Sterling Creations Blog

Can blind persons attend functions?

2012-01-31T01:44:00.001-08:00

Whenever someone asks me this question my immediate response is "and why not?" This is a frequently asked question and you know what? I always try to be polite in my responses. There is still much for the sighted world to learn and discover when it comes to how blind persons live, work, and socialize. We can definitely attend functions but there are slight differences in the way we interact with others at functions.

Because we are unable to see others, we need to use our ears to help us identify others at functions. We need to depend on sighted assistance to help us navigate our way around at functions. We need to depend on others to help us meet others. We need others to help us navigate buffet tables, find our seats, and find our places at tables. We need others to help us with visual cues.

This is the picture for a blind person when attending functions. It may sound cumbersome to a sighted person but not really. Once you get the hang of things then it's not too bad. It can be a lot of fun. Can blind persons attend functions?

Whenever someone asks me this question my immediate response is "and why not?" This is a frequently asked question and you know what? I always try to be polite in my responses. There is still much for the sighted world to learn and discover when it comes to how blind persons live, work, and socialize. We can definitely attend functions but there are slight differences in the way we interact with others at functions.

Because we are unable to see others, we need to use our ears to help us identify others at functions. We need to depend on sighted assistance to help us navigate our way around at functions. We need to depend on others to help us meet others. We need others to help us navigate buffet tables, find our seats, and find our places at tables. We need others to help us with visual cues.

This is the picture for a blind person when attending functions. It may sound cumbersome to a sighted person but not really. Once you get the hang of things then it's not too bad. It can be a lot of fun.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and help educate the rest of the world as to how blind persons navigate their way when attending functions. Visit www.acb.org to learn more.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and help educate the rest of the world as to how blind persons navigate their way when attending functions. Visit www.acb.org to learn more.

The right to try

2012-01-28T03:51:00.000-08:00

Greetings and I am Scott Savoy, managing editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
It is the last weekend of January and hopefully February will just zip by enabling us to scoot in to March and promise of a beautiful spring.
Today, I am pleased to share an editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan; the right to try. This is a very thought provoking editorial and I encourage you to read on.
Have a great weekend.

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The right to try
By Donna J. Jodhan

We are living in a world where we are constantly being challenged to defend our rights; the right to social and medical services, the right to information, and practically the right to everything that everyone else has a right to. I could go on and on to what rights we need to have access to and there is someone out there who will gently remind me that I either forgot to add a certain right or that I should not have mentioned a certain one.

All well and good but I’d like to add just one more to the growing list; the right to try. In a world where we are constantly struggling to understand why certain groups should or should not be given access to certain services and facilities, I humbly submit that the right to try is a basic right of us all. If anything, we should all be given the right to try even if this right may be seen by some as one that may be either in vein or a complete waste of time.

Everyone deserves the right to try because one never knows what could happen. There is nothing like trying and nothing better than being able to succeed. Sometimes, we may think that we have tried everything that we can with regard to a certain project or task but then along comes someone else and bingo! A fresh pair of eyes or a recharged mind and presto! Success!

Just my thoughts for today.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Blindness is not contagious

2012-01-24T02:04:00.000-08:00

Maybe this is a touchy topic for many; but here goes. When I was growing up, I found that many persons, both kids and adults alike were often afraid to approach me and other blind kids. I often used to think that maybe and just maybe, they may have been feeling that if they came too close to me, they too would become blind. Things have improved over the years but there is still that hesitance especially so on the part of adults.

I am finding more and more that younger persons are not afraid to approach blind people. They are much less inhibited and not afraid to engage in conversations with us. For anyone who is hesitant to become friends with a blind person: Blindness is definitely not contagious. You can certainly become friends with us. You would be quite surprised to know and learn what great friends we can be.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and spread the word about how you can become friends with blind persons.
Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.

The fear of losing sight

2012-01-21T03:19:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca. Ah yes, it is a cold one today but thereis hope for a warmer one tomorrow.
Today, our president Donna J. Jodhan shares an editorial with us; the fear of losing sight and it is indeed a very somber topic. I urge you to read this one.
Enjoy your day.

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The fear of losing sight
By Donna J. Jodhan

In a recent survey, Canadians were asked what they feared most and to no one’s surprise; the fear of losing sight came out on top. As someone who was born blind, I have had the experience of gaining a terrific amount of vision when I was a teen only to lose it seven years ago.

When I gained it my whole world changed. I went from someone who was only able to see light, shadows, objects close up and colors to someone whose world opened wide. I learned to do so many new things, see so many new things, and read and write. It was a blast but alas! Nothing lasts for ever.

Seven years ago my vision went in the space of six months and I watched helplessly so to speak as it deteriorated right in front of me. I was scared and I was petrified but I had to console myself with telling myself that I was returning to my roots so to speak; but this time with less than I had originally started out with.

At first, I said to myself that fate had played a dirty trick on me but then reality kicked in and I had to grapple with the situation. Then when reality had sunk in I was scared but with time it slowly sank into oblivion and I have used this to help others.

So just imagine what it would be like for someone who is born with full sight and then they either lose it over a period of time or rather quickly? Both circumstances can be equally as traumatic in their own way. To realize that you are losing your vision with time is scary because you do knot know when that day will come that you can no longer see or you do not know how much you are going to lose.

In the case of losing it all at once! I don’t think that anyone can really put into words the feelings, emotions, and state of mind. Try extremely scared, bitter, confused, traumatized, and in a short a two-handed punch to the ribs.

Just my two cents worth for today but I am here if anyone wishes to take advantage of my experience.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Appliances are a challenge

2012-01-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

There used to be a time when I as a blind person was able to navigate the buttons on the panels of my appliances without having to ask for sighted assistance. Buttons and knobs on washers and dryers were big enough for me to feel and touch, you could set levels of water and temperatures by counting off the clicks, and you could do other things by simply memorizing how many clicks to the left or right, etc.

A few months ago, I had to replace my washer and dryer and thank goodness I was able to find a small appliance store that sold washers and dryers with manageable buttons. Many of the appliances today are dominated by touch screens and digital displays and this makes life more difficult for someone who is unable to see. Some appliances even have lights to indicate certain things and this too is not very good for a blind person.

In the good old days, I only had to ask for sighted assistance once when I was learning the position of the buttons but all this has changed. I know, we are now in the digital age and that can't be helped but how I wish that someone can come along and develop a gadget for blind persons to use with digital displays and touch screens. Thank goodness I have a talking microwave but my toaster oven is a challenge for me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and help educate the rest of the world about the challenges that blind persons face when it comes to appliances with digital displays and touch screens. Visit www.maxiaids.com to learn more.
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The right to sport

2012-01-14T03:57:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca and a very happy new year to all of our readers.
I hope that everyone had an enjoyable Christmas/holiday season and that 2012 is a smashing one for all.
Today, I'd like to start the new year with our usual weekly editorial from our president Donna J. Jodhan; all about the right to sport.
Enjoy your weekend.

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The right to sport
By Donna J. Jodhan

So many of us take for granted the ability to take advantage of recreational sports; whether it is sponsored by our city/community or it is done on a personal level. The mainstream world probably does not think too much about this but for blind persons the right to sport is not always available let alone reachable.

With the emphasis being placed more and more on fitness, it is important that blind persons not be left out. At the best of times, we as blind persons have to depend on others in order to be able to take advantage of recreational sports. We need sighted help to do such things as swim in community pools, use city and community facilities, and go ice skating, skiing, and participate in other types of winter sports.

