Life Beyond Visual Impairment: Recent Episodes
Dan
Life Beyond Visual Impairment shows professionals, people living with visual impairment and the general public that life still goes on even though you can’t see so well anymore. Find out more at https://www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com
Welcome back, listeners, to another insightful podcast where we explore the transformative world of smart home technology, particularly through the lens of accessibility.
Hosts Dan Williams, director of Visualise Training and Consultancy and Graham Coath (podcast host and journalist) are joined by guest Aj from AAT Solutions.
Together, we unpack how smart devices like lighting and heating systems are not just about convenience; they're a gateway to empowerment for individuals with visual impairments. Tune in as we share stories of personal challenges turned into victories with smart technology, and how these innovations are reshaping independence at home.
As we continue our conversation, we touch on the crucial balance between design aesthetics and functionality in kitchen appliances. Why do sleek designs often take precedence over accessibility? We question this trend and advocate for inclusive product development that doesn't compromise on style or user choice. Listen in as we challenge manufacturers to consult more with people of diverse abilities and hear our call for products that truly cater to everyone. Our dialogue also sheds light on the subtle biases that may exist within the industry, and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive future.
Wrapping up our discussion, we reflect on the leaps in accessibility seen in recent times, especially those spurred by the pandemic. With platforms like Zoom and Teams evolving to better serve users with visual impairments, we're reminded of the power of feedback and the responsibility of all stakeholders in advocating for inclusive designs. We also delve into the world of fitness technology, sharing how companies can be more vocal about accessibility features, thus informing and serving a wider audience. So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired by the potential of smart technology to enhance everyday life for everyone.
00:00 - 03:45 Introduction
03:46 - 05:08 Improving Access to Smart Technology
11:55 - 13:02 Technology for Visual Impairments
14:04 - 15:00 Long-Lasting Battery for Smart Device
19:15 - 20:37 Accessibility in Kitchen Product Design
26:33 - 27:47 Website Accessibility Awareness
29:50 - 31:02 Planned Obsolescence in Mobile Phones
32:59 - 34:05 Perceptions of Blind Cooks
38:46 - 40:22 Workplace Accessibility and Disability Awareness
43:39 - 45:10 Awareness of Accessibility in Electronic Retail
47:30 - 48:05 Increased Accessibility
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In this podcast episode from Visualized Training and Consultancy, the discussion centers around the ongoing issues of accessibility and discrimination experienced by individuals with disabilities, with a focus on the law surrounding these matters. The hosts, accompanied by guest Carrie Clews, an expert in equality and discrimination from Ringrose Law, delve into real-world scenarios related to disability discrimination, particularly in the context of accessing taxis and public transportation.
Carrie shares her experience working to combat discrimination through legal means, emphasising the importance of educating both individuals and businesses on their rights and obligations. The conversation also explores common barriers faced by disabled individuals, the significance of making reasonable adjustments, and the impactful role of litigation in advocating for positive change and raising awareness about the vital need for inclusion and empathy in everyday interactions and services.
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: Discussing Law with a Twist
00:38 The Struggle for Accessibility: Taxi Experiences and Legal Battles
01:04 Introducing Carrie: A Champion for Equality and Discrimination Law
01:45 The Shocking Reality of Discrimination in 2024
02:41 The Long Road to Equality: Progress and Pitfalls
03:57 Personal Stories of Discrimination: A Guide Dog Owner's Ordeal
06:08 Education vs. Ignorance: The Root of Discrimination
14:52 Making Reasonable Adjustments: The Equality Act Explained
19:06 Rethinking Accessibility: From Legal Compliance to Human Decency
21:38 The Future of Accessibility: Building for All
24:39 Understanding Individual Needs in the Workplace
25:44 The Impact of Technology on Workplace Communication
26:16 The Role of Exposure and Education in Addressing Discrimination
27:21 The Power of Media Representation in Normalising Diversity
28:02 Legal Perspectives on Equality and Accessibility Challenges
30:08 Common Accessibility Barriers and Legal Solutions
33:20 The Importance of Market Research and Stakeholder Engagement
36:04 Training and Awareness: Bridging the Gap Between Management and Staff
42:00 The Process and Impact of Legal Claims for Discrimination
46:21 Encouraging Action Against Discrimination
48:00 The Vision for a More Inclusive Future
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In this podcast episode, Dan Williams, George Plumridge along with host Graham Coath dive into an interesting conversation about 'coming out', both in terms of sexual orientation and sight loss.
Dan and George share personal experiences of coming out in different aspects of their lives and discuss the challenges, commonalities, and differences they faced.
The conversation also touches upon societal perceptions and potential misconceptions people might have about visual impairments and sexual orientation.
