It is one of my favorite sounds, the tones of bells, and in so many ways I associate a tone with either a memory or incident.
To me there are sad tones, happy ones, exciting ones, and ones that sometimes invoke some trepidation in me. I have always enjoyed hearing the sound of bells: at Christmas time, and at weddings. I also associate them with times of sadness at funeral time.
O how I love the sound of bells as I approach the Church for Christmas Mass. The sound of bells wafting across the snow is so peaceful. The chiming of church bells on a quiet evening is so enjoyable to me. I know that many others enjoy these things but as a blind person I may probably pay more attention to the tones of bells.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. Come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca and go out there and tell others how much I enjoy listening to the toning of bells.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
What makes food attractive
I can only speak for myself and I’ll tell you what makes it all attractive to me as a blind person.
First, smell! I love the good smell of food: chicken, pork, or beef baking in the oven. The smell of cake and cookies. The smell of a good stew on the way, eggs frying, coffee brewing, or the healthy smell of a grill or barbecue.
I am also attracted to salads, but in this case, as I am unable to smell the presence of a salad, I depend on others to tell me what the salad is made up of. Most foods have a smell of their own and whenever I visit a buffet table I use my sense of smell to help me determine what to choose. Most sighted people also use their sense of sight to help determine whether or not they are attracted to various foods but for me this is no longer an option.
Of course, the smell of certain foods helps to remind me of specific occasions. The smell of cookies baking in the oven reminds me of Christmas time and Granny at work in the kitchen. Meat baking in the oven reminds me of my mom cooking up a storm as she prepares the Sunday meal, and the smell of stews simmering away on the stove reminds me of a cool day in the fall. The smell of grilling and barbecuing all remind me of a summer’s day seated outside on my balcony.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and learn more about how blind persons enjoy cooking and eating through their sense of smell. Visit www.nfb.orgwww.nfb.org to learn more.
First, smell! I love the good smell of food: chicken, pork, or beef baking in the oven. The smell of cake and cookies. The smell of a good stew on the way, eggs frying, coffee brewing, or the healthy smell of a grill or barbecue.
I am also attracted to salads, but in this case, as I am unable to smell the presence of a salad, I depend on others to tell me what the salad is made up of. Most foods have a smell of their own and whenever I visit a buffet table I use my sense of smell to help me determine what to choose. Most sighted people also use their sense of sight to help determine whether or not they are attracted to various foods but for me this is no longer an option.
Of course, the smell of certain foods helps to remind me of specific occasions. The smell of cookies baking in the oven reminds me of Christmas time and Granny at work in the kitchen. Meat baking in the oven reminds me of my mom cooking up a storm as she prepares the Sunday meal, and the smell of stews simmering away on the stove reminds me of a cool day in the fall. The smell of grilling and barbecuing all remind me of a summer’s day seated outside on my balcony.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and learn more about how blind persons enjoy cooking and eating through their sense of smell. Visit www.nfb.orgwww.nfb.org to learn more.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Remembering fireworks
A few months ago I decided to take a short walk down memory lane. I was reminiscing on the night of July 1 as I lay in bed listening to the noise and crackle of fireworks going on around me to celebrate Canada Day.
Now that I am no longer able to see the colorful displays, I dip into my memory bank to help me remember and boy do I remember! So many memorable occasions: New Years, July 1 Canada Days, and on and on! The huge bursts of shooting lights of all colors and shapes and my friends and me cheering. The same for my family clapping happily along.
I remember how Dad used to stand beside me on our balcony as we watched the fireworks on Independence Day evenings. He would describe the fireworks to me and I would follow along. Then, on a special Canada Day evening in Montreal, my best friend Char along with other friends went with me to see the fireworks display in Montreal West. There were other memorable occasions as well; so many to remember and cherish forever.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell others about my memories.
Come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Now that I am no longer able to see the colorful displays, I dip into my memory bank to help me remember and boy do I remember! So many memorable occasions: New Years, July 1 Canada Days, and on and on! The huge bursts of shooting lights of all colors and shapes and my friends and me cheering. The same for my family clapping happily along.
