Colin Hughes
@colinhughes.aestumanda.com
Ex-BBC producer turned tech equality warrior, crafting a fairer future with accessible technology. Lifelong Liverpool supporter #YNWA #TechEquality #A11Y
Earlier this week I wrote about the difficulty housebound people face accessing winter vaccinations. After that piece was published, things finally moved. Flu jab in one arm and Covid in the other yesterday.
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December 5, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Earlier this week I wrote about the difficulty housebound people face accessing winter vaccinations. After that piece was published, things finally moved. Flu jab in one arm and Covid in the other yesterday.
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Proud to have a letter in The Guardian today, calling out the deeply cynical Motability cuts and what they mean for disabled people’s independence. These decisions shape real lives every day, and it’s important we keep speaking up.
Read it here: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
#Motability
Read it here: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
#Motability
Motability cuts are a deeply cynical policy | Letter
Letter: Disabled customers and their carers will lose out as suitable vehicles and tax reliefs are removed, says Colin Hughes
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Proud to have a letter in The Guardian today, calling out the deeply cynical Motability cuts and what they mean for disabled people’s independence. These decisions shape real lives every day, and it’s important we keep speaking up.
Read it here: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
#Motability
Read it here: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
#Motability
Labour promised competence on the NHS, yet housebound patients are stuck in a bureaucratic loop waiting for flu jabs.
It is December and I am still unprotected.
My story on the dangerous gap in the system👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
@rachelblakemp.bsky.social this needs urgent attention
It is December and I am still unprotected.
My story on the dangerous gap in the system👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
@rachelblakemp.bsky.social this needs urgent attention
Housebound patients failed by NHS flu vaccine delays
Flu cases are rising, yet housebound patients face dangerous uncertainty. A personal story on why Labour’s NHS winter plan risks leaving us behind.
www.aestumanda.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Labour promised competence on the NHS, yet housebound patients are stuck in a bureaucratic loop waiting for flu jabs.
It is December and I am still unprotected.
My story on the dangerous gap in the system👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
@rachelblakemp.bsky.social this needs urgent attention
It is December and I am still unprotected.
My story on the dangerous gap in the system👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
@rachelblakemp.bsky.social this needs urgent attention
The Guardian confirms what I warned in my earlier Aestumanda analysis: Motability cuts weren’t based on evidence or consultation, but on a right-wing online campaign.
Alarming to see that narrative turned into Labour government policy.
👇
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Alarming to see that narrative turned into Labour government policy.
👇
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
November 29, 2025 at 11:43 AM
The Guardian confirms what I warned in my earlier Aestumanda analysis: Motability cuts weren’t based on evidence or consultation, but on a right-wing online campaign.
Alarming to see that narrative turned into Labour government policy.
👇
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Alarming to see that narrative turned into Labour government policy.
👇
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Labour’s Budget echoes far-right culture war rhetoric: removing 5% of “luxury” Motability cars and raising £300m by cutting Motability tax reliefs.
The money comes from disabled people’s pockets at the cost of independence.
I’ve written why it matters 👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
The money comes from disabled people’s pockets at the cost of independence.
I’ve written why it matters 👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
Budget 2025 Motability cuts that undermine disabled independence
Motability cuts in Budget 2025 remove key vehicles and £300m in reliefs, raising costs and limiting independence for disabled people. Here’s why it matters.
www.aestumanda.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Labour’s Budget echoes far-right culture war rhetoric: removing 5% of “luxury” Motability cars and raising £300m by cutting Motability tax reliefs.
The money comes from disabled people’s pockets at the cost of independence.
I’ve written why it matters 👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
The money comes from disabled people’s pockets at the cost of independence.
I’ve written why it matters 👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
As a wheelchair user in Westminster, I’ve often been blocked by discarded Lime and Forest bikes. New £100 fines per bike are long overdue.
Next, the Council must tackle rogue e-bike, food delivery and e-scooter riders — one scooter hit me, and e-bikes have nearly taken me out on several occasions.
Next, the Council must tackle rogue e-bike, food delivery and e-scooter riders — one scooter hit me, and e-bikes have nearly taken me out on several occasions.
November 20, 2025 at 9:57 AM
As a wheelchair user in Westminster, I’ve often been blocked by discarded Lime and Forest bikes. New £100 fines per bike are long overdue.
Next, the Council must tackle rogue e-bike, food delivery and e-scooter riders — one scooter hit me, and e-bikes have nearly taken me out on several occasions.
Next, the Council must tackle rogue e-bike, food delivery and e-scooter riders — one scooter hit me, and e-bikes have nearly taken me out on several occasions.
Aqua Voice, my favourite voice-dictation app for the Mac, has just pushed out a great update. The new Replacements feature lets you say a shortcut phrase and instantly drop in longer text — I’m already using it for quotation templates. Messaging apps also get cleaner casing and better @-mentions. 🌊
November 15, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Aqua Voice, my favourite voice-dictation app for the Mac, has just pushed out a great update. The new Replacements feature lets you say a shortcut phrase and instantly drop in longer text — I’m already using it for quotation templates. Messaging apps also get cleaner casing and better @-mentions. 🌊
Updated to macOS 26.1 — progress, but Voice Control still can’t do the basics.
✅ “Delete that” and “Lower case that” fixed
❌ “New paragraph” still broken
🐢 “New line” too slow
Apple should add Background Accessibility Improvements so fixes arrive faster.
🔗 www.aestumanda.com/news/2025/11...
✅ “Delete that” and “Lower case that” fixed
❌ “New paragraph” still broken
🐢 “New line” too slow
Apple should add Background Accessibility Improvements so fixes arrive faster.
🔗 www.aestumanda.com/news/2025/11...
Voice Control in macOS 26.1 fixes some bugs but key issues remain
Voice Control in macOS 26.1 fixes some bugs but key issues remain. Apple should add Background Accessibility Improvements to deliver fixes faster.
www.aestumanda.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Updated to macOS 26.1 — progress, but Voice Control still can’t do the basics.
✅ “Delete that” and “Lower case that” fixed
❌ “New paragraph” still broken
🐢 “New line” too slow
Apple should add Background Accessibility Improvements so fixes arrive faster.
🔗 www.aestumanda.com/news/2025/11...
✅ “Delete that” and “Lower case that” fixed
❌ “New paragraph” still broken
🐢 “New line” too slow
Apple should add Background Accessibility Improvements so fixes arrive faster.
🔗 www.aestumanda.com/news/2025/11...
Apple has confirmed to me that one Voice Control bug — the “delete that” command — is fixed in macOS 26 build 25B77.
I’ve reported others, but Apple hasn’t said if they’re fixed yet
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
Hoping next week’s macOS 26.1 brings good news 🙏
More on what Apple told me 👇
I’ve reported others, but Apple hasn’t said if they’re fixed yet
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
Hoping next week’s macOS 26.1 brings good news 🙏
More on what Apple told me 👇
November 1, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Apple has confirmed to me that one Voice Control bug — the “delete that” command — is fixed in macOS 26 build 25B77.
I’ve reported others, but Apple hasn’t said if they’re fixed yet
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
Hoping next week’s macOS 26.1 brings good news 🙏
More on what Apple told me 👇
I’ve reported others, but Apple hasn’t said if they’re fixed yet
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
Hoping next week’s macOS 26.1 brings good news 🙏
More on what Apple told me 👇
🇵🇱 Poland’s EU economy grew about 3% last year — nearly triple the UK’s rate — and now it’s investing billions in publicly funded care for disabled people.
🇬🇧 The UK, growing just 1%, is cutting billions from disability support.
A tale of two economies 👇
notesfrompoland.com/2025/10/30/p...
🇬🇧 The UK, growing just 1%, is cutting billions from disability support.
A tale of two economies 👇
notesfrompoland.com/2025/10/30/p...
Polish government approves bill providing state-funded assistants for disabled people
notesfrompoland.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:38 AM
🇵🇱 Poland’s EU economy grew about 3% last year — nearly triple the UK’s rate — and now it’s investing billions in publicly funded care for disabled people.
🇬🇧 The UK, growing just 1%, is cutting billions from disability support.
A tale of two economies 👇
notesfrompoland.com/2025/10/30/p...
🇬🇧 The UK, growing just 1%, is cutting billions from disability support.
