A Different Way Of Seeing podcast

47:02

** 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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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120 - Mayet Banos on Navigating an Adult Diagnosis of Neurodiversity 36:20

18 days ago36:20

36:20

** 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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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119 - A Conversation with Low Vision Consultant, Jennifer Webster 54:29

5 weeks ago54:29

54:29

** 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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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118 - Raising Guide Dog Puppies, with Wendy Purdon and Tania Robbertze 57:47

8 weeks ago57:47

57:47

** 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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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117 - Introducing Talking Books, with Jeremy Opperman 57:40

12 weeks ago57:40

57:40

** Interested in being an advance reader of my latest book? Contact me on https://www.loisstrachan.com/contact-lois/ In today’s episode, Lois and Jeremy Opperman have a conversation about books that represent characters with disabilities. This is the first in a series on specific books that represent various disabilities, though this is a general introduction of the concept and what we will be discussing in future shows. Here is a list of the books we discuss during the episode: DH Lawrence (Lady Chatterley’s Lover Lee Child (Jack Reacher) Ian Rankin (John Rebus) Michael Connoly (Harry Bosch) Jeffery Deaver (Lincoln Rhyme) Michael Robotham (Joseph O’Loughlin) Anthony Doerr (All the Light We Cannot See) Jojo Moyes (Me Before You) Jojo Moyes (Windfallen or Foreign Fruit ) Jules Verne (20 000 Leagues Under the Sea) Robert Galbraith (Cormoran Strike) Manda Scott Val McDermid Jeanine Cummins (American Dirt) F Scott Fitzgerald Fyodor Dostoyevsky George Bernard Shaw Octavia Butler Christy Brown (The Life that Inspired My Left Foot) Stephen Hawkins Sylvia Nasar (Beautiful Minds ) Barbara Hinske (Guiding Emily) Elizabeth Sammons (The Lyra and the Cross) Marian Keyes (The Mystery of Mercy Close) Image Description: An AI generated image of a cozy, old library. An open book lies on a wooden desk, emitting radiant light that illuminates the surrounding area. From the pages of the book, various objects emerge, indicating that the book is creating audio. These elements include three open books with pages fluttering, swirling spirals, glowing musical notes, and alphabet letters. 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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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116 - Cheryl Robertson on Training Guide Dogs 1:05:22

14 weeks ago1:05:22

1:05:22

** 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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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115 - Adrijana Prokopenko on Living and Working as a Teacher in North Macedonia 39:25

15 weeks ago39:25

39:25

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: adrijana.prokopenko@gmail.com 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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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114 - Mitch Kidd on Living as a Blind Transgender Individual 54:11

18 weeks ago54:11

54:11

**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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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113 - A Conversation with Social Justice Activist, Notukela Makohliso 50:48

20 weeks ago50:48

50:48

**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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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112 - Imperfectly Perfect with Visual Artist Aerin Dyason 28:41

22 weeks ago28:41

28:41

**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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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111 - A Conversation with Lethabo Segudla of Zollyhood Universe 36:41

25 weeks ago36:41

36:41

**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: lethabosegudla@zollyhooduniverse.com 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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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110 - The Disabled Life with Lenard Gros 50:17

27 weeks ago50:17

50:17

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: ke4key@gmail.com 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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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109 - Job Talk: Elizabeth Sammons on Working as a Simultaneous Interpreter 44:18

29 weeks ago44:18

44:18

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: iamantigone@att.net 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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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108 - A Conversation with Confidence Coach, Chris Mitchell 39:30

31 weeks ago39:30

39:30

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.…

A Different Way of Seeing

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107 - Juri Love on Overcoming Childhood Trauma and PTSD 43:14

34 weeks ago43:14