In Touch
- Episodios
- 478
- Se publica
- cada semana
- Último episodio
- 10 Nov 2026
Sobre el podcast
News, views and information for people who are blind or partially sighted
Episodios 478
Artificial intelligence: the visual impairment use case
The debate over the benefits and pitfalls of smart glasses has played out in many arenas, including in Parliament. These wearable devices often contain a built-in camera, microphone and speakers, allowing users …
Notas del episodio
The debate over the benefits and pitfalls of smart glasses has played out in many arenas, including in Parliament. These wearable devices often contain a built-in camera, microphone and speakers, allowing users to take photos, record video, make calls, and use AI to describe or read aloud what is in front of the user.
On In Touch, we weigh valid concerns about the misuse against the potential for blind and partially sighted people. We also consider the wider benefits and pitfalls of artificial intellegence for people with a visual impairment, from navigation to describing menus, and tips on how to make the most of this still-emerging technology.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees
Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.’
NHS App; Audio Described Football on TV
The NHS app is being described as the digital front door to the National Health Service. It aims to make access to the NHS quicker and easier. However, not everyone is convinced that the aim is being met …
Notas del episodio
The NHS app is being described as the digital front door to the National Health Service. It aims to make access to the NHS quicker and easier. However, not everyone is convinced that the aim is being met, including the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on eye health and visual impairment. We're joined by the APPG Chair, Marsha De Cordova who explains the group's findings from its recent report. We also discuss the app with visually impaired campaigner Berni Warren and iSight Cornwall's Jodi Strick.
Blind and visually impaired football fans may have noticed the increasing availability of live audio description accompanying TV coverage. So what is the user experience of this service? To help answer that question, we're joined by Liverpool fan and audio description user Dave Williams. We also hear from Sky TV's, Steve Smith who tells us about their plans to provide live audio description for over 100 games this season.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Fern Lulham Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.’
Navigating Motherhood with Sight Loss
Are blind and visually impaired mothers getting the support they need? Not according to a recent report entitled "Navigating Motherhood with Sight Loss" from the RNIB. This finds that negative assumptions both …
Notas del episodio
Are blind and visually impaired mothers getting the support they need? Not according to a recent report entitled "Navigating Motherhood with Sight Loss" from the RNIB. This finds that negative assumptions both from healthcare professionals and the general public often leaves them feeling undermined.
To help us look at the issues raised by the report, we're joined by Lily Bond from RNIB's insight team, and visually impaired Mums Nia Greer and Dr. Amy Kavanagh. Also joining us is MP and disability rights campaigner Dr Marie Tidball who tells us about her work to support disabled mothers more generally.
A few weeks ago, we reported on a braille food labelling campaign being run by the charity Sight Scotland. Their survey on this topic closes on 31st October. If you wish to take part, you can do so online via the Sight Scotland website. Alternatively, you can complete it in braille, large print, by audio, phone or email. You can request these formats by emailing [email protected] or by calling 0131 378 2800 extension 7015
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Fern Lulham Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees
Improving Access to Public Transport
For many blind and visually impaired people, access to public transport is a key element of living independently. So just how accessible is it, and what's being done to remove the barriers that plainly still …
Notas del episodio
For many blind and visually impaired people, access to public transport is a key element of living independently. So just how accessible is it, and what's being done to remove the barriers that plainly still exist?
In this episode, we hear from Seren Jaye about her experience as a seasoned visually impaired bus user. We're also joined by the Director of Policy and Research at the Campaign for Better Transport, Silviya Barrett who tells us about the charity's work to make bus travel more accessible.
Meanwhile, over on the railways, we hear from Engagement Manager at the Thomas Pocklington Trust, Dave Smith and Accessibility Lead for Greater Thameslink Railway, Carl Martin about their partnership to produce station audio guides. Frequent train user David Best tests a guide out and gives us his feedback.
Presenter and Producer: Fern Lulham Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees
Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.’
