RNIB Connect

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 [email protected] 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.

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 artistYou can see Jamie perform his show in London on the 19th September - Jamie MacDonald: Toxic Bastard | Underbelly Boulevard SohoImage 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)

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#RNIBConnectImage 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)

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 photographyClick 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.

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

If you’re a user of the JAWS screen reader, you might be aware of recent changes to the pricing structure of the software. But what does it all mean for UK users? Tech Talk’s Jackie Brown has been finding out.You can hear Jackie's full conversation with Stuart Lawler from Sight and Sound on this week’s episode of Tech Talk, on Tuesday August 26th at 2pm.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

For students up and down the country results day is a nerve-wracking time. But students at The Royal National College for the Blind have had a lot to celebrate, as Hywel Davies has been finding out.For more information on the RNC, visit the ir website - A specialist residential college for young people with visual impairment

Tech Talk’s Callum Stoneman has been speaking to Orbit Research about their newest product, the Orbit Player.

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 [email protected] 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)

Robert Kirkwood finds out about a community hub based in East Kilbride that serves South Lanarkshire and surrounding areas with not only food parcels but also school uniforms, toiletries, pet supplies and much more. Two blind veterans have found friendship through the service and they even have a blind volunteer who helps every week, as we find out from Loaves and Fishes chairperson Lesley Davidson. Image shows the team of volunteers and staff posing at the entrance to the Loaves & Fishes Community Hub. They're all smiling and pointing up at a bright blue sign with their name and a logo.

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.ukYou can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 Or ask your Amazon device to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnectImages 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)

On Thursday 14th of August, following an extensive refurbishment, RNIB Scotland officially re-opened their Edinburgh HQ.Allan Russell went ahead to the grand re-opening to check it out for himself. Image shows from left to right: James Adams, Sarah Boyack MSP, Matt Stringer, and finally Kirin Saeed cutting the pink ribbon. Matt is clapping as he stands behind Sarah and Kirin. James is standing behind them all and leaning casually against the gate at the front entrance to the building. They're all smiling.

Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Hywel Davies has been hearing all about plans for this year’s Sight Village North West. For more information, visit the Sight Village website - Sight Village Blackpool 2025 - Queen Alexandra College

Accessible technology company ‘Envision’ launched their new ‘Ally Solos Glasses’ on August the 14th. Tech Talk’s Callum Stoneman spoke to the team behind the wearable, hands-free AI glasses. You can hear a longer version of Callum’s conversation with Envision on next week’s episode of Tech Talk.

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#RNIBConnectImage 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.ukYou can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999Or ask your Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnect Image shows a smiling Matt

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 FestivalImage 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 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 CollectionImage 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.

Journey to the underworld and back with Opera Australia, presenting Opera Queensland’s production of Orpheus and Eurydice in association with Circa for the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival (EIF). Opera and circus acrobatics combine for this striking production with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a chorus from Scottish Opera for the European premiere of this electrifying production of Gluck’s seminal opera. Amelia spoke to audiodescribers Veronica Kinahan and Trina Gilles to learn more about the production and their process. Learn more about the production on the EIF website - Orpheus and Eurydice | Edinburgh International Festival

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)

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 ProfileLearn more about Devante on the MyVisionOxfordshire website - Devante Claridge - MyVision OxfordshireListen to Maureen's Guide Dog Blogs wherever you get your RNIB Connect Radio podcasts.

Clarke Reynolds, the UK’s premier braille artist has teamed up with Pepita Coffee to make a limited-edition tactile coffee tin with a share of the proceeds going to RNIB. David Hogg learns more.Head to shop.rnib.org.uk to grab your coffee tin while stocks last.Image shows the front of the Pepita coffee tin. The tin has four large squares, two white and two red. The inside of the red squares are white and the inside white squares are red. The braille matches the outer colour of the square for contrast. The braille in the four squares spells "love".

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.

How are Visually Impaired Creators Scotland (VICS) working to make the Edinburgh Festival more accessible? What are some of the accessible show highlights? Amelia spoke to VICS founder Kirin Saeed to learn more.Email Kirin on [email protected] more about VICS on their website Visually Impaired Creators Scotland

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.

