A challenge: Finding the box

This is exactly what happened to me a few months ago when Mom and I were packing some clothes to be sent off to an agency that collects clothes.

There were things everywhere and my path was now cluttered with everything. In short, I had lost my way among the packages and boxes and I needed help to find the box that I was looking for.

So I had to call on my mom who patiently directed me through the maze of objects, safe and sound, to my box.

If she was not there and if there was no one to direct me then I probably would have had to spend much more time locating what I was looking for.  This is probably one of the most frustrating things for me: locating something that I am not sure where it is.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

My perspective: Just enough to imagine what was happening

This is probably one of the biggest challenges for me when watching TV and there is either no sound or no descriptive video or no one to tell me what is going on.

Here is where my imagination kicks in and sometimes I am in the right area but most times I am not.  It can become very frustrating for me but I have learned to treat it as a mind game. I sit there and imagine away and then I wait to see if I am correct.

If my mom is around and has been watching TV with me, she helps me to retrieve the scene if she has seen it but if she is not then I am on my own. Ah, yes!  All in a day's work!

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A new experience: Mom showing me the new mailbox

Some time ago Canada Post installed new mailboxes in our building and these mailboxes are for us to pick up our larger parcels.  It helps us avoid having to go to the post office to pick them up.

I, for one, welcomed this move on the part of Canada Post.  It is more convenient and saves me having to walk to the post office to pick up stuff.

So what else did I need in order to take advantage of this new mailbox? Just Mom to show me where it was.  She helped me to count down and across in order to find the box.  Fortunately, all of the boxes are labeled with raised print so that it is even easier to find them.

This is how things work.  The post person deposits a key in our mailbox. The key is labeled with a raised letter and now all I have to do is to read the letter and then go and locate the matching mailbox.  Much easier and I thank Canada Post for this.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A great memory: At the photo shoot

In May 2016 I experienced my very first photo shoot and as someone who is used to determining where I go and how I get there, this was quite an experience for me.  This was the Accessible Media Inc's photo shoot day.

The staff was extremely good when it came to giving me directions as to where I needed to sit or stand, how I needed to position my body, and how to position my head and whether or not I needed to smile or laugh.  The shoot consisted of my having to sit, stand, walk, and at times do a quick run through the park.

The weather definitely cooperated with us as the sun shone beautifully, the temps were extremely pleasant, and the session in the park was most enjoyable.

I especially loved listening to the birds and being able to sniff the fresh cool air and enjoyed hearing the young kids around me playing and shouting nearby.  They were having their break at the same time as we were doing our shoot.

I also met new people and was lucky enough to meet Terry Bray, someone that I had not seen in so many years.  All in all a great day away from the pressures of work.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Reflecting: Waiting for the cab at Seneca

This usually occurs after I have completed my annual exams at Seneca College.  For the past three years I have been writing my annual law exams at this location as part of the University of London, England's program.

Upon completion of my exam a member of the very friendly staff at Seneca from the testing centre escorts me up to the security desk and there I wait for them to call a cab for me.

Everything usually goes very smoothly.  I stand close to the desk and listen as the security folks call the cab.  Within minutes the cab is here and one of the security guards walks with me to the front of the building where the cab is waiting.  They ensure that I get safely into the cab and then it is home.

All in a day's work and I am happy that I, as a visually impaired person, have been able to get through the challenges of yet another day.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Crunch time! Before my exam

It's probably not the best of times for me. Before my exam, and I can tell you that the time prior to the exam is about a month before the actual day.

It is the time when my brain is going full tilt.  When my emotions are a bit out of whack and my sleep patterns are really crazy.  It is the time when I am probably most vulnerable and when my daily schedule goes through the ceiling.

I am doing my best to finish up all of my studying and I do this through countless hours of electronic reading.  Who says that this is all for the soul?

I read electronically.  I write my essays on my desktop computer.  All of my exam preparations are done on my desktop and the rest is all in my mind's eye.

I can practically see the text in my mind and I can hear it all through the robotic voice of my computer.  All is on full alert.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A challenge: Dealing with nausea

Dealing with nausea for anyone is not the best of times, but for me as one who is visually impaired, I need to ensure that I can get to a bathroom as quickly as I can, safely and without accident.

