Trials and tribulations: Another colonoscopy

I just wish upon a star that one day I won't have to have them anymore. However, I have a strange feeling that this may just be wishful thinking.

The last one was not the worst of them and good thing that Gabriella went with me.  We had to wait for a bit before I was called and then to wait a bit more for the doctor to do her part.  At the very end, however, I could feel a few pangs of pain as the doctor was finishing up.

My doctor is very good. She is pleasant, humorous, and very accommodating. She tells me exactly what she is going to do and at the end of the procedure she reads out the instructions to me.  I just wish, however, that she was able to give them to me in an electronic format.

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

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'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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Helping staff to understand: At the medical lab

They are getting better but there is still work to be done when it comes to how staff at the lab interact with me as a vision-impaired person.  Most times when I go there they would get a passing mark when it comes to how they communicate with me.

For example, they do not always place the health card in my hand when I put out my hand to receive it after they have asked for it and have finished with it.  However, they are getting better.

Most of the time my friend escorts me to the testing room but after I have given blood they do not escort me back to the waiting room and if I need to go to the washroom to collect urine they do not seem to know what to do when I walk out of the washroom.

The other day my friend had to mildly scold them to assist me when she discovered me wandering around in the hallway as I was trying to find my way back to the waiting room.  This is just going to be a work in progress

despite the many years that I have been going there.

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

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This strategy works: A new way to sort my mail

Now that I have limited ways to identify my mail I have had to come up with some interesting ways to sort it so that whenever I have sighted assistance I can make sure that most, if not all, of the junk is not in my mail pile.

First, the magazines. I am only interested in two specific magazines.  Those are for Mom and I know them by how they feel. The Hello! magazine is thick and smooth to the touch and the Examiner magazine is slim and has a sticker at the bottom.

Next comes bills and it’s a good thing that most all of my bills come to me via email although there are a few that I have to look out for. I know the feel of them so I am readily able to identify them.

Then there are other types of mail that I need to pay more attention to. If the envelope has 2 windows then I know that it is junk, or if it is larger and smooth then it is almost certain that this, too, is junk.

I am extremely careful and I need to make sure that I am looking out for expected mail, as well.  Anything that I am not sure about I use my flatbed scanner to help me out and in most cases it works.

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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Priceless treasures! Running commentaries from Mom

I am so used to these now that I consider them to be an integral part of my life.  That is, whenever we visit each other.  From sitting quietly together in front of the TV to dining together at our kitchen table.  From dining out at a restaurant to walking in the mall or grocery shopping or walking outdoors.

These are the running commentaries that I have grown to expect and love. They are given so selflessly, freely, and so kindly and humbly. They are given from the heart!  They are given without me even having to ask!

They are filled with unique descriptions, expressions, boundless opinions, and so much more!

Ah, yes! That's my mom and these are her commentaries!

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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Happy times! With Mom in her kitchen

It is one of my favourite times, with Mom in her kitchen.

She is at her stove, cooking, and I am standing close by, chatting with her. She describes what she is doing and then she lets me taste her cooking creations.

I taste, I think, and then I give her my feedback. Sometimes she adds more ingredients or maybe she would alter some ingredients; then she lets me taste again.

Sometimes I get to be her baking assistant. I grease the pans, chop vegetables for a salad, peel potatoes and hard boiled eggs, and then I always do the dishes.

I often fetch things for her from the fridge or help her to pack away groceries. I often share snacks with her but the most enjoyable and meaningful times are when we get to eat together in her kitchen. These are

the most priceless and precious moments 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

Meet my team! Mom and me at the airport

She is my eyes and I am her ears. She sees everything for me and I hear everything for her.

We rarely miss much. We are both very comfortable in our roles. We help each other and we protect each other. We look out for each other and we explain things to each other.

When agents explain things, I listen and then I relay info to Mom.  I need to speak a bit loudly to her so that she can hear me.  Whenever agents approach and start speaking, Mom tells me that they are speaking to us and then I do my part.

We make an excellent team. 

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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Just my personal perspective: Air travel is for the birds

I am very sure that many travelers would readily agree with me but when one is blind or vision-impaired it makes matters even worse.  Why is this?

