Dr Amy Kavanagh
@blondehistorian.bsky.social
Blind activist, Mama, accessibility professional and Londoner. Guided by the Diva Retriever. Sharing my blurry world view
Pinned
Hello!
I’m Amy a blind disability activist.
Follow me for posts about:
♿️ disability
🧑🦯 accessibility
👶🏼 disabled mum stuff
🦮 cute guide dog
🏙️ London life
Stuff I love includes:
🎮 gaming
🎭 theatre
📜 museums & history
🍻 a decent pint
🍽️ delicious food
🚂 public transport
Say hello & please share!
I’m Amy a blind disability activist.
Follow me for posts about:
♿️ disability
🧑🦯 accessibility
👶🏼 disabled mum stuff
🦮 cute guide dog
🏙️ London life
Stuff I love includes:
🎮 gaming
🎭 theatre
📜 museums & history
🍻 a decent pint
🍽️ delicious food
🚂 public transport
Say hello & please share!
I’m a blind Mum and this afternoon I got held hostage in the book corner at nursery stay and play by 5 pre schoolers demanding I read many many books.
Had to do a lot of styling it out saying “oooh what’s happening?” Or “wow who’s on this page!”
I think it only made me more fun 😆
Had to do a lot of styling it out saying “oooh what’s happening?” Or “wow who’s on this page!”
I think it only made me more fun 😆
October 29, 2025 at 6:03 PM
I’m a blind Mum and this afternoon I got held hostage in the book corner at nursery stay and play by 5 pre schoolers demanding I read many many books.
Had to do a lot of styling it out saying “oooh what’s happening?” Or “wow who’s on this page!”
I think it only made me more fun 😆
Had to do a lot of styling it out saying “oooh what’s happening?” Or “wow who’s on this page!”
I think it only made me more fun 😆
Today I visited Parliament as part of the Centenary Action Disabled Women in Politics event.
The discussion focused on breaking down barriers for disabled women accessing politics and improving representation of disabled women.
The discussion focused on breaking down barriers for disabled women accessing politics and improving representation of disabled women.
October 20, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Today I visited Parliament as part of the Centenary Action Disabled Women in Politics event.
The discussion focused on breaking down barriers for disabled women accessing politics and improving representation of disabled women.
The discussion focused on breaking down barriers for disabled women accessing politics and improving representation of disabled women.
I’m 39 weeks today 🤰🏼
As this is baby 2 could come at any time!
And it’s just like waiting for Christmas. Excited about the new stuff & celebrating. But also worried you’ve forgotten to order the mince pies or that Uncle So & So might insist on playing charades for 2 hours.
As this is baby 2 could come at any time!
And it’s just like waiting for Christmas. Excited about the new stuff & celebrating. But also worried you’ve forgotten to order the mince pies or that Uncle So & So might insist on playing charades for 2 hours.
October 18, 2025 at 10:34 AM
I’m 39 weeks today 🤰🏼
As this is baby 2 could come at any time!
And it’s just like waiting for Christmas. Excited about the new stuff & celebrating. But also worried you’ve forgotten to order the mince pies or that Uncle So & So might insist on playing charades for 2 hours.
As this is baby 2 could come at any time!
And it’s just like waiting for Christmas. Excited about the new stuff & celebrating. But also worried you’ve forgotten to order the mince pies or that Uncle So & So might insist on playing charades for 2 hours.
Got stuck in a conversation with another lane swimmer complaining about “too many children” in the pool.
It’s a Saturday morning, when they have the kids classes.
They chose to swim at this time. Instead of any weekday evening? Or before 9 on a weekday?
There are so many child free times to swim!
It’s a Saturday morning, when they have the kids classes.
They chose to swim at this time. Instead of any weekday evening? Or before 9 on a weekday?
There are so many child free times to swim!
October 11, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Got stuck in a conversation with another lane swimmer complaining about “too many children” in the pool.
It’s a Saturday morning, when they have the kids classes.
They chose to swim at this time. Instead of any weekday evening? Or before 9 on a weekday?
There are so many child free times to swim!
It’s a Saturday morning, when they have the kids classes.
