Showing posts with label airport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label airport. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

A refreshing experience: Vancouver's airport

 

What a refreshing experience for me!

Many years ago I visited Vancouver and had the pleasure of being treated to some wonderful warmth and welcome from their staff. Now, so many years later, I was just blown away by the friendliness, warmth, and support that I received when I traveled through this airport in late April 2025.

People were so very kind, generous, and so willing to help me as a vision-impaired person. They simply got it and did not hesitate to show off their knowledge and skills.

I would recommend this airport to anyone who can find a way to travel through the Vancouver Airport.

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 at author jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

A refreshing experience! Visiting Terminal 3


 In March 2023 I had the privilege and pleasure to visit Terminal 3 at Pearson Airport to do a session with the good folks at the Canadian Air Transportation Services Agency.

This was a session that I very much enjoyed, as my guide Gabrielle and her fellow worker were very good at pointing out the highlights and asking me for my feedback.

The tour was extremely thorough and very informative and I can only say how I wish that other federal government departments could be as thorough.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning, 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

Thursday, May 28, 2020

My perspective: Walking quickly through the airport


I can tell you that this can only be done if I am with an agent who is comfortable walking at a quick pace through the airport with me. And I want to recognize the wonderful services rendered to me by Christina and Sofia who work for the Toronto Airport.

These two very wonderful and conscientious ladies have been my assistants for several years now. They have gone overboard when ensuring that both Mom and I are given the best service at the Toronto airport.

They are so comfortable with us and we with them that walking quickly through the airport is never a problem.

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.

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


Friday, January 31, 2020

The luck of the draw: Immigration officers at Pearson Airport


I don't think that the immigration officers at Pearson Airport should be considered any differently than others that I have met throughout my travels.

There are great ones, some not so great ones, and ones that continue to disappoint me. There are ones that are friendly, ones that are simply doing their jobs, and others who seem downright unhappy to be in their jobs.

I cannot say that male officers are better than female officers and visa versa. The same for older officers versus younger officers. I guess that what I am trying to say is that it all comes down to the luck of the draw.

I simply listen carefully to the tone of the officer's voice when choosing how to interact. A friendly tone has me smiling all the way and a stern or serious tone has me adopting a similar approach.

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.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Friday, May 10, 2019

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

Friday, April 26, 2019

A refreshing experience: In the Air Canada lounge at the Ottawa Airport


I was pleasantly surprised when the Air Canada agent escorted me to the business lounge to await the departure of my flight from Ottawa to Toronto in November 2018.  I had decided to catch an earlier flight back to Toronto so this meant that I would have to wait for about two hours.

The lounge was nice and friendly.  The service agents were extremely attentive to me and kept checking on me to see if I needed anything.  The atmosphere, as a whole, was extremely pleasant and despite my being afraid that I would be forgotten, it never happened.

What I liked most about this lounge was that it seemed to be well laid out. Not too big and not too cluttered.  Just the right size.

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

Friday, March 29, 2019

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

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

It's no fun! Traveling alone


This is probably one of the most challenging things for me these days. With the world of travel changing all of the time, it only becomes more difficult for me as someone with a vision impairment.

It does not really matter how helpful agents are. It is the anxiety of hoping that no matter what, I will encounter helpful and friendly agents along the way.

It does not matter how much notice I give to airlines beforehand or to ground assistance companies before I travel, the anxiety for me is always there.

It all starts before I get to the airport and it does not end until I am safely in the car of family or friends.  From the curb to the check in counter, and from check in at security to the gate, everything for me is oh so stressful.

Then, aboard the aircraft to touch down and then to customs and immigration, it is the same.  Then to locate the luggage.  Then, on the return journey, it is no different!

Traveling across Canada may be a bit less stressful because when I travel internationally I cannot determine beforehand what I am going to encounter. Just another challenge for me to face each time I travel.

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

Friday, July 14, 2017

A frightening experience: When my wallet and flash drive fell out of my carry-on


Looking back on this experience it is the most that I can do but to simply shake my head in wonderment.  For if I had lost these two items it would have meant pure disaster for me.

Mom and I had just boarded the plane for our trip to the Caribbean and I had decided to check my carry-on and lo and behold!  My wallet and flash drive were both missing!

My first thoughts were that I had either probably left them behind in the lounge or that they had dropped out of my carry-on.  Mom began her frantic search but nothing turned up and then we decided to reach out to a passing agent.

He sprung into action immediately and within literally seconds he found them!  They were nestled in the seat pocket!  Pure relief flooded through my entire body!

