Not my favourite place to be: Airport challenges

I truly believe that based on the rapidly changing landscape of security at airports, airport challenges for persons with disabilities are only going to grow.  It is something for us all to accept.

For the most part, almost everyone finds airport challenges something that they would prefer not to have to deal with, so just imagine how much more difficult it would be for someone with a disability.

For me, as a vision-impaired person, I believe that these challenges are only going to multiply as time marches on.  People try their best, for the most part, but there are always going to be those who simply do not have the patience, those who are very much unaware, and a strong minority who may not care.

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 http://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

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Another challenge to overcome: Navigating a new hotel suite

In the normal scheme of things, most hotel suites are laid out similarly and contain many things in common. But for me, the things to check out when I enter a new hotel suite are: to locate the outlets and to be able to navigate the bathroom; shower and bathtub.

Before I do anything else, I make sure that I know where these things are and after I have done so I then proceed to unpack my stuff.

I give preference to plugging in my i device and computer.  Next I unpack and finally I make sure that I am master of my way in the bathroom.

It gets easier as you become more used to hotel rooms.  You just need to ensure that you look for what you need and to ensure that you can find your way around the suite.

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 http://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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My latest gadget: Learning my DR Ho device

I guess that I need to work a bit on my sort of lazy attitude when it comes to learning a new device.  In some instances I can teach myself without any help from others but then there are times when I need to ask for sighted assistance.

This was the case with my new DR Ho device.  I needed to ask for sighted assistance and at first I kept putting it off.  Not because I had no one to ask but it was simply that I was a bit lazy and needed to give myself a bit of a push.

So. my friend Gabriella came to my rescue when I reached out to her.  No fuss; she was only too happy to help me.

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 http://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 at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

New and exciting! Video conferencing

One never knows when a brand new experience presents itself and this is what happened in October 2018 when I appeared via video conferencing in front of the House of Commons Committee for Bill C81: the proposed Accessible Canada Act.

I have to admit that it was extremely anxious and nerve racking for me.  I was put into a room on my own and then I had to communicate with members of the standing committee who were grouped in Ottawa.  Here was the picture.

I was on my own in a room in downtown Toronto.
I was communicating with a group of committee members via video conferencing in Ottawa.
I had instructions to look into the camera whenever I spoke.
I, along with five others who were called witnesses, presented on that day.
We all answered questions from committee members.
The entire session was recorded and lasted for almost an hour!

Ah, yes!  Another new 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 @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

All in a day's work: Communicating with a new cab driver

I can only say that whenever I am put in this type of situation, I need to start all over again.  I need to get used to him/her and he/she needs to do the same. So this is what happens.

I ensure that my new cab driver knows that I am vision impaired and that I require special assistance, meet and assist included.

I ensure that my new cab driver knows that he needs to leave his cab and come to meet me in the lobby of my condo building. That he needs to escort me to the door of his cab.

I train my new cab driver to escort me in and out of buildings. I also train him to help me with parcels whenever necessary.

In short, it is my responsibility to ensure that whenever I have a new cab driver, that he/she is fully aware as to how to provide assistance to those who are blind and visually impaired.

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
http://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 minutes 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 at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A new experience: Thoughts on planning an event

At the best of times, planning an event of any size is probably one of the most daunting tasks for anyone. But for me, as a vision-impaired person, the story only gets more daunting.

So many things to include. So many plans to make. So many allowances to take into account.  So many others to depend upon. I cannot do it all on my own.

I really need to concentrate and put my head down. I focus on things in the early morning when everything is quiet; no ringing phones, no incoming emails, and no dinging text messages.

At the end of the day, really no different for the person with vision.

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

Taking precautions: Digital receipts

For better or for worse, they are here to stay and now as someone with a vision impairment I need to find ways to deal with them.

I cannot create digital receipts of my own. That is, to take a picture of a paper receipt and then email it to the requester. This means that I would need to ask a sighted friend to do this and there goes my privacy and my independence is now out the window.

In like manner, whenever a digital receipt is sent to me I have to face certain challenges.  For starters screen readers are unable to read images so if it is an image then I am in trouble.  Or if it is a scanned copy then the same challenge arises.

What to do?  I can probably use my scanner to read it.  That is, I would first need to print it and then use my scanner.  I just need to ensure that the receipt has been printed.

Ah yes!  That's technology for you!

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 http://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 at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Being careful: What to wear?

I guess that when it comes to deciding what to wear, I am one of those who likes to ensure that what I wear matches.  In addition, that it is clean, no stains, and that things fit well.

When I had enough functional vision to see myself in the mirror and to match things, it was easier then. But now that I no longer have that luxury, I need to ensure that certain things are in place.

First off, that my closet is laid out in a certain way so that I know which outfit is which and that things are properly matched.  Here is where I depend heavily on good old mom to help me out here.

