Beyond Barriers

Being Deaf doesn't mean being without a voice. In this episode of Beyond Barriers with Jaime, Jaime explores what it really means to be Deaf, from NZSL and Deaf culture to the everyday assumptions people can make about communication and accessibility. Jaime shares her own lived experience as a Deaf person and looks at why accessibility, understanding and inclusion matter. This is a conversation about breaking down barriers, challenging misconceptions and recognising that Deaf people have their own language, culture, identity and voices. Because being Deaf doesn't mean being silent - sometimes it simply means the world needs to learn to listen differently.

There’s a moment every parent knows — that first time you have to let your little one go. In this episode of Beyond Barriers with Jaime, I’m sharing the emotional journey of letting my daughter start preschool and take her first steps into the wider world. It’s about the excitement, the nerves, the guilt, the tears — and that strange feeling of realising your baby is growing up and becoming her own little person. For me, as a disabled mum, there are also questions and emotions around trust, independence, accessibility, and knowing when to step back and let your child discover the world for themselves. Because letting go doesn’t mean losing them. It means trusting them enough to let them grow, even when every part of you wants to hold on. And sometimes, the hardest thing about watching your little one fly... is realising they were ready before you were. 🦋💗

Jaime Randhawa is back with Beyond Barriers asking why we feel pressured to drink to have fun or fit in. Whether someone avoids alcohol for disability, health, faith, recovery or simply personal choice - that decision deserves respect. Jaime talks inclusive social spaces and how to celebrate without a drink in hand. Different choices. Same respect. Better together.

Jaime Randhawa presents a fortnightly show highlighting the challenges for the hearing impaired and has advice on what you can do to help.

This week on Beyond Barriers, host Jaime Randhawa steps into the spotlight herself. As an NZSL teacher, Jaime shares what New Zealand Sign Language really is, why it matters, how anyone can start learning it and what the hearing community should understand about the Deaf community in Southland and across Aotearoa. Personal, passionate and full of practical insight from someone living and teaching this every day.