Getting Active
Finding the motivation to get fit and active can be difficult, especially when there can often be some barriers to entry for blind and partially sighted people. With this in mind, In Touch has assembled a panel …
Notas del episodio
Finding the motivation to get fit and active can be difficult, especially when there can often be some barriers to entry for blind and partially sighted people. With this in mind, In Touch has assembled a panel of sporty visually impaired people to provide tips and advice on how to get started, or maintain your current fitness programme. Roy Turnham is captain of the England blind football team and works with British Blind Sport, who provide advice and opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to to get involved with sport. Rehnaz (Naz) Khan is a runner and she has set up her own visually impaired running club in Cardiff, called VI runners. And James O'Driscoll works as a personal trainer and owns his own gym called Simply Fit.
If you're looking for a sport or fitness group you can get involved with in your area, British Blind Sport's activity finder may help: https://britishblindsport.org.uk/activity-finder
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Access to the Bayeux Tapestry, Beware of Bogus Eye Treatments
A legal case is being brought against the British Museum over a lack of accessibility for visually impaired people to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition. Dr Yusuf Ali Osman raised the case after being initially …
Notas del episodio
A legal case is being brought against the British Museum over a lack of accessibility for visually impaired people to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition. Dr Yusuf Ali Osman raised the case after being initially told that there were no plans for an audio described tour of the historical artefact. Dr Osman, along with other visually impaired people with similar complaints, describe the issue and we hear about the British Museum's plans for access to the tapestry in future.
A recent global study has found that 1 in 5 visually impaired people are encountering what they believe to be 'bogus' eye treatments. The majority were found online, but some participants were even sceptical of the treatments being offered by their clinicians. Research Fellow Dr Lee Jones of Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology delves into the study's findings for us and advises on what patients can do to protect themselves from potentially harmful treatments.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Cost of Living Research, Non-Visual Noticing in Poetry
New research by RNIB has found that only 13% of visually impaired people surveyed feel their disability benefits actually cover the additional cost of their disability. This research comes at a time where the …
Notas del episodio
New research by RNIB has found that only 13% of visually impaired people surveyed feel their disability benefits actually cover the additional cost of their disability. This research comes at a time where the Personal Independent Payment is under review and so In Touch hears from the RNIB about their research and how they are contributing to this review.
To celebrate National Poetry Day, In Touch has brought together two visually impaired poets to discuss the concept of 'non-visual noticing'. A term coined by one of our panel poets Claudine Toutoungi. It is the art of noticing the non-visual aspects of the world as a source of inspiration for poetry. The Blind Poet Dave Steele also joins the discussion and shares some of his work, which often has the theme sight loss and addresses how it can impact you and those around you.
Presenter: Peter White Producer & Reporter: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Access to Theatre and London Fashion Week
Anela and Scott Wood are keen theatre goers, and they regularly attend the audio described showings of the biggest musicals at their local theatre in Bristol. However, they were recently surprised to find that …
Notas del episodio
Anela and Scott Wood are keen theatre goers, and they regularly attend the audio described showings of the biggest musicals at their local theatre in Bristol. However, they were recently surprised to find that assistance around the theatre (help with things like getting to the bar and other facilities) was no longer a clear-cut issue. The couple tell us what happened.
'Making Fashion Accessible' is an initiative designed to help visually impaired people access London's Fashion Week. Its aim is to turn runway shows at this prestigious fashion event into multi-sensory moments for blind visually impaired guests; through tactile fabric swatch booklets, guided touch tours, (feeling designer garments and talking about them before or after the show) and scent and sound associations. The runway and outfits were also audio described for attendees during the show. Fern Lulham attended London Fashion Week to find out more about how Hair & Care's project works.
Presenter: Peter White Producer & Reporter: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Live Action Role Playing
Live Action Role Playing (LARP) is where people create a character, dress in costume and physically role play them within a real-world setting. In Touch finds out how visually impaired people get involved with …
Notas del episodio
Live Action Role Playing (LARP) is where people create a character, dress in costume and physically role play them within a real-world setting. In Touch finds out how visually impaired people get involved with this hobby by visiting one of the UK's largest LARP events, Empire, where James Crawford Laird role plays often. James has the sight condition Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and In Touch producer Beth Hemmings followed him around the Empire to find out how he interacts with the medieval fantasy themed game.