With an increasing trend to becoming and staying fit, and with the emphasis being placed more on older persons being able to take advantage of recreational sports, I do hope that blind persons will be able to benefit as well. It is so important for us to do this. In the real world, it is difficult for us to access most recreational sports on our own so we need to let the appropriate authorities know of our desires and demands.

As an avid ice skater, I have managed to keep up my activity by working with recreational centers in my city and I do my best to be a participant in various clubs that cater to blind participants. Here’s hoping for more opportunities for blind persons to participate in recreational sports.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Some day at Christmas

2011-12-17T03:59:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at www.sterlingcreations.ca and today I am absolutely delighted to be sharing a special Christmas editorial with you; written by our president Donna J. Jodhan.
We at www.sterlingcreations.ca wish you the very best for the holiday season! Merry Christmas to you all! Joyeux Noèl! Feliz Navidad!

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Some day at Christmas
By Donna J. Jodhan

One of my favourite Christmas Carols is "Some day at Christmas"; made popular by the late Michael Jackson. Yes, some day at Christmas; when I could wake up on a peaceful morning and welcome yet another special day with my loved ones around me and the Christ Child in my heart.

When I would be able to say "Finally! All is well and now blind kids will have an equal opportunity to be like their mainstream counterparts." When they can play with mainstream toys and be able to use cell phones and IPods just like sighted kids. When they would be able to play with games just like their sighted friends and not have to worry about inaccessibility. When their classrooms and playgrounds would be free of accessibility barriers and they would have an equal opportunity to be just kids!

Some day at Christmas when I could go to bed just before Santa makes his rounds knowing that all of my wishes have been granted. That all websites have been made accessible. That all supermarkets and stores have been made fully accessible to blind persons. That online courses and distance learning have all been made accessible and usable to blind persons. That blind persons have equal access to all reading materials in the same way that sighted persons do.

Some day at Christmas after Santa has come and gone leaving a huge package for me under my Christmas tree, I could wake up and say "Finally! The banks have finally gotten it! Their ATMs are now fully accessible. Blind persons can now access all point of sale devices and touch screens without having to ask for sighted assistance. Blind passengers can now access kiosks at airports, they can enjoy movies on board aircrafts, and no more problems at airports, train stations, and bus terminals for them."

Some day at Christmas as I sit quietly in a church along with others waiting for the Christmas Mass to begin; I could say "Thank you God for ensuring that from now on society will treat blind persons as normal persons who can function on their own and the only thing wrong with them is that they are unable to see."

Some day at Christmas! Ah yes but it is only my dreams but who says that dreams don't come true? The smell of cookies baking in my kitchen are real! Christmas Carols being played around me are real! Children laughing and families decorating are real! Is it too much for me to ask Santa to help make my dreams come true?

The late Steve Jobs made some of my dreams and those of other blind persons come true! Dare I dream that there could be another Steve Jobs out there just waiting to bring hope to the blind world?

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a very merry Christmas!
Joyeux noèl! Feliz Navidad!

To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Doing the laundry carefully

2011-12-13T02:25:00.001-08:00

When I do my laundry, it's really not that much different from what most sighted persons would do. I use my color detector to help sort my colored clothes from my white clothes. Next I wash the white ones separately from the colored ones. All hand clothing is washed by hand and the rest go into the washer.

The trick for me is to be able to tell if a piece of clothing has run as they say; creating a disaster for other pieces of clothing. So, I have to make sure that certain pieces of clothing can be washed together and those that can't I have to wash also by hand. Not much different from what sighted persons would do.

I am fairly comfortable doing my laundry. Towels and sheets go together, jeans, sweat shirts, socks, and track clothes go together, miscellaneous go together, and all of my blouses and skirts and other delicate garments are washed separately and apart from each other. The challenges for me are: Making sure that stains have been removed, and realizing when something is a bit too worn to keep on using. So, I use the tried and proven method of discarding anything that has become thin and thread bare.

Not much different from the sighted world but I have to depend on touch as well as sighted assistance to help me deal with stains and o yes! When those darn socks drop from me when I remove them from the dryer. When they drop without a sound and I have to go looking for them.

Dealing with buttons on washers and dryers is another story which I will cover in another blog. For now, you can learn more about color detectors by visiting www.independentlivingaids.com.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and help educate the sighted world about how blind persons do their laundry.

No need to be sorry

2011-12-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
So are you busy decorating, baking, shopping, and gift wrapping?
Still need more time?
Well, you need to hurry up and do all of this before the big man comes in a little over two weeks!
Today, I have our president's editorial of the week to share with you and today, Donna J. Jodhan has a very insightful and moving editorial to share.
Enjoy!

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No need to be sorry
By Donna Jodhan

More often than not whenever someone realizes that a person is blind; either on the phone or in person, the very first few words out of their mouth is “I’m sorry.” For those of you who read this, I’d like to impart a few words of wisdom as seen through the eyes of a blind person so to speak.

First of all; I know that these words are almost always meant in the true sense of honesty and compassion and they probably come out of being uncomfortable in the situation in which one finds themselves at the time but speaking for myself, it also makes me feel very uncomfortable.

The words “I’m sorry” should never be taken lightly no matter what. Whenever someone says it to me upon discovering that I am blind I often try to decipher why it has been said. Is it because that the person saying it is uncomfortable? Is it because that they are really sorry? Or is it because they do not know what else to say? My response is almost always “no need to be sorry.”

Whatever the reason, I don’t think that there is any need to say “I’m sorry” to a blind person. We are blind and this is what it is. We have no choice but to carry on with our lives and there is absolutely no reason for a sighted person to be sorry about this. Compassionate and/or understanding, yes. Empathetic and/or sympathetic, yes. Just my few words of wisdom for today.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Missing out on bargains

2011-12-06T02:25:00.001-08:00

Missing out on bargains is one of the most difficult things that I have to deal with on a daily basis. For the sighted
world, it is easy for them to read about bargains in flyers, the newspapers, and see it on TV or on the Internet. For
me, I am unable to read newspapers or flyers, and although I may hear it on TV, many ads do not repeat phone
numbers at the end of their infomercial instead choosing to display it on screen. In the case of the Internet, so many
websites are not user friendly to those with vision problems making it almost impossible for us to access.

When I go grocery shopping, I am unable to read the flyers that are stacked on the counters. These flyers gaily
display all of the bargains in the supermarket but I do not have a clue as to what they are. The same applies for
when I enter a store or pharmacy and as a result I am shut out of being able to reduce my shopping bills.

This is something that I'd like to see addressed by the sighted world; ways to make it possible for blind persons to
know about bargains. One possible solution that comes to mind is this: Maybe, the larger store and supermarket
chains could have a phone line whereby we could call in and hear the bargains on a weekly basis? Food for thought.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out and help make it easier for blind persons to learn more about bargains.

Do professors really understand?

2011-12-03T04:04:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca and welcome to December!
Ah yes! December is here and I hope that everyone is ready to start celebrating.
This week our president Donna J. Jodhan has an interesting editorial to share with us. It focuses on whether or not professors understand the challenges being faced by blind students at university.
Enjoy and have a great weekend.

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Do professors really understand?
By Donna J. Jodhan

When I was at university which was many years ago, I must say that as a whole, most professors understood that in order to complete my courses, I had to have access to texts and that I had to be given a bit of extra time to write exams. They also understood that we all had to go the extra mile to ensure that my texts were on time and that I could understand charts, diagrams, and graphs.

