RNIB Conversations

Have you heard of MACS charity?In this podcast, Hubert chats to Teresa Gordon, who tells us about a charity called MACS, which aims to support children, adults and families who are dealing with three specific sight conditions: Microphthalmia (small eye), Anophthalmia (no eye) and Coloboma (gap in the structure of the eye). Find out more about their work here: About MACS Conditions – MACS – Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Coloboma SupportImage 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.

Tech Talk's Hubert Pawelkiewicz spoke to RNIB's Accessible Gaming and Immersive Technologies Research Officer Ben Breen about the accessibility of the digital games distribution service 'Steam'.

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.

Barry Snell talks to artist Olya Lynx, who currently has a tactile exhibition taking place at Lytham Heritage centre. The exhibition runs until the 20th July 2025.To find out more about Olya Lynx art click here Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

With the very hot weather we have been experiencing recently for this week’s check-in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about how best to cope with the heat and hot weather.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth whether there are certain individuals who are at greater risk in the heat than others. Then to what is heat exhaustion and how dangerous might heatstroke be. Ending with Elizabeth’s thoughts on reports that some sunscreens have been found to not be giving people the adequate protection they need.You will find more about how to cope with a heatwave by visiting the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

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.

One of the leading causes of blindness in the UK, is Glaucoma and it’s estimated to affect around 700,000 people in the UK, with half of them unaware they have it.For Glaucoma Awareness Week we’re focusing on the eye condition itself, importance of early detection and the support available.Joining us now to help us better understand this condition is Chris Hunton, Glaucoma UK trustee.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

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

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

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: Stereophonic - Saturday 5 July, 1pm, touch tour 11.15am, Duke of York’s Theatre, London Northern Ballet’s Expressions - Tuesday 8 July, 1pm and 7pm, Wednesday 8 July, 12.30pm and 7pm, Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds Ghost Stories - Thursday 10 July, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal, Brighton The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs - Thursday 10 July, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Kiln Theatre, London Giant - Saturday 12 July, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Harold Pinter Theatre, London Audio-Described Tour of The Postal Museum - Saturday 19 July, 2pm, The Postal Museum, London To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

With many of us probably having some old out of date medicines or maybe unfinished prescriptions knocking around at home for this week’s check-in with Glasgow based pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about medicine waste and what might be done to reduce the amount of waste too. Elizabeth began by outlining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey some of the figures that illustrate the scale of the problem and many of the reasons why we end up with all this medication waste. Then to what happens in the pharmacy when unopened medicines are returned and why they cannot be reused. Finally Elizabeth gives some thoughts on whether the fact that people in Scotland don’t pay for medicines might have an effect on the issue at all. To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com/ Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: The Crucible - Saturday 14 June and Tuesday 24 June, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London Northern Ballet: Romeo & Juliet - Saturday 21 June, 2pm, touch tour 11.45am, Leeds Playhouse & Juliet - Saturday 21 June, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Fiddler on the Roof - Saturday 28 June, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Barbican Theatre, London Chicago - Thursday 3 July, 2.30pm, Hull New 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)

Blind and partially sighted people have an opportunity to get involved in Neuroscience Research conducted at Goldsmiths, University of London.The study explores how people who are blind or severely visually impaired sense their body’s internal signals, like their heartbeat, and how this relates to feelings and emotions.Joining Paulina Kuchorew to tell us more about the research is Dr Sonia Abad-Hernando, Postdoctoral Researcher with the Department of Psychology, at Goldsmiths, University of London.To take part in the research and also receive more information, including in audio format, email: [email protected] 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.

Could you take on an adventure of a lifetime and trek across the Sahara desert, all in support of a good cause?Well, Colin Hetherington and James Clarke are doing just that as they take on the challenge for charity Retina UK.They spoke with Paulina Kuchorew about the upcoming challenge.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

