RNIB Connect

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 back at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre for a bold adaptation of Andrea Levy’s multi award-winning novel ‘Small Island’ with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. 
About ‘Small Island’ 
Journey from the sun-drenched shores of Jamaica to the cold, grey streets of 1940s London in Small Island, a powerful and intimate portrayal of Andrea Levy’s multi award-winning novel, adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson. Directed by Matthew Xia, this bold staging offers a fresh perspective on a world shaped by empire and entitlement, caught between belonging and unbelonging, disappointment and hope.
Four unforgettable characters bring this Windrush story to life: Hortense and Gilbert, determined Jamaican migrants in search of belonging and respect; Queenie, an Englishwoman who defies convention; and Bernard, her husband, struggling with change. Together, they discover love across culture, colour and class – and the fragile hope of a shared future.
Spanning decades and continents, this brand-new production draws on the joyful rhythms of calypso and the harsh realities of post-war Britain to explore the emotional truth of our collective history, brought vividly to life through music, striking visuals and a compelling story you will never forget.
For more about the tour of ‘Small Island’ and further up-coming audio described performances do visit the Actors Touring Company website - https://www.atctheatre.com/production/small-island-uk-national-tour-spring-2026/

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May 7th will see elections take place across the UK and there’s some important deadlines and information for blind and partially sighted voters.
RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Liz Williams, RNIB Cymru, and Ella Griffiths-Downing, Electoral Commission, for more details.
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How can you make the arts more accessible? Alice Christina-Corrigan applies her experience as a visually impaired person to break down barriers for others.
Amelia learned more…
Follow Alice on Instagram @aliceccorrigan and tiktok @alicechristinacorrigan and learn more on her website - Alice Christina-Corrigan – Actor, Maker & All Things Access

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Changes are being made to Child Benefits. Hywel Davies has been hearing from HMRC how the new change could affect you, and how you can make sure you’re getting the correct benefits that you’re owed.
You can find more information on the gov.uk website - Child Benefit: How it works - GOV.UK

A new course, hosted by the University of Strathclyde, will help boost the number of Vision Rehabilitation specialists, who provide a vital role for people who are losing their sight. 
RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke with Laura Walker, Visibility Scotland CEO, and Susan Shippey, Chair of Vision Collaborative Scotland, to hear more about the course and why it’s vital to build the low numbers of specialists in this area.
If you’d like more info on the course, go to www.sightscotland.org.uk/vision-collaborative-scotland or www.strath.ac.uk

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