When I was at university, there were no online courses and my texts were either given to me on tape or in Braille. Lectures were all conducted in the classroom and I was able to get the full attention of most of my professors. I either typed my papers or spoke onto tape and sometimes I had oral exams for French and Spanish.

That was then and this is now. With the evolution of the Internet, more courses are being offered the online way. Students submit their exams via email or by logging into a specified website. They receive their texts through the Internet but there are still classroom sessions to attend.

For blind students, the online way could be looked upon in two ways; as a blessing and as a challenge. As a blessing because they do not have to travel to be at class physically. As a challenge because many web developers are still finding it difficult to develop websites that are accessible to blind students.

Do professors really understand that in order for blind students to participate fully in web based courses, they need to have the following?
Equal access to all texts. Equal access to all websites that are being used during the course. Equal access to all online resources. Equal access to professors.

Professors need to ensure that texts are made available to their blind students in a format that they can read. They need to understand that blind students need extra time to complete exams and they need to be aware that whenever changes are made to software by the learning institution involved, care must be taken to ensure that the student's software is compatible and if not then efforts need to be made to find suitable alternatives.

This is not going to change and as technology continues to evolve then so too will the challenges for blind students increase. What is the solution here? More dialogue between all concerned and the development of ways to deal with all of this.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

How blind persons read books

2011-11-29T02:23:00.001-08:00

When it comes to blind persons being able to read books, we do it in several different ways. We can read it in Braille,
We can listen to it on CD or cassette, or we can use our computers to download books and listen to them using special
access technology called screen readers.

We can use cassette recorders to play our cassettes. We can use CD players to listen to our CDs and we can also
use specially developed book readers to read books that have been formatted into DAISY formats. We can also use
scanners to scan books and listen to them from our computers.

A lot has been done and continues to be done when it comes to making books more accessible to blind persons but
there is still much more to be done and this should be seen as a continuing job. In the meantime, I have some
websites for you to visit to learn more about how blind persons read books and what they use in order to read books.
Visit www.aph.org, www.rfbd.org and www.humanware.com.

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

Access technology versus mainstream technology

2011-11-26T04:07:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Well, it is the final week of November and today our president Donna J. Jodhan has a very sobering editorial to share with us. All about access technology versus mainstream technology. I wish you a great shopping weekend.

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Access technology versus mainstream technology
By Donna J. Jodhan

Well, what more can I say to add to this topic that is very near and dear to my heart. To put into perspective:
Access technology is much more expensive than its counterpart and much less available on the market.
It is extremely challenging to have access technology repaired as opposed to its counterpart.
There are few less manufacturers of accesstechnology hardware and few less developers of software.
The profit to be made for those who develop and sell access technology is much less than for those who do the same for mainstream technology.
Access technology has to be developed in such a way as to adapt to the mainstream world.
So there is the picture. Now where do we go from here?

About 18 months ago, I bought a PDA that was developed for blind persons; a real find for me and one that I found to be really forward thinking because of its features. A few weeks ago, I was told that this PDA will no longer be manufactured and as of June 2012, no more hardware maintennance agreements would be available. Accessories will still be available as long as supplies last. Quite a shock and now we are all left holding the bag so to speak.

I am not going to identify the manufacturers of this wonderful product but suffice it to say that it has made me rethink how I go about choosing my mobile devices. Do I continue to buy access technology that is extremely expensive and one that I am not sure will be around for too long? Or do I move towards the Apple world of mobile devices such as the iPad, iPhone, and so on?
Do I expose myself to heartbreak if I continue to buy these pieces of access technology only to learn that in a short space of time they are off the market and no more supplies of accessories or support is no longer available?

Just my two cents for today

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Is it clean mom?

2011-11-22T02:29:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite questions and I constantly need to keep doing this because I am unable to decipher or tell when certain things are not clean. When it comes to dishes, glasses, and pots and pans, I can usually tell if things are clean by running my fingers along surfaces. If I feel bumps and sticky stuff, then I know that it is not clean but when it comes to stains it's a different story.

In the kitchen, stains are my main challenge because it is difficult to tell if a stain is there unless it is sticky or bumpy. When it comes to clothes, the same thing applies. When it comes to carpets and floors and furniture, it's all the same. So, if mom is around I can as her but if she is not then I have to be super careful. Walls and doors are also something for me to be careful with. My fingers can usually tell if surfaces are dirty but in many cases it is impossible to feel spots and stains.

I'd like to see the development of some sort of device to tell blind persons when stains and spots are present. In the meantime, you can learn more about how blind persons deal with such things as spots and stains by visiting www.rnib.org.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and help educate the sighted world about how blind persons deal with spots and stains.

Customer disservice?

2011-11-19T04:04:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
It is another beautiful fall weekend shaping up and I hope that we are all getting ready for the holiday season which should be kicking off in full right after the American Thanksgiving holiday.
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish our American friends and family a very happy Thanksgiving.
Today, our president Donna J. Jodhan is not very happy about the type of customer service being handed out by several of our large corporations and she has written an editorial to express her unhappiness.
I hope you take note of this editorial with the approaching holiday season.
I wish you a great weekend.

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Customer disservice?

There used to be a time when companies seemed to have gotten it! Customer service was one of the most important strategies to help them win over customer loyalty. It did work for a while but within the last two to three years this strategy seems to have been put on the back burner and what we have now are call takers and customer reps who believe that customer disservices is the only way to deal with their customers.

It appears that these good folks feel that it is no longer important to listen, display patience, or provide assistance to customers. In so many instances, they have become rude, impolite, discourteous, and unwilling to help whenever they are called upon to go the extra mile.

The other day I called the customer service department of a major Bank to complain about a rude note that my mom had received from them. When I tried to explain my position to them the call taker refused to listen and when I nicely asked to speak to a supervisor they refused to connect me to their supervisor. Several others have told me about similar incidents and I for one can only express my concerns as follows:

We are dealing with a rapidly aging market of consumers who will undoubtedly be needing more customer care and attention. Many of these consumers are going to be afflicted with additional diseases in addition to the afflictions that accompany the aging process. This means that companies are going to have to find ways to provide the necessary assistance and accordingly, they will have no choice but to provide adequate training to their call takers and customer reps. In turn, call takers and customer reps will have to find ways to leave their unhealthy attitudes at home and replace them with such qualities as respect, courtesy, helpfulness, and anything else that satisfies the needs and demands of these consumers.

My two cents worth for today.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Can blind people travel?

2011-11-15T02:25:00.000-08:00

This is one of the most frequently asked questions that I am asked and my response is this: Sure, blind persons can travel and enjoy what the sighted world does. However, we do things a bit differently.
Here's how I do it.

Whenever I travel by plane; I first ask my travel agent to notify the airline that I will need assistance and this has turned out to be not much of a problem. Air Canada has been excellent to me and has provided me with first class services. They have always provided me with end to end services that include checking in, boarding, in flight, and disembarking services.

When I arrive at the airport in Toronto, this airport's special needs services department is ready to help because I have notified them before hand that I would need help from my cab to the airline's counter. I do not know if other airports provide this type of service but if they don't, then I have to depend on sighted assistance for someone to bring me to the check in counter. I find this a bit nerve racking but I have learned to live with it as I am a frequent traveler.

If I take a train, I usually notify the railway company in advance that I would need help so that they can provide me with boarding, in train, and disembarking services. Not a problem for me and whenever I get to a station in Canada, the "Redcaps" attendants are right there to help me from my cab to the ticket counter. Bus services are similar.

