Episodios

  • 125 - Guillaume Hervier on Blind Tennis and Living as a Blind Person in France

    125 - Guillaume Hervier on Blind Tennis and Living as a Blind Person in France
    Apr 29 2025
    ** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available as a print book, an e-book and in audio – grab your copy today!
    Order it at
    https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content

    In today’s episode, Lois chats with Guillaume Hervier, host of the French language podcast, Les Voyages A L'Aveuglette.
    Guillaume chats about his life growing up in France with retinitis pigmentosa and the accessibility features that are typically found in France for people who are blind or partially blind.
    He also discusses his love for travel, which was borne out of his participation in blind tennis. Since this was the first time I had heard of blind tennis, we dig a little deeper into how the sport is played, and Guillaume shares a little of the history of the game.
    We also talk about his time living in Indonesia and his hope to found a travel agency focused on encouraging both disabled and non-disabled French people to visit the country he came to love. Finally, he shares some of the reasons why people may wish to visit France.
    Find Guillaume on the following links:
    Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lesvoyagesalaveuglette
    Podcast feed: https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/les-voyages-a-laveuglette/id1481509619
    Image description:
    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.
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    50 m
  • 124 - Job Talk: Katey Fortun on Working as an Interior Designer with Dyslexia

    124 - Job Talk: Katey Fortun on Working as an Interior Designer with Dyslexia
    Apr 15 2025
    ** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available. Get your copy at
    https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content

    In today’s episode, Lois chats with host of the Different Ability Podcast, Katey Fortun, about her work as an interior designer.
    During the conversation, Katey talks about the relief of receiving a diagnosis of dyslexia at the age of 10 years of age, because it helped her to understand her way of doing things. She acknowledges the willingness of her education system to accommodate her and some of the techniques she uses to accomplish the many diverse and creative tasks she is involved with.
    Katey emphasises the importance of using your strengths to help determine your career, rather than constantly trying to work on areas that cause you to struggle.
    Katey chats about her podcast, the Different Ability Podcast, as well as her forthcoming book, Embracing Your Different Ability: Together We Advocate: Disability Stories Through the Eyes of a Child and Parent.
    Finally, Katey speaks of her preference for the term different ability, as opposed to disability and explains why she feels the way she does.
    Reach out to Katey on
    Website: kateyfortun.com
    Podcast feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1216838.rss
    My interview on The Different Ability Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1216838/episodes/16172924-beyond-vision-empowering-a-more-inclusive-world-with-lois-strachan.mp3

    Image description:
    A woman with long blonde hair is wearing a black dress with a pattern of orange flowers. There are autumn leaves on the ground and the lighting is bright and cosy.
    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.
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    58 m
  • 123 - Job Talk: Dr Lionel Smith on Working as a Medical Professional with Low Vision

    123 - Job Talk: Dr Lionel Smith on Working as a Medical Professional with Low Vision
    Apr 1 2025
    ** My new book, Paws for Thought (second edition) is now available. Get your copy at https://www.loisstrachan.com/shop/#acc-content

    In today’s episode, Lois chats with Dr Lionel Smith, a medical doctor who was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at the age of 60. Despite his diagnosis, he continued to work in the medical field.

    During the conversation, Lionel describes his life both before and after his diagnosis, explaining how he was able to continue making a significant impact on the medical field in South Africa despite his deteriorating eyesight. He also talks about the challenges he is facing now that his RP has progressed.

    *Note from Lois: This episode is dedicated to the memory of Dr Lionel Smith, who passed away shortly before the interview was published.
    Image description:
    A middle-aged man wearing a light blue shirt. He has glasses resting on his short gray hair. The background of the image is out of focus, emphasizing the man’s face.

    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.
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    55 m
  • 122 - Geertje van den Broeck on Running a Wheelchair Accessible Guesthouse

    122 - Geertje van den Broeck on Running a Wheelchair Accessible Guesthouse
    Mar 18 2025
    ** 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 Geertje van den Broeck, who runs a wheelchair accessible guesthouse in Cape Town, South Africa.

    On moving to South Africa from Belgium, Geertje decided to open the guesthouse, drawing on her past experience as a caregiver for people who were wheelchair users. During the conversation, Geertje shares a little of her story and describes the facilities that make the Casa Ilanga guesthouse wheelchair-friendly. She also touches on her plans to extend the accessibility of the accommodation to suit people living with other disabilities.

    Discover more about Casa Ilanga Guesthouse
    Website: https://casailanga.co.za/
    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.
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    39 m
  • 121 - Linsay Lusyne on Being a Low Vision Travel Advisor and Coach

    121 - Linsay Lusyne on Being a Low Vision Travel Advisor and Coach
    Mar 6 2025
    ** 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.
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    47 m
  • 120 - Mayet Banos on Navigating an Adult Diagnosis of Neurodiversity

    120 - Mayet Banos on Navigating an Adult Diagnosis of Neurodiversity
    Feb 18 2025
    ** 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.
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    36 m
  • 119 - A Conversation with Low Vision Consultant, Jennifer Webster

    119 - A Conversation with Low Vision Consultant, Jennifer Webster
    Feb 4 2025
    ** 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.
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    54 m
  • 118 - Raising Guide Dog Puppies, with Wendy Purdon and Tania Robbertze

    118 - Raising Guide Dog Puppies, with Wendy Purdon and Tania Robbertze
    Jan 14 2025
    ** 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.
    Más Menos
    58 m
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