Member Spotlight: Tmara Senior
Living with a visual impairment can mean approaching everyday activities in different ways, but it should never be seen as a limitation. Tmara Senior is a brilliant example of how barriers can be challenged and perceptions changed, particularly when it comes to working with young children and sharing stories.
Tmara has always had a strong interest in working in a children’s nursery. While this path can present challenges for someone who is blind, she chose not to see this as an endpoint, but as an opportunity to find alternative ways to connect with children and do what she loves.
Since just after lockdown, Tmara has been delivering story time sessions at Dewsbury Library during term time. These sessions run on Wednesdays from 10:30am to 11:15am and bring together groups of babies, toddlers, and their families in an inclusive and welcoming environment where stories come to life. While storytelling is at the heart of the sessions, they also include singing and interactive elements. Tmara leads the children in nursery rhymes – one firm favourite being The Wheels on the Bus – and always encourages the children to clap for themselves after each song, helping to build confidence and create a fun, engaging atmosphere.
This isn’t her first experience working with young children either. Some years earlier, Tmara ran similar sessions at a local Sure Start Centre in Chickenley, where she worked alongside staff members to support young children and connect with families through storytelling and play.
A key part of Tmara’s work is accessibility. Initially, she accessed Braille-transcribed books through Kirklees Transcription Services, and more recently through RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People). All of the books she reads are transcribed into Braille, enabling her to independently lead sessions with confidence.
However, the sessions are very much a team effort. Tmara works closely with a skilled volunteer assistant, whose support is crucial to the smooth running of each session. Together, they plan and deliver the sessions, combining their experience to create an engaging experience for the children. The volunteer helps welcome families, supports interaction with the children, ensures sessions run to time, and assists in sharing print books and illustrations where Braille versions may not include images. They may also lead arts and crafts activities, further enriching the sessions for families.
Her storytelling sessions feature well-loved children’s books such as Dear Zoo, The Gruffalo, and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, all of which continue to capture the imagination of the children. As Tmara explains, “Lots of children request their favourite stories; however, my favourite to read is The Tiger Who Came to Tea, as I love doing all the different voices.”
Through her work, Tmara is helping to reshape how people think about visual impairment. Her story highlights that with the right support, collaboration, and adaptations, traditional barriers can be removed—allowing everyone the opportunity to participate, contribute, and connect in meaningful ways.
The accompanying photo was taken during one of her recent Outlookers sessions. It’s always great to see another side of the people we regularly connect with at our groups, and this image reflects Tmara’s warmth and enthusiasm beyond her storytelling role.
Tmara’s journey shows that it’s not about overcoming limitations – it’s about rethinking them, opening doors, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to take part.
