Chloe Tear
@chloeltear
Followers
7,733
Following
4,196
Media
851
Statuses
12,398
Award-winning disability writer, speaker and activist based in Leeds | Senior content designer | #DisabilityPower100 | chloeltear @gmail .com 🌻
Leeds, England
Joined June 2010
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Macaya
• 205862 Tweets
#WWERaw
• 106038 Tweets
Sonya Massey
• 46340 Tweets
Worship Your Sky Series
• 37913 Tweets
Bron
• 37284 Tweets
Sami
• 32687 Tweets
Seth
• 28073 Tweets
LUAN SANTANA VAI SER PAI
• 24710 Tweets
Rhea
• 24629 Tweets
Poof
• 21042 Tweets
CM Punk
• 20708 Tweets
Mountain Dew
• 19985 Tweets
Free Education
• 18915 Tweets
Apple TV
• 16877 Tweets
Finn
• 15629 Tweets
1M600K MAYO LOVE UP
• 15049 Tweets
うずらの卵
• 14323 Tweets
#14YearsOfOneDirection
• 14071 Tweets
千代田線
• 13913 Tweets
Moyano
• 13397 Tweets
ザレイズ
• 11538 Tweets
Otero
• 10812 Tweets
Key To Excellence
• 10794 Tweets
Dominik
• 10623 Tweets
Gunther
• 10427 Tweets
I had my first access refusal today!
@Primark
in Leeds said that no dogs were allowed. When I explained he was a guide dog, they still said no.
I told them it was illegal to refuse a guide dog.
We had to wait there while he radioed his manager. Luckily the manager said yes.
292
1K
13K
Dezzie has been trained to lay down and be calm. He’s 2 years old and will get excited if he’s stoked.
Stoking a guide dog means they might seek affection from strangers when out and about. This undermines training. Also, you shouldn’t stoke any dog without permission.
2/2
28
219
6K
Thank you so much to the people who work at the
@FatFace
in Leeds! I walked in and was asked if I wanted audio descriptions for any of the clothes they had!!! I don't need people to do this but being asked was literally the loveliest thing ever! ❤️
#CaneAdventures
36
502
3K
The conductor did apologise in the end. I merely shared the experience to educate others and ensure
@northernassist
staff are properly trained about how to act around assistance dogs. In the end, it was resolved. But shouldn’t have happened in the first place.
15
70
3K
Anyone else feel guilty for resting even though they know it’s exactly what they should be doing? 🤦🏻♀️
85
281
2K
Dezzie and have only been qualified for 4 months! If you want to learn more about our training, I've written a blog post about it.
11
54
2K
I’ve reported the incident to
@guidedogs
. Thank you to Guide Dogs for having an app that makes it quick and easy to report things.
2
48
2K
This is what I'm terrified of! 😡
The post has gone viral because a woman is using a cane AND is on her phone. People are saying she is faking being blind!
95% of people who are registered as blind or partially sighted can see something.
Not to mention assistive technology...
61
484
1K
@BlondeHistorian
@northernassist
@guidedogs
It really is!! They then made a big deal about helping me off the train, which was great, but they obviously knew they’d done something wrong. Hopefully they’ll think twice before doing it again.
8
13
1K
I’m graduating with a 1st! 👩🏻🎓😭
I don’t know what else to say as I honestly can’t believe it!!!
118
7
960
I just love being glared at for using my phone in public when I have my long cane...
All I’m doing is waiting for a train!
What they don’t know is that the text on my phone is huge...
Not everyone who uses a cane is completely blind. 🙄
#CaneAdventures
38
222
847
Oh look! 👀
Someone using a long white cane and a phone...
What you don’t realise is that my text is significant enlarged or I get my phone to speak to me!
#BlindPeopleUsePhones
13
250
782
Just another reminder that a small gesture can go a long way! 💛
23
203
672
Is it just me who doesn't like the
#DoctorsAreDickheads
hashtag? Doctors are caring individuals who go into this line of work because they want to help people! I have had bad experiences over the years, but at the end of the day
#DoctorsAreHuman
and won't always get it right!
53
41
405
NEW POST: As a disabled person, I’m not ready for lockdown to end
“Despite that physically being a big ask, it also is a mental strain.
When I venture outside the safety bubble of home it can feel like getting ready for a battle.”
21
128
404
@blindandb0ujee
@northernassist
@guidedogs
It really is! Dezzie even has a lead sleeve that says “do not pet”. I’ve found this helps, but I still get a lot of people fussing him. The woman sat next to me earlier was talking to him in a baby voice. I rewarded Dezzie for not getting up. 🤦🏻♀️
8
7
447
#AmbulatoryWheelchairUsersExist
I have mild Cerebral Palsy, chronic pain and impaired vision. One day I could be walking, the next day I could use my chair.
By doing so it keeps my pain/ fatigue levels down, allows me to pace myself and enjoy more aspects of life! ♿️🌸
6
82
364
Taxi driver: Are you going to college?
Me: No, I’m going to work for a meeting.
Taxi driver: Well isn’t that amazing! Good for you!
🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Disabled people can have jobs too...
32
58
392
@LazyZog
@northernassist
@guidedogs
I purposely chose a high contrast colour to his harness so it would stand out more. I know Dezzie is cute, but it’s not okay.
3
5
405
I’ve been on the waiting list for a guide dog for 10 months. 🦮
I know it could still be a while. But I’m forever hoping that today’s the day that I receive a call.
A guide dog will mean independence, it doesn’t get much better than that. ✨
My time will come. 🦮❤️
19
7
336
Over the last 6 months I’ve read 15 books! 📚
This may not sound like a huge amount but it’s probably the most I’ve ever read. I lost my passion for books as my vision deteriorated and it became increasingly difficult.
I love actual books, but my kindle makes it possible!
15
14
298
PDF's are not accessible, including tagged PDF's.
Alternatives
- Word doc
- HTML page
Avoid
- decorative images
- diagrams that can't be described
Include
- Heading structure (H2 tag, heading styles)
- ALT text for images
If you're making a document, make it accessible.
11
110
317
Calling all blind and visually impaired crafters! 🧶🪡🧵
I’m writing a blog post about accessible crafts. Can you help?
What crafts do you enjoy? How have you made it accessible to you?
I’m currently doing some cross-stitch. I use a magnified lamp and feel where the holes are.
21
131
309
I’m now the senior content designer for
@scopecharity
!
We write information and advice so that disabled people and their families to live the life they want. Allowing people to be more informed about their options, know their rights and get the support. 💜
#ContentDesign
26
23
328
@guidedogs
I know Twitter might be going pretty soon…
If you want to keep up to date with the adventures of Dezzie and I, we’re on a Threads! 🦮
7
7
311
*Random stranger sits next to me while waiting for a train*
Them: So you’re blind then?
Me: I’m partially sighted.
Them: Why do you have a white stick then?
Me: Because it helps.
Them: What’s your name?
Me: I’m not telling you.
Them: So rude!
#CaneAdventures
🤦🏻♀️👩🏻🦯
22
31
267
For the second year running I’ve been named one of the most influential disabled people in Britain by the
@ShawTrust
Power 100 List!
To be seen as influential is an honour, yet it is the belief from others that has given me the confidence to share my experiences.
Thank you! 💛
30
18
278
Today my PA funding got approved!!
After being convinced I wouldn’t get the support due to living at home, it’s come as a massive shock!
I now can gain that extra bit of independence and safety. It truly means so much! 😭🎉
30
6
275
We did it! Dezzie and I are a qualified guide dog partnership! 🦮🎉
We’ve learnt so much. I couldn’t have asked for a better dog to be matched with. He’s so clever and is an excellent guide dog.
Here’s to many years of adventures with Dezzie by my side. 💛
#GuideDog
#GuideDogs
17
8
297
“As someone who talks about their disability online, I am often hesitant of being negative.
To appear ungrateful or to perpetuate the belief that having a disability is the worst thing in the world just seems like I’m doing a disservice.”
9
73
260
So I guess that is it. I’ve finished all my uni work, moved out of halls and some how got a first on my dissertation!
With graduation in a matter of months and already nearly a month into an incredible full-time job with Scope it all has fallen into place.
Hard work pays off!
40
7
245
Woman: Oh so you’re at university?
Me: Yeah, I study at Leeds Trinity
Woman: Ah okay, so you live at home?
Me: No, I live in halls at the moment
Woman: Oh good for you!! Well done! That can’t be easy!
When will a disabled person living away from home stop being so magical!
6
22
221
“Are you blind or what?!”
Loving this comment on a Saturday morning while on the train. 🤦🏻♀️😳
Some blind and partially sighted people are able to read large print!
23
45
235
PIP: Here's your £10 Christmas bonus!
Glad to see I am rewarded for being disabled and getting through the year! To commemorate this occasion I would like to thank my family, my friends and everyone who has supported me within this role! 🙈
22
25
217
Today I got to walk with a guide dog for the first time!! 🦮
I’m still on the waiting list, but today I attend a client day with
@guidedogs_NE
and started to learn the basics.
