About Callum
Visual Impairment Coach
Callum’s life has been profoundly shaped by his lifelong experience of sight loss. Despite this, he’s far more than his impairment. He studied languages and music at the University of Birmingham, immersing himself in French, Italian, and Spanish cultures. Callum’s academic journey continued with a Master’s degree from the College of Europe in Bruges. His passion for exploration took him worldwide, including a transformative year teaching music in Peru.
Through these experiences, Callum emerged as an expert in navigating visual impairment. He now provides practical solutions and workplace support. He’s dedicated to fostering inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
Beyond the workplace, Callum coaches individuals with sight loss, inspiring them to embrace confidence and reach their full potential. His journey is a testament to resilience and empowerment, transcending perceived boundaries in both individuals and workplaces.
Early years
Callum was born blind. He is the eldest of 4 brothers, all of whom were full of energy and took no notice of his disability. He attended mainstream school and played a full part in school life. From a young age, he learnt how to ride a bicycle unaided and regularly completed the annual Woking bikeathon. An accomplished musician, he played the drums in the school’s wind band and toured Russia with the Music of Life Foundation. There he played with the Russian Symphony Orchestra and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic. He also rowed with the Weybridge Rowing Club and won the British Indoor Rowing Championships for his category when he was 18.
Adulthood
He went to the University of Birmingham and read Modern Foreign Languages. Fluent in French, Spanish and Italian, he travelled widely and undertook a gap year project in Peru. There he taught music to local school children in the outskirts of Lima. In between this, he learnt to ski and ran 10km races to raise funds for charity. Recently he has worked for Sight for Surrey, overseeing its employment programme before taking up a job with Surrey Police. He set up CrystalEyes in January 2021.
Despite experiencing many highs, there have been the inevitable lows on the way. Callum will take you through these with a real sense of humour and self-deprecation to show that sight loss should never hold you back.
By hiring Callum, organisations tap into diverse expertise and inspiration. They gain valuable insights but also become advocates for inclusivity, setting a positive example for the broader business community.
Why Work With Me?
- Unique Perspective: Callum’s experience as an individual with impaired vision brings a distinct viewpoint. This perspective can foster innovation and creativity, leading to unique problem-solving approaches and fresh ideas.
- Diversity: Embracing diversity enhances a company’s ability to connect with a broader range of customers and clients. Callum’s insights can help tailor products, services, and communication to a more diverse audience.
- Inclusive Work Environment: By hiring Callum, an organisation is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. Sending a powerful message to employees and customers, encouraging an atmosphere of respect, acceptance, and equal opportunity.
- Adaptability: Callum’s personal journey showcases resilience, adaptability, and determination. These qualities can inspire and motivate any individual to an entire team, encouraging a proactive approach to overcoming challenges.
- Expertise in Inclusion: With a background in navigating the challenges of impaired vision, expertise in accessibility and inclusion can provide valuable insights and recommendations for making the workplace more accommodating.
- Advocacy: Hiring Callum promotes a culture of advocacy for individuals with disabilities. It reinforces the idea that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the potential to make meaningful contributions.
- Role Model: Callum is a powerful role model for others facing similar challenges. His coaching can inspire individuals to strive for excellence, regardless of any obstacles.
- Skills and Accomplishments: Beyond their personal story, Callum brings many skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Their academic achievements and professional experiences contribute to his ability to help.
- Learning Opportunity: Employing Callum offers a chance for your organisation to learn and grow. Interacting with someone with a different perspective fosters understanding, empathy, and personal development.
- Potential for Innovation: Diversity in the workforce has been linked to increased innovation and better problem-solving. Your client’s unique experiences can lead to fresh insights that drive the organisation forward.
Qualifications & Awards
Trustee of the Royal Society for Blind Children
The RSBC offers a range of services, including emotional support and practical advice for families, opportunities for children and young people to build confidence and skills through activities, and a specialist further education college.
AccessAble Ambassador
AccessAble is used by 5 million users in the UK each year. It offers a range of services, but most importantly provides the necessary advice and guidance to users to ensure that they know that any venue they intend to visit is accessible to them.
Associate Inclusive Trading CIC
Inclusive Trading CIC aims to support BASE, the national voice for providers of specialist employment support to improve the employment rates of disabled people.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Hons
Modern Foreign Languages
Work
- Callum joined Sight for Surrey first as fundraising intern and then as an employment officer. He supported people in finding work
Experience
- Department of Work and Pensions (focus on client experiences in job centres)
- Birmingham City Council (transition to further education)
- Berkshire Sensory Consortium (transition to further education)
- Office of Road and Rail (passenger assistance for disabled travellers)
Recognition
- Music of Life Foundation advisory board
- University of Birmingham, DWP Roundtable
Commerce
- Teen Tips (website accessibility)
- Guildford Museum (assessing customer experience)
- Music of Life Foundation (diversity and inclusion)
- White Lodge Centre, Chertsey (diversity and inclusion).
- Jointly founded Independent Gap Advice, which offers free and impartial advice