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 00:00 – Opening reflections on inclusion and the reality of inaccessible systems 01:20 – Introducing Skie: her route from A Levels to two master’s degrees and AP roles 02:34 – Discovering the Snowden Trust and how their scholarship opened doors 03:20 – Talking impostor syndrome, resilience and the impact of adversity 04:26 – Understanding Skie’s visual impairment and what “registered blind” actually means 05:58 – Why this episode aims to empower both disabled and non-disabled listeners 06:35 – The stigma Skie faced at interview and why it was illegal 08:54 – Choosing a workplace based on how people made her feel, not just the offer 09:36 – Where guide dogs can and cannot go and why misconceptions persist 10:48 – Access refusals in taxis, Airbnbs and public spaces, and the emotional toll 11:53 – How Derek, Skie’s guide dog, can be an asset and an icebreaker in therapy 12:33 – How Skie discusses her dog and visual impairment with clients 14:44 – Identity-first vs person-first language and why it varies 15:44 – The social model of disability and why systems are often the barrier 17:22 – The practical tools that support Skie at work: magnification, voiceover, contrast 18:40 – The constant problem-solving required just to get through a day 19:06 – How supervision and open communication create real accessibility 20:25 – How Skie takes notes in assessment sessions and adapts traditional processes 21:37 – Recording sessions as a tool for accessibility and learning 22:32 – Braille, literacy and why many visually impaired people don’t rely on it 24:00 – Technology that transforms independence, including Meta AI glasses 25:00 – The braille smartwatch and why subtle timekeeping matters in therapy 26:44 – Universal design vs specialist devices 28:17 – Audible, audiobooks and the power of accessible learning 29:14 – Managing eye health, hospital appointments and disability-related leave 31:19 – Caring for Derek on placement and setting him up with his own workspace 31:42 – What glaucoma is and how it affects vision 32:35 – The challenges Skie’s mum faced raising a blind baby 33:14 – Childhood independence, confidence and proving professionals wrong 34:46 – Hobbies, travel and aerial fitness as a potential new adventure 35:36 – Why disabled voices strengthen the profession — and why the work is still hard 36:59 – Final reflections on making psychology inclusive and empowering future trainees 38:25 – Your post-session reflection about accidentally saying “lovely to see you” 39:31 – Subscriber-only content and how listeners can support the podcast 40:40 – Information about the Snowden Trust for disabled students Links: The Snowdon Trust - investing in disabled students: https://www.snowdontrust.org 🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested 🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses ✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. If you'd like to learn how to record and submit your own audio testimonial to be included in future shows head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/podcast and click the blue request info button at the top of the page. Hashtags: #inclusivepsychology #disabilityawareness #aspiringpsychologist