School days! Memories of my primary school

 More childhood memories for me to cherish and treasure and to keep alive in my memory bank forever.

Ah, yes, having such fun in our school's playground running up and down the hill and swinging precariously on the jungle gym.  Practicing for sports day.   Swimming in the pool.  Walking around and around the roundabout outside.  

Then, the football and cricket and other ball games that we played in the corridors and using the drains to help us play ball.  The drains helped us to keep track of the balls so that we did not lose them. Then there were the swings where we swung as high as we could.  Then the glen where we ran down the hill, picked oranges and grapefruits, and learned about nature.  

Such great memories, picking cherries and searching for almonds among the grass. Then we would sit quietly outside on those happy days when our teachers would allow us to explore shapes of birds nests, flowers, and so much more.  

Finally, our trips to the rivers where we listened to the flowing water, searched for pebbles and stones, and walked in the shallow part of the river. Memories for a lifetime.

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.

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Memories for a lifetime: My visit to Christopher Grange

I stayed at this very posh British place when I studied in England so many years ago. So, on this return trip to England I decided to pay a return visit.

Did I regret it? No! However, there were so many memories that came out to greet me. Some were happy while others were very moving.

With my cousin, Lorraine, and friend Jilla as escorts, I walked through the Grange remembering as I walked. I described things that I remembered along the way to Lorraine and Jilla and they told me that things were still the same.

I practically lead them on a tour and Jilla was so impressed as to how much I remembered.  The little chapel with its organ.  The long passage way between the main building and Greenside where I lived. Then Greenside itself.

We walked past the kitchen and dining room and the garden outside the dining room was still there. Then we walked up the steps and into the corridor where our bedrooms were but they were all closed.  Then back downstairs to visit the lounge and the snuggery.

Nothing much had changed. I remember where Sister Christina's office was and I also remembered the colors of the doors. Lorraine and Jilla did not say much but Lorraine sure remembered the times when her parents used to bring her and her brothers, Mark and Carl, to visit me.

I asked about Jackie and Anne but did not have the courage to visit them. Too much sadness there. Finally, I met the head nun who put me in touch with Sister Christina.

That was the Grange, then and now, and maybe one day I'll return for another visit.

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

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

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

And now my weekly podcast!

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

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Time to sweat bullets: Exam time once more

It always seems as if exam time comes a bit too quickly, but truth be told it comes once a year in the springtime. And when it does it always seems as if I am scrambling to be ready.

For the past few years I have been studying for my Law degree from the University of London England and taking my sweet time at doing it.  I have always wanted to become a lawyer but given the present landscape in my personal life, I really do not mind at all.

I will not be seeking to become an Attorney at Law, choosing instead to obtain my Law degree.  I have learned a lot over the last few years and this in itself has helped me to be a much better advocate.

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
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A very important part of my life: How the apparatus helped me

These were different learning tools that our teachers at primary school used to help us learn so many things. I personally thank my beloved teacher, Mrs. Mondey, for having introduced them to me.

There were the boards where we had to fit the right shapes into the right grooves.  Boards where we had to count the holes in the pieces of plastic and then fit them over the matching holes.  Pegs that we used to make Braille letters.  Blocks, Legos, and one of my favorites!  A board where we had to fit the right printed letters into the right grooves.  There was no way that we could either think of cheating or even get away with not matching things.  Oh no!  Everything had to be precise and perfect.

Then there were the pieces of apparatus that we used to build things. Apparatus that were meant to help us strengthen our fingers.  Village sets where we used components to create villages.  Little train sets, step builders, fitting mini barrels into each other based on size, and so much more.

Images of these pieces still dance vividly in my mind whenever I let them. These were such happy memories and there was so much more to go along with these pieces of apparatus.  The games that Mrs. Mondey devised, playing shop every Friday, and the mini competitions that she devised for us to remain engaged and active.

We were extremely fortunate to have had her as a teacher and I shall forever remember her!

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

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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Cherished memories forever: Remembering Concordia University

It may have been so many years ago but memories of Concordia University shall always be with me!

This is where I obtained my Bachelor of Commerce degree.  It is the university that gave me my break in life to go out there and discover the world and it is the university where I met so many wonderful kids and professors.

I still remember graduation day when Donna Patton walked with me onto the stage to receive my diploma.  Boy, was I nervous but when Donna told me that all of my classmates stood as I walked across the stage, I had to do everything in my control not to start crying.

So many people from the MAB came to watch me get my diploma.  From Mr. Williams and Mr. Evans to Dorothy, Marion, Char and Heather, Virginia and Leo and many more!  Mom and Dad came, too, having traveled so far to watch me take my bow! Jeff and his friends also came and Dave took photos of me!

