Lois Strachan: Recent Episodes
Lois Strachan
Conversations on opportunities, challenges and lived experiences to foster understanding between disabled and non-disabled communities. Insights into the tools and techniques used by people with disabilities navigating the worlds of work, education, travel, sport, the arts and leisure.
Because while we may be disabled we will never be disempowered.
In this episode, Lois Chats with Erica du Toit on the topic of loop systems and other assistive technology for those living with hearing loss
Having worked in the advocacy space for 30 years, Erica has a broad knowledge of tools and techniques that can assist those with hearing impairments and the people around them.
Reach out to Erica at the following links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-du-toit-13831370/
Western Cape APD
Tel: 021 555-2881
Email: awareness@wcapd.org.za
Website: https://wcapd.org.za/
National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)
Email: erica@ncpd.org.za
Website: www.ncpd.org.za
Western Cape Network on Disability
Email: info@wcdisability.org.za
Website: www.wcdisability.org.za
Image Description:
A woman with short dark hair wearing a long-sleeved black top. Shehas a pendent around her neck with a circular pendent with a design on it.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Website : loisstrachan.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
Today I chat with Angela Blackwell, the first blind person to hike the Pondo Trail in South Africa with her guide dog, Jaydee.
Angela discusses how Jaydee helped her regain her confidence and independence after her diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa resulted in significant loss of visual acuity.
Hiking the Pondo Trail, a four day hike on the
East coast of South Africa became a challenge that Angela set for herself as a way of raising awareness that blindness does not mean living small. She is also using the project as a fund-raiser for the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind.
Follow Ange and Jaydees experience on the show and connect with them online:
Instagram: @Angel on the Blindside.
Please also support their fundraising at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/paws-on-the-path
Image Description:
A woman sitting on a large piece of driftwood on a sandy riverbank beside a white dog. The woman has short brown hair and light skin, and she is wearing a light gray T-shirt and denim shorts, barefoot, resting her chin on her hand and facing to the right with a calm, thoughtful expression. The dog is sitting close to her left side, wearing a collar, and also facing to the right. A wide, calm river stretches behind them, with green, tree-covered hills on both sides and a pale sky with light clouds.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Website : loisstrachan.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
In my first ever solo episode, and possibly my shortest, I’m inviting you to reach out if you, or someone you know would be a great guest for the show.
In the episode, I talk about the types of stories I like to share, and tell you how to contact me if you, your organization, or someone you know might be a good person for me to interview.
Reach out to me on my website loisstrachan.com
Or drop a comment on Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube if that’s where you found this invitation.
Together let’s continue sharing stories that matter
Image Description:
A smiling woman with short dark hair who is wearing a teal blue and silver top. Behind her are light wooden shelves containing objects such as glassware, books, DVDs and a small model of a ship.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Website : loisstrachan.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
In this episode, Lois speaks with Simalumba Nawa on the business case for increased inclusion in business.
This wide-ranging conversation covers Sima’s story of becoming visually impaired, gaining blindness skills, how he began his work as an inclusion advocate, and some of the work he has done in this space.
Sima also discusses his work with corporates in Africa demonstrating the value of increasing inclusion not only in employment, but in all facets of their business and offerings.
Reach out to Sima Nawa:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simaragnar.nawa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simalumba-nawa-/
Dear Sighted People Blog: https://dearsightedpeople.wordpress.com/:
Watch Sima’s TEDx speech: https://youtu.be/xwiGmrs8chE?si=2SOyQ3hG1k_fPN50
Image Description:
A man with a goatee standing against a white background. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt and has a brown and white animal print over his shoulder.
One hand rests on his hip and the other holds the handle of a white cane.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Website : loisstrachan.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
In this episode, Lois speaks with recruitment agent Karen Armour on the topic of employment for persons with disabilities.
During the conversation, they explore the role of a recruiter in advocating for job seekers with disabilities, the importance of a CV to showcase your skills, and thoughts on approaching interviews.
This is an episode that is filled with practical details on how to set up your CV to sell your skills, ways to prepare for an interview and how to find a recruiter who will best represent the needs of a job seeker with a disability.
Reach out to Karen Armour:
e-mail: karen@isisekelo.co.za
Mobile: +27 (0)74 153 0992
Website: www.isisekelo.co.za
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-armour-645ba221?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Description:
A woman with shoulder-length wavy brown hair who is smiling gently at the camera. She is wearing a royal blue coat over a dark blouse and gray pants, and her hands are resting on her knee.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Website : loisstrachan.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
In this episode, Lois speaks with Dr Erna van der Westhuizen about the concept of voice economy as a way for marginalized groups, including those with disabilities, to empower and advocate for themselves.
Erna developed the concept of voice economy after leading an advocacy project to explore the out of pocket expenses experienced by parents of children with disabilities. When she initially struggled to get the information she needed for the project, she started a WhatsApp group to communicate with community leaders who began adding parents and other stakeholders to the group. Within a short time it had grown to more than 3000 participants sharing their lived experiences and knowledge to benefit others in the community.
Erna defines voice economy as a system of expression and an exchange of individual and collective voices to generate shared value that drives social transformation and change
Discover more about voice economy at
Website: www.voiceeconomy.org
Read Erna’s latest article at:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12587122/
Image Description:
A woman with short hair wearing a red academic gown.. She is dressed in a black and white patterned shirt and has on a pair of spectacles and a chunky Necklace of red and black. The image is taken outdoors with trees and mountains in the background.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Website : loisstrachan.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
In this episode, Lois speaks with Dr Julie Siemers, a specialist in patient safety.
So often we hear of patients with disabilities who experience poor communication from medical professionals when undergoing treatments. While talking with Dr Julie, I learned that this form of medical gaslighting is not limited to our community, but may happen generally.
Julie lists various factors that may result in patient harm, both from the side of the patient and the medical professionals. She also suggests ways in which patients can protect themselves from potentially dangerous medical situations. This is a valuable episode for anyone undergoing medical care to ensure their health and safety.
Discover more about Dr Julie at
Website: https://drjuliesiemers.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbWkt2P7SKI
Get hold of her book at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKRWPV8P
Image Description:
A woman with long, wavy brown hair smiles warmly at the camera. She is wearing a blue and white jacket over a tan blouse and gold hoop earrings.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Website : loisstrachan.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
With November being disability awareness month in South Africa and 14 November being the annual day dedicated to recognising those living with diabetes, it seemed an appropriate time to publish this interview.
In this special two-part episode, I unpack my journey with chronic kidney disease in conversation with Jeremy Opperman.
In episode 138, we discuss my diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes when I was six years old and trace the impact of diabetes on my life, resulting in my blindness at the age of 21. We then turn to my subsequent discovery that I was experiencing chronic kidney disease and track the steps that led to my starting on dialysis in January 2025.
In episode 139 we explore how I’ve adapted to dialysis as a blind woman, trying to offer insights into some of the medical realities. Finally, we discuss what the future holds as I start to discover more about a possible kidney transplant.
*Note: this conversation was recorded a few months ago and much has changed since then. I now have a kidney donor and am working my way through the process of preparing for the transplant.
Correction: , at one point I refer to the AV graft as an artificial vascular graft. The correct term is arteriovenous Graft, which connects an artery with a vein allowing access for the dialysis to take place.
Image Description: A stylised graphic of a woman with a ponytail walking with a white cane, next to an icon of an eye with curved lines suggesting vision or awareness. Below the graphic is the text:A Different Way of Seeing with Lois Strachan
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
With November being disability awareness month in South Africa and 14 November being the annual day dedicated to recognising those living with diabetes, it seemed an appropriate time to publish this interview.
In this special two-part episode, I unpack my journey with chronic kidney disease in conversation with Jeremy Opperman.
In episode 138, we discuss my diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes when I was six years old and trace the impact of diabetes on my life, resulting in my blindness at the age of 21. We then turn to my subsequent discovery that I was experiencing chronic kidney disease and track the steps that led to my starting on dialysis in January 2025.
In episode 139 we explore how I’ve adapted to dialysis as a blind woman, trying to offer insights into some of the medical realities. Finally, we discuss what the future holds as I start to discover more about a possible kidney transplant.
*Note: this conversation was recorded a few months ago and much has changed since then. I now have a kidney donor and am working my way through the process of preparing for the transplant.
Correction: , at one point I refer to the AV graft as an artificial vascular graft. The correct term is arteriovenous Graft, which connects an artery with a vein allowing access for the dialysis to take place.
Image Description: A stylised graphic of a woman with a ponytail walking with a white cane, next to an icon of an eye with curved lines suggesting vision or awareness. Below the graphic is the text:A Different Way of Seeing with Lois Strachan
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
In today’s episode, Lois chats with Mlimbisi Msibi (also known as Coach Jack) from Corinthians Africa, a youth empowerment organisation in Gauteng, South Africa. Amongst the programmes they offer youth, Corinthians Africa have started an active blind football team. For his work empowering both youth with and without disabilities, Mlimbisi Msibi was the recipient of a Young Mandela Award in 2025.
During the conversation, Coach Jack shares the story of how Corinthians Africa came to be, and how the blind football initiative became part of their offerings. He also discusses his goal of growing the movement to allow greater numbers of blind youth to participate in blind football through the establishment of a blind soccer league in South Africa.
Apologies for the minor technical difficulties experienced during this interview – sometimes that is just the way it goes!
Learn more about Coach Jack and Corinthians Africa at:
e-mail: Jack@corinthians.africa
Instagram, Tiktok, LinkedIn and Facebook: Corinthians Africa.
Coach Jack Personal:
Tiktok: Coach Jack 48
LinkedIn: Mlungisi Jack Msibi
Watch this short YouTube video about the story:
https://youtu.be/59vFx9mr8kc?si=X63Eu_JEW3a2yb-S
Image description:
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
Dr Chiggy Oghotuama is the founder of the Seizure Support Foundation in Nigeria. As a mother to a special needs child, Chiggy encountered challenges when searching for support groups in her area from whom she could learn.
This led her to engage stakeholders at all levels, from parents to government, to advocate for the inclusion of children from marginalised groups in education, health and other areas of life.
In this episode, I chat with Dr Chiggy about some of the initiatives that the Seizure Support Foundation has put in place in Nigeria, including an education scholarship fund, a medical outreach programme, and the video modelling project, to assist parents of children with disabilities. She describes the challenges faced by those whose lives are impacted by disability in her community and introduces us to the ASK anagram that she uses when working with parents of children with a new diagnosis of disability.
Learn more about Dr Chiggy and the Seizure Support Foundation at:
Website: www.seizuresupportfoundation.org
e-mail: info@seizuresupportfoundation.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeizureCare
Instagram: seizure_support_foundation
Image description:
A woman of colour with short hair wearing glasses and a white button-up shirt, earrings, a bracelet, and a wristwatch. On a wooden stool next to her is an award plaque recognising her as a woman that Builds. Her right arm is bent and her fist is raised in a gesture of determination or celebration.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
In this episode, I chat with Cary Lowe and Trish Butler about the complexities of travelling with a mobility impairment like multiple sclerosis. The conversation centres around a new book released by Cary, entitled “On Two Legs and Three Wheels” in which he shares some of the global travel adventures he and his wife Trish, who is a wheelchair user, have had over the years.
During the chat, Cary and Trish discuss some of the most common challenges faced by travellers who are wheelchair users, ways in which the hospitality industry could make their services and venues more inclusive to all, and address the topic of travel for an ageing population. They also share a few of their wealth of travel stories, both positive and negative, to illustrate their insights.
Here’s where you can find Cary’s book:
https://tinyurl.com/3zj4r77m
Learn more about Cary at:
https://carylowewriter.com/
Image description:
The cover of the book On Two Legs and Three Wheels, by Cary D Lowe. The cover shows an older man and woman outdoors. The man is standing and holding a mobility scooter handle, while the woman sits on the scooter, smiling, with her hand on the man's. They are in front of a lush, green backdrop with a tall waterfall behind them. The subtitle of the book is The Travel Adventures of a Couple Overcoming Age and Disability.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
In this episode, I chat with Talitha Humes about her app which enables users to easily identify and take
the prescribed medications required for their chronic and auto-immune conditions.
After receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2005, Talitha realized that her medications were
complex and increasingly difficult to manage accurately. Despite trying various available apps to assist
her with managing her tablets, none worked well for Talitha, which began the journey of developing an
app that would suit her needs.
The app, See Meds, is available at no cost on IOS and will hopefully be coming to Android shortly.
Since we recorded, I installed the app and tested it. From what I can see, it is almost entirely accessible
for me as a blind user of an iPhone with VoiceOver.
Here’s where you can find the app and read more about it:
Website: www.seemymed.com
See Meds App on IOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/see-meds/id1671939877
https://www.instagram.com/seemedsapp/
Image description:
A woman with short curly light hair, wearing a light blue collared shirt. She has pearl-stud earrings and is
wearing glasses with a dark frame.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** Do you have a goal you’d love to achieve and need help reaching it? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges you face? Contact me for a free 30 minute discovery chat to see if she is the coach to help you.
Drop me a mail: https://www.loisstrachan.com/contact-lois/
In this episode, we return to the subject of inclusive sport. Lois chats about inclusive archery with three-time Paralympian Shaun Anderson, and Ferdi van Eerden, who has competed four times in the World Archery Indoor Nationals.
The conversation focuses on the ways in which archery can be adapted to accommodate people with differing needs, the high level of inclusion within the sport and the benefits of participating in a sport for persons with disabilities.
Why not give inclusive archery a try?
