Firstly let me apologise for the vulgar title of this post - but I promise, it really is an appropriate title! This is an impromptu post which I feel compelled to write whilst waiting to board my homeward bound flight from JFK Airport. On my way out to New York, a few days ago, I... Continue Reading →
Accessibility, part 3 – how can we improve accessibility?
At the beginning of this series I suggested we should try to answer three questions if we want to improve accessibility. So far we have discussed the first two, 'What is Accessibility?' and 'Why Should We Improve Accessibility?'. The third question addresses the 'How', what action can we take and what changes can we make... Continue Reading →
Accessibility, part 2 – why Improve Accessibility?
Motivation to change a mindset There are a number of reasons to improve accessibility and all of them can lead to positive changes, but these motivations are not often deep-rooted enough to change a mindset. In my previous post 'What is Accessibility?' I suggested that rather than seeing accessibility as additional, optional and for the... Continue Reading →
Accessibility, Part 1 – what is accessibility?
Questions of Accessibility I’m optimistic that most people agree that improving accessibility is a positive and worthwhile endeavour, one that they are in favour of pursuing. But while any conversations and actions to improve accessibility are positive and welcome, I’m not convinced they are always, entirely effective. In order to create a truly accessible service,... Continue Reading →
How to Interact with a Blind Person – Part 3: At Work
Welcome to the third and final part of this series where I’m discussing how to interact with a blind person in the workplace. When a blind person starts a new job, or someone who is already employed loses their vision, there are a few things colleagues can do that will make things run smoother for... Continue Reading →
How to Interact with a Blind Person – Part 2: Socialising
In this series I’m sharing some tips on interacting with people who visually impaired or blind. Last time I talked about offering assistance and in this post, I’ll give you a few ideas that can make socialising more relaxed and more enjoyable for those of us with a visual impairment. Perhaps you have recently met... Continue Reading →
How to Interact with a Blind Person – Part 1: Offering Assistance
I can hear you asking ‘do we really need to discuss this topic?’ We live in a modern, forward thinking society, where equality and diversity are supposedly embraced. So why am I writing about this? We all know how to behave when we meet a disabled person, right? Wrong. Some people are natural, thoughtful and... Continue Reading →
Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2019
What is GAAD? Today marks the eighth Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The purpose of GAAD is to raise awareness of the importance of digital inclusion. We need to get people talking, thinking and learning about the need for accessibility on the web, mobile devices and software for people with disabilities. GAAD promotes accessibly awareness... Continue Reading →
Mia Tui Jennie Changing Bag – great for VI Mums
I've been on the hunt for a new changing bag for a while. I needed something big enough to cart around all the things a baby, a toddler and a mum needs for a day out. It also needed to be easy to navigate so I can locate items without being able to see them.... Continue Reading →
A letter to visually impaired, new mums
Becoming a parent for the first time turns your world upside down. It’s fantastic and terrifying in equal measures. People tell you how overwhelming, intense, exhausting and wonderful it is, but you don’t know what any of it means until it happens. At times, it’s so joyful you wonder if you’re dreaming. At times it’s... Continue Reading →