It was incredible to walk with a dog in harness and fingers crossed it won’t be much longer now. 🤞🏻
17
14
248
I’m currently getting odd looks at the train station for using my phone and cane... so thought I’d share this again!
I’m going to meet
@ellajshipley
and she’s probably using her phone and cane as well!
Nothing out of the ordinary here 🎉
#CaneAdventures
11
122
229
You may see them as a weakness, but they are my strength.
My stick allows me to walk a lot further and my cane allows me to avoid obstacles I can no longer see.
They give me independence and confidence, who doesn’t want that?!
#MobilityDeviceAppreciation
8
56
225
So... I am on the 2018
@ShawTrust
#DisabilityPower100
list which comprises of the 100 must influential disabled people in Britain!
Humbled, honoured and amazed. Words cannot express the emotions I feel right now! Thank you ❤️
Here's the list:
29
37
224
Person: Would you like a hand off the train?
Me: No it’s okay thanks, I’m waiting for assistance.
Person: Okay! No problem, have a lovely day!
Me: Thank you! You too!
I really appreciate people offering support, rather than assuming I need it. 💛
#JustAskDontGrab
4
32
215
I’ve had quite a few people saying that it’s cruel for a guide dog not to be stroked. That they have a sad life. Dezzie is such a happy boy. He loves working and loves playing. I give him lots of cuddles 🥰
@Mermelektra
@guidedogs
I can assure you, he’s not sad and has so much time to play. He also loves being a guide dog.
ALT: video with different ways guide dogs have time off, lots of running around, toys, chasing a ball, being in water, a very waggy tail throughout. A happy doggo.
0
1
33
4
9
239
Disability emojis! I never thought I’d see the day!
Well done
@Apple
!
#DisablityEmojis
👩🏻🦯
8
44
206
I used to do anything to hide my disability… not anymore!
On Friday I spoke at a disability pride event in Leeds that was organised by
@scope
. It was such an incredible day, filled with positivity and joy.
Happy disability pride month everyone. 💛🌈♿️
3
20
225
#SunOutSplintsOut
It's okay to have AFO splints on display. It's not something we should be ashamed of or embarrassed about ❤️
Hope you've all had a lovely day and not been too affected by the heat!
15
27
190
My First Class Honours degree got fully confirmed today and I think I’m still in shock!
What a 3 years it has been.
Hard work, health dilemmas and raising disability awareness!
I’m graduating with a 1st! 👩🏻🎓😭
I don’t know what else to say as I honestly can’t believe it!!!
118
7
960
25
8
191
I’m proud to have spoken on
@BBCLookNorth
about the rise in disability hate crime.
It’s a topic that deserves more recognition and education, as well as being close to my heart.
Disabled people deserve better.
Thanks for having me
@AmyGarciauk
and
@philbodmer
!
15
33
197
I tried to come up with a unique caption, but all the words I’m capable of have been used in my dissertation- “Unexpected Battles”: The Lived Experiences of Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy and the Transition into Adulthood!
26
10
193
Working from home allows me to work.
If I had to go into an office everyday, I’d only be able to manage part-time hours. Yet at home I manage a full-time role.
Home working can be empowering and allow disabled people to access employment.
Why should be denied that?
The evidence is in: working from home is a failed experiment | Gene Marks
309
62
181
9
39
185
NEW POST: Small businesses run by disabled people
“This Christmas I’ve decided to only shop from small businesses. After searching on Etsy, trying to find the perfect presents, it hit me. There are loads of disabled creators and business owners.”
13
116
192
@BlondeHistorian
@Primark
Thank you Amy. Means a lot.
We’ve only been qualified for 2 weeks. I’d almost expected it from taxis, but so for, they’ve been great. I hadn’t expected it from a large company in a shopping centre…but there you go!
2
2
193
NEW POST: Overcoming my disability is something I’ve never done
“Having a disability is an integral part of who I am.
To overcome such a deep-rooted part of me is saying it shouldn’t be there in the first place.”
11
61
180
Yesterday something incredible happened.
I was on an RNIB stall, as one boy walked away I noticed he was wearing a splint.
A few mins later his mum and him came back: “Are you the Chloe who has a blog?”
“Your blog has helped me and my son so much!”
This is why I write!!! ❤️
10
21
161
Today’s the first time I’ve had an ambulance come out for continuous seizures in about a year.