Presenter: Peter White Producer & Reporter: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Tactile Baby Scans, New Macular Degeneration Research
First Hello is a pilot scheme by the charity Guide Dogs which provides visually impaired expectant parents with a rendered 3D model of their baby, taken from their 20-week ultrasound scan. In Touch finds out …
Notas del episodio
First Hello is a pilot scheme by the charity Guide Dogs which provides visually impaired expectant parents with a rendered 3D model of their baby, taken from their 20-week ultrasound scan. In Touch finds out more from some to-be parents who have received their models and Guide Dogs' Head of Support Services, Kerry Bevan.
Macular Disease is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK and medical intervention has come a long way in terms of treating some aspects of the disease, but a new research method is trying to pin-point the root causes and contribute to earlier diagnosis by comparing healthy and diseased eyes from donors. Dr Colin Chu is leading the project and he describes the method and how he hopes it will contribute to wider research.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.’
Braille Food Labels Campaign; Bowled Over by Cricket!
With technology providing an increasing number of options for visually impaired people to access text, do we need braille food labels? Well a group of visually impaired people in Scotland certainly think so …
Notas del episodio
With technology providing an increasing number of options for visually impaired people to access text, do we need braille food labels? Well a group of visually impaired people in Scotland certainly think so, and they've just relaunched a campaign to support their cause. Campaign leader Marie Harrower joins us to explain the objectives of their work and how it's progressing. We also hear what some of our listeners have to say on the subject.
If you want to find out more about the campaign you can email [email protected] or phone 0131 378 2800 extension 7015.
What is it that makes so many blind people keen on sport? Joining us to help answer that question is 13 year old Ravi Chahal, who is himself registered blind and already making his mark as a cricket pundit.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Fern Lulham Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees
Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.’
Advice for Visually Impaired Students
It is the time of year where youngsters across the country are receiving their exam results. For many, this will mean attending university for the first time in the next few months. It is a big time, but for …
Notas del episodio
It is the time of year where youngsters across the country are receiving their exam results. For many, this will mean attending university for the first time in the next few months. It is a big time, but for visually impaired youngsters, there are added dimensions to consider. With this in mind, In Touch has assembled a panel of guests to provide hints and tips for new visually impaired students on how they can make the most of their first term at university. We provide advice on things such as the Disabled Students Allowance, negotiating new environments and making the most of the social side of university life.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image. He is wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three white squares with the three letters inside each). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words 'In Touch'; and the Radio 4 logo (the word 'Radio' in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside of a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both rectangles are behind Peter, one is a dark blue and the other is a light blue.
PIP Review Update, Braille Wine Labels
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) supports people with the extra costs of a disability or long-term health condition and it is currently under review. The steering group behind The Timms Review now wants …
Notas del episodio
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) supports people with the extra costs of a disability or long-term health condition and it is currently under review. The steering group behind The Timms Review now wants disabled people to apply to participate in a series of workshops throughout September and October to provide feedback on draft recommendations. Decisions on these recommendations are then expected to be announced in late Autumn. The deadline to apply for the workshops is Friday 21st August. There is an email address to request reasonable adjustments if you are not able to access the online application form: [email protected]
More information on these workshops, including application form, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/timms-review-of-personal-independence-payment-register-your-interest-in-a-shaping-recommendations-workshop/timms-review-register-your-interest-in-a-shaping-recommendations-workshop#information-for-workshops-in-wales-northern-ireland-and-scotland
Terra Sarda Wines is a small Sardinian wine company based in Yorkshire that have a big ambition to provide all of the wines they sell with braille labels. It currently includes the braille labels on demand on three of their range. Terra Sarda isn't the first wine company to do this, but the inspiration came from hearing Brandon Hulcoop from transcription service All Things Dotty on the In Touch programme. Brandon and Sue Scott from Terra Sarda Wines tell us how their partnership developped.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Describing Heritage - A Different Approach to Audio Description
If someone has little vision, is it actually helpful to describe historical sites and objects using only visual language? That is a question being posed by a new project 'Describing Heritage' by charity …
Notas del episodio
If someone has little vision, is it actually helpful to describe historical sites and objects using only visual language? That is a question being posed by a new project 'Describing Heritage' by charity VocalEyes. It aims to challenge traditional audio description at heritage sites (museums, galleries, stately homes) by involving blind and visually impaired people in the creation of descriptions of objects and spaces. By co-creating audio descriptions that are based on all the senses, they believe that this will create the kind of description which could be more relatable to people with low vision. Our reporter Fern Lulham attended one of the curation sessions at The National Gallery to find out more about how this concept works.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
The War Veterans who may lose their homes; Commonwealth Games
A charity's plans to sell a site on which there are homes for disabled war veterans has left residents facing fears of eviction. The charity "Sight Scotland Veterans" says that it is no longer financially …
Notas del episodio
A charity's plans to sell a site on which there are homes for disabled war veterans has left residents facing fears of eviction. The charity "Sight Scotland Veterans" says that it is no longer financially viable for them to run the site as it is currently. We speak to visually impaired veterans Pete Conaghan and Bill Mackie, both of whom live there, and to the Sight Scotland Veterans Chief Executive, Craig Spalding.
What has been the significance for disabled athletes of the recent Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and how did visually impaired competitors fare? We're joined by BBC Scotland's sports news reporter Chris McLaughlin, as well as athletes Stephen Clegg, Ela Letton-Jones and James Ball.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Fern Lulham Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees
Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.’ .
New College Worcester's First Non-Visually Impaired Pupils, the Commonwealth Games
New College Worcester has been a dedicated school for visually impaired pupils for 160 years, but it has recently joined with an education trust which has enabled them to take in their first cohort of …
Notas del episodio
New College Worcester has been a dedicated school for visually impaired pupils for 160 years, but it has recently joined with an education trust which has enabled them to take in their first cohort of non-visually impaired students. The school's principal Rachel Perks tells In Touch about the reasons behind the change, what impact it might have on pupils and staffing and how this change should secure their financial future.
The Commonwealth Games are regarded as one of the few integrated large-scale sporting events, with disabled and non-disabled athletes competing alongside each other. The 2026 games are underway in Glasgow where some visually impaired athletes have already secured medals. With the help of BBC Scotland's sport correspondent Chris McLaughlin, In Touch provides an overview of the action so far. More to follow on next week's programme.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image and he is wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three separate white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch" and the Radio 4 logo (the word ‘radio’ in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside of a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one is a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Comedy: Podcasts and Stand-Up
Can blindness be funny? This week In Touch discusses recent projects by two visually impaired comedy writers. One is a new podcast called You've got Braille, co-written by visually impaired comedy writer and TV …
Notas del episodio
Can blindness be funny? This week In Touch discusses recent projects by two visually impaired comedy writers.
One is a new podcast called You've got Braille, co-written by visually impaired comedy writer and TV producer Reece Finnegan. The podcast focuses on a young blind man who is muddling through life's complexities, with the disability adding another tricksy layer. The podcast was produced by production company Hat Trick and RNIB.
Blind comic Aarian Mehrabani will soon be hitting the Edinburgh Fringe with his debut stand-up show 'How's your Head?'. Aarian has worked within comedy writing for a while, producing work with his own disability-led theatre company FlawBored. In the run up to Edinburgh, Aarian has been hosting comedy nights at Salford's Lowry Theatre, where he will also be previewing his debut stand-up show.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image and he is wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three separate white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch" and the Radio 4 logo (the word ‘radio’ in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside of a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one is a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
The Future of Braille
In Touch discusses braille's future and how it adapts alongside today's variety assistive technologies that can aid with reading, writing and consuming information. We are helped by young braillists from St …
Notas del episodio
In Touch discusses braille's future and how it adapts alongside today's variety assistive technologies that can aid with reading, writing and consuming information. We are helped by young braillists from St Vincent's School in Liverpool and three seasoned braille users, Jackie Brown, Ian Macrae and Dave Williams.
