Lessons to last forever: Anne Frank's house

What a most memorable visit it was for me.
I had always dreamed of being able to visit this famous young lady’s house and to be able to simply walk a few steps in her shoes. But truth be told, I got a lot more than I ever bargained for.

Thank God that Jilla was with me as her calmness and practical nature sure helped me to control my emotions.

We walked through Anne’s house and as I listened to the audio commentaries I could not help but lament what a shame, an embarrassment, and nothing but a horrible misdeed that such a terrible and deliberate circumstance was allowed to take place.

The future of a brilliant young lady was simply allowed to be taken from the world. No excuses and not any reasons for why this was allowed to happen.

Jilla and I walked, listened, and Jilla explained photos on the walls to me.  And at the very end? We walked out of there quietly and reflectively.  Each of us contemplating our own thoughts.

I came, saw, listened, and left understanding so much more about that time in history. I could only thank God that I was not a part of that terrible world at that time and I can only pray that this never happens again.

Thank you, Anne Frank, for having left us your diary.

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.

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Taking precautions: Careful when placing my feet

I continue to learn that I need to be very careful when placing my feet. Not just when walking on wet floors!  Whenever I am about to step onto an elevator. When I am about to step onto a cable car or any moving platform. Whenever I need to step onto any platform that is foreign to me.

Easy as I go. Concentrate fully and focus on where I need to place my feet.

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 at author_jodhan
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Slow and sure! Walking with Mom

 

It is all about: easy as she goes.  Nice, slow, and gentle!  Telling myself that Mom and I will be just fine!

Mom is so very patient and I just need to follow her lead.  She is so understanding, gentle, and always ready to try something new.

We both need to be confident and positive.  Smile as we walk and keep talking to each other.

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
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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

Fun time: Walking with the toddlers

Walking with the little guys could be extremely interesting at times and for me it is almost always very interesting.

On the one hand, I need to get to their levels of height and walk in a bended position with them. On the other hand, they are laughing so hard because they are doing their best to extend their tiny arms up to my level.

Sometimes I take their little hands in mine and we walk jauntily together. At other times they grab on to my little finger and proceed to guide me. These are the times when I need to grin and bear the pain! Then there are times when they simply grab onto my hand and we do our best to walk together.

On the whole, I always find it very refreshing to walk with the toddlers. I always seem to learn something new while we walk. For they chat, laugh, ask questions, tell me about their activities, and so much more.

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

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Anxious times: Downtown at my Apple exam

  

In November 2018 I traveled to downtown Toronto with my friend Gabriella to take my ACSP exam.  It was a cold, blustery day in mid fall as we walked quickly towards the exam centre and as we walked I was ever so grateful that Gabriella was with me.

I was walking in unfamiliar territory and everything seemed so very confusing and a bit intimidating to me and despite my not being able to see those tall, forbidding buildings around me I could only imagine what they looked like given that I used my imagination to conjure up images.

Having previously had enough vision to see those imposing buildings enabled me to use my imagination.  The winds nipped at my coat as I hurried along beside Gabriella and at times I could actually feel my innermost thoughts starting to freeze up.

The walk from the underground parking lot took about 10 minutes and I was so very relieved when we got to the building.  It did not prevent me from shivering inwardly and I could only hope that I would not need to travel here again in a hurry.

For someone who is vision impaired, it is often a real challenge when they are required to walk in areas that are unfamiliar and then they need to trust the one guiding them.  Quite an experience.

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

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

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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
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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.

My favourite street

Almost everyone has a favourite street and I am no different. My favourite street, however, is probably based on some different reasons and please allow me to tell you.

My favourite street is favourite to me because of its fragrant smells emanating from bakeries, restaurants, and perfume boutiques. It is favourite to me because of the friendly folks that I often meet as I walk along. It is favourite to me because I know it so well, having traveled its length and breadth for so many years. It is favourite to me because I always feel welcomed there and no one really is afraid to approach me as I tap with my cane as I walk along the sidewalk.

People know me and are always somehow there in the nick of time to lend a helping hand. I know each building on my street. The supermarket with its friendly customer service reps. The cleaners, the jewelry boutique, the hairdresser, and the bank at the corner. The restaurants, the post office, and so many pedestrians traveling along each day as I do.

This is my most favourite street and one that I shall always cherish.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell others about your favourite street. Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca to learn more.

How colds disorient me

Yes, they sure do! When my head is all stuffed up, then I don’t hear well and I become confused. When I constantly have to take care of a runny nose while traveling or doing something, I lose my concentration and focus, and when my ears are all clogged up then I surely become disoriented.

For the mainstream person it is definitely the same but when you are blind it is a bit more difficult because whereas the mainstream person can use their sight to help them maintain their equilibrium, we do not have that luxury of sight to help us. So what do I do?

Whenever I have a cold, I take things very easy. I try not to work too much outside or at my computer.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to come visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.

No hats for me

It could be one of the coldest Canadian winter days, or one of the hottest summer ones. When most people would reach for their hats or caps, I deliberately ignore them, and why? They cause me big problems. As a blind person, I need to depend on my sense of hearing much more than the mainstream person so whenever I put on a hat or cap, my hearing is greatly affected.

If I am crossing a street with a hat or cap on, my sense of hearing is greatly affected and I often become anxious and/or confused. If I am walking along a sidewalk and wearing a hat or cap, the same thing. So, you know what? No hats for me.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and tell others about my opinions about the wearing of hats and caps. Come by and visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.

Staying Fit a Challenge

For almost all of us, staying fit is a very great challenge but when it comes to a blind person like me, the challenge is just that more challenging.  You may be asking yourself why and here is my incomplete list.

 

It is difficult for a blind person to engage in walking activities; we cannot see where we are going so we are unable to walk at a fast enough pace.

The same holds for jogging and running.

Many of the exercising machines have digital readouts so we are unable to utilize them.

Many of the exercise devices come with instructional DVDs and videos and it is hard for us to follow the visual instructions.

In many cases, it is difficult for us to negotiate the machines at gyms.

 

So how do I do it?  I have a treadmill at home and I use a talking timer of my own which is separate from my treadmill machine to time myself.  I have learned where the buttons are in order to set my speed. I have another device to help me stretch my muscles and do push-ups.  I also swim in my condo's pool. 

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and help lobby manufacturers of exercise equipment to make their digital readouts more accessible to those with vision problems.

Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.