Melody hails from South Africa and works as an advocate for vulnerable adults at The Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust.
Kia ora Melody, thank you so much for your time. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born in South Africa and lost my sight at 27 years old. A few days before losing my vision, I heard that I was pregnant with my eldest son. We emigrated to New Zealand around 6 and a half years ago and I have recently started my first job since going blind.
I’m passionate about baking and I am a mother of two boys that I love to hang out with. After all the difficulty I have faced finding a job as a disabled person, I now endeavour to engage with businesses and future employees with issues around accessibility and inclusion.
Why is audio description important to you?
I need it for work. It has made it possible for me to work as coordinator for The Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust which advocates for and supports vulnerable adults throughout Aotearoa, which I love doing.
How does audio description help you feel included?
It gives a story where there is no dialogue.
What do you hope for the future when it comes to Audio Description in media (for TV and streaming etc.)?
Less robotic voices.
What are some of your favourite things to do?
I like being active and love going surfing, and running. I really enjoy a good audiobook.
What shows/genres do you enjoy watching and why?
Detective dramas.
Any guilty pleasure shows?
The Graham Norton Show.
If you could scale any animal down to the size of a cat, which one would it be and why?
A dog, because dogs are better than cats.
Which country would you love to travel to now that the world is opening up more and more again, and why?
Rarotonga, to do the island run.