The discussion further extends to the importance of acceptance and inclusion in the workplace and society in general.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:12 Coming Out: A Dual Perspective
01:26 Introducing the Guests: Dan and George
02:17 Dan's Journey: Sight Loss and Acceptance
09:10 George's Story: Career Change and Sight Loss
14:27 Coming Out: The Intersection of Sight Loss and Sexuality
20:21 The Impact of Society's Perception
21:04 The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions
27:24 Balancing Prejudice and Preconceptions
27:42 Media's Role in Shaping Perceptions
28:29 The Power of Positive Representation
28:47 The Impact of Media Stereotypes
29:11 Normalising Differences in Society
31:21 The Influence of Role Models
31:50 The Struggle of Coming Out as Disabled
32:05 The Fear of Disclosure in the Workplace
32:44 Personal Experience: Coming Out as Visually Impaired
34:19 The Impact of Lack of Support in the Workplace
35:23 The Importance of Recognising Employee Needs
36:29 The Need for More Inclusive Workplaces
41:07 The Struggles of Being a Visually Impaired Teacher
46:00 The Importance of Honest Communication in the Workplace
53:18 The Challenges of Temporary Employment for the Visually Impaired
58:37 Closing Thoughts: Be Loud and Proud
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To celebrate National Eye Health Week 2023 - Dan Williams is joined by broadcaster, journalist, former workplace assessor Graham Coath and Jayshree Vasani an award winning speaker in the sector and Co -Presenter Insider Tech Bites by 100%optical.
The group discuss many of the myths around eye care and eye health and use real life examples and statistics to show that these myths are just NOT TRUE!
An absolute MUST listen for any manager out there to know how to put into place the right support for your team around good eye health, which is essential in the digital age!
Find out more about the great work Visualise Training do in this area at www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com and support National Eye Health Week at https://www.visionmatters.org.uk/
EyeHealth #VisionMatters #Accessibility #Inclusion #SightLoss #Management #Opticians #ShouldHaveGoneTo #Podcast #ManagementAdvice #HealthAndWellbeing
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It is all the Line Manager's fault! (or is it?)
When support in the workplace falls short it is easy to turn the blame on a Line Manager but is it really their fault? Are C-Suite Managers supporting their line managers properly with the right guidance and education?
Do they need to have more awareness in the first place?
Have we been providing the support in silos so that there is no real multidisciplinary, lined up, case management approach?
What are the differences between vocational rehabilitation and occupational health and how can we make all the areas of support work together?
Why is bringing in specialists important?
Join us for this conversation between Dan Williams (Visualise Training and Consultancy), Graham Coath (Broadcaster and ex workplace assessor) and Helen Valls-Russell (Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist: Providing insurers, employers and case managers with expert assessment and occupational rehabilitation services - owner of Ergocom).
If you enjoy the episode please share it with managers in your sector.
Inclusion #Disability #AccessToWork #SightLoss #OccupationalHealth #HearingLoss #VocationalRehabilitation
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Occupational Health providers and visual impairment. Where is the system going right and where could it improve? What part does training and education have to play not only for those who are providing workplace assessments and support but also for line managers within organisations? What should sign posting look like and why is it important to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to holistic employee support!
Podcast host Graham Coath who has a background in workplace assessments and assistive technology training, puts the question to Dan Williams from Visualise Training and Consultancy and Anna Harrington, a very experienced occupational health professional who is on the Society of Occupational Medicine task group for Diversity and Inclusion.
WorkplaceAdjustments #VisualImpairment #BankingSector #Inclusivity #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnologies #AccessibleWorkspace #Design #TrainingPrograms #CorporateCulture #Empowerment #Diversity.
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In this episode we hear from Rhiannon Hicks who works in a large supermarket call center helping customers with deliveries and click and collect. Rhiannon talks about life before adaptations, what adjustments she had put into place and how that has impacted her at work. Things like speech recognition have enabled her to control her computer with her voice.
WorkplaceAdjustments #VisualImpairment #BankingSector #Inclusivity #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnologies #AccessibleWorkspace #Design #TrainingPrograms #CorporateCulture #Empowerment #Diversity.
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Jamie has a sight condition where his sight deteriorated rapidly. He talks about his experience at work, why it is important not to make comparisons with what you used to be able to do! How being enabled to work is empowering as it makes you do what you have to do! His is a very powerful story. In the podcast he talks about how he used to play an instrument and what it was like to stop. He also gives feedback for people in terms of communicating with HR departments.
WorkplaceAdjustments #VisualImpairment #Inclusivity #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnologies #AccessibleWorkspace #Design #TrainingPrograms #CorporateCulture #Empowerment #Diversity #Channel4 #Broadcasting
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In this episode we have a remarkable guest who is not only making a difference in the Civil Service but also paving the way for policy implementation with multiple stakeholders.
Hayley is a dedicated civil servant working in central government, and her passion for creating positive change shines through her work every day.
We hear about how Hayley's condition impacts her day to day life at work and the kind of adjustments that she has in place.
