In Touch Folgen

Recently, a number of In Touch listeners have told us they're finding more touch screen card machines in their daily lives. These are the machines that do not have any raised buttons or tactile feedback. Supposedly, this type of machine is the future because most are operated by a similar technology as what is inside a smart phone. This gives a business a wider variety of payment options, and they can often be quicker and more reliable than the traditional machines we're all used to. But just how accessible are they when blind or visually impaired people are not able to use the contactless payment feature? We speak to three visually impaired people about their experiences on this, we ask a small business why they decided to opt for a touch screen machine, we ask a manufacturer about whether accessibility is considered in the design process of their machines and to The RNIB about what you can do if you are unable to use one.Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth Hemmings

In this music special, we'll be speaking to three visually impaired musicians about how they navigate their careers, what part their visual impairments play in that, and to what extent they buy the common misconception that blindness and good musicianship are linked. You'll be hearing from: Chris Campion, a heavy metal session guitarist from London. We talk about his career, spanning across many different genres of music, and about his solo tracks that were released over the lockdowns. Katriona Taylor, who is a soul and jazz singer and songwriter from London. She has just released her fifth album called Blind Passion, that celebrates blind artists with her original compositions and arrangements. And Michael Stimpson, a classical composer who has re-released a piece of work called The Angry Garden. Upon its original release, twenty years ago, the intention was to highlight climate change and today, unfortunately, its themes are still current. It has been re-released to coincide with the COP26 summit currently happening in Glasgow. Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth HemmingsWebsite image description: a man in a colourful floral shirt and jeans is sat playing an electric guitar. The guitar was once owned by John Lennon and George Harrison. The image was captured during a recording of Antiques Roadshow, where the guitar turned out to be one of the most valuable items ever brought in, due to its rarity.

In the first interview since the problem occurred, Channel 4's chief marketing officer and executive lead for inclusion and diversity, Zaid Al-Qassab explains what has happened to their audio description and signing services. Neither has been working since the end of September. We ask why there were no back up services, what measures will be put in place to avoid it happening again, and most importantly when these services will be back up and running.We all know that global action is needed to prevent worsening climate change and its severe consequences. The UN Climate Change Conference, or COP26, is just around the corner and it is seen as the last chance for us to make a positive impact on our future. We discuss the relationship between sustainability and inclusion and highlight some of the problems visually impaired people are facing with so-called sustainable infrastructure. We assess the consequences of leaving people with disabilities out of future sustainability plans. We hear from Ann Frye, an international specialist on the transport needs of disabled and older people and Iain McKinnon, of the Global Disability Innovation Hub, who is also part of a panel at COP26 discussing these themes.Presenter: Peter White Producer: Beth HemmingsWebsite image description: In the forefront are large solar panels. These are surrounded by green trees and foliage. The back of the image shows tall high-rise buildings, a city landscape. The image represents the moulding of sustainable infrastructure and city life.