Reach out to Shaun and the South
African National Archery Association (at the following links:
Shaun website: https://odysseyarchery.co.za/
Shaun WhatsApp: +27 (0)83 658 2129
SANAA Website: https://www.sanaa.org.za/
Image description:
Ferdi, A man in a wheelchair, who is wearing a blue and red shirt is aiming a bow, presumably at an archery target, On the wheelchair there is a dark blue bag containing various articles. Other competitors can be seen in the background as are archery targets and a digital scoreboard.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** Do you have a goal you’d love to achieve and need help reaching it? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges you face? Contact me for a free 30 minute discovery chat to see if she is the coach to help you.
Drop me a mail: https://www.loisstrachan.com/contact-lois/
In this episode, Lois chats with Sayyida Victoria, The Blind Butterfly.
Sayyida is a woman of many talents. she works as the manager of education and training at the Lighthouse in Housten, Texas. She is the founder of the Blind Professionals Network, an NGO focusing on improving the employability of those who are blind and partially blind. She is co-host of the Blind Table Talk podcast. And she is a mom to five children.
During the conversation, Sayyida talks of how she became blind, what it was like being a blind mom to her five children, the importance of education and advocacy both within and beyond the blindness sector, and the eternal question of whether or not it is okay to ask for help as an empowered, independent person with a disability.
Reach out to Sayyida:
Blind Professionals Network Website: blindpronet.org
Blind Table Talk Website: blindtabletalk.com
Email: bviempowered@outlook.com
Email: blindbutterfly@icloud.com
Image description:
A woman with shoulder-length black hair smiling gently at the camera. She is wearing a light purple shirt over a black top and a delicate chain necklace. The lighting is soft and emphasises her face.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** Want to introduce the topic of inclusion to young children? My illustrated children’s books, The Adventures of Missy Mouse, are a great tool to open conversations that normalise disability.
Order them at
https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content
In this episode, Lois chats with Naomi Riley, a consultant, brain injury survivor and advocate with a passion for making a difference.
During the conversation, Naomi talks about growing up with a disability and the challenges she faced during her schooling. She then discusses the distracted driver accident that left her with a brain injury as an adult and the rehabilitation she underwent as a result of the accident.
Naomi is the founder of the Text Pledge Project, a nationally recognized initiative addressing mental health and digital wellness through collaborative community engagement. Her work has impacted thousands of students and educators across school systems and civic organizations. She’s been featured in national media in the USA, invited to speak at education conferences and advocacy panels, and has advised business leaders and policymakers on building equitable systems that support neurodiverse communities.
Reach out to Naomi :
Website: https://naomilriley.com/
Text Pledge Project: https://textpledge.us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomi.l.riley/
Image description: A smiling woman with long, wavy blonde hair standing outdoors in a crowd. She is wearing a stylish orange blazer over a light yellow blouse, accessorized with layered necklaces and earrings. People in casual summer clothing are visible in the background. Trees and soft-focus buildings can also be seen in the background.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
Show Notes:
** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available as a print book, an e-book and in audio – grab your copy today!
Order it at
https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content
In this episode, Lois chats with Belinda Sampson, an empowerment coach and programme coordinator focused on lifelong learning.
Following on from the last episode, where I highlighted two adaptive sports for the blind community, the conversation with Belinda focuses on her involvement with wheelchair basketball. During her education, Belinda was exposed to several adaptive sports, but it was only when she discovered wheelchair basketball that she found a sport that worked for her.
Belinda describes how the sport is played, including the means by which differing levels of disability can be incorporated. I found it interesting that non-disabled people can be accommodated into wheelchair basketball as long as they are also making use of a wheelchair during the game.
Following on to our discussion of wheelchair basketball, we explored Belinda’s new career focus on coaching, empowering people with disabilities to achieve their goals.
Reach out to Belinda:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-sampson-developer/
e-mail: abilityflexed@gmail.com
Find out more about wheelchair basketball at:
Website: https://basketball.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WheelchairBasketballSA
Image description:
A woman of colour with braided hair who is a wheelchair user. She is wearing a dark blue sleeveless top and is resting her chin on her raised right hand, while her left hand is placed on her lap. The background of the image is a soft blue purple colour.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available as a print book, an e-book and in audio – grab your copy today!
Order it at
https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content
In this episode, Lois chats with Joseph Fleeks, one of the hosts of the Blind Table Talk Podcast.
At the age of 16, a drive-by shooting resulted in Joseph becoming blind. An active athlete when he was sighted, Joseph began exploring adaptive sports soon after his rehabilitation. In this conversation, we discuss two of his sports, Beep Baseball and Goalball.
From there we discuss what Joseph sees as challenges facing the blind and visually impaired community, ending off with an introduction to the Blind Table Talk platform, which will be discussed in greater detail in an episode of the membership site of this show.
Reach out to Joseph at the following links:
e-mail: Joseph@blindtabletalk.com
Web: https://blindtabletalk.com/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@blindtabletalk?si=7gWmI0mwEl3HI68V
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5346006688800340
Image description:
The logo of the show, A Different Way of Seeing with Lois Strachan. The image features a styalised human figure with long hair and a white cane. On the right is an image of an eye, indicating vision or sight. The colours are shades of teal blue and grey.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available as a print book, an e-book and in audio – grab your copy today!
Order it at
https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content
In this episode, Lois chats with Tarryn Tomlinson from LiveAble Universal Access Consultants, an organisation that specialises in universal access solutions for the hospitality industry.
The conversation focuses on the impact that smart city initiatives could have on the inhabitants of a city, including those with disabilities.
We discuss the difference between smart and traditional city planning and design, how to ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind when it comes to the design, implementation and measurement of smart initiatives, and how to ensure that people who are not able or willing to engage with technology are not marginalised. We also consider the first steps that a city like that in which both Tarryn and I live may need to take to start incorporating smart technology into the planning and design process.
Reach out to Tarryn at the following links:
Web: www.liveablegroup.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveabledesign/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveablefocus
e-mail: tarryn@liveablegroup.com
Able2Travel Web: www.able2travel.co.za
Image description:
The logo of the show, A Different Way of Seeing, with Lois Strachan. The image features a styalised human figure with long hair and a white cane. On the right is an image of an eye, indicating vision or sight. The colours are shades of teal blue and grey.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** My new book, Paws for Thought (seco nd edition) is now available as a print book, an e-book and in
audio – grab your copy today!
Order it at
https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content
In today’s episode, Lois chats with Michelle Nell, a post-graduate psychology student and musician
about living with complex disabilities. Michelle was born with glaucoma, a visual impairment, and has
since received diagnoses of auto-immune conditions, psoriatic arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
During the conversation Michelle shares how she views her disabilities, the process of navigating a new
diagnosis of an auto-immune condition and the challenges she currently faces due to having been forced
by her medical condition to put her studies on hold temporarily.
She also discusses the relief of receiving a diagnosis after months of uncertainty about her medical
condition and the reassurance experienced from now having a way forward with a treatment that can
assist her.
If you are able to make a donation to Michelle’s crowdfunding campaign, that would really help her.
Crowdfunding link:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/visions-for-change-supporting-a-blind-scholars-journey
Reach out to Michelle:
e-mail: mnellpiano@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.nell.39
Follow Michelle’s writing on her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571289303639
** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available as a print book, an e-book and in audio – grab your copy today!
Order it at
https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content
In today’s episode, Lois chats with Katrina (Kat) Paz, the compiler of a recently published bestselling book, Trailblazing and Transforming: Success Stories of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities.
Trailblazing and Transforming shares the stories of twelve people with disabilities who have achieved success in building their own companies. The purpose of the book is to build awareness of entrepreneurship as a way for people with disabilities to grow sustainable income generating organisations from their skills and passions.
In the conversation, Kat discusses why entrepreneurship is such a good option for people with disabilities as a career, the diversity of those represented in the book, and what people can learn from it.
Find Trailblazing and Transforming: Success Stories of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities on Amazon at
https://www.amazon.com/Trailblazing-Transforming-Success-Entrepreneurs-Disabilities-ebook/dp/B0F3S6BRP3/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FFuROm34wayO82mopyepFQ.ZblSLGivwEmSRUjx1w7bVqkqQymynpi8IUp82KZ0H14&dib_tag=se&keywords=success+stories+of+entrepreneurs+with+disability+paz&qid=1746703949&s=books&sr=1-1
As a note, Trailblazing and Transforming achieved bestseller status in the categories of Home-Based Business Sales & Selling and Biographies of Social Activists on the day it launched.
Find Kat Paz on the following links:
Website: leapground.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeapGround
Instagram: @leapground
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leapground/
Image description:
Cover of the book Trailblazing and Transforming, Success Stories of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, compiled by Kat Paz. The cover is in shades of blue and gray with pops of orange. It features three graphics of people from the waist down. On the left is a person with a prosthetic leg. In the middle is a person wearing business attire with a briefcase in their left hand and a white cane in their right hand. The right image is of a person in a wheelchair.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available as a print book, an e-book and in audio – grab your copy today!
Order it at
https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content
In today’s episode, Lois chats with Guillaume Hervier, host of the French language podcast, Les Voyages A L'Aveuglette.
Guillaume chats about his life growing up in France with retinitis pigmentosa and the accessibility features that are typically found in France for people who are blind or partially blind.
He also discusses his love for travel, which was borne out of his participation in blind tennis. Since this was the first time I had heard of blind tennis, we dig a little deeper into how the sport is played, and Guillaume shares a little of the history of the game.
We also talk about his time living in Indonesia and his hope to found a travel agency focused on encouraging both disabled and non-disabled French people to visit the country he came to love. Finally, he shares some of the reasons why people may wish to visit France.
Find Guillaume on the following links:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lesvoyagesalaveuglette
Podcast feed: https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/les-voyages-a-laveuglette/id1481509619
Image description:
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available. Get your copy at
https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content
In today’s episode, Lois chats with host of the Different Ability Podcast, Katey Fortun, about her work as an interior designer.
During the conversation, Katey talks about the relief of receiving a diagnosis of dyslexia at the age of 10 years of age, because it helped her to understand her way of doing things. She acknowledges the willingness of her education system to accommodate her and some of the techniques she uses to accomplish the many diverse and creative tasks she is involved with.
Katey emphasises the importance of using your strengths to help determine your career, rather than constantly trying to work on areas that cause you to struggle.
Katey chats about her podcast, the Different Ability Podcast, as well as her forthcoming book, Embracing Your Different Ability: Together We Advocate: Disability Stories Through the Eyes of a Child and Parent.
Finally, Katey speaks of her preference for the term different ability, as opposed to disability and explains why she feels the way she does.
Reach out to Katey on
Website: kateyfortun.com
Podcast feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1216838.rss
My interview on The Different Ability Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1216838/episodes/16172924-beyond-vision-empowering-a-more-inclusive-world-with-lois-strachan.mp3
Image description:
A woman with long blonde hair is wearing a black dress with a pattern of orange flowers. There are autumn leaves on the ground and the lighting is bright and cosy.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available. Get your copy at https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content
In today’s episode, Lois chats with Dr Lionel Smith, a medical doctor who was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at the age of 60. Despite his diagnosis, he continued to work in the medical field.
During the conversation, Lionel describes his life both before and after his diagnosis, explaining how he was able to continue making a significant impact on the medical field in South Africa despite his deteriorating eyesight. He also talks about the challenges he is facing now that his RP has progressed.
*Note from Lois: This episode is dedicated to the memory of Dr Lionel Smith, who passed away shortly before the interview was published.
Image description:
A middle-aged man wearing a light blue shirt. He has glasses resting on his short gray hair. The background of the image is out of focus, emphasizing the man’s face.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** My new Kindle book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available. Get your copy at https://www.amazon.com/Paws-Thought-second-Seeing-Through-ebook/dp/B0DRTJF95G/
In today’s episode, Lois chats with Geertje van den Broeck, who runs a wheelchair accessible guesthouse in Cape Town, South Africa.
On moving to South Africa from Belgium, Geertje decided to open the guesthouse, drawing on her past experience as a caregiver for people who were wheelchair users. During the conversation, Geertje shares a little of her story and describes the facilities that make the Casa Ilanga guesthouse wheelchair-friendly. She also touches on her plans to extend the accessibility of the accommodation to suit people living with other disabilities.
Discover more about Casa Ilanga Guesthouse
Website: https://casailanga.co.za/
Image description:
A woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a dark dress with a floral pattern is walking down a paved path surrounded by tall trees and greenery. She has a red shoulder bag over one shoulder.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** My new Kindle book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available. Get your copy at https://www.amazon.com/Paws-Thought-second-Seeing-Through-ebook/dp/B0DRTJF95G/
In today’s episode, Lois chats with low vision travel coach Linsay Lusyne about her work helping those from the blind and visually impaired(BVI) community who wish to become more confident travellers.
Drawing on her experience as an orientation and mobility instructor and as a guide dog trainer, Linsay has a thorough understanding of the way that members of the BVI community travel. Combining that with her love of travel and exploring new places and cultures, the insights that Linsay offers into the world of accessible travel are of immense value to anyone in the BVI community and those who would like to gain a greater understanding into how blind and low vision people travel.
Please note: during the conversation, Linsay mentions a workshop that will be taking place in early December. This episode was recorded some time ago and that workshop has already happened. But take a look at Linsay’s website and socials to see what is coming up.