They chose to swim at this time. Instead of any weekday evening? Or before 9 on a weekday?
There are so many child free times to swim!
I’m doing some tidying and preparing for the baby.
So I went up on my little step ladder just one step. Guide Dog Ava came over and huffed at me until I got down.
So I went up on my little step ladder just one step. Guide Dog Ava came over and huffed at me until I got down.
October 9, 2025 at 2:32 PM
I’m doing some tidying and preparing for the baby.
So I went up on my little step ladder just one step. Guide Dog Ava came over and huffed at me until I got down.
So I went up on my little step ladder just one step. Guide Dog Ava came over and huffed at me until I got down.
What does this letter say?
Imagine this letter contains essential information and you can’t access it.
You can’t decipher the blurred text, the paper colour makes the type disappear, and the few words that you manage to read are worrying or confusing. 1/
Imagine this letter contains essential information and you can’t access it.
You can’t decipher the blurred text, the paper colour makes the type disappear, and the few words that you manage to read are worrying or confusing. 1/
October 9, 2025 at 11:06 AM
What does this letter say?
Imagine this letter contains essential information and you can’t access it.
You can’t decipher the blurred text, the paper colour makes the type disappear, and the few words that you manage to read are worrying or confusing. 1/
Imagine this letter contains essential information and you can’t access it.
You can’t decipher the blurred text, the paper colour makes the type disappear, and the few words that you manage to read are worrying or confusing. 1/
Small child at gym softplay: why are you so fat?
Me: I’m having a baby very soon.
Child: well you’re fat and you should exercise.
🫠
I nearly argued with a 5 year old that I’d just done 26 laps in 33 minutes at 37 weeks pregnant but it felt a bit redundant…
Me: I’m having a baby very soon.
Child: well you’re fat and you should exercise.
🫠
I nearly argued with a 5 year old that I’d just done 26 laps in 33 minutes at 37 weeks pregnant but it felt a bit redundant…
October 4, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Small child at gym softplay: why are you so fat?
Me: I’m having a baby very soon.
Child: well you’re fat and you should exercise.
🫠
I nearly argued with a 5 year old that I’d just done 26 laps in 33 minutes at 37 weeks pregnant but it felt a bit redundant…
Me: I’m having a baby very soon.
Child: well you’re fat and you should exercise.
🫠
I nearly argued with a 5 year old that I’d just done 26 laps in 33 minutes at 37 weeks pregnant but it felt a bit redundant…
I read some advice that it’s good to randomly tell the newborn to “wait for” something so that the toddler feels less conflict & impatience.
So we’ve started practicing with Guide Dog Ava.
“Ava wait for your dinner!”
But Ava’s just like “ummm sure I wasn’t doing anything?”
So we’ve started practicing with Guide Dog Ava.
“Ava wait for your dinner!”
But Ava’s just like “ummm sure I wasn’t doing anything?”
September 29, 2025 at 7:04 AM
I read some advice that it’s good to randomly tell the newborn to “wait for” something so that the toddler feels less conflict & impatience.
So we’ve started practicing with Guide Dog Ava.
“Ava wait for your dinner!”
But Ava’s just like “ummm sure I wasn’t doing anything?”
So we’ve started practicing with Guide Dog Ava.
“Ava wait for your dinner!”
But Ava’s just like “ummm sure I wasn’t doing anything?”
I’ve always been so intimidated by Yoga. After a really mean experience at university.
But the pregnancy yoga class I’ve joined is in this really inclusive welcoming studio. It’s lovely!
The teacher is extra descriptive for me and Guide Dog Ava enjoys a big snooze on her own mat.
But the pregnancy yoga class I’ve joined is in this really inclusive welcoming studio. It’s lovely!
The teacher is extra descriptive for me and Guide Dog Ava enjoys a big snooze on her own mat.
September 28, 2025 at 12:52 PM
I’ve always been so intimidated by Yoga. After a really mean experience at university.
But the pregnancy yoga class I’ve joined is in this really inclusive welcoming studio. It’s lovely!
