In March 2025 RNIBs Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference is coming to Glasgow. On the 17th and 18th March global experts in the technology and accessibility sector will gather at The Glasgow Science Centre.

Alongside the conference, the IDS Tech Marketplace will host many different organisations demonstrating their products and services. This is your chance to get hands on with the latest innovations in accessibility.

Amelia learned more from James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland.

Learn more and book your tickets on the RNIB Website - Come to RNIB's Inclusive Design for Sustainability conference in Glasgow | RNIB

James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland, addressing the audience from a podium at the 2023 Inclusive Design Conference.  

George has been a dedicated volunteer with the RNIB personal Transcription service for 15 years. Amelia spoke to her about why she loves the role along with her volunteer manager Michele.

Learn more about the personal transcription service on their website - Home Page - RNIB Personal Transcription Portal

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

UK sight loss charity, RNIB, has just launched an extensively updated version of it’s online shop.

Packed with products, fully accessible and security protected for transactions, the charity is looking for feedback from customers.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Daphne Mavroudi-Chocholi, from RNIB, to find out more.

If you’d like to have a look at the new shop, go to shop.rnib.org.uk

#RNIBConnect

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The RNIB NI Technology Fair is returning for 2025. Dave Williams from Tech Talk has been finding out all about what to expect from this year’s event.

For more information, visit the RNIB website - Come to the RNIB NI Technology Fair 2025 | RNIB

Chris McCausland’s appearance on Strictly Come Dancing encouraged dance lover Deborah to look for accessible classes and she’s fallen back in love with dance. 

Amelia learned more about when her love of dancing began and her current lessons with Step Change Studios.

Learn more about Step Change Studios on their website www.stepchangestudios.com/

Each week 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 by talking about the new RNIB online shop and the improvements that have been made to make the shop even more accessible and user friendly.

Then to two up-coming RNIB in person workshops enabling blind and partially sighted people who find it difficult filling in online forms to provide feedback and comment on the NHS 10 Year Health Plan and a mention of some of the meetings that the RNIB has been involved in around eye health and health care.   

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 also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.

#RNIBConnect

Image shows a smiling Matt

Our David Hogg speaks to Jan Harrison about her sight loss journey and the support she received from North East Sensory Service and RNIB’s Counselling team.

For more information on the counselling services offered by RNIB then call the helpline on 0303 123 99 99

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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 continuing the theme of winter tales Vidar was reviewing The Snowman as the production returned home to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith.

About The Snowman

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s enchanting production of The Snowman has been delighting audiences for over 30 years and is the West End’s longest running Christmas Show. It returned home over the festive season to give Birmingham audiences the chance to be part of the magic again.

When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape evil Jack Frost and get back home for Christmas morning?

Based on Raymond Brigg’s much-loved book and featuring Howard Blake‘s classic song Walking In The Air, this enchanting live show has thrilled audiences throughout the world since first appearing on stage over twenty-five years ago. 

For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre along with details of audio described performances of their productions do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/

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The return of RNIB Connect Voices opportunities to RNIB Connect Radio with Amrit Dhaliwal who is just coming up to the end of her internship with the RNIB Research and Insight Team.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey firstly asked Amrit about her internship with the RNIB, an outline of the skills and experiences she has gained during her time with the RNIB and the benefits of taking up an internship in helping to start your career journey or helping you when returning to employment after a break.

Then to just one RNIB Connect Voices opportunity  -

Maia, a University of Edinburgh student, is working on their final year honours project to develop a robotic guide dog system. The study will explores how robotic guide dogs could enhance the lives of people with visual impairments, and how to improve the way current technology-based navigation systems interact with their users.

Maia is hoping to learn about your daily experiences, how you interact with guide dogs (or manage without one), and your thoughts on how a robotic guide dog could support you in your everyday life.

What’s involved?

 

A short interview (approximately 30 minutes) at a time that works for you, conducted online, via phone or in person (if you live around Edinburgh). There may also be an opportunity to test the system in early March if you live in the Edinburgh area, however this is completely optional.

Interested in participating?

 

If you’d like to take part or learn more, please contact Maia via email - [email protected] or on 07306 616 993 by March 2025.

To find out more about these and other Connect Voices opportunities along with how you can get involved with RNIB Connect Voices do visit - https://www.rnib.org.uk/connect-community/connect-voices-network/connect-voices-current-opportunities

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Becoming a ‘Visibly Better Employer’ helps businesses to widen their talent pool and increase opportunities for blind and partially sighted workers. Hywel Davies has been speaking to Bron Afon Community Housing, one of the latest employers to take part in the scheme.

To learn more about becoming a Visibly Better Employer, visit the RNIB website - Visibly better employer quality standard | RNIB