Lois Strachan

** 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: [email protected]

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: [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.