The "Maddaght" Blog — The "Mathematics" Blog — is where I document my personal journey, as I navigate the world through numbers, from the viewpoint of a blind mathematician.

My name is Paayl, the Manx Gaelic equivalent to Paul in English. I live on Ellan Vannin, also known as Mannin, or the Isle of Man in English. Manx Gaelic is the heritage language of the Manx people.

I'm in my early fifties, and have Usher Syndrome. This is a genetic condition that has affected my hearing, and sight since birth. I was born profoundly deaf with no speech recognition. At the end of 2024 I had a bilateral cochlear implant, which has given me the ability to hear speech for the first time in my life. In my adolescence I began to go blind. Today I can only see light and dark, there is no useable sight.

This is a mathematics blog, and its name, Maddaght, a Manx Gaelic word, literally translates to Mathematics in the English language. The posts cover topics such as theories, problems, educational resources, maths humor, advanced mathematical concepts, and personal insights into the subject. These posts range from informal discussions to detailed expository articles that provide deeper insights into mathematical theories and research.

In addtion, as a blind mathematician, these posts include a thoughtful approach that emphasises tactile and auditory learning, with effective strategies to make mathematical concepts accessible.

Aside from my fascination with all things mathematics, I'm also an accessibility-conscious Unix and Linux Geek, a Field Recordist, who enjoys birding by ear, and learning Manx Gaelg, as well as being a big fan of red wine, brandy, and the game of chess.