So you see, it is not as difficult as you may think and if you would like to learn more about how blind persons travel, then visit www.nfb.org or www.afb.org.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and help educate the rest of the world about how blind persons can travel.

Different views from different generations

2011-11-12T04:19:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
It is a typical fall weekend and I hope that everyone is doing just fine and
getting ready to enjoy some outdoor freshness and/or some pre Christmas
shopping.

Today, I am delighted to share an editorial written by our president Donna
J. Jodhan in which she presents views from different generations of blind
persons.
Enjoy and have a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Different views from different generations

A few weeks ago, I decided to take some time to go out there and listen
to the views from blind persons of different generations.
Specifically, what are their views on the issues of such subjects as
employment, education, and accessibility. In order to simplify things,
I am going to refer to the generations as follows: 35 and under -
generation Y and above 35 - as generation X. I will first state the
question that I asked and then give the consensus answer.

I will hasten to add that my mission was not meant to be a formal
survey in any way shape or form but rather as a fact finding mission
for my own education. I managed to gather a total of 15 responses from
each generation and I would like to thank those of you who took the
time to respond. So without much more ado here goes.

On the subject of employment -
Question: Do you think that employment opportunities for your
generation are better than they were about five years ago?
Consensus from generation X:
Not really. Employment opportunities for this generation have always
been extremely difficult to come by and they do not see much of a
change for the foreseeable future.

Consensus from Generation Y:
Employment opportunities have improved somewhat in certain areas thanks

to better technology for the blind. However, there are still many
barriers for them to face and there is a glimmer of hope for the
future.

Question: What kind of barriers do you presently face in the
workplace?
Consensus from generation X:
There are many barriers that include attitude, ignorance, and adaptive
technology is still trying to catch up with mainstream technology.
There is also still an unwillingness to give blind persons an equal
chance to prove themselves.

Consensus from generation Y:
Some barriers have started to come down but there is still much more to
work on. The gap needs to be narrowed when it comes to employers and
employees believing in the abilities of this generation. More needs to
be done when it comes to making the workplace a more level playing
field for blind persons.

Question: Is there anything that can be done to improve employment
opportunities for blind persons?
Consensus from generation X:
Everyone needs to work on such things as attitude and more willingness
to change perceptions of what blind persons can do. A greater
awareness needs to be worked on.

Consensus from generation Y:
Employers and employees need to be given awareness training on how
blind persons can fit into the working world. More education is needed
and acceptance as well.

On the subject of education -
Question: Do you believe that your generation has had equal access to
educational facilities and opportunities?
Consensus from generation X:
Not really. Blind persons of this generation have had to fight very
hard to receive education; especially at post secondary level.

Consensus from generation Y:
Opportunities have been improving but more needs to be done in the area
of distance learning opportunities for blind persons.

Question: Do you believe that educators have been able to fully
comprehend the needs of your generation in the classroom?
Consensus from generation X:
No. In so many cases educators have failed this generation simply
because of a lack of understanding and a willingness to do so.

Consensus from generation Y:
In some cases educators seem to get it but in other cases not really.

Question: Do you believe that educational opportunities for blind
persons can be improved and if so how so?
Consensus from generation X:
The only way for any sort of improvement is for everyone to come together to
discuss what needs to be done and how it can be done. A more serious effort
needs to be made.

Consensus from generation Y:
Things are getting better for blind persons in the classroom but if
improvement is expected to continue then blind persons need to speak up

more.

On the subject of accessibility -
Question: Do you believe that your generation has been given equal
access to important services in your community?
Consensus from generation X:
No! In so many cases, this generation seems to be the forgotten ones.

Consensus from generation Y:
Things are a bit better than they were a few years ago but there is
definitely still not equal access.

Question: Do you believe that equal access is something that could be
attained by blind persons?
Consensus from generation X:
No. For as long as governments continue to ignore the needs of blind
persons, there will be no equality to accessibility.

Consensus from generation Y:
No. Equal access can only be attained if a serious effort is made to make it
happen.

So there you have it; views from two different generations.
My two cents for today.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would
be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

My favourite scrap books

2011-11-08T02:29:00.000-08:00

As long as I can remember, and with or without sight, scrap books have
always been one of my favourite pastimes. When I was a kid, my cousins used
to clip all of my favourite pictures and photos out of magazines and
newspapers and then patiently paste them into scrap books for me. I only
had to ask and Nancy and Brenda would do it for me.

There were pictures of the Kennedy family; in particular the Kennedy
brothers. The Osmonds, and the Royal family. I could barely see these but
it did not matter. I had to have them. Later on, my best friend Charlene
continued the tradition for me and my favourites expanded to include Paul
Anka, Englebert Humperdink, Julio Iglesias, Wayne Gretzky, Princess Diana,
and of course my hero Pierre Trudeau.

I expanded my favourites when I got my vision through a cornea transplant
and for 25 glorious years I was able to cut and paste for myself. There
were many other favourites that I collected as well. I collected
memorabilia on the death of Princess Diana and JFK JR along with Pierre
Trudeau and I extended my scrap book pastime to include videos.

Five years ago when I lost almost all of my vision, my pastime came to a
screeching halt but I held on to my scrap books and videos. A few months
ago, I decided to rid myself of some of these treasured scrap books because
it was becoming too much for me to store and it was with a very heavy heart
and a lump in my throat that I did this. Before parting with them, I opened
each and riffled through their pages doing my best to remember. Then
fighting back tears, I placed them in a large box and took them down to the
garbage shoot. "Rest in peace" was what I whispered as I gently pushed them
down the shoot.

These scrap books have helped me to keep my memories alive. I have kept
some of the more treasured ones back but I shall always miss the others. I
still have my videos because at least, I can play them and listen to them.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a
terrific day and inviting you to go out there and tell others how much a
blind person can enjoy scrap books and videos. Visit www.aph.org to learn
more.

Seniors and technology

2011-11-05T04:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Ah yes! November is here and soon the holiday bells will be ringing. Today, I am pleased to introduce an editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan and she focuses her attention today on seniors and technology.
I wish you a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Seniors and technology
By Donna J. Jodhan

I do not think that many would argue with my humble opinion that over the past decade, technology has made it possible for more seniors to live more independently. We have seen some giant steps forward in the field of technology with regard to making it easier and more possible for seniors to be more independent. An Example of this would include the event of the medical alert bracelet, and of course there are many more that can be listed. Suffice it to say that more seniors are using technology to do such things as get around more independently, communicate more freely, and socialize more easily.

More seniors are using electronic devices to get around; ranging from electric wheelchairs and walkers to sophisticated devices such as GPS gadgets. They are using the Internet to get involved in online socializing, affect in depth information searches, engage in online shopping, plus a lot more.

I do not think that over 10 years ago, anyone could have predicted the evolution of such things as social networks and online shopping and that our seniors would be so willing to embrace it all so readily. What it all means is that our seniors are being presented with more lucrative opportunities to live their golden years in a better place and as time marches on, it is only going to become better.

Just imagine seniors becoming involved in something like online dating and online socializing? Seniors using the Internet to book their travel plans? Seniors taking full advantage of the email era? Things have certainly changed and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The seniors of nowadays certainly have a lot more technology at their disposal; to learn, discover, and explore.

