Out and about – Cane Adventures

Dockless Bikes – a navigational nightmare!

July 26, 2019July 25, 2019 BlondeHistorianLeave a comment

A screenshot of BBC parliament. Daniel Zeichner MP is reading from notes, with a female Mp sat behind him. The subtitles read, so Doctor Kavangh has asked me to implore the government

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

July 16, 2019July 15, 2019 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

On a Bicycle Made For Two

June 12, 2019June 11, 2019 BlondeHistorian1 Comment

Amy Sits at the back of the tandem. She wears a pink high vis vest, helmet and sunglasses. She is parked in front of a tree.

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

March 17, 2019 BlondeHistorian1 Comment

A cartoon image. A cartoon Amy sits at a table, typing on a laptop. A dog sleeps at her feet. Cartoon Other Half in a jumper holding a steaming cup gives Amy the thumbs up. In the background a window showing a night sky. The label underneath reads, writing thesis.

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

January 24, 2019January 23, 2019 JustinLeave a comment

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

November 12, 2018 Justin1 Comment

London Bridge, a grey atmospheric cloudy sky with sun breaking through.

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

October 17, 2018 BlondeHistorianLeave a comment

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