I need to be doubly careful each time I travel now.  I need to make sure that I know where everything is and that I can account for each item in my carry-on at all times. I may not always be so lucky to have someone close by to help me out!

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
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.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

Thursday, December 8, 2016

My perspective: Why I prefer to walk


This is a question that I am often asked by agents when I go to the airport.  Hopefully my response will make sense.  At least it does to me.

I believe that everyone, including me, has a right to choose how I wish to be assisted when I get to an airport.  I personally find that walking is easier for me and for the agent assisting me and that it is also faster.

I know that this is a very common problem for blind and vision impaired travelers and I still cannot understand why agents feel that it is easier for them to push me in a wheelchair rather than let me take their arm.  I have some thoughts but I am going to keep those under my thumb for now.

Suffice it to say that I prefer to walk beside someone as opposed to being pushed in a wheelchair.

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

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

A shaky experience: When I was deserted at security


I can definitely tell you that this is probably one of the worst experiences that I have ever had at an airport.  It is definitely one for the nightmare category and it occurred in June of 2016 as I was traveling from Toronto to the Caribbean.

From the outset, the agent was extremely poor when it came to providing me with assistance.  Her guiding techniques were non existent, her communications skills were lacking, and
throughout the journey, from the curb to the security area, she left me several times just standing there with the excuse that she had to take care of others.

The worst came when she simply left me standing at the security carousel.  I had no idea where she went and I had to end up asking for assistance from someone standing nearby.

I do not wish this on anyone and I can only hope that this never happens to me 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

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Just trying to envision: Imagining the plane seeking a vacant gate


That is exactly what I had to do as I sat waiting for my plane to land in Toronto.

This had been a very long flight from Ottawa to Toronto and as we landed we were told that it would take a few minutes for the pilot to find a vacant gate.

Bad weather had played havoc with our flight and we had been delayed for over three hours at Ottawa's airport and we had to wait for the storms to blow by before taking off.  Then, when we landed in Toronto, we had to wait for a free gate for the plane to be parked.

Most people sitting in window seats were looking out to see what they could see, but for me I had to use my imagination.  Not sure how close my imagination came to reality but here is what I imagined.

A gigantic plane moving slowly along a huge strip looking for some sort of parking lot.  Each parking lot is huge and in order for our plane to be able to enter the lot it has to ensure that there is no other plane there.

Everything is huge and looks so imposing but the pilot knows exactly what he is doing and we all need to be patient.

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

Friday, November 20, 2015

When Mom meets me at the airport


This is probably one of the sunniest days for me, whenever Mom meets me at the airport. This usually occurs after I have been away from home for over five months and now I have returned to her home to spend a few months with her.

This is my summer visit to my mom where I come home to rest, relax, and continue my work or as I like to call it, my summer worcation.

After I have cleared customs and collected my luggage, I usually walk out with an agent and I give them a description of Mom. Normally, they do not have to wait for too long as before I know it she is running towards me.

I can hear her quick familiar steps approaching and then her bubbly voice in greeting. In no time she is in front of me and we are embracing. Then I take her right arm and we walk together towards the exit. My luggage is stacked high in the luggage basket and then our ever faithful driver, Ramlall, is also there.

Sometimes Ram, as I affectionately call him, manages to sneak in ahead of Mom to greet me and it is always so very nice to hear his voice, positive and strong.

Then Ram rolls the basket to the car, packs my luggage in the trunk and we are on our way.

Ah, yes! Another time at the airport.

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

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit my online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

Dear Readers:
This is a personal request from me for you to join my campaign against bullying (CAB).

In 2012 I launched my own campaign against bullying in response to appeals from friends and associates. I decided to try something new and here it is.

You can support my campaign against bullying (CAB) and in return for your valuable contribution I will send you a thank you gift. Visit www.jodhanmysterybook.club to learn more. I will use all contributions to promote workshops to help others protect themselves from bullying and teach them how to launch their own anti bullying campaigns.

In addition, I will produce blogs and podcasts to help me spread my campaign and to convince others to do the same.

You may also visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and browse through my selections.

Help me to stop the spread of bullying and to show others how to combat bullies.

About my audio mysteries: Patterned after the "Murder, She Wrote!" and "Murdoch Mysteries," where mystery is the order of the day. Meet Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers. You won’t want to miss out on any of her audio mysteries! Filled with gripping drama and unbelievable plots, you won’t be able to stop listening until the very end and then you’ll be craving for more – there is mystery behind every mystery!

Detective DJ writes and records her own audio mysteries. She uses the power of words to create and solve her crimes, and then she draws you in and before you know it – you’re all caught up in the plot! But alas, at the end of it all, when you think you’ve identified the perpetrator, she surprises you once more and you’re left absolutely stunned and amazed!

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Where is that illusive flusher?


Every time I think about this particular question, I have to smile to myself, and this is a thing that normally happens in airplane bathrooms and sometimes it also occurs in public washrooms.

The thing is that the flushers are almost never in the same place in an airplane's bathroom and accordingly I often have to feel my way around to find it. Sometimes I can find it all on my own, but then again, whenever I am unable to do so I end up calling on the assistance of one of the friendly hostesses who are always so willing to show me.

It is not quite the same in the case of a public bathroom, however, but I do the best I can. Rest assured that when I go looking for the flusher in any bathroom, be it airplane or public, I always make sure to wrap my hand in a paper towel or toilet tissue before conducting my search.

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

Follow me on twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan.
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
and you can even take advantage of our free downloads!
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud; those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

When airport security does not tell me


I don't think that this is a problem that is only common to me, and if you think about it, this type of problem can happen in almost any situation. So, this is what often happens to me whenever I travel.

I go through security and when it comes to the security agent wanting to search my carry on, they often forget to tell me what they are doing. That is: what they are removing from my bag, where they are putting it, and when they are finished checking it. So, what normally happens is this: I become confused and disoriented. I do not know where they have placed my possessions, and then I have to feel my way around on the counter to find them because nine out of ten times they are surely not going to replace my possessions in my bag.

I recognize that the security area of any airport is almost always a very busy and bustling place to be, but it would be nice if there could be a process whereby things are explained to those of us who are unable to see so that we can be more comfortable and less hesitant.

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

Follow me on twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan.
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
and you can even take advantage of our free downloads!
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at
There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud; those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Waiting at the airport

For me, waiting at the airport is probably one of the most nerve racking things, especially when I have to depend on others for assistance because I am blind. In the normal scheme of things, waiting at a Canadian airport for my flight, whether it is domestic or international, usually goes relatively well.

I usually get assistance from the special services department at the airport. They meet me at the door and assist me to the airline’s counter. There they wait until my travel documents have been processed and my luggage checked in and then they escort me to the security check-in area. After I have been processed at the security area they then escort me to the departure gate and they make sure that I have boarded the aircraft before taking their leave.

If the airline that I am flying with is Air Canada, the Air Canada staff takes charge of assisting me as soon as I get to their check-in counter. All sounds well thus far but every now and then there is a hitch like everything else and I have to deal with spurts of anxiety. For example, if someone forgets to come and get me when passengers have been asked to board the aircraft, or when security personnel asks me to wait for someone to escort me to the gate and then there is no one to help me.

The arrival leg of my travels could be just as nerve racking for me. Particularly when I need to depend on sighted escorts to assist me through customs and immigration. I have not had too much trouble at Canadian airports but have had some anxious moments at some American airports.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and share my thoughts with others. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more about how blind and sight impaired persons navigate the airport.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Terror at Security Checkpoints

With more and more security checks being implemented at airports across North America and indeed at major airports around the world, it is becoming scarier for those of us who are blind and visually impaired.

I ran into a very scary episode recently at Toronto's major airport, Pearson International. When I got to the security checkpoint, I placed my carry-on bag along with my cane and jacket into the plastic box as instructed, but the fun started after I walked through the tiny tunnel. A better way to describe it is "the tiny enclosure that one has to go through before a security agent pats you down."

Without any warning, I was told that my bag had to be searched because they found chemicals on it. In addition, I had to be given an entire body search. Nothing too out of the ordinary with all of this except for the fact that I felt completely helpless without my cane.

I am quite aware that they had to x-ray my cane, but what most people of of the sighted world do not understand is this: A cane is practically part of a blind person's physical being or makeup. Take it away from them without warning and the blind person becomes extremely anxious and starts to develop feelings of helplessness. If not explained properly as to why it has been taken away, then the blind person can often become extremely stressed. A feeling of nakedness without my cane is how I felt.

A cane gives me confidence. It enables me to find my way. It helps me to feel secure; somewhat like having a security blanket. Take it away from me and I am left to negotiate my way blindly (pun intended). When a blind person has their cane taken away from them in unfamiliar territory it is thrice as bad. Add to all of this the stress of having to deal with unfriendly security agents and you have just created a powder keg for disaster.

If you would like to learn more about how and why blind persons use canes and where you can purchase one plus much more then please visit either www.independentliving.com or www.maxiaids.com.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your accessibility and special-needs business consultant, wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell the world that they need to be more aware of how blind persons react when their canes are taken away from them without warning.