Reach out to Linsay at the following:
Vision Loss Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/617168270274903
•Website: visionlosstravel.com
•YouTube: https://youtube.com/@visionlosstravel?si=FByTI9pxz1aREuyz
•Email: visionlosstravel@gmail.com
Image description:
A woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a dark dress with a floral pattern is walking down a paved path surrounded by tall trees and greenery. She has a red shoulder bag over one shoulder.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** My new Kindle book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available. Get your copy at https://www.amazon.com/Paws-Thought-second-Seeing-Through-ebook/dp/B0DRTJF95G/
In today’s episode, Lois chats with Mayet Banos (she/her). Mayet is a business owner and founder of Vision Creative Adventure, an organisation in which she helps people shift their bold ideas into great achievements. Mayet received a diagnosis of ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder as an adult.
During our chat, Mayet describes how she became aware that she might be living with ADHD, the process by which she received her diagnosis, and the impact that receiving the diagnosis had on the way she perceives herself.
Mayet also shares a number of strategies that she has found helpful in navigating all that she wants to do and leverage the advantages of her ADHD.
During the conversation she talks of several platforms that she makes use of. These are listed below:
•Understood.org ADHD Section- https://www.understood.org/en/adhd#section-header-D96KFoflg6wfyZlckEonh
•Betterhelp- https://www.betterhelp.com/get-started/?go=true&utm_content=1224856262880096&utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=Search_PPC_c&utm_term=betterhelp_e&network=o&placement=⌖=&matchtype=e&utm_campaign=482076465&ad_type=text&adposition=&kwd_id=kwd-76553751264214%3Aloc-190&msclkid=c75582dfaa391cb47990e5a231b70c64¬_found=1&gor=start
•Bullet Journal: https://bulletjournal.com/blogs/faq
Sound frequency apps: https://endel.io/ and https://apps.apple.com/us/app/beatfulness/id1120843229
This conversation should not be taken as medical advice. If you feel you may be living with ADHD or another neurodiverse condition, please consult a qualified medical advisor.
Reach out to Mayet Banos at the following:
•My personal link page with all relevant links: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGbdJWgQTo/Dll3Wn_qmpL6bnHy0h0dYw/view?utm_content=DAGbdJWgQTo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h1fe8b0b196
•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayetb/**
•Instagram: @visions.creative.ventures
•Website: www.visionscreativeventures.com
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available. Get your copy at https://www.amazon.com/Paws-Thought-second-Seeing-Through-ebook/dp/B0DRTJF95G/
In today’s episode, Lois chats with low vision consultant, Jennifer Webster. Jennifer shares a little of her own story of growing up with low vision. She talks about the challenges of adapting to the education system and the techniques she employed to help her pass as fully sighted while her visual acuity was deteriorating.
Jenniefer also discusses the work she is doing now, making digital spaces more accessible for those who do not engage with a website or online material in the typical way. She also offers some low tech solutions that she uses in her everyday life, including the product she is creating, the PadPerch, a hands-free magnifier stand that can be used in many different ways to benefit different needs.
Reach out to Jennifer at the following link:
Website: www.c-ur-able.co.za
Image Description:
A woman with short white hair smiling warmly at the camera. She is wearing a white shirt with brown buttons on the sleeves and down the front. Her arms are crossed in front of her in a relaxed pose.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available for pre-order. Get your copy at https://www.amazon.com/Paws-Thought-second-Seeing-Through-ebook/dp/B0DRTJF95G/
In today’s episode, Lois returns to the fun topic of the training of guide dogs, this time focusing on the crucial early months of the dogs’ life before they start formal training. She talks with two puppy raisers, Tania Robbertze and Wendy Purdon about what is involved in caring for the puppies.
During the conversation, Tania and Wendy mention several well-known Cape Town events. These are described below.
1 Tania mentions Gladys Evans. She was the founder of the South African
Guide Dogs Association for the Blind.
2Tania refers to Maynardville, an outdoor theatre complex in Cape Town that has an annual Shakespeare play.
3 Wendy refers to Dancers with Dogs. It is an annual dance performance done to benefit the South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind, where guide dog puppies are often integrated into the performance.
Reach out to them at
South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind: https://guidedog.org.za/#content
AWOL Tours: https://www.awoltours.co.za
Image Description:
Two adorable tiny Labrador Retriever puppies sitting on a soft grey surface. The puppy on the left is black with a shiny coat and is sitting upright with its mouth slightly open. It is wearing a guide dog harness that is far too big for it. The puppy on the right is a light yellow color and is lying down with its front paws stretched out. It is also wearing an oversized guide dog harness. Both puppies have an attentive expression on their faces.
Photo with kind permission by Tania Robbertze.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.
** Interested in being an advance reader of my latest book? Contact me on https://www.loisstrachan.com/contact-lois/
In today’s episode, Lois and Jeremy Opperman have a conversation about books that represent characters with disabilities. This is the first in a series on specific books that represent various disabilities, though this is a general introduction of the concept and what we will be discussing in future shows.
Here is a list of the books we discuss during the episode:
DH Lawrence (Lady Chatterley’s Lover
Lee Child (Jack Reacher)
Ian Rankin (John Rebus)
Michael Connoly (Harry Bosch)
Jeffery Deaver (Lincoln Rhyme)
Michael Robotham (Joseph O’Loughlin)
Anthony Doerr (All the Light We Cannot See)
Jojo Moyes (Me Before You)
Jojo Moyes (Windfallen or Foreign Fruit )
Jules Verne (20 000 Leagues Under the Sea)
Robert Galbraith (Cormoran Strike)
Manda Scott
Val McDermid
Jeanine Cummins (American Dirt)
F Scott Fitzgerald
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
George Bernard Shaw
Octavia Butler
Christy Brown (The Life that Inspired My Left Foot)
Stephen Hawkins
Sylvia Nasar (Beautiful Minds )
Barbara Hinske (Guiding Emily)
Elizabeth Sammons (The Lyra and the Cross)
Marian Keyes (The Mystery of Mercy Close)
Image Description:
An AI generated image of a cozy, old library. An open book lies on a wooden desk, emitting radiant light that illuminates the surrounding area. From the pages of the book, various objects emerge, indicating that the book is creating audio. These elements include three open books with pages fluttering, swirling spirals, glowing musical notes, and alphabet letters.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
** Interested in being an advance reader of my latest book? Contact me on https://www.loisstrachan.com/contact-lois/
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Cheryl Robertson, who is a trainer at the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind.
Cheryl outlines the process used to train guide dogs and explains how they are matched with their human partners. She also talks about the process to apply for a guide, service or autism support dog in South Africa and neighbouring countries.
During the conversation, Cheryl refers to puppy-raisers, the volunteers who serve as host families to the dogs prior to them beginning their formal training. I will be chatting to two puppy-raisers in a future episode, learning about their work and the role of the puppy-raisers.
Contact the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind on any of the following:
Website: https://guidedog.org.za/#content
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAGuideDogs/
Instagram: @sa_guide_dogs/?
Image Description: Logo of the South African Guide Dogs association for the blind. There are three circles, a yellow one with a person walking with a Guide dog, a blue one with a person walking with a Guide dog, and a Green one showing a person walking with a white cane.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Adrijana Prokopenko, who lives in North Macedonia and works as a teacher for blind children.
Adrijana explains the training she received as an educator and outlines some of the logistical challenges she faces as a woman with a disability in North Macedonia. As a developing country, North Macedonia faces challenges of lack of resources, poor levels of social inclusion of those with disabilities, and the difficulty of accessing assistive technology.
Adrijana also tells us a little of the process she uses as a blind educator to teach English to young learners from the blind and partially blind community.
Reach out to Adrijana at:
e-mail: adrijana.prokopenko@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568372254957
Blind PenPals 18 and above Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/870933756277832
Visually Impaired, Blind and Sighted Singles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14W22qv1Ev/
Podcast Image description:
The image shows a woman with short, straight brown hair and bangs, sitting in what appears to be a restaurant. She is wearing a black jacket over a red shirt.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
**Find more about Lois’s memoir at https://www.loisstrachan.com/books-and-author-support/#acc-content
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Mitch Kidd about their life as a transgender blind individual. Mitch and Lois discuss some of the unique challenges faced by people living with this intersectionality and solutions to enhance inclusion of all individuals
Mitch talks openly about their realization of their gender dysphoria and their journey to explore their own identity
Since the show was recorded, Mitch now identifies with the name Mitch Kidd and they have also deactivated their Facebook account so it is no longer possible to contact them there.
This episode is in acknowledgement of the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance on 20 November, which is dedicated to the memory of those who have been victims of transgender phobia and violence.
Reach out to Mitch at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-kidd-35bb40319/
Podcast Image description:
The image shows a person with short hair smiling directly at the camera. They are wearing a gray, textured sweater.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
**Find more about Lois’s memoir at https://www.loisstrachan.com/books-and-author-support/#acc-content
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Notukela Makohliso, a woman who fulfils many roles. She is a mother, a politician, a social justice activist, a writer, a storyteller, and speaker. She is a woman who draws much inspiration from her faith. Notukela is also the founder of the NFI, the Notukela Foundation Institute.
In the conversation, Notukela talks about the impact of the motor accident that left her a fulltime wheelchair user, the need for greater disability representation at all levels of government, and describes what she sees as some of the main challenges faced by people living with disabilities in South Africa. She also describes the work being done by the NFI, and shares stories from her own history as a woman with a disability.
Reach out to Notukela at:
Website (personal): https://notukela.com/
Website (NFI): https://www.thenfi.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/notukela-m/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notukela
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queen_tuksie/
X: x.com/notukela_m?s=11&t=PxEYjHTk7DLi75NOcvW_CQ
Podcast Image description:
A woman of colour with braided hair styled in a bob. She is wearing a white t-shirt with a jacket that is black, white and grey and has a white and red scarf around her neck.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
**Find Lois’s music on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/album/5FoQ00woRkMAtb7j3EZJWa?si=bgviicb8SGu78Srva8JAUg&nd=1
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with visual artist Aerin Dyason, the youngest guest to feature on the show so far. Aerin was diagnosed with retinal dystrophy as a young child.
Aerin describes the challenges she faced as a partially sighted learner in mainstream schooling in South Africa where she was able to access few accommodations. She also describes how her eye condition impacts the visual art she creates and where she hopes to take her art in the future.
Finally, Aerin talks about her love of reading and how she is able to access books.
Reach out to Aerin at:
Instagram: The Unseen Artist - https://www.instagram.com/the.unseen._artist?igsh=d3F4YjB0NHAwcXZr&utm_source=qr
Podcast Image description:
A young woman with long wavy blonde hair sits at a table in a restaurant. She is wearing a dark jacket with red patterns over a black top and has a necklace with a small pendant around her neck. She is smiling.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
**Find Lois’s music on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/album/5FoQ00woRkMAtb7j3EZJWa?si=bgviicb8SGu78Srva8JAUg&nd=1
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with content creator, Lethabo Segudla, from the Zollyhood Universe platform.
Lethabo, who is visually impaired and has epilepsy, is the social media manager for Zollyhood Universe, a platform that showcases the talents of youth living with blindness and visual impairment. Lethabo is also a voice actor who has starred in several audio productions produced by Zollyhood, and is a volunteer leader in an organisation for youth with disabilities in Tshwane, South Africa.
Reach out to Lethabo at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorcas.segudla.39
e-mail: lethabosegudla@zollyhooduniverse.com
Twitter/X: @YOUNGLIONOVM
Instagram: :@iam_djyounglionrsa
Connect with Zollyhood Universe at the below links:
Web: https://zollyhooduniverse.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@zollyhood_official?si=LFK8ZX-ICD-lxCra
TikTok: ZollyhoodUniverse
Podcast Image description:
A man with short black hair wearing red over-ear headphones. He has a mustache and a short beard. He is wearing an orange shirt with white and blue lettering that is partially visible.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with fellow podcaster, Lenard Gros, from the show The Disabled Life.
Lenard talks about his life and show, and the accommodations that enable him to produce the podcast and volunteer while living with cerebral palsy and dyslexia. He also discusses a few of the inclusion barriers he has faced as a result of society’s expectations of people living with a disability.
Reach out to Lenard at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lenard.gros/
E-mail: ke4key@gmail.com
The Disabled Life Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nLNRCRJ5IKxXbpa9RK11t?si=6f25rcTPTzqSbHzlpzE3nA
Twitter/X: @ke4key
Podcast Image description:
A man with short dark hair who is wearing glasses. He is waring a blue shirt with a design of a shark on it.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode of the Job Talk series, Lois talks with Elizabeth Sammons about simultaneous interpreting as a possible career choice for persons with disabilities with a passion for languages.
Elizabeth discusses possible training and techniques to practice the skill of simultaneous interpreting, and discusses her own experience interpreting both formally and informally. As a speaker of multiple languages, she has found numerous ways to make use of her language skills around the world. This episode is a practical approach to a less discussed career option.
Reach out to Elizabeth at:
e-mail: iamantigone@att.net
If you reach out to Elizabeth, please use the subject line “Question about Simultaneous Interpreting”
Podcast Image description:
A woman with long light-coloured hair, who is smiling.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Confidence Coach, Chris Mitchell.
Chris talks about what it was like growing up with Cerebral Palsy, a visual impairment and ADHD. He also discusses his work, the certification he achieved to become a coach, and how he uses his coaching to help others in the disability community, who often struggle with self-doubt and lack of confidence.
Chris is also active on social media, spreading his story and helping others through his books, his podcast, and his YouTube channel.
Reach out to Chris at:
Website: thechrismitchell.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrismitchellofficial/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChrisMitchellOfficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheChrisMitchellOfficial
Podcast Image description:
A smiling man with glasses and short grey hair. He is wearing a white shirt with a logo on the left side, stating It Doesn’t Define Me.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
**Content Warning: this episode contains references to sexual abuse and domestic violence. If these topics may trigger you, please skip the episode.
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Juri Love, a multi-talented woman, about what it is like living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of childhood trauma. A survivor of sexual abuse, domestic violence and homelessness, Juri’s story is one of resilience and inner strength.
During the conversation, Lois and Juri talk openly about the challenges associated with mental health awareness, and Juri’s bestselling book and podcast, both called A Gift from Adversity.
During the interview Juri discusses certain techniques she uses to manage her panic attacks. Please note that this does not constitute medical advice of any kind. If you are concerned that you may be experiencing panic attacks or symptoms of PTSD, please consult a qualified medical practitioner.
Get hold of your copy of Juri’s bestselling book:
https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Adversity-Overcoming-Domestic-Homelessness/dp/1610059700/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3T2YA9T6MQY5M&keywords=a+gift+from+adversity+Juri+Love&qid=1648821954&sprefix=a+gift+from+adversity+juri+love+%2Caps%2C62&sr=8-1
Reach out to Juri at:
Website: jurilove.com
Instagram: @juripanda
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/agiftfromadversity
Podcast Image description:
A woman of Japanese descent with long dark hair, who is wearing a teal lace sleeveless top. She is smiling at the camera.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
**Set up a free 30 minute coaching discovery call with Lois on https://www.loisstrachan.com/contact-lois/
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Abida Mahomed about her work as a database administrator (DBA) using the Oracle platform. This is the latest episode of the Job Talk series, focusing on people with disabilities working in mainstream employment.
Despite studying for a career in social work, Abida started working in a technical field on a platform that had limited accessibility for her as a blind user. During the conversation she discusses the changes she has experienced as the platform has become more inclusive of the needs of DBAs with visual conditions.
Abida talks about her work, the skills she feels that make a good database administrator, and some of the challenges she has faced as a blind person working in a technical field.
Reach out to Abida at:
e-mail: abidamahomed@outlook.com
Podcast Image description:
A woman of Indian heritage with shoulder-length dark hair. She is wearing a sleeveless black top and a pendent on a necklace. She is sitting at an outdoor restaurant with people in the background, who are seated at a table shaded by a blue umbrella.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
**Set up a free 30 minute coaching discovery call with Lois on https://www.loisstrachan.com/contact-lois/
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Aaron Richmond, host and creator of the Aaron’s Opinion Podcast.
His show discusses critical issues in the blindness community and other issues from across the universe and galaxy. It can be heard wherever you download a podcast.
To join the Aaron’s Opinion e-mail list, send a blank e-mail to the following address with the word “Subscribe” in the subject line:
Mailing List: Aarons-opinion-podcast+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Reach out to Aaron and discover the Aaron’s Opinion platform:
Podcast feed: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aarons-opinion/id1535839694
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/wXsEVwhM
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/mwP9ZshGuSziDuYF/?mibextid=K35XfP
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063488384876&mibextid=dGKdO6
X/Twitter: : https://x.com/aaronri59642926?s=21&t=MOAJRG4X2UIJgiFQWUaCnA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronsopinion?igsh=MmZtZDU2am9oZHB5&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aaronsopiniontv?si=Dpm4p8W1xa8n_TpY
Podcast Image description:
A styalised image of a phoenix bird in shades of red, orange and yellow, to indicate its fiery nature. The bird has its wings spread and its head is turned to the side. The words Aaron’s Opinion are shown below the phoenix.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Ghofran Alyass about her life and how she navigated the educational system as a person with a disability living in Canada.
Ghofran was born in Iraq at a time of war, when obtaining medical supplies and accurate medical advice was a challenge. Her parents managed to care for a child with spinal bifida for ten years, until she was able to travel to the USA for lifesaving surgery.
In this conversation Ghofran discusses her early life, her experiences navigating the education system in Canada, her recent memoir and her current work running a not-for-profit called BeyondAbilities International
Reach out to Ghofran and buy her book:
BeyondAbilities International Website: http://www.beyondabilities.ca
Ghofran e-mail: beyondabilities51@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3nIsr0oB5u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeyondAbilitiesCanada?mibextid=ZbWKwL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/AbilitiesBeyond?s=09
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45589891.Ghofran_Alyass
Read Ghofran’s memoir:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLF32B4B
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/wishlists/378c4096c9329957e182a9a7eca41b3283fb1647
Podcast Image description:
A smiling woman who is sitting in a wheelchair. She is wearing a white hijab and a white long-sleeved shirt. Behind her is a tree with red and green leaves, with fallen red leaves on the ground. There is also a stone structure and greenery.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode Lois speaks with the team responsible for devising and implementing a groundbreaking project to train certify and employ drone pilots with disabilities in South Africa. The team comprised Dean Conde, Elmarie Cronje, Kim James, and Venetia van Wyk, as well as the drone pilot participants Ferdi van Eerden and Sandile Mkhize.
During the conversation we looked at how the project was created, the various role-players who were needed to help facilitate the implementation, and some of the challenges of introducing a brand new project that had never been tried before. We also looked at the steps that would need to be put in place for such a programme to be duplicated in the future.
After outlining the project, Lois spoke to Ferdi van Eerden and Sandile Mkize, the first accredited drone pilots with disabilities in South Africa. They discussed their experiences on the project, the accommodations that they had to make, and some of the realities of finding employment as a person with a disability.
Find out more about the drone pilot project by e-mailing Elmarie Cronje:
e-mail: elmarie.cronje@eoh.com
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Mitch Creedy, a digital accessibility consultant from Canada.
Mitch talks about their background in digital accessibility, and the training they received through the Blind Institute of Technology, also called the BIT Academy.
They also refer to the WCAG, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, as a tool that can be used by web developers wishing to make their work more accessible.
The second half of the conversation revolves around the topic of bullying, both experienced within the workplace and in more casual and social interactions, where Mitch unpacks some experiences that they have encountered.
*As a note: this conversation was recorded in December 2023 and, at one stage, Mitch refers to their decision to disengage from social media for a short time. I’m thrilled to let you know that they are back on socials and you can now connect with them there.
Reach out to Mitch at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchk20
Blind Institute of Technology website:
Podcast Image description:
A person with short hair smiling at the camera. They are wearing a grey zip-up top with a high collar. The background is plain and white, providing a clear view of the person.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Nick Smit, who works as an educator in Johannesburg.
With Nick having a strong background in disability awareness and accessibility through his work with the organisation, Smergos, they discuss the accessibility of the teaching profession, both of his teacher training and in his work experience.
They chat about how Nick, who did not consider maths to be a strong subject for him, was drawn into specialising as a maths teacher.. They also talk about the impact Nick’s disability has on the young learners and colleagues with whom he interacts.
Nick is no stranger to the A Different Way of Seeing podcast. Listen to our previous conversations at the following links:
Episode91: Inspiring Motion with Nicole Vergos and Nick Smit of Smergos - https://iono.fm/e/1372457
Episode 50:Nick & Nikki Smit - http://iono.fm/e/1075117
Reach out to Nick at:
Website: www.therebelninja.com
e-mail: nick@therebelninja.com
Nick’s disability advocacy work: nick@smergos.com
Podcast Image description:
A black and white portrait of a man with a beard, mustache, and neatly trimmed hair. He is wearing a collared shirt, a fitted blazer and a cap.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Vhutshilo Masibigiri, founder of Diversity SA, a South African company working in the diversity, equity and inclusion space.
During the conversation, Lois and Vee discuss the reason that disability seldom enters the DEI conversation in South Africa, the work Vee is doing to raise awareness about disability and empower people living with disabilities. As an HR and DEI practitioner, Vee shares her work in tackling difficult conversations, and some of the realities facing persons with disabilities in the poorest communities with which she works.
Vee also talks about the story behind her fascination with diversity integration, which she learned as a young child from watching the way her mother engaged with members of their community.
Note: During the interview, Vee mentions Lois’s presentation at the PSASA Midterm Convention, which was about ways to make events more accessible to persons with disabilities. The PSASA is the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa.
Reach out to Vhutshilo:
Website: https://diversity-sa.co.za/
Vhutshilo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vhutshilo-masibigiri-494a592a/
Diversity SA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diversity-sa.co.za/
Diversity SA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.diversitysa.co.za
Podcast Image description:
A woman of colour sitting at a desk with a laptop open in front of her. She is wearing a white blazer over a dark top, has short black hair, and is wearing gold hoop earrings. Her hands are clasped together in front of her, and she has red nail polish on her nails. On the desk, there is a white mug, a book titled "belonging", and a pair of glasses to her right.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode, Lois speaks with Shakila Maharaj, managing director at ShazaCin Accessible Media, about making the visual world accessible through the use of audio description.
We chat what audio description is and who, beyond the blindness community, is using audio description, as well as digging into some of the more technical aspects including the use of AI in audio description, the various role-players in creating the audio description tracks, and how audio description is both an art and a science. about
We also look at the development of the ShazaCin app and how its use is expanding from just film and television content into heritage and art spaces.
Find the ShazaCin app at DescribeAT on the Google Play store or at app.shazacin.com on IOS.
Reach out to Shakila:
Website;: Shazacin.com
Email: admin@shazacin.com or info@shazacin.com
Podcast Image description:
A woman of Indian heritage standing against a white wall. She has short, dark hair that is graying at the temples and is wearing a light brown, puffy jacket over a colorful top that has a mix of blue, brown, and orange tones with a floral pattern. She has a gold necklace around her neck. The woman is looking slightly upwards and to her right with a soft, contemplative expression.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode of Job Talk, Lois speaks with rare warrior, Kerry Walsh, about the upcoming launch of her new book “Finding My Feet: A Rare Warrior’s Journey Through SMA and the Unknown”.
During the interview, we chat about the book – why Kerry wrote it, some of the central themes and touch on her lived experience with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Kerry also shares the details of the book launch party, which is being held at Dreambox, Johannesburg, on 1 March at 18:30. Links to book for the event are given below, along with Kerry’s social media links.
Reach out to Kerry:
Website: https://www.kerrywalshtrust.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KmotivationSA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmotivationsa/
Book for the launch: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/247173-finding-my-feet-book-launch/?#/
Buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNLM2W24
Follow the Beyond Sight blog: https://www.loisstrachan.com/blog/
Get hold of a copy of Lois’s memoir: htpps://www.loisstrachan.com/books/
Download a free chapter from one of Lois’s books: https://www.loisstrachan.com/paws-for-thought/
Podcast Image description:
The cover of Kerry’s book, Finding My Feet: A Rare Warrior’s Journey with SMA and the Unknown. . The top half shows a black and white photo of a woman lying on her back with her head upside down, smiling with closed eyes. She has a flower in her hair. The bottom half has a purple background with the title and author's name in white letters. There are also two small white butterfly illustrations near the title and a white outline of a sunflower on the right side.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode of Job Talk, Lois speaks with Tyron Harding about his career as a data analyst.
Tyron outlines the skills he believes make a good analyst, the training he undertook, and the type of work he does within the scope of his job.
During the conversation, Lois and Tyron discuss his previous careers, both before and following the home invasion-related incident that resulted in his becoming a wheelchair user.
Tyron also shares some practical advice for anyone considering embarking on a career in the IT field.
Reach out to Tyron:
Social Media: https://linktr.ee/The_Pivot_Point
Find out more about Lois’s books:
https://www.loisstrachan.com/books/
Download a free chapter of one of Lois’s books:
https://www.loisstrachan.com/paws-for-thought/
Podcast Image description:
A man with short blonde hair and a light stubble. He is wearing a black button-up shirt, is smiling and looking directly at the camera. The background is plain dark gray, providing a neutral backdrop that makes the man the clear focus of the image.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
**To book a disability coaching discovery call with Lois, go to https://www.loisstrachan.com/contact-lois/
In today’s episode of Job Talk, Lois speaks with Winston Fani, South Africa’s first qualified blind tour guide.
We chat about Winston’s early life in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the reason he moved to Cape Town (hint: it was to follow the love of his life), and his start in the tourism and hospitality field.
Winston also shares a little about some of his tours, including a street art walking tour, and his forthcoming tours incorporating wine and diamonds – two of South Africa’s big tourist attractions.
To book for Winston’s street art tour, contact AWOL Tours as below:
Website: https://www.awoltours.co.za
Mobile: +27 83 2346 428
Email: info@awoltours.co.za
You can also find out more on the Cape Town Tourism website at https://www.capetown.travel/cape-town-tourism-unveils-first-of-its-kind-limitless-vision-of-inclusivity/#google_vignette
Podcast Image description: Winston is sitting on a bench outdoors, wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and a patterned dark waistcoat. He's got his dark glasses on and he's got his hands crossed under his chin and over his cane
Photo credit: Tania Robbertze.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
As a podcast host I am usually the one posing the questions. Today I’m sharing an episode from one of my favourite podcasts, where I am the one in the hot seat, facing the questions.
If you are not already following Reimagining Life Podcast : from Pain to Purpose, I’d suggest subscribing so you can catch all RiRi’s shows as soon as they are published. I’m given the links to the show and to RiRi’s socials below.
Reach out to RiRi and the Reimagining Life podcast at:
Podcast feed: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/reimagininglifepodcast
Social media: https://linktr.ee/reimagininglifepodcast
e-mail: Reimagininglifepodcast@gmail.com
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode Lois speaks with Anel Coetzee, a legal practitioner who is visually impaired.
Anel speaks openly and honestly about her experiences looking for, finding and transitioning into work, first as a practicing attorney, and then shifting into the corporate world where she currently works as a legal advisor.
This is a valuable episode for anyone considering the legal field, studying towards a law degree, and anyone working in human resources or recruitment in the industry. Anel shares several useful ideas for students and candidate attorneys throughout the show that may also be useful for people looking for employment in other industries.
Reach out to Anel at:
e-mail: Coetzee.anel@gmail.com
Blog: https://www.facebook.com/alifeafterblindness?mibextid=LQQJ4d
SAVI Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/621093669393207
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode Lois speaks with Brittany McCormick, a woman living with Cerebral Palsy who uses her passion for motivational speaking to shift people’s awareness of how to overcome challenges. Brittany chats about how discovering her love of speaking turned her wish to make a difference from a spark into a flame.
Brittany also discusses The Purpose Walk, a highly successful and ambitious fundraising campaign she undertook to raise funds to assist a local school for learners with disabilities.
Reach out to Brittany and follow her journey on:
Website: https://www.brittanymccormick.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrittanyMcCormickofficial
Instagram: @Brittany McCormick Official
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mccormick-6b635a207?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode Lois speaks with Katie Selby, paraeducator and advocate, on her experience of growing up with a learning disability.
During the conversation we discuss Katie’s schooling and college education, how she learned to self-advocate and how she teaches that important skill to the students with whom she now works.
We also talk about the book Katie has started writing, that was inspired by her reading of Stutterer Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn't Happen by Nina G.
And, of course, I jump at the chance to learn a little about Katie’s adorable rescue dogs, Barney and Fred, who have their own Facebook page.
Reach out to Katie at: Instagram: https://instagram.com/collegematerialgirl?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047780778306&mibextid=haYZDX
Fred and Barney’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/manyadventuresofbarneyandfred?mibextid=ZbWKwL
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode Lois speaks with the co-founders of Smergos, Nicole Vergos and Nick Smit, about their organisation and the work they do enabling disability employment.
During the conversation we discuss:
•The founding of Smergos
•How they became involved in the disability employment space,
•The challenges facing disabled people seeking employment and the employers themselves,
•The work that Smergos does
•Advice for disabled persons seeking employment.
Reach out to Smergos at:
Web: www.smergos.com
LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/Smergos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smergos
Instagram: @Smergos
e-mail: nicole@smergos.com or nick@smergos.com
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s bumper episode Lois speaks with disability and inclusion specialist, Lidia Pretorius.
During the conversation we chat about Lidia’s involvement with the disability sector in Africa, the importance of allyship and how to be a good ally for the disabled community. We also discuss online and digital inclusion. Lidia shares useful ideas on ways to improve the way you show up in both areas.
Reach out to Lidia at:
Social media: https://linktr.ee/DisabilityMojoCoach
Web: https://disabilitymojocoach.co.za
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode Lois speaks with fellow podcaster, RiRi on the launching of the Reimagining Life Podcast: from Pain to Purpose
During the conversation we chat about RiRi’s own journey with chronic pain and how it led her to start the podcast as a resource for others, as well as some of the tools and techniques RiRi uses to manage her condition and move forward with all she plans to do.
Reach out to RiRi at:
Social media: linktr.ee/reimagininglifepodcast
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/reimagininglifepodcast
e-mail: Reimagininglifepodcast@gmail.com
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In today’s episode Lois speaks with Marthe-Marie Kohne, founder of Abilities without Limits, about the work being done by Abilities without Limits and Marthe-Marie’s experience of living with Cerebral Palsy.
We also talk about writing and Marthe-Marie’s co-authorship of two books, one in English and one in Afrikaans.
Support Marthe-Marie on World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6 October 2023 – more details on the Abilities without Limits website.
Books mentioned in the episode:
"Forgotten Women: The South African story” –available on https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Woman-South-African-Story-ebook/dp/B08DY8Q5PF/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Forgotten+Woman+South+African+story&qid=1694174760&s=books&sr=1-1
" Spoorsnyers vir God”- contact Marthe-Marie for copies.
Reach out to Marthe-Marie at:
Web: https://www.abilitieswithoutlimits.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abilitieswithoutlimits
Mobile: +27 82 895 3917
e-mail: info@abilitieswithoutlimits.co.za
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
Inclusion specialist Jeremy Opperman returns to speak to us on a strategy to improve levels of the employment of persons with disabilities in a holistic way.
Topics covered in this far-ranging discussion with Jeremy and Lois include:
•The concept of disability confidence and how it affects all aspects of a company’s operations
•Moving disability employment beyond just HR
•Using corporate social investment to stimulate disability empowerment and corporate ROI
•The perceived challenge of connecting disabled job seekers with employment opportunities
•The complex question of learnerships
•Shifting attitudinal barriers that prevent employment
•Advice for HR professionals wishing to increase disability confidence in their organisations.
If you missed our previous conversations on this topic, you will find them here:
82 Legislative Compliance, https://iono.fm/e/1321839
83 The Reality Check: https://iono.fm/e/1328188
84 The Business Case for Disability Inclusion: https://iono.fm/e/1332185
Reach out to Jeremy at:
Web: www.disabilitydesk.co.za
Email: jeremy@disabilitydesk.co.za
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-opperman
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
In this episode I chat with George Abraham, founder of Score Foundation in India.
During the conversation we discuss George’s involvement in blind cricket in India, and his role in the creation of the World Blind Cricket Council, of which he was elected as the first Chairperson in 1996. In this role he and his team conceived and organised the inaugural World Cup of Cricket for the Blind.
George also shares the work he is doing with Score Foundation to support visually impaired people in India, and his podcast Eyeway Conversations, on which I was recently a guest.
George’s links are below, and you can listen to my Eyeway Conversations guest interview at https://anchor.fm/eyeway/episodes/Eyeway-Conversations-with-Lois-Strachan-e1vj1vv#app-content
Reach out to George Abraham at:
Website: www.georgeabraham.in
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-abraham-85375a5
Twitter: @GeorgeBhai
e-mail: george.abraham0@gmail.com
Score Foundation:
Website: www.scorefoundation.org.in
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/score-foundation-india/
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with road accident survivor, social media influencer, and model, Nobathembu Peter, aka Royalti On Wheels, on the importance of shifting society’s stereotypes of disability.
During the conversation we discuss the advocacy work being done by Nobathembu, the book she is currently writing, and the importance of companies understanding that persons with disabilities are also consumers, and reflecting that awareness in the media.
Reach out to Nobathembu at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nomzi.peter?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Instagram: @RoyaltiOnWheels
TikTok: @RoyaltiOnWheels
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nobathembu-peter-121973131
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this third conversation on employment and disability, inclusion specialist Jeremy Opperman and I explore the business case for greater levels of inclusion.
This final part of Jeremy’s tri-nocular perspective model explores the topics of persons with disabilities as consumers, case studies of successful inclusive thinking, and the impact on employment and strategy.
If you missed our previous conversations on this topic, you will find them here:
Lens01: Legislative Compliance, https://iono.fm/e/1321839
Lens02: The Reality Check: https://iono.fm/e/1328188
Reach out to Jeremy at:
Web: www.disabilitydesk.co.za
Email: jeremy@disabilitydesk.co.za
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-opperman
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
Returning to the subject of employment and disability, in this episode inclusion specialist, Jeremy Opperman, and I explore some of the myths that impact on employment.
This is the second phase of Jeremy’s tri-nocular perspective model: the human rights lens, which he refers to as the reality check.
During our conversation we discuss:
1 the prevalence of disability in society
2 Under-employment of persons with disabilities
3 the perceived lack of skills amongst the disabled sector
4 The danger of stereotyping disability
5 the challenge of accessible transport
6 Physical accessibility
7 The indiscriminate nature of disability
Reach out to Jeremy at:
Web: www.disabilitydesk.co.za
Email: jeremy@disabilitydesk.co.za
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-opperman
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
The reasons for low levels of employment of persons with disabilities in South Africa are complex. In the next few episodes of the podcast we will be looking at some of the factors making this so complicated.
This is the first in a series of conversations with Jeremy Opperman, who is an expert in this field.
In this episode Jeremy and I chat about his work as a disability inclusion consultant working with organisations to make themselves more disability confident.
We discuss Jeremy’s Tri-nocular Perspective on inclusive employment and dig into the first lens – that of legislative compliance required of South African companies.
In future episodes we will look at the lenses of human rights and the business case for employing people with disabilities.
Reach out to Jeremy at:
Web: www.disabilitydesk.co.za
Email: jeremy@disabilitydesk.co.za
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-opperman
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with Emma Roos, co-founder of Higher Ground, from Durban in South Africa.
Emma and I speak about the Higher Ground holiday camps for persons who are blind and partially blind, as well as some of the other activities of Higher Ground:
•A chess club
•In-person social meet-ups
•Virtual meet-ups,
•Holiday camps for persons with acquired brain injury
•Holiday camps for persons with intellectual impairments.
Find out more about Higher Ground and their events at:
Web: higherground.org.za
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/38700308176/
Email: highergroundsa@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 072 1414478
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode, during Lupus Awareness month, I chat with Nurjawaan Rawoot from Cape Town, in South Africa. Nurjawaan was diagnosed with Lupus when she was years old, and it resulted in her blindness.
Nurjawaan and I also discuss how she, as a blind youth, found herself a job, and her work as a volunteer leader of the South African Blind Youth Organisation (SABYO).
Find out more about Nurjawaan Rawoot at:
Email: nurjawaanm@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nurjawaan.magonie.9
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurjawaan-rawoot-ba893821b
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with the Audio Book Wizard, Richard Rieman about making illustrated children’s books accessible to all children.
After a long career as a radio news reporter, anchor, and Washington Bureau Chief, Richard turned his storytelling skills to the world of audiobooks. He has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks and is the author of the award-winning book, “The Author’s Guide to Audiobook Creation.”
Richard was a volunteer narrator for Learning Ally, reading books for the blind, as well as being a ski guide for blind skiers.
Combining both interests, Richard created the “Imagination Storybooks” Nonprofit to make children’s illustrated books accessible to all children by creating audiobooks with audio description of the pictures for blind children, and videobooks with captions and sign language for deaf and neurodiverse children with learning challenges.
Find Imagination Storybooks at:
Website: https://imaginationstorybooks.org
Email: richard@imaginationstorybooks.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imaginationstorybooks/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardrieman/
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with Charlie Dyasi about his work as an audio engineer and voice artist.
We discuss Charlie’s curiosity about audio that started at a young age and how it led him to explore working in various aspects of the audio field including radio deejaying, audio editing and creating radio jingles.
Find Charlie and his audio work at any of the following::
e-mail: charliesa.dyasi@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lujadee.paul
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@charlieDtheradioguy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dyasicharlie
Podcast feed: https://anchor.fm/s/2668542c/podcast/rss
During the interview, Charlie references Mike Russell’s YouTube channel, which can be found at https://youtube.com/@MikeRussell
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with Michelle Steiner, from the blog Michelle’s Mission, about her lived experience with a learning disability.
Michelle talks about the impact her invisible disability had on her while growing up, and some of the adaptations she has made to accommodate her disability as an adult. We also discuss how Michelle’s learning disability empowers her in her work as a paraeducator of learners with disabilities.
Finally, we chat about Michelle’s photography and the role it plays in her life.
Find Michelle’s Blog and photography at:
Website: https://michellesmission.blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013356902200
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/
Contact Lois at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with Kristin Secor, founder of the World on Wheels Blog.
Kristin describes how she has adapted to accommodate living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and how she has managed to turn her love of travel and of helping people into an accessible travel blogsite.
Kristin also shares some of the details of her first small group tour to South Africa in 2024, where she is partnering with local company Epic Enabled.
Find The World on Wheels Blog at:
Website: https://worldonwheelsblog.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073853057823
Instagram: @WorldonWheels
Contact Lois at
Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with Barbara Hinske, a USA Today bestselling author about her newest book,
Over Every Hurdle,
the third book in the Guiding Emily series about a blind woman and her guide dog.
We learn about Barbara’s inspiration for the series, the research she does into creating a realistic lived experience for both Emily and her guide dog, Garth, and the response to the series so far.
PS Both Fiji and I think Garth is the cutest dog – if you are a dog lover, you’ll love meeting Garth between the pages of these books!
Here’s where you can find the books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Hinske/e/B00AO5HDC4/
Find out more about Barbara and her writing at:
Website: https://barbarahinske.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhinske
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/barbarahinskeauthor/
In this episode I chat with Nadine McKenzie, Artistic Director of the inclusive performing arts company, Unmute Dance.
Nadine shares a little of the history of the Unmute Dance Company and explains some of the logistics of running a mixed abilities performance group of dancers.
She also tells us about the upcoming Arts Ability Festival that will be happening from 27 November – 3 December in Cape Town, South Africa.
Find out more about Unmute Dance Company at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unmutedance
Instagram:@UnmuteDance
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7ZLr5TYIWE1TnofgYxOtwg
Link to Lois’s spotlight by Unmute Dance Company’s Themba Mbuli for the 2020 Arts Ability Festival:
https://youtu.be/l50KD6d8f5o
Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at
Web: loisstrachan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with Siva Moodley about his latest book, “A Passion for Success”, and his career as an educator and inclusive education advocate in South Africa.
In “A Passion for Success”, Siva shares the stories of alumni of the Arthur Blaxall school for the blind,
showing how success is due to a lifelong dedication to growth and determination to achieve.
To contact Siva Moodley, e-mail him on siva49moodley@gmail.com
To download a free chapter of one of Lois’s books, go to
https://www.loisstrachan.com/paws-for-thought/
Let us know what you thought of the episode, or if you know of someone we should interview – we’re at
Web: loisstrachan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
I’m currently on leave and thought I would share a guest episode from Global Network, a podcast published by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media, who recorded my podcast credits.
Find Global Network at https://anchor.fm/s/2668542c/podcast/rss
Or contact Charlie at
E-mail: charliesa.dyasi@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lujadee.paul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-dyasi-713525a0
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4tsL4vcm24LFwHqnxpNwMw
Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at
Web: loisstrachan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with author Jann Weeratunga about her journey as a writer and how she has become a strong ally for the disability community through her writing.
Jann’s children’s books include characters with disabilities, and serve to normalize the concept of disability for both disabled and non-disabled children.
During our conversation Jann talks about her books, the work she does in schools to bring about greater inclusion of children with disabilities, how the 2012 London Paralympic Games started her writing career, and how she sees her role as an author of children’s books as a way to guide children to be better than we are.
Besides, who can resist stories about pirates?
Contact Jann Weeratunga at
E-mail: janspicssa@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JannWeeratunga
Instagram: (@jannweeratunga)
And find her books on Amazon at
https://www.amazon.com/Jann-Weeratunga/e/B07RPGCF61%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at
Web: loisstrachan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with Lee Haskin, founder of Connor’s Haven in Mitchel’s Plain, Cape Town.
When learning that her newborn baby was disabled, Lee made a commitment to providing the care her child would need. This led to the founding of Connor’s Haven and Resource Centre, which has become a centre of support and resources for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities in an area that is significantly under-resourced, with limited support facilities.
Lee shares the story of her life with a child with a disability, the founding of Connor’s Haven and a recent court case after Connor was refused entry into a local shop.
Contact Lee and Connor’s Haven and Resource Centre at
WhatsApp : +27 (0)61 749 6932
Email. : connorshaven@gmail.com
Connor’s Haven Facebook : https://m.facebook.com/Connorshaven/
Connor My Special Angel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connorshaven15.co.za
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehaskin
For donations to Connor’s Haven:
https://www.givengain.com/cause/66120/
Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at
Web: loisstrachan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with Stephanie Duesing, author of the book Eyeless Mind, about her discovery that her son, Sebastian, had been living with undetected CVI for 15 years, and was almost completely blind.
We discuss the difference between ocular blindness and cerebral/cortical blindness, the event that led Stephanie to discover her son’s CVI, and how he processes sight with words, the importance of mobility and orientation skills to help navigate the world, and the challenges the Duesing family endured in trying to receive a diagnosis for Sebastian’s condition.
Contact Stephanie Duesing through her website, or on social media.
Website: https://stephanieduesing.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieduesingauthor
And get hold of a copy of her book at https://a.co/d/eSOrhHh
Here are links to information about CVI:
https://cviscotland.org/
https://www.perkins.org/our-work/cvi/
https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/vision-loss-children-whose-eyesight-may-be-2020-requires-new-diagnostic-and-teaching-strategies
https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/getting-to-the-heart-of-pediatric-vision-loss-and-blindness
https://www.aph.org/product/vision-and-the-brain-understanding-cerebral-visual-impairment-in-children/
Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at
Web: loisstrachan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat with Kellina Powell, aka Deaf Queen Boss, from Toronto, Canada. Kellina and I discuss her journey through hearing loss at the age of 4 years, college, her new online coaching business assisting others who are deaf, and her brand new book, “Every Day I am Just Deaf: Life in a Hearing World with Deaf Queen Boss”
Contact Kellina at
Instagram: @deafqueenboss
Web: kellinaempowerment.com
YouTube: @deafqueenboss
And get hold of a copy of her book at: https://www.amazon.com/EveryDay-Am-Just-Deaf-Hearing/dp/1778112102/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3D3AZZDLG28XT&keywords=Kellina+Powell&qid=1657186344&s=books&sprefix=kellina+powell%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C279&sr=1-1
Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at
Web: loisstrachan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode Jeremy Opperman chats to me about a recent adventure of an aerobatic flight. During our conversation we explore various aspects of how I experienced the flight, including what I felt when flying upside down and what it was like for me to actually fly the plane as a totally blind person.
Contact Jeremy Opperman at
Web: www.disabilitydesk.co.za
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC07jGjBU0PUmCXF00n1D5_w
Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at
Web: loisstrachan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat to Dr Homiyar Mobedji, from Benetech Asia/Africa. We discuss the importance of inclusive education and its importance in employment of persons with disabilities in the developing world. We also talk about the need for accessible books and Homiyar’s role as head of Benetech Asia/Africa, and the role of the Bookshare library for persons with print disabilities as a tool to support inclusion.
Contact Dr Homiyar Mobedji and Bookshare Asia/Africa at
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drhomiyar
Email: dr.homiyar@gmail.com
Bookshare Asia/Africa membership: membership-india@bookshare.org
Bookshare Asia/Africa Helpline: +91 9650 211 575
BlindSA Bookshare for South African enquiries: bookshare.membership@blindsa.org.za
Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at
Web: loisstrachan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat to Ken Edmonds, from the YouTube channel Traveling with a Chair, and the new global directory AccessibleTravel.info.
Ken shares with us how he became involved in developing accessible travel platforms, and what people can find on his YouTube channel.
He also talks about his new initiative, AccessibleTravel.info which is a global directory of accessible travel destinations and experiences, aimed at individuals with disabilities and travel agents. Listen in to learn how you can list your accessible travel offerings on the site.
And, of course, he tells us some of his own travel adventures…
Contact Ken at
Email: ken@travelingwithachair.com
Travel Blog: https://www.travelingwithachair.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLT3rocYNiFGPqqnv1yvew
Twitter and Instagram: @kenEdmonds19
Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at
Web: loisstrachan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat to Mdu Mathenjwa of Grashyo Creations about writing to heal and the importance of telling our stories. Mdu also shares his own story of resilience and determination to move forward after a life-changing experience that led to the starting of his publishing company, Grashyo Creations.
Contact Mdu Mathenjwa at
Web: www.mdumathenjwa.co.za or www.grashyo.club
Social media: @MduMathenjwa
Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at
Web: loisstrachan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com
Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat to Dr Karen Smit about her work empowering young women with disabilities, as well as the impact that digital inclusion in the telecommunications industry can have on the lives of persons with disabilities.
Contact Dr Karen Smit at karensmit50@gmail.com Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at Web: loisstrachan.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat to author and disability advocate Elizabeth Sammons about the way persons with disabilities are represented in literature. Elizabeth shares great advice for authors, both those with and without disabilities, who wish to include characters with disabilities in their writing.
Here are the publications mentioned by Elizabeth during our conversation: “Blindness: Is Literature Against Us?” By Kenneth Jernigan, July 3, 1974 https://nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/convent/banque74.htm
“Being Seen: One Deafblind Woman's Fight to End Ableism” By Elsa Sjunneson “There Plant Eyes: A Personal and Cultural History of Blindness” By M. Leona Godin.
Reach out to Elizabeth on her website – and buy a copy of “The Lyra and the Cross” https://www.dldbooks.com/elizabethsammons/ Contact Lois with podcast topics or guest suggestions at Web: loisstrachan.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode I chat to Dr Michelle Botha about different ways of thinking and talking about disability, and how the theories impact on our lived experiences.
Michelle and I chat about
• The Medical Model, • The Social Model • Critical Disability Theory
We discuss what those models are, how they play out in our lives, and in the lives of those with little or no personal contact with disability
Contact Michelle on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-botha-b64838229/ Contact Lois with podcast topic or guest suggestions at Web: loisstrachan.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode we get creative and turn everything upside down. Because it’s all about change!
Our host, Lois Strachan is on the other side of the microphone as she speaks to guest interviewer, Jeff Thompson from the Blind Abilities podcast network about what to expect in the new format of A Different Way of Seeing.
Find out what to expect in future episodes and the story of how Lois got into podcasting in the first place.
With thanks to Jeff for editing the interview section of the podcast.
Contact Jeff Thompson at blindabilities.com
Contact Lois with podcast topic or guest suggestions at Web: loisstrachan.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.
In this episode our host, Lois Strachan, speaks with Brian Bushway of Acoustic Athletics about echo location as a tool to help us navigate the world.
We also share news on upcoming changes to the podcast, so be sure to listen right to the end of today’s episode.
Here’s how you can contact Brian Bushway and Acoustic Athletics: YouTube The Brian Bushway- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnSsNx-Ql3WNNcSULXdTbug Acoustic Athletics- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-h5Y_i65SZx1EWwzHXE-8Q
Instagram Brianbushway Acousticathletics
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/brianbushway
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/brian.bushway.3/
Website www.acousticathletics.com www.brianbushway.com
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode, our host, Lois Strachan, speaks with Mary Klinkradt of Raising Hope SA about adaptive golf and the launch of the Raising Hope SA Golf Academy in Cape Town.
For general enquiries contact Mary on mary@raisinghopesa.com
For enquiries on adaptive golf lessons, contact Shane on golfacademy@hazendal.co.za
Look out for news of the podcast update coming soon…
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on hindenburg.com
Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode, our host, Lois Strachan chats to Saffura Khan who is a social activist involved in many different areas of the disability sector. She is education manager at the South African National Zakah Fund, and a radio presenter. Saffura was born blind and she loves to travel.
Today's travel quote is by Lawrence Block: "Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing, while in pursuit of something else."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg Software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu
In this episode, our host, Lois Strachan, speaks with Matthew van Zyl from Square One Paragliding and Taryn Tomlinson from Able2Travel about the introduction of adaptive paragliding into South Africa.
Today's travel quote is by Leonardo da Vinci: "Once you have tasted flight, you will always walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. Because there you have been, and there you long to return"
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode, our host, Lois Strachan, chats with Meiki Motshabi.who learned to swim as a visually impaired adult. We will hear about her love of water sports and her swimming adventures.
Today's travel quote is by Rabindranath Tagor: "
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E. Zulu.
In this episode, Lois Strachan chats with the team from Handicapped Scuba Crew, an NPO that provides adaptive scuba diving experiences.
Handicapped Scuba Crew can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HandicappedScubaCrew/
Today's travel quote is by Justina Chen Headley: "I didn't know that the world could be so mind-blowingly beautiful."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E. Zulu.
In this episode, Lois speaks with Michael Hingson.about his experiences with long distance air travel with a guide dog. Michael has been blind his entire life and received his first guide dog at 14 years old.
Today's travel quote is by Aaron Lauritsen: "Explore, experience, then push beyond."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu
Today Lois speaks with Neha Arora of Planet Abled in India. The organisation promotes accessibility and inclusive travel for people with all disabilities, giving people the freedom of choice to travel wherever they want. Neha's father is blind, and her mother is a wheelchair user, so Planet Abled was born through her own experiences of travel and the challenges presented for her family.
Today's travel quote is by an anonymous author: "Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu
In this episode, Lois Strachan speaks with Praveena Sukhraj-Ely who is joining us from Pretoria in South Africa. Praveena was partially sighted until the age of 12 years old, when she lost her sight completely. After school, she studied to become a lawyer, and did a Masters in political science, and a Phd in public policy, which opened up opportunities to travel. She shares her story and travels in this conversation.
Today's travel quote is by Henry Miller: "One's destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg Software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode our host, Lois Strachan, chats with Nick & Nikki Smit. Nick is an entrepreneur, teacher and public speaker, forging his way forward in the disability space as founder of Smergos. Nikki is a swimming coach, teaching children from age 6 and up water safety. She also is an animal lover, happy to house & pet sit while also currently completing a Psychology degree.
Nick has cerebral palsy as a result of a car accident at the age of 6 months old. He aims to break down the barriers and build bridges between those with, and without, disabilities through disability advocacy, going into corporate environments and assisting them in becoming more disability friendly and integrate persons with disabilities into their workforce.
Today's travel quote is by Debasish Mridha: "Travel more to see more, to live more."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E. Zulu.
In this episode, our host, Lois Strachan speaks to multi-talented Musa. E Zulu who is an artist, author, and motivational speaker. Musa was paralysed in a car accident in 1995 and shares about his life, his work and his travels as a wheelchair user.
Musa is soon to release his book, for further information on release dates and where to purchase a copy, contact information as follows: valhallaarts@gmail.com / www.valhallaarts.co.za
Today's travel quote is from singer, Grace Jones: "I just go with the flow, I follow the yellow brick road. I don't know where it is going to lead me, but I follow it."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E. Zulu. Musa skydiving in Durban
In this episode, our host, Lois Strachan, chats to Tony Giles, also known as Tony the Traveller, about his independent travels as a person who is both blind and hearing impaired. Tony, joining us from the UK, has travelled to almost 140 countries and already has his next countries lined up.
Today's travel quote is by Pico Iyer: "We travel initially to lose ourselves, and we travel next to find ourselves.:
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode our host, Lois Strachan, speaks with Mark Bannister who has done a considerable amount of travelling. Mark was born in and grew up in Liverpool, England. As a young child, Mark was diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy. He shares about his adventure and travel experiences.
In 2020, Mark published a book titled Eyes Wide Open, which attempts to show how you can turn any challenge into an opportunity and that anything is possible if you want it enough. Listeners are welcome to email Mark at bannistermark118@gmail.com
Today's travel quote is by Jamie Lyn Beaty: "Jobs fill you pocket, adventures fill your soul."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan, using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode, our host, Lois Strachan, speaks with Adam Perry from Minneapolis in Minnesota in the USA. He is a 49 year old man who was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in the 70s. Over time he lost his peripheral vision, night vision and then total vision.
Adam has travelled extensively both for personal leisure and for work and shares his insights and experiences as a traveller who is blind.
Today's travel quote is by British author Jane Wilson Howarth - "Travel is a joy, full of surprises. Perhaps some of the most enjoyable times are those where one comes close to disaster: the risks add spice, and make for great stories when you are safely back home again."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan, using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode, Lois Strachan chats with Normie Eckard from Ventures4Jesus who is an adventurer and traveller who uses his adventures to raise funds for others. Normie became a T7/T8 paraplegic after a motor vehicle accident when he was 18 years old.
Today's travel quote comes from the ancient Roman philosopher, Seneca: "Travel and change of pace imparts new vigour to the mind."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode, Lois Strachan speaks with Renee Keuster-Sebranek, our first international guest from the USA. Renee shares her experiences travelling as a person who is blind.
Today's travel quote is by Mary Anne Radmacher: "I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode, our host, Lois Strachan, chats with Elizabeth Maphike. Elizabeth became blind as an adult and the first time she travelled outside of her home city was after she lost her sight.
Elizabeth is the provincial chairperson of the Western Cape branch of the South African National Council for the Blind.
Follow Elizabeth's blog on: Literature with Love by Liz : https://www.facebook.com/bethslit
Today's travel quote is from the actor, Sir Richard Burton: "Of the gladdest moments in human life, methinks, is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg Software. Credits read by Musa E. Zulu.
Following on from the previous episode, Lois Strachan continues the conversation with Chaeli Mycroft, an ability activist in Cape Town, South Africa.
In this episode, Chaeli speaks about summiting mount Kilimanjaro and shares some of her other experiences travelling internationally in her wheelchair.
Today's travel quote Simon Raven: "Since life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode, Lois Strachan chats with Chaeli Mycroft, an ability activist based in Cape Town, South Africa, about a number of topics related to accessible travel and Chaeli's summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the African continent.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode, marking our 2 year anniversary, Lois Strachan has a conversation with Jeremy Opperman who is a disability inclusion consultant, and they discuss how this impacts the travel and tourism industry.
Today's travel quote is by Melody Truong: "I'm in love with cities I've never been to, and people I've never met."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
Lois Strachan interviews Julie Jones from Sydney, Australia. Julie is the founder of an online platform, Have Wheelchair Will Travel, and the co-founder and editor of the magazine,Travel Without Limits.
Julie's son was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of 5 months and they have travelled extensively as a family. As a result and with her background in tourism, she realised the need for information on accessible travel and as such the review website and magazine were born.
Website links: Have Wheelchair Will Travel | havewheelchairwilltravel.net Travel Without Limits | www.travelwithoutlimits.com.au
September marks the 2 year anniversary of the Accessible South Africa Podcast. We invite listeners to submit questions on accessible travel, about our travels as individuals, or the organisation, Accessible South Africa. You can send these through on podcast@accessiblesouthafrica.co.za - these will be compiled into an episode of our podcast.
Today's travel quote is by travel writer, Tim Cahill: "A journey is best measured in friends rather than in miles"
In part 2 of the interview with Tarryn Tomlinson, host Lois Strachan chats with her about her company, Able2Travel and the work she is doing in the tourism and hospitality industries.
Tarryn is a writer for Mango Airline's magazine, a consultant on accessibility within the tourism industry, and the founder of an organisation helping underpriviliged children with music and art therapy.Tarryn is also a wheelchair user due to rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 19 years old.
Watch the Promo video for Able2Travel:
A reality travel and lifestyle show. Exploring adventure, culture, food and wine, luxury spaces, almost impossible life quests for most... But not for this girl who just so happens to be in a wheelchair.
https://youtu.be/Pu23XE0XCqI
"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." Confucius
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg Software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode, Lois Strachan chats with Tarryn Tomlinson about her recent expedition up Mount Kilimanjaro in her wheelchair.
Tarryn is a consultant in the hospitality industry and a social activist. She is the founder of Able2Travel, and the Bambini Dream Foundation Trust, an NPO that provides music and art therapy to underprivileged children. She also writes for Mango Airlines regarding accessibility and accessible travel.
Today's quote is by Aesop: "Adventure is worthwhile."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
In this episode, Lois Strachan speaks with Rajes Govender, a travel agent from Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. She is founder and co-owner of Consolidated Travel. She shares her insights into the travel industry and her own experiences as a traveller with a disability. Rajes had a motor car accident 18 years ago and lost both her lower limbs.
Today's travel quote is by André Gides: "Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg Software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
Lois Strachan speaks with paralympian and professional speaker, Darren Harris, about his extensive travels, participation in the paralympics his speaking career.
Darren is visually impaired, living in the UK and loves helping people stand out from the crowd, follow their dreams, not be shut down by the masses, and to become torch bearers who break new ground for all of us.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenberg Software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
Lois Strachan speaks with Dr Kim Lewis who is a General Practitioner by trade, and due to brain inflammation, lost her sight 3 years ago. Kim speaks with Lois about her travels, and most recently, her experience of going on a cruise as a blind passenger with her guide dog, Jessie.
Travel Tech Corner features the Zoom software that can help us keep connected with friends and family during lockdown.
Today's travel quote: "Stop worrying about the potholes in the road, and enjoy the trip." Babs Hoffman
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg editing software. Credits read by Musa E. Zulu.
During this time of uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, enjoy some armchair travel with Lois Strachan and her guests. Even though we can't physically travel right now, we feel it's important that we keep sharing stories, travel inspiration and our experiences for the time when we are able to go out into the world again.
Our guest today, is Anthony Ghillino who is the general manager of QASA, the QuadPara Association of the Western Cape, here in South Africa. Anthony became paralysed 28 years ago as a young man after the open bakkie he was travelling in overturned on his way home from a picnic in a local nature reserve. He uses a motorised wheelchair with a chin control, and shares his insights and experiences of travelling.
Today's service provider spotlight, we offer any service provider who provides facilities for people with disabilities to sign up for free as our token of standing in solidarity within the tourism industry during this time, and a reminder that together we are tourism strong and that South Africa will travel again. Please visit www.accessiblesouthafrica.co.za to sign up and enter the discount code: TourismStrong at checkout to claim your free listing.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg Software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
Lois Strachan speaks with Sabine Smith from Epic Enabled, an accessible tour operator based in Cape Town, South Africa. Epic Enabled was founded by Alfie Smith, who qualified as a mechanic and started travelling as a youngster. He started Epic Expeditions in 1992. Sabine was born in Switzerland and joined Alfie in 1994. In 2001 they started Epic Enabled to provide accessible safaris for people with disabilities. They opened the Epic Guesthouse in 2010 - a fully accessible guesthouse in Cape Town.
Contact information: Website: www.epic-enabled.com and www.epic-guesthouse.com Email & Phone: info@epic-enabled.com and +27 732282825 Facebook / Instagram: @epicenabled
In our Travel Tech corner, Zoe and Gerhard at Edit Microsystems introduce an adapted digital camera made by BJ Live. It is a 12mp camera with an automatic flash, 5 times digital zoom and a 4GB SD card. It is operated with a switch that can be positioned according to personal preference.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg Software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
"I love to travel, I hate having my life disrupted by routine." Caskie Stinnett.
EpicEnabled #EditMicro #AccessibleSafari #AccessibleTours
Lois Strachan speaks with Zakariya Moola about his experience going on Hajj as a person with a visual impairment.
Zakariya was born in Durban and schooled in Pietermaritzburg. He completed a Bachelor of Social Science degree and has his own business retailing stationery. He has been visually impaired since birth.
Zakariya's first overseas trip was in 1989 when he went to Saudi Arabia for a minor pilgrimage called Umrah, during his December holidays and again in 1993. In 2003 and 2016 he did the Hajj, the major pilgrimage to Mecca. He has also travelled to the UK, Dubai, India, Turkey and Palestine. Lois chats with him about the logistics of how he navigates and the technology he uses when he travels as a person who is blind.
Our service provider spotlight features the I Love Coffee Shop, situated in Cape Town, and run by deaf baristas and chefs.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg Software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
Today's quote is by Helen Keller: "Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all."
In today's episode, our host, Lois Strachan, speaks with Cindy Jacobsz who is a visually impaired cyclist and triathlete, and recently took a trip to the Himalayas.
Cindy is a mother of 2 daughters. She works in employee health and wellness, and occupational health & safety and transformation. Cindy has macular degeneration, which was diagnosed at 16 years old. She went to a school for partially sighted in Pretoria for 2.5 years and then studied a BA in Psychology & registered with HPC as a psychologist. Cindy wanted to re-register a few years ago but was denied because of her sight.
Our Travel Tech Corner features the Shakershak Portable vibrating alarm clock –made by Sonic Alert. This device is available from Edit Microsystems in Sea Point, Cape Town. They can be reached on info@editmicro.co.za with a discount through quoting ASA.
This week Lois speaks to Anjali Singla from Delhi in India, on the topic of psychosocial disabilities, in particular, travelling with Chronic Anxiety Disorder. Anjali is a psychologist by training, and currently she is working with an NGO in India called The Banyan that works with homeless people who experience mental illness. She is also a research associate and part time faculty teacher at the Department of Psychology, with her area of expertise being trauma psychology, working with refugees & tribal populations.
Anjali can be contacted at anjali@balm.in and Twitter accounts to follow ar @banyanbalm, @AnjaliSingla20 and @MGMentalHealth.
Our service provider spotlight highlights the Warrior On Wheels Foundation’s upcoming participation in the Cape Town Cycle Tour where children with disabilities are given the #GiftOfAdventure by being towed in buggies by cyclists. This event is made possible by the generous donations of sponsors – to find out more visit www.warrioronwheels.co.za/cape-town-cycle-tour/
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” Anonymous
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg Software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
mgmh #TheBanyan #BALM #GiftOfAdventure #WOWBuggyTeam #WarriorOnWheels
Lois Strachan speaks with Saul Molobi who shares his story about his first overseas trip as a traveller with a disability. Saul is a businessman, entrepreneur and also involved in radio. He has experience as a public servant, having worked for government in marketing & communications, and has also served as a diplomat.
Saul became disabled 3 years ago as a result of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare disorder where a person's immune system attacks their nervous system.
Saul can be contacted on saulm@ggda.co.za
Our Travel Tech Corner features the Sunu Band navigational device available from Edit Microsystems. It is a wrist-worn device which attempts to augment obstacle detection for people with visual impairments.
For information, contact Edit Microsystems on 021 433 2520 or gerhard@editmicro.co.za and quote ASA as the reference to receive a discounted rate.
"I travel because it makes me realise I haven't seen, how much I'm not going to see, and how much I still have to see." Carew Papritz.
This episode was edited by Craig Stachan using the HIndenburg software. Credit read by Musa E Zulu.
This week, Lois Strachan chats to Lauren Jackson who shares insights on travelling to 13 different countries as a wheelchair user. Lauren has a genetic disorder called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease.
Our service provider spotlight features Cape Nature's Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve which has a wheelchair accessible bird hide as well as a braille hiking trail.
Today's travel quote is from Neale Donald Walsch: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
Lois Strachan speaks to Claudette Medefindt, who is one of the founders and Head of Science at Retina SA, and deputy president of Retina International.
Claudette has travelled to 47 different countries and shares advice and tips on how to travel, things to avoid, and things to do - and not just for travellers with visual impairments, not just for travellers with physical disabilities, but for all travellers and this episode is really packed with great information.
In our Travel Tech Corner, we launch our partnership with Edit Microsystems, an assistive technology company based in Cape Town, South Africa. Each episode will spotlight an assistive device that will assist travellers with disabilities. This episode introduces the Victor Reader Trek which is GPS for the blind, designed by Humanware.
[If you are interested in purchasing this device, quote the reference ASA when contacting Edit Microsystems for a discounted quote]
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
To contact us email podcast@accessiblesouthafrica.co.za and visit our website www.accessiblesouthafrica.co.za
Today on the podcast our host, Lois Strachan, chats to Hillary Lane who has Cerebral Palsy and has travelled extensively across Africa and other parts of the world. Lois & Hillary have also travelled together to Ghana 2 years ago for the Afri-Need Conference.
Hillary says: "The reason I feel you should travel is that it really does broaden your horizons. Seeing things on television is not the same as experiencing it. Be very clear in your mind why you're travelling, where you're going, and how you're going, because you don't want to have a bad experience of travelling."
Hillary can be contacted on email at hillarylane@outlook.com.
Our Travel Tech Corner features a website called spintheglobe.net, created by Sylvia Longmire who has visited 57 countries as a power wheelchair-user.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by Musa E Zulu.
To contact us email podcast@accessiblesouthafrica.co.za and visit our website www.accessiblesouthafrica.co.za
Russell Vollmer is the founder of CapeAble, an organisation that provides consulting services and training on universal access. Russell had a diving accident during his national service in the navy when he was 19 years old, and has used a wheelchair for more than 40 years. He is passionate about the sport of sailing and as such has crossed the Atlantic, and has represented South Africa in the paralympic games in Sydney in 2000.
Russell can be contacted at www.capable.co.za or email russell@capable.co.za
Our service provider spotlight features a brand new guest house, Somerset View situated in Somerset West which has a number of features for travellers who are wheelchair users.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by André du Toit, the Big Positive Guy.
Lois Strachan chats to Razia Hisham about travelling as a family with their daughter, 15 year old Nura who has cerebral palsy. Nura had a spinal fusion procedure due to scoliosis and has titanium rods in her back, resulting in her parents affectionately calling her their Titanium Warrior. Their primary goal has to provide Nura with a comfortable but full life, and as such have travelled extensively and enjoyed many adventures together.
Our travel tech corner features two online resources to help with the planning phase of travelling to prevent unwelcome surprises as travellers with disabilities:
The Accessible Travel Forum - www.accessibletravelforum.com – is a collection and community of travellers with disabilities sharing information about accessible travel.