The teacher is extra descriptive for me and Guide Dog Ava enjoys a big snooze on her own mat.
But the pregnancy yoga class I’ve joined is in this really inclusive welcoming studio. It’s lovely!
The teacher is extra descriptive for me and Guide Dog Ava enjoys a big snooze on her own mat.
Reposted by Dr Amy Kavanagh
LAST FEW TICKETS! Games Writers' Networking Event- London, Friday October 3rd from 18.30
A friendly chance to meet fellow interactive narrative people for chat, networking and venting. Space is limited so please only register if you can make it. See you there!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-write...
A friendly chance to meet fellow interactive narrative people for chat, networking and venting. Space is limited so please only register if you can make it. See you there!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-write...
Game Writers Networking Event!
A gathering for gamewriters and all those working in interactive and immersive narrative.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
September 28, 2025 at 11:44 AM
LAST FEW TICKETS! Games Writers' Networking Event- London, Friday October 3rd from 18.30
A friendly chance to meet fellow interactive narrative people for chat, networking and venting. Space is limited so please only register if you can make it. See you there!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-write...
A friendly chance to meet fellow interactive narrative people for chat, networking and venting. Space is limited so please only register if you can make it. See you there!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-write...
I’m a huge fan of an M&S cafe, especially as a toddler parent!
But there always seems to be at least one irrationally irate older woman.
Today the lady was enraged about moving tables. When the gentleman her fury was focused on kept saying “but you don’t need to move”.
But there always seems to be at least one irrationally irate older woman.
Today the lady was enraged about moving tables. When the gentleman her fury was focused on kept saying “but you don’t need to move”.
September 28, 2025 at 12:36 PM
I’m a huge fan of an M&S cafe, especially as a toddler parent!
But there always seems to be at least one irrationally irate older woman.
Today the lady was enraged about moving tables. When the gentleman her fury was focused on kept saying “but you don’t need to move”.
But there always seems to be at least one irrationally irate older woman.
Today the lady was enraged about moving tables. When the gentleman her fury was focused on kept saying “but you don’t need to move”.
As a disabled pregnant woman currently taking paracetamol (tylenol) for back & pelvic pain...
I don't yet have a response for the ableist, eugenicist, evidently pro-life movatived "announcement" from the US President.
But I will say this. If you don't want a disabled child, don't have children.
I don't yet have a response for the ableist, eugenicist, evidently pro-life movatived "announcement" from the US President.
But I will say this. If you don't want a disabled child, don't have children.
September 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM
As a disabled pregnant woman currently taking paracetamol (tylenol) for back & pelvic pain...
I don't yet have a response for the ableist, eugenicist, evidently pro-life movatived "announcement" from the US President.
But I will say this. If you don't want a disabled child, don't have children.
I don't yet have a response for the ableist, eugenicist, evidently pro-life movatived "announcement" from the US President.
But I will say this. If you don't want a disabled child, don't have children.
Why after 6 weeks of saying EVERYWHERE “if you want to work with me get in touch before early October that’s when my Mat Leave starts”
And I’ve had crumbs.
But in the last 48 hours it’s like everyone emailed me about massive brilliant juicy projects I can’t do… 😫
And I’ve had crumbs.
But in the last 48 hours it’s like everyone emailed me about massive brilliant juicy projects I can’t do… 😫
September 17, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Why after 6 weeks of saying EVERYWHERE “if you want to work with me get in touch before early October that’s when my Mat Leave starts”
And I’ve had crumbs.
But in the last 48 hours it’s like everyone emailed me about massive brilliant juicy projects I can’t do… 😫
And I’ve had crumbs.
But in the last 48 hours it’s like everyone emailed me about massive brilliant juicy projects I can’t do… 😫
Today’s interesting Audio Description… “her face denuded of makeup”
September 15, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Today’s interesting Audio Description… “her face denuded of makeup”
And today’s interesting
Audio Description award goes to… “Rosie’s drawing is slightly phallic”
Audio Description award goes to… “Rosie’s drawing is slightly phallic”
September 11, 2025 at 6:59 PM
And today’s interesting
Audio Description award goes to… “Rosie’s drawing is slightly phallic”
Audio Description award goes to… “Rosie’s drawing is slightly phallic”
I had a really wholesome experience of the power of community recently.