Because we need to depend on others to help us, whether they are agents or fellow passengers.  If we do not get the appropriate or required assistance then we are in huge difficulty.

If we are unable to hear announcements on the intercom then this leaves us at a huge disadvantage.  If we are unaware of a gate change then this, too, is a huge challenge. If we need to visit the washroom before boarding and there is no one to help us, then we are in big trouble.

For me, as a vision-impaired traveler, it is nerve racking and there are so many anxious and stressful moments.  I have met several wonderful agents and fellow passengers along the way but I have also met persons who, due to no fault of theirs, were either not well-trained or simply did not know how to assist 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

No fun for me: Dealing with balance problems

I can honestly tell you that dealing with balance problems is no fun for me and I can also say that it is no fun for anyone.

For a blind or vision-impaired person, balance problems are even more acute because when you are unable to see and you unexpectedly become disoriented, then this is where you are thrown into unfamiliar territory and you have to struggle to regain some semblance of orientation.

I probably cannot fully explain the feeling or ramifications but suffice it to say that it is not a very nice time for me.

I could compare it to being on a ship and suddenly a wave lashes the ship and throws and tosses us around, leaving us stunned and uncertain of our surroundings. Maybe this comparison could help to give a better picture.

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 tedious but necessary chore: Taking care with the prescription bottles

This is probably always going to be a challenge for me and a very important one.  Whenever I receive more than one prescription bottle from the pharmacy I need to ensure that I am able to distinguish each of them because one error can cost me medically.

I have to say that my pharmacy and their super staff do understand and are always willing and ready to help me decipher the difference.  So, whenever I go to pick up my medications they have already labelled them for me by putting them in bottles that I can distinguish.   They do this with tape and elastics.

I am truly grateful to the Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy!

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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A landmark victory for all Canadians: November 29, 2010

And as I sit here writing this blog, I can still feel the tears rolling down my face and chills running up my back.  It was probably one of the most important days in my life!  For it was the day when I and my team received a lower Canadian Court's decision that our charter challenge to the Canadian Government over their inaccessible websites was successful.

I can honestly admit now that I had no idea that it would ever get this far and beyond!  I had no clue as to the actions, reactions, pro actions, and large ripple effects that this could have had!

For me, it was all about doing what I thought was right.  To protect the future of our kids and to raise my voice on behalf of blind and vision-impaired Canadians and all Canadians with a disability!  I can only liken my feeling to one where I just managed to scale one of the highest waves in the ocean!

As the late Richard Quan tweeted, "A landmark victory for all Canadians!" Richard was one of my many mentors and in his memory I say, may the fight continue!

I give thanks to God for having given me the strength to do this!  To my lawyer David Baker, accessibility expert Jutta Treviranus, and mentors Robin East and Denise Sanders. To John Rea and Sharlyn Ayotte for their constant support and to Susan Pinder for all of her help and encouragement.  Finally to Derek Wilson and Gabriella Sharrard and so many others who helped to make a difference.

This day shall forever remain with 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

My first try: Improv evening for the CCB Mysteries Chapter

In late 2017,  I formed the CCB Mysteries Chapter. My mission was to create and host events that would give blind and vision-impaired persons, primarily, an opportunity to come out and enjoy some affordable entertainment.

We would host some events at no cost to them but then we would also host a fund raiser every year. Then, on Nov, 27, 2018, my team and I hosted an improv evening.

For a first time it went extremely well.  People came because they wanted to learn more about us and the ambiance was friendly, pleasant, and at the end of it all everyone was smiling and laughing. I plan to host more of these types of events as long as our community enjoys them.

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 bit early but never too early: Mrs. Claus comes to town

She certainly did on last November 27th and what a dream come true it was for me! As mentioned in a previous blog, I always wanted to play Mrs. Claus and boy did I ever get my chance!

The folks around the room sure supported my two helpers, Reindeer and Elfy, and me.  Our skit was short and sweet and I did my best to dress the part.

We focused on calling out persons who were naughty and gave a prize away to someone who was nice!  It was all done in fun and fiction!

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