In Touch Folgen

Fern Lulham sits in for Peter White (you can see a picture of Fern, with her guide dog Nancy, on this programme's page on our website). The Audio Description Association will be telling us about the falling numbers of theatres offering audio described performances in recent years. They're hoping there'll be a reversal of that trend once the theatres start to reopen after lockdown. And Fern chats with Sinead Kane. Sinead was the first registered blind solictor in Ireland. And, three years ago, she was the first blind woman to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. Sinead is now calling for for more people with visual impairments to get involved in sport of any kind. She says she's frustrated at not being encouraged to participate in sport when she was younger. PRODUCER: Mike Young

Guide Dogs, the RNIB and the Thomas Pocklington Trust have joined forces to launch a research project on the needs of blind and partially sighted people. Keith Valentine from the RNIB tells us why they're doing it and how you can take part. The survey link is on our website. Or you can call 0161 507 7360. Or you can email: sightlossresearch@acumenfieldwork.com Also on the programme, blind Indian music legend Baluji Shrivastav chats to Peter about plans for his 70th birthday. We'll hear just how tough 2020 has been for musicians like him. PRESENTER: Peter White PRODUCER: Mike Young

We hear from a blind student who's facing the start of his first year at university during the pandemic. We also meet a student who's taken a year out rather than return to university when social distancing and other restrictions are in place. Among our expert guests offering advice and support are Elin Williams from Look-UK. We also hear from Rachel Hewett who is from the Vision Impairment Centre For Teaching and Research at the University of Birmingham. PRESENTER: Peter White PRODUCER: Mike Young