Time now to hear about one of the many audio described performances taking place at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival. Hywel Davies has been hearing about ‘Works And Days’ which explores our connection with the land we inhabit. For more information on the performance, visit the EIF website - Works and Days | 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.

Tom Skelton is a blind comedian who turned his worries and fears about becoming a father into his latest comedy show on at the Edinburgh Festival this week. David Hogg finds out more about Visually Impaired Papa.

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.ukYou can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999Or ask your Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnectImage shows a smiling Matt

The Dan Daw show is a bold dance-theatre production where Australian dancer Dan fuses sexy choreography and touching theatricality to take a stand against ableism. The show, which is part of the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) explores how engaging in kink becomes an act of defiance and radical self-acceptance.Amelia spoke to audio desciber, Myra Galletly, about her career and her process for describing the show.Learn more about the show and book tickets on the EIF website - The Dan Daw Show | Edinburgh International FestivalLearn more about the access pass here - Access Pass | Edinburgh International FestivalImage 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.

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 CharityImage 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.

Maddie + Triggs is a children's podcast and animated show where a vision-impaired seven-year-old girl and her doggy best friend find music and adventure in the sounds of the everyday by really listening to the world around them.Amelia spoke to co-founder of production company Turnip + Duck, Aidan O’Donovan, to learn more.You can watch the animated series on Maddie & Triggs - BBC iPlayer and listen to the episodes on BBC sounds Learn more about Turnip + Duck on their website - Maddie + Triggs — Turnip + Duck

One of many audio described performances at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) is Book of Mountains and Seas, an opera inspired by Chinese myths that confronts humanity's complex relationship with nature. David Hogg chats to audio describer Amanda Drollinger to learn more… Learn more about the show and book tickets on the EIF website - Book of Mountains and Seas | Edinburgh International Festival Learn more about the access pass here - Access Pass | 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.

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio speak to some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re working on. This month’s topics include accessible voting in Newcastle and reflecting on achievements during the parliamentary year. If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved , email [email protected] 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 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. Hywel Davies has been hearing about the dark puppetry of ‘Faustus in Africa’. For more information and tickets, visit the EIF website - Faustus in Africa! | Edinburgh International Festival Learn more about the access pass here - Access Pass | 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.

Award-winning storyteller Adam Linn brings his unforgettable solo show Sped Kid to the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, running August 1–25 at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall.Based on Linn’s true story, Sped Kid is a raw, funny, and fiercely original coming-of-age tale about going blind — and finding power, purpose, and rhythm in the unlikeliest of places. Set in 1984 Boston, the show traces 12-year-old Adam’s journey from an all-white Catholic school to a chaotic public special ed program, where he lands on the “short bus” and discovers an unlikely tribe of breakdancers, dreamers, and rebels.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Adam just after he had arrived in Edinburgh to find out more about how he got into storytelling and more about bringing his autobiographical award winning show Sped Kid to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025. To book your tickets to see the award-winning Sped Kid at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 do visit - https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/sped-kidAnd to find out more about Adam do visit his website - https://adamlinn.com(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 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 Allan Russell spoke to Jenny Bowles, who lives on the Isle of Arran 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#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters With A Solid Pink Line Below

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 Allan Russell spoke to Jane Coates, from RNIB Scotland, to find out more.If you live in Scotland, are blind or partially sighted, and would like more info, go to www.rnib.org.uk/scotland#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letter With A Solid Pink Line Below

HMRC are warning people to be vigilant against scammers at this time of year, as bogus messages are being sent to thousands of people across the UK about winter fuel payments. Hywel Davies has been finding out how you can stay safe online. 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 an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France for young Albert’s beloved horse Joey as the current tour of the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description by Professional Audio Describer Theo Hornsby-Walsh. About ‘War Horse’ The National Theatre’s acclaimed production is now on a major UK & Ireland Tour. War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage. At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in No Man’s Land. Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find Joey and bring him home. For more about the current UK and Ireland tour of ‘War Horse’ including details of dates and times of performances near you do visit the production website - https://www.warhorseonstage.com (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)