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 str ..read more

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 tal ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 Fi ..read more

**To book a disability coaching discovery call with Lois, go to https://www.loisstrachan.com/contact-lois/ In today’s episode of Job Talk, Lois speaks with Winston Fani, South Africa’s first qualified blind tour guide. We chat about Winston’s early life in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the reason he moved to Cape Town (hint: it was to follow the love of his life), and his start in the tourism and hospitality field. Winston also shares a little about some of his tours, including a street art walking tour, and his forthcoming tours incorporating wine and diamonds – two of South Africa’s big t ..read more

As a podcast host I am usually the one posing the questions. Today I’m sharing an episode from one of my favourite podcasts, where I am the one in the hot seat, facing the questions. If you are not already following Reimagining Life Podcast : from Pain to Purpose, I’d suggest subscribing so you can catch all RiRi’s shows as soon as they are published. I’m given the links to the show and to RiRi’s socials below. Reach out to RiRi and the Reimagining Life podcast at: Podcast feed: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/reimagininglifepodcast Social media: https://linktr.ee/reimagininglifepodc ..read more

In today’s episode Lois speaks with Anel Coetzee, a legal practitioner who is visually impaired. Anel speaks openly and honestly about her experiences looking for, finding and transitioning into work, first as a practicing attorney, and then shifting into the corporate world where she currently works as a legal advisor. This is a valuable episode for anyone considering the legal field, studying towards a law degree, and anyone working in human resources or recruitment in the industry. Anel shares several useful ideas for students and candidate attorneys throughout the show that may also be u ..read more

In today’s episode Lois speaks with Brittany McCormick, a woman living with Cerebral Palsy who uses her passion for motivational speaking to shift people’s awareness of how to overcome challenges. Brittany chats about how discovering her love of speaking turned her wish to make a difference from a spark into a flame. Brittany also discusses The Purpose Walk, a highly successful and ambitious fundraising campaign she undertook to raise funds to assist a local school for learners with disabilities. Reach out to Brittany and follow her journey on: Website: https://www.brittanymccormick.co.za/ F ..read more

In today’s episode Lois speaks with Katie Selby, paraeducator and advocate, on her experience of growing up with a learning disability. During the conversation we discuss Katie’s schooling and college education, how she learned to self-advocate and how she teaches that important skill to the students with whom she now works. We also talk about the book Katie has started writing, that was inspired by her reading of Stutterer Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn't Happen by Nina G. And, of course, I jump at the chance to learn a little about Katie’s adorable rescue dogs, Barney and Fred ..read more