Initially, I was so frustrated that I’d broken my record! However, it shows how far I’ve come and how much seizures have reduced.
Signing off for now and I’ll be back in a few days!
56
0
164
The speech on the left is size 12 font. I gave this talk during January 2017.
The speech on the right is size 20 font. I’m giving this talk today (January 2018).
A lot can happen to your health in a year, you can choose to admit defeat or adapt.
Today I choose to adapt!
11
19
158
Some people surely know how to make me feel amazing as a disabled freelance writer! 🤦🏻♀️
The ONE time I don’t meet a deadline...
65
17
144
@northernassist
@blindandb0ujee
@guidedogs
Thank you. Can you confirm that part of their disability awareness training includes how to behave around assistance dogs. If it doesn’t, I think it should be added.
1
1
171
Today is
#WorldPrematurityDay2020
.
Shoutout to all the premature babies who have been defying the odds since day one!
I was born 8 weeks early and weighed 3oz 3lb. 💛
11
12
154
I absolutely love that
@sainsburys
has employed Joel, I hope they have other disabled employees.
But when will this be the norm?
When will this be a normal occurrence to just employ disabled people, without the need for a video?
With correct support we’re just as capable!
7
37
144
This shouldn’t be amazing, but I’ve just received a hospital appointment letter in large print!
Being able to easy access your own healthcare - this should be standard practice.
6
4
146
I got an Amazon Alexa for my birthday and this is incredible!
As a partially sighted
@AmazonKindle
reader, sometimes the text isn’t big enough if I’m having a bad day.
Now, Alexa can read the books from where I last got up to. Meaning I can switch from print to audio!
#HowISee
7
23
142
Talking disability awareness on
@BBCBreakfast
with
@Jamestaylor2
. A dream come true!
@scope
are doing a great job with this campaign 🙌🏻✨
5
19
131
8 years ago I decided to start a blog. I had no idea that my blog, Life as a Cerebral Palsy Student, would have such a big impact on my life (and maybe even the lives of others). 1/4
11
12
139
My eyes have become really sensitive to light. Yet I feel so nervous about wearing sunglasses indoors.
Rather than preventing this pain I’d prefer to not wear sunglasses unless I’m in my own flat.
So here’s a picture of me indoors, with sunglasses. Not that odd, right?! 😎 1/2
37
9
131
Next week I’ll be joining Scope’s content team as a content designer for 6 months! 💛
I’m really looking forward to designing content that puts disabled people and their families first. ♿️
Such an exciting opportunity!👩🏻💻
25
3
130
Tonight at 9pm you can watch Targeted: The Truth about Disability Hate Crime on
@BBCTwo
.
It’s a huge privilege to have been involved in the making of this documentary. The topic is something very personal and it’s taken years to be able to speak up. 1/3
10
44
127
STATEMENT 🧵:
The last few days have been full on, thank you for all the support.
After managing media requests, interviews and compaint forms, I’m no longer talking to the media about it. I have some things planned, but I won’t be accepting more. 1/2
I had my first access refusal today!
@Primark
in Leeds said that no dogs were allowed. When I explained he was a guide dog, they still said no.
I told them it was illegal to refuse a guide dog.
We had to wait there while he radioed his manager. Luckily the manager said yes.
292
1K
13K
3
1
139
When you have a disability you’ll be used the taxi driver small talk: “so what’s wrong with you then?”
Tonight is a very refreshing change! His daughter is 9 years old and has cerebral palsy. Always lovely to have those kind of chats!
5
10
125
I’m so unbelievably excited to announce I’m a finalist in the UK Blog Awards 2019!!! 😭✨
To be recognised, not only for raising awareness, but by the quality of my content means so much!
Thank you to everyone who voted! 💛
#UKBA19
8
3
127
Absolutely delighted to have won the
@BEAawards
Special Achievement Award in the Degree category!!!
Such an honour to showcase the need for accessibility with in education and to have been recognised at this level!
35
8
130
NEW BLOG POST: The day I nearly stopped using my long cane
"I’d been proven right and I felt like that was my fault for using a cane in the first place."
Very excited (but slightly nervous) to share this with you, so please do give it a read!
12
45
117
Train assistance didn’t arrived at KGX (
@TfL
) but a very kind man offered to guide me to the barrier.
He asked what I needed and assumed nothing.
Turns out he’s doing research into laser treatment to help people with central vision loss!
#JustAskDontGrab
#TravelKind
4
4
129
When you have multiple disabilities they all compete against each other. Even we can be confused by our bodies and fluctuations in our conditions.