Mom certainly understands my needs and she and I have worked extremely long and hard with this.  Having previously had vision enables me to understand which jackets go with with which trousers and skirts and which colour blouses look best with which jackets and so on.

The challenge is for me to ensure that I have things in the right place because just one tiny slip can put everything out of whack.

So it goes and I simply accept this challenge and deal with it.

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
http://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 minutes 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 at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A refreshing experience: My new dentist

For me, personally, and I suspect that there are many others out
there who feel the same, it is always a challenge whenever we
change doctors and dentists. Oh, yes! A challenge it is, indeed,
but my new dentist is very cool, as they say.

When my long time dentist, Doctor Yaser, retired I was really sad but I
understood that he had to leave because of having broken his arm in three
places. As he told me, it was time to retire and hang up his drill.

The good thing is that he personally chose his successor and I have not been
disappointed.  Doctor Corey Worman would or could never replace my dear
Doctor Yaser but he is very good and is unique in his own way.

He is friendly and puts me at ease.  He does not seem to have any problems
interacting with a vision-impaired patient and this is key for me.  So, a
great stroke of luck for me.

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 http://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 at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A continuing annoyance: Trouble with my TV

It sure never ends. Between my TV and my cable box, who knows which one of these is going to send me to my grave! 😊

It is always a challenge whenever I do not have a pair of eyes around to tell me what's happening on the screen and I think that the only way to beat these two devices is for me to use my reasoning power and logic to help me combat.

So this is what happens.

I turn on my TV and there is no sound except for a noise that tells me that it is on. There is no cable reception because as I use my remote to flick upwards or downwards, I do not hear any sound except for that of the TV.  That is, the same sound exists on all channels.

I unplug my cable box and it makes a loud crackle and then I plug it back in. Next, I use my remote to turn on power and establish communication with my cable box. Then I wait patiently.

After about two minutes I use the buttons on the TV to start moving downwards in order to locate channel 3.  This is a very challenging and daunting task because I cannot tell which channel I am starting from.

Then I hear the welcomed sound of a channel.  Looks as if I have finally hit pay dirt because I have managed to re-establish my cable connection.

If my mom is visiting then she takes care of this challenge but if I am on my own then it's me against the TV and the cable box.

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 http://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 at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

One of my least favourite activities: Shopping for shoes

I can tell you that this is probably one of the most tedious shopping tasks for me.  I am always happy to return home after a day of shoe shopping.

First off, I need to find shoes that will look good on me and will also suit my feet.  Then I need to ensure that I am trying on the right size. Then the colour. Finally, actually trying them on.

There are two very important persons that I need alongside me whenever I go shoe shopping.  A sighted person that I trust and a friendly salesman who is patient and accommodating.

The sighted person these days is my mom who knows what I like and what I do not.  She knows my preferences and tastes in styles and this cuts down on a lot of time.  Mom does not waste any time when it comes to choosing.  She goes about her business quickly and efficiently and after choosing a few pairs, she brings them to me.

I try them on and Mom watches carefully as I do so.  Then I rise out of my chair and proceed to walk around in them.

I wait for Mom's feedback and comments and then I make my decision as to whether or not to buy.  We discuss and she tells me why her feedback is as it is.

This is one instance for me where I need assistance and there are other instances where I need similar assistance.

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 http://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 at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

She makes tasks look so easy: Sue's picture taking

It never ceases to amaze me whenever someone uses their idevice to take pictures of objects and documents and in the case of Sue, she uses her picture-taking skills whenever I ask her to clean my condo.

Sue is probably one of the best cleaning persons that I have ever had the chance to have.  She is thorough, cleans everything down to the last fabric and, most importantly, she puts everything back in its original place.

Sue takes pictures of my cupboards and cabinets, paying particular attention to ensure that she takes pictures of the objects in both cupboards and cabinets.  She does this before she begins her chores, and upon completion she is able to use her pictures to put things back in their original positions.

This is so very good and for me, as someone who is vision-impaired. It means that whenever Sue cleans for me I am guaranteed that I will not have to worry about where things have been put.

I can rest assured that I won't need to go hunting for anything or that I won't need to ask her where she has put anything.  It's all thanks to her picture taking.

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 http://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 at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Why I do it: Communicating with light switches

I am not sure if I can explain this to anyone, let alone to myself, but ever since I lost the ability to see lights in my home I continue to turn light switches on and off. The thing is that I need to make sure that I remember to turn them off.

When I wake up in the morning, I automatically turn on my  kitchen light and then turn it off at night before going to bed.  I turn on my bathroom and office lights but on very rare occasions I forget to turn them off.

So, how do I know when I have forgotten to turn off a light?  For my kitchen, my bird clock would make noise if the light in the kitchen has not been turned off. 

For my bathroom, office, and anywhere else, I just need to be very careful.  Oh yes, just another challenge for me 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 http://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 at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan