Believe it or not, I started playing blind tennis some time ago, and you know what? It is great, it is terrific, and I thank Alan Ma for having introduced it to us here in Toronto.
What exactly is blind tennis? Well, you use a junior tennis racket and you play with a soft ball that has bells in it. It is a sponge-like ball and bounces quite nicely. As the ball moves, the bells from within make noise so that a blind person can hear the ball as it approaches. It is fun and I just need to be able to judge when the ball is approaching, the distance between me and the net, and most important of all, hit the ball with a scoop-like motion so that it can float effortlessly over the net.
Alan is great! He has divided us into two specific groups. The first of which I am a member is for those of us who are either totally blind or have light perception. The second is for those with partial vision. I just have to remember to go out there and meet the ball, not wait for the ball to come to me. We play in the large basement of a Church.
Yes, that's blind tennis for you and Alan is hoping to train us well enough to play matches and eventually reach for the Olympics.
I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility expert, wishing you a terrific day and if you have any questions then please read the following.
The sport of blind tennis was started in the 80s by a Japanese inventor, a student at the time, Miyoshi Takei. His website is the following: www.hanno.jp/matsui/
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Is anyone there?
One of the surest ways for me to know if someone is there is to ask, “Is someone there?” More often than not if someone is there they would respond, but sometimes they do not.
As for me, I am always on the lookout. I listen carefully. I use my sense of smell to help me determine if someone is close by and I use my intuition to guide me. I often feel vulnerable whenever I am not sure if someone is there. Sometimes my imagination tends to run away from me and I start to think that someone is lurking close by, just waiting to pounce.
Whenever I get into an elevator, I almost always say good morning or good afternoon or good evening so that I can give anyone in the elevator the opportunity to respond. When I had enough vision to see, it was not a problem but it is different now. I need to concentrate much more now on my immediate surroundings.
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.afb.org to learn more about how blind persons interact with their surroundings.
As for me, I am always on the lookout. I listen carefully. I use my sense of smell to help me determine if someone is close by and I use my intuition to guide me. I often feel vulnerable whenever I am not sure if someone is there. Sometimes my imagination tends to run away from me and I start to think that someone is lurking close by, just waiting to pounce.
Whenever I get into an elevator, I almost always say good morning or good afternoon or good evening so that I can give anyone in the elevator the opportunity to respond. When I had enough vision to see, it was not a problem but it is different now. I need to concentrate much more now on my immediate surroundings.
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.afb.org to learn more about how blind persons interact with their surroundings.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
At the hairdresser
Yet another very interesting adventure for me. Yes, going to the hairdresser is almost always an interesting time for me. What do I mean by this? Simple! It means that if I do not go with my mom or trusted friend, I have to trust solely in my hairdresser and take her word for it that she has done a good job on me.
Now that I can no longer see myself in the mirror, I have to use my fingers to help me determine whether or not my hairdresser has done a good job on my hair, but even at that, it is often difficult for me to tell. Sure, I can determine the length of my hair and whether or not my hairdresser has kept my side peaks and cut my bangs to the length that I have requested, but in the general scheme of things, I am unable to tell whether or not she has kept the general shape of my previous hair style.
I trust my present hairdresser, Sophie, but if I were to change hairdressers, it would mean that I would have to start all over again to trust them. I have never really had problems trusting my hairdressers but I do have to place all of my trust in them whenever I go on my own for my haircut.
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 more about how blind persons interact with service providers.
Now that I can no longer see myself in the mirror, I have to use my fingers to help me determine whether or not my hairdresser has done a good job on my hair, but even at that, it is often difficult for me to tell. Sure, I can determine the length of my hair and whether or not my hairdresser has kept my side peaks and cut my bangs to the length that I have requested, but in the general scheme of things, I am unable to tell whether or not she has kept the general shape of my previous hair style.
I trust my present hairdresser, Sophie, but if I were to change hairdressers, it would mean that I would have to start all over again to trust them. I have never really had problems trusting my hairdressers but I do have to place all of my trust in them whenever I go on my own for my haircut.
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 more about how blind persons interact with service providers.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Lost without my chiming clock
Yes, if I don’t hear my chiming clock, then I am lost. My chiming clock helps me to keep track of time. You see, I can no longer see the faces of clocks and it is often a bother to get up off my chair and find my talking clock.
