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Louie Cass-Maran

@louiecassmaran.bsky.social
167 followers 131 following 142 posts

Queer, disabled, neurodivergent human living in Scotland. 🏳️‍🌈 ♿️ Expect posts on accessibility, content design and social justice. And sometimes chickens. they/them

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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Did you know that common titles like Ms and Mr are not legally part of someone's name? Then why are we asking for that information on webforms? Read the full article: cass-maran.com/mandatory-ti...
cass-maran.com
Personal title fields: asking for something that doesn’t exist - Cass-Maran Consulting
Does your website form have a mandatory field asking for someone’s title? Here’s the issue with that – and what you should do instead. What is a personal title? A 'title' is the bit that comes before ...
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
I just want no/low cost, ethical, basic website analytics that tell me: Is anyone reading my site? What are they reading? Referral route might be interesting too, but I don't care about anything else. Does such a thing exist? I'm on Wordpress, if it makes a difference.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
An overarching theme of Access:Given yesterday was the importance of involving disabled people in design. But I disagree. We shouldn’t be ‘bringing disabled people in’. They should already be in the room. cass-maran.com/why-bringing...
cass-maran.com
Why ‘bringing in disabled people’ is not the answer | Cass-Maran Consulting
Consulting and researching with disabled people is crucial, at every stage of a design process. But it’s not enough.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
When you put a video online, you need to add subtitles and a transcript, so everyone can access it. My latest blog post explains the basics of how to do that. cass-maran.com/accessible-v... #accessibility
cass-maran.com
Subtitles and transcripts | Accessible Intentions
Not everyone can hear, or fully process, sound in videos. Subtitles (captions) and transcripts make your video more accessible. Here's a quick introduction.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
"Screen reading software reads out the alt text of images on a website. If there’s no alt text, a blind person has no idea what the image shows, or how important it is." The latest in my Accessible Intentions series, breaking down the basics of accessibilty. cass-maran.com/alt-text-the...
cass-maran.com
Alt text: the basics - Cass-Maran Consulting
Images can be an important part of your website experience. But not everyone can see images -that's where alt text comes in.
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Reposted by Louie Cass-Maran
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Appreciate an MP speaking out on the medias treatment of Jewish politicians they dislike. Thank you for the solidarity, Sarah.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Why do we 'slide' into DMs, but 'hop' onto a call? I want to mix things up. Watch out for me cartwheeling into your email, or bellyflopping into your document history. You've been warned.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
"You want to make your website more accessible but you don’t know where to start. Sound familiar?" My new blog series, Accessible Intentions, breaks down the basics of accessibility for non-technical people who just want to do the next right thing. cass-maran.com/accessible-i... #accessibility
cass-maran.com
Accessible Intentions: blog series introduction - Cass-Maran Consulting
This new blog series, Accessible Intentions, is aimed at people who need the basics of accessibility broken down, and just want someone to tell them what to do to.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Does anyone know a to-do app that doesn't use your data for AI? Trello have changed their data privacy policy. I'm happy to pay a bit for something usable and secure that lets you export to a readable format if it doesn't work out. It's just for me, but to manage multiple projects. Thanks!
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Please don't make disabled people call to book and then not answer the phone. I've been calling for 3 days. Screenshot of a checkout screen advising wheelchair users not to book online. Full text shared in thread reply. #WheelchairUsers #DisabilityJustice
Booking page screenshot - see thread for full text.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
I haven't shared all my thoughts on BAFTAgate; I'd rather listen to black people with Tourettes. But if you can find zero sympathy for one 'side' or the other, please pause. When they stoke division between marginalised identities, the winner is the capitalist patriarchy. Every single time.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Can people please stop talking about how charming someone can be as if that has the tiniest thing to do with how good a person they are, or whether they are a criminal? It's about as relevant as their favourite grocery store.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Ah, the many flaws of diagnosing neurodivergence when it runs in the family. "Does your child make eye contact with you?" "I don't know; I don't make eye contact." "Does your child make good eye contact with others" "I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW EYE CONTACT IS SUPPOSED TO WORK!!!"
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Freelancing is so great for confusing The Algorithm: "Here's a ad for a musical! Oh, no, I'm sorry for your loss. Moved to Skye? No, Milan...but in Wales? Considering a PhD? In...I'm guessing IT? No, queer cinema. Now you're downloading a football app? WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?" #KeepEmGuessing
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
A question for people in civil partnerships, (or maybe plan to be). Shares appreciated! How do you feel when you see the word 'spouse' in advice content? For example, do you feel excluded? Are you ever unsure whether it applies? Or do you feel it covers you and you don't really mind? Maybe a mix?
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
I travel by train a fair bit, and have NEVER seen these @lner.co.uk 'order at your seat' QR codes actually work. It always just *happens* to be unavailable today. I'm honestly intrigued as to whether I'm supremely unlucky or it's just a front to look good. Has anyone ever successfully used it?
A QR code and accompanying sign on an LNER train advertising the ability to order food to your seat. Screenshot from a website, reading 'Service unavailable. Unfortunately we're not taking orders at the moment. Please check back soon.'
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
The next time someone tells me what a sweet deal I have to have my own seat, I'm sending them a picture me sliding down a long ramp in the rain, using 'crash into the barriers sometimes' as the only way to save me from serious injury. #WheelchairUser
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morag @mordant.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
SOAPBOX & CALL TO ACTION: So many vids from YouTubers this past few weeks about the unviability of the platform as a revenue stream. This gang of smart, thoughtful young documentarians and essayists are producing often extremely high quality content for what amounts to poverty wages or less. 1/8
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Can someone please just tell me what Bluetooth speaker to buy? I need good sound quality and the option to add in extra speakers. Doesn't need to be super portable, battery life not a huge concern, and I don't want to talk to it. I just want good quality sound! £200 max. Thank you!!
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Can anyone recommend an ethical web hosting service? Needs: - Hosting Wordpress running on 4+ domains. Quite small sites/low traffic. - Email setup with external client and/or catchall forwarding - Companies that are as green as possible, and not on the BDS boycott list
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
My daughter wants to get the Life360 app. Does anyone know of data/privacy concerns with it? Thanks
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
"It's just a case of managing the discomfort." Gotta be in my top ten most hated phrases from medical professionals. What are yours? #ChronicPain #Disability
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 20/04/2025
Just finished a game of Scrabble then shared much glee with my ten year old as I showed her how to put the scores in an Excel spreadsheet and generate a cumulative score line chart. ... No, YOU'RE a neurodivergent household 😆 #NDJoy #Neurodivergence #GraphsAreFun
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
How not to write an email 101. I got this email this morning and have no idea what it's about. I *suspect* it's something to do with emails I send about recent disability cuts, but I don't know for sure what 'these important matters' are, or who 'the campaign organisers' are. [Continued]...
Screenshot of an email reading:
Your recent correspondence

Department of Health and Soci
To: Lizzie Cass-Maran

Our ref: [obscured in the screenshot]

Thank you for your recent correspondence supporting a campaign to bring these
important matters to our attention

The Department of Health and Social Care will respond to the campaign organisers upon receipt of their correspondence, and we will ask they share this with their supporters.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
#TransVisibilityDay seems an appropriate day to tell/remind people I use they/them pronouns. I’m also taking the chance to share my personal perspective on some common questions people have about gender. cass-maran.com/5-questions-...
cass-maran.com
Trans visibility: A personal perspective - Cass-Maran Consulting
Trans Visibility Day seems an appropriate date to let people know that I've started using they/them pronouns. I'm also taking the chance to share my personal thoughts on gender.
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Reposted by Louie Cass-Maran
Michael Wong @miquai.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
I received a heartbreaking email today: A paper in a special issue I’m editing is being retracted because one of its authors is afraid of losing their job and their legal status in the U.S. if they publish a scientific study on evolution. Yes, on evolution, nature's engine of diversity.
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Reposted by Louie Cass-Maran
⍼ tony @icarus3000.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
this is why there's like only four printer companies in the U.S. and why your color printer won't print a b&w image when yellow ink is low. (tracking dots exist on b&w printers too) This has been around for decades but it is ALWAYS the right time to share this information.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
I wanted to buy a paid browser extension today, but they accepted payment by card *or in cryptocurrency* and now I think I have to delete even the free version.
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Reposted by Louie Cass-Maran
Dr Dean Burnett @drdeanburnett.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
The obsession with 'overdiagnosis' is a much bigger problem than overdiagnosis itself open.substack.com/pu... The discourse around the 'problem' of 'overdiagnosis' doesn't hold up at all when you consider the actual evidence. Pushing it anyway risks harming so many #Diagnosis #Mentalhealth #Media
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Politics In The Wild @politicsinthewild.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
College protesters were right about The Red Scare Workers Rights Military Drafts Vietnam War Civil Rights Apartheid Rwandan Genocide The Iraq War But they’re wrong about Israel’s genocide. Got it.
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Reposted by Louie Cass-Maran
Andrew Hunter Murray @andrewhunterm.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Another lovely day watching the Tesla share price
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
No, you don't know people on PIP who have nothing wrong with them. Happy to have cleared that up. #DisabilityCuts
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Reposted by Louie Cass-Maran
Rick B @rickburgess.bsky.social · 16/03/2025
As a disabled person with a full time job and 2 freelance positions, I want to state unequivocally that Labour’s obsessional use of ‘working people’ as a rhetorical shield while they attack people on benefits is repressible prejudice and a surrender to the Toryism they pretend to oppose.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 16/03/2025
Sam's fundraiser is at 24%. Can we reach 25% by the end of the week? Just £34 to go. www.gofundme.com/f/freddies-w...
A screenshot from a GoFundMe: Help Sam aka Freddie Ocity buy a wheelchair.  £1,216 raised of £5k goal, 24%
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Reposted by Louie Cass-Maran
Sooz Kempner @soozuk.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
tax the rich you're going to lose to reform
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Accessibility job - closes 2 April Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (London) is looking for a Discovery and Access Learning Coordinator, and would love someone with lived experience. (1/3)
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
PDF photo albums - any ideas? I want to take a bunch of photos I have and turn them into photo albums. Add some captions, not necessarily to everything, but then save it as a PDF - not print it. There seem to be loads of services around printing the books, but not PDFing them. Any ideas?
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Ian Rennie @theangelremiel.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
So it goes without saying, but let's say it anyway: the concentration of attacks on trans people isn't because trans people are the only people fascists hate (although they absolutely do hate them). It's because they're the people they think non-fascists are least likely to defend.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
When I'm carrying out accessibility reviews, proper heading structure comes up a lot. So I've written a how-to guide, covering: - what a heading is, from a technical and editorial perspective - what job headings do - how to properly structure headings cass-maran.com/accessible-h...
cass-maran.com
Accessible headings: a how-to guide - Cass-Maran Consulting
This post explains what headings are and how they work, so you can use them to structure accessible content.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Only £49 away from this hitting £1,000! Can we make it happen by the end of my birthday?
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
It's also both #WeirdPrideDay and #PancakeDay, and Sam is both proudly weird and a fan of pancakes, so it's bang on brand to donate to this today.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
It's my birthday! If you happen to be the kind of person who thinks 'Ooh, I wish I could buy Lizzie some cake', then what I'd really like is to see my friend's fundraiser get a wee boost. If you can give anything, or even just share, it'd help me have a lovely birthday. gofund.me/5400c9a6
gofund.me
Donate to Help Sam - aka Freddie Ocity - buy a wheelchair, organised by Friends of Freddie Ocity
Having given over their 20s to working as a nurse throughout … Friends of Freddie Ocity needs your support for Help Sam - aka Freddie Ocity - buy a wheelchair
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Reposted by Louie Cass-Maran
Jack Garfinkel @curiousscutter.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
The opposite of 'inclusive design's is not 'normal design' - it's 'exclusionary design'. Or if, like me, you are feeling spicy 'hostile design'.
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Reposted by Louie Cass-Maran
Robert Renfro @bobbyrenfro.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Every guy attending the Oscars should arrive wearing Zelensky’s military outfit instead of Tuxedos. Send a message.
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Reposted by Louie Cass-Maran
Fergus Murray @oolong.co.uk · 28/02/2025
Meanwhile bsky.app/profile/harr...
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
This is horrifying, and anyone responsible for any of these things should be locked up.
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Louie Cass-Maran @louiecassmaran.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Latest blog: When someone dies, do we start referring to them in the past tense? "Our discussion came from a question that you’d think was pretty straightforward: “What was the person’s name?" Was – or is? Isn’t it still their name?" #ContentDesign #PlainLanguage cass-maran.com/are-they-or-...
cass-maran.com
Use of tense when referring to death - Cass-Maran Consulting
Content around post-death admin is challenging for a lot of reasons. This post addresses something that might seem simple: use of past or present tense.
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