A Different Way of Seeing

Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue creating content:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

What is it really like to donate a kidney to a friend, and what happens when that kidney is transplanted?

In the final episode of the series of conversations about Lois Strachan’s journey with chronic kidney disease and dialysis, we finally talk about the kidney transplant. Jeremy Opperman again takes the mic, and chats not only to Lois, but to her friend and kidney donor, Melanie Harvard.

Discover the challenges, surprises and realities of the transplant process, including the medical delays that nearly derailed the operation, the donor’s experience, life and recovery after surgery, and the gift of no longer needing dialysis.

This conversation is a fitting end to the series that has taken us from the very beginning of the story, and now closes the circle.

Find the other episodes in this series:

138 My Journey with Chronic Kidney Disease: From Diabetes to dialysis.

Link: https://rss.com/podcasts/different-way-of-seeing/2597760

139 – My Journey with Chronic Kidney Disease: From Dialysis to Hope.

Link: https://rss.com/podcasts/different-way-of-seeing/2597759

148 – My Journey with Chronic Kidney Disease: From Hope to Waiting for a Surgery Date.

Link: https://rss.com/podcasts/different-way-of-seeing/2691466 Link

159 – My Journey with Chronic Kidney Disease: Eventually Receiving a Transplant Surgery Date.

Link: https://rss.com/podcasts/different-way-of-seeing/3205906 Link

Contact Jeremy: http://www.disabilitydesk.co.za

Contact Melanie: Https://harvardink.com

Image Description:

An AI generated image of two women dressed as Jedi, sitting close together with their arms around each other and smiling warmly. Both wear cream-coloured tunics with brown Jedi-style robes and wide belts. The woman on the left has medium-length brown hair, , and holds a bright green lightsaber angled upward. The woman on the right has long, wavy dark brown hair, -, and holds a bright blue lightsaber.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits read by Simalumba Nawa.

Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue creating content:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

What if living well with a disability begins with changing the way we think about it?

In this episode of A Different Way of Seeing, Lois Strachan speaks with Tom Garrod, the author of How to Be Disabled.

Tom’s lived experience of cerebral palsy has shaped his understanding of identity, mental health, resilience and the practical adaptations that make it possible to thrive at work and in everyday life.

He wanted to create something that could help disabled people make sense of their own experiences, develop a healthier relationship with disability, and feel less alone.

During the conversation We explore some of the book’s most thought-provoking ideas, including treating your body as a colleague rather than an enemy, and understanding that rest is a strategy, not a weakness. These concepts offer a refreshing perspective on the challenges of living with a disability, particularly when our instinct is to fight against our bodies or judge ourselves for needing help.

Whether you live with a disability, love someone who does, or want to better understand the realities of disability beyond common assumptions, this conversation offers valuable insights into approaching life with greater self-awareness, flexibility and confidence.

Find Tom and his book:

Website: http://www.howtobedisabled.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/How-be-disabled-Tom-Garrod-ebook/dp/B0G53X2D2M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BLCDDVIW49FI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pOoz0nTOTqmjqx699mheFWVFJSX0SRif5DLgZrGitNk.gq-xg7HyxhkzN0KiEkFgwdjzLOnrTTyhVFnS4_6jUvs&dib_tag=se&keywords=How+to+be+disabled+Tom+Garrod&qid=1792574524&s=digital-text&sprefix=how+to+be+disabled+tom+garrod%2Cdigital-text%2C1331&sr=1-1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-garrod-2058a43b/

Image Description:

Book cover with a dark blue background and three torn-paper strips arranged diagonally. The top strip is mustard yellow and reads How to. The middle strip is cream-coloured and reads be. The bottom strip is coral red and reads Disabled. The text is all in black.

Near the bottom of the cover, in smaller white text, it reads Tom Garrod.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits read by Simalumba Nawa.

Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue creating content:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

What happens when we stop trying to make disability palatable and start talking honestly about the anger, frustration, barriers and absurdities that disabled people experience?

In this episode, Lois chats with Laura Stinson, host of the Bad Attitudes Podcast, about disability representation, independence, ableism and life as a disabled entrepreneur.

Laura lives with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, and uses a wheelchair. Through Bad Attitudes, she challenges stereotypes and gives disabled people space to say the things they are often expected to keep quiet about, while helping non-disabled listeners understand how attitudes, decisions and inaccessible environments affect disabled lives.

Lois and Laura unpack what independence really means, including why needing support does not make someone less independent. They also explore the pressures disabled people can face to prove their self-sufficiency, the realities of being a disabled artist and entrepreneur, and the importance of authenticity, humour and even a little sarcasm when challenging ableism.

