The Eclectic

In this episode of The Eclectic Podcast, host Eloka Oduah sits down with Amy Bodkin, an Autistic adult, Consultant, and Public Speaker who works with families whose needs fall outside the norm. As a homeschooling parent of two Autistic children with a background in Educational Psychology and Neuropsychology, Amy brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her Holistic Developmental Approach.Together, we explore what it means to reimagine education, support neurodiverse families, and advocate for better treatment of children everywhere.Learn more about Amy’s work at AmyBodkin.com. for those requiring the podcast transcript, read at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ofb-4hGa2lNPGhl5f0rPsY2qfjHOvIhC/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102186582647928362400&rtpof=true&sd=truePlease note that the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the club. For more information send a mail to rotarywda@gmail.comRotary Club of World Disability Advocacy

In this inspiring episode of The Eclectic, host Eloka Oduah sits down with Grace Ochoche, a psychology graduate, model, and young woman with albinism, to explore the power of self-acceptance in navigating stereotypes, stigma, and health challenges.Grace opens up about her journey to embracing her identity, her passion for modelling, and how self-acceptance has fuelled her resilience against harmful stereotypes. She also sheds light on the unique health concerns faced by persons with albinism, the role of mental health, and the importance of advocacy and education in creating more inclusive communities.Her story is a reminder that difference is not a limitation but a unique strength.Tune in for an uplifting and eye-opening conversation that challenges stigma and celebrates authenticity. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For those requiring a transcript, please read at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yvhHTd6bCA2KR7_S8vvdAPUoxjOKUviISu9D7b0ZoZU/edit?usp=drivesdkPlease note that the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the club. For more information send a mail to rotarywda@gmail.comRotary Club of World Disability Advocacy

In this episode of The Eclectic Podcast, we sit down with Rtn. Taha Haaziq, Goa’s first 100% visually impaired Group A Gazetted Officer and the visionary behind Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity. From transforming elections into inclusive spaces to leading India’s first large-scale festival celebrating persons with disabilities, Taha has redefined what leadership and accessibility mean.Join us as we explore his journey through governance, technology, music, and advocacy, and discover how one individual’s vision can inspire systemic change.Press play to listen and let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For those requiring a transcript, please read at https://docs.google.com/document/d/160-FGchGcG2n_HAzb9kQ6IXsNxXqRMyO/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102186582647928362400&rtpof=true&sd=truePlease note that the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the club. For more information send a mail to rotarywda@gmail.comRotary Club of World Disability Advocacy

In this sensitive, but crucial episode of The Eclectic, we sit down with Alex Kamadu, Executive Director of the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, to unpack the complexities of wheelchair distribution for persons with disabilities. Far beyond a conversation about mobility aids, this episode looks into the deeper issue of dignity, autonomy, and access.Whether you’re a policymaker, donor, NGO worker, or ally, this episode challenges you to rethink what true inclusion really looks like and calls on all of us to ensure that assistive devices empower.Press play to listen and let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For those requiring a transcript, please read at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1li2YBs-8hgvId4MMkOtyC4KMSyDVZQuv/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102186582647928362400&rtpof=true&sd=truePlease note that the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the club. For more information send a mail to rotarywda@gmail.comRotary Club of World Disability Advocacy

In this special episode of The Eclectic, we mark 35 years since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — a landmark civil rights law that changed the landscape for people with disabilities in the United States and inspired disability rights movements around the world.Our guest, Angie Fuoco, a federal public health and safety expert, ADA Coordinator, DEI educator, and Anti-Ableism & Accessibility Trainer, brings a powerful perspective shaped by decades of advocacy and lived experience. Together, we unpack the milestones achieved under the ADA, explore the persistent systemic barriers that remain, and spotlight the transformative role of inclusive design in building truly accessible communities.Whether you’re a disability rights advocate, policymaker, designer, or ally, this episode offers a thoughtful reflection on what it means to move from compliance to genuine inclusion — and how centring disabled voices is key to driving the next era of progress.Press play to listen and let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For those requiring a transcript, please read at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lsp71cK1DUQnmGAqBWHPsodXFCi9bn0g/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102186582647928362400&rtpof=true&sd=truePlease note that the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the club. For more information send a mail to rotarywda@gmail.comRotary Club of World Disability Advocacy

