Hospitals are meant to be safe havens — places where we’re supported when we’re at our most vulnerable. But my recent experience showed me how easily that safety can slip away when accessibility and empathy fall short. From a warm, inclusive anniversary trip to a very different hospital ward, this week reminded me just how much the people around us shape whether we feel safe… or unseen.
There is this common misconception that people “on the spectrum”, especially children, lack the emotional intelligence for empathy. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and I honestly believe the sooner these silly and insulting assumptions are put to bed, the better. Before I go on, can we also confine the term “on the spectrum” …
Continue reading Resilience: The unique way we all adapt to change
I’ve been thinking a lot in recent weeks about selfishness and respect for others. Now don’t worry, I will try not to get too ranty but there have been quite a few instances in the past few weeks and months where I’ve had to look back and question if I’m being precious or justified to …
Continue reading Musings from a Blind Man: In the name of convenience
Sat on the window seat of this 13th century house we rented for the weekend, I have time to watch as the world goes on around me. Chester is curled up on the bench beside me, his head rested on a soft cushion, Oswald is sprawled out on the floor under the enormous dining table …
Continue reading Delivering sardines, turkey and icicles the blind way this Christmas
Sometimes at the weekend I’ll forego the usual silent battle Mrs Backpack and I embark on to see who breaks first and will leave her to sleep, heading downstairs where I’ll feed the animals, pour myself a fresh coffee and pop on some album or other. By this time, William will usually be installed in …
As I sit here on a Sunday morning on the eve of my 44th birthday, I can’t help but smile. As usual, I’ve been woken up by the telly blasting through our bedroom floor as William watches some random rubbish on YouTube. We normally turn the TV down before bed, but forgot last night as …
Continue reading Musings from a blind man: the power of perspective
Every year as Pride comes to a close on 30 June another, equally important, series of events take over the reins from 1 July – Disability Pride. Much like Pride, Disability Pride is a month-long celebration of the disabled community, some of the amazing advocates and their tireless work, and a means to continue to …
Welcome folks to the latest musings of a blind man. This week’s edition is all about the impact of keeping up a brave face when deep inside you’re having a tough time! Last week was a mixture of highs and lows which, with this week being Mental Health Awareness Week seems appropriate to highlight to …
Continue reading Musings from a Blind Man: The impact of our actions
There’s nothing like a warm Saturday afternoon to take advantage of sitting outside (albeit wearing a thick hoodie to combat the chill) with some music in the background and a large joint of pork smoking on the grill. Slowly cooking a side of meat takes a lot of time and patience and it is the …
It’s a bittersweet time as I sit at the dining table of our holiday rental in a secluded area of the South Wales coastline, not far from the city of St. David’s. It’s Easter Sunday and we’ve just got back from a very wet and windy walk around the headland. The reason we’ve come to …
Continue reading The bitterest pill – How one blind bloke is coming to accept his limitations
Blind Man with a Backpack 