Navigating the World in Darkness

Articles in Blind and partially sighted

Navigating the World in Darkness: A Beacon of Light on International Women’s Day

February 29, 2024February 29, 2024 Janneke

Written by Siobhan Meade

Disclaimer: this is a personal blog by a BuDS member. The views expressed are personal, and don’t necessarily represent those of BuDS or our Trustees.

Today marks International Women’s Day, a day earmarked to celebrate the indomitable spirit of women across the globe, I find myself reflecting on my journey, not just as a woman but as a blind woman navigating a world designed for the sighted. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the collective and individual strength of women, especially those of us within the disability community, striving to make significant contributions in our unique ways.

BuDS flags and gazebo at an event in the background with blurry view of event goers in the foreground

Volunteer at the Chiltern Open Air Museum’s Halloween Event

September 29, 2023October 5, 2023 Janneke

Do you want to help support disabled people and get to attend an amazing event? BuDS is looking for event volunteers for the Chiltern Open Air Museum’s Halloween Event, on Friday 27th October 2023.

The Halloween Spectacular Event is back on Friday 27th October this year, it will be an evening filled with spooky fun for all ages in the unique and atmospheric setting of the Museum’s historic buildings and woods. BuDS volunteers will get free admission to the whole site, and plenty of free time to enjoy the event and museum.

BuDS is excited to support this event to be more inclusive and accessible for all disabled people. We will be supporting disabled visitors, staffing viewing areas, and providing an emergency quiet space. There will be a wide range of roles to suit everyone, even if you can only volunteer for an hour.

If you’d like to be part of the volunteer team for this amazing event, please fill in this expression of interest form, and we will be in touch! Disabled people are very welcome to volunteer, and we have a wide range of roles to suit everyone.

If you don’t want to fill in the form, you can email volunteering@buds.org.uk or leave us a voicemail on 01494 211179

A group of people in blue BuDS polo shirts standing in a field in front of a blue gazebo with a yellow banner reading "Buckinghamshire Disability Service". A historic building is visible in the background. — BuDS Volunteers at COAM Green Festival in July 2023

My Experience of Joining BuDS

June 6, 2023June 11, 2023 Janneke

Written by Huw Feakes for Volunteers Week

Disclaimer: this is a personal blog by a BuDS member. The views expressed are personal, and don’t necessarily represent those of BuDS or our Trustees.

“My Name is Huw, I first heard about BuDS through my employment coach at Talkback, this is because I am looking to gain some experience to help me get a paid job in the future. After taking a couple of weeks to officially join I started volunteering with the Reach4Work team 2 weeks ago.

A man holds another man by the throat, pushing him up against a wall. A woman films on her mobile phone.

Joining BuDS and the Attitudes and Hate Crime Project

April 13, 2023April 20, 2023 Janneke

Written by Hope Heeley

Disclaimer: this is a personal blog by a BuDS member. The views expressed are personal, and don’t necessarily represent those of BuDS or our Trustees.

Hello!

My name is Hope, I am the Disability Hate Crime Officer here at BuDS. I began working for BuDS in January 2023. BuDS is my first true experience of the working world and I have never felt more welcome.

“BuDS is an incredibly supportive and hard-working charity.”

BuDS is an incredibly supportive and hard-working charity. Their sole aim is to help disabled people in any way they can, this has been made clear to me in our most recent projects.

A person wearing blue jeans, boots, and a tan coat, walking in a park with a white stick held out in front of them. The white stick has two red stripes.

To The Edge of Despair and Beyond

March 30, 2023April 5, 2023 Janneke

Written by Siobhan Meade

Disclaimer: this is a personal blog by a BuDS member. The views expressed are personal, and don’t necessarily represent those of BuDS or our Trustees.

24 years ago, I heard five words that will haunt me forever, “you’re never going to see again”.

This is how an Ophthalmologist at a Kent hospital broke the news to a distraught 16 year-old girl, who’s one remaining optic nerve finally gave up the ghost and snapped after I walked into a door at school.

My Journey As a BuDS Trustee

November 8, 2022November 8, 2022 Janneke

Written by Ann Hedges

Disclaimer: this is a personal blog by a BuDS member. The views expressed are personal and don’t necessarily represent those of BuDS or our Trustees.

“I have been a BuDS Trustee since 2018, and it is a role I have found very rewarding. Having left work, I found that I am able to continue using skills which I have acquired over many years in my work with BuDS.

Who We Are/Home

May 6, 2021September 23, 2021 Janneke

BuDS are a pan-disability charity that works to break down the barriers that disabled people face. We believe in the Social Model of Disability and are a user-led charity – which means we want to hear from, and work with, you! In just this last year we have taken on our first paid staff,

ant to get involved and help BuDS’ fantastic work? You can donate or fundraise for us – every penny raised goes to our work and we make every penny work very hard. You can also join our volunteer team and make a difference by working on one of our many projects or events. Or why not partner with BuDS – we have win-win relationships with many businesses and organisations. Or just check out and like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.