With plenty of honest conversation about disability, creativity, podcasting and challenging assumptions, this episode asks some deceptively simple questions: What does independence really mean? Who gets to define a “good attitude”? And what might change if disabled people were simply given the opportunity to participate fully in society?

Tune in for a conversation that is thoughtful, candid and unapologetically honest about disability.

Reach out to Laura:

Website: http://badattitudespod.com

Social media: https://linktr.ee/badattitudespod?

Bad Attitudes Shop: http://badattitudesshop.etsy.com

FairyNerdy: https://linktr.ee/fairynerdy

Image Description:

A woman with wavy light purple hair who is wearing a black top with a pattern of red and pink flowers. She is facing slightly to the right and has a neutral expression. The image background is mostly blue.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits voiced by Simalumba Nawa

Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue creating content:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

In this episode, Lois Strachan and Jeremy Opperman discuss the final steps taken to confirming the date of Lois's kidney transplant surgery.

During the conversation they explore the impact that a 10 week wait for approval from the Department of Health had on Lois, the intervention of Dr Karl le Roux in facilitating the process, and Lois’s preparations for the surgery and recovery.

Lois also expresses her extreme gratitude to the many people who assisted, encouraged and supported her on the journey of dialysis and the transplant.

A note on timing: this episode was recorded at the beginning of June 2026, a week before the surgery was due to take place. Due to Lois’s recovery, it is only being released in October, approximately 4 months later.

To learn more about Jeremy and his work, go to http://www.disabilitydesk.co.za

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits read by Simalumba Nawa.

Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue creating content:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

In this episode of the A Different Way of Seeing podcast, I hand the microphone over to Jeremy Opperman as he chats to my husband, Craig Strachan, on what it is like for him being married to a blind woman.

The conversation covers different aspects of our life together as a couple, and explores whether or not blindness is the elephant in the room that is both unavoidable and constantly present.

Ranging from housework to travel, from reading to music, from movies to societal perceptions, this is an honest and in-depth discussion of a marriage and how it operates when one partner is blind.

As a bonus, this is a great episode for anyone who has ever wanted to discover more about Craig as a person, and the life he leads.

Image Description:

A bald man wearing a black crew-neck shirt. He has brown eyes and is smiling at the camera..

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits read by Simalumba Nawa.

Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue creating content:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

What does it mean to discover your neurodivergent identity later in life, while raising neurodivergent children of your own?

In this episode of A Different Way of Seeing, Lois Strachan speaks with Kori Mock, a mother, advocate and coach who shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD and autism level 1 later in life.

Kori talks openly about supporting parents of neurodivergent children, particularly mothers, and explains how her coaching practice helps neurodivergent women reclaim their identities, build confidence and embrace their strengths.

The conversation explores practical strategies for navigating neurodivergent life, from creating sensory-friendly spaces and developing effective communication systems to establishing routines that bring structure and predictability.

Kori also shares valuable resources for women, including the Autistic Women and Non-Binary Network and the Autistic Girls Network, as well as her online community, Neurodivergent Mom Life: ADHD + AuDHDSupport, where mothers can connect, share experiences, and find support.

This is an insightful and empowering conversation about diagnosis, motherhood, identity, advocacy and learning to understand yourself through a neurodivergent lens.

Note: Kori has recently married, which is why her name differs between the interview and this description. We wish Kori and her husband every happiness.

Reach out to Kori:

Substack: https://substack.com/@thekoric⁩

YouTube: www.youtube.com/cthekoric⁩

Image Description:

A woman with long, straight black hair seated cross-legged on a cushioned chair. She is wearing a green shirt with a decorative pattern near the neckline, and light beige pants with elastic cuffs at the ankle. Her hands rest loosely in her lap.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.

Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue creating content:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

What happens when your sight changes dramatically after decades of stability?

In this episode of A Different Way of Seeing, Lois Strachan speaks with Hannah Weymouth, a blind content creator better known online as Blind & Bored.

Hannah shares her journey with cone dystrophy and the rapid deterioration of her vision after years of stable legal blindness.

She reflects on the ways she learned to mask her visual impairment in her career as a photographer, and the profound process of adapting to a new level of blindness.

From rediscovering independence with a white cane to using bump dots and assistive technology such as Envision AI, Hannah offers an honest look at the practical and emotional realities of adapting to changing vision.

