That's a part of condo living! Outside my elevator

 

Oh yes, just another challenge for me to overcome. Or should I say that it’s just another obstacle course.

Good thing that my cane skills were up to the task. For if they were not then I would probably be injured.

My cane found the large boxes of supplies outside my elevator. The workmen had left them there as they continued to work on our hallways.

But Jen in the management office also came to my rescue. She called a short time after I had encountered the boxes. All in a day’s life for me and everything helps.

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

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

New experiences: Wearing a mask as a blind person

I know that we are all in this together but I would just like to highlight some of my challenges as a person with a vision impairment as I continue to wear a mask during this Covid time. I will hasten to add that I am not complaining; it could be a lot worse.

First, It is sometimes difficult for me to speak clearly and when this takes place it is difficult for me to communicate fully and clearly. I need to ensure that I am fully understood.

Next, those around me who do not know me often do not realize that I am vision impaired so I need to make sure that I carry my cane and that my cane is always visible.

Then I need to ensure that my mask is always well fitted on my face and that there is no opportunity for it to slip.

Yes, it is a challenge but I know that it must be done so I make the best of my mask.

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

A terrifying moment! Falling in the elevator

At the best of times, falling in the elevator is not a very nice experience. But for someone with a vision impairment, it is probably quite a bit more challenging and scary.

In early March 2020, this is what happened to me. I had just come in from running errands and had first gone to my mail box to collect my mail. Then I went to the elevator and pressed the button. The elevator came and I entered. Then the horror show began.

My mail slipped out of my hands and I had to go searching on the floor of the elevator to find it. I could only use one hand as I had my cane in my other hand.  By the time the elevator had stopped at my floor, I had just found my mail and as I went to exit the elevator, I fell.

I was jammed between the door of the elevator and lying flat on my back. The door was heavy and difficult for me to push away from myself. Thank God that I did not panic.

I knew that no one could really hear me so I decided to be methodical. First, I jammed my sturdy cane between my body and the door. Next I rose slowly with my mail in hand and then the rest went in my favour.

I exited the elevator with a bruised temple and a painful headache but all ended well.

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.

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 nerve-racking experience: Traveling in a snow storm

For as much as I truly enjoy walking in the snow, and even so during a storm, I grudgingly admit that there are some real challenges for me to acknowledge.

For example: 

It is more difficult to navigate and find landmarks with my cane when the snow is coming down.

It is more difficult for me to hear what is going on around me.

I need to assume better control of my cane as it would tend to get stuck in snow banks as I walk.

Crossing streets is more difficult as I need to ensure that I am in the right spot to cross and that I am hearing and deciphering the traffic flow.

I must pay closer attention to whatever landmarks I can find.

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

A new strategy: The ‘who is here’ technique

It has taken me a while to perfect this technique, or strategy, and I have had to put some extra thinking into it due to the fact that I can no longer see enough to know who is close by.

I use my senses of hearing and smell to help me out. In determining who is here, who is close by, I first need to determine if, indeed, someone is here. After ascertaining that there is someone close by, and I do this either by

smelling or sensing the presence of someone, I take the next step.

I would probably speak a greeting and most times this works as the one who is close by would often respond. If they do not and I still believe that there is someone close by then I would proceed to use my cane to check around me to see if there is someone or not.

If there is no one then that’s okay. But if there is someone and they do not respond then my mind goes into concern mode and my next step would be to again utter a greeting. In almost all of the cases, the person standing there would say something and if they do not then I know that something is not right and I would next proceed to take defensive tactics.

I will stop here for now.

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

A great discovery: A new way to find washrooms on aircrafts

I have found a new way to find my way to washrooms on aircrafts. The old method of pressing the call button still works but thanks to my friend, Rebecca, with whom I traveled in late January to England, I now have another way.

It works like this! Whenever I feel the need to visit the washroom, I pick up my cane, leave my seat, and start walking towards the washroom. Bingo! There is always an attendant nearby who will see me walking towards the washroom and in a flash they are there beside me to render assistance.

The thing is that I never even thought of this technique before Rebecca introduced it to me and it works like a charm!

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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Having some fun: The matching jacket and cane tip

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

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

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

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

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

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

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

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

Lots of pain: My poor right shoulder

In late December, 2016, I began to experience great pain with my right shoulder and over the next few months it grew worse.  It was even more difficult for me as my right hand was my so-called cane hand.  In short, the hand that I use to work with my mobility cane.

So, I had to devise ways to help myself.  My right arm still remained the captain of the cane, so to speak, but now I had to call on my left arm to help out.  Any mobility instructor who may have noticed my techniques over these few months would probably have cringed and yelled at me, but sorry: I had no choice.

My left arm took over when it came to moving my cane along but the right arm was still there to ensure that things were okay.  Pain or no pain; I still needed my right shoulder to help me.

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

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

An unusual experience: When my cane died

This was quite an interesting experience for me but thank God that Sue was with me.  I did not really have much warning but truth be told, my beloved cane had started to struggle of late in that it had started to wobble a bit.

So, on this day in late fall, as Sue and I were walking through a  busy mall in downtown Montreal, my cane did its last dance.  One minute it was wobbling along with me and the next I felt it quickly begin to fold on me and when I checked, the elastic had given way.

My cane died a very quick death and there was absolutely no hope of even trying to revive it.  Sue found a trash bin and there is where I left it.  A very fitting place for its burial but just think of what could have happened to me if Sue was not with me?  I refuse to contemplate!

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

My perspective: Is this my floor?

This is one of the more common questions that people ask me whenever the discussion arises re how do I know when I get to my floor after the elevator has come to a stop.

Over the years I have used several strategies.  When I had vision I used to look for visual landmarks but now that I am almost totally blind I depend more heavily on senses of smell and feel. 

Believe it or not, floors all have some sort of a unique smell to them and mine is no different.  In addition, I am able to use my senses of touch and feel to determine whether or not I am on the right floor.

I use my cane to test the texture of the carpet and this sure helps.  Sure, you may be thinking that these methods are a bit off track, but trust me when I tell you that they work.

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.
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

An experience: When I lost my cane's tip

It happened on a very bad winter's day in February 2016 as I was traveling back from Ottawa to Toronto.  I had just finished attending an Elections Canada meeting in Gatineau, Quebec, and I'll tell you that this was just one of those days.

Ottawa had received over 52 centimetres of snow but the city had done a superb job of clearing it.  I got out of the cab and after having checked in I sat down to wait for my flight and it was then that I realized that my cane was without its tip. 

I am not sure where I lost it or when I lost it but I will tell you that it was the very first time in my life that this had ever happened to me. 

I did not panic and I was not afraid.  I knew that I had to be very careful when using my cane and that I would need to be prepared to have my cane get stuck in cracks and holes from time to time. 

Thankfully, I made it home safely, none the worse for wear.  The difference here was that I had to use a cane that did not have a tip to help me decipher cracks, holes, and dips and inclines.  This is the power of a cane's tip.

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.
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

Using my cane to verify

It sure helps whenever I can use my cane to help me verify things. I do this whenever I am not sure of my surroundings and I want to get a handle on what is around and close to me.

If I am uncertain then I stick out my cane in a gentle manner and start probing. This is how I found the unexpected rolled up carpets in my hallway one day. After being alerted by the smell of new carpets close by, I took my cane and began to explore.

If something falls out of my hand and onto either a bare or carpeted floor, I use my cane to help me verify where the said object has fallen. I do this in a measured way, moving my cane back and forth in small strokes and in a circular motion.

The strategy for me is to go slowly and gently. To move my cane around in small and narrow strokes so as not to miss anything. This is the method that sure works for me. It works like a charm and when I have located what I am looking for, the rest is easy.

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!"

When I discovered the carpets in the hall

I practically smelled them before I almost stumbled upon them and I have to say that it was my sense of smell that saved the day for me.

There I was, coming out of the elevator on to the 12th floor in my building, pushing my shopping cart ahead of me and voila! The strong smell of new carpets hit me in the face like cold water being thrown across my back!

I stopped in my tracks and quickly took stock. I pulled my shopping cart close to me and then with my cane I went exploring. There they were, all stacked along the edge of the wall. New carpets rolled up from large pieces just waiting to be put down. Luckily for me they were going to do this in my neighbor's condo and not in the hall.

I took a few minutes to make sure of my footing and landscape and then returned to my shopping cart and with the utmost of care I rolled it down the hall towards my condo. All was well that ended well.

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!"

Finding the nozzle with my cane

And this is exactly what I had to do when the nozzle to my kettle fell from my hand and rolled away from me. I had a general idea as to where it fell but after spending some time searching around on the floor my efforts proved fruitless and I had to call in additional help.

