Training as a Psychologist While Blind: The Barriers No One Talks About

In this episode, I speak with trainee clinical psychologist Skie Hewitt about the reality of training and working in psychology while registered blind. We discuss stigma at interview, navigating inaccessible systems, working with a guide dog, using technology to adapt practice, identity-first language, the emotional labour of disability, and what supervisors and services need to know to genuinely support visually impaired trainees. Skie shares practical strategies, personal reflections and hopeful encouragement for disabled aspiring psychologists, alongside essential insights for anyone committed to building an inclusive profession. This episode is ideal for aspiring psychologists, educators, supervisors and anyone interested in accessibility, disability and clinical training.

Highlights

1. 00:00 – Opening reflections on inclusion and the reality of inaccessible systems
2. 01:20 – Introducing Skie: her route from A Levels to two master’s degrees and AP roles
3. 02:34 – Discovering the Snowden Trust and how their scholarship opened doors
4. 03:20 – Talking impostor syndrome, resilience and the impact of adversity
5. 04:26 – Understanding Skie’s visual impairment and what “registered blind” actually means
6. 05:58 – Why this episode aims to empower both disabled and non-disabled listeners
7. 06:35 – The stigma Skie faced at interview and why it was illegal
8. 08:54 – Choosing a workplace based on how people made her feel, not just the offer
9. 09:36 – Where guide dogs can and cannot go and why misconceptions persist
10. 10:48 – Access refusals in taxis, Airbnbs and public spaces, and the emotional toll
11. 11:53 – How Derek, Skie’s guide dog, can be an asset and an icebreaker in therapy
12. 12:33 – How Skie discusses her dog and visual impairment with clients
13. 14:44 – Identity-first vs person-first language and why it varies
14. 15:44 – The social model of disability and why systems are often the barrier
15. 17:22 – The practical tools that support Skie at work: magnification, voiceover, contrast
16. 18:40 – The constant problem-solving required just to get through a day
17. 19:06 – How supervision and open communication create real accessibility
18. 20:25 – How Skie takes notes in assessment sessions and adapts traditional processes
19. 21:37 – Recording sessions as a tool for accessibility and learning
20. 22:32 – Braille, literacy and why many visually impaired people don’t rely on it
21. 24:00 – Technology that transforms independence, including Meta AI glasses
22. 25:00 – The braille smartwatch and why subtle timekeeping matters in therapy
23. 26:44 – Universal design vs specialist devices
24. 28:17 – Audible, audiobooks and the power of accessible learning
25. 29:14 – Managing eye health, hospital appointments and disability-related leave
26. 31:19 – Caring for Derek on placement and setting him up with his own workspace
27. 31:42 – What glaucoma is and how it affects vision
28. 32:35 – The challenges Skie’s mum faced raising a blind baby
29. 33:14 – Childhood independence, confidence and proving professionals wrong
30. 34:46 – Hobbies, travel and aerial fitness as a potential new adventure
31. 35:36 – Why disabled voices strengthen the profession — and why the work is still hard
32. 36:59 – Final reflections on making psychology inclusive and empowering future trainees
33. 38:25 – Your post-session reflection about accidentally saying “lovely to see you”
34. 39:31 – Subscriber-only content and how listeners can support the podcast
35. 40:40 – Information about the Snowden Trust for disabled students

Links:

The Snowdon Trust - investing in disabled students: