The world recently enjoyed Car Free Day and our timelines were treated to images of joyful cycling through streets, yoga on the roads & enthusiastic pedestrians strutting down the highway. Alongside this celebration, a recent report by think tank Common Wealth called for a car free London by 2030, but only mentioned disabled people once.… Continue reading Car Free Cities Risk Excluding Disabled People
Category: Out and about
Dockless Bikes – a navigational nightmare!
As a visually impaired white cane user, there is nothing worse than walking straight into an unexpected hazard. Unfortunately in London there are now thousands of them. Dockless bike schemes exploded all over the capital, and the UK generally, in the last couple of years. These app based initiatives allow anyone to log in, pick… Continue reading Dockless Bikes – a navigational nightmare!
Private Places, Public Spaces
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
On a Bicycle Made For Two
When navigating the world is a constant battle of bumping into things, the freedom of a bicycle is incredible. Although I was born visually impaired I did learn how to ride a bike as a child. My mum thought it was a rite of passage that I should experience. I was pretty late to the… Continue reading On a Bicycle Made For Two
View from the Other Half
Amy asked me to do a blog several months ago. I liked the idea but didn’t know where to start. I’m also not a natural writer. I’m an engineer so am much happier with numbers and diagrams than words. Yesterday Amy told me about Dr Phil saying “100 out of 100 relationships that involve caregiving… Continue reading View from the Other Half
Using AIRA Access at the Airport
If it wasn't readily apparent from my post about my trip to London, I love traveling. What I don't love, though, is dealing with airports, which can be a challenge even when you have perfect vision. I hate trying to get around airports. I have no useful vision, so it's impossible for me to do… Continue reading Using AIRA Access at the Airport
A Blind American in London
My wife and I love to travel. We’re blessed to have the financial freedom to be able to do it, and her job working for American Airlines goes a long way towards making those travels happen. When we both have a week off, you can bet that we’re going to be on a plane heading… Continue reading A Blind American in London
Blind Abilities Podcast – Part 2
The second part of my interview with Blind Abilities explores my journey of accepting the cane and applying for a guide dog. One of the best things about doing this interview with Jeff at Blind Abilities was the opportunity to open up more honestly about some of the struggles that I've had and the process… Continue reading Blind Abilities Podcast – Part 2
Narrow Views
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
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