No day is the same.
#DisabilityDiversity
1
34
106
But still no more disability related emojis, we’re not all wheelchair users and are more than the standardised symbol...
♿️♿️♿️♿️♿️♿️♿️♿️♿️♿️
#EverydayEquality
12
52
107
Today I did a thing… I bought my first house! 🏠
I’ve just found the perfect little house…
I don’t want to get my hopes up, but it’s amazing! 🥺🏠
4
0
34
21
0
124
So... I’ve just picked up my new reading glasses and have just read size 16 font for the first time in nearly a year and a half! 😭🎉
I normally need size 20-24 font so this is amazing! They may be 3x stronger than my old ones but if they work they work!
#HowISee
4
3
114
I'm absolutely delighted to announce that I've been shortlisted as a national finalist for the
@RNIB
#SeeDifferentlyAwards
for social media influencer of the year!!
I’m so unbelievably grateful for everyone’s support! This means so much! 💛
9
5
122
NEW BLOG POST: Being in a relationship and having Cerebral Palsy
“Disability is nearly always seen as a negative and obviously your disability isn’t going to leave you to have a lovely first date.”
4
31
118
Just been offered a Braille menu! This wouldn’t help me personally, but so happy that it exists at
@love_prezzo
❤️
2
8
114
Partially sighted people can use phones too! 💛
#BlindPeopleUsePhones
@LeedsTrinity
@LeedsTrinitySU
@RNIB
@scope
7
55
113
Just had a drunk man fall on me and my guide dog while on a
@northernassist
train. The staff have been incredible. They’ve checked Dezzie is okay and have made a conscious effort not to distract him while he’s working. They’ve asked before doing anything and reassured me.
9
7
128
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if you want to tune in to
@BBCNews
at 5pm you’ll see me live on national news talking about the rise in disability hate crime!
[GIF: Kermit the frog looking anxious with his hand in his mouth]
8
11
116
@Autistic_Lia
@northernassist
@guidedogs
Thank you for asking. I’d just ignore them completely. Speak to the owner rather than the guide dog. I never let members of the public stroke Dezzie as he’s young and can get excited. I’m more than happy to answer questions about his job though 😊
4
3
125
NEW BLOG POST: The pressure to be positive as a disabled person
“I am often hesitant of being negative. To appear ungrateful or to perpetuate the belief that having a disability is the worst thing in the world just seems like I’m doing a disservice.”
8
45
112
Tomorrow afternoon I'll be on
@BBCRadio4
with Peter White and Lord David Blunkett discussing disability over the last 50 years and barriers we still face today! 📻
13
42
115
Visually impaired fail of the day: Opening the door to a car thinking it’s your taxi... turns out they’re not a taxi at all. To make it worse, they know who you are! 😳🤦🏻♀️
If I don’t laugh at myself I may die of embarrassment 😂
14
5
108
It’s been 8 weeks since Dezzie and I qualified as a partnership!
One of the things we’ve been working on is settling while on a bus or train. I get him in between my feet which keeps him tucked away.
Today he did it perfectly and stayed for the whole journey 😍🦮
5
4
126
Thank you for letting me clarify that 93% of people who are blind or partially sighted can see something. Also, if I was completely blind then technology would still allow me to type- thank you
2
12
108
Being the eldest of 7 siblings, I can wholeheartedly say this is true!
“Kids don’t naturally find wheelchairs weird”
“Kids don’t naturally find wheelchairs weird”
“Kids don’t naturally find wheelchairs weird”
“Kids don’t naturally find wheelchairs weird”
8
21
107
Here we go again! 🙄
DISABLED PEOPLE NEED PLASTIC STRAWS!
Trust us, we’ve tried all the other alternatives...
#LastStraw
Oh god ... is it gonna be the AUTUMN of STRAWS, too? 😱😱😱
2
6
40
5
46
96
When
@Waterstones
doesn’t have a section dedicated to disability related books, you make your own!
Any recommendations?
Featuring:
@SamanthaRenke
,
@lifeofpippa_
,
@chessmartinez
,
@SFdirewolf
,
@yaromance
28
26
120
Today I’m on my way to London by myself for first time!
So excited to be attending the
@RNIB
#SeeDifferentlyAwards
and to be a finalist for ‘Social Media Influencer of the Year’!
Cannot wait to see
@lifeofablindgrl
,
@myblurredworld
and
@BlondeHistorian
. 👩🏻🦯
Good luck everyone!
22
5
113