A tale of two economies 👇
notesfrompoland.com/2025/10/30/p...
@RachelBlakeMP.bsky.social
Reform UK and Lee Anderson’s attacks on Motability — and calls to bring back the blue three-wheelers — aren’t just ignorant, they’re cruel.
For my family, Motability wasn’t a luxury; it was independence.
aestumanda.com/opinion/2025/10/motability-vat-cuts-disabled-people
Reform UK and Lee Anderson’s attacks on Motability — and calls to bring back the blue three-wheelers — aren’t just ignorant, they’re cruel.
For my family, Motability wasn’t a luxury; it was independence.
aestumanda.com/opinion/2025/10/motability-vat-cuts-disabled-people
Why cutting Motability would betray disabled people’s independence
Removing VAT exemption from Motability cars could add £3,000 and rob disabled people of independence. The real problem isn’t welfare — it’s Brexit’s damage.
aestumanda.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:30 PM
@RachelBlakeMP.bsky.social
Reform UK and Lee Anderson’s attacks on Motability — and calls to bring back the blue three-wheelers — aren’t just ignorant, they’re cruel.
For my family, Motability wasn’t a luxury; it was independence.
aestumanda.com/opinion/2025/10/motability-vat-cuts-disabled-people
Reform UK and Lee Anderson’s attacks on Motability — and calls to bring back the blue three-wheelers — aren’t just ignorant, they’re cruel.
For my family, Motability wasn’t a luxury; it was independence.
aestumanda.com/opinion/2025/10/motability-vat-cuts-disabled-people
This 1990s photo of my family tells a story.
Those weren’t “luxury” cars — they were adapted Motability vehicles that gave my siblings and me independence.
Politicians attacking this vital scheme are betraying disabled people.
👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
Those weren’t “luxury” cars — they were adapted Motability vehicles that gave my siblings and me independence.
Politicians attacking this vital scheme are betraying disabled people.
👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
Why cutting Motability would betray disabled people’s independence
Removing VAT exemption from Motability cars could add £3,000 and rob disabled people of independence. The real problem isn’t welfare — it’s Brexit’s damage.
www.aestumanda.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:57 AM
This 1990s photo of my family tells a story.
Those weren’t “luxury” cars — they were adapted Motability vehicles that gave my siblings and me independence.
Politicians attacking this vital scheme are betraying disabled people.
👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
Those weren’t “luxury” cars — they were adapted Motability vehicles that gave my siblings and me independence.
Politicians attacking this vital scheme are betraying disabled people.
👇
www.aestumanda.com/opinion/2025...
Meta brought the future to my doorstep: the new Ray-Ban Display glasses and Neural Band.
For someone with muscular dystrophy, the potential is huge — and full of hope.
🔗 aestumanda.com/technology/2025/10/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses-neural-band-visit
#Accessibility #Meta #RayBan
For someone with muscular dystrophy, the potential is huge — and full of hope.
🔗 aestumanda.com/technology/2025/10/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses-neural-band-visit
#Accessibility #Meta #RayBan
Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses: Meta visit to test accessibility
Meta visited my London home to test the new Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and Neural Band — exploring accessibility, gesture, and voice control.
aestumanda.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Meta brought the future to my doorstep: the new Ray-Ban Display glasses and Neural Band.
For someone with muscular dystrophy, the potential is huge — and full of hope.
🔗 aestumanda.com/technology/2025/10/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses-neural-band-visit
#Accessibility #Meta #RayBan
For someone with muscular dystrophy, the potential is huge — and full of hope.
🔗 aestumanda.com/technology/2025/10/meta-ray-ban-display-glasses-neural-band-visit
#Accessibility #Meta #RayBan
Testing Ray-Ban Meta firmware v19.1 today and I’ve discovered something quite extraordinary.
For the past two years, I’ve been saying “Okay Meta” as the wake word on my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — and it’s always worked perfectly.
After updating to v19.1, that’s suddenly changed. 🧵
For the past two years, I’ve been saying “Okay Meta” as the wake word on my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — and it’s always worked perfectly.
After updating to v19.1, that’s suddenly changed. 🧵
October 10, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Testing Ray-Ban Meta firmware v19.1 today and I’ve discovered something quite extraordinary.
