Frustrating times! Tired of advocating?

Yes, I sometimes become very tired. But when I stop to think about the reasons I continue to do so, then this is where I stop, think, look left and right, up and down, and remember that I am not just doing it for myself.  I am doing it for others and for our kids of the future.

Advocacy becomes tiring when lawyers deliberately fight against the flow of the current, choosing instead to erect barriers and use the deep pockets of their clients to bully, intimidate, and wear us down.

Advocacy becomes tiring when those in authority knowingly remove our services and products, citing budget constraints and cost cuts.  Advocacy becomes extremely difficult whenever companies believe that satisfying their shareholders is what is needed and then they refuse to involve their shareholders in decisions pertaining to advocacy, choosing instead to make the decisions on their own.

All in a day’s work.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advisor wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

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 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
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No fun! When notifications are not in electronic format

There used to be a time when the property management office would often forget to provide me with notifications in electronic format. But ever since I complained robustly with a mild threat that I would take them to court if this continued, everything has changed.

It is usually not my style to threaten anyone but when the lack of electronic notifications could easily lead to some interesting situations and potential danger, then here is where I draw the line.

Here is an example.
I could be sitting around in my condo in a state of undress and workers enter my condo to carry out some work.  Of course we have been notified beforehand but I never got the notice so this is what has happened and now everyone, especially me, is totally embarrassed.

Another example would be if a notice is circulated giving out new numbers for the superintendents and an emergency arises and I do not have their numbers because I never received the notice in a readable format.  I am in difficulty and who do I call?

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit 
www.donnajodhan.com.

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 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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Something new to learn! Learning to manage my cable box with Sandra

I have no guilt feelings when it comes to the continuing fights that I have with my cable box.  In short, I am not very happy with my cable box and at times I have been hard pressed not to pick it up and throw it through the window.

The other day my neighbour Sandra came over to try and help win the battle, but alas!  I am still fighting with the darn thing.

Here is the problem.  Each time there is a power outage my cable box needs to be reset.  Sure, I can unplug the cable box’s power cord and then plug it back in after a few seconds but here is where my abilities end.  I have no idea what is on the TV’s screen let alone be able to put my TV back on to channel 3.  Sure, I can use the buttons on the TV to flick but do I go up or down?

Sandra realized this when she tried to help me.  So, I am still seeking a solution.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

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 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable nformational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

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

An unavoidable challenge: A communication barrier

For me, whenever oral communication is hampered then here is where the communication barrier sets in.  And it normally happens whenever any of the following occurs.

Whenever I communicate with someone whose first language is not English. Whenever someone uses gestures or eye contact. Whenever someone uses body language. Whenever someone uses printed media or communication. Whenever someone sends me files in PDF formats that have not been tagged for accessibility.

This is a continuing challenge for me and all that I can do is to keep on trying.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advisor wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

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 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

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

Having some fun: The matching jacket and cane tip

Just imagine my big smile when Gabriella told me that my jacket and cane tip matched each other on the day when we were going out to run errands.

Truth be told, even when I had enough vision to match my outfits to my accessories, I never ever paid attention to it.  So, when Gabriella noticed this it was a huge first for me.

It is always nice when things do match but my poor old cane tip is never really in the picture when it comes to matching things.  Having had vision previously it is always nice to have things matched and even now that I do not have any vision, it still matters.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit 
www.donnajodhan.com.

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 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

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

A surprise! When did the picture go cloudy?

Looking back at this experience, I can’t help but smile to myself.  I would never have known that my TV’s picture was now cloudy were it not for David and Sandra telling me.

Yes, it is now cloudy and I need to find a way to fix it so that Mom will be able to enjoy her movies and programs when she watches TV at my home.  It does not matter for me as long as the sound is good, but not for Mom.

There is always something to fix when it comes to my cable box and my TV and it does not matter when the picture became cloudy. It's just another challenge in my life to overcome.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

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 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

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

A different experience: Sue's different car

I always seem to know when Sue has pulled up at my driveway in her car.  For some reason her car makes a unique noise when it arrives and I am right there to hear it.

However, on this particular day she fooled me when she arrived in her mom’s car.  I had to smile to myself when she called out to me when she arrived and she was so quick to see the surprised expression on my face. 

I smiled to myself as I walked towards her.  Such a funny experience.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advisor wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

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 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

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

Gone but not forgotten: Remembering Vern

I know that when he passed on, we had not seen each other for several years but this does not mean that I did not think of him from time to time. 

Vern was one of those very unique individuals who never seemed uncomfortable around me and he never seemed to be inhibited by my being vision-impaired.  He treated me as an equal, was never afraid to discuss politics and hot topics with me and I am truly grateful that I had the chance to know him. 

Vern loved to take me to eat Roti and he and Yvonne often took me to eat out and go shopping.  He had a wicked sense of humor and was always looking for things to do with me.  

Rest in Peace, Vern; travel safely now and save a place at your table for me! Until we meet again!

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit 
www.donnajodhan.com.

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 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

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

A springtime favourite: Awaiting the doves

This is probably one of my favourite annual springtime anticipations, the arrival of the doves to give birth to their little ones on our balcony.

This balcony is just outside my office and each year the adult doves come by for a visit which lasts for about a month or so.

I know that they have arrived when I hear them on a quiet early morning as I work in my office.  I can hear them chatting with each other and it does not matter that I cannot see them because of not having nearly enough vision, they are most welcome to my balcony.

Then, a few days later, I can tell that something has occurred: yes!  The birth of some little ones but I do not know how many.  Then, from here on in it is a total delight and pleasure for me.

Each morning I look forward to hearing them.  I start work at around 3 am and they already seem to be awake.   I can easily distinguish between parents and kids; the voices are very different to my ear.  The little ones have voices that are soft, sweet, and hesitant while the parents  are bolder and more authoritative.

I estimate that my feathered guests stay for about a month with me and then they are gone.  The family moves out without notifying me but I know that others will be back next year.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

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 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

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