I shall always remember those security guards who used to escort me across campus as I went from class to class!  I think that they wanted to make sure that I did not fall into those tall snowbanks.  Angie, Leo Carroll, and those whose names I am trying so hard to remember.

Then there were those wonderful professors: Bernice Wright, Frank Hayes, Andrew O’Connor, Brian Barbierrie, John Motter, Jim Wyatt, George Koory, Henry Greenspan, and my other accounting professors, Jay Flynn, Russ Mcqewin, Brian Smith, Jack Democco, and so many more!  They went out of their way to make sure that I could follow their lectures!

I thank the accounting, marketing, math, stats, economics, commerce, and English departments for having given me so much support and assistance.  I could not have done it without them! To the late Bernice Wright who remained my friend and mentor until her passing in 2012.  To each and every one who helped me along the way and to all of those young student volunteers !  I could never repay each and every one of you for all that you did for me!

I shall always remember those classrooms, lockers, book stores, security desks, hallways and stairs, and so much more! May God bless Concordia forever!

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
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Precious memories forever: Remembering Broughten Hall High School

Memories of this wonderful high school of so many years ago shall forever linger in my mind.  Today, as I sit writing this blog, I can still remember almost all of my classmates.

There was Ruthie, Winnie, and Marie Lamb.  Johannah J-Dean, Angela Alcock and Angela Sexton. Angela Lightfoot, and Angela Bertill. Michelle Moran, Anne-Marie Doyle, Concietta Corruvia, Helen Murray, Ann Cassady, Kathleen Chambers, Jackeline Cole, and those great teachers: Ms Cropper, Ms Berkhill, and Ms Garino!

Of course, there were so many more to remember; a special memory of Pat Quinn and Celia Chambers and her niece, Celia.  These were all youngsters just like me, simply seeking to finish high school and then go out there and discover the world.

I may not have realized it at that time but I was a truly lucky kid.  I had the luxury of attending one of the finest high schools for girls in England and I stayed at one of the finest accommodations.  There was always someone to help me. If I had to do it all over again, I would be much more
appreciative and I would take this experience and learn so much more from it.

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

Precious memories forever: When the dogs greeted me

Oh, boy!  I can still remember those flailing tails and booming voices of my dogs as they used to greet me when I would come home from school or from anywhere else.  They would be jumping all around me and then leaping to my shoulders to catch my attention but the most memorable moment was when I returned home from England after having spent a year there as a student.

For one fleeting moment I thought that they would have forgotten me but how wrong I was.  No, no!  Not at all!  As soon as they saw me they went crazy!

They barked!  They howled with delight!  They danced and flailed their tails!  And all I could do was to simply stand there and reach out my arms to them!  Ah, yes!  They were my most loyal friends!  My Lion and my Tiger!

Then the whole episode was repeated days later when I traveled to my granny's home to see Boyo and Brownie!  No difference!  Same loyal and loving reception!

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

Forever in my mind: Memories of school days in England

Looking back on these memories I can only say that it was probably my first taste of real learning as they were all carried out so far away from home. I sure learned a lot.  I developed endurance, creativity, but above all I obtained an appreciation for the trials and tribulations of others.

As someone who is vision impaired, I learned that there were others with additional challenges, mental and physical challenges.  I learned to deal with all kinds of weather conditions ranging from dull and soggy days to wonderful spring mornings with fresh cool breezes blowing down my cheeks and through my hair as I walked to school.

I learned to cope with dark mornings and night-like afternoons as I went to and from school and I learned to appreciate a brand new culture, a very different British culture.

My classmates were all so helpful and encouraging to me.  I experienced so much with them and they were always so willing to share their knowledge, skills, and everyday activities with me.

I had to make friends with so many new kids of my age, and teachers, as well. At times I found it very overwhelming but it only made me appreciate more what I had left behind: my parents, brothers, Granny, dogs, and family and friends.

These were all learning memories for me; hard, realistic, and brutal but at the end of the day?  They were ones that were the beginning of the road to my independence!

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

More happy days: Lunchtime at school

This was the time in high school when I would get together with my little group of friends.  There was Debra, Kathleen, Bernadette, and Lyn.

There we were, seated on the floor outside of the chemistry lab with our lunch boxes.  Each of us had different things to share but for the most part it was Debra and I who shared.  She loved the lunches that Mom made for me: yummy potato salad and baked chicken, macaroni pie, and those fat, juicy sandwiches. I loved the Chinese food that her parents used to pack in her lunch kit.

We were a tight little group of five and even after Lyn left we continued to eat lunch together.  Then we graduated from sitting on the floor to sitting on benches with tables at the back of the school.  This was a sort of courtyard that faced the boys college and my friends never tired of describing the boys to me as they walked by our school.

Of course the boys would also take the opportunity to peek into our yard as they walked by and I am very sure that they, too, made comments among themselves.  Oh, yes!  Those were the good old days, forever gone but never to be forgotten!

We ate lunch together for three marvelous years!  We chatted, discussed, and my friends would often read to me! Then we would finish our lunches and return to sit at our desks and wait for afternoon classes to begin.

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

Reflecting: Waiting for the cab at Seneca

This usually occurs after I have completed my annual exams at Seneca College.  For the past three years I have been writing my annual law exams at this location as part of the University of London, England's program.

Upon completion of my exam a member of the very friendly staff at Seneca from the testing centre escorts me up to the security desk and there I wait for them to call a cab for me.

Everything usually goes very smoothly.  I stand close to the desk and listen as the security folks call the cab.  Within minutes the cab is here and one of the security guards walks with me to the front of the building where the cab is waiting.  They ensure that I get safely into the cab and then it is home.

All in a day's work and I am happy that I, as a visually impaired person, have been able to get through the challenges of yet another day.

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

Crunch time! Before my exam

It's probably not the best of times for me. Before my exam, and I can tell you that the time prior to the exam is about a month before the actual day.

It is the time when my brain is going full tilt.  When my emotions are a bit out of whack and my sleep patterns are really crazy.  It is the time when I am probably most vulnerable and when my daily schedule goes through the ceiling.

I am doing my best to finish up all of my studying and I do this through countless hours of electronic reading.  Who says that this is all for the soul?

I read electronically.  I write my essays on my desktop computer.  All of my exam preparations are done on my desktop and the rest is all in my mind's eye.

I can practically see the text in my mind and I can hear it all through the robotic voice of my computer.  All is on full alert.

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

Cherished memories: My beloved grade school

As I sit here writing I can still remember almost every inch of my beloved grade school  The memory is still so very fresh in my mind and despite the fact that this memory was snapped when my vision was quite limited, it matters not to me!  I have managed to enhance it to the point that I don't have to work too hard to focus on it whenever I want to.

Those vast green grounds were where I spent some of my best times as a child.  I romped and played with my classmates.  I walked through them on my own.  I spent so many quiet moments just simply standing there by myself taking in the bright sunshine, the blue skies, and breathing in the fresh cool air.

I remember the jungle gym, the swimming pool, and so much more.  There were the long corridors of my school, resounding with the shouts and echoes of the students.  The main hall where we had all of our morning assemblies and other important functions.

Then there was the intimidating stage where we rehearsed for our Christmas concerts and where we performed on concert day.  The large dining room where we ate, and oh yes!  Those unforgettable classrooms: the music room and the doll's house that was later turned into a cooking room for the girls.

Finally, the areas close to the school where we used to walk, laugh, and talk about all kinds of things.  Memories forever!

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

Remembering those green grounds at school

I have such great memories about those lush green grounds at school.  This to me was one of the highlights of time spent at grade school.

I always looked forward to playing there during break time and during our lunch hour.  I would practically race out to the lush green grounds and simply linger there for as long as I could.

I would run around and laugh out loud.  I would frolic with my class mates and we would race each other up and down the length of the fields.  Then we would climb onto the jungle gym and swing there for long minutes at a time.

Then there were the ball games, playing cricket and soccer.  Then the tug of war contests and so many times I would end up face down in the mud after my team had lost a contest.

Oh yes!  Those lush green grounds, my thick carpet and memories of them to last a lifetime.  Cool fresh mornings walking with my classmates through the damp, dew-covered grass.  Playing with them at lunch time and standing in the warm sun during our afternoon break.

Moments to remember forever, where so many dreams were hatched and so many have come to fruition.

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://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

Playing hide and seek at school

Boy did I ever have so much fun doing this and the memories sure linger on for me! Those were the days when my vision was quite limited. That is, before I received my first cornea transplant.

I will tell you that my playmates were all blind with varying levels of vision or lack of. Anything from high partial vision to none at all. I probably fell into the category of being able to see shapes and colors, light and very large objects.

We made up our own rules. We played fast and wild but at the end of the day we always treated each other with respect and fairness. We never took advantage of anyone for their lack of vision and those with more vision than others were extremely considerate.

This is who we were as kids; just enjoying a game of hide and seek and making up the game as we went along.

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

Follow me on twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
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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!"

Remembering playtime at school

Oh yes! Those were some of the happiest days for me. I can still remember them now, both in and out of the classroom. Nostalgia time for me but there you are. Those colorful desks and chairs that I and my classmates sat at. We played with blocks, Legos, and all kinds of apparatus that blind and partially-sighted kids played with. We played all kinds of word games in class and we all loved it.

We played with shapes. We played with raised and Braille letters. We constructed buildings and built boats and planes. We did so much!

There were the Friday afternoons when we played with dominoes, played card games, and then we made up games under the watchful eyes of our teachers. Then there were the games during break time. We played cricket, football, ran and frolicked in the playground and then the biggest moment! We swam in the pool!