For the past two years, I’ve been saying “Okay Meta” as the wake word on my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — and it’s always worked perfectly.
After updating to v19.1, that’s suddenly changed. 🧵
For the past two years, I’ve been saying “Okay Meta” as the wake word on my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — and it’s always worked perfectly.
After updating to v19.1, that’s suddenly changed. 🧵
Just published: my full Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses Gen 2 review.
Battery finally lasts almost all day. 3K video is a real upgrade. AI still rough. Wishlist for what’s next inside.
Read it here 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
#SmartGlasses #Accessibility #Review #RaybanMeta
Battery finally lasts almost all day. 3K video is a real upgrade. AI still rough. Wishlist for what’s next inside.
Read it here 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
#SmartGlasses #Accessibility #Review #RaybanMeta
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses gen 2 review: battery, AI & future features
This Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses gen 2 review highlights longer battery life, 3K video, AI limits and future features like slo-mo and conversation focus.
aestumanda.com
September 30, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Just published: my full Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses Gen 2 review.
Battery finally lasts almost all day. 3K video is a real upgrade. AI still rough. Wishlist for what’s next inside.
Read it here 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
#SmartGlasses #Accessibility #Review #RaybanMeta
Battery finally lasts almost all day. 3K video is a real upgrade. AI still rough. Wishlist for what’s next inside.
Read it here 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
#SmartGlasses #Accessibility #Review #RaybanMeta
First time I’ve ever seen this during an iOS update. Phone showed plenty of storage, yet the update insisted it was full and even offloaded apps. Odd experience.
September 29, 2025 at 10:02 PM
First time I’ve ever seen this during an iOS update. Phone showed plenty of storage, yet the update insisted it was full and even offloaded apps. Odd experience.
I’ve been testing the new iPhone Air, Apple’s lightest phone yet.
Joanna Stern of the WSJ called it the “bed phone” — and for me, with a muscle weakness disability, that’s exactly right.
Here’s my review on why lighter design matters more than you think 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
Joanna Stern of the WSJ called it the “bed phone” — and for me, with a muscle weakness disability, that’s exactly right.
Here’s my review on why lighter design matters more than you think 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
iPhone Air review: why it might be the perfect ‘bed phone’”
iPhone Air review: Apple’s lightest iPhone yet. Could it be the perfect “bed phone”? We explore design, battery life, and usability in real life.
www.aestumanda.com
September 29, 2025 at 8:42 PM
I’ve been testing the new iPhone Air, Apple’s lightest phone yet.
Joanna Stern of the WSJ called it the “bed phone” — and for me, with a muscle weakness disability, that’s exactly right.
Here’s my review on why lighter design matters more than you think 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
Joanna Stern of the WSJ called it the “bed phone” — and for me, with a muscle weakness disability, that’s exactly right.
Here’s my review on why lighter design matters more than you think 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
Disappointing to find so many significant bugs in the newly released macOS 26 Voice Control.
For those of us who rely on it daily, these aren’t small glitches. Hoping Apple moves quickly with a fix.
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
For those of us who rely on it daily, these aren’t small glitches. Hoping Apple moves quickly with a fix.
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
Apple acknowledges Voice Control bugs in macOS 26, fixes in progress
Apple has confirmed several Voice Control bugs in macOS 26, including broken commands and cursor issues, and says fixes are being investigated.
www.aestumanda.com
September 24, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Disappointing to find so many significant bugs in the newly released macOS 26 Voice Control.
For those of us who rely on it daily, these aren’t small glitches. Hoping Apple moves quickly with a fix.
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
For those of us who rely on it daily, these aren’t small glitches. Hoping Apple moves quickly with a fix.
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
Meta looks to have quietly switched on the Reminders feature for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in the UK. No fanfare, just suddenly noticed it there today. A neat quality-of-life upgrade for everyday use. 👓⏰ w
September 21, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Meta looks to have quietly switched on the Reminders feature for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in the UK. No fanfare, just suddenly noticed it there today. A neat quality-of-life upgrade for everyday use. 👓⏰ w
September 19, 2025 at 7:03 AM
“For me personally, while I wait for a cure to an incurable illness that may never come, technology like this helps to level the playing field just a little more.”
