Disability – Page 2 – Cane Adventures

Cane Accessories

November 4, 2018November 4, 2018 BlondeHistorian1 Comment

A long white cane with a rollerball pointing out from the right hand corner of the photo. Shot from above the cane is resting on a drain cover in the middle of a pavement.

Ironically, visual impairment is often an invisible disability. That is until you use a white cane. Thinking back, I recognise how many coping mechanisms I had developed to compensate for the absence of a mobility aid like a white cane. From my slow penguin shuffle walk, to my tippy toe taps to feel my way… Continue reading Cane Accessories

“Just Ask, Don’t Grab”: the role of Active Bystander Intervention

October 27, 2018 cttrainingltdLeave a comment

A flow chart titled active bystander intervention techniques. Heading, witnessing harassment and 5 arrows pointing to sub headings and boxes. 1. No action, do nothing to intervene in the harassment. 2. Direct action, directly intervene and confront the perpetrator. 3. distraction de-escalate teh situation by engaging the perpetrator or the target in conversation, 4, delegation ask someone with more power in the situation to intervene instead of you, 5, delay, wait until the harassment stops then approach the target to check they are alright.

With the rise in hate crime so evident, street harassment is on the minds of many of us. However, for disabled people, street harassment is a matter of every-day living. It is a very rare day that I am able to leave the house with my wheelchair and not be subjected to some form of… Continue reading “Just Ask, Don’t Grab”: the role of Active Bystander Intervention

Blind Abilities Podcast – Part 1

October 14, 2018 BlondeHistorianLeave a comment

The first episode of my interview with the Blind Abilities Podcast is available! This was an amazing opportunity and I'm so glad that Jeff approached me a few weeks ago. I didn't realise how much I would enjoy doing the interview and talking about my experiences. Jeff is such a great interviewer and I chatted… Continue reading Blind Abilities Podcast – Part 1

Narrow Views

October 13, 2018October 10, 2019 BlondeHistorian10 Comments

Whenever someone gets a new pair of glasses what’s the first thing everyone does? They ask how strong they are. Then usually someone asks to try them on, giving their own verdict on what the world looks through someone else’s eyes. We never expect everyone to see the same. We understand that every pair of… Continue reading Narrow Views

Cane Adventures at Center Parcs

September 21, 2018 BlondeHistorianLeave a comment

Amy and Simon on the tandem photo taken side on. Amy is on the back with one foot raised, and Simon is stood over the bike with a thumbs up. They are both wearing helmets and sunglasses. Trees and forest are seen behind them and they are standing on a road.

I love travelling to new places! I'm pretty courageous and I enjoy going off the beaten track. As well as the usual European city breaks, I've been to India several times by myself for work and pleasure, I've explored Marrakesh, and visited the States. However, travelling and holidaying when you have a visual impairment often… Continue reading Cane Adventures at Center Parcs

Holly’s guide to gigs & concerts

September 14, 2018 BlondeHistorian1 Comment

Photo of a concert. Large crowd of people. There is a stage with red lights and huge screens. Ed Sheeran is visible in the huge screens singing.

My name is Holly, I’m 22 years old and I’m the author of the blog Life of a Blind Girl. Aside from blogging and working, I love reading a good book, seeing my friends and family, watching a bit of tv/YouTube and love going to concerts. As you can tell from the title of my… Continue reading Holly’s guide to gigs & concerts

Applying for a Guide Dog

September 6, 2018September 6, 2018 BlondeHistorian4 Comments

A busy room full of people and guide dogs. 3 adults crouch on the floor, a woman with red hair smiling on the left, me dark glasses and dark hair. Several guide dogs are sitting, lying and engaging with the 3 adults.

So in this post I want to tell you about my experience of applying for a Guide Dog. Guide Dogs as an organisation has had an amazing impact on my life over the last year. The London mobility team have been essential in supporting me and helped me reclaim so much confidence and independence! Please… Continue reading Applying for a Guide Dog

Mind your blind spot!

August 30, 2018August 5, 2019 BlondeHistorian5 Comments

Me, sat in a land rover 4 by 4 car. The door is open, I'm sat in the drivers seat, smiling, holding the steering wheel and wearing sun glasses.

I was born visually impaired and although I have faced a fair few challenges, my disability hasn't stopped me achieving my goals. However, there has always been something I have desperately wanted to do but haven't been allowed. Drive a car. I didn't really understand my visual impairment as a child. I knew I had… Continue reading Mind your blind spot!

The best kind of help

August 22, 2018October 16, 2018 BlondeHistorian3 Comments

A road, shot from above, looking down at a crowded path. Several different legs and feet are visible, it's busy. A white cane is sweeping the road at the bottom of the photo.

Many of you will be familiar with my #JustAskDontGrab campaign. I share my experiences of people who grab, push, pull and generally touch me without my consent under the promise of offering 'help'. Check out my Just Ask Don't Grab Campaign page for more information. Today I wanted to share the best practice, the helping heroes,… Continue reading The best kind of help