RNIB Connect

Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we sit 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 began with the announcement that actor, and star of Disney+ UK’s ‘Rivals,’ Victoria Smurfit has been appointed as RNIB’s new President as Dame Gail Ronson DBE steps down after 14 years as President of the RNIB.
Also with many people voting this week in the UK elections for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments as well as the Council and Mayoral elections in England Simon talks about the work that the RNIB has been doing looking into how to make voting accessible so that visually impaired people are able to vote independently at the polling station.
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 Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.
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RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Neil Atkinson, RNIB Scotland, Social Action Community Coordinator to find out how how he found it voting as a visually impaired person in the Scottish Parliament Election on Thursday 7 May 2026.  
Neil gives his thoughts on how accessible the whole experience was for him, the level of support he received from polling station staff, his thoughts on any accessible tools he was offered to help him vote independently as a visually impaired person and what could be done in the future to make the voting more accessible for him and other blind and partially sighted people.
 
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The parents of children who are blind or partially sighted are being given the chance to meet up in person and share their experiences. Hywel Davies has been hearing about the upcoming VICTA Parents Conference.
For more information on the conference, visit the VICTA website - VICTA Parents LIVE! - VICTA

RNIB’s See Work Differently Placement programme offers placements across RNIB Teams and gives people with sight loss the chance to gain real work experience with supportive employers and move closer to the jobs and futures they want. 
Amelia is here speaking to Aarifah Karim who is on placement with the Policy team, and her manager Erik Matthies to learn more.
Learn more about available See Work Differently Placements on the RNIB careers page Careers at RNIB I Information and vacancies | RNIB
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Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Hywel Davies has been hearing all about plans for this year’s Sight Village Leeds.
For more information, visit the Sight Village website - Sight Village Leeds 2026 - Queen Alexandra College