What does it mean to have control over your body when society sees you as incapable of making choices about it?In this powerful episode of The Eclectic Podcast, host Eloka Oduah explores the often-ignored issue of reproductive rights for people with disabilities. From forced sterilizations to lack of access to inclusive sexual health education and care, disabled individuals continue to face systemic barriers to bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom.Eloka is joined by Winnie Njeri Muthoni, a gender and disability mainstreaming officer, to discuss:• Myths around asexuality, parenting, and consent• The importance of inclusive policies and education• What reproductive justice means for people with disabilities• How to support the movement for autonomy and accessibilityThis episode challenges taboos, unpacks policy gaps, and uplifts real stories. Because every body deserves choice, freedom, and dignity.Transcript available, send an email to elokaontheeclectic@gmail.com to get it.

In this empowering episode of The Eclectic Podcast, we sit down with a remarkable guest who is Deaf, uses a cochlear implant, and has made it her life’s mission to break down barriers in communication, gender equality, and disability inclusion. As a communications specialist, she brings both lived experience and professional insight into what it means to navigate the world with an invisible disability while pushing for visibility, representation, and justice.We talk about:• The layered experience of being Deaf in hearing-dominant spaces• How cochlear implants have shaped her personal and professional life• The intersection of disability and gender in advocacy work• What true accessibility and inclusive communication really look like• The role of storytelling in humanizing disability rightsWhether you’re in the disability space, curious about inclusive communication, or just love powerful stories — this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and share with someone who believes in the power of being heard.

In this episode of The Eclectic, we sit down with Mona Arsenault—an award-winning advocate, inclusion pioneer, and co-founder of Polio Quebec. Her journey began at 16 as Canada’s youngest Brownie leader and evolved into a lifelong commitment to championing the rights of people with disabilities. Mona shares how a single question from a parent changed the course of her life, leading her to create one of Canada’s first fully inclusive Girl Guide units. We dive into her work with post-polio advocacy, her role in shaping emergency egress accessibility standards, and her enduring belief in community, care, and creative leadership. This is more than a story—it’s a blueprint for sustainable, people-centered activism. In this episode, we discuss: • Diagnosing and living with post-polio syndrome • Building Polio Quebec and sustaining it for 40 years • Health equity, inclusive education, and accessible policy • Finding joy in beading and honouring the body’s wisdom • Advice for the next generation of disability advocates Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned changemaker, Mona’s story will inspire you to lead with courage, clarity, and heart.

How can we truly build a sustainable future if it's not inclusive? In this episode of *The Eclectic*, we sit down with **Abhishek Kumar** — lawyer, environmental researcher, and disability rights advocate — to explore how climate action and disability justice must intersect. From founding *The Sangyan* to contributing to global UN policies and leading powerful initiatives like *Build Forward Better*, Abhishek shares his journey of driving change at national and international levels. Join us as we discuss inclusive climate resilience, disability-led activism, and the urgent call to create a world where **we all belong**.

Today on The Eclectic, our guest is Professor Sigamoney Manicka Naicker, a renowned education expert, advocate for inclusive learning, and a key architect of South Africa’s post-apartheid education policies. With a career spanning academia and government, he has played a pivotal role in shaping education policies that aim to bridge systemic gaps for working-class communities. As the first Director of Inclusive Education in South Africa, his work has influenced policies not only in South Africa but also globally. Today, we’ll explore his journey from growing up in a working-class community to becoming a leading voice in inclusive education. We’ll discuss how education policies can better serve marginalized communities, and the ongoing challenges of implementing inclusive education. In this episode, professor Naicker shares: • His personal journey and how his experiences as a product of a working-class childhood has shaped his advocacy for inclusive education. • An understanding of inclusive education. • Some of the biggest challenges he faced in implementing inclusive education policies and lots more. You can connect with professor Naicker on https://www.linkedin.com/in/sigamoney-naicker-0027113 Send us a mail also to elokaontheeclectic@gmail.com and follow The Eclectic on facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709292433 and join the growing community of people who are making life-changing discoveries!