My chiming clock chimes every 15 minutes so I am constantly in touch with the time. I use my talking clock to augment my ability to keep track of the time. Chiming clocks and talking clocks, this is how I keep track of the time.
Even at night as I lie in bed, I listen for the chimes of my clock. The other day when my chiming clock stopped working because it needed a battery, I was totally lost and had to seek sighted assistance to reset the time for me.
Ah yes, my beloved chiming clock. 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 how much I depend on my chiming clock to help me keep track of time.
Come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
My chiming clock chimes every 15 minutes so I am constantly in touch with the time. I use my talking clock to augment my ability to keep track of the time. Chiming clocks and talking clocks, this is how I keep track of the time.
Even at night as I lie in bed, I listen for the chimes of my clock. The other day when my chiming clock stopped working because it needed a battery, I was totally lost and had to seek sighted assistance to reset the time for me.
Ah yes, my beloved chiming clock. 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 how much I depend on my chiming clock to help me keep track of time.
Come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Humor or sarcasm?
This is one of the most difficult challenges for me as a blind person. How can I tell when a person is being humorous towards me or are they being sarcastic? The sighted person can easily decipher this through facial expressions, gestures, or body language, but for me it means that I have to depend on one’s voice.
I need to listen very carefully to the person’s tone, inflection, intonation, phrasing, and anything else that I can pick up on. Even if the person were to laugh, I would need to make sure that the laugh is what I believe it to be.
There are persons with dry senses of humor and sometimes it can come across as sarcasm. So I have to depend on my sense of hearing to analyze the tone of their voices, inflections, and whatever else I can determine. All in a day’s work.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and share my blogs with others. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
I need to listen very carefully to the person’s tone, inflection, intonation, phrasing, and anything else that I can pick up on. Even if the person were to laugh, I would need to make sure that the laugh is what I believe it to be.
There are persons with dry senses of humor and sometimes it can come across as sarcasm. So I have to depend on my sense of hearing to analyze the tone of their voices, inflections, and whatever else I can determine. All in a day’s work.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and share my blogs with others. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The most misunderstood group
In my opinion, we are! Yes, blind and partially-blind folks are probably the most misunderstood groups. Here are my thoughts on this.
Much of society does not believe that we can be contributing members to society, let alone to an economy. They believe that in order to talk to us they need to shout most of the time. If we are with someone else at the store, bank, or supermarket, they feel it better to address their questions to our escorts rather than to us.
Continuing on, they do not think that we can function on our own. They are amazed to learn that I ice skate, ski, and swim. They practically fall out of their shoes when I tell them that I can cook, use a computer to do my work, and actually watch TV. I think that by now you have the picture.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and help dispel the myths about blind persons. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
Much of society does not believe that we can be contributing members to society, let alone to an economy. They believe that in order to talk to us they need to shout most of the time. If we are with someone else at the store, bank, or supermarket, they feel it better to address their questions to our escorts rather than to us.
Continuing on, they do not think that we can function on our own. They are amazed to learn that I ice skate, ski, and swim. They practically fall out of their shoes when I tell them that I can cook, use a computer to do my work, and actually watch TV. I think that by now you have the picture.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and help dispel the myths about blind persons. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Accessible computer games
One of my passions in life is accessible computer games. Yes, you now know and it has been one of my hobbies for many a day. This is why now and then I ask this question: can we look forward to more accessible computer games for the blind?
A lot has been done but there is much more that can be done and with the advent of the IPad and IPhone, accessible computer games are becoming more of a reality than a rarity. I know that there are some accessible computer games developers out there who are very committed to this, and hats off to them.
Accessible computer games can benefit so many, starting with blind and partially sighted persons and including those with dexterity and learning challenges and so many more. I play as often as I can which is not as often as I would like but I am going to leave you with some websites to check out.
Ian Humphreys has come out with the 18th free accessible game from Spoonbill Software. BG Codebreaker substitutes all the letters of the alphabet with numbers then invites you to decode words. You can browse all 18 game descriptions here:
www.spoonbillsoftware.com.au/blindgamers.htm
www.audiogames.net
gamesfortheblind.com
Accessible chess puzzles hosted by Mario Lang.
delysid.org/chess/epd.cgi
For tennis and bowling -
www.oneswitch.org.uk
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and share my blogs with others.
A lot has been done but there is much more that can be done and with the advent of the IPad and IPhone, accessible computer games are becoming more of a reality than a rarity. I know that there are some accessible computer games developers out there who are very committed to this, and hats off to them.
Accessible computer games can benefit so many, starting with blind and partially sighted persons and including those with dexterity and learning challenges and so many more. I play as often as I can which is not as often as I would like but I am going to leave you with some websites to check out.
Ian Humphreys has come out with the 18th free accessible game from Spoonbill Software. BG Codebreaker substitutes all the letters of the alphabet with numbers then invites you to decode words. You can browse all 18 game descriptions here:
www.spoonbillsoftware.com.au/blindgamers.htm
www.audiogames.net
gamesfortheblind.com
Accessible chess puzzles hosted by Mario Lang.
delysid.org/chess/epd.cgi
For tennis and bowling -
www.oneswitch.org.uk
I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and share my blogs with others.
Friday, November 11, 2011
The right to read
So many of us take the ability to read for granted. We are living in an informational society and a knowledge based economy and it is so vital for us to be able to read whatever we desire, when we desire, and in whatever mode we desire. For blind persons the right to read is so important and must be preserved at all costs.
True it is that we, as blind persons, have seen progress with the evolution of devices that enable us to read more freely and widely. We can now access more books online, many more than a decade ago. The digital era has enabled us to start taking advantage of digital media, but there is still much more work for us to carry out if we wish to truly preserve our right to read.
We need equal access to library facilities and services. In other words, whatever the mainstream person has access to, we should have as well. We need to be able to download the same books that the mainstream person can download and we need to be able to access books in our choice of alternate formats. Braille books should not be made redundant; the deaf/blind person depends heavily on this format.
Without equal access to library services, many blind and even print disabled persons will stand to suffer greatly. Those in rural areas are uppermost among them. For those without adequate technology to access the Internet, the lack of access to library services is a great loss. The right to read for blind persons is even more paramount and acute because it is one of the most important ways for them to access and acquire information.
So, in the final analysis, two vital pieces are needed if we are to protect our right to read: library services and access to websites that are accessible.
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 blogs.
Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
True it is that we, as blind persons, have seen progress with the evolution of devices that enable us to read more freely and widely. We can now access more books online, many more than a decade ago. The digital era has enabled us to start taking advantage of digital media, but there is still much more work for us to carry out if we wish to truly preserve our right to read.
We need equal access to library facilities and services. In other words, whatever the mainstream person has access to, we should have as well. We need to be able to download the same books that the mainstream person can download and we need to be able to access books in our choice of alternate formats. Braille books should not be made redundant; the deaf/blind person depends heavily on this format.
Without equal access to library services, many blind and even print disabled persons will stand to suffer greatly. Those in rural areas are uppermost among them. For those without adequate technology to access the Internet, the lack of access to library services is a great loss. The right to read for blind persons is even more paramount and acute because it is one of the most important ways for them to access and acquire information.
So, in the final analysis, two vital pieces are needed if we are to protect our right to read: library services and access to websites that are accessible.
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 blogs.
Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
It's all about perception
How we perceive things is almost often the major factor in what we do, what we say, and how we act. This is what a blind person has to accept; this is how the rest of the world does it when it comes to their perception of us.
We are perceived on how we act, what we say, and what we do and for a blind person the rest of the world may be perceived by us to be more inclined to judge us on the above. Unfortunately, much of society tends to paint us based on very narrow experiences. In other words, if they have had an experience with just one or maybe two blind persons, they tend to perceive that all blind persons are just like those they have had an experience with.
Believe it or not, and I am really not trying to be condescending, each blind person is an individual on to his/herself. We are each unique with a unique set of characteristics; just like each person of the rest of the world. We each think differently, behave differently, and do things differently.
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 blogs.
Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
We are perceived on how we act, what we say, and what we do and for a blind person the rest of the world may be perceived by us to be more inclined to judge us on the above. Unfortunately, much of society tends to paint us based on very narrow experiences. In other words, if they have had an experience with just one or maybe two blind persons, they tend to perceive that all blind persons are just like those they have had an experience with.