The Facebook Group called Accessible Travel Club has over 9000 members posting questions and receiving feedback from other travellers around the world with valuable insights into overcoming challenges as travellers with disabilities. The group can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AccessibleTravelClub/
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” Susan Sontag
Lois Strachan takes this travel podcast international, currently in Paris, France, and interviewing Sristi K.C. from Nepal, India!
Sristi is the owner and founder of the Blind Rocks organisation based in Nepal. She became blind at the age of 16 due to the incorrect medical prescription.
"When I lost my sight I got the vision of my life. I was completely shocked, but then decided to tranform my shocking life into a rocking life."
Sristi presents workshops across the globe and seeks support people with visual impairments living in Nepal. Workshops include dance, interpersonal skills, and fashion, and they also arrange various adventures like river rafting.
Our service provider spotlight features the Knysna Elephant Park, situated near Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by André du Toit, the Big Positive Guy.
Lois Strachan speaks with Hilton & Loretta Purvis as they share their insights on their travels in South Africa & overseas, their thoughts on the concept of Universal Access, and the challenges they face as a married couple travelling where one person uses a wheelchair.
The Travel Tech Corner features an app called Microsoft Seeing AI. The app uses artificial intelligence to make sense of print & visual images by converting to audio. It can be used to read documents, travel brochures, restaurant menus and bills, as well as to read street signs and other text at tourist attractions. The currency feature identifies monetary notes, which is useful when travelling in a foreign country. A number of other features make travelling easier for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Credits read by André du Toi, the Big Positive Guy. This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software.
In this special episode, our first anniversary of the podcast and our 20th episode, Lois Strachan chats to Larissa Sparg, the founder and owner of The Gallivanting Goose.
The Gallivanting Goose presents a scavenger hunt, called The Wild Goose Chase Game, using an app, in various locations around Cape Town and Johannesburg. The game is popular for teambuilding, social celebrations and educationals. It is fun, engaging, and educational with an element of competition while activities are tracked in real time. Challenges are delivered with a photo or video on the app, and teams accumulate points which can be viewed live by all teams on a leaderboard. Teams need to work together using good communication, applying strategy & creativity.
In collaboration with Warrior On Wheels Foundation & Accessible South Africa, The Gallivanting Goose launched the first wheelchair accessible game at the V&A Waterfront in May 2019.
WATCH THE FIRST WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WILD GOOSE CHASE GAME >> bit.ly/WildGooseChaseGame
For more information visit www.thegg.co.za
Thank you to all of our previous guests for the wonderful messages, helping us celebrate our first birthday!
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg Software. Credits read by Andre du Toit, the Big Positive Guy.
Will Scott, of Will Scott Media, shares his insights on his on travels and his interventions in the hospitality and travel industry in South Africa.
Will was born in South Africa and grew up in Port Elizabeth. At 16 years old, a gymnastics accident while preparing for world championships, resulted in him having a disability. He has travelled both locally and abroad and shares about the challenges and rewards of travelling with a disability.
The biggest hurdle we face is the mindset of other people. People mean well and want to help, but it's not always easy for an able-bodied person to put themselves in the position of a traveller with a disability. People need to become part of the narrative in a contributing way, not in a way of playing catch-up in order to raise awareness about changes that need to be implemented to become inclusive..
"I am a person who will travel as much as the next person will travel. I will spend as much money as the next person will spend money. In fact I may spend a great deal more considering that I need a few more things than the next person may need."
Photo credit: Julian Goldswain
Our Travel Tech Corner is taking a bit of a different direction than we set out with. In the interim, we'd like to hear about assistive technology, devices or apps that you use on your travels. Send us an email on podcast@accessiblesouthafrica.co.za
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg Software. Credits read by André du Toit, The Big Positive Guy.
In this episode Lois chats with Nikki Kemp, who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Nikki is trained and practiced as tour guide in and around the Cape Town area. She shares her insights about the level of accessibility of the tourism industry in South Africa.
Our service provider spotlight features Walking on Waves in Jeffrey's Bay, a service provider who teaches adaptive surfing.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by André du Toit, the Big Positive Guy.
In this episode Lois chats to the team from Edit Microsystems, a Cape Town based company providing assistive devices for people with disabilities The conversation provides valuable information about the role assistive technology plays in travel as well as the business case for making accessible travel a part of the hospitality industry
We also introduce the partnership between Accessible South Africa and Edit Microsystems, with the new Tech Talk segment which will be featured every second episode. These episodes will introduce a new device that will be implemented on trial in a tourism establishment where we welcome travellers to go and test the device and provide feedback.
Tune in to the next episode for exciting news on the first device being introduced into the tourism sector and where it will be implemented!
Our spotlight section features an event - the upcoming Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge taking place in George on 14 September 2019 at 13h30.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the HIndenburg software. Credits read by Andre du Toit, The Big Positive Guy.
In this episode, Lois speaks with Poonam Vaidya from Bangladore, India. Poonam is 30 years old and became blind 9 years ago, and then the travel bug bit and she went from being an introvert to becoming an extrovert. Her life's philosophy is to always have fun, always try to seize every opportunity and live every day to its fullest. She likes travelling alone, saying she feels more of a traveller than when travelling with someone where she feels like a passenger.
Poonam has travelled around India, visiting all 4 major states in South India, and a couple of states in the north. Internationally she has travelled to the USA twice, visiting Colorado and San Fransisco, and to Saudi Arabia and Dubai and relies a lot on technology to navigate her way.
Our spotlight section takes us to the Stony Point Penguin Colony in Betty's Bay.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the HIndenburg software. Credites read by Andre du Toit, The Big Positive Guy.
René Tembe is a learning & development practitioner and disability advisor. She started out in recruitment where her introduction to disability was when she was tasked to start a disability desk, creating a database of candidates with disabilities. René moved into training and development and is a registered assessor, facilitor and moderator, also working with people with disability in terms of diversity and awareness programmes for the integration of people into the workplace.
In 1997 René was diagnosed with tendinitis and in 2016 with Fibromyalgia and now needs to use a wheelchair for travel.
Our service provider spotlight features Freedom Walkers who manufacture affordable walking frames for children with mobility challenges, giving them the gift of independence.
Our podcast is hosted by Lois Strachan. This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg software. Credits read by André du Toit, The Big Positive Guy.
Lois Strachan chats with 8 x South African Surfing Champion, Roxy Davis about Surf Emporium's adaptive surfing clinics. Surf Emporium Muizenberg is the only officially SSA accredited Adaptive Surf School in South Africa.
Roxy founded her Surf School in 2002 with an umbrella on Muizenberg beach and a clear vision of where she wanted to go with the concept. Her dreams became a reality far sooner than she had anticipated.
An Adaptive Surfer is a surfer with a disability, including but not limited to, paralyses, cerebral palsy, blindness, amputations etc. These are just some of the many physical challenges that they overcome to share the stoke of simply catching waves (and invariably trying to ride them better). Adaptive Surfing, as a sport, has been rapidly growing & Surf Emporium are dedicated to assisting with this growth both locally and nationally. Adaptive Surfing aims to show people living with disabilities that surfing is a possibility and to make it a possibility.
For more information, visit www.surfemporium.co.za or contact Roxy Davis on roxy@surfemporium.co.za
Our spotlight section features the Sea Point Promenade as an accessible place to visit.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg editing software.
Josh Grisdale, from Toronto, Canada but now living in Tokyo, Japan, Has Cerebral Palsy and is quadriplegic. He has been using wheelchair for 34 years and travelled extensively as a child with his family. Josh moved to Tokyo in 2000 in pursuit of his IT career and fell in love with Japan. Japan had just started to become accessible at that time, with some laws being passed regarding transport. Josh created a website called Accessible Japan, sharing information on accessible travel, as well as an online networking platform called Accessible Travel Forum. Josh runs a podcast called "Have Disability, Will Travel".
Photo by Kiyoshi Sakasai
This episode edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenburg editing software : https://hindenburg.com/
Our host, Lois Strachan, chats to Charlene Sunkel who is the Founder and CEO of the Global Mental Health Peer Network. Charlene was diagnosed with Schizophrenia, one of the most severe mental illnesses, which led to her career in promoting the rights of people with psycho-social disabilities with a strong human-rights focus. Charlene serves on a number of national and international boards and committees and travels extensively, mostly for work, at least once a month.
Our service provider spotlight takes us to the Greenpoint Urban Park.
This episode was edited by Deirdre Gower using the Hindenburg software: www.hindenburg.com
Rene Moses is the owner and founder of Travel with René, a tour operator who accommodates the needs of travellers with disabilities. Rene had a car accident in 1995, resulting in C6/C7 quadriplegia, and has travelled both within South Africa and abroad. Her travel experiences with a disability led her to start her tour company to assist other travellers with disabilities.
Our service provider spotlight takes us on safari with Horse Rides at Pete's.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenberg editing software: https://hindenburg.com/
Our host, Lois Strachan, discusses universal access and travel with Ari Seirlis, the CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA).
Ari travels domestically regularly and occasionally internationally and shares advice for having the best travel experiences as a person with a disability and the importance of planning in advance.
Our service provider spotlight takes us on a trip through history with Chavonnes Battery Museum.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenberg editing software: https://hindenburg.com/
Our host, Lois Strachan, discusses universal access and travel with Ari Seirlis, the CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA).
Ari travels domestically regularly and occasionally internationally and shares advice for having the best travel experiences as a person with a disability and the importance of planning in advance.
Our service provider spotlight takes us on a trip through history with Chavonnes Battery Museum.
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenberg editing software: https://hindenburg.com/
Part 2 of the conversation between our host, Lois Strachan, and Marlene Le Roux.
Marlene is a well known South African disability activist and a thought leader in the areas of inclusion and accessibility. Marlene is also the CEO of the Artscape Theatre, in Cape Town, which has been described as the most accessible theatre complex in South Africa.
"We are whole people!" - Dr Marlene Le Roux
This episode's service provider spotlight features Epic Guest House, which has 4 accessible rooms with roll-in showers and other facilities that can accommodate guests with disabilities. Epic Guest House is situated in Noordhoek, Cape Town.
Photo credits: Xpression M3dia Photography
Connect with Dr Marlene Le Roux: www.facebook.com/drmarleneleroux/
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenberg editing software: https://hindenburg.com/
Our host, Lois Strachan, speaks with Marlene Le Roux, who is a well known South African disability activist and a thought leader in the areas of inclusion and accessibility. Marlene is also the CEO of the Artscape Theatre, in Cape Town, which has been described as the most accessible theatre complex in South Africa.
"No one must be invisible. Everybody must have a voice. Everybody must be treated with dignity." - Dr Marlene Le Roux
This episode's service provider spotlight features Epic Enabled, a tour operator providing tours for people with disabilities and whose company motto is "breaking boundaries"
Photo credits: Xpression M3dia Photography
Connect with Dr Marlene Le Roux: www.facebook.com/drmarleneleroux/
This episode was edited by Craig Strachan using the Hindenberg editing software: https://hindenburg.com/
In this episode, Lois Strachan chats with Ilana Hermes who is both visually and hearing impaired. Ilana is a reflexologist and massage therapist, and has travelled to both the USA and UK. She shares her experiences travelling with a disability as well as some of her experiences navigating the world and her day to day life.
Our service provider spotlight section focuses on Bugz Playpark, the largest play centre in the Western Cape which promotes learning through play.
Thank you to Andre du Toit for recording the new credits section of our podcast and to Craig Strachan for editing this particular episode.
Nicky has been travelling extensively in South Africa and internationally through her work as an inspirational speaker. Nicky is also a clinical psychologist and the founder of the non-profit organisation, Nicky's Drive that funds car adaptations for people living with disabilities.
Angelique Le Roux, co-owner of Ceres Zipslide Adventures, shares her insight into inclusive adventure for people with disabilities. Ceres Ziplines have hosted children with disabilities, amputees, blind, and deaf adventurers for a thrilling sky-high experience and Angelique speaks about the importance of making these activities accessible as far as possible.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to experience long distance train travel as a visually impaired traveller? This is what we discuss with Quinten Pendle who has been a train travel enthusiast since he was a young child. Quinten shares his experiences as a blind traveller, and how his visual impairment impacts on his enjoyment and ability to engage with train services.
Our host, Lois Strachan, chats with Christo de Klerk, who has travelled both locally and internationally to 15 different countries. Christo shares some of his experiences as a traveller who is blind. Christo was born blind, studied law and practiced as a lawyer, became a computer programmer, and later a teacher, before spending most of his career as an IT specialist. He has now been in retirement for the past 6 years.
We also introduce our new spotlight segment, highlighting a service provider who is making travel accessible for people with disabilities. Today's highlight features MLT Car Hire & Tours.
Our host, Lois Strachan interviews Briony Chisholm, a 40-something traveller who became quadriplegic after an accident on her way home from graduating as a pharmacist when she was 21 years old. Briony works part time for the division of clinical pharmacology at the University of Cape Town as an information pharmacist on the HIV & TB Hotline. She is also a blogger and writer, who has recently published her first novel, and is continuing her post-graduate studies in HIV & TB.
Briony has travelled extensively throughout South Africa, as well as abroad. This conversation highlights her sense of adventure, and her practical approach when considering travelling to a new destination.
This is a podcast where we discuss travel in South Africa and beyond for persons with disabilities and special needs. With this podcast we hope to inspire other people with disabilities to travel more, to go out and explore and find out what the world has to offer. We’ll be sharing interviews with other travellers with disabilities, as well as with service providers in the tourism industry, and anyone with insight into accessible travel.