This was the case for me after surgery in April 2016.  I had to ensure that at all times I was within striking distance of a bathroom each time I felt the nausea coming on.  I was determined not to have any accidents that would entail having to have my mom clean up things for me.

I am always particularly concerned at times like these to ensure that I do not leave things for anyone to clean up.  For me, as someone who is visually impaired, it is always that extra little step that needs to be taken to make sure that nothing is left behind.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Cherished memories: Spring shopping with Mom

The last time Mom and I went spring shopping was in 2012.  In the normal scheme of things we are usually not together at this time of the year, but due to some surgery that I had to have in mid April she was here with me and we made the most of it.

Before we set out I told Mom what I was wishing for, my wish list so to speak, and as always she was very quick to oblige.  Before I knew it, my wish list was a reality but with more than I had asked for.

We went to our favorite stores and had so much fun buying what I had wished for.  Mom really enjoyed describing stuff to me and I had so much fun imagining the colors around me.  Shopping for sandals was also quite a pleasure, trying on and choosing what I wanted.

Ah, yes!  Spring shopping with Mom, another cherished page for my memory bank.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Crunch time: Preparing for a photo shoot

For me, preparing for a photo shoot is somewhat of a different experience. I am not sure if I like or dislike it all, but suffice it to say that it entails my being able to trust the one who is helping me.

In May of 2016 I had to prepare for a photo shoot at Accessible Media Inc and good thing that I had my mom close by to help me do so.  She worked closely with me to ensure that I was wearing the colors that would show up in the photos.  We went shopping beforehand to buy a suitable top.  Then she and I visited the hair salon for a hair cut.

This visit did not go very well as the hair dresser gave me a hair cut that was totally out of character with what she usually gives me. But Mom was there to work things out and to comb my hair on the given day.

Then it was off to the actual day and at the end of it all I was quite pleased.  The day was a beautiful one as we worked outdoors in a lovely park.  Several photos were taken and as the sun shone down upon us it reminded me so much of childhood days spent at lush green parks with my parents, brothers, and cousins.

A great experience for me and one for my good old memory bank.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A funny experience: When Sophie left me standing there

I can tell you that this moment was quite humorous to me as, on the whole, Sophie my hairdresser is normally very good to me.

On this particular day I had gone in for my usual hair cut and all had been going as normal.  Sophie had escorted me to the chair where she had washed and dried my hair. 

Previous to this she had walked with me from the reception area, taken and hung up my jacket, and then had guided me towards the back of the salon.

So, there I was after the washing and drying had been completed, standing there waiting for Sophie to offer me her arm.  A few seconds had gone by and I did not hear her beside me but just as I was about to call for her I heard one of her workers scurrying towards me and then Sophie exclaiming! 

Poor Sophie had just forgotten to escort me and that was okay as it was the first time that she had ever done this.  All in a day's work.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

She was unique: Remembering Kathy Gooch

Sometimes I am forced to sit back for just a few precious moments and to say, "Thank you."  Sometimes I am truly touched by the good deeds of others but most of all I am always cognizant of those who are true Human Beings.

This is what Kathy Gooch meant to me.  She was not just the admin assistant to her boss, Jim Karygiannis, past MP and now Counselor!  She was a person who got it when it came to understanding the trials and tribulations of persons who are blind and visually impaired. 

Kathy played a huge role in helping me to refine my patience, dedication, and commitment.  She helped me to find ways to deal with the enormous system called Government and she showed me how to find ways to work with rather than work against.

Kathy knew the right things to say at the right times.  She knew how to put me in touch with the right people and together she and I navigated many a rough sea over the years.

Kathy was instrumental when it came to her boss, Jim Karygiannis, leading the charge to have Toronto City Council pass a motion to support my initiative to lobby the Federal Government to pass a Canadians With Disabilities Act and for this I am eternally grateful.

2009 - Kathy led the charge to have Jim Karygiannis issue a press release on Blind Canadians not receiving important info in a timely manner.
2010 - Kathy led the charge to have the Federal Liberal Party make their website accessible.
2011 - Kathy was instrumental in arranging for me to meet with the Federal Liberal Caucus.
2015 - Kathy arranged for Jim Karygiannis to put forward a motion at Toronto City Council to support my initiative for the passage of a Canadians With Disabilities Act.
Of course there was much more.

Thank you, Kathy!  Thank you for all that you did for me!  Until we meet again!

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan