Every year a fresh gadget arrives on the market with a headline that reads something like “the future is now”. Touch screens, voice assistants, biometric scanners – all of them are sold as answers to the problem of friction. The idea is appealing: a single surface that can do everything, a single voice that can command everything, a single card that can pay everywhere. In theory the world becomes smoother, faster, more elegant. But the reality is that most of these inventions are created without a seat at the table for people who experience the world differently. When a design team assumes that every user can see a bright icon, tap a tiny button and speak a clear command, they are building a wall as much as a bridge. The wall is invisible to those who do not need to climb over it, but it is solid and unyielding for the rest of us.

When I first heard the phrase “living with a disability” I imagined a suitcase packed with medical charts, a timetable of appointments and a steady stream of adaptations that I, as an individual, had to manage. The wording feels like a quiet admission that the condition belongs to me, that the obstacle sits inside my body and that I must learn to cope with it.   Contrast that with “living with disability”. Suddenly the focus shifts from the person to the world around them. The sentence hints that the difficulty is not solely my fault, that the streets, the services, the attitudes and the policies all play a part in shaping the experience. It is a subtle but powerful change of perspective, one that mirrors the long‑standing debate between the medical model and the social model of disability.

Hello and welcome to episode thirty‑four of Blindly Wheeling. I’m delighted you’re tuning in because today I’m sharing something a little different – the complete audio version of my latest book Access all events – Accessible gathering in practice. You may have already spotted the book on my website, heard the teaser on social media, or perhaps you’re one of the many readers who have asked when the audio edition will be available. I decided to record the whole work and release it here so that anyone who prefers to listen can experience the ideas, the stories and the practical tips in the same way they would by turning the pages. In this recording you’ll hear the same chapters that will appear in the printed book, from the opening reflections on why inclusive events matter, through the step‑by‑step guide to planning a gathering that welcomes every body, to the real world case studies that show how a community centre, a music festival and a local market transformed their spaces when they put accessibility at the heart of the plan. So settle in, adjust your headphones, and let’s embark on a journey through accessible event design together. I hope you find inspiration, practical ideas and a few smiles along the way. Enjoy!If you enjoy my work and want to support my writing and podcasting you can buy me a coffee over on "Buy me Coffee" - https://buymeacoffee.com/blindlywheeling 

Today I want to share a little journey that taught me how a town that thinks about access can feel like a warm invitation rather than a series of obstacles. The place I’m talking about is Oban, the little jewel on Scotland’s west coast, where the sea meets the hills and the rhythm of daily life is set by the tide, the train and the chatter of the harbour. My adventure began on a crisp morning when I arrived by the single track railway that winds its way across the hills and moors. The line snakes through wild, remote hills, crosses bubbling streams and skirts the shoulders of mountains that rise like ancient guardians. From the carriage window I watched the landscape unfold in a series of breathtaking vistas.

Welcome, listeners. It’s a pleasure to have you with me today as we wander through time and terrain. Picture yourself stepping through a massive oak door, the scent of ancient stone mingling with fresh meadow air, and finding a place where you can simply sit on the green, gaze over rolling hills and let the stories of centuries drift around you. That is the feeling I want to explore, the surprising truth that some medieval castles, built for cannons and carts, can feel more welcoming than many polished Victorian mansions.

If you’ve ever watched a film about a road‑trip, you’ll recognise the montage of maps, fuel stops and scenic vistas. For most of us those moments are simply a backdrop to the real goal, the beach, the concert, the cosy B&B. For many wheelchair users, however, the journey can be the main plot.

Podcast 30 – Why Accessible Design Doesn’t Have to Be Boring, Grey and Grumpy Hello and welcome to episode 30 of the Blindly Wheeling podcast. Now, I don’t know who first decided that “accessible design” meant painting everything hospital beige, sticking up a few plastic grab rails, and hoping nobody complained … but whoever they were, I’d quite like a word. Because here’s the truth: accessibility doesn’t have to be bland, grey, or grumpy. Done well, it can be stylish, joyful, and even Instagram-worthy. And the best bit? It’s better for everyone, not just disabled people. So let’s roll into this properly; powerchairs and all.  

Podcast episode number twenty nine: “Know Before You Go” Hello and welcome to episode 29 of the Blindly Wheeling podcast. Today we’re talking about something simple, practical, and often overlooked. The idea of knowing before you go. Now, if you’ve ever planned a trip to somewhere new, you’ll know that flutter of excitement mixed with just a pinch of uncertainty. Where shall we park? Will the café still be serving cake by the time we arrive? Soup or sandwich? But for many disabled people, the questions run deeper. It’s not just about opening hours or menus. It’s about essentials like: Can I park close by? Is there step-free access from the pavement? And that famous one: will the “accessible” toilet actually be accessible? These aren’t unusual questions. They’re everyday, practical details that make the difference between a great day out … and a wasted journey. Listen to find out more.  

Episode 28 - A Wee Dram, A Big Welcome Today we’re diving into something a little unexpected, but I promise it’s close to all our hearts. Or should I say … close to our bladders? Yes, today’s theme is about how doing the unexpected as we talk toilets and tours and how they can transform a visitor experience into something truly welcoming. Let me paint you a picture. You’re nestled in the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Heather on the hills, the crisp scent of malted barley in the air. You’ve made the journey, maybe from Glasgow, maybe from overseas, to a place where history seeps from the stonework and the welcome is as warm as a Highland hug.Listen in to find out more. 