I remember how Dad used to stand beside me on our balcony as we watched the fireworks on Independence Day evenings. He would describe the fireworks to me and I would follow along. Then, on a special Canada Day evening in Montreal, my best friend Char along with other friends went with me to see the fireworks display in Montreal West. There were other memorable occasions as well; so many to remember and cherish forever.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell others about my memories.
Come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Finding each other
Try finding a blind person when you yourself are blind and you are in for some fun and great learning experiences.
First of all, we cannot see each other. We cannot see each other approaching, nor can we spot each other in a crowd or in a room, mall, store, or anywhere else for that matter. We can easily walk by each other without even knowing it or sit next to each other without even knowing it unless we speak to each other.
We cannot wave to each other. We cannot smile at each other and we cannot make eye contact with each other. So how do we find each other? By making sure that we are at the same place at the same time. By calling out for each other and by ensuring that we get our signals straight.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a great day and inviting you to go out there and tell others about my blogs. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
First of all, we cannot see each other. We cannot see each other approaching, nor can we spot each other in a crowd or in a room, mall, store, or anywhere else for that matter. We can easily walk by each other without even knowing it or sit next to each other without even knowing it unless we speak to each other.
We cannot wave to each other. We cannot smile at each other and we cannot make eye contact with each other. So how do we find each other? By making sure that we are at the same place at the same time. By calling out for each other and by ensuring that we get our signals straight.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a great day and inviting you to go out there and tell others about my blogs. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
When someone does not respond
One of the biggest challenges for me is when someone does not respond during a conversation with me. I have no idea as to whether they are listening, what body language they are using, their facial expressions, or gestures.
It makes me very uncomfortable when someone does not respond because now I have to use my sense of hearing and intuition to help me out. I cannot hear or see when someone shakes or nods their head. I cannot hear or see when they smile or frown, nor can I hear their gestures. So, please remember to respond when talking to a blind person!
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and share my words with others.
Visit www.acb.org to learn more.
It makes me very uncomfortable when someone does not respond because now I have to use my sense of hearing and intuition to help me out. I cannot hear or see when someone shakes or nods their head. I cannot hear or see when they smile or frown, nor can I hear their gestures. So, please remember to respond when talking to a blind person!
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and share my words with others.
Visit www.acb.org to learn more.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Why I prefer shopping in person
To me, it is better for me to do my shopping in person rather than ask someone else to do it for me. The explanation is very simple for me. If I do it in person then I get the opportunity to choose exactly what I want and then if I am unable to find it, that is, if my assistant at the supermarket or store is unable to find it for me, then I can easily ask them to help me choose something else.
Some volunteers prefer to ask for my list and go off and do my shopping for me but almost all of the time I politely say no because what if they are unable to find what I need? Then what? Best for me to do it all in person.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and share my blogs with others.
Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
Some volunteers prefer to ask for my list and go off and do my shopping for me but almost all of the time I politely say no because what if they are unable to find what I need? Then what? Best for me to do it all in person.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and share my blogs with others.
Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Why I accomodate
When it comes to determining how I choose to decide, my first rule of thumb is to accommodate. I am living in a predominantly sighted world and my challenge is to accommodate as much as I can. That is, without giving up my rights to certain basic things. Things such as: My right to privacy and confidentiality, my right to access to information, and my right to have my voice heard.
I am always prepared to accommodate the shortcomings of others. I am always ready to accommodate those persons who are challenged when dealing with a blind person for the first time and I am always willing to accommodate those who are either hesitant to or do not exactly know how to deal with a blind person.
It is all a matter of us teaching each other and learning from each other. It is all a matter of sharing, experiencing, and accommodating. It is all a matter of helping each other to accommodate and understand.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and tell others. Visit www.sterlingcreations.ca to learn more about me.
I am always prepared to accommodate the shortcomings of others. I am always ready to accommodate those persons who are challenged when dealing with a blind person for the first time and I am always willing to accommodate those who are either hesitant to or do not exactly know how to deal with a blind person.
It is all a matter of us teaching each other and learning from each other. It is all a matter of sharing, experiencing, and accommodating. It is all a matter of helping each other to accommodate and understand.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and tell others. Visit www.sterlingcreations.ca to learn more about me.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Blind persons socializing
My sighted friends and family often smile whenever I tell them about how blind persons go about socializing. You just need to think of it like this: We call out to each other in order to determine where we are. We use our canes and guide dogs to help us locate chairs, tables, and other objects. We ask for sighted assistance if available to help us locate persons and things and we ask for assistance to have menus read to us and any other printed materials.
It is only natural and logical that if we are unable to see who we are looking for that we would raise our voices to call for their attention and that if we wish to be heard by someone else that we would do the same. If one is unable to find who they are looking for, would it not be logical for them to call out?
Most of us are unable to see the one sitting across from us or beside us. We would not know who is seated at our table unless they identify themselves to us. We would not be able to find the bar or washroom unless we are given directions. We are unable to spot the waiter/waitress and so we need to raise our hand in order to catch their attention.
This is what socializing as a blind person is all about and I would like for you to go out there and share my words with others. I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
It is only natural and logical that if we are unable to see who we are looking for that we would raise our voices to call for their attention and that if we wish to be heard by someone else that we would do the same. If one is unable to find who they are looking for, would it not be logical for them to call out?
Most of us are unable to see the one sitting across from us or beside us. We would not know who is seated at our table unless they identify themselves to us. We would not be able to find the bar or washroom unless we are given directions. We are unable to spot the waiter/waitress and so we need to raise our hand in order to catch their attention.
This is what socializing as a blind person is all about and I would like for you to go out there and share my words with others. I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Bronte sailing club
It is always so very nice when I get to talk about a club that has gone out of its way to ensure that blind persons are able to experience something out of the ordinary, and in this case it's the joys of sailing. A few months ago I did just that and boy did I ever have a wonderful time. The joys of sailing were so real and exciting to me, and now that I have precious little vision I have to depend almost totally on the guidance of my instructors.
It was five days of heavenly bliss. I, along with 30 or so blind friends, was treated to the rudiments of sailing. There were about 10 boats, give or take a few, and about three times the number of crew members and volunteers. We had morning and evening sessions and we sailed in calm as well as semi-choppy waters.
I learned how to steer a boat. I learned how to tack, winch, and turn the boat and I learned how to determine the direction of the winds. I sailed in excellent boats and on the last day we participated in three races. Believe it or not, I and my team won the overall competition in our boat called Pagan!
I learned so much and I felt and experienced even more. I was shown so much kindness by total strangers and I saw where club members were so willing to teach and share. I would personally like to thank Irene Bantin, all of the volunteers, all of the crews that I sailed with, but most of all my winning crew! Colin, Mark, Brian, Joan, and Peter. It was an experience that I will never forget.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and share my blogs with others.
Visit www.bhyc.on.ca/sailingschool/ to learn more about the Bronte Yacht Club.
It was five days of heavenly bliss. I, along with 30 or so blind friends, was treated to the rudiments of sailing. There were about 10 boats, give or take a few, and about three times the number of crew members and volunteers. We had morning and evening sessions and we sailed in calm as well as semi-choppy waters.
I learned how to steer a boat. I learned how to tack, winch, and turn the boat and I learned how to determine the direction of the winds. I sailed in excellent boats and on the last day we participated in three races. Believe it or not, I and my team won the overall competition in our boat called Pagan!
I learned so much and I felt and experienced even more. I was shown so much kindness by total strangers and I saw where club members were so willing to teach and share. I would personally like to thank Irene Bantin, all of the volunteers, all of the crews that I sailed with, but most of all my winning crew! Colin, Mark, Brian, Joan, and Peter. It was an experience that I will never forget.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and share my blogs with others.
Visit www.bhyc.on.ca/sailingschool/ to learn more about the Bronte Yacht Club.
Friday, September 9, 2011
The desire for vision
A few months ago I was at a meeting where the president of this particular chapter asked his members to explain what the loss of vision meant to them. As I listened carefully, I realized that there were so many stories to share. Some mourned the loss of their vision while others were scared. Still others accepted their lot in life while others were just happy to go along with the flow. It was a complete landscape of varying degrees of acceptance, mourning, and being scared.
As for me, my desire for the return of my vision still burns brightly. True it is that I have accepted my loss of vision. There is nothing that I can do about it, but still, I long for its return.