I was out when a big delivery was left outside my front door. Being both blind and 8 months pregnant I found I was unable to get it inside.
So I messaged the street whatsapp group. Within MINUTES a neighbour was at my door! 1/
I was out when a big delivery was left outside my front door. Being both blind and 8 months pregnant I found I was unable to get it inside.
So I messaged the street whatsapp group. Within MINUTES a neighbour was at my door! 1/
September 11, 2025 at 9:06 AM
I had a really wholesome experience of the power of community recently.
I was out when a big delivery was left outside my front door. Being both blind and 8 months pregnant I found I was unable to get it inside.
So I messaged the street whatsapp group. Within MINUTES a neighbour was at my door! 1/
I was out when a big delivery was left outside my front door. Being both blind and 8 months pregnant I found I was unable to get it inside.
So I messaged the street whatsapp group. Within MINUTES a neighbour was at my door! 1/
Excellent news my email had a lovely response saying Guide Dog Ava and I will be welcome. Also that they’ve passed on to the yoga teacher to be a bit extra descriptive so I can follow the movements. Yay!
Just signed up to a very yummy mummy type pregnancy yoga class.
Sent an email with an FYI about Guide Dog Ava. But I know I'll be holding the anxiety about the studio being difficult for days now.
I'm just a blind pregnant lady with a sore back, please let me do some stretching!
Sent an email with an FYI about Guide Dog Ava. But I know I'll be holding the anxiety about the studio being difficult for days now.
I'm just a blind pregnant lady with a sore back, please let me do some stretching!
September 11, 2025 at 6:25 AM
Excellent news my email had a lovely response saying Guide Dog Ava and I will be welcome. Also that they’ve passed on to the yoga teacher to be a bit extra descriptive so I can follow the movements. Yay!
Reposted by Dr Amy Kavanagh
Everyone should be able to travel when and where we want to, but time restrictions block disabled people from getting to work, school and fun. Ask your MP to support
@tomgordonld.bsky.social's Bus Bill amendment to #UnlockTransportAccess for all.
@tomgordonld.bsky.social's Bus Bill amendment to #UnlockTransportAccess for all.
September 10, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Everyone should be able to travel when and where we want to, but time restrictions block disabled people from getting to work, school and fun. Ask your MP to support
@tomgordonld.bsky.social's Bus Bill amendment to #UnlockTransportAccess for all.
@tomgordonld.bsky.social's Bus Bill amendment to #UnlockTransportAccess for all.
Reposted by Dr Amy Kavanagh
Oh is it #WorldSuicidePreventionDay?
Stop saying ‘just talk!!’ and start demanding that services are funded.
Stop saying ‘just talk!!’ and start demanding that services are funded.
September 10, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Oh is it #WorldSuicidePreventionDay?
Stop saying ‘just talk!!’ and start demanding that services are funded.
Stop saying ‘just talk!!’ and start demanding that services are funded.
Reposted by Dr Amy Kavanagh
If you're looking to hire people with accessibility knowledge and experience, the Accessibility Skills Hiring Toolkit created by Teach Access can help you. The toolkit provides language to use when writing job ads, and questions to ask when interviewing.
teachaccess.github.io/accessibilit...
teachaccess.github.io/accessibilit...
Accessibility Skills Hiring Toolkit
Teach Access provides the Accessibility Skills Hiring Toolkit to help organizations build internal capacity for producing accessible digital products by developing a knowledgeable and skilled workforc...
teachaccess.github.io
September 10, 2025 at 2:41 PM
If you're looking to hire people with accessibility knowledge and experience, the Accessibility Skills Hiring Toolkit created by Teach Access can help you. The toolkit provides language to use when writing job ads, and questions to ask when interviewing.
teachaccess.github.io/accessibilit...
teachaccess.github.io/accessibilit...
Currently a bit obsessed with hitting my apple watch activity goals.
This morning I went to the gym which included a 20 minute brisk walk and a 25 minute lane swim.