I rose unsteadily from the floor and sauntered over to where my cane was standing in the corner. I took the cane and returned to my kitchen floor and with measured, ginger-like steps, I began my seek and find process.

It did not take me very long to locate the nozzle. It was stuck between a wall and the side of the stove. I placed my cane at the far end between wall and stove and proceeded to come at the nozzle in the manner of someone batting a ball. It worked!
I managed to bat the nozzle from its spot and it rolled harmlessly out into the middle of the kitchen floor and there I grabbed it. All in a day's work.

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.htmland 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!"

The unexpected hole

Just imagine my surprise when I found that unexpected hole. Without any warning, there it was and at the time I was not using my cane, so down I went, tumbling face first into it. The good thing is that the hole was not all that deep but it was, indeed, a surprise.

I do not think that this would be any different for a sighted person who did not see an unexpected hole and ended up falling face first. No, a very similar action. For me, I just need to be very careful. Even when I am in unfamiliar territory with sighted guide for company, I need to be on guard all of the time because I should not entirely depend on my sighted guide to tell me everything.

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!"

Finding fallen objects with my cane

This is a method, or strategy, that I have developed to perfection since losing my vision in 2004. Now that I can no longer see to find fallen objects, I use my cane as an extra long arm to do so.

It works almost all of the time. If I am unable to find a fallen object when going on my hands and knees, I use my cane. I use the soft touch technique which is to go light with the cane, swish in small circles, and do this very gently.

The cane technique can help me to find objects under furniture, fridges, and even washers and dryers. It is a great way for me to find what I seek. However, the one thing that I would caution is to go very gently when using a cane. For if you don't then your cane could or would probably move the fallen object out of your search area and could end up dispatching it to unknown territory for you.

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
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!"

Slippery underfoot

At the best of times, we all need to be careful when conditions are those of slippery underfoot, and for me as a blind person it means being that extra careful. The phrase slippery underfoot means that in circumstances such as wet floors, slippery sidewalks covered with ice and/or snow, wet grass, or piles of soggy leaves in my path, I need to use my cane and balance to ensure that I do not end up on my back. So how do I make sure of this?

I use my cane to help me out. My cane is always placed in my hand and it is constantly out in front of me, sweeping left and right. I make sure that it picks up any warning signs of slippery surfaces in my path and then I slow down, walk gingerly and carefully, and keep my feet firmly planted on the ground or floor. It is not always possible to do this but in most circumstances it is. All I need to do is to make sure that I am prepared for slippery surfaces no matter what. Sometimes I may get caught unexpectedly.

For example, if someone has spilled liquid on the sidewalk, a slimy substance left on the sidewalk such as oil, or something similar.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to visit www.acb.org to learn more about the world of blind persons.

Why do people walk into us?

My friends are constantly asking me this question and for the most part I really do not have an answer. As they would tell it, we would be walking along in a mall or through a store or supermarket and my cane would be clearly visible for everyone to see. Yet, someone is coming along in the opposite direction and would simply walk right into me.

Some would argue that on any given day, sighted persons walk into each other anyway so what's the fuss all about? Maybe so, but I am just a bit confused as to why someone would do it when it is clear that I am blind and am unable to see. My cane is a bold indicator of my being blind. What is even more confusing is that too many people simply go on their way after bumping into me and never apologize.

Are we living in a world where we are just simply too busy to realize each others' challenges? Is it that we are just too busy to pay sufficient attention to each other? Or are we too busy to say sorry?

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.

Wheelchair or cane?

A few months ago, I decided to ask this question to the airline attendants as I stood waiting for assistance. I have been an airline traveler for more years than I can remember but it never fails. Each and every time I ask for assistance, out comes the wheelchair and each time I have to politely say that I do not want one. I would prefer to walk and take the arm of my sighted assistant. Even when I specifically ask for assistance by booking the services at the airport before hand, the same thing happens. I always state that I do not require a wheelchair but alas! There is one for me to seat myself in.

Another thing that I have noticed over the years is that when it comes to assistance, the wheelchair passengers are always assisted first and I am the last to be assisted. Now, I know that someone has to be last in line but why all the time does it have to be me? Am I missing something or do I need to be educated? Would it be better then for me to take the proffered wheelchair?

Maybe someone reading this blog can give me a logical answer. I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and share my thoughts with others. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.