Additional challenges: When lab technicians don't fully describe

 

This is what happened to me when I recently visited the North York General Hospital to have a CT scan done.  I will say that for the most part they were polite and friendly but when it came to describing to me where I needed to go after my scan was over, this is where they fell down.

When I asked the technician where I needed to go in order to get dressed, she pointed somewhere beyond where I was standing and even after having told her that I was vision impaired, she did not get it.  It was another technician who came to my rescue and escorted me out of the room and then to the changing room.

For whereas I believe that things have improved when it comes to how medical staff interact with those who are blind/vision-impaired, still more needs to be done when it comes to not just interacting but also communicating. Maybe there needs to be a course given at medical school on how to interact and communicate with patients with special needs.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and 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.

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

Not very pleasant: Dealing with insurance policies

With more and more companies mandating and demanding that a customer go online to complete forms, it is always a huge relief for me any time I get a company whose customer service reps are ready to assist me over the phone.

So many of these online facilities and websites are still inaccessible, unusable, and not very navigable for blind/vision-impaired persons and even mainstream persons complain.  

This is how I felt when the wonderful agents at Manu Life Insurance assisted me on the phone to complete forms for my medical travel insurances as I needed them to travel to Portugal and England.  

They were patient, very courteous, and extremely helpful and after about 20 minutes I was good to go.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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.

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

Out of my hands! The elusive FEDEX box

Shortly after the Covid lock down began in 2020, I started to ship monthly boxes of goodies to my mom via FEDEX and for the most part it has worked beautifully. But in march 2022 my luck changed for a brief twinkle.

I can only guess why on this occasion the box seemed to have gotten lost and it took two weeks for it to reach Mom.  I am guessing that maybe it occurred because I had included one of Mom’s hearing aids in the box which I had brought back with me for repairs.

All well and good but what frustrates me is that during this ordeal no one could really give me a reason as to why the box was not being delivered.  No one seemed to want to take responsibility.

I would say, however, that thanks to a good phone system at FEDEX, it was easier for me, as a vision-impaired person, to be able to gain info instead of having to go online.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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.

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

Frustrating times! Condo documents still being requested

 Over the last few months I have had to ask my lawyer to send letters to my condo management board reminding them that it is their duty under provincial law to provide me, as a vision-impaired owner, with documents in an accessible format. In addition, it is my right, as a vision-impaired owner, to receive these documents in accessible formats.

For the most part it has been rough going as at first the office simply ignored my lawyer’s letters but when he wrote letting them know that if things did not change soon he would be taking them to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the situation suddenly improved.

I could say that it all depends on the staff member manning the office and whether or not they care or realize the importance but on the other hand I am always embarrassed any time I need to use my lawyer to remind them of my rights and their responsibilities.

I really do not think that there is any hard and fast solution except to simply speak up whenever things slip.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and 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.

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

Relief but cautious: Without masks

Now that restrictions are being lifted it makes things very interesting when it comes to the wearing of masks.  

On the one hand, those not wearing masks can be heard more clearly when they speak and social distancing may be eased considerably. But for those continuing to wear masks, being able to enable others to hear what you are saying is still a problem.   

Yes, I fully understand.  I continue to wear my mask and at the same time I do my level best to ensure that others can hear me when I speak. Interesting times are definitely ahead.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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.

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

Organization is the word: Searching the freezer

I can honestly tell you that on any given day, searching the freezer can be either of two things: pure frustration or easy to find that which you seek.

In the case of the first, it will be frustrating if you have not taken the time to organize your freezer in such a way that you know where to find that which you seek.  If you have simply thrown everything haphazardly into your freezer then presto!  You will have tons of frustration finding what you are looking for.

On the other hand, if you are an organized person like me and you take extra time to find what you seek, then you will not have a frustrating time.  So, may I suggest that when it comes to searching your freezer, take the additional time to organize methodically.

I’ll even submit that this applies to anyone: sighted or blind/vision-impaired!  Being blind or vision-impaired is not an excuse for having a method to organize your freezer.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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.

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

Funny, but then again? When the mitt fell

 

It never fails. There is always something to keep me on my toes and on this day it was my mitt that fell and I had to seek assistance to find it.

This time, I had gone to my mailbox to fetch my mail and while opening, fetching my mail, and then  closing the box, one of my mitts slipped out of my grasp and fell.   Yes, I knew that it had fallen but where?  With no sound to guide me as the mitt did not make a sound as it fell, I was left to call upon my logic to help me.

So, off I went, searching with my cane around me, beside and in front of me. No success.  I widened my search gently moving my cane around and alas!  No success.   So I was forced to seek assistance from the management office.

I generally try to find things for myself whenever they fall in a public space but this time I abandoned my normal tact.   

The lady in the office was so very nice.  She found the mitt a little distance away from where I had dropped it and with a healthy chuckle she returned it to me.  

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and 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.

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

This made my day: Back to pottery

 

I was just so happy when I was able to return to doing pottery and this time I took full advantage of SR Helen’s time.  I completed my log cabin, made my mini keyboard, and even had time to make a small tray for Mom.

I knew that it was going to be the last day for SR Helen, and I was naturally very sorry. She has taught me so much and along with her sunny outlook I could not have asked for a better teacher.

I can only hope now that my pottery lessons will continue some time in the late summer.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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.

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

All about Pearl! Celebrating with Pearl

 There is never ever a dull moment whenever I get together with my precious Pearl!  She fills my heart and day with so much laughter, joy, and smiles and this day was no different!

This time, Pearl and I were celebrating the successful completion of my Law Degree.  We both had eggs Benedict and smoked salmon!  Pearl always makes me feel so comfortable and never fails to offer to help me with managing my plate.  That is, to help me cut any difficult food if necessary.  

Just another day spending time with a very precious person.  Thank you, Pearl!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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.

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

My dear friend! Seeing Gubby again

 

Good friends are definitely like good wine, and this was the case when Gubby and I had lunch together after such a long time.  Blame it on Covid, of course!  

We lunched at the Old Country Inn restaurant in Unionville and had a very pleasant meal.  Conversation was like old times and we exchanged and shared stories, laughter and so much more.

Then it was time for us to go but I know that there will be many more of these wonderful times!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and 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.

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 techniques: Keeping up at Mass

After such a long time not having attended Mass, I now have to retrain myself as to when I sit, stand, and kneel.  It is getting better but as a blind/vision-impaired person, I need to ensure that I do all of these things at the right time.

So, I sit very close to my friend Pearl so that I can feel when she sits, stands, and kneels.  Pearl is also very good at telling me when to do so.  We have fun doing this and I am just so grateful to be attending Mass once more.

Thank you, Jesus, for having brought Pearl into my life!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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.

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

Patience and persistence: Searching for the certificates

 

Looking back it all seems to be just so humorous, but at the time it definitely was not.  

I was very sure that I had put my precious certificates away in the middle drawer of my filing cabinet but lo and behold they were not there when I went looking a few days later.  So, I began a frantic search for them, practically turning my office upside down. At the end, no success!

So, I decided to take a deep breath and to stop and think. Then I remembered that a few days ago, when I was rearranging something in my cabinet’s drawer, I had a bit of difficulty closing the drawer. At the same time I heard something fall at the back of the cabinet.  

Off I went, pulling the drawer forward as much as I could and then stretching all the way to the back to search for what had probably fallen.  Presto!  There were my precious certificates and I retrieved them with much relief.

This could have happened to anyone!  Blind/vision-impaired or sighted.  I sure pride myself on being able to trace back to find those precious commodities.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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.

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

Painful moments: A sad goodbye

 

Saying goodbye to my precious Mom at the end of any visit is always one of the hardest things for me, but this time on March 5, 2022, it was probably the hardest thing to do.  You see, we had to say our goodbyes wearing our masks and it was so very difficult for us both.

As I hugged her and she me. I knew that I would see her again; not soon enough but much sooner than later.  At least I heard her voice and smelled and felt the comforting warmth of her body.

She still managed to kiss me despite the mask and as I walked away I could still feel her gentle lips against my cheek.  Warm, so very gentle, and my mom!

I can only hope and pray that this pandemic ends soon so that we can all get on with our lives!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and 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.

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