I would readily tell you that ours was a balanced playtime, a bit of this and a bit of that. I loved every moment of it and I especially loved the hide and seek games that we played. It was so much fun doing this as blind kids. Ah yes! Those precious moments that shall forever be with me.

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/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day. Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

Learning to cook

I still remember the very first day when I was put in the kitchen at school and cooking lessons had started for real. I think it was my baptism to the stove and not having been able to see too much at that time enabled me to conjure up all kinds of imaginations of the poor old big bad stove.

Truth be told, almost all of these imaginings turned out to be very false. The stove was not as bad as I had imagined it would be. The pots and pans were quite harmless. The gas flame was not as huge as I had imagined and the heat was not nearly as hot as I had first thought it to be.

Slowly but surely I became comfortable with the kitchen and its various objects, implements, and everything else and today I simply enjoy cooking. I may not be able to see what I am cooking or stirring but that's quite okay.

I am very comfortable interacting with my pots and pans. I have absolutely no difficulty controlling my heat and maneuvering my pots and sauce pans, and hot pots and dishes are not a problem for me.

My stove top is like second nature to me and my microwave and toaster oven are like parts of my extended arms.

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/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

Kudos to the University of London England

In 2012 I embarked on an adventure of great personal importance. I started a three-year journey to becoming a lawyer and I chose to do it at the University of London England's distance learning school. So far so good. I have not been disappointed with the accessibility of materials and the assistance and support that I have been receiving at the U of London England's school.

In addition to this, I have been receiving great assistance from others but what impresses me most about the U of London England is their willingness and readiness to accommodate my needs as a blind student. When it comes to alternate formats they really get it and understand it. They seem to know my needs before I even identify them. They know how to handle my needs at exam time and there is a definite process in place to handle the most important challenges.

Everything is in place. Step by step is the name of the game and there is a time for everything. I am not disappointed and I am proud to be a part of the U of London England's student population.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and learn more about the world of blind persons by visiting www.rnib.org.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

Learning math

I learned math as a blind student, with a slate and something called type. The slate was made up of a frame of holes and the type could be used to achieve 16 different positions. When the type was on its right side up, one could create numbers from 1 to 8 and when the type was placed on its wrong side, then the following could be had: 9, 0, plus, minus, multiplication sign, division sign, decimal point, and equals sign.

You could see then that the type had eight distinct sides and in actuality it was a very small entity made of lead. You had to place it in the hole of the frame and this is how figures were generated. The frame consisted of 16 columns and eight rows. A marvelous invention, in my opinion, for a blind person to have learned math to start with.

Much later on came talking calculators for us blind folks and this is the picture as it stands today. Many students do indeed use Braille to do their math as well. Others use the good old abacus.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and tell others about how blind persons learn Math. To learn more about the world of blind persons, visit www.nfb.org.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.

Interacting in high school

Believe it or not, I was probably one of the shyest students in high school and I can comfortably say that it was because of being blind. Being one of the first blind students to attend my high school made things very interesting and challenging for me. I will say, however, that both teachers and students were extremely good to me. They were very attentive to me and made sure that I was never wanting for anything.

I had a few great friends but for the most part I believe that the students were more curious than anything else to see how a fellow student who was blind functioned. Nevertheless, I was always careful never to take advantage of their good nature. I never asked for anything unless I needed it and I always made sure to remain securely in the background so that I did not stand out in front of my peers.

I took all of my exams alongside my classmates and did not receive any extra time for the writing of my exams. I used a Brailler to write my notes in class and not once did my classmates ever complain about the noise made by my Brailler. My texts for French and Spanish were provided to me in Braille but my history and literature books were put onto tape for me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to learn more about my world at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.

Pencils and styluses

I still remember the very first day when my mom and my granny took me to a school for blind kids; this was going to be my primary school for the first few years of my life. I remembered taking a small school bag that contained, among other things, pencils and an exercise book. Then came the first surprise of my life! The teacher gently told me that at this school I was not going to use pencils and an exercise book. I would be using something called a stylus and pocket slate.

Needless to say that I was confused, upset, and could not understand why. If my brothers used them then why was I not going to be allowed to do the same? Then sometime not too long after, it all came together in my little mind. I could not use pencils and exercise books like my brothers Robert and Jeffrey; I could not see to write so I now had to enter the world of touch techniques to help me read and write. I must say that I took it all in with interest and my great curiosity and affinity for learning soon took over.

Each day I could not wait to rush home to tell Mom and Granny about my adventures and then Dad would listen intently but still he continued to help me keep my feet in the sighted world. You see, he spent endless hours teaching me to count, read, and spell and he even described the printed letters to me.

These three marvelous persons were my teachers and sure helped me to have the best of both worlds.

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.