Lois Strachan

**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.

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: [email protected]

Nick’s disability advocacy work: [email protected]

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: [email protected] or [email protected]

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.