Learn how technology and a dedicated PA really help Hayley.
We talk to Hayley about the assessment process she went through with Visualise training and consultancy, what she thought of the process and why she believes that a specialist assessment is essential.
WorkplaceAdjustments #VisualImpairment #BankingSector #Inclusivity #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnologies #AccessibleWorkspace #Design #TrainingPrograms #CorporateCulture #Empowerment #Diversity.
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Tom Walker discusses the experience of Humyan who works as a risk manager for a large banking organisation. Humyan talks about the adjustments which were recommended following an assessment with visualise training and consultancy and how they have helped him in the workplace.
Welcome to "Breaking Barriers: Empowering Vision in the Banking Sector," a podcast that explores the transformative journey of workplace adjustments for one individual with visual impairments in the banking industry. Join us as we delve into the inspiring stories someone has has overcome obstacles, shattered stereotypes, and thrived in their career, all while fostering inclusivity and accessibility.
Discover firsthand accounts of the challenges faced and witness the profound impact these adjustments have made, not only on the individuals' professional life but also on their personal growth and overall well-being.
Whether you're an industry professional seeking to enhance workplace accessibility or an individual navigating a visual impairment in the banking sector, this podcast provides valuable information, practical advice, and inspiring narratives. Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusive practices, learn about resources available, and discover how you can make a meaningful difference in creating a more equitable and diverse workplace
WorkplaceAdjustments #VisualImpairment #BankingSector #Inclusivity #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnologies #AccessibleWorkspace #Design #TrainingPrograms #CorporateCulture #Empowerment #Diversity.
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Our Seeing Beyond the Eyes Resource Pack lets eyecare professionals and support staff know where to refer patients or service users with visual impairments for local and national support. Download your free copy at https://www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/seeing-beyond-the-eyes/
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The Primary aims of the project are: 1. To increase referrals from optometrists and opticians to local and national sight loss organisations. 2. To increase accessibility and inclusivity across all eye care services for people with or at risk of sight loss. 3. To increase optical sector awareness of local and national support services and corresponding referral pathways for people with or at risk of sight loss. The project is delivered by Visualise founder Daniel Williams (Man on a mission with low vision), Peter Black of Orbita Black Ltd (Former President of The Association of British Dispensing Opticians – ABDO) and Jayshree Vasani, dispensing optician and sub-regional lead for ABDO. It aims to forge stronger connections between the sight loss and optical sectors for the benefit of the two million people living with sight loss in the UK, a number that is expected to double over the next 30 years (RNIB estimate). Our CET (Continuing Education and Training) roadshow targeting optometrists, dispensing and contact lens opticians was launched in May 2018 to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by patients who are diagnosed with irreversible sight loss. Find out more at https://www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/seeing-beyond-the-eyes/
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Dining in the dark - an exercise in raising awareness of vision impairment. Find out more here https://www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/dining-dark-2015-press-release/ and for visual impairment awareness training, please use this link: https://www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/training/visual-impairment-awareness-training/
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SHOW LESSFor people with a visual impairment, trips to the eye clinic can be far from a comfortable experience. This video looks at the challenges they face and recommends solutions to eyecare professionals. Daniel Williams, Founder of Visualise Training and Consultancy, asked patients what they think eyecare professionals could do better for patients with sight loss to enhance their experience. Daniel has collated all the replies below to give the true voice of low vision patients sharing their thoughts, experiences and feelings. See what they had to say at https://www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/low-vision-patient-feedback/
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Asheley only realised he was blind at age 19. Ashley said he was always Clumsy and stupid but didn't realise it was due to his vision.
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Emma and Alan share their experiences of visiting their opticians in the UK and believe that their cinema provides more support than their opticians. Emma believes that there is a true lack of appropriate training that is given to opticians to empower them to support patients with sight loss.
https://www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/seeing-beyond-the-eyes/
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Emma and Alan share there experience of dating. Emma talks about how Alan's blindness has never got in the way of there relationship and how this has been one of her best relationships ever.
www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.co.uk
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Visualise Trining and consultancy run a sensational dining in the dark event to raise funds for The Prince's Trust.
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Daniel Williams, Jayshree Vasani and Peter Black launch the first ever seeing beyond the eyes project, bringing together eye care and sight loss professionals to encourage better working partnerships in order for low vision patients to recieve the service they deserve.
https://www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/seeing-beyond-the-eyes/
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Oh no not another trip to the eye clinic from the patient perspective of visiting an eye clinic in the UK. The patient explores how they feel accessing the services when they have a visual impairment.
https://www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/seeing-beyond-the-eyes/
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This podcast with Daniel Williams, Founder of Visualise Training and Consultancy discusses how clinical staff can easily refer patients with visual impairments to support services following their suspected diagnosis. No patient should leave an optician or eye clinic without a referral for non medical support. You can find the resource pack discussed here; https://www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/seeing-beyond-the-eyes/
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