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kellybarton.bsky.social
Kelly
@kellybarton.bsky.social
110 followers 140 following 51 posts
Love #running. Blind. Pink cane user.
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kellybarton.bsky.social
Proper happy with my parkrun time this morning 23:55 (quickest in a year!)

And yeah, I know it’s not all about the times, but sometimes it’s nice to push a bit.

Thanks to all the lovely volunteers who motivate all the runners and walkers on the way round 👏
Kelly and Mike at the end of parkrun wearing hi-vis tops and smiling
July 19, 2025 at 10:24 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Lancashire @slcouncils.bsky.social delivered a Vision Awareness Session with Community Rail Partnership today.

We shared lived experiences & used simulation glasses to highlight barriers #blind and #PartiallySighted people face on public transport. Great engagement & commitment to accessibility 🚆
Four adults in a basement-like room, posing in front of a colorful mural of a train station. Two women are sitting on green train seats that are mounted on a small platform, facing each other. One woman has short blonde hair and sunglasses, wearing a navy and white patterned top and dark pants. The other woman has shoulder-length hair and is wearing a grey and white dress with sandals. Standing to the left is a man with short hair, a light blue sweater, black pants, white sneakers, and using a crutch. On the right stands a woman with long blonde hair, wearing a bright floral dress and holding a pink cane. Behind them, the mural shows a brick station building with a clock and the word "STATION" above the door, surrounded by painted flowers. An orange high-visibility jacket is hanging on the wall to the right. The ceiling has exposed pipes and fluorescent lights, and the floor is blue with a small green play mat in the corner. Photo of the session in a classroom setting Staff members having a go at guiding one another
July 15, 2025 at 6:54 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
It was a HOT one at #parkrun today ☀️

#Blind #BlindRunner #GuideRunner #LoveParkrun #Running
Kelly and Mike in the sunshine at the end of parkrun
July 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Came across this accessible map with braille in Port d’Alcúdia while on holiday—and as a braille reader, it honestly made my day.

Braille isn’t outdated. It’s literacy. It’s independence. It’s inclusion.

We need more design like this, everywhere.
#Accessibility #Braille #InclusiveDesign
A hand with pink painted nails touches a tactile map of Port d’Alcúdia, Mallorca. The map includes braille and raised elements to help blind and visually impaired people navigate. Points of interest are listed in both text and braille.
July 11, 2025 at 10:35 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Serving beach chic with a side of cane sass 💁‍♀️💙
Who says mobility aids can’t match your outfit and your mood? My cane’s not just for getting around—it’s part of the look.

Sand, sea, sunshine… and a little splash of blue to lead the way 🌊

#CaneStyle #BlindAndBrilliant #BeachModeOn#OwnIt #Blind
Kelly wearing a blue and white dress is stood on the beach with the sea behind her and holding her blue cane
July 10, 2025 at 4:18 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
This morning I completed my first ever Duathlon, guided (and tandem piloted) by Mike..

10km run ✅
40km cycle ✅
5km run ✅

It was a brilliant event and really well organised.

#Duathlon #Blind #BlindRunner #Guiderunner #cycling #running
Kelly and Mike with their finisher medals Kelly and Mike stood with their pink tandem
May 18, 2025 at 2:11 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
This morning it was Mike’s 250th #parkrun and pretty much all of them he has done as my #guiderunner

Mike is a MUCH quicker runner than me but almost every Saturday morning he is at my side, running at my pace and I absolutely love him for it 💕

#Blind #BlindRunner #Milestone #LoveParkrun
A man and a woman are standing on a grassy area with other people in the background. The man is wearing a green shirt with the number "250" on the back, black shorts, and orange running shoes. He is pointing his thumbs towards himself and smiling. The woman is wearing a bright pink shirt with the words "BLIND RUNNER" printed on it, black shorts, and purple running shoes. She is pointing at the man and smiling. Both are wearing sunglasses, and the woman has a smartwatch on her wrist. The scene is set in a park with trees and a clear blue sky.
May 3, 2025 at 10:35 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Today was my 300th #parkrun! That feels like a lot of early Saturday mornings…but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

As always another great morning at Southport parkrun #running & #volunteering as a 27 minute pacer, guided by my lovely husband Mike

#blind #BlindRunner #GuideRunner #LoveParkrun
A woman is standing on a grassy area, smiling at the camera. She is wearing sunglasses, a light blue vest with a logo on it, dark leggings, and blue running shoes. She has a wristband on her left wrist and a watch on her right wrist. Behind her, there is a sign on the ground that reads "Southport" with the "parkrun" logo above it. In the background, several people are gathered, some wearing athletic clothing, and a few are accompanied by dogs. There are trees and two tall flags with the "parkrun" logo and branding on them. The atmosphere suggests a community running event. A man and a woman are standing together on a grassy area, surrounded by other people. The man is wearing a bright yellow shirt with the word "GUIDE" printed on it, along with "guide running UK" logos. The woman is wearing a light blue top with a circular logo on the front. Both are smiling at the camera. In the background, there are several people gathered, some wearing athletic clothing, indicating a running event. There are two flags on either side of the pair, one pink and one purple, and a sign on the ground that reads "Southport" with the "parkrun" logo above it. The setting is a park with trees and greenery.
April 26, 2025 at 11:24 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Lovely morning running the ‘tunnel 10k’

I was pretty worried about tunnning through the tunnel (I thought it might be claustrophobic, windy and noisy) but actually it was great

And the run finished on New Brighton Promenade which was a really nice space to run along 🏃‍♀️

#running #blind #GuideRunner
Kelly and Mike at the start line wearing bright blind and guide tops Kelly and Mike at the end with their medals Kelly and Mike with others from their running club at the end
April 13, 2025 at 3:32 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Another lovely morning at Southport #parkrun but this week I volunteered as a park walker.

It was so nice to walk and have a catch up with my friend (and guide) Caroline, in the sunshine.

#parkwalk #lovelarkrun #blind #BlindRunner #GuideRunner #volunteering
April 12, 2025 at 2:16 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Today Merseyside @slcouncils.bsky.social
visited Halton Borough Council to deliver sim spec walk (using glasses to replicate different vision impairments) to social care & regeneration staff.

We took them on a guided walk in Widnes to experience what it’s like for #blind & #PartiallySighted people
Kelly and mick outside Halton council Group photo during the walk stood near a crossing Group photo of everyone wearing sim specs Two staff guiding one another
April 8, 2025 at 6:49 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Lovely morning at Southport #parkrun in the sunshine ☀️

And really happy with my time of 24:14 (it feels like forever since I managed a sub 25)

I know it’s not about time (and always about enjoyment) but sometimes it’s nice to get a ‘good’ (for me) time 🏃‍♀️

#Blind #BlindRunner #GuideRunner
This shows my result of 24:14 Kelly and Mike after parkrun run smiling at the cameras
April 5, 2025 at 11:46 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Really enjoyable morning at Southport #parkrun volunteering as a 27 minute pacer.

Great work from Mike #GuideRunning & ensuring my pacing was on track 🏃‍♀️

#Blind #BlindRunner #LoveParkrun
Kelly stood in the parkrun turning towards the camera with 27 pacer top on Selfie of Kelly and Mike after the run. Both smiling Photo of Mike’s watch showing 5k in 27 minutes Kelly’s parkrun result showing 27 minutes
March 29, 2025 at 12:57 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Good chat and laughs with #JasonDonovan ahead of his show in #Liverpool last night.

I think he took a liking to my pink cane 💕

#blind #PinkCane #music
Kelly and Jason looking towards the camera smiling. Jason is holding Kelly’s pink cane towards the camera A man and a woman are taking a selfie in what appears to be an auditorium. The man is wearing a white shirt and has glasses hanging from the collar. The woman is wearing a black leather jacket over a pink top and has a necklace. They are both smiling. Behind them, there are rows of empty wooden seats with blue cushions. In the background, there is a stage with audio equipment and an exit sign above a set of double doors.
March 23, 2025 at 12:59 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
How do you get round a train station when you’re #blind or #PartiallySighted?

