RNIB Connect

On the 3rd of May many birds will sing together in a symphony, Amelia is here to learn more about how to enjoy the dawn chorus with Beth Dean from RSPB. Tune in again for tips on identifying birds by their song and how listening can boost your wellbeing. Learn more about International Dawn Chorus Day on the RSPB website -  RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity Image shows the RNIB Connect...

If you’re a blind or partially sighted musician whose received funding from the Elizabeth Eagle Bot Memorial Fund then you could perform at a prestigious London venue this summer. David Hogg finds out more… Please submit your expression of interest using this form by Wednesday 6th May 2026. If you require the form in an alternative format, please contact: mas@rnib.org.uk

What’s it like taking part in the filming of television programme if you’re blind or partially sighted? Hywel Davies has been hearing about the experiences of one participant in a new series from the BBC. You can find Anum's episode of 'Shift the Thrift' on the BBC iPlayer -  BBC One - Shift the Thrift, Series 1, Bridgend

Barry Snell chats to Daryl Stewart to find out what it’s like participating in RNIB’s See Work Differently Program. Learn more about RNIB's See Work Differently Program Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

We are celebrating the power of people helping other people and an incredible £15 million in flexible funding raised by players of the Postcode Lottery supporting the work that the RNIB does to help blind and partially sighted people live more independently and with greater confidence too. One area that has been supported by the flexible funding is the RNIB Helpline and the role of the Digital Ski...

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Simon talks about his visit to Belfast and RNIB Connect Radio’s ARIA nomination for their Read On show. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk...

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with the Campaigns team from RNIB in Northern Ireland, to discuss some of the latest pieces of work the team are undertaking. Today Paula Beattie, RNIB Northern Ireland, talks about work with MLA Politicians on E-Scooter concerns and a look ahead to work, already underway, for the 2027 elections, to be as a accessible as possible for blind and p...

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.  This time we have Shakespeare’s retelling of the initial phase of the Lancastrian war, part of the hundred years war as RSC Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey directs Alfre...

Time to browse through some of the products that are available in the RNIB’s online shop as Charlee Jarvis, RNIB Shop buying administrator gives RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey a walk through some of the items that are currently on display including the fantastic new IKONN range featuring kitchen scales, a tape measure and thermometers. To find out more about the IKONN range of products that are n...

The RNIB has just launched it’s new Sight Loss Data tool, which will carry a wealth of regularly updated information around sight loss.  The tool can be used by professionals and the general public who are looking for insightful data on sight loss, along with geographical information. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell had a closer look at what the new accessible tool can do. If you’d like to try...

Get your running shoes on and help a good cause in south Wales this summer. Hywel Davies has been finding out how you can take part in a race for Sight Cymru, no matter your level of sight. Find out more about Sight Cymru on their Facebook page - (20+) Facebook or website -  Home - Sight Cymru

UK Finance has announced new accessibility guidelines for credit and debit cards. Our David Hogg speaks to Sabine Croxford from RNIB to find out more…

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Simon talks about, a forthcoming visit to Belfast and his first meeting with the Visionary Group of sight loss charities. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go...

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for another audio described theatre review. This week we are back at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre for a bold adaptation of Andrea Levy’s multi award-winning novel ‘Small Island’ with description by Professional Au...

May 7th will see elections take place across the UK and there’s some important deadlines and information for blind and partially sighted voters. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Liz Williams, RNIB Cymru, and Ella Griffiths-Downing, Electoral Commission, for more details. #RNIBConnect Image shows RNIB Cymru logo. On a white square "RNIB" is at the centre in bold black letters, with small...

How can you make the arts more accessible? Alice Christina-Corrigan applies her experience as a visually impaired person to break down barriers for others. Amelia learned more… Follow Alice on Instagram @aliceccorrigan and tiktok @alicechristinacorrigan and learn more on her website - Alice Christina-Corrigan – Actor, Maker & All Things Access Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a whit...

Changes are being made to Child Benefits. Hywel Davies has been hearing from HMRC how the new change could affect you, and how you can make sure you’re getting the correct benefits that you’re owed. You can find more information on the gov.uk website - Child Benefit: How it works - GOV.UK

A new course, hosted by the University of Strathclyde, will help boost the number of Vision Rehabilitation specialists, who provide a vital role for people who are losing their sight.  RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke with Laura Walker, Visibility Scotland CEO, and Susan Shippey, Chair of Vision Collaborative Scotland, to hear more about the course and why it’s vital to build the low numbe...

The annual spending power of people with disabilities in the UK, Purple Pound, is worth Billions of pounds but service providers could be missing out on their share, if their customer service fails them at the starting line. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Gavin Neate from Welcome, to talk about the web based solution that supports the disabled customer, as well as the service provider...

Next Door is an app where neighbours can organise events, share recommendations, request to borrow items and sell on second hand goods. Amelia spoke to Social Anthropologist Dr Anna Machin and Alice Skeats from Nextdoor about neighbourly connections… Learn more about Nextdoor on their website - Nextdoor Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black cap...

The Linbury Prize exhibition at the national theatre in London presents the work of the 2025 prize recipients. 12 emerging stage designers have been selected for their technical skill, artistic ability and creative vision as the brightest talent from across the UK. The exhibition is being made accessible to blind and partially sighted people through the use of the NaviLens codes not only to naviga...

To end our coverage of Access To Work Week, Hubert chats to RNIB's Roisin Jacklin, to find out RNIB's take on the current situation with access to work, and also find out what support is available from RNIB. Hubert also hears about how blind and partially sighted people can help by sharing their experiences of Access To Work. If you’re blind or partially sighted and having problems with Access to...

Looking to raise money for charity and get active at the same time? Amelia learned more about the upcoming Pink Ribbon Walks from Breast Cancer Now's Claire Pulford. The upcoming walks are on Saturday 18 April at Hampton Court Palace and the Thames Path, Saturday 9th May at Blenheim Palace in the Cotswolds, Sunday 17th May at Chatsworth House in the Peak District and Saturday 20 June at Holyrood P...

As part of our Access To Work Week, Hubert chats to Alba, who is an ECLO at RNIB. They talk about her support she gets, how important it is, and also her challenges she has been experiencing with Access to Work. If you’re blind or partially sighted and having problems with Access to Work, RNIB can offer advice and information. Please call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk...

This week on RNIB Connect Radio we're focusing on Access to Work, an important Government scheme that enables blind and partially sighted people to start or stay in employment. Joining RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew to share his experience of the service is estimator Jamie. Jamie shares how having a supportive employer and receiving support from Access to Work has helped him stay in work. I...