We can only look forward to the continuing changes of a landscape of tomorrow that will hardly image the one of just yesterday.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

New ways of identifying

2011-11-01T02:18:00.000-07:00

Now that I am barely able to see, I constantly have to find and come up with new ways of identifying things to others. It is no longer possible for me to identify things by color so I need to let my fingers do the identifying for me. The other day for example, I told my brother that his sweater was hanging in the coat closet and when he asked me which sweater we both hesitated at the same moment. His first words were "O, you don't know which one" but my comeback was "the woolen one, with long sleeves, and workings on the front."

When I was able to see, and had enough vision to identify colors, my mom and others usually identified things to me through color. It was the yellow book, the black shoes, the bottle with the green liquid, the tin with the red top, and so on. Now, I have to come up with other ways to identify things to them and in turn, they are constantly coming up with ways to identify things to me.

We usually communicate in terms of size, shape, texture, and where a certain thing can be found. More work for both sides but it works just fine. When I was a kid and as long as I can remember, my mom and I have used a very unique way for us to identify things to each other. We identify things through incidents and memory and who has given something to us. So for example; it's Gayle's bag because my sister-in-law Gayle gave me this particular bag. It's Granny's dress, because the dress belonged to Granny. It's mom's perfume because mom gave me the perfume, and so on.

Of course, there are other ways to identify things and there are devices out there that blind persons can use to identify things. To learn more, visit:
http://www.independentliving.com
Or http://www.maxiaids.com

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

Steve Jobs a man forever

2011-10-29T03:49:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca and today I have the pleasure of closing off October.
I know that the holiday season is fast approaching so hang on to your seatbelts.
Today, our president Donna J. Jodhan has a very moving editorial to share with you. One that I know she wrote after the death of Steve Jobs.
I hope you find it great reading.
I wish you a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Steve Jobs a man forever

No one can dispute the fact that this man was so many things to so many people. Not just the co-founder and former CEO of Apple INC, but a visionary, a leader, a technological giant, someone who understood the needs of the market, and above all; someone who dared to go where so many are still afraid to go.

Steve Jobs did for the disabled world what so many are either still not willing or able to do or do not understand how to do it. Under his leadership, Apple designed and incorporated accessibility into their product lines. He opened a world for the blind community so that today, access to Apple's mobile devices is no longer a dream but a mere reality. We as blind consumers can now use IPods, IPhones, and IPads just like anyone else; we have now become a part of the mainstream world. No more having to wait for another manufacturer to decide when they would be ready to include us as consumers. No more having to buy additional access technology software to incorporate it into mainstream technology so that we can use the mainstream technology like anyone else.

In other words: When blind persons buy Apple products, they can buy it straight off the shelf and use it like anyone else. They do not have to purchase access technology at exorbitant prices and then install or incorporate it into mainstream technology. Now we can download our own music without sighted assistance and we can communicate with the rest of the world whenever we want and wherever we choose.

For years now, several blind musicians have been telling me how much they enjoy using Apple products to work with music. Much easier, less problems with software, and above all much less costly. Steve Jobs has opened up an entire new landscape for blind consumers and we can only hope that his successors continue on in his footsteps.

Thank you Steve Jobs. I personally am eternally grateful to you for your vision, your innovation, and your insight. The world has lost a giant and history may not be able to duplicate your great works but your memory will live on for generations to come.

My two cents worth for today.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Going to the movies

2011-10-25T02:08:00.000-07:00

Much of the sighted world still has the notion that for blind persons, going to the movies is either not possible or probable. Or, that for blind persons, going to the movies may even be a waste of time. I can see why this misconception would be present but I'll try to clear it up.

The sighted world probably feels that if you are unable to see then you are unable to follow what's going on in the movie. This is partially true and often time we miss out on a lot when we are able to decipher what is going on during those periods of silence. We can use our sense of hearing to fill in many gaps but there is much that our sense of hearing would not be able to supply to us. We can accurately surmise what's going on when the sound of gun fire is heard, sounds of scuffling and fighting, sounds of persons in love scenes, and son. However, the fine details are almost often beyond our reach.

Things have improved for us greatly at the movies over the last decade and thanks to descriptive videos and movies our world has opened up a great deal. More and more, videos, DVDs, and movies are being developed to include audio descriptions. I am going to leave you with a very informative website to check out and you can see for yourself what audio description is all about. Visit www.wgbh.org.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and spread the word about audio descriptions and descriptive videos.

Start with the kids

2011-10-22T03:57:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
It is a beautiful fall weekend and I hope that wherever you are, you are enjoying those beautiful fall colors.
Today, our president Donna J. Jodhan has a great editorial for you; all about how we should start with our kids.
I wish you a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Start with the kids

In a world where we continue to struggle with so many things, how to get things done, when to get them done, what to get done, and why we must do it all, it may be a good idea for us to take a deep breath and leave it all to the kids. Yes, the kids! and why not?

Kids are the ones who are the most innocent of us all. They are never afraid to tell the truth. They are extremely unabashed when it comes to honesty. They trust easily and if you are seeking to get your message across to the rest of the world, then they are probably the best and most effective messengers that you will ever find.

Ask them a question and they tell no lies. Give them an idea and they are lightning quick to run with it, develop it, and embellish it. Wet their imaginations and you'll see how quickly they turn dreams into reality or something very close to it.

Kids are ever so quick to get the meaning and in the simplest of ways while we adults find it so difficult at times to even get off the mark. They are the best messengers and for my money, we should start with them if we are serious about wanting to share our messages and spread them around. Something for me to consider when next I wish to convey a message on the subject of accessibility.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

The daunting statistics

2011-10-18T02:20:00.001-07:00

Many more blind persons are unemployed or under employed than employed and it's a chronic problem that is also a global one. The stats range from a figure of about 70% to over 80% so take your pick. This problem does not seem to be going away and will not go away unless we change attitudes and break down barriers in the workplace, on the Internet, and elsewhere.

I have been very fortunate to have worked for three of Canada's best companies; the Royal Bank of Canada, the Bank of Montreal, and IBM Canada and I am truly grateful for many of the experiences that I have managed to garner from my employment. However, there are still so many things that need to be addressed when it comes to employment of blind persons.

I have been working for myself for the past 15 years and I truly enjoy it but again as an entrepreneur like other sighted entrepreneurs, there are challenges to face and as a blind entrepreneur, it is even more challenging. Somehow we have to work to lower the statistics that I have listed above.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and help spread the word that yes! Blind persons can indeed become contributing members of society. Just give them a chance. Visit www.rnib.org or www.afb.org to learn more.

One of the most misunderstood groups

2011-10-15T03:30:00.001-07:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
I hope that everyone is enjoying their October thus far and today, I have a very insightful editorial to share with you. Written by our president Donna J. Jodhan, this editorial focuses on how much society fails to understand the blind community.
I wish you a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
One of the most misunderstood groups
By Donna J. Jodhan

Would it be fair to say that in general, the blind community could be one of the most misunderstood groups? If so, then why? Could it be that we are misunderstood because maybe and just maybe, the mainstream society has probably not taken enough time to get to know us? Or maybe is it because that they have not been exposed to our world enough?

I guess that we could probably offer several explanations for this but at the end of the day, this is the situation. As for my humble opinion, I offer these possibilities:
I believe that when it comes to blind persons in general, most of our mainstream society have somehow managed to erect artificial barriers towards us. These would include attitude, perception, and belief.

Let us first look at attitude. There seems to exist an attitude from many mainstream persons that blind persons should probably be viewed as not being fully able to be contributors to society. In short, we may be viewed more as persons who need to be helped rather than as persons who can help ourselves as well as others. The attitude may be one that includes the view that we are not fully able to take our places in the workplace and accordingly we are unable to attain enough spending power to look after ourselves. As a result, we need to be enrolled in support programs that can help to bolster our disposable incomes.