Episode 27: Rolling Through Time Welcome to Blindly Wheeling, the podcast where a set of wheels can take you just about anywhere and even back in time. Today we’re off on a whirlwind tour of ten of the UK’s most accessible historic spots. Think castles with stories in every stone, countryside walks with views to spare, Roman baths that are still making a splash, Belfast streets buzzing with history, plus museums, trams, crown jewels and even a few Vikings thrown in for good measure. So buckle up, or should I say, roll on, it’s going to be quite the journey through time.

Episode 26: Streets Connect My World Welcome to Blindly Wheeling, the podcast where lived experience meets everyday journeys. In this episode, we’re heading out onto the streets. Those very paths that connect disabled people to work, to shops, to friends, and to the wider community. Streets aren’t just tarmac and kerbs. They’re lifelines. They can be welcoming, safe, and full of possibility. Or they can be barriers that cut us off. Join me as I share stories of the pavements and crossings that have shaped my adventures, the frustrations that trip us up, and the small changes that can transform a street into a gateway to the world.  

I never really set out to write a book. At least, not in the traditional sense. There was no moment of thunderbolt inspiration, no quiet study piled high with manuscripts, and certainly no grand plan to see my name sitting proudly on an Amazon listing. What I did have was years of lived experience and stories gathered from rolling into distilleries, exploring historic castles, navigating visitor centres, theatres, ferries, cafés, and every place in between. I had moments of delight when things worked well, and the occasional moment of sheer frustration when a simple step or missing bit of information turned an anticipated day out into something quite different.In this episode I want to share my thoughts about writing a book.

In this special episode, I’m sharing an audio version of my book "Access All Areas: Inclusive Tourism in Practice". For a brief period I have decided to make an audio version of my new accessibility and inclusion book - "Access all areas: Inclusive tourism in practice" freely available via a podcast. My recording attempt, no frills and recorded using AAC with my captured voice - just speaking, is around two hours in length and takes you through all 23 book chapters with everything from first impressions and accessible toilets, to digital access, events, and the business case for inclusion. Along the way, you’ll hear stories from my own lived experience, practical tips you can use straight away, and examples of what “good” really looks like in practice. Whether you’re running a Brand Home, visitor attraction, hosting events, or shaping hospitality spaces, this audiobook is designed to help you see accessibility not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to welcome more people and create memorable experiences.   The Book explores: 1. The day the ramp vanished2. The coffee shop conundrum3. Old places and historic spaces4. Magical museums and galleries5. Exploring along the garden path6. Somewhere to stay, not just sleep7. Home for the holidays with self catering8. Pitched under canvas or chilling in a pod9. Festivals, pop up events, and outdoor fun10. Level playing fields and sidelines that work11. Getting there and getting aboard12. The joy of the browse and shopping13. Don’t forget the toilet test14. We nearly didn’t visit15. The price of exclusion16. The human touch17. Designing for dignity18. Marketing that includes19. Opening your digital doors20. After the visit and saying “goodbye”21. Recruiting inclusion within your team22. Top tips for your welcome23. Reflection and Learning I hope it inspires you, makes you think, and gives you tools to take action. For more information, resources, where to buy a print or eBook copy, or to get in touch, visit www.blindlywheeling.co.uk  Thanks for listening,Paul  

Welcome to Blindly Wheeling and Access All Areas: Inclusive Tourism in Practice, the podcast where we swap polished brochures for real-life stories, useful tips, and maybe a few laughs along the way. I’m Paul Ralph, founder of Blindly Wheeling, a wheelchair-using traveller with a love of good cake and even better access. Today we’re looking back, not just at the stories, but at the thread that runs through all of them.

Welcome to Blindly Wheeling and Access All Areas: Inclusive Tourism in Practice, the podcast where we swap polished brochures for real-life stories, useful tips, and maybe a few laughs along the way. I’m Paul Ralph, founder of Blindly Wheeling, a wheelchair-using traveller with a love of good cake and even better access. Today’s episode is about making sure inclusion isn’t just for visitors as it’s in your team too.

Welcome to Blindly Wheeling and Access All Areas: Inclusive Tourism in Practice, the podcast where we swap polished brochures for real-life stories, useful tips, and maybe a few laughs along the way. I’m Paul Ralph, founder of Blindly Wheeling, a wheelchair-using traveller with a love of good cake and even better access. Today we’re talking about something many venues forget and that is what happens after the visit.

Welcome to Blindly Wheeling and Access All Areas: Inclusive Tourism in Practice, the podcast where we swap polished brochures for real-life stories, useful tips, and maybe a few laughs along the way. I’m Paul Ralph, founder of Blindly Wheeling, a wheelchair-using traveller with a love of good cake and even better access. Today we’re talking about the very first doorway most people encounter and that's your website.

Welcome to Blindly Wheeling and Access All Areas: Inclusive Tourism in Practice, the podcast where we swap polished brochures for real-life stories, useful tips, and maybe a few laughs along the way. I’m Paul Ralph, founder of Blindly Wheeling, a wheelchair-using traveller with a love of good cake and even better access. Today we’re talking about your first impression, your marketing, and whether it says, ‘You belong here.’

Welcome to Blindly Wheeling and Access All Areas: Inclusive Tourism in Practice, the podcast where we swap polished brochures for real-life stories, useful tips, and maybe a few laughs along the way. I’m Paul Ralph, founder of Blindly Wheeling, a wheelchair-using traveller with a love of good cake and even better access. Today’s episode is about spaces that just feel right because someone thought about you before you arrived.

Welcome to Blindly Wheeling and Access All Areas: Inclusive Tourism in Practice, the podcast where we swap polished brochures for real-life stories, useful tips, and maybe a few laughs along the way. I’m Paul Ralph, founder of Blindly Wheeling, a wheelchair-using traveller with a love of good cake and even better access. Today we’re talking money, the Purple Pound, to be precise and why ignoring access is bad business.”