More in my full piece on Meta ‘s new Ray-Ban Display glasses.
👇
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
More in my full piece on Meta ‘s new Ray-Ban Display glasses.
👇
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
September 18, 2025 at 9:13 PM
“For me personally, while I wait for a cure to an incurable illness that may never come, technology like this helps to level the playing field just a little more.”
More in my full piece on Meta ‘s new Ray-Ban Display glasses.
👇
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
More in my full piece on Meta ‘s new Ray-Ban Display glasses.
👇
www.aestumanda.com/technology/2...
watchOS 26 brings lots of shiny new features. The one thing Apple Watch still can’t do? Let disabled people access Siri by voice without lifting and twisting their wrists.
⌚️ #Accessibility
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www.macrumors.com/2025/09/12/w...
⌚️ #Accessibility
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www.macrumors.com/2025/09/12/w...
watchOS 26: 10 New Things Your Apple Watch Can Do
Along with the launch of new Apple Watch models on September 19, Apple is releasing watchOS 26 ahead of time on Monday, September 15, and the...
www.macrumors.com
September 12, 2025 at 9:36 AM
watchOS 26 brings lots of shiny new features. The one thing Apple Watch still can’t do? Let disabled people access Siri by voice without lifting and twisting their wrists.
⌚️ #Accessibility
👇
www.macrumors.com/2025/09/12/w...
⌚️ #Accessibility
👇
www.macrumors.com/2025/09/12/w...
I haven’t been able to hold a book for years due to disability. Audiobooks have been a lifeline via iPhone + AirPods. Today, with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, I listened to Great Expectations hands-free on Audible. Open-ear speakers + extensive voice control make this page turner a game changer.
September 7, 2025 at 8:47 AM
I haven’t been able to hold a book for years due to disability. Audiobooks have been a lifeline via iPhone + AirPods. Today, with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, I listened to Great Expectations hands-free on Audible. Open-ear speakers + extensive voice control make this page turner a game changer.
As someone who depends on dictation daily, I’ve tried them all—Dragon, Apple’s Voice Control, and now Aqua Voice.
I’ve just published a review of Aqua Voice, and it’s the most accurate dictation I’ve ever used on Mac.
Why it matters 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
I’ve just published a review of Aqua Voice, and it’s the most accurate dictation I’ve ever used on Mac.
Why it matters 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
Aqua Voice Review: Best Dictation App for Mac in 2025
Discover Aqua Voice, the AI dictation app bringing speed, accuracy & accessibility to the Mac—outperforming Apple’s built-in Voice Control
www.aestumanda.com
August 27, 2025 at 10:47 PM
As someone who depends on dictation daily, I’ve tried them all—Dragon, Apple’s Voice Control, and now Aqua Voice.
I’ve just published a review of Aqua Voice, and it’s the most accurate dictation I’ve ever used on Mac.
Why it matters 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
I’ve just published a review of Aqua Voice, and it’s the most accurate dictation I’ve ever used on Mac.
Why it matters 👇
www.aestumanda.com/reviews/2025...
Aqua Voice is what Mac dictation should feel like — fast, accurate, natural editing.
I spoke to 9to5Mac about why this matters for disabled people who rely on voice.
Read: 9to5mac.com/2025/08/15/a...
#Accessibility #Mac #VoiceControl
I spoke to 9to5Mac about why this matters for disabled people who rely on voice.
Read: 9to5mac.com/2025/08/15/a...
#Accessibility #Mac #VoiceControl
Aqua Voice shows just how good Mac dictation could be
I’m a big fan of dictation and voice commands. The latter are the most common way for me to control...
9to5mac.com
August 17, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Aqua Voice is what Mac dictation should feel like — fast, accurate, natural editing.
I spoke to 9to5Mac about why this matters for disabled people who rely on voice.
Read: 9to5mac.com/2025/08/15/a...
#Accessibility #Mac #VoiceControl
I spoke to 9to5Mac about why this matters for disabled people who rely on voice.
Read: 9to5mac.com/2025/08/15/a...
#Accessibility #Mac #VoiceControl