Perception: Much of our society may be guilty of having the wrong perception of blind persons; we are often viewed as not being able to think and do for ourselves. We are often seen as being helpless, easy prey for thieves, hackers, and bullies, and we are frequently seen as not important enough to receive certain core services. Evidence of this is often exhibited by both governments and companies in that whenever the going gets tough, the first set of services to be cut are those to the disabled and to the blind in particular. These circumstances often occur during unfavourable economic conditions.

Belief: Believe it or not, there are certain cultures that genuinely feel that blind persons are better off being shut off from society; in homes and away from the glares and stares of society. Or that they are better off not being seen or heard. There are even some cultures that honestly believe that we as a group should not be considered equally to the rest of society because of our disability.

Attitude, perception, and belief; these in my humble opinion seem to be the three main barriers that are responsible for us not being fully understood as persons, contributors, and as part of society. These are the three main barriers that we as a group have to face and ones that we need to tackle if we hope to turn things around in a positive way.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

As a blind woman

2011-10-11T02:30:00.001-07:00

Being a woman has its unique set of challenges in the business world but as a blind woman? Well, there are added challenges to face and there is more for me to add. I am of mixed race; Oriental mix, Part Chinese, part East Indian, and part Italian. When people ask me if I am discriminated against most as a woman, as a blind person, or as someone of mixed race, my answer is very quick in coming. I am discriminated against most as a blind person.

As someone of mixed race living in Canada, I have not really had much to face as far as discrimination goes and the same could be said for being a woman. However, as a blind person, I am unable to say the same. There is definitely a glass ceiling when it comes to career opportunities for blind persons in the workplace. In speaking to several other blind persons, the feeling persists that blind men have more of an opportunity to climb the corporate ladder or progress in their careers than blind women.

I often joke that in reality I have three strikes against me and in the game of baseball this would mean that I would be out at the plate; but I do not let this keep me back. I am a blind woman of mixed race and that's that. I cannot change any of this so I live with it and make the best of it. In short, I play with the cards that I have been dealt.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and help to create more understanding of the needs and desires of blind persons. For more information, please contact me at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

Is justice just for the rich?

2011-10-08T03:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings and I'd like to wish a very happy Thanksgiving to all Canadians.
I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca and on this long holiday weekend for Canadians, our president Donna J. Jodhan has a very sobering editorial to share with us.
I wish everyone a great holiday weekend and a happy Thanksgiving with their families.

+++++++++++++++
Is justice just for the rich?
By Donna J. Jodhan

A few months ago, one of my favorite cab drivers asked me this question as we were driving down the crowded Don Valley Parkway in Toronto. He was mulling over the fact that just a few years ago, our Federal Government decided to put an end to the Court Challenges Program; a program that up until then, had been used by those Canadians who could not afford the services of lawyers to launch charter challenges.

In a nutshell: The program had been established way back in the 80s by the government of the day to enable those Canadians who could not otherwise afford to, to launch charter challenges against the government if they felt that the government was trampling on their rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights. In other words: If a person honestly felt that the government was not honouring their rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights, they could use this particular program to find a lawyer who would be willing to fight their case.

The majority of applicants or beneficiaries under this program were members of minority groups, disabled groups, and members of Aboriginal groups but now that this program is no longer in existence, the questions being asked are these: Where can these persons go in order to obtain adequate funding and representation in order to have their voices heard? Are there other alternatives open to them? Why did the government find it necessary to chop this particular program?

In the normal scheme of things, the groups mentioned above are unfortunately unable to afford adequate funding and representation and they are the ones whose rights are often trampled upon. The government knows this only too well so I humbly ask again; why did they find it necessary to cut one of the only affective programs that gave these groups a way to speak up for themselves? Can we conclude then that in our beloved country, justice is just for the rich? Just my two cents worth for today.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Half empty or half full?

2011-10-04T02:27:00.001-07:00

This is one of the questions that I constantly continue to ask myself and I guess that if I am a positive person as I usually am, I would say that the glass is half full. However, there are many other blind persons who would take the opposite opinion.

For me, the glass is half full because despite my challenges I still somehow manage to come out on top and I have so many things to be thankful for. For my parents, family, and friends; plus my undying ability to dream, create, and try. Most of all, my deep and unshakeable faith in God. For others, the glass is half empty because there is so much that they have to deal with; a disability, no family close by, and not too many friends. In addition, many blind persons also have to deal with secondary and even tertiary challenges.

More and more blind persons are having to deal with such things as loss of hearing, physical disabilities, plus so much more. No wonder they find it difficult to see the glass as half full. We all need to work together to change this and I am asking you to help spread the word.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and help spread the word that blind persons often have to face additional challenges in addition to their loss of sight. Visit www.nfb.org or www.acb.org to learn more.

We must not compromise

2011-10-01T03:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at www.sterlingcreations.ca and today, it is a big hello to October.
I am pleased to introduce our weekly editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan and today, Donna has a message for blind and partially sighted persons; "We must not compromise."
I wish you a great weekend.

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We must not compromise

This is the one thing that the blind and sight impaired community needs to keep uppermost in there minds. We must not compromise. Whenever we demand something which we feel is our legitimate right to have, we must not compromise. Whenever we demand services that are otherwise available to the mainstream person, we must not compromise. What am I referring to today?

If for example we were to ask our government to provide us with a service that would give us equal access to information on health services, we need to ensure that these services satisfy our entire needs. If our government were to say that it would do it but we would not be able to receive certain services, or not receive it in all of the available alternate formats, we need to say no! There is not going to be any compromise.

Compromising is not a bad thing if it means that all stakeholders end up getting what they set out to get, but when it comes to us not being able to get something because the provider does not feel that it is necessary to provide the entire service, then here is where the problem starts. In most cases, when it comes to issues that pertain directly to the blind and sight impaired, the word compromise often means having to do without an important piece of the puzzle. There should not be really any reason why a provider would want to compromise. It's either all or nothing and for too long the blind community has had to put up with compromise.

Shortcuts or the cutting of corners are also no reason for compromise. We as a community need to start our own rules. Compromise is no longer an alternative because there is no need for it. Compromise often leads to having something that does not really fulfill the need. Just my two cents worth for today.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Please don't patronize me!

2011-09-27T02:26:00.000-07:00

As a blind person, one of the most annoying and upsetting challenges for me is when someone patronizes me. When a person speaks to me in a tone that they would normally use for a kid, when they pat me on the hand and say something like "Okay dear, or "you poor thing." This absolutely drives me up the wall.

Another example of patronizing is when someone speaks to my mom or friend or accompanying friend instead of me. Something like: "What would she like to have" at a restaurant or "Would she like to try on those sweaters?" Getting angry does not really help as I have discovered over the years. Instead, I speak up for myself or my mom or friend would gently say "You can ask Donna herself."

In my experiences over the years of my life, the worst type of patronization takes place in: Stores, the doctor's office, the supermarket, restaurants, and at recreation parks. There is absolutely no need to patronize a blind person.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and spread the word that there is absolutely no need to patronize blind persons. Visit www.nfb.org and www.rnib.org to learn more.

When no one is around

2011-09-24T03:39:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
It is the last saturday in September and fall is now here for yet another year. Today, I have a very interesting editorial to share with you; written by our president Donna J. Jodhan. Today, Donna talks about the challenges she faces as a blind person when no one is around.
I wish you a great end of September weekend.

