Representation matters — and the RealSAM BookClub community is built on the idea that stories should be accessible to everyone. Across the UK, blind and low-vision creators are proving that accessibility isn’t a limitation; it’s a platform for innovation, imagination and impact.
Here are five inspiring blind UK voices that we think everyone should know. These seven people have inspired us, and we hope they inspire you too!
Amar Latif — The Adventurer Who Opened the World
Founder of Traveleyes, Amar Latif is the definition of fearless. He created a travel company that pairs blind and sighted travellers to explore the world together — showing that adventure and accessibility belong in the same sentence. His story, featured on BBC and Channel 4, proves that confidence is contagious.
Penny Melville-Brown — The Baker Who Changed the Recipe
A Royal Navy veteran turned baker, Penny Melville-Brown, runs Baking Blind, a YouTube and blog project teaching inclusive cooking skills to people around the world. Her warm humour and practical approach make her a household name in accessible home cooking.
Dr Amy Kavanagh — The Advocate for Kindness and Access
You may know her from the hashtag #JustAskDontGrab. Amy’s campaign transformed how people think about assistance, empathy, and public spaces. She uses her platform to train organisations in inclusive design, proving that accessibility starts with small acts of awareness.
Red Széll — The Climber Who Sees Without Sight
Red Széll was the first blind person to climb Scotland’s iconic sea stacks, documented in his book The Blind Man of Hoy. His story combines courage, creativity, and community — all values at the heart of RealSAM’s mission.
Simon Wheatcroft — The Runner and Technologist
A long-distance runner and software engineer, Simon Wheatcroft designs tech that helps blind athletes train independently. His work with navigation apps and wearables bridges innovation and inclusion, showing how technology empowers independence.
These inspiring blind UK voices prove that accessibility isn’t just about tools — it’s about people who imagine a more open world.
Share their work, read their books, watch their videos, and join our Facebook forum to tell us who inspires you.
