I’ve always been a strange mix of both extroverted and introverted. I love to travel and ask questions, especially in new places. I’m also quite happy to get up in front of a room full of people and deliver a speech, something that seems to terrify many people. Yet I avoid ordinary tasks, like going…
Author: Connor Scott-Gardner
The Burden of Being a Disabled Student
If you asked me whether disabled people are a burden, I would tell you without hesitation that no, they are not. But it’s a hell of a lot easier to say positive things about the community you belong to than it is to say those positive things about yourself. I can quite happily cheer on…
I’m Tired of Begging Strangers to Stop Touching Me Wherever I Go
I was stepping down from a train yesterday when I felt a hand grab my waist. I didn’t have time to think, my body instantaneously reacted, jerking away from whoever was touching me. “Don’t touch me,” I snapped, my voice agitated. In less than a second, my brain had gone into overdrive. There was a…
Making sense of the chaos
I’ve somehow dragged myself through a really challenging few months, and although in many ways there have been some incredibly positive changes in my life, it hasn’t been easy. I started a postgraduate course in January and I was extremely enthusiastic leading up to the start of the course. I would be studying something I…
The Gatekeeper of Pericael by Hayley Reese Chow – ARC Review
A fun and refreshing middle-grade fantasy, filled with magic, monsters, and nerds! Title: The Gatekeeper of PericaelAuthor: Hayley Reese ChowGenre: Middle-grade fantasyPublication date: April 6th 2021Rating: 4/5 Synopsis from Goodreads Twelve-year-old Porter would much rather spend his weekends playing soccer than channeling spirits in the parallel universe of Pericael. Unfortunately for him, Porter’s family has…
Interdependence is key for this blind Communications Officer: Interview with Kevin Satizabal
Kevin works as a Communications Officer for a sight loss organisation in the UK. Originally from Colombia, he had to adapt to both learning assistive technology, and English, when he moved to England. This resulted in his love of languages, something which is a strength in his career. Transcript Holly Scott-Gardner: Hi, everyone, and welcome…
I Took a Pregnancy Test and I Was Scared My Blindness Would Stop Me Reading the Results
When I was in my final year of university, I had to take a pregnancy test. I was embarrassed at the time and scared that the result would be positive. But most of all I was anxious that because I’m blind I wouldn’t be able to do it without other people knowing. I knew that…
Do Automated Solutions like #AccessiBe Make the Web More Accessible?
Update March 9th 2021: I have added several sections to this post, including commentary on the accuracy of my findings, in response to feedback I received on Twitter. If you have an interest in web accessibility, you’ve doubtless found yourself at some point involved in a discussion about the best way to fix inaccessible web…
Review: The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron
Set in early 1940’s France, the Paris Dressmaker tells the story of two women who risked their lives to save the people and country they love. Title: The Paris DressmakerAuthor: Kristy CambronGenre: Historical fiction/romancePublisher: Thomas NelsonPublication date: February 16th 2021 Synopsis Based on true accounts of how Parisiennes resisted the Nazi occupation in World War…
Working Blind Episode 10 – Lucy Edwards, Journalist and Social Media Influencer
Lucy Edwards is a journalist and social media influencer from the United Kingdom. After losing her vision she started a YouTube channel, where she educates the public about life with a disability. You can subscribe to Working Blind on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and TuneIn. If you like the show, consider making a donation to help…