She also talks about becoming a content creator and using humour to navigate challenges, connect with audiences, and challenge assumptions about blindness.

This is a conversation about adaptation, identity, technology, creativity and finding laughter in unexpected places.

Follow Blind & Bored on social media:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindbored?_r=1&_t=ZP-92TCYoMPU3K⁩

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17oA1rPDUx/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁩

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@blindandbored?si=JdhD_UH7rPHKN8kA⁩

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindnbored

Image Description:

A black-and-white image of a smiling woman with light, long, curly hair. She is wearing large round eyeglasses and a thin dark necklace. Two lines of large white text is positioned on the left side over the dark background, reading Blind & Bored. The l in Blind” is extended downward as a vertical line between the words, with a small feather shape at the top of the letter and a solid dot at the very bottom, giving it a logo-like appearance.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.

Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue creating content:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

Accessibility is often seen as complex, expensive, or something that requires specialist knowledge. But what if assessing your venue’s accessibility could be as simple as having a conversation on WhatsApp?

In this episode of A Different Way of Seeing, Lois Strachan speaks with Taryn Tomlinson from Livable Group about Ava, an innovative AI-powered accessibility assessment tool designed to help hospitality businesses evaluate how accessible their properties are for everyone.

Taryn explains how Ava guides users through a simple self-assessment, measuring everything from parking spaces and door widths to accessible bathrooms and emergency lighting. Within an hour of completing the assessment, businesses receive practical recommendations to help them improve accessibility and move closer to universal access standards.

We also discuss why Ava was created, the importance of making accessibility achievable for small and medium-sized hospitality businesses across South Africa, and exciting plans to expand the technology to restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions.

Join us for a fascinating conversation about how technology is making accessibility more practical, more affordable, and more achievable for businesses and the communities they serve.

Reach out to Tarryn Tomlinson:

Email: office@liveablegroup.com

Website: http://www.liveablegroup.com

Image Description:

Stylized illustration of a woman with a ponytail walking with a long white cane. To her right is a large outlined eye symbol with three curved lines beneath it, suggesting sound or radiating perception. Below the logo is text reading A Different way of Seeing with Lois Strachan.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.

Enjoyed this episode? Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue the show:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

Another short solo episode explaining why the show will be having a break due to my recovery from a major surgical operation.

If you miss me take a look at my content on the following links:

Website: https://www.loisstrachan.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lois.strachan

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/loisstrachan/

Podcast Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/different-way-of-seeing/

Image Description:

Stylized illustration of a woman with a ponytail walking with a long white cane. To her right is a large outlined eye symbol with three curved lines beneath it, suggesting sound or radiating perception. Below the logo is text reading A Different way of Seeing with Lois Strachan.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.

Enjoyed this episode? Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue the show:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

In this episode, Lois chats with Belinda Leibowitz, Hazel Sacharowitz and Karen Denton from the Low Vision Centre of Learning, a global organisation that aims to empower those living with blindness and low vision, and professionals working with the community.

Using the ERIC acronym, LVCoL provides education, resources, information and courses to their extensive network through their website, monthly events and their WhatsApp groups.

During the conversation, occupational therapist Belinda, optometrist Hazel, andeducation expert Karen discuss the founding of LVCol, the work they do and how their diverse backgrounds help them to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to all that they do.

To learn more about LVCoL, find the following links:

Website: http://www.lvcol.org

The Facebook groups are :

Low vision interest group South Africa

South African group for people who are visually impaired

Image Description:

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.

Enjoyed this episode? Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue the show:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

In this episode Lois speaks with Elle Rowlands, a graphic designer and small business owner from New South Wales, Australia who has spina bifida. Elle discusses her journey from traditional employment to entrepreneurship, starting her graphic design business called By Elle Creative in 2020.

They explore the challenges people with disabilities face in mainstream employment, particularly around consistency, energy levels, and physical access, as well as the benefits of entrepreneurship which allows for greater control over work arrangements.

Elle shares her advice for others considering starting their own business, emphasizing the importance of going at one's own pace, building sustainable systems, and not being overwhelmed by mistakes..

The conversation also touches on Elle's emerging public speaking career focusing on disability advocacy.

Reach out to Elle at the following links:

Website:

https://byellecreative.com.au

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/byellecreative

Speaking page:

https://byellecreative.com.au/speaking

Image Description:

Woman with long straight light-brown hair and blue eyes smiling at the camera. She is wearing rectangular eyeglasses and a pale pink T-shirt, with small red embroidered text reading By Elle Creative. Below the woman are indistinct red flowers.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.