Presenter & Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image and he is wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three separate white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch" and the Radio 4 logo (the word ‘radio’ in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside of a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one is a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Redress for Failed Passenger Assistance, Funding for Visually Impaired Musicians
Passenger Assistance is a service rail users can book for help with things like navigating unfamiliar stations and catching connecting trains. When it goes right, it can be a service that boosts independence …
Notas del episodio
Passenger Assistance is a service rail users can book for help with things like navigating unfamiliar stations and catching connecting trains. When it goes right, it can be a service that boosts independence and travel confidence, but it can often go wrong. So now the Office of Rail and Road, who are the regulator for Britain's railways, are consulting on a new framework that aims to make the process of putting things right for passengers fairer. The regulator's Head of Consumer Jacqui Russell explains what is in their framework and how you can respond to their consultation. More details of how to do respond below:
Consultation webpage: orr.gov.uk/search-consultations/consultation-framework-determining-redress-booked-assistance-not-provided If you need the consultation documents in large print, audio recording or braille, contact ORR on: 0207 282 2000 (select option 3) You can also email consultation responses to: [email protected]
The Elizabeth Eagle-Bott Memorial Fund is provided by the RNIB and it helps visually impaired musicians with additional costs, such as access technology, instruments and music tuition. The fund celebrated its 25th anniversary recently with a concert in London and it featured performances from the fund's alumni. Kevin Satizabal Carrascal attended the concert for In Touch and spoke to musicians about the kinds of things the fund has helped them with. RNIB's Daisy Higman also provides information on how you can apply for next year's fund.
Presenter & Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image and he is wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three separate white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch" and the Radio 4 logo (the word ‘radio’ in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside of a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one is a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Cooking: Tips and Tricks
Whether you are a confident cook or complete novice, In Touch provides tips on how to navigate the kitchen with a visual impairment. We have gathered a panel of blind and partially sighted people with an …
Notas del episodio
Whether you are a confident cook or complete novice, In Touch provides tips on how to navigate the kitchen with a visual impairment. We have gathered a panel of blind and partially sighted people with an interest in cooking and who have a range of experience, levels of vision and kitchen set ups, to provide their tips, tricks and work-arounds.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Kim Agostino Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image and he is wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three separate white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch" and the Radio 4 logo (the word ‘radio’ in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside of a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one is a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Modified Exam Papers
In Touch explores the barriers faced by visually impaired students when sitting their GCSE and A-Level exams, when obtaining both exam papers and revision materials in braille and large print formats.Presenter …
Notas del episodio
In Touch explores the barriers faced by visually impaired students when sitting their GCSE and A-Level exams, when obtaining both exam papers and revision materials in braille and large print formats.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Kim Agostino Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch" and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Guided Shopping, Swimming Sisters
Shopping doesn't come without potential challenges if you're blind or partially sighted: locating the items you want and, depending on your level of sight, being able to get up close enough to understand if …
Notas del episodio
Shopping doesn't come without potential challenges if you're blind or partially sighted: locating the items you want and, depending on your level of sight, being able to get up close enough to understand if what you’ve found is really what you were after. Well, John Lewis is the latest brand trying to help, developping a pilot guided shopping scheme within their flagship store in London. In Touch sent along Emma and Dave Williams to try it out and John Lewis' Head of the Oxford Street branch tells us about any potential plans for a wider roll-out of the scheme.
