Friday, October 31, 2014

Memory of a first ice hockey game


This is a memory that I shall always cherish for as long as I live, memories of a first ice hockey game when I had to use my imagination to help me figure things out. For, at that time I did not have enough vision to see what was taking place on TV and so I had to depend on the announcers on the radio to provide the description. I must admit, however, that when I did get new vision and was able to see what was going on, I was not too far off.

There were some things that I had to readjust to after getting my new vision. Things such as the shape of the player's stick, the net and goal posts, and the actual shape of the ice rink. My imagination fell short in its job to help me out when my vision was not quite there.

My first memory of a hockey game was when Montreal played Boston and from the get go I took to hockey like water off of a duck's back, as they would say. I loved the speed and quickness of the game! I loved the excitement in the commentator's voice, and I enjoyed it most whenever I heard a goal being scored. Montreal won and I was happy because this was my home town!

Ah yes! A great memory of a first hockey game!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
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And you can even take advantage of our free downloads!
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at http://www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heros and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Remembering the bell balls


I always have so many happy memories each time I allow myself to slip into my memory bank and retrieve those wonderful memories of the times that I spent playing with bell balls. Those were the times that I spent in Primary School playing with my playmates who were also blind.

We played all kinds of ball games using bell balls, balls that were filled with bells to help us find those rolling balls at all times. We played catch and we made up our own games as well. We would stand in a circle and pass the ball from hand to hand and whoever dropped it while the ball was being passed would automatically be out of the game.

We used bell balls to play a sort of goal ball game whereby there were two teams facing off against each other and the object of the game was to roll the ball from team to team and try to get past the line of scrimmage of the opposing team. Each player took turns in rolling the ball and we were not allowed to toss it in the air. Any player doing so would be removed from the game and their team would have to do without that penalized player for the rest of the game. A player could choose to roll the ball to their opposing number or roll it diagonally. It was lots of fun.

Ah yes! Those treasured memories with those wonderful bell balls.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
and you can even take advantage of our free downloads!
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at http://www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The sandy beach was my world


Yes! As a child the sandy beach was my world and how readily I embraced and endorsed it! With very limited vision in those days I used the sand to help me imagine, create, and dream! I did almost everything through touch and feel and I used my imagination to do the rest.

Yes, I could barely see the color of the sand but in my mind's eye the colors were so vivid and bright. Flashing white, gregarious gold, and forever yellow! Sand castles came alive in my mind and I can tell you that my structures were really out of this world as I really had no idea what a castle looked like in those days. So I imagined my own, along with structures of houses and other buildings. I also used to build huge mountains and it was the same here. Then there were the balls, the cakes and pies, the walls, and so much more!

My brothers and cousins used to help me dig huge pools and I would use my imagination to make them in all sizes and shapes. Then there was the fresh fragrant smell of the ocean and this sure drove me to build even more and imagine along with it!

Then, as the sun shone brightly down on me and my playmates, I would sit there and daydream. Of what I would or could be when I grew up! A lawyer, a musician, a journalist! Of what I could do: Travel the world, make a nice home for myself and my parents, have many dogs and birds! Ah yes! Those wonderful dogs just like our own dogs: Lion, Tiger, and Yella!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Friday, October 24, 2014

Where is Peepers?


He is my favorite little cricket. He comes out every evening on my mom's patio and as Mom and I sit eating our dinner. He chirps, hops around, and entertains us all the way. The interesting thing about little Peepers is that Mom has never really seen what he looks like because of his size and his agility, so we both have to depend on our imaginations to figure out what he looks like.

I met Peepers, so to speak, about two years ago and each summer when I visit my mom in the Caribbean I meet him. He is such a joy! His little voice practically lilts and is as pure as an angel's song.

The only way that we can tell where Peepers is at any given time is when he chirps. He reminds me of the invisible detective. That's my little Peepers, my pride and my joy!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heros and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Poking my head through the window


I suspect that there are many who often use the same strategy as me whenever they wish to hear better and it does not matter whether or not they are sighted or blind.

I poke my head through the window whenever I wish to hear better when I am standing at a counter and there is that opened window between me and the person on the other side of the desk or counter. Nothing to it and I do not think that many people would mind. It enables me to hear better what is being spoken in my direction and it is the most potent strategy for me to use.

I also poke my head through an open window when I wish to hear better what is going on outside. With very little vision now, it is the easiest way for me to independently know what is going on without having to ask for sighted assistance.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Why I shake things


No, I am not crazy, and yes, there is some logic to this strategy of mine. I shake things so that I can easily tell if a cup or glass is empty or not, and in addition, I can also get a handle on how much liquid or anything else is in said cup or glass.

I shake cups and glasses.I shake bottles, jars, boxes and bags, and I shake tins and cans. That is, I shake them all after I make sure that they are securely closed.

By shaking things, I can not only tell how full or empty they are, I can also tell what is inside of them. I listen carefully to the sound that emanates from said thing in order to determine what it is I am shaking. The sound of liquid is different from the sound of powder and the sound of grains is different from the sound of jelly.

By shaking a tin I can determine if it is soup or beans. By shaking a box I can determine if it is packages of tea or something else. Fun, and lots of fun for me!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Friday, October 17, 2014

A hotel that gets it


I am always happy to acknowledge the great work of any organization whenever it succeeds in making its services and products accessible to those who are disabled or have special needs.

For this week, my huge congrats go out to the Southway Hotel of Ottawa. This hotel really gets it in every way and here's why.

At the end of February 2014 I booked a reservation to stay with this hotel and from start to finish the service was nothing less than excellent. As soon as I had told them that I was blind because I always do so before confirming my booking, they sprang into action. They went out of their way to reassure me that they provided services to accommodate my needs and as soon as I had set foot in the Southway, I was treated to some of the best services.

They told me that they would mark the door to my room with elastic bands on the door's handle. Their reception clerks went out of their way to explain everything to me and marked my key card in a way that I would have no
difficulty using it to open my door.

They went beyond the call of duty and even had great facilities for those wishing to take their dogs outside. I do not myself have a dog but I was extremely happy to see that my friend could take her dog without having to worry. Their gym was extremely accessible and there was always someone there to help.

Congrats to you, Southway, and to your staff!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heros and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"


Thursday, October 16, 2014

Please let me know verbally


This is something that I am constantly having to tell the sighted world about and it applies primarily to persons such as sales persons and support staff at stores.

Whenever you shake your head in response to a question that I have asked I am unable to know because I cannot hear when you shake your head. Whenever you point to something in the store or point to let me know where something is I am unable to understand what or where you are pointing to because I am unable to hear what or where you are pointing to, and whenever you place a sheet of paper in front of me without telling me that it is in front of me, the same thing happens.

The same applies whenever you ask me to sign something without showing me where to sign. It does not do any good for you to place the sheet of paper in front of me, place the pen on the sheet of paper, and then point to the spot. I need verbal cues from you from start to finish.

I know, things have improved over the years but I also know that this will continue to be a learning process for everyone.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

What happens when things are moved around?


In one sentence! All hell breaks loose and confusion reigns! If things are moved around without my knowing then I run into big problems. It means that I need to reacquaint myself with my environment. If I move them around myself then that is an entirely different story.

Moving things around on me without telling me is really not good for me. It means that I need to re-familiarize myself with where everything is and then map this image in my mind. You would be amazed to know how things could get
out of focus for me by moving just one thing around. Take one thing from here and place it there and then I need to learn where it has been placed and what is closest to it.

In order to avoid all of this, I am constantly telling my sighted friends and family that whenever they move things around they need to tell me and to show me what they have done.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Friday, October 10, 2014

Re-acquaintance with my fridge


Each time I go away on an extended trip and after returning to my home, I need to reacquaint myself with my fridge. I need to remember where I put things before I left and how I placed things in my fridge at that time.

