RNIB Connect

RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.Our Amelia was there and caught up with tech volunteer Jason about why he enjoys volunteering for RNIB. 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.

RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.Our Amelia Hilton was there and spoke to local sight loss organisation, Angel Eyes, about how they support young people. 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.

RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.Our Amelia was there and caught up with Tech Talk host Jackie Brown about what she’s excited about in the day ahead. 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.

RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th of February at the Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry.Our Amelia was there and spoke with RNIB Northern Ireland Director Robert Shilladay to learn more about the day’s offerings and key areas they are focussing on. 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.

Our David Hogg chats to photographer Charlie Flounders about picking the camera back up after sight loss and her podcast…

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 accessible voting, Access To Work and RNIB Talking Books 90th anniversary.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 Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnectImage shows Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

Wales Council of the Blind and Thomas Pocklington Trust have launched the UK’s newest Sight Loss Council. Hywel Davies went along to the launch event to hear from organisers and new council members.For more information on the work of Sight Loss Council Cymru, visit their website - Wales - Sight Loss Council

Join Jonathan in the glamorous Porto Montegro and old city of Kotor.Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.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.

Jonathan continues his travels through the Balkans, stopping at the party city of Budva in Montenegro.Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.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 is creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to gain practical experience. Hywel Davies caught up with Mohammed and Sharon to share their experiences of the ‘See Work Differently’ scheme.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.

The Royal Ballet and Opera House in London continue their access programme with up-coming audio described performances and touch tours for blind and partially sighted people of the Royal Ballet’s revival of Glen Tetley’s 60’s cult classic Pierrot Lunaire.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Deirdre Chapman, Rehearsal Director at The Royal Ballet and Audio Describer Alice Gilmour for some background to the revival of Pierrot Lunaire and how this classic work of dance that blends both modern and classical ballet set to Schoenberg slightly challenging score is being brought to life on stage with description for visually impaired people.There are three audio described performances of Pierrot Lunaire on Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 and Tuesday 17 February all at 7.45pm with a touch tour prior to the performance on Thursday 12 February at 6.45pm and the performance on Tuesday 17 February is also a relaxed performance too. To book your tickets for the audio described performances of Pierrot Lunaire do either email [email protected] or telephone the Box Office on 020 7304 4000. Do be aware that if you look for tickets for the dates of the audio described performances online the website might indicate that the performances are fully booked out as currently the booking system does not show the allocated seats set aside for blind and partially sighted people. For more about access at The Royal Ballet and Opera House do visit - https://www.rbo.org.uk/visit/access-at-rbo(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)

The Eye Believe Podcast is a collective of blind and partially sighted individuals from different cultural backgrounds coming together to discuss and share their unique experiences of sight loss on a range of powerful topics from their own personal perspectives along with how the community around them sees them as visually impaired people.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Ashrafia Choudhury, the founder of Eye Believe, to find out more about how Eye Believe came about and the set up of the podcast, some examples of the topics that have been covered in the podcast, what Ashrafia would like people to come away with after catching the Eye Believe Podcast on RNIB Connect Radio and how the podcast has helped to change attitudes to sight loss within her community too. The first episode of the Eye Believe Podcast will be broadcast on RNIB Connect Radio on Tuesday 17 February at 7pm, repeated Saturday 21 February at 8pm with future episodes going out on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm and repeated on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 8pm.You can subscribe to the Eye Believe Podcast by searching for ‘Eye Believe BlindPod’ on Spotify, follow EyeBeleiveBlindPod on Instagram and to reach Ashrafia and the rest of the collective behind the podcast do email [email protected]. Image shows the Eye Believe logo: The words 'Eye Believe' written in bold black letters with 'Empower, Inspire, Share' written underneath in smaller writing. A drawing at the top is of an eye with orange rays beaming down behind the text on a beige background.

RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, for a look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.This week Simon chats settling into his new position as RNIB Chief Executive, engaging with RNIB staff, and what work he'll focus on over the coming months.If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.ukYou can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnectImage shows Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

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 looking at what might be someones first experience of theatre with two great family shows, Robin Hood at the Birmingham Hippodrome and Aladdin at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to find out how a pantomime comes to live with AD for an accessible experience that can be shared with the whole family too.About Robin Hood - The ultimate sheriff-busting pantomime extravaganza.Join TV fashionista, DJ and radio star Gok Wan as Gok Scarlet, Birmingham panto favourite Matt Slack as Robin Hood, Faye Tozer as Maid Marion and Matt Cardle as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. The all star line-up is completed by Andrew Ryan as Henrietta Hood, Sandra Marvin as The Spirit of Sherwood, and pantomime royalty Christopher Biggins who makes a special appearance as King Richard.With stunning scenery and dazzling costumes direct from The London Palladium, Robin Hood promises all the ingredients of a perfect pantomime: laugh-out-loud comedy, bundles of audience participation, astonishing special effects, and plenty of boos and hisses for the whole family to enjoy.About Aladdin - Join Aladdin on a spectacular quest from humble beginnings to riches beyond his wildest dreams! With a magical lamp, the help of a trusty genie and three wishes, only he can take on the evil sorcerer Abanazar! Can he conquer the cave of wonders and who will win the heart of the princess in the most spellbinding battle of good versus evil!?Join West End leading lady Zoe Birkett (Pop Idol/Moulin Rouge The Musical/The Bodyguard) as Spirit of the Ring, Michael Greco (EastEnders/The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) as the evil Abanazar and CBeebies’ Ben Cajee as Aladdin in the ultimate pantomime adventure for all the family!Returning favourites Tam Ryan (Wishee Washee) and Ian Adams (Widow Twankey) are joined by Wolverhampton’s own Sofie Anné as Princess Jasmine, West End star Duane Gooden as the Genie and panto legend Ian Billings as The Notary!

With support from Thomas Pocklington Trust, there are now more than twenty-five volunteer-led Sight Loss Councils across the UK. Hywel Davies caught up with the team behind the new ‘Sight Loss Council Cymru’ to hear more.For more information, visit the Sight Loss Council Cymru website - Wales - Sight Loss Council

Bees are buzzing and Grey Herons are with us! Amelia returns to explore the many celebrations in February and share some returning friends from nature.Learn more about the nature you can enjoy each month 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.

Two students from Canada are working on a device that can detect scaffolding and tree branches to make travelling easier for blind and partially sighted people.Amelia spoke to Jack Redberger and Jay Koidhis to learn more.Email Jack and Jay at [email protected] 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.

Based in Northern Ireland and looking for a social, tech-themed day? The RNIB tech fair is free to attend and takes place in Londonderry on Wednesday 11th of February.Amelia spoke with Jo Kenny to learn more.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Jack Marshall, a blind man from Stoke-on-Trent who has moderate hearing loss has recently picked up his degree certificate in Computer Science and Music Production at Keele University’s winter graduation ceremony and hopes that his story of going through mainstream and specialist education will help to inspire other blind and partially sighted people to achieve their goals in life. When Jack was born he was diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity and also has some moderate hearing loss too. He went through mainstream education up to A-levels, then went on to the Royal National College for the Blind, where he got into computers and music which encouraged him to go on to Keele University to study Computer Science and Music Production.Jack explains to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about how he wants to use his story and experiences of going through education and graduating with his degree to encourage other blind and partially sighted people to not let barriers get in the way of achieving their goals in life whatever that might be.(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)

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 Scotland.

Join Jonathan Abro on a memorable river jouney and beachfront hotel stay in Monetenegro.Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.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.

‘Your Stories’ brings together objects from Glasgow Life Museum’s collection with personal stories from community curators. Community members from RNIB Scotland came together to select items that resonated with them and shaped the final display by sharing their own experiences, memories and perspectives alongside the objects.Amelia spoke to community curator Krishna about how radio and audiobooks ehance his life.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.

‘Your Stories’ brings together objects from Glasgow Life Museum’s collection with personal stories from community curators. Community members from RNIB Scotland came together to select items that resonated with them and shaped the final display by sharing their own experiences, memories and perspectives alongside the objects.Amelia spoke to community curator Terry about which objects were meaningful for him.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

‘Your Stories’ brings together objects from Glasgow Life Museum’s collection with personal stories from community curators. Community members from RNIB Scotland came together to select items that resonated with them and shaped the final display by sharing their own experiences, memories and perspectives alongside the objects.Amelia spoke to RNIB Community Coordinator, Conor Joseph and Head of Glasgow Life Museums & Collections, Jane Rowlands to learn more about their collaboration.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 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 NT at home.Audio described performances included: ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ Friday 20 February, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National’s Littleton Theatre.‘Man and Boy’ Saturday 28 February 1.30pm, touch tour 11.30am, National’s Dorfman Theatre.‘Summer Folk’ Saturday 4 April 2pm, touch tour 12noon and Monday 20 April 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National’s Olivier Theatre.From NT at home with audio description David recommended ‘The Land of the Living’ and ‘A Tupperware of Ashes’.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.ukAnd for more about NT 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)

RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell learns how RNIB is creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to gain some work experience. He spoke with RNIB's Nigel Townley and Devin Adams to learn how the work placement in Edinburgh is helping her build confidence.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.

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 reviews.This week we have the spectacular musical ‘Miss Saigon’ as the current new UK and Ireland touring production visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description by Professional Audio Describer. About ‘Miss Saigon’Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh presents the spectacular new production of Miss Saigon as Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical is reborn for this new tour of the UK and Ireland.In the last days of the Vietnam War, 17 year-old Kim is forced to work in a Saigon bar run by a notorious character known as The Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American GI named Chris but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For 3 years Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he’s fathered a son.The soaring score of ‘Miss Saigon’ features hit songs including; “The Heat is On”, “The Movie in My Mind”, “Last Night of the World” and “The American Dream”.For more about the UK and Ireland tour of ‘Miss Saigon’ including dates and times of performances in theatres do visit - https://miss-saigon.com(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)

With Valentines Day and Mother’s Day on the horizon, one sight loss charity in south Wales is giving people the chance to create their very own bouquet. Hywel Davies has been finding out how you can get involved.

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio speak to some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re working on at the moment. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.To complete the Access To Work Survey, visit - https://rnib.in/atw-survey If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved , email [email protected] can visit rnib.org.uk/news or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999Follow @RNIB_Campaigns on your socials or search for RNIB Campaigns#RNIBConnect

More now from Hubert’s trip to the launch event for autonomous ride-sharing service ‘Waymo’. Where Hubert and guide dog Ceasar got a guided tour of the vehicle.

Have you ever taken a ride in a taxi without a driver? The autonomous ride-sharing service ‘Waymo’ will launch its service in London later this year. Hubert Pawelkiewicz went along to the launch event to find out more. Whilst there he spoke to Guide Dogs CEO Andrew Lennox.

An upcoming football talent day in London is hoping to find the next generation of England players. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.To sign up for the event, visit the Bloomsbury Football website - Bloomsbury X Para Football England Talent Day - Bloomsbury Football

Join Jonathan Abro as he crosses from Albania into Montenegro and makes some suprise friends.Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.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.

An update on the VocalEyes Describing Heritage: Co-creating Access Project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with the input of blind and partially sighted people from a number of Thomas Pocklington Trust Sight Loss Councils, will explore through the co-creation of audio description in 10 heritage hubs across the country, ways of improving access to museums, galleries and heritage sites for visually impaired people.Now that the 10 museum hubs for the project have been confirmed with workshops at the hubs due to start in March RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Lindsay Bywood, VocalEyes Describing Heritage Project manager for an update on the project, a run down of the 10 museum hubs that have been confirmed, news about the up-coming workshops plus how blind and partially sighted people will be very much at the heart of the project and co-creating the audio descriptions.To find out more about the Describing Heritage project and more on audio description of the arts do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. Following the event, Hubert spoke to Lucy Merritt from Thomas Pocklington Trust to find out more about a framework which is in place to help provide an understanding of support for children and young people with vision impairment. 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.

RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. Our Hubert attended the event at RNIB's Grimaldi Building and spoke to some of the young people who provided their lived experience of education support with sight loss.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.

RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould OBE MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. Following the event, Hubert managed to catch up with the Schools Minister.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.

RNIB Scotland has a new project which aims to provide more advice, support, events and community connections for blind and partially sighted people living in rural or isolated areas of Scotland. David Hogg spoke to Marion Bauer form the Scottish Borders

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 first of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025.This week we have Tom Wells’ magical new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s powerful and darkly funny story ‘the BFG’ (Big Friendly Giant) at the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) with description by Professional Audio Describers Gethyn Edwards and Ellie Packer. About ‘The BFG'One extraordinary night, a young orphan named Sophie is snatched by a giant and taken far away to Giant Country.There she learns that human-eating giants are guzzling 'norphans' the world over. But she soon discovers that her new friend, the BFG, is different – he's a dream-catching, snozzcumber-munching gentle soul who refuses to eat humans.While other giants wreak havoc on the world, the BFG ignites Sophie's imagination, and they devise a daring plan to save children everywhere. In the end, the smallest human bean and the gentlest giant prove that a dream can change the world.Gather your chiddlers to see Roald Dahl’s powerful and darkly funny story, packed full of frobscottle and whizzpoppers. Tom Wells’ magical new adaptation is directed by RSC Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans, whose previous productions include Quiz, South Pacific and Our Generation.There will be a further audio described performance of ‘The BFG’ on Wednesday 28 January at 7.15pm. For more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company including details about 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 underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font)

The Scottish Budget was announced recently but what does it all mean for eye care in Scotland? Our Allan Russell headed to Edinburgh to learn more.

RNIB Scotland is back with their popular accessible explorations of Glasgow museums. Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Community Coordinator, Conor Joseph, about their plans for this year and their upcoming visit to Riverside Museum. To find out more, email: [email protected] 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.

Sight loss charity RNIB, has published the final part of a three stage report on independent travel for blind and partially sighted people. Allan Russell spoke to Ross Megan and Erik Mathies, from the charity’s Campaigns Team to hear about the latest publication on train travel.Find the report here: https://bit.ly/RNIBPlatformForChangeImage 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.

Visually Impaired comedian Jake Donaldson has a new show about nostalgia, sight loss and his boyhood dream of joining the band Weezer.Amelia learned more about the show ahead of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.Book Tickets for the Glasgow International COmedy Festival date at 9 pm on Friday 13th March here - Jake Donaldson: The Fifth Weezer - Glasgow International Comedy FestivalLearn more about Jake on his website - Jake Donaldson Comedy - Listen on YouTube, Spotify - Linktree

Let’s talk photography, our David Hogg catches up with VI photographer William Hickie

Let’s talk gaming and how you can get involved in accessible gaming with other blind and partially sighted people. David Hogg has more.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.

Simon Antrobus is the new Chief Executive of UK sight loss charity, RNIB.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sat down with Simon to learn more about his career, so far, his thoughts on the charity’s direction and how he switches off from the day job.Image shows Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

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 a look back over some great theatre shows he saw in 2025 with audio description as well as some highlights of productions that Vidar is looking forward to seeing in 2026.Don’t forget to catch Vidar’s regular audio described theatre reviews on RNIB Connect Radio or via this podcast channel. (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)

Join Jonathan as he continues exploring the Balkans by bus, stopping at the modern city of Shkodër.He learns more about the community came together after a dark period of history.Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.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.

The Motability Foundation and UK sight loss charity RNIB, are collaborating on several research projects to improve the independent mobility of blind and partially sighted people.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to John Worsfold, RNIB, and Nicola Gampell, Motability Foundation, to learn more about the work and it’s goals.If you’d like to learn more about the research, go to www.rnib.org.uk/motability-foundation or www.future-journeys.com#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letter, A Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath