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.