This week, we have a powerhouse in disability advocacy and epilepsy awareness—Nina Mago. As the Founder and CEO of the Purple Bench Initiative, Nina has dedicated over a decade to transforming public health narratives, breaking stigma, and securing access to epilepsy care for marginalized communities in Uganda and beyond. Her work with global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), has influenced policies and contributed to international epilepsy toolkits. Beyond policy advocacy, Nina is actively reshaping societal attitudes through education, media campaigns, and mentorship, ensuring that young people living with epilepsy are seen, heard, and supported. In this episode, Nina Mago shares: • Her personal Journey with Epilepsy & the defining moment in her journey that solidified her commitment to this cause • Her understanding of Epilepsy & experiences with stigma, some common misconceptions about epilepsy and more Join us on this exciting episode as we explore her journey, the challenges faced by individuals with epilepsy, and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive society. You can connect with Nina on https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninamago?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app Send us a mail also to elokaontheeclectic@gmail.com and follow The Eclectic on facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709292433 and join the growing community of people who are making life-changing discoveries!

This week, we speak to Fatimah Usman, a biochemist, educator, and passionate advocate for disability inclusion. As a person with albinism, she has witnessed the harmful effects of misrepresentation in entertainment and is calling for a revolution in the way disability stories are told. Through her work in education and advocacy, she’s advocating for authentic representation, ensuring that people with disabilities are not just included but properly portrayed. In this episode, Fatimah Usman shares: • Her upbringing and what led her into advocacy for disability inclusion • As a person with albinism, some of the first experiences that made her realize the need for authentic representation. • How her work as a teacher influenced her perspective on inclusion, especially for children with disabilities. • What she thinks are the biggest barriers preventing authentic inclusion. • How people with disabilities can take control of their own narratives in the media and lots more. Join us on this exciting episode as we unpack the challenges, the stereotypes, and most importantly, the solutions to creating an entertainment industry that truly reflects the diversity of the world we live in. You can connect with Fatimah on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatimah-usman-256885195?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app Send us a mail also to elokaontheeclectic@gmail.com and follow The Eclectic on facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709292433 and join the growing community of people who are making life-changing discoveries!

This week, we're joined by the incredible Dr. Denise White, a multi-award-winning Special Needs and Music Educator Entrepreneur who has dedicated her life to transforming the lives of children with special needs, particularly intellectual disability, through music. With over 25 years of experience and a PhD in music invention, Dr. White has developed a groundbreaking musical improvisation concept called “Conductology”. In this episode, Dr. White shares • Her journey into music education and what inspired her to work with children with special needs. • How she developed “Conductology”, and what makes it a unique and scientifically proven musical improvisation concept. • Some stories and examples of how “Conductology” has transformed the lives of children and adults with disabilities. • How she sees “Conductology” being used in different settings, such as schools, communities, and healthcare institutions and lots more. So, come along with me as we journey through her inspiring story and explore the power of music to heal, empower, and transform lives. You can connect with Dr. White on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisewhiteconductology?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bhnn7XlQLQ0yUxwxLd2BxsA%3D%3D or visit her website @ www.conductology.co.uk to access her work! Send us a mail also to elokaontheeclectic@gmail.com and follow The Eclectic on facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709292433 and join the growing community of people who are making life-changing discoveries!

Welcome to The Eclectic! Today, we're exploring the intersection of technology, education, and accessibility. Our guest is the creator of the BrailleDoodle, a groundbreaking tool that's making Braille literacy, STEM, and art education more inclusive and accessible. With a mission to promote equality and potential, the BrailleDoodle is revolutionizing the way we learn and create. Let's dive into the story behind this innovative device and its impact on the lives of individuals with visual impairments. If you are interested in learning more or supporting the BrailleDoodle mission, visit their website at TouchPadProFoundation.org Send us a mail to elokaontheeclectic@gmail.com and follow The Eclectic on facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709292433 and join the growing community of people who are making life-changing discoveries!

Today on The Eclectic, we have an exceptional guest whose story is a true testament to resilience and the power of pursuing your dreams. Lucky Pastor joins us, a multi-talented artist, advocate, and educator who has overcome significant challenges to achieve remarkable success. Lucky, despite losing his sight at a young age, has become a poet, scriptwriter, inspirational author, singer, and so much more. In this episode, he discusses the lunch of his second book “Applied Poetry” among other things. We're excited to delve into his incredible journey. Lucky is also the author of an inspirational book called "Braving the Storm." Be sure to check it out after the episode, and let us know in the comments below what resonated most with you from Lucky's story! To be part of the book lunch “Applied Poetry” on Thursday, 24th October 2024, join virtually via the link below Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qoh-raqr-tpa You can connect with Lucky via facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucky.pastor.9?mibextid=kFxxJD Send us a mail also to elokaontheeclectic@gmail.com and follow The Eclectic on facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709292433 and join the growing community of people who are making life-changing discoveries!

