RNIB Connect

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S2 Ep1801: July Almanac 2026 Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

Summer is in full swing in this months Almanac, Amelia is here to share how July got it’s name and some of the birds you can listen out for this month.

Learn more on the RSPB website - The year in nature: July

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S2 Ep1803: Extant Returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as They Continue to Lead the Conversation Around Accessible Theatre and The Arts Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

Extant the UK’s leading professional performing arts company of blind and visually impaired artists is continuing to lead the conversation around accessibility in the arts, returning to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer in partnership with Underbelly as principal venue partner which will include three enhance shows alongside a new visually impaired-led showcase on 18 August 2026 spanning theatre, dance and comedy .

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Dr Maria Oshodi, Artistic Director and CEO of Extant, for a look back on access at the Edinburgh Festival fringe from taking the ‘Effing and Blinding’ Cabaret too the Fringe in 2007, celebrating Extant’s 25 anniversary in 2022 by helping Tom Skelton and Amy Bethan Evans to take their shows to the Festival Fringe and following on from the great success of their 2025 programme a look forward to this year’s programme including the three enhance shows, the showcase on 18 August at Underbelly and much more besides.

To find out more about Extant and their programme of performances and events for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 do visit their website - https://extant.org.uk

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S2 Ep1802: This Sound is Purple - Bringing Works of Art to Life for Blind and Partially Sighted People Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

We find out how both bespoke audio description and sound scapes can create a multi-sensory way into works of art for blind and partially sighted people as RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with Glenn Harvey, Sound Designer who is also the Founder and creator of the ‘This Sound is Purple’ exhibition that was on at the SQFT Space Gallery in Marylebone, London.

Glenn explains to Toby about how the idea for the exhibition came about blending soundscapes and audio description together to bring works of art to life for blind and partially sighted people. The role many visually impaired people played with helping Glenn with the set up of the exhibition as well as reflecting on the comments and feedback he received from visually impaired visitors to the exhibition.

Glenn also shares his thoughts on how the technique of using both soundscapes and audio description could work in other galleries and museums to make their collections more accessible to blind and partially sighted people.

The interview included part of the descriptive sound scape for ‘Last I heard’ and ‘Dawn Chorus’ by Bianca Raffaella.

For more about ‘This Sound is Purple’ do visit - https://thissoundispurple.com

S2 Ep1797: UK Myths And Legends - RNIB Talking Books Titles Jun 27, 2026

Show notes

Giants, monsters and dragons come to life as Amelia explores RNIB Talking book titles on UK Myths and legends.

Find 'Strong Female Character' by Fern Brady, 'Mabinogi: lost legends and dark magic : a BBC Radio full-cast fantasy adventure' and 'The Loch Story' by Nicholas Witchell in the RNIB Talking Books Library.

Learn more on the RNIIB Website - Talking books service I Books in accessible formats | RNIB

S2 Ep1800: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 27/06/2026 Jun 27, 2026

Show notes

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 networking and a nod to some accessibility work in Northern Ireland.

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.

#RNIBConnect

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S2 Ep1799: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Monthly Campaigns Update 27/06/2026. Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re working on.
This month’s topics include a UK Parliamentary event and more discussions around driverless taxis.
If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved , email campaigns@rnib.org.uk
You can visit rnib.org.uk/news
or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999
Follow on your socials by searching for RNIB Campaigns

#RNIBConnect

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S2 Ep1782: Swiss Alps Train Ride - Travelogue 54 With Jonathan Abro Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

Join Jonathan as an amazing feat of engineering takes his train up into the swiss alps.

Listen to Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.

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S2 Ep1796: The Coming Of Age Exhibition At The Wellcome Collection Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

‘The Coming of Age’ at The Wellcome Collection explores experiences and perceptions of ageing and asks how societies can adapt for us all to age better.

They are hosting Lights Up and Audio Described Tours of the exhibition, have large print guides and a digital higlights tour available online.

Amelia speaks to Jake Blackavar and Anja Richardson from The Wellcome Collection about the exhibition themes, some stand out pieces and access.

Learn more about the exhibition and access on the Wellcome Collection website - The Coming of Age | Wellcome Collection

S2 Ep1795: Celebrating the 100th episode of the Mix Tape show with Ken Reid Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

On Monday 29 June 2026 (and on Sunday 5 July at 1pm) Ken Reid will be marking the 100th episode of The Mix Tape show here on RNIB Connect Radio.

Our Toby Davey recently caught up with Ken to find out what the show is all about, some of the themes that have featured on the show so far, what it has been like for Ken presenting the show and working with Barry Snell on putting the show together each week and maybe a hint of the theme for the 100th episode of the Mix Tape.

You can catch the Mix Tape show here on RNIB Connect Radio Mondays at 8pm and on Sundays at 1pm or catch the latest episode online - https://www.rnib.org.uk/connect-radio/rnib-connect-radio-shows/mix-tape/

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S2 Ep1794: Internship Opportunity With The Office For National Statistics Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

There’s an exciting opportunity to join the team behind the UK’s largest producer of official statistics. Hywel Davies has been finding out about a new work placement scheme with The Office for National Statistics.

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