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When no one is around
By Donna J. Jodhan

O boy! When no one is around to tell me what is happening, what is going on, or what is amiss! That is the world for a blind person like me.

When no one is around and I receive mail; I can usually scan it and decipher it but the scanner is not always accurate and I have to spend more than a bit of time to read it.
When no one is around and my screen reading software suddenly stops speaking to me; I have to frantically search for a neighbor or a friend to tell me what is going on.
When no one is around and my Internet connections unexpectedly die; I need someone to tell me what's happening with my modem's lights. I have to hunt for sighted help.
When no one is around and I accidentally drop something on my carpet; if I can't find it then I need to either use logic to try and determine where it is, use my cane to try and locate it, and failing this I need to call in sighted help.
When no one is around and I need to set my chiming clock because the clocks either need to be put forward or backward; I need help to set the time because there is no way for me to feel the hands or the minute and hour indicators.
When no one is around and I need to sign a document; I have to find someone to help me locate the correct spot to write my signature.
When no one is around and I either spill things all over my counter or on the floor; all hell breaks loose and I have to call in the sighted brigade.

That's the picture for me as a blind person; but I cope with it and do the best that I can. Sometimes I can laugh at myself but at other times I am a bit less pleasant about it.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Yes I can enjoy swimming

2011-09-20T02:21:00.000-07:00

Well, here is another misunderstanding for me to clear up. Much of the sighted world has a very hard time understanding and believing that blind persons can enjoy swimming. Of course they can and I am living proof. In addition to ice skating and skiing, I swim as a hobby. I am a very good swimmer and growing up near the ocean enabled me to learn to swim in the sea.

As early as I can remember, my dad and my siblings took me swimming. Dad taught me how to swim and we started off with life belts but I quickly graduated to swimming on my own. Naturally, he and my family worried about my safety as with any other kid sight or not. Dad taught me how to do the back stroke, the butterfly, the crawl, plus so much more. I learned to do summersaults too; both forward and backward. Then I took my skills to the swimming pool.

One of the things that I enjoyed the most while swimming in the sea was to look up at the bright blue sky and the golden sun while I was lying on my back in the ocean. I cherished seeing that beautiful Caribbean sky and adored the sun and surf. Dad also taught me how to surf the waves and he and I used to have so much fun frolicking in them. The foam caps reminded me of lace. Now that I have precious little vision, I still enjoy it all but without enough vision to see the sky, waves, and color of the sea, I find other ways to enjoy things when I go swimming.

Dad was my best swimming buddy and I always feel very close to him whenever I go to the beach. He passed on many years ago but his spirit still accompanies me whenever I go sea swimming. Swimming is still one of my most enjoyable hobbies.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and help spread the message that yes! Blind persons can enjoy swimming. If you would like to know more, then please do not hesitate to send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

No way to verify

2011-09-17T03:52:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor of www.sterlingcreations.ca.
I hope that everyone is enjoying their beautiful September and today, I have a thought provoking editorial to share with you written by our president Donna J. Jodhan.
Today, Donna talks about the challenges being faced by blind persons when it comes to not being able to verify.
I wish you a great weekend.

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No way to verify
By Donna J. Jodhan

We are living in an information society and a knowledge based economy where one heavily depends on the other. Without information we are nowhere and without knowledge gathered from information we are unable to make decisions of any kind. So, just imagine not being able to make vital decisions because we are unable to verify the relevant information.

Does this circumstance really exist? Indeed, it surely does and it is the case for millions of blind, sight impaired, and deaf/blind persons worldwide. Why does this circumstance exist? Well, it all has to do with the inability of blind, sight impaired, and deaf/blind persons not being able to verify online information. Why is this? Because a lot of the information is inaccessible to these persons in alternate formats and more often than not, they need to depend on a sighted person to read it to them. This means that there is no mechanism for these persons to verify the information because they are unable to read it for themselves.

What does all of this mean? It means that without any dependable way of verification, blind, sight impaired, and deaf/blind persons are practically held to ransom so to speak. They are unable to verify information and accordingly they are unable to make safe and sound decisions for themselves. It's something like this: If you are unable to read something for yourself it only goes to say that you really cannot verify it. So then what's next? A call for information to be produced in alternate formats in a timely manner.

What is meant by the term alternate formats? In Braille, large print, and in e text format; that is, HTML, TXT, Word, RTF, and PDF that is appropriately tagged so that screen readers can decipher them.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Guide dogs are not for everyone

2011-09-13T02:28:00.001-07:00

Here is the truth about guide dogs; they are not for everyone and not every blind person is suited to have a guide dog. I myself love dogs but a guide dog is not for me. Why you may ask? Because in order to have a guide dog, you need to put your trust completely in the dog and for me this is extremely difficult. Some dogs make wonderful guides but there are others that do not. Not every guide dog turns out to be a good guide; and not every blind person who seeks to have a guide dog is a suitable candidate.

In a mainstream world, the relationship between a dog and their owner is extremely crucial and in a world of a blind person it is even more so for a blind person. Both dog and owner need to trust and like each other. It's all about team work. There are several guide dog schools scattered across North America and there are many in
England and across Europe as well. I am going to give you two websites to visit; www.nfb.org, and www.rnib.org. These two websites can provide you with very helpful information on guide dogs.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and asking you to go out there and tell the rest of the world that guide dogs are not for everyone.

The right to know

2011-09-10T04:14:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Well, September is well on its way and we have been lucky to have had a great summer.
Today, I am pleased to introduce an editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan and today Donna zooms in on our right to know.
Have a great weekend.

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The right to know

We are living in an information society and a knowledge based economy and we are depending more and more on information to be made accessible to us in a timely and efficient manner. We all need this in order to keep abreast of important events but most of all, we need it in order to make important decisions in our lives.

For blind and sight impaired persons, it is even more crucial that we are able to access information on a timely and efficient basis; the right to know. The right to know should not be taken too lightly. It should not be treated as a privilege nor should it be treated as a nice to have. It is a right, a must, and one that we need to protect and safeguard at all costs.

Technology has made it easier for information to be made available to everyone; the Internet being the primary way. We need information in order to not just make important decisions that affect our daily lives, we need it in order to survive. We need to be kept in the know so that we as blind and sight impaired persons can keep up with the mainstream world. The right to know could be easily compared to the cane or guide dog that we depend on in order to navigate our way through life.

The right to know is only going to become more vital to us as time marches on and blind and sight impaired persons need to ensure that this right remains a right and does not become somehow forgotten in a busy and confused world. If we keep this in mind then we will survive. If we fail to keep it safe then we might as well give in to a world where we will one day become almost forgotten. Perseverance is the name of the game; mediocrity can only lead to failure.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

All about audio description

2011-09-06T02:41:00.000-07:00

One question that I often get asked is this one: How does a blind person follow a movie? That is, how can they follow what is going on in a movie when there is no talking or other noise to tell them what's happening? Enter the world of audio description.

Up until about a decade ago, audio descriptive movies or audio descriptions were novelties to us or rather a luxury but today, it is becoming more and more popular. What is meant by audio descriptions or audio descriptive movies? Very easy. More and more movies, DVDs, and videos are now being produced to include audio descriptions and this means that audio descriptions are given for those scenes where there is no audible sound. This is most helpful to blind persons who are unable to see what's going on. So for example, in a movie, if someone is walking along and there is only the sound of their shoes, audio description would be provided to tell the blind person what's included in the scene as the person is walking.