Yesterday Lancashire @slcouncils.bsky.social
went along to #Blackpool North train station to have a go at using ‘Goodmaps’ an indoor navigation app to see if it was possible to navigate the station independently
Four people standing together in a spacious, well-lit indoor area with a high ceiling and large windows. The person on the left is a young man wearing sunglasses, a red and black jacket, and holding a white cane. Next to him is a woman with blonde hair, wearing a pink jacket and holding a pink cane. The third person is an older woman with white hair, wearing glasses, a scarf, and a light jacket, also holding a white cane. The person on the right is a young man wearing a white cap, a white T-shirt, and a backpack. All four are holding smartphones. The background shows a modern interior with signs and a "Le Feast" restaurant visible. A person wearing a red and navy blue jacket is standing in a train station, holding up a smartphone. The person is wearing sunglasses and appears to be taking a photo or video with the phone. The station has a high ceiling with large windows allowing natural light to enter. In the background, there are ticket barriers and a few people walking around. There are signs for tickets and directions, and a large advertisement is partially visible on the wall. The floor is tiled in a light gray color with darker gray sections. An older woman with short white hair is standing in a spacious train station. She is wearing a light-colored jacket with black accents and a blue and black scarf. She holds a white cane in one hand and a smartphone in the other. The station has a high ceiling with large windows allowing natural light to fill the space. There are benches nearby and a large mural on the wall depicting the skyline of Blackpool, including the Blackpool Tower and a Ferris wheel. Several people are visible in the background, and there are various signs and advertisements on the walls.
March 21, 2025 at 9:12 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Brilliant production of ‘Shirley Valentine’ at the #Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse #theatre on Friday and thanks Mind's Eye #AudioDescription for a great pre-show touch tour on the set and AD throughout the show!

It’s great when theatre is really inclusive 👍

#ShirleyValentine #WillyRussell
Group of four people holding canes on the set Kelly stood on set next to some props In Shirley Valentine’s kitchen on the stage
March 17, 2025 at 9:26 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
I love running when I can feel the sunshine on my face!

It was a lovely morning g at Southport #parkrun today & great to catch up with our good friend d & parkrun volunteer Terry who cheers all the runners round the lake 👏

#blind #BlindRunnet #GuideRunnet
Selfie of the three of us
March 15, 2025 at 11:25 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Lovely to be back at Manchester Arndale this week with Greater Manchester @slcouncils.bsky.social

Today we had a stand at their ‘talking shop’ event, attended by lots of retailers & earlier in the week we were at King Pins Bowling to discuss accessibility for #blind & #PartiallySighted people
Three people standing behind a table covered with various items. The person on the left is wearing a light blue polo shirt, the person in the middle is wearing a red dress and holding a red cane, and the person on the right is wearing a black top. Behind them is a banner for "Sight Loss Councils" featuring an image of a smiling person with glasses and a white cane. The table in front of them has brochures, pens, folded white canes, and a few pairs of glasses. The setting appears to be indoors with colorful lighting in the background. Four women standing in front of an establishment called "KINGPINS." The sign above them is in bold yellow and white letters. Two of the women are holding canes, one with a pink cane and the other with a white cane. They are all smiling and appear to be posing for the photo. The entrance behind them has glass doors with reflections of lights and signs inside. The floor is tiled with a light gray pattern. A group of people is gathered around a table covered with a white cloth. On the table, there are various items, including brochures and some small objects. A banner next to the table reads "Sight Loss Councils" with the tagline "Influence." The setting appears to be indoors, with a red and black color scheme and a ceiling with exposed pipes and lighting. There are stools and a wooden table with glasses and a menu in the foreground. The people are engaged in conversation, and one person is wearing a blue shirt, while another is in a red outfit.
March 13, 2025 at 8:09 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
A lovely morning at #Preston parkrun for us this morning (despite running up the very steep hill three times!)

And so nice to run in the sunshine.

#Blind #BlindRunner #GuideRunner #parkrun
A man and a woman are standing together outdoors in a park setting. They are both wearing bright yellow T-shirts. The woman's T-shirt reads "BLIND RUNNER," and she is wearing sunglasses. The man's T-shirt reads "GUIDE" with additional text "guide running UK" and "acorns" below it. They are standing behind a sign that says "Vitality parkrun Preston." In the background, there are trees and a bridge. The ground is covered with grass and some fallen leaves.
March 8, 2025 at 2:45 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Navigating parks, open spaces & urban areas can be challenging for #Blind and #PartiallySighted people.

Yesterday Greater Manchester @slcouncils.bsky.social delivered a guided walk (using sim specs) to members of the North West Landscape architects: the very people who design all of these area.
SLC member Mary walking with a landscape architect in Piccadilly Gardens Engagement manager Kelly walking with two participants one is guiding and one is wearing sim specs Group of participants chatting during the walk SLC Coordinatoe walking with one of the participants
March 6, 2025 at 10:19 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Yesterday Merseyside @slcouncils.bsky.social delivered a vision awareness session to staff at a #Liverpool medical centre

We explained the challenges #blind & #PartiallySighted people often face in health settings & looked at how the centre could become even more inclusive.

