In Touch

The view persists that blindness can lead to other senses being somehow more acute - but are they just better trained? The notion of "neuroplasticity" comes up in consideration of the work of our first guest, Professor Vera Morgan Head of the Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Research Unit in the University of Western Australia. Her studies support the idea that the congenitally blind, or those who become blind in their early years are somehow protected from schizophrenia. If this is the case - could the cause of the phenomenon be harnassed to combat mental illness? We hear again from 12-year-old Hester Poole, who visited a blind school in Africa and interviewed the lawyer and disability activist Yetnebersh Nigussie, who calls going blind "winning the lottery". And there are plenty of fascinating blind characters in history. But have you heard of Nicholas Saunderson? Born in Penistone in the 17th Century and blinded by smallpox as a baby, he went on to become Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge - a seat held by Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. This fascinating character is now the subject of a musical, No Horizon. Director Andrew Loretto and leading man Adam Martin tell us about bringing a figure who may have been forgotten back into the limelight. Presented by Peter White. Produced by Kevin Core.

Radio 4's All in the Mind programme is running a big survey on how we feel about touch. Peter White talks to the presenter Claudia Hammond about why they especially welcome contributions from blind listeners. We explore what to do when you find an app that isn't accessible. And interview the blind comedian David Eagle who has just been named best newcomer in the influential Chortle Awards.

The government has launched its plans to make the UK a world leader in accessible travel. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, tells us what the investment will achieve. We hear from Professor Paul Bishop from the University of Manchester about new developments that may help people with macular disease, which is the biggest cause of blindness in the UK. And, what would it be like to have your sight restored? Blind playwright Mandy Redvers Rowe talks about her new BBC drama, 'Second Sight'.

Voretigene Neparvovec – is the first in a new generation of gene therapies which can be injected into the eyes of patients - and it's available on the NHS. It's a major development for people with the inherited retinal disorder Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), but as ever, we want to get to the real implications for blind people. Fresh from performing one of the newly-available procedures, Professor James Bainbridge tells us exactly who it can help. And there are changes ahead for the RNIB Reading Service, as it shifts from the old Overdrive system. We talk to Jackie Brown who has been testing the new system, and the RNIB's Alison Long who assures us the changes won't affect those who rely on postal delivery rather than technology. And we catch up on the course Architecture Beyond Sight for blind and visually impaired people. Zoe Partington of Disordinary Architecture tells us more, and artist Fae Kilburn tells us about her experience of studying the built environment and why it can be a difficult place for the partially sighted. The course has inspired us to ask for your suggestions of developments or buildings which are rotten to navigate if you're blind or VI. Send your suggestions to intcouch@bbc.co.uk Presented by Peter White Produced by Kevin Core

As the government consults on the use of e-scooters on roads, Christiane Möller of the German Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted (DBSV) tells us about the impact the vehicles have had on blind people in her country. And Adam Solan, a teenager who has already struggled with abandoned bikes for hire in Oxford, gives us his perspective. And Valentine's Day is nearly here. But what are the challenges of being a blind bride? Sassy Wyatt is a blogger and she's agreed to keep us about how she is preparing for the big day... It won't be long until we know exactly who will represent Great Britain in the Paralympics. And we're taking a closer look at some of the runners and riders. But Nicola Naylor won't be travelling at speed. She talks to Fern Lulham about the exacting skill of dressage. Presented by Peter White Produced by Kevin Core