Liam O’Dell (He/Him)
@liamodell.com
Award-winning deaf and disabled journalist | Author of ‘Selling Out the Spectrum’ (2024) 📖 | Theatre critic | Views my own.
Website 🔗: liamodell.com
Website 🔗: liamodell.com
Pinned
Liam O’Dell (He/Him)
@liamodell.com
· Mar 22
Liam O'Dell
Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner
liamodell.com
Hey, Bluesky! 🦋
I’m Liam, a Deaf and disabled journalist, author and theatre critic.
Let's connect if you're interested in/commissioning pieces on deafness, autism, disability, OCD, social media, tech, theatre or politics.
I can also moderate/speak on panels, too.
📧 Get in touch: liamodell.com
I’m Liam, a Deaf and disabled journalist, author and theatre critic.
Let's connect if you're interested in/commissioning pieces on deafness, autism, disability, OCD, social media, tech, theatre or politics.
I can also moderate/speak on panels, too.
📧 Get in touch: liamodell.com
Reposted by Liam O’Dell (He/Him)
I’ve been checking to find out when the Lords autism act selective committee report came out for a while & yet I missed its announcement on Sunday!
Here is the link to the report 👇
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
& I’m sharing an excellent article on the report in the post below 👇
😀👍
Here is the link to the report 👇
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
& I’m sharing an excellent article on the report in the post below 👇
😀👍
A failure by successive UK governments to create a public awareness campaign on autism during “misinformed public discourse” about the condition is “both striking and unacceptable”, a report by a House of Lords Select Committee reviewing the 2009 Autism Act has said.
Peers slam ‘unacceptable’ government ‘failure’ to launch autism awareness campaign amid ‘misinformed public discourse’
A failure by successive UK governments to create a public awareness campaign on autism during “misinformed public discourse” about the condition is “both striking and unacceptable”, a report by a House of Lords Select Committee reviewing the 2009 Autism Act has said.
liamodell.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:08 PM
I’ve been checking to find out when the Lords autism act selective committee report came out for a while & yet I missed its announcement on Sunday!
Here is the link to the report 👇
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
& I’m sharing an excellent article on the report in the post below 👇
😀👍
Here is the link to the report 👇
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
& I’m sharing an excellent article on the report in the post below 👇
😀👍
As he's named as one of this year's BAFTA Breakthrough artists, Reunion star Matthew Gurney talks to me about media representing the diversity of the deaf community, authenticity, and what's coming next.
Reunion’s Matthew Gurney on deaf representation: ‘The doors need a bit more oil’
As he's named as one of this year's BAFTA Breakthrough artists, Reunion star Matthew Gurney talks to Liam O'Dell about media representing the diversity of the deaf community, authenticity, and what's coming next.
liamodell.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:01 AM
As he's named as one of this year's BAFTA Breakthrough artists, Reunion star Matthew Gurney talks to me about media representing the diversity of the deaf community, authenticity, and what's coming next.
Pinny Grylls, co-director of Grand Theft Hamlet, talks to me about the access curveballs she faced on the documentary, her latest film project, and her plans for more machinima.
Grand Theft Hamlet’s Pinny Grylls on the access issues amid the chaos: ‘You can’t lipread avatars’
Pinny Grylls, co-director of Grand Theft Hamlet, talks to Liam O'Dell about the access curveballs she faced on the documentary, her latest film project, and her plans for more machinima.
liamodell.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Pinny Grylls, co-director of Grand Theft Hamlet, talks to me about the access curveballs she faced on the documentary, her latest film project, and her plans for more machinima.
Reposted by Liam O’Dell (He/Him)
“//…//the state’s Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) *continues* to administer electric shocks to disabled children.” FFS.
Disability advocates and their supporters have called on the Massachusetts legislature to pass a bill banning the use of ‘aversive therapy’, as the state’s Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) continues to administer electric shocks to disabled children.
Massachusetts legislators urged to pass bill banning electric shock treatment on disabled children
Disability advocates and their supporters have called on the Massachusetts legislature to pass a bill banning the use of ‘aversive therapy’, as the state’s Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) continues to administer electric shocks to disabled children.
liamodell.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:25 PM
“//…//the state’s Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) *continues* to administer electric shocks to disabled children.” FFS.
Reposted by Liam O’Dell (He/Him)
One victim of such "treatment" had this to say:
“Aversives did not heal me. Instead, they created fear, shame, pain and debilitating PTSD. They made me fearful of seeking help from providers, and have resulted in long-term physical and mental health struggles."
“Aversives did not heal me. Instead, they created fear, shame, pain and debilitating PTSD. They made me fearful of seeking help from providers, and have resulted in long-term physical and mental health struggles."
Disability advocates and their supporters have called on the Massachusetts legislature to pass a bill banning the use of ‘aversive therapy’, as the state’s Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) continues to administer electric shocks to disabled children.
Massachusetts legislators urged to pass bill banning electric shock treatment on disabled children
Disability advocates and their supporters have called on the Massachusetts legislature to pass a bill banning the use of ‘aversive therapy’, as the state’s Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) continues to administer electric shocks to disabled children.
liamodell.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:19 PM
One victim of such "treatment" had this to say:
“Aversives did not heal me. Instead, they created fear, shame, pain and debilitating PTSD. They made me fearful of seeking help from providers, and have resulted in long-term physical and mental health struggles."
“Aversives did not heal me. Instead, they created fear, shame, pain and debilitating PTSD. They made me fearful of seeking help from providers, and have resulted in long-term physical and mental health struggles."
Reposted by Liam O’Dell (He/Him)
You read that correctly, the US allows that to be done to disabled children
Disability advocates and their supporters have called on the Massachusetts legislature to pass a bill banning the use of ‘aversive therapy’, as the state’s Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) continues to administer electric shocks to disabled children.
Massachusetts legislators urged to pass bill banning electric shock treatment on disabled children
Disability advocates and their supporters have called on the Massachusetts legislature to pass a bill banning the use of ‘aversive therapy’, as the state’s Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) continues to administer electric shocks to disabled children.
liamodell.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:39 PM
You read that correctly, the US allows that to be done to disabled children
Disability advocates and their supporters have called on the Massachusetts legislature to pass a bill banning the use of ‘aversive therapy’, as the state’s Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) continues to administer electric shocks to disabled children.
Massachusetts legislators urged to pass bill banning electric shock treatment on disabled children
Disability advocates and their supporters have called on the Massachusetts legislature to pass a bill banning the use of ‘aversive therapy’, as the state’s Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) continues to administer electric shocks to disabled children.
liamodell.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Disability advocates and their supporters have called on the Massachusetts legislature to pass a bill banning the use of ‘aversive therapy’, as the state’s Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) continues to administer electric shocks to disabled children.
A failure by successive UK governments to create a public awareness campaign on autism during “misinformed public discourse” about the condition is “both striking and unacceptable”, a report by a House of Lords Select Committee reviewing the 2009 Autism Act has said.
Peers slam ‘unacceptable’ government ‘failure’ to launch autism awareness campaign amid ‘misinformed public discourse’
A failure by successive UK governments to create a public awareness campaign on autism during “misinformed public discourse” about the condition is “both striking and unacceptable”, a report by a House of Lords Select Committee reviewing the 2009 Autism Act has said.
liamodell.com
November 23, 2025 at 12:01 AM
A failure by successive UK governments to create a public awareness campaign on autism during “misinformed public discourse” about the condition is “both striking and unacceptable”, a report by a House of Lords Select Committee reviewing the 2009 Autism Act has said.
Sophia Griffin's debut play is now playing at the Bush Theatre, following an earlier run at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
‘After Sunday’ review – Pressure cooker prison drama scrambles the psychology
Sophia Griffin's debut play is now playing at the Bush Theatre, following an earlier run at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
liamodell.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Sophia Griffin's debut play is now playing at the Bush Theatre, following an earlier run at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
Deaf campaigner Katie Rowley, who successfully sued the UK Government for failing to make two coronavirus data briefings accessible with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, has said recognition of the deaf community's concerns from the UK COVID Inquiry comes "almost six years too late".
UK COVID inquiry’s findings on BSL access come ‘almost six years too late’, Deaf campaigner says
Deaf campaigner Katie Rowley, who successfully sued the UK Government for failing to make two coronavirus data briefings accessible with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, has said recognition of the deaf community's concerns from the UK COVID Inquiry comes "almost six years too late".
liamodell.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Deaf campaigner Katie Rowley, who successfully sued the UK Government for failing to make two coronavirus data briefings accessible with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, has said recognition of the deaf community's concerns from the UK COVID Inquiry comes "almost six years too late".