Sometimes, I may start all over again and order things differently so as to speed up the process but most of the time I am able to remember and then continue on from there.

Sometimes it is fun but at other times it could be a challenge. I guess that it depends on the mood that I am in at the time. One thing that I would say is this: it is always best for me to do it myself because if others were to do it for me then it would put more stress on me to learn how they have done it.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heros and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Rearranging my counter


Whenever my counter is rearranged then here is where my challenges start. With very little vision left to me now I have to keep telling others not to rearrange my counter without first telling me. Believe it or not, move just one item and then everything goes haywire for me.

Each time I arrange and rearrange my counter I form a mental picture in my mind. I place things in order of some sort of logic in my mind and everything has a specific place on my counter. Remove anything or insert anything and I have to reorder things in my mind.

The kitchen counter is the most important for me. If I am to function quickly and efficiently in my kitchen then my counter needs to be orderly at all times. My bathroom space comes next and of course there is my office space and I would say that each has its particular importance.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

When the curtains got rearranged


This happened to me in late 2013 after our renovation. The curtains had to be taken down during the renovation and then hung again after work had been completed. Of course, it was not put back in the same way so that when I went to inspect things I discovered that they had closed it in the wrong spot.

For whereas before, the opening was much wider, now it was much narrower and this meant that less light was now coming into my bedroom. Believe it or not, this new change had thrown me off and I had to ask for sighted assistance to try and recreate the former format.

I am not sure if those with vision are in tune with this or maybe I am in the minority but this is what happened. Rearranging my curtains did indeed throw me off. Enough that it took me a bit of time to readjust and re-orientate myself. Once this was done then things were just fine.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Friday, October 3, 2014

In an unfamiliar fridge


This is one of the most challenging areas for me: when I have cause or need to enter into an unfamiliar fridge. When I do not know where things are and where and how they have been placed, then I need to be so very careful and it is like walking on egg shells for me.

First off, I need to ensure that I do not knock over opened bottles, uncovered jugs, glasses or mugs, and the same for uncovered dishes. It could be a nightmare for me if I was to knock over the contents of any of these and then everything would go haywire.

Then there is the problem of locating things. We all arrange our things in our fridges differently but truth be told, there are some things that would retain familiar places in our fridges.

What are these? Standard jars that would normally reside in the door of almost every fridge. Jars of jam, condiments, and sauces. The bread bin is another place where you would normally find bread, of course, and then there are the drawers for greens and vegetables. Apart from this, the fridge is a place for almost anything else.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heros and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Being careful with full cups and glasses


This should not come as a surprise to anyone reading this blog and it should hold true for anyone, blind or sighted. For me personally, I am always extra careful when I am interacting with full cups and glasses.

I make sure that I know where the full cup or glass is at all times: on a counter, on a table, on a dresser, anywhere. Then, after I have located the said cup or glass, I take a firm grip on it and make sure that I have it covered all the way. That is, that I can easily lift it, put it back down from where I retrieved it, and most of all, carry it to wherever I wish to take it.

It does not matter whether or not the contents of said cup or glass are hot or cold, my strategy is the same. But I am probably a bit more careful if the contents are hot.

So far, so good. I have never really gotten myself into any trouble locating and transporting full cups or glasses. I am very careful when I attempt to locate and I make sure that my path to my destination with said cup or glass is a clear one so that I don't spill anything.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Finding fallen objects with my cane


This is a method, or strategy, that I have developed to perfection since losing my vision in 2004. Now that I can no longer see to find fallen objects, I use my cane as an extra long arm to do so.

It works almost all of the time. If I am unable to find a fallen object when going on my hands and knees, I use my cane. I use the soft touch technique which is to go light with the cane, swish in small circles, and do this very gently.

The cane technique can help me to find objects under furniture, fridges, and even washers and dryers. It is a great way for me to find what I seek. However, the one thing that I would caution is to go very gently when using a cane. For if you don't then your cane could or would probably move the fallen object out of your search area and could end up dispatching it to unknown territory for you.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud, those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"