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

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

With all the great weather we have been having recently and summer just around the corner with hopefully long days of sunshine too, for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about sun and sun protection. Elizabeth began by outlining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about ways on how best to protect yourself from the sun. Then to an explanation about the factor and star ratings that we find on sunscreen products and what factor and star ratings we should be looking out for. Then onto some very helpful advice on how best to apply sunscreen and around swimming too, some tips on how best to protect our eyes from the sun, with Elizabeth ending the check in with talking about some foods that could help to protect your skin from damage from the sun.You will also find information around sunscreen and sun safety on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.co Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: The Age of AI - Recorded Audio Described Guide,Bletchley park, Milton Keynes Hadestown - Friday 6 June, 7.30pm, Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, London Kinky Boots - Wednesday 11 June, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.30pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury My Master Builder - Saturday 14 June, 2.30pm, Wyndham’s Theatre, London Bat Out of Hell - Saturday 14 June, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester North by Northwest - Tuesday 17 June, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Alexandra Palace Theatre, London To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Back to Sight Village where David Hogg caught up with Graham Longly from Aspire Consultancy who offer hi and low tech solutions for people who are blind or partially sighted.Image shows David interviewing Graham. David is on the left in a pink and blue gradient t-shirt and holds up a small recording device to Graham, who is wearing a deep maroon polo and leaning back against the table with his white cane folded and tucked under his arm.

At Sight Village Scotland, our David Hogg spoke to Dolphin Computer Access about some new AI features coming to their products. 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.

More now from Sight Village Scotland as our David Hogg speaks to Luke Buckberrough, co-founder of Glidance.Image shows David interviewing Luke outside the Glasgow Science Centre with lovely sunshine streaming down on them. David is on the left and smiles as he holds up a tiny microphone clipped into his recorder. Luke smiles back as he stands across from him.

Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Barry Snell has been interviewing many of the exhibitors but also caught up with Diane and Elena from Seescape, who were there to check out some of the latest accessible products and services. 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.

Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Barry Snell has been chatting to many of the exhibitors, including Ellie from The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC). 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.

Let’s head back to Sight Village Scotland where our David Hogg spoke to Talking News Federation. 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.

Back to Sight Village now where David Hogg spoke to HumanWare and found out about some exciting AI features coming to their magnifiers.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.

Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Barry Snell has been interviewing many of the exhibitors and caught up with Laura from Macular Society. 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.

Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Barry Snell has been interviewing many of the exhibitors. Here he is talking to Matthew Carr from Retina 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.

Let’s head back to Sight Village Scotland, David Hogg caught up with Ian White and Conor Joseph from RNIB Scotland.Image shows Ian, Conor, and David standing in the exhibition space. Ian is looking down at the table as he speaks about some of the items they have on display. Standing behind him in a pink hoodie is Conor and on the right it's David, holding up his fabulous mini microphone and recorder.

Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Barry Snell has been chatting to many of the exhibitors & managed to catch up with Ian Kennedy from Sight & Sound Technology.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.

Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. At Sight Village Scotland, David Hogg spoke to Sight Scotland before the event started.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.

Barry Snell learns why African and Caribbean communities are especially at risk of developing the sight loss condition Glaucoma . He is talking to Robyn Asprey from Glaucoma UK and also to Chuckwudike Ukeje, who's own family was affected when his father was diagnosed with the debilitating eye disease. To find out more about Glaucoma click here 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 Hubert speaks to Jannette Scott, and finds out about some of her many guide dogs, and why she decided to apply.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.

Ex-Paralympian Richard Burt who is about to take on an epic trek from Brighton to Salisbury, to raise money for the charity Wiltshire Sight. Barry Snell caught up with him to find out 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.

Dawn Blezard recently took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in support of the Macular Society.She shared with our Paulina Kuchorew how it went and why she chose to tackle the mountains.Image description: four people pose by a summit stone on top of one of the peaks. They're all wearing bright yellow Macular Society t-shirts over hoodies and long sleeve shirts. From left to right: Sharon, Andy, Lisa, and finally Dawn. The sky above is clouded over but the group is smiling brightly.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: The Devil Wears Prada - Thursday 15 May, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Dominion Theatre, London Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One & Two - Saturday 17 may, Part One 2pm, Part Two 7pm, touch tour 11am, Palace theatre, London Six the Musical - Saturday 31 May, 4pm, touch tour 2.30pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester Dealer’s Choice - Saturday 31 May, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Donmar Warehouse, London Shucked - Saturday 7 June, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Regent’s Park Open air Theatre, London To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Birmingham Talking Newspapers For Blind and Visually Impaired (BTNBVI) are keen to attract new listeners in the Birmingham and surrounding area.Barry Snell caught up with volunteer John Rae to find out 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.

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.

Barry Snell catches up with a former soldier Tony Haskey, who has been getting creative with ways to remember our fallen soldiers and also to raise money for the charity Blind Veterans UK. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

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

Barry Snell caught up with charity fundraiser Blind Dave Heeley who recently completed his 17th & final London Marathon. An emotional Dave, who was was joined for the race by his 3 daughters, feels it was a fitting way to bow out.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.