David Eldridge’s acclaimed trilogy concludes in Rufus Norris’ final programmed production as National Theatre artistic director.
‘End’ review – David Eldridge’s enthralling (and surprisingly funny) meditation on finality
David Eldridge’s acclaimed trilogy concludes in Rufus Norris’ final programmed production as National Theatre artistic director.
liamodell.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:00 AM
David Eldridge’s acclaimed trilogy concludes in Rufus Norris’ final programmed production as National Theatre artistic director.
British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation of government communications during a pandemic should be provided as a "bare minimum", the independent COVID-19 inquiry has said, in its report on core decision-making published on Thursday.
UK COVID inquiry says BSL should be provided in pandemics ‘as a minimum’
British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation of government communications during a pandemic should be provided as a "bare minimum", the independent COVID-19 inquiry has said, in its report on core decision-making published on Thursday.
liamodell.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:37 PM
British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation of government communications during a pandemic should be provided as a "bare minimum", the independent COVID-19 inquiry has said, in its report on core decision-making published on Thursday.
Defence Secretary John Healey’s speech on “threats to the UK”, delivered on Wednesday, came without British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation because it contained ‘political content’, Liam O’Dell understands.
UK defence secretary’s Russia speech inaccessible to deaf BSL signers due to ‘political content’
Defence Secretary John Healey’s speech on “threats to the UK”, delivered on Wednesday, came without British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation because it contained ‘political content’, Liam O’Dell understands.
liamodell.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Defence Secretary John Healey’s speech on “threats to the UK”, delivered on Wednesday, came without British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation because it contained ‘political content’, Liam O’Dell understands.
Former equalities minister Anneliese Dodds MP has said she does not currently support the use of AI BSL in the public sector, while calling on the government to make "forward-looking commitments" on "preventing the uptake of sub-standard translation done by AI".
Labour ex-minister says she ‘does not currently support’ use of AI BSL in public sector
Former equalities minister Anneliese Dodds MP has said she does not currently support the use of AI BSL in the public sector, while calling on the government to make "forward-looking commitments" on "preventing the uptake of sub-standard translation done by AI".
liamodell.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Former equalities minister Anneliese Dodds MP has said she does not currently support the use of AI BSL in the public sector, while calling on the government to make "forward-looking commitments" on "preventing the uptake of sub-standard translation done by AI".
The early acquisition of British Sign Language (BSL) “could yield positive economic returns”, according to a new study commissioned by the British Deaf Association (BDA) - with positive estimates stating society would earn £14 for every pound spent.
Early BSL access could ‘return £14 for every £1 invested’, study suggests
The early acquisition of British Sign Language (BSL) “could yield positive economic returns”, according to a new study commissioned by the British Deaf Association (BDA) - with positive estimates stating society would earn £14 for every pound spent.
liamodell.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:23 PM
The early acquisition of British Sign Language (BSL) “could yield positive economic returns”, according to a new study commissioned by the British Deaf Association (BDA) - with positive estimates stating society would earn £14 for every pound spent.
Timelapse’s debut theatre production premieres at London’s New Diorama Theatre.
‘Precipice’ review – Inaudible and indecipherable musical on an antimicrobial apocalypse
Timelapse’s debut theatre production premieres at London’s New Diorama Theatre.
liamodell.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Timelapse’s debut theatre production premieres at London’s New Diorama Theatre.
One Day actor Ambika Mod stars in a new play from Sophia Chetin-Leuner, now playing at the Royal Court Theatre.
‘Porn Play’ review – Ambika Mod stars in a disengaging production, staged in one comfy auditorium
One Day actor Ambika Mod stars in a new play from Sophia Chetin-Leuner, now playing at the Royal Court Theatre.
liamodell.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:28 PM
One Day actor Ambika Mod stars in a new play from Sophia Chetin-Leuner, now playing at the Royal Court Theatre.
Chalk Line Theatre's latest show returns to London for four performances at Limehouse's Half Moon Theatre as part of its UK tour.
‘The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return’ review – Loud Luton play is light on plot
Chalk Line Theatre's latest show returns to London for four performances at Limehouse's Half Moon Theatre as part of its UK tour.
liamodell.com
November 16, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Chalk Line Theatre's latest show returns to London for four performances at Limehouse's Half Moon Theatre as part of its UK tour.
The White House has launched a dedicated YouTube channel for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of its press briefings, as it continues to face a legal challenge from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
Trump administration launches ‘ASL White House’ YouTube channel amid sign language lawsuit
The White House has launched a dedicated YouTube channel for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of its press briefings, as it continues to face a legal challenge from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
liamodell.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:52 PM
The White House has launched a dedicated YouTube channel for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of its press briefings, as it continues to face a legal challenge from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
More than 50 deaf organisations have signed an open letter calling on Wes Streeting, the health and social care secretary, to support the 'Still Sick of It' campaign by the deaf health charity SignHealth.
Over 50 deaf charities urge Wes Streeting to back SignHealth campaign on health access
More than 50 deaf organisations have signed an open letter calling on Wes Streeting, the health and social care secretary, to support the 'Still Sick of It' campaign by the deaf health charity SignHealth.
liamodell.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:56 PM
More than 50 deaf organisations have signed an open letter calling on Wes Streeting, the health and social care secretary, to support the 'Still Sick of It' campaign by the deaf health charity SignHealth.
News that Wales will be home to both the UK’s first small modular nuclear reactors and an ‘AI Growth Zone’ has been branded the “biggest announcement for a generation” by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer - in remarks which did not come with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation.
AI and nuclear in Wales ‘biggest announcement for a generation’, says Starmer – in inaccessible speech
News that Wales will be home to both the UK’s first small modular nuclear reactors and an ‘AI Growth Zone’ has been branded the “biggest announcement for a generation” by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer - in remarks which did not come with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation.
liamodell.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:01 PM
News that Wales will be home to both the UK’s first small modular nuclear reactors and an ‘AI Growth Zone’ has been branded the “biggest announcement for a generation” by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer - in remarks which did not come with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation.
New software enabling captions to be displayed simultaneously across multiple devices has been launched by the arts access charity Stagetext, which it says will “transform access to arts and culture” for deaf audience members.
Stagetext+ software to ‘expand deaf access’ to the arts with captions for multiple devices and performances
New software enabling captions to be displayed simultaneously across multiple devices has been launched by the arts access charity Stagetext, which it says will “transform access to arts and culture” for deaf audience members.
liamodell.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:55 AM
New software enabling captions to be displayed simultaneously across multiple devices has been launched by the arts access charity Stagetext, which it says will “transform access to arts and culture” for deaf audience members.
Work on introducing a GCSE in British Sign Language progressed to a new stage on Thursday, when qualifications regulator Ofqual announced its decisions on rules for exam boards to follow when designing a course.
‘Significant milestone’ reached with BSL GCSE, Ofqual announces
Work on introducing a GCSE in British Sign Language progressed to a new stage on Thursday, when qualifications regulator Ofqual announced its decisions on rules for exam boards to follow when designing a course.
liamodell.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Work on introducing a GCSE in British Sign Language progressed to a new stage on Thursday, when qualifications regulator Ofqual announced its decisions on rules for exam boards to follow when designing a course.
Suzanne Collins' hit novel has its stage adaptation at the purpose-built Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, with John Malkovich appearing on-screen as President Snow.
‘The Hunger Games On Stage’ review – Sensational staging, yes, but the script is missing a certain spark
Suzanne Collins' hit novel has its stage adaptation at the purpose-built Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, with John Malkovich appearing on-screen as President Snow.
liamodell.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Suzanne Collins' hit novel has its stage adaptation at the purpose-built Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, with John Malkovich appearing on-screen as President Snow.
Eloise Pennycott updates her National Theatre New Views-winning play for a new production by Deafinitely Theatre.
‘Barrier(s)’ review – Unashamedly deaf, queer romance is charming, but clunky
Eloise Pennycott updates her National Theatre New Views-winning play for a new production by Deafinitely Theatre.
liamodell.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Eloise Pennycott updates her National Theatre New Views-winning play for a new production by Deafinitely Theatre.