Category: Disability

  • University and Friendships: Experiences of an Autistic Student

    University and Friendships: Experiences of an Autistic Student

    In many posts online, new students are sharing their excitement for starting at universities all over the country – but there’s also many students who are struggling, whether that be with homesickness, being in a new environment, or making friends. It’s on this latter point that I have been concerned about particularly. It seems a…

  • Ask About Asthma

    Ask About Asthma

    This week (9-15 September), as many young people are heading back to school after their summer holiday, NHS England is suggesting that teachers, employers and government workers #AskAboutAsthma. The goal is to raise awareness of the experiences of those with asthma, and to suggest techniques to put in place to help children and young people…

  • Working in Computer Science: An Autistic Perspective (Part 2)

    Working in Computer Science: An Autistic Perspective (Part 2)

    In part 1, we spoke to Stephen Parry about his experiences of working in computer science as an autistic person. In this second part, we discuss with him his change from this stressful working environment to teaching A-Level computer science, and how rewarding he has found teaching as a career. Continues on the CS4FN blog… Featured…

  • Working in Computer Science: An Autistic Perspective (Part 1)

    Working in Computer Science: An Autistic Perspective (Part 1)

    Autism is a condition with many associated challenges, but for some people it presents some benefits. This distinction is greatly apparent in the workplace, where autistic people often find it difficult to get along with others (and their boss), and to complete the work that has been set for them. It’s not all negatives though:…

  • Trauma-Informed Approaches: Lessons for Autism Research

    Trauma-Informed Approaches: Lessons for Autism Research

    This article discusses themes of mental health and trauma. I have recently been working through a course about trauma-informed design [1]: the technique of reducing user stress and re-traumatisation through thoughtful experimental and system design. It occurred to me that many of the design choices suggested could apply to making a safe research environment for…

  • Accessible Technology in the Voting Booth

    Accessible Technology in the Voting Booth

    On Thursday 4th July 2024, millions of adults around the UK went to their local polling station to vote for their representative in the House of Commons. However, for the 18% of adults who have a disability, this can be considerably more challenging. While the right of voters to vote independently and secretly is so important,…