Enjoyed this episode? Sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee and help me continue the show:

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

In this episode, Lois chats with Sriram Ganesh from the company Luminade about Lumen, a new voice-controlled app designed to make digital life more accessible for people with vision loss and neurodivergent conditions.

Sriram shares how Lumen uses natural voice conversations to help users manage emails and complete digital tasks without needing to navigate complex screens or master traditional screen readers. During the conversation, he demonstrates the app in action and discusses current and upcoming features, including support for Gmail, multiple email accounts, calendar integration, and Google Drive access.

If you’re interested in beta testing the Lumin product, Sriram also shares the process to join the team.

To learn more about Sriram and gain early access to Lumin, check out the following:

Website - https://luminade.ai/r/adifferentwayofseeing

X : https://x.com/TalkToLumin

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/talktolumin/

Sriram's linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sriramganesh/

Image Description:

A black background with a white geometric logo and white text. The logo is near the top centre. It has a white square with its top-right corner folded down, showing two triangular layers underneath in light and dark grey, like a page being turned. Below the logo, large white text has the name of the app, Lumin. Under that, smaller gray text says:

Talk to your email.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.

Want to sponsor me the cost of a cup of coffee?? Hop onto

https://ko-fi.com/adifferentwayofseeing

In this episode, Lois is joined by three voices bringing web accessibility into sharp focus: Karren Visser, a visually impaired photographer who navigates the digital world daily. Justin Hyde, a front-end developer with a passion for building inclusive user experiences. And Craig Strachan, an IT architect who understands the structural backbone of accessible systems. Together, they unpack what it really means to create websites that work for everyone.

This conversation explores a broad range of topics related to web accessibility, from barriers that impact everything from simple browsing to making important buying decisions. We go behind the scenes to explore how thoughtful coding, modern frameworks, and evolving AI tools can help identify and fix accessibility gaps before they become obstacles.

Most importantly, the conversation is placed within the context of the business case for making websites accessible to all, demonstrating the bottom line affect that inclusion can have for an organisation.

To learn more and connect with our guests:

Karren Visser:

Website: http://karrenvisser.com

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn: @karrenvisser

Justin Hyde:

Website: http://vertopia.co.za

Socials: @vertopia

Craig Strachan:

Website: http://craigstrachan.com

Image Description:

White headphone and eye icon with a sound wave in the center, over a background patterned with hundreds of illustrated eyes.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.

In this episode, I chat with Dana Garrett on navigating parenthood of a neurodiverse child. Dana shares her insights into the tools and techniques she found helpful in creating a supportive environment for her daughter.

Dana is a proud advocate for creating inclusion and belonging. Through her advocacy work she has created children’s books sharing stories of a child who utilize alternative communication techniques. She also writes on these topics for a local publication in New Orleans, where she is based

During our conversation, Dana mentions two Facebook groups that has found to be useful. They areNonverbal Autism Group, Autism Awareness for Parents and Family Support Group

Follow Dana at these links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danagarrett

Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/dana__garrett

Website: https://danagarrett.com⁩

Recommended Reading: Sincerely, Your Autistic Child https://a.co/d/0i9MRxnJ

Description:

A close-up portrait of a smiling woman. She has fair skin and long, wavy light brown hair parted to one side. She is wearing large gold hoop earrings and a light pink top with short, ruffled sleeves and a textured, gathered pattern on the front. The background is blurred and shows trees and what appears to be water, suggesting a lakeside or riverside setting.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.

In this episode, the third in the series detailing my journey with chronic kidney disease, Jeremy Opperman and I continue the story from where we left off.

Today we discuss how I went about finding a possible kidney donor, and the various types of donors there are. We then explore the range of medical tests my possible donor and I underwent to ensure we were a viable match, and all that is happening in the meantime

Now that I am awaiting a date for the surgery, I describe my emotions as I approach the final stages of this journey.

Listen to the first two episodes in the series:

138 My Journey with Chronic Kidney Disease: From Diabetes to dialysis, about being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child, navigating diabetes and my subsequent blindness, and finishing with the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.

Link: https://rss.com/podcasts/different-way-of-seeing/2597760

139 – My Journey with Chronic Kidney Disease: From Dialysis to Hope, about understanding what dialysis is, how I’ve adapted to the medical regime, and ending up discussing the possibility of a kidney transplant operation.

Link: https://rss.com/podcasts/different-way-of-seeing/2597759

Image Description:

A woman with shoulder-length dark brown hair who is lying on a reclinable medical bed. Beside her is a dialysis machine with various displays. The backrest of the bed is in an upright position.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker

This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on http://Hindenburg.com

Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi.