Got home, took some calls, and the darn thing told me to stand up! I said out loud "I'm pregnant watch, let me sit!".
This morning I went to the gym which included a 20 minute brisk walk and a 25 minute lane swim.
Got home, took some calls, and the darn thing told me to stand up! I said out loud "I'm pregnant watch, let me sit!".
September 10, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Currently a bit obsessed with hitting my apple watch activity goals.
This morning I went to the gym which included a 20 minute brisk walk and a 25 minute lane swim.
Got home, took some calls, and the darn thing told me to stand up! I said out loud "I'm pregnant watch, let me sit!".
This morning I went to the gym which included a 20 minute brisk walk and a 25 minute lane swim.
Got home, took some calls, and the darn thing told me to stand up! I said out loud "I'm pregnant watch, let me sit!".
Just signed up to a very yummy mummy type pregnancy yoga class.
Sent an email with an FYI about Guide Dog Ava. But I know I'll be holding the anxiety about the studio being difficult for days now.
I'm just a blind pregnant lady with a sore back, please let me do some stretching!
Sent an email with an FYI about Guide Dog Ava. But I know I'll be holding the anxiety about the studio being difficult for days now.
I'm just a blind pregnant lady with a sore back, please let me do some stretching!
September 10, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Just signed up to a very yummy mummy type pregnancy yoga class.
Sent an email with an FYI about Guide Dog Ava. But I know I'll be holding the anxiety about the studio being difficult for days now.
I'm just a blind pregnant lady with a sore back, please let me do some stretching!
Sent an email with an FYI about Guide Dog Ava. But I know I'll be holding the anxiety about the studio being difficult for days now.
I'm just a blind pregnant lady with a sore back, please let me do some stretching!
I can now swim 25 metres in a minute. Yay!
Oh and I’m 8 months pregnant!
Finding an accessible welcoming space to exercise has made a huge difference to this pregnancy and my mental wellbeing.
Oh and I’m 8 months pregnant!
Finding an accessible welcoming space to exercise has made a huge difference to this pregnancy and my mental wellbeing.
September 7, 2025 at 10:21 AM
I can now swim 25 metres in a minute. Yay!
Oh and I’m 8 months pregnant!
Finding an accessible welcoming space to exercise has made a huge difference to this pregnancy and my mental wellbeing.
Oh and I’m 8 months pregnant!
Finding an accessible welcoming space to exercise has made a huge difference to this pregnancy and my mental wellbeing.
Reposted by Dr Amy Kavanagh
This is going to seem very random but I miss how the old bird app would have worked brilliantly for this:
I’m looking for someone who can help me find information about how, and in what - if any - capacity, the Salvation Army might have been involved in adoption processes in London in the 1910s.
I’m looking for someone who can help me find information about how, and in what - if any - capacity, the Salvation Army might have been involved in adoption processes in London in the 1910s.
September 6, 2025 at 9:01 AM
This is going to seem very random but I miss how the old bird app would have worked brilliantly for this:
I’m looking for someone who can help me find information about how, and in what - if any - capacity, the Salvation Army might have been involved in adoption processes in London in the 1910s.
I’m looking for someone who can help me find information about how, and in what - if any - capacity, the Salvation Army might have been involved in adoption processes in London in the 1910s.
For those of you interested about how pregnancy with a toddler is going.
Me stood taking a few breaths 🤰🏼
Other Half: what are you doing?
Me: gearing up to bend down and pick up the potty.
Other Half: orrrr I could do it?
Me stood taking a few breaths 🤰🏼
Other Half: what are you doing?
Me: gearing up to bend down and pick up the potty.
Other Half: orrrr I could do it?
September 6, 2025 at 8:28 AM
For those of you interested about how pregnancy with a toddler is going.
Me stood taking a few breaths 🤰🏼
Other Half: what are you doing?
Me: gearing up to bend down and pick up the potty.
Other Half: orrrr I could do it?
Me stood taking a few breaths 🤰🏼
Other Half: what are you doing?
Me: gearing up to bend down and pick up the potty.
Other Half: orrrr I could do it?