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
Academic Ableism
In an article titled, Extremist and Disability Chic, academics Kauffman & Badar state: “we do not want disability to be seen as merely another form of good or acceptable diversity”. They argue that disability is inherently ‘bad’, a curse rather than a gift, something to be prevented, cured, segregated and institutionalised. According to Kauffman &… Continue reading Academic Ableism
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
Pup-date: Another step in my Guide Dog Journey
As many of you know, I am waiting for a guide dog. I’ve been on the waiting list for about 14 months. If you want to read about my experience applying for a guide dog check out the blog I wrote last year. Recently I had a check in with the London team and I… Continue reading Pup-date: Another step in my Guide Dog Journey
How does disability define me?
For nearly 27 years I used to say that I wasn’t “defined by my disability”. The reality was that I had internalised pervasive, toxic and negative representations of disability. By refusing to be defined by my disability, I denied myself an identity, a community and the support I needed. My disability used to be something… Continue reading How does disability define me?
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
Blind Button Masher
People are often really surprised when I mention that one of my hobbies is gaming, especially when I'm holding a white cane in one hand. So how does a visually impaired person play video games? Ready Player One? First it's important to understand that I have useful residual vision. On a good day, I can… Continue reading Blind Button Masher