In this episode, Lois Chats with Heidi Lourens about her work as an academic in the psychology field and her training as a counseling psychologist. Having started her education at a school for the blind, Heidi explores what it was like for her to shift into a mainstream university for tertiary education and her experiences in her current work.

Discovering a love for research, Heidi explains how she navigates the world of lecturing, supervising and researching at university level, and offers words of advice for those considering a career in psychology.

Heidi also chats about her fragrance-related YouTube channel, Heidi’s Perfume Corner where she shares reviews of fragrances.

Reach out to Heidi at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidi.klerk:

e-mail: hlourens.psych@gmail.com

Find Heidi’s Perfume Corner at:

https://youtube.com/@heidisperfumecorner7501?si=_paUDDKa95dtyI5H

Image Description:

A woman with shoulder-length auburn hair and green eyes is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a short-sleeved white dress and is sitting on a wooden chair. A black Labrador in a guide dog harness sits beside her. Grass, trees and plants can be seen beyond them.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at

Website : http://loisstrachan.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lstrachan

In this episode, Lois Chats with Erica du Toit on the topic of loop systems and other assistive technology for those living with hearing loss

Having worked in the advocacy space for 30 years, Erica has a broad knowledge of tools and techniques that can assist those with hearing impairments and the people around them.

Reach out to Erica at the following links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-du-toit-13831370/

Western Cape APD
Tel: 021 555-2881
Email: awareness@wcapd.org.za
Website: https://wcapd.org.za/

National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)
Email: erica@ncpd.org.za
Website: www.ncpd.org.za

Western Cape Network on Disability
Email: info@wcdisability.org.za
Website: www.wcdisability.org.za

Image Description:
A woman with short dark hair wearing a long-sleeved black top. Shehas a pendent around her neck with a circular pendent with a design on it.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Website : 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.

Today I chat with Angela Blackwell, the first blind person to hike the Pondo Trail in South Africa with her guide dog, Jaydee.

Angela discusses how Jaydee helped her regain her confidence and independence after her diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa resulted in significant loss of visual acuity.

Hiking the Pondo Trail, a four day hike on the
East coast of South Africa became a challenge that Angela set for herself as a way of raising awareness that blindness does not mean living small. She is also using the project as a fund-raiser for the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind.

Follow Ange and Jaydees experience on the show and connect with them online:
Instagram: @Angel on the Blindside.

Please also support their fundraising at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/paws-on-the-path

Image Description:
A woman sitting on a large piece of driftwood on a sandy riverbank beside a white dog. The woman has short brown hair and light skin, and she is wearing a light gray T-shirt and denim shorts, barefoot, resting her chin on her hand and facing to the right with a calm, thoughtful expression. The dog is sitting close to her left side, wearing a collar, and also facing to the right. A wide, calm river stretches behind them, with green, tree-covered hills on both sides and a pale sky with light clouds.

I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Website : 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.

In my first ever solo episode, and possibly my shortest, I’m inviting you to reach out if you, or someone you know would be a great guest for the show.

In the episode, I talk about the types of stories I like to share, and tell you how to contact me if you, your organization, or someone you know might be a good person for me to interview.

Reach out to me on my website loisstrachan.com
Or drop a comment on Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube if that’s where you found this invitation.

Together let’s continue sharing stories that matter
Image Description:
A smiling woman with short dark hair who is wearing a teal blue and silver top. Behind her are light wooden shelves containing objects such as glassware, books, DVDs and a small model of a ship.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Website : 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.

In this episode, Lois speaks with Simalumba Nawa on the business case for increased inclusion in business.

This wide-ranging conversation covers Sima’s story of becoming visually impaired, gaining blindness skills, how he began his work as an inclusion advocate, and some of the work he has done in this space.

Sima also discusses his work with corporates in Africa demonstrating the value of increasing inclusion not only in employment, but in all facets of their business and offerings.

Reach out to Sima Nawa:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simaragnar.nawa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simalumba-nawa-/
Dear Sighted People Blog: https://dearsightedpeople.wordpress.com/:
Watch Sima’s TEDx speech: https://youtu.be/xwiGmrs8chE?si=2SOyQ3hG1k_fPN50
Image Description:
A man with a goatee standing against a white background. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt and has a brown and white animal print over his shoulder.
One hand rests on his hip and the other holds the handle of a white cane.
I’d love to hear from you – contact me at
Website : 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.