Category: Just Ask Don’t Grab

Private Places, Public Spaces

BlondeHistorian4 Comments
A warning sign. A person pushes a wheelchair user, stick figures in a red circle with a line through. To the left of the image is a large red box with white lettering reading Do Not Push.

As a visually impaired woman using a white cane I experience unwanted touching in public every single day. I have been dragged across roads, pulled out of train carriages and pushed around shops, without being asked if I wanted assistance first. These experiences can be distressing and disorientating, occasionally they cause me physical harm. Whenever… Continue reading Private Places, Public Spaces

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

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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

BlondeHistorianLeave a comment
Blind Abilities Logo. Taken from Apple Podcast app. A black background with grey circle and the letter B and A in bold white text. The horizontal of the A is an arrow.

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

The best kind of help

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