A Different Way of Seeing

**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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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 an incomplete spinal cord injury, 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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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.