Why? So that I could do more for myself and for others. That things would be made a bit easier for me: shopping, house cleaning, cooking, and traveling. I miss seeing things: colors, shapes, and light. I miss being able to truly appreciate Mother Nature’s wonders and I miss being able to glide independently around the ice rink.
I miss being able to see the ocean, the blue skies, the puffy white clouds, and the gorgeous flowers and green grass. I miss being able to see faces and so much more, but you know what? My desire for the return of my vision will be fulfilled in the next world.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and tell others about my blogs. Visit www.nfb.org to learn how people cope with the loss of their vision.
As for me, my desire for the return of my vision still burns brightly. True it is that I have accepted my loss of vision. There is nothing that I can do about it, but still, I long for its return.
Why? So that I could do more for myself and for others. That things would be made a bit easier for me: shopping, house cleaning, cooking, and traveling. I miss seeing things: colors, shapes, and light. I miss being able to truly appreciate Mother Nature’s wonders and I miss being able to glide independently around the ice rink.
I miss being able to see the ocean, the blue skies, the puffy white clouds, and the gorgeous flowers and green grass. I miss being able to see faces and so much more, but you know what? My desire for the return of my vision will be fulfilled in the next world.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and tell others about my blogs. Visit www.nfb.org to learn how people cope with the loss of their vision.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Why I chose the IPad
Thanks to the wisdom and guidance of my friend, Larry Lewis, I have chosen to go the IPad way. Hopefully and no reason why not, I will be enjoying all the benefits of the IPad plus more and I am going to use the Braille Pen to help me navigate my way as I prefer to leave the touch screen arena to others.
By using the IPad, I will be able to surf the Internet without having to power up my computer. I will be using a fantastic mainstream device to surf and I will not have to worry about access technology and whether or not it can interact and communicate with the Internet. The Braille Pen will greatly help me to get around.
I can’t wait to join the millions who have graduated to Apple’s suite of devices: the IPhone, the IPod and IPod Touch, and the IPad. No more having to power my computer when I wish to surf. I can now read books more easily with my IPad. I can surf more easily, and I can even take scrap notes plus so much more. I’ll probably install GPS on my IPad in the near future, and o yes! Omoby, an app which will enable me to take pictures of various objects and be able to have them described back to me.
Thank you, Larry Lewis! You can visit Larry at www.flyingblind.com.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.
By using the IPad, I will be able to surf the Internet without having to power up my computer. I will be using a fantastic mainstream device to surf and I will not have to worry about access technology and whether or not it can interact and communicate with the Internet. The Braille Pen will greatly help me to get around.
I can’t wait to join the millions who have graduated to Apple’s suite of devices: the IPhone, the IPod and IPod Touch, and the IPad. No more having to power my computer when I wish to surf. I can now read books more easily with my IPad. I can surf more easily, and I can even take scrap notes plus so much more. I’ll probably install GPS on my IPad in the near future, and o yes! Omoby, an app which will enable me to take pictures of various objects and be able to have them described back to me.
Thank you, Larry Lewis! You can visit Larry at www.flyingblind.com.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
How I do my gardening
For as long as I can remember, I have loved flowers and plants. It was so when I was a child, when I grew up and had enough sight to see the bright colorful flowers, and now that I can no longer see them.
How well I remember going with my parents to stroll in the Botanical Gardens and Dad placing flowers in my hand and telling me what they were, and the tiny delicate butterflies that he would catch and gently place in the palm of my hand.
I take every opportunity to engage in my style of gardening, using pots and boxes on my balcony to do it. Mom has taught me how to do this. I group my pots by types of plants and flowers. Geraniums, impatiens, mums, and so on. I mix my colors and under the watchful eye of my mom; I carefully place my pots and boxes in specific spots.
It’s not too bad as when I had vision she taught me and now I just have to follow her instructions and retain my mental picture.
I love my balcony garden and whenever I visit my mom, I enjoy her huge rooftop garden. Ah yes! The joys of gardening!
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and share my gardening thoughts with others.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca to learn more about me.
How well I remember going with my parents to stroll in the Botanical Gardens and Dad placing flowers in my hand and telling me what they were, and the tiny delicate butterflies that he would catch and gently place in the palm of my hand.
