More theatres, museums and art galleries are turning to online streaming of their performances and collections.There is also an increase in the content which is being audio described for blind and partially sighted people, but there is still more work to do to increase the overall offerings.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, to look at some forthcoming performances and collections, receiving the AD touch.www.mindseyedescription.co.uk#RNIBConnect
Image: Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts

Not long after completing her "A" Levels, Heather Tymms lost her sight, throwing her plans for the future up in the air.After going through rehabilitation, she not only started university to study maths, but has also secured a year's paid internship with Sainsburys.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Heather to learn more about her educational goals and why she is so excited about her analytical internship.#RNIBConnect
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Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) is funding which is made available to university students who have a disability, including sight loss, and helps to pay for things like assistive technology, guides and even transport costs.The application process has 2 components, 1 of which is an assessment interview, which can now be taken over things like Skype due to Covid-19 restrictions.On July 15th 2020, there will be a webinar for visually impaired students to help with the whole process of applying, that will include a Q&A section for more in depth questions.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Tara Chattaway from Pocklington Trust, who will be running the event.www.pocklington-trust.org.uk#RNIBConnect
Image: Thomas Pocklington Logo 

Helen Keller was born into a life of privilege but before her 2nd birthday, she lost her sight and her hearing.With the help of a formidable teacher, she began to read, write and graduate from university.Helen went on to campaign across the world, for better rights for people with disabilities, and was held in the highest regard by the public and the most powerful political and royal figures.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Helen Seldon to learn more about her life and the digital archive that has been created to tell the Helen Keller Story.www.afb.org#RNIBConnect
Image: A Black & White Photograph of Helen Keller

Continuing the ‘At Home While We’re Closed’ series of productions, A View On Access today focuses on the final few offerings from the National Theatre, including The Deep Blue Sea, Small Island, and Amadeus.

A View on Access is written, presented and produced by Tim Calvert of Calvert Creative Concepts for the Audio Description Association and RNIB Connect Radio. For more information on audio description visit audiodescription.co.uk

For more info on AVOA, or to feedback email - [email protected]

Driving Miss Daisy is a global organisation that provides people of all ages, and disabilities, with a door to door driver and companion who can assist with whatever you have to do on your journey.From shopping visits, medical appointments or even journeys across the country, they are more than a travel provider.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ann Overdijking to learn more about the service that improves independent mobility.www.drivingmissdaisy.co.uk#RNIBConnect
Image: Driving Miss Daisy Car & Volunteer 

The World Blind Union works with sight loss charities, and governments, from around the globe to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people.They also sit on groups within the United Nations, giving them a powerful platform to influence positive change and highlight areas of improvement.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Fredric Schroeder, WBU President, to learn more about their Covid-19 work and actions to improve digital communications.www.worldblindunion.org#RNIBConnect
Image: Fredric Schroeder, WBU President

Robert Meikle is the first blind student at City of Glasgow College to complete the HNC Radio Production course with an "A" Grade.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Robert to learn more about the course and James Wilson, City Of Glasgow College, to find out how the institution works with disabled students to improve access to courses.www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk#RNIBConnect
Image: RNIB's Connect Radio Studio

Money from the National Lottery helps charities to provide vital services to a diverse range of customers with different needs and support requests.New funding was announced to help with the extra costs, relating to the current coronavirus situation, to provide vital telephone assistance for blind and partially sighted people in the UK.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gillian Hallard, from RNIB Scotland, to learn more about the Helpline, what it can help with and why the money is so important at this difficult time.www.rnib.org.uk/Scotland#RNIBConnect
Image: RNIB Logo