#MakeHealthAccessible
Kelly, David and Naomi delivering the session Two staff members paired up to have a go at guiding Group of staff trying on sim specs View of everyone sat round the table participating in the session
February 19, 2025 at 7:46 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Yesterday Lancashire @slcouncils.bsky.social met with Adlington town council to discuss the challenges #blind & #PartiallySighted people face in accessing pavements and outdoor spaces.

Members tried on ‘simulation glasses’ which simulate different vision impairments to increase their understanding
A group of people are seated around a wooden table in a room with a low ceiling and recessed lighting. Four women are sitting at the table, and one woman is standing. The seated women are wearing blindfolds or dark glasses, suggesting they might be participating in an activity related to visual impairment. On the table, there is a case with several pairs of dark glasses, a paper with text, a cup, and some personal items like a phone and a wallet. The woman standing is wearing a pink sweater and appears to be explaining or demonstrating something to the group. The room has various notices and colorful papers pinned to the walls, and there is a framed picture above a cabinet in the background. A group of people are gathered in a room that appears to be a community center or library. In the foreground, a woman in a pink sweater is standing and facing another woman in a bright green jacket, who is wearing simulation glasses and a ceremonial chain. Next to them, an older woman in a maroon coat is adjusting a pair of dark glasses. On the table, there is a case with several pairs of dark glasses. In the background, a man with a beard is sitting at the table, reading a paper, and a woman with red hair is seated next to him. The room has bookshelves, framed pictures on the walls, and a wooden ceiling with fluorescent lights.
February 18, 2025 at 10:35 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Little bit of #parkrun tourism for us this morning at #Ormskirk parkrun.

#Blind #BlindRunner #GuiderRunner
The image shows two people standing on a red running track, holding a sign that reads "Vitality parkrun Ormskirk." The person on the left is a tall man wearing a bright pink shirt with the word "GUIDE" printed on it, along with "guide running UK" and a logo below. The person on the right is a shorter woman wearing a similar bright pink shirt with the word "BLIND" printed on it. Both are smiling and appear to be participating in a running event. There are other people in the background, some walking and others standing, with a clear blue sky above.
January 25, 2025 at 11:46 AM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Nice little trip to #StrawberryField in #Liverpool today and of course it had to be a ‘red cane’ day to match the iconic red gates!

#Blind #RedCane #StrawberryFields #JohnLennon #Imagine
The image shows a woman standing next to a stone pillar that is part of a gate. The gate is painted red with intricate designs. The stone pillar is covered in graffiti and has a red sign with white letters that reads "STRAWBERRY FIELD." The woman is wearing a light-colored, knee-length puffer coat with a fur-trimmed hood and a leopard print scarf. She is holding a red cane, indicating she may have a visual impairment. The background shows some trees and a pathway, and there are fallen leaves on the ground. The image shows a woman standing in front of a colorful mural. She is wearing a beige coat with a fur-lined hood, blue jeans, and sneakers, and she is holding a red cane.The mural behind her depicts a lively scene with a marching band and people enjoying an outdoor event. The band members are dressed in black uniforms and are playing various brass instruments. In the background, there is a large, old-style building with trees around it. The mural also includes children playing and people sitting under a tent. On the ground in the mural, the word "FOREVER" is written in red letters. The floor in front of the woman has a black and white geometric pattern.
January 19, 2025 at 5:14 PM
kellybarton.bsky.social
Using my last day off from work to do the things that really need doing…like building a snowman

And of course no snowman (or woman) would ever be complete without a pink cane!

I mean, there really is no point using a white cane in the snow, is there?

#blind #snow #PinkCane
The image shows a woman standing outside in a snowy garden next to a snowman. She is wearing a dark blue winter coat, a white scarf, blue jeans, and black boots. She is holding a pink cane in her right hand. The snowman has a carrot for a nose, two small black stones or buttons for eyes, and a grey scarf wrapped around its neck. Its arms are made of sticks and he is holding a pink cane too. The ground is covered with patches of snow and grass. In the background, there are various bushes and trees, and a wooden fence. The sky is overcast.
January 5, 2025 at 4:40 PM