Achieving decent work and economic growth is crucial for realizing all 17 Sustainable Development Goals SDGs. However, for individuals with disabilities, securing meaningful employment can be a significant challenge. Why the skepticism? Employers often harbor misconceptions about the capabilities of persons with disabilities, and the talent pool may seem scarce. But what's the reality? Listen to Gibraltar Chanetsa, Founding Director of INCAEST International, as he shares insightful perspectives on: • The untapped potential of persons with disabilities in the workforce • Strategies to overcome employer skepticism • Inclusive hiring practices that drive business success Join the conversation! Share your thoughts: Why do you think employers are skeptical about persons with disabilities? Like, comment, and share this episode to: • Spark meaningful discussions • Promote disability inclusion • Empower individuals with disabilities

Accessibility and inclusion are essential in all fields, including healthcare. Imagine a woman in labour whose mind and thoughts is consumed with the excruciating pain of childbirth but still has to contend with the challenge of communication! Click the link. Listen as Dr. Kutyyi Ango tells us about her experience delivering a deaf patient of a child and shares her interest in public health as well as her experience with the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI). Join the conversation and share your own experiences or thoughts on accessibility in accessing healthcare. Don’t forget to comment, like, and share! Dr. Ango Kutyyi is a dedicated medical professional with experience in public health and a deep commitment to community development. In her current role at the Primary Health Care Igabi LGA, Kaduna, She has remained instrumental in leading several health initiatives, focusing on maternal and child health, infectious disease prevention, and health promotion. She has consistently demonstrated a passion for improving health outcomes in underserved populations. In recognition of her community contributions, She was awarded Outstanding Youth Corper of the Year 2023 by the Jigawa State Government. Looking ahead, She aspires to make an impact by establishing sustainable health programs that are replicable in underserved regions. She is passionate about developing innovative health policies that mitigate current challenges and is committed to fostering collaborations that drive meaningful change in these areas

Get ready to be inspired! Join us on The Eclectic podcast as we kick off Season 6 with an unforgettable episode! Meet Alee Lawan, a talented novelist, spoken word artist, and societal activist who's using his voice to challenge the status quo and inspire change. Click the link. as we explore the world of Alee and discover how creative expression can be a powerful tool for driving positive change. What other ways do you think we can inspire change? Join the conversation and share your thoughts. Don’t forget to comment, like, and share!

Have you ever imagined a society where young girls will have no need to use tissue paper and rags in place of sanitary pads especially among the poorest of the poor? Click the link. as Edelquinn Akighir talks about how she intends to ensure that 300 girls on the street have access to sanitary pads to manage their menstrual hygiene effectively. Join the conversation and share your thoughts. Don’t forget to comment, like, and share! Send us a mail to elokaontheeclectic@gmail.com and follow The Eclectic on facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709292433 and join the growing community of people who are making life-changing discoveries!

Today, we're joined by Prabath, a passionate Disability Inclusion Specialist and Social Researcher who is dedicated to promoting social justice and challenging traditional notions of ability. With a focus on amplifying diverse voices and perspectives, Prabath seeks to create a more inclusive world for all. In this episode, we'll explore Prabath's work and insights on disability inclusion, and how we can work together to build a society that values and empowers all individuals, regardless of ability. Ever heard of RP (retinitis pigmentosa)? Yeah, until I met Prabath, I was just as confused as you currently are reading this. Allow me to take this opportunity to thank all you spectacular individuals for supporting The Eclectic every week. Without you listening, I won’t be doing what I enjoy doing. You guys are simply the best! So, back to the story of RP. It is a group of genetic eye disorders that affect the retina and can cause progressive vision loss, usually beginning with night blindness and peripheral vision loss, followed by central vision loss. It’s a lot to digest right? I know. Click the link. as Prabath Wickramanayake, an RP survivor, talks about the importance of embracing different ways of doing things to achieve the same results. Join the conversation and share your thoughts. Don’t forget to comment, like, and share! Send us a mail also to elokaontheeclectic@gmail.com and follow The Eclectic on facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709292433 and join the growing community of people who are making life-changing discoveries!