The Commonwealth Games will be taking place in Glasgow in July. The Games run every four years and welcome athletes from across the Commonwealth of Nations. This year, visually impaired sisters Astrid and Ursula Carroll will be competing in swimming, but for different teams (Astrid for Team Scotland and Ursula for Team England). How did this happen? The pair explain more and discuss their training, and what they are looking forward to about the Commonwealth Games.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists' New President & Questions about the future of Braille
With ophthalmology being the busiest NHS outpatient specialty, with around 9.7 million appointments in England in 2024, the Royal College of Ophthalmology's new president, Mohamed Elalfy undoubtedly has a busy …
Notas del episodio
With ophthalmology being the busiest NHS outpatient specialty, with around 9.7 million appointments in England in 2024, the Royal College of Ophthalmology's new president, Mohamed Elalfy undoubtedly has a busy three years in the role ahead. Mohamed speaks with In Touch about his plans for the College and about issues of concern to eye health and care patients, including the issue of long waiting times for appointments and potential new treatments for eye diseases.
Caroline Mackenzie contacted In Touch with concerns over whether or not her young grandson should learn braille. She has been wondering whether or not it will be worth his time, given how quickly assistive technology is evolving. Does braille have a future in the face of evolving technologies? To share your thoughts on this, please email [email protected] or leave a voice message on 0161 836 1338.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
New Access to Work Recruits, Audio Description on Streaming Services
The Department for Work and Pensions is in the process of hiring nearly 500 new members of staff to help clear the Access to Work backlog and tackle long delays. The Access to Work scheme can help disabled …
Notas del episodio
The Department for Work and Pensions is in the process of hiring nearly 500 new members of staff to help clear the Access to Work backlog and tackle long delays. The Access to Work scheme can help disabled people gain and maintain employment by providing funding for things like support workers and assistive tech. A review of the scheme is currently underway which aims to reform the scheme as it is struggling to keep up with rising demand, these new recruits are a separate measure by the department which aims to quicken the processing of people's claims. In Touch speaks to Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms about these new roles.
For the first time, the UK communications regulator Ofcom is introducing access requirements for streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Netflix. This is following the Media Act 2024, and Ofcom's proposals will not only apply for audio description, but also for subtitling and signing. Cathy Taylor is part of Ofcom's Broadcasting Team and describes to In Touch what these new requirements could look like, and about a consultation which is seeking the views of access service users.
Contact details for Ofcom's consultation are below: General advice telephone number: 0300 123 3333 Consultation email address: [email protected] And the consultation web page: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/accessibility/tier-1-accessibility-code Closing date for responses: 7th August 2026
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.’
Audio Description on Streaming Platforms
Ofcom has recently published a draft code requiring major streaming platforms to provide audio description for at least 10% of their content. This follows provisions in the Media Act 2024.In this episode - a …
Notas del episodio
Ofcom has recently published a draft code requiring major streaming platforms to provide audio description for at least 10% of their content. This follows provisions in the Media Act 2024.
In this episode - a first for In Touch - Peter White is joined by visually impaired guests, Nia Greer and Glen Turner to discuss the audio description of their chosen programmes.
Our trio follow a broad approach, discussing not only the audio description itself, but also issues such as how easily it could be accessed and whether the 10% minimum provision is reasonable.
The chosen programmes are the first episode of:
The Dinosaurs, available on Netflix;
Scarpetta, available on Amazon Prime Video, and;
The Night Manager (Series 2), available on BBC iPlayer.
Who chose what, did audio description improve their experience and were they inspired to watch the other episodes in the series?
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Fern Lulham Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.’
Probing the SEND Reforms, RNIB Newsagent Service
The government has recently announced a reform of the provisions for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils. It promises more resources for children in need of support. However, there are …
Notas del episodio
The government has recently announced a reform of the provisions for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils. It promises more resources for children in need of support. However, there are worries about how these reforms will work for blind and visually impaired children.
Joining us for this episode is Dr Rachel Hewett from the Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research (VICTAR). Dr Hewett is the author of a report that examines the benefits offered by specialist schools for blind and visually impaired children - and the fear these schools may be overlooked in the new reforms. We’re also joined by Victoria Ward, head of visual impairment education at New College Worcester, a specialist school for children with visual impairments.