Believe it or not, and I am really not trying to be condescending, each blind person is an individual on to his/herself. We are each unique with a unique set of characteristics; just like each person of the rest of the world. We each think differently, behave differently, and do things differently.
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 blogs.
Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The online dating scene
This trend has certainly blossomed in the past few very short years and seems to be growing among all sectors of society but for a blind person there are certain drawbacks that I’d like to highlight here.
First, many of the dating websites are not accessible to a blind person because their screen reading software is unable to decipher the graphics and icons. This then makes it difficult for a blind person to navigate the website in a meaningful way.
Second, a blind person is unable to see photos of perspective and potential dates so another drawback.
Third, and no fault of anyone, just a hang-up of society, many people shy away whenever a blind person discloses that they are blind.
Everything has become so visual on the online dating scene and for a blind person it is doubly difficult and challenging. Even if they were to try it out and get as far as landing a date, it is uncomfortable to go out there and meet someone for the first time. So, I’ll just watch, so to speak, from afar. I don’t have any suggestions to offer as to how to make this easier for a blind person.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca. Please go out there and share my thoughts with others.
First, many of the dating websites are not accessible to a blind person because their screen reading software is unable to decipher the graphics and icons. This then makes it difficult for a blind person to navigate the website in a meaningful way.
Second, a blind person is unable to see photos of perspective and potential dates so another drawback.
Third, and no fault of anyone, just a hang-up of society, many people shy away whenever a blind person discloses that they are blind.
Everything has become so visual on the online dating scene and for a blind person it is doubly difficult and challenging. Even if they were to try it out and get as far as landing a date, it is uncomfortable to go out there and meet someone for the first time. So, I’ll just watch, so to speak, from afar. I don’t have any suggestions to offer as to how to make this easier for a blind person.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca. Please go out there and share my thoughts with others.
Friday, November 4, 2011
My trick when I go shopping
Actually, it is very simple and it works like a charm. Whenever I go shopping and I need assistance, I do my best to provide my helper with much detail about what I am looking for, and in this way it cuts down on time spent looking for things as well as the frustration levels. Here is what I do.
Whenever I go grocery shopping I take a shopping list with me so I do not have to spend time telling my helper what I need. They can read everything and then decide how to go about finding what I need. If I am not sure what I need then I take along an empty container, bottle, jar or package to supplement my shopping list. In this way I spend less time explaining and my helper has more information to help them find what I need.
When it comes to clothes shopping, it is a bit more difficult and in this case I have to depend on what I am told and the descriptions that I am given. I am practically in the hands of my helper and I have to trust that they are helping me to choose the right style and color to suit me.
In the case of shopping for equipment and appliances, I have more control over what I choose. I use my sense of touch to help me but it is still a bit of a challenge to ensure that they are describing the right colors to me. However, I am in charge of ensuring that the features and attractions are exactly to my liking.
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.acb.org to learn more.
Whenever I go grocery shopping I take a shopping list with me so I do not have to spend time telling my helper what I need. They can read everything and then decide how to go about finding what I need. If I am not sure what I need then I take along an empty container, bottle, jar or package to supplement my shopping list. In this way I spend less time explaining and my helper has more information to help them find what I need.
When it comes to clothes shopping, it is a bit more difficult and in this case I have to depend on what I am told and the descriptions that I am given. I am practically in the hands of my helper and I have to trust that they are helping me to choose the right style and color to suit me.
In the case of shopping for equipment and appliances, I have more control over what I choose. I use my sense of touch to help me but it is still a bit of a challenge to ensure that they are describing the right colors to me. However, I am in charge of ensuring that the features and attractions are exactly to my liking.
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.acb.org to learn more.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Remembering my favorite waterways
Whenever I feel like spending some down time, I sit quietly and bring up memories of when I had enough vision to see my favorite waterways. It sure helps me to relax and remember. These memories are still very much with me and they will probably never die. They are preserved forever.
Let me start with a peaceful river, so quiet, so sparkling, and water so cool to the touch. Leaves floating noiselessly down its way reminding me of tiny pleasure boats racing each other in the current. Rocks on either side of the bank and me sitting there taking it all in.
