The Access All podcast on BBC Sounds is known for thoughtful, grounded conversations around disability and access — so I was honoured to be invited on to discuss my work with visually impaired swimmers and blue space connection.
The conversation covered everything from co-produced swim-along interviews to the joy of bobbing about with others in safe, inclusive environments. I was also joined by Will Behenna from the Beach Access Project, whose work on improving access to coastal spaces through adaptive paddleboarding and national surveying is making vital waves across the UK. Sharing the episode with Will — and hearing how our projects align — was a brilliant reminder of the strength and momentum that come from collaboration.
It also gave space to reflect on the gaps that still exist — in provision, in representation, and in the assumptions that still underpin many ideas of who blue space is “for.” Research has a role to play in challenging these narratives — not by speaking over lived experience, but by holding space for it.
You can listen to the episode now via the BBC website or wherever you get your podcasts.