I take every opportunity to engage in my style of gardening, using pots and boxes on my balcony to do it. Mom has taught me how to do this. I group my pots by types of plants and flowers. Geraniums, impatiens, mums, and so on. I mix my colors and under the watchful eye of my mom; I carefully place my pots and boxes in specific spots.
It’s not too bad as when I had vision she taught me and now I just have to follow her instructions and retain my mental picture.
I love my balcony garden and whenever I visit my mom, I enjoy her huge rooftop garden. Ah yes! The joys of gardening!
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and share my gardening thoughts with others.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca to learn more about me.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Under the Christmas tree
It may not yet be Christmas but boy do I have some wonderful memories to share with you. Memories of me as a child with very little vision enjoying my experiences under our family’s Christmas tree. I had enough vision then to see the lights in their different colors. I could see the other decorations on the tree as well but I did not have quite enough vision to help decorate the tree.
That was okay by me. I enjoyed smelling the fragrant pine of our live tree. At night, I would crawl under our tree and lie quietly among the presents taking care not to crush any of them. My two brothers were always trying to peak into their presents and they would let me have a feel of mine. I would shake them to see if I could tell what mine were but my brothers would peak and tell. O how much fun it was then.
I always loved our Christmas tree and everything that went with it. I loved everything about those wonderful trees. The smell of them, what lay under them, and what was placed on and around them. Ah yes! Under the Christmas tree!
I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and tell others about my memories of being under my Christmas tree. Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca to learn more.
That was okay by me. I enjoyed smelling the fragrant pine of our live tree. At night, I would crawl under our tree and lie quietly among the presents taking care not to crush any of them. My two brothers were always trying to peak into their presents and they would let me have a feel of mine. I would shake them to see if I could tell what mine were but my brothers would peak and tell. O how much fun it was then.
I always loved our Christmas tree and everything that went with it. I loved everything about those wonderful trees. The smell of them, what lay under them, and what was placed on and around them. Ah yes! Under the Christmas tree!
I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and tell others about my memories of being under my Christmas tree. Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca to learn more.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Playing in the surf
Every now and then I like to sit quietly and remember my childhood. It helps me to relax, but more importantly it helps me to preserve my memories when I had just enough vision to see some things.
How well I remember being able to play in the surf with my dad and brothers. They would let me try to catch them and sometimes I did just that. They would not make it easy for me to do so but that was okay. I loved the challenge.
They would use their voices to lead me to them and then when I was close enough they would attempt to swim away, but sometimes I was just a bit too swift for them.
We would play ball with a huge beach ball. We would ride the waves. We would race each other in the clean white foamy surf and then we would laugh and tease each other.
My cousins Nancy, Brenda, Brian, Stephen, and Robert would also play with me. O how I loved and adored those memorable times. They were always so good to me. They never took advantage of my blindness and they were always so protective of me. Thank you, Dad and brothers, and thank you cousins! My memory bank will always be filled with memories of all of you playing in the surf with me.
I shall never forget the foamy white surf. The waves of all sizes. The sparkling green water. The blue skies up above and the sun beaming on us lying on the beach and digging huge water pools.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and share my precious memories with others. Come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
How well I remember being able to play in the surf with my dad and brothers. They would let me try to catch them and sometimes I did just that. They would not make it easy for me to do so but that was okay. I loved the challenge.
They would use their voices to lead me to them and then when I was close enough they would attempt to swim away, but sometimes I was just a bit too swift for them.
We would play ball with a huge beach ball. We would ride the waves. We would race each other in the clean white foamy surf and then we would laugh and tease each other.
My cousins Nancy, Brenda, Brian, Stephen, and Robert would also play with me. O how I loved and adored those memorable times. They were always so good to me. They never took advantage of my blindness and they were always so protective of me. Thank you, Dad and brothers, and thank you cousins! My memory bank will always be filled with memories of all of you playing in the surf with me.
I shall never forget the foamy white surf. The waves of all sizes. The sparkling green water. The blue skies up above and the sun beaming on us lying on the beach and digging huge water pools.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and share my precious memories with others. Come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
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