Side Crescent, Edinburgh next week plus some news around accessible voting and the RNIB's presence at the up-coming Party Political Conferences this autumn including a panel event at the Labour Party Conference. 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 Image shows a smiling Matt

What are zines and how have they been used in disability justice? Amelia spoke to Adam Rose, the Co-curator of the Zines display, and Jake Blackavar, a Visitor Experience and Engagement Facilitator, to learn about tactile and audio zines and their upcoming audio described tours of the Wellcome Collection's exhibition. Learn more about Zines Forever! on the The Wellcome Collection Website - Zines Forever! DIY Publishing and Disability Justice | Wellcome Collection 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. 

History meets punk rock and ballet in an exciting production at this year's Edinburgh International Festival. Amelia spoke to Co-Audio Describer Emma-Jane McHenry to learn more about the production and her process along with Co-Audio Describer Fiona Pedgrift. Learn more about the production here - Mary, Queen of Scots | Edinburgh International Festival 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. 

Life is full of twists and turns that can change the path we're on. We gather three members of the blind and partially sighted community to talk about the big turning points and transitions in their lives. Join Goalball player and soon to be married Devante Claridge, mum and music lover Maureen Goddall, and paralympic champion Lizzi Jordan as they discuss dealing with change and imagining different futures. 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.  Learn more about Lizzi on the British Cycling website - Lizzi Jordan - Great Britain Cycling Team Rider Profile Learn more about Devante on the MyVisionOxfordshire website - Devante Claridge - MyVision Oxfordshire Listen to Maureen's Guide Dog Blogs wherever you get your RNIB Connect Radio podcasts.

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 Cameron Mackintosh and Disney's spectacular production of the classic multi award-winning musical ‘Mary Poppins' as the UK and Ireland tour visited the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. About ‘Mary Poppins' Acclaimed Australian stars, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having both received critical acclaim and nightly standing ovations for their performances in the recent Australian production. Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World's favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. For more about the current UK and Ireland tour of ‘Mary Poppins' including dates and times of performances near you do visit the production website - https://marypoppins.co.uk (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Lunchbox is about the impact of bullying, through the eyes of a troubled Scottish boy, Steven and Pakistani girl, Lubna.  Amelia spoke to comedian and performer Lubna Kerr about her show ‘Lunchbox' which has a touch tour and pre-show audio. Book tickets for Lunchbox here - Lunchbox | Edinburgh Festival Fringe Learn more about Lubna's writing, comedy and theatre work on her website - Lubna Kerr 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.

Time now to hear about one of the many audio described performances taking place at this year's Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) Hywel Davies has been hearing about ‘Cutting The Tightrope', a collection of short plays  which explore the power of the arts in today's world. Learn more about Cutting The Tightrope on the EIF website - Cutting the Tightrope | Edinburgh International Festival 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. 

VocalEyes the national charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people through audio description have just been awarded a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to explore, with the input of blind and partially sighted people from a number of Thomas Pocklington Trust Sight Loss Councils, the co-creation of audio description in 10 heritage hubs across England to improve access in museums, galleries and heritage sites for visually impaired people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Olivia Hewkin, Museums, Galleries and Heritage Programme Manager at VocalEyes to find out more about the ‘Describing Heritage: Co-creating Access' project and how blind and partially sighted Thomas Pocklington Trust Council members will be able to play their role in the project too. To find out more about VocalEyes and the ‘Describing Heritage: Co-creating Access‘ project do visit their website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk  (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Following on from a very successful pilot at the Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) in San Francisco Envision's AI assistant Ally could help to open up access to museums for blind and partially sighted people.  RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Karthik Mahadevan, CEO and co-founder of Envision to firstly find out how the pilot project came about using Ally to open up access to museums for blind and partially sighted people.  Karthik also explained to Toby how the technology works in a museum and also shared some of the comments and feedback from visually impaired people who took part in the pilot. To find out more about Envision and the AI assistant Ally do visit - https://www.ally.me/museums (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 Wolfram Syndrome (WS) and how does it impact people's lives? Amelia spoke to Tracy Lynch, Co-Founder & Chief Executive of the UK's WS charity, to learn more about the condition and the support available. Learn more on the Wolfram Syndrome website - Wolfram Syndrome 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. 

Author Dame Stella Rimington has died at the age of 90. As the first female director of MI5 she poured years of lived experience into her spy novels featuring both Liz Carlyle and Manon Tyler. She spoke to RNIB Connect Radio's Read On show about her latest novel, her career and her membership to RNIB Talking Books. For that full interview you can download Read On episode number 420 from wherever you get your podcasts, just search for RNIB Read On

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 talks about the RNIB partnership with Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, improving access to bus travel for blind and partially sighted people with the ‘Swap-with-me' training sessions for bus drivers, visually impaired performers at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 including RNIB's very own stand-up comedian Tom Skelton plus how England Lioness Goal Keeper Hannah Hampton has been raising awareness around sight loss talking about her own visual impairment. 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 Image shows a smiling Matt

Join Amelia for another almanac - this month we celebrate the sturgeon moon and world bee day. Learn more about the nature and birds of July 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.