Next is a calm ocean in the Caribbean. Jade green water swirling around me. White-capped waves rolling gently towards the shore and surf looking like lace. I am lying on my back in this calm ocean looking up at a bright blue Caribbean sky that is tinged with fast moving, puffy white clouds.
Then comes a peaceful lake that is dark and smooth. The water somehow looks like a dark glassy surface. Noisy birds of all sizes are squawking and flying around. Snow geese, gulls, and swans are hovering close by and I am standing on a ferry looking out at them or sitting in a restaurant that overlooks the lake.
Ah yes! The waterfalls, with white water shooting upwards! I am sitting on a bank a few hundred yards away looking out at this fantastic spectacle. I am elated but at the same time a bit afraid and not sure why.
Finally, a blue ocean with a surface as smooth as glass. I am either swimming in it or admiring it from the rails of a cruise ship. Everything is so fresh and pure. The air is cool and a gentle breeze is running across and down my cheeks. I hear some birds, hear laughter close by, and I am totally in my own world.
There you have it! Memories of my favorite waterways forever and it does not matter if I am no longer able to see them, they are my memories forever.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and asking you to pass on my memories to others. Come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Let me start with a peaceful river, so quiet, so sparkling, and water so cool to the touch. Leaves floating noiselessly down its way reminding me of tiny pleasure boats racing each other in the current. Rocks on either side of the bank and me sitting there taking it all in.
Next is a calm ocean in the Caribbean. Jade green water swirling around me. White-capped waves rolling gently towards the shore and surf looking like lace. I am lying on my back in this calm ocean looking up at a bright blue Caribbean sky that is tinged with fast moving, puffy white clouds.
Then comes a peaceful lake that is dark and smooth. The water somehow looks like a dark glassy surface. Noisy birds of all sizes are squawking and flying around. Snow geese, gulls, and swans are hovering close by and I am standing on a ferry looking out at them or sitting in a restaurant that overlooks the lake.
Ah yes! The waterfalls, with white water shooting upwards! I am sitting on a bank a few hundred yards away looking out at this fantastic spectacle. I am elated but at the same time a bit afraid and not sure why.
Finally, a blue ocean with a surface as smooth as glass. I am either swimming in it or admiring it from the rails of a cruise ship. Everything is so fresh and pure. The air is cool and a gentle breeze is running across and down my cheeks. I hear some birds, hear laughter close by, and I am totally in my own world.
There you have it! Memories of my favorite waterways forever and it does not matter if I am no longer able to see them, they are my memories forever.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and asking you to pass on my memories to others. Come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Some important rules for me
As a blind person, I am always conscious and cognizant that whatever I do and whatever I say, it could almost always have an affect on how the next blind person could be treated or spoken to, and accordingly I have developed a set of rules for myself. This list is by no means complete and I encourage others to add to it.
Here they are:
Whenever I am offered help, I take it so as to encourage the person who has offered to help the next blind person.
If I feel that they are not sure as how to be of assistance, I help them along by politely showing them how to be of assistance to me.
If they ask questions on how I go about my daily life or how I do my work, I answer the question in a frank and forthright manner. I am polite and courteous in doing so.
If the person who offers assistance to me thinks that they need to speak loudly in order to get my attention, I politely tell them that there is no need to shout at me.
If they ask questions on how I use my cane, I am always ready to tell them and if they ask why is it I do not have a guide dog, I am always ready to respond.
These are just a few rules of mine and I hope that it helps others. Please visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
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.
Here they are:
Whenever I am offered help, I take it so as to encourage the person who has offered to help the next blind person.
If I feel that they are not sure as how to be of assistance, I help them along by politely showing them how to be of assistance to me.
If they ask questions on how I go about my daily life or how I do my work, I answer the question in a frank and forthright manner. I am polite and courteous in doing so.
If the person who offers assistance to me thinks that they need to speak loudly in order to get my attention, I politely tell them that there is no need to shout at me.
If they ask questions on how I use my cane, I am always ready to tell them and if they ask why is it I do not have a guide dog, I am always ready to respond.
These are just a few rules of mine and I hope that it helps others. Please visit www.nfb.org to learn more.
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.
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