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A Different Way of Seeing
Lois Strachan
138 episodes
1 week ago
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.
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Business,
Non-Profit
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All content for A Different Way of Seeing is the property of Lois Strachan and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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.
Show more...
Society & Culture
Business,
Non-Profit
Episodes (20/138)
A Different Way of Seeing
137 - A Conversation with Coach Jack on Growing Blind Football in South Africa
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.
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1 week ago
40 minutes 1 second

A Different Way of Seeing
136 - Dr Chiggy Oghotuama on Advocating for Children with Disabilities in Nigeria
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.
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3 weeks ago
54 minutes 57 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
135 - Cary Lowe and Trish Butler on Travelling with a Mobility Impairment
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.
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1 month ago
1 hour 8 minutes 16 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
134 - Talitha Humes on Managing Medication with Multiple Sclerosis
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.om See Meds App on IOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/see-meds/id1671939877 IG @ 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.
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2 months ago
32 minutes

A Different Way of Seeing
133 - Ferdi van Eerden and Shaun Anderson on Inclusive Archery
** 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.
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2 months ago
54 minutes 21 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
132 - A Conversation with The Blind Butterfly, Sayyida Victoria
** 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.
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3 months ago
50 minutes 9 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
131 - Naomi Riley on Finding Purpose and Making A Difference After a Brain Injury
** 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.
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3 months ago
49 minutes 20 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
130 - Belinda Sampson on Wheelchair Basketball
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.
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3 months ago
38 minutes 45 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
129 - A Conversation with Joseph Fleeks about Living with Blindness
** 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.
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4 months ago
49 minutes 49 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
128 - Tarryn Tomlinson on Understanding Smart Cities
** 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.
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4 months ago
54 minutes 32 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
127 - Michelle Nell on Navigating a Diagnosis of Complex Disabilities
** 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
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5 months ago
32 minutes 54 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
126 - Trailblazing and Transforming Disability Entrepreneurship with Kat Paz
** 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.
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5 months ago
37 minutes

A Different Way of Seeing
125 - Guillaume Hervier on Blind Tennis and Living as a Blind Person in France
** 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.
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6 months ago
49 minutes 51 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
124 - Job Talk: Katey Fortun on Working as an Interior Designer with Dyslexia
** 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.
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6 months ago
58 minutes 17 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
123 - Job Talk: Dr Lionel Smith on Working as a Medical Professional with Low Vision
** 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.
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7 months ago
55 minutes 13 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
122 - Geertje van den Broeck on Running a Wheelchair Accessible Guesthouse
** 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.
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7 months ago
39 minutes 16 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
121 - Linsay Lusyne on Being a Low Vision Travel Advisor and Coach
** 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.
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8 months ago
47 minutes 2 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
120 - Mayet Banos on Navigating an Adult Diagnosis of Neurodiversity
** 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=&target=&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.
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8 months ago
36 minutes 20 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
119 - A Conversation with Low Vision Consultant, Jennifer Webster
** 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.
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9 months ago
54 minutes 29 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
118 - Raising Guide Dog Puppies, with Wendy Purdon and Tania Robbertze
** 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.
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9 months ago
57 minutes 47 seconds

A Different Way of Seeing
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.