FAO TfL, I’m totally blind and live in Croydon. Thrilled to have trams, less thrilled by the omission of some fundamental accessibility considerations, which have today resulted in my tram ride home (with 3 heavy bags) including a visit to a completely unfamiliar tram stop. 1/

I’ve been quiet online as of late — don’t really intend on that changing —, but I had a lovely evening on the Southbank last night, and whilst the world feels like it’s spinning faster and faster these days, a moment of tranquility feels worth savouring.

🐕‍🦺 Lacey turned 9 yesterday, which of course couldn’t go without celebrating.
This will be her last working birthday and her last living with me, so we made sure she was treated (more so than usual) like the utter princess she knows she is… with plenty of carrots to go around 🥕

I was pleased to receive an apology for these experiences from TfL yesterday evening, and was reassured by their commitment to ensuring those with lived experience of disability are at the heart of future training. However (because there is always a 'however')... 1/2

It's a difficult pill to swallow, the government trailing £3bn cuts to welfare, notably from Personal Independence Payments, thereby prioritising calming the markets over calming the legitimised fears of millions of disabled people now facing the loss of our independence. 1/3

As a disabled passenger, I had a weekend of appalling accessibility experiences with TfL. As per, let me detail them — not because this is how I enjoy spending my time, but because it’s vital, first and foremost for safety, that this improves, fast. 1/
(Edited 16:11 via @skeetsapp.com)

I thought this went without saying: *pretending* to be blind is deeply offensive, and in no way improves the accessibility of services for people, like me, who so often find them difficult to access.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/05/barclays-mystery-shoppers-banks-pretend-blind-deaf

Some lovely betwixmas news for us all 🚆

“In the longer term, Go-op has visions of low-carbon emission trains, a car-sharing platform for passengers, and even expansion to other stations in Somerset and Devon.” 👏

I can’t quite believe this. For those who don’t know, Lacey, my guide dog of a little over 7 years, is heading for retirement in 2025, as agreed with @guidedogsuk, after a working life which has taken us through university, overseas, and anywhere and everywhere in the UK. 1/

Lacey has also had a busy year, from Brussels to Bournemouth, parliament to Paris, the Netherlands to Nottingham… some cities evoking stronger feelings than others! So here she is, resting up with a new bed and bare (allow me to introduce Barney) to see in the new year 🐕‍🦺

I have such mixed feelings about London — one of the most complicated relationships I have. But there is something just a little bit magical about it. Iconic cityscape, dampened but never extinguished by the dark and wet British winter.

Anyways, hung out in parliament last night xo

Yes, local government is confusing and inconsistent in structure. But far right populism thrives on the fear that comes from disempowerment and change. Taking decisions further and further away from the hearts of the communities they affect is a dangerous game to play.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Spotify really toeing the line between ‘✨fun✨ end of year roundup’ and ‘is this a subtle homophobic hate crime?’ this year

Paris 🇫🇷

How else was I ever going to start afresh on a new social account, other than by posting a pic of Lacey partaking in her favourite off-duty snack? 🐕‍🦺