The RNIB's "Newsagent" service provides newspapers and magazines in an accessible format. Although now resolved, the service has recently been affected by IT problems. Iain Lackie is a regular user of the service and he joins us to share his concerns about how the problems were handled.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Fern Lulham Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees
Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.’
The RNIB's new CEO, Simon Antrobus
The UK's leading sight loss charity, RNIB, has a new CEO. Simon Antrobus took over the role at the beginning of the year, having spent the majority of his career within the charity sector, including the past …
Notas del episodio
The UK's leading sight loss charity, RNIB, has a new CEO. Simon Antrobus took over the role at the beginning of the year, having spent the majority of his career within the charity sector, including the past ten years leading BBC Children in Need. In Touch speaks with him about the position of the charity's finances, their current recruitment situation, the organisation's priorities of the future and more.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees
Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image and he is wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three separate white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch" and the Radio 4 logo (the word ‘radio’ in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside of a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one is a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Video Games: A Call for Regulation
In Touch hears about developments within the video games industry that pertain to accessibility. Including a white paper from the RNIB which is calling for regulation on standardizing accessibility within video …
Notas del episodio
In Touch hears about developments within the video games industry that pertain to accessibility. Including a white paper from the RNIB which is calling for regulation on standardizing accessibility within video games and a more collaborative approach to make more games accessible to visually impaired players. We also hear about a free platform called Able to Play, which allows visually impaired and other disabled gamers identify what games might be accessible to them, based on their specific needs.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees
Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.’
Barriers at the Ballot
Despite some encouraging developments, many blind and visually impaired people complain that they are still unable to secretly and independently cast their vote at elections. With UK elections fast approaching …
Notas del episodio
Despite some encouraging developments, many blind and visually impaired people complain that they are still unable to secretly and independently cast their vote at elections. With UK elections fast approaching, this episode examines the current situation. Ian Hamilton reports on an initiative in Scotland, and also joining us are:-
Rachael Andrews, whose action to bring a case to Court resulted in the Judge finding that the existing arrangements were "a parody of the Electoral system".
Duncan Johnson from Pakflatt, a company that makes the McGonagle Reader, a device designed to enable secret and independent voting for blind people, and,
Jackie Killeen, Director of administration and regulation at The Electoral Commission.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Fern Lulham Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees
Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image, wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three individual white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch"; and the Radio 4 logo (the word Radio in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one of a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.’
Seeing with My Dog
'Seeing With My Dog' is the latest work from visually impaired playwright Roderick Dungate. The play explores Rod's turmoil with losing his vision and the complexities of training with a guide dog. In Touch's …
Notas del episodio
'Seeing With My Dog' is the latest work from visually impaired playwright Roderick Dungate. The play explores Rod's turmoil with losing his vision and the complexities of training with a guide dog. In Touch's reporter Bethan Langford attended one of the production's rehearsals and she provides her impressions of the experience. Rod also joins the programme, and describes the play's themes and about how access for visually impaired audience members has been prioritised in various ways.
Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings Production Coordinator: Helen Surtees Website image description: Peter White sits smiling in the centre of the image and he is wearing a dark green jumper. Above Peter's head is the BBC logo (three separate white squares house each of the three letters). Bottom centre and overlaying the image are the words "In Touch" and the Radio 4 logo (the word ‘radio’ in a bold white font, with the number 4 inside of a white circle). The background is a bright mid-blue with two rectangles angled diagonally to the right. Both are behind Peter, one is a darker blue and the other is a lighter blue.
Aquí están los 40 episodios más recientes de 478. Los anteriores están en el feed del podcast.
Podcasts similares
Más podcasts de Cultura y sociedad
¿Es tu podcast?
Confírmalo con una entrada en tu feed: aquí recibes un código, lo añades como podcast:txt en el canal de tu feed y nosotros lo comprobamos. Después tu podcast aparecerá como «verificado» en SoundNode.