I am going to leave you with an url to check out. One that belongs to one of the top audio descriptive producers in the world. Visit www.wgbh.org.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell the rest of the world about audio descriptions and audio descriptive videos etc.

Distance learning for the blind

2011-09-03T03:50:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy and ah yes! September is here and soon my favourite season will be upon us. How much I enjoy the fall but it does not mean that I do not enjoy a sunny summer as well.
This week, I am pleased to present you with an editorial written by our president Donna J. Jodhan and today, Donna centers her attention on distance learning for the blind.
I wish you a great holiday weekend.

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Distance learning for the blind
By Donna J. Jodhan

Call it a double edged sword; but distance learning for the blind can be viewed in two very different ways. On the one hand, it could open up tons of doors of opportunity for blind persons but on the other hand, it could pose new challenges for those who are afflicted with vision challenges.

In general, distance learning has helped to make education much more available and accessible to those living in remote areas, to those who have difficulty attending physical classes, and to those who are unable to afford the luxury of travelling from their homelands to developed countries. A great boon and a bridging of the gap for millions and distance learning is definitely growing in popularity.

For those who are blind and sight impaired, distance can be described as a double edged sword. On the one hand, yes, it makes education more available to these persons but when the websites that offer these courses are not accessible, or when the software being used by the distance learning providers are not compatible with the access technology being used by the blind and sight impaired student, here is where the barriers are. In addition, when the website designers and developers are unable to grasp the meaning of accessibility, blind and sight impaired students have to go the extra mile to explain their environment.

It is my experience that in several cases, there is a mixed bag when it comes to how the professors and tutors view the whole subject of accessibility. That is, making it possible for blind and sight impaired students to pursue distance learning. It should be easier for blind and sight impaired students to be able to access electronic texts but fairly often, this is sadly not the case. I'd like to suggest some tips for anyone who is reading this.

Electronic texts need to be made available in a format that could be read by blind and sight impaired students. These students use screen reading and magnification software to read. Blind students who use screen reading software need to be able to access textual formats; they are unable to read images, graphics, and icons. Texts in word and RTF or TXT formats are preferable.

Websites should be designed so that blind and sight impaired students can interact with them independently; without having to seek sighted assistance.
Forms should be designed so that blind and sight impaired students can complete them independently; without sighted help.

Of course there are other things that I can suggest but for now I think it is a good start.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

A need to remember the buttons

2011-08-30T02:37:00.000-07:00

So many times I as a blind person am challenged to remember the position of buttons and keys. That is, I need to pay particular attention to where each button and key is. Thank God, telephone keypads are all the same but when it comes to other things! That's a different story.

Unfortunately, elevator buttons are not customized across the board and if there is either no Braille or raised print to represent what the button is, then I am in big trouble. Most computer keyboards are similar but sometimes the differences in the positions of the keys are enough to throw me off. The same goes for calculators and remote control devices. The keyboard on an IBM Think Pad for example, is different to the layout of a keyboard on a Toshiba laptop.

My dire wish would be for manufacturers to standardize the position of the layout of buttons and keys. Washers and dryers are also a problem for me in that I have to memorize the buttons. Radios are the same for me. However, most cassette recorders are standardized when it comes to the layout of their buttons and keys but guess what? These are fast becoming obsolete. I am going to give you the url of a website of a company that is doing wonderful things to standardize the layout of buttons and keys of all of their equipment. Visit www.humanware.com to learn more.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and help lobby manufacturers to standardize their products when it comes to the layout of keys and buttons.

Bridging the distance through technology

2011-08-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Ah but it has been a gorgeous summer thus far and I hope that August has been good to you.
Today, our president Donna J. Jodhan has a great editorial to share with us; all about bridging the distance gap through technology.
I wish you a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Bridging the distance through technology
By Donna J. Jodhan

Up until about a decade ago, it seemed as if our world was o so big. We seemed to be so far away from each other. That is, if we lived in different countries. The good old phone was our main channel of communication followed by cables and telexes and snail mail also known as letter writing. There were faxes too and the Internet was still in its infancy but alas! all of this has changed and continues to evolve!

When I was at university, I used the phone and letters to communicate with my parents and loved ones but the game is so much different today and it was recently brought home to me when I saw how my niece uses technology to communicate with her parents who are thousands of miles away. Enter Skype, MSN chat, other chat programs, chatrooms, emails, texting, and the list continues on. No doubt, this list is only going to grow and technology will only help to decrease the communications gap. What used to be days and sometimes even weeks to receive responses has now magically turned into minutes and even seconds!

Our world has gotten much smaller with the event of technology; through the Internet, through the event of cell phones, and there is more to come. Even those greeting cards can now be sent via the Internet. Bravo for the bridge of technology!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Pictures that cannot be described

2011-08-23T02:47:00.000-07:00

One of the most difficult barriers between the sighted world and a blind person is this one; the inability to truly describe a picture to someone who is blind. If a person is born blind, then you know that they have never been able to see pictures. If they have been born with some vision, then chances are that yes: They may be able to see some things but the picture would never be complete. It would be very difficult to describe pictures to them.

Even if you were to let them feel the shape of a rose for example, they would not know that it was a rose unless you told them that it was. From real experience, I can tell you that feeling the shape of something is not the same or does not relate in the same way to when you feel a raised replica of the same thing. In short, feeling a real rose is different to feeling its raised shape.

Having had vision and now not having very much, I can also tell you that it is very hard to describe pictures to someone who has never seen. It's not the end of the world however. I have two urls for you to visit and there you will discover how blind persons deal with pictures.
Visit www.nfb.org and www.rnib.org to learn more.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and tell the rest of the world how blind persons cope with pictures.

Listen to our kids

2011-08-20T08:02:00.001-07:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
I am happy to be back with you after a nice summer break and today, our president Donna J. Jodhan has a very interesting editorial to share with us. All about how we should listen to our kids. Yes, the other way around!
Have a great weekend.

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Listen to our kids
By Donna J. Jodhan

In the normal scheme of things, we feel that it is our kids who need to listen to us but sometimes; we need to listen to our kids. Whenever we think that they are not paying attention then guess what? They are and much more than we think. Whenever we think that they are shutting us out, it is we who are doing it, not them.

In November of 2010, I was invited to visit the Grove Community School by two teachers of a grade one class. Shannon and Velvet wanted me to meet a group of my youngest supporters in my present court case against the Canadian Government. Before I visited, Shannon told me that these little ones had sent a letter to the Prime Minister asking him to make the government of Canada websites accessible to blind persons.

Just imagine my surprise as I sat among these young minds listening to their questions. They were not afraid to ask me anything. Their questions were intelligent, intuitive, and you know what? They had not been coached by anyone. Straight out of the mouths of babes so to speak! Such bright stars and who knows! Maybe our future prime minister could have been among this bunch of enthusiastic youngsters?

As I walked out of the school on that crisp fall morning I looked up to the Heavens and shook my head with relief. I felt that we were in excellent hands! All we need to do now is to listen to our kids.

Note: In May 2011, I received an email from Shannon Green informing me of the following: These little gems managed to convince their parents to take their message one step further. To a Congress of Labor conference in Vancouver where over 1000 delegates voted to pass a resolution asking their over two million workers to demand that the government drop their appeal to my court case!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Can blind kids play with toys

2011-06-28T02:01:00.001-07:00

This is one of the most frequently asked questions that I get and my simple answer to this is why not? Blind kids do not have to see in order to play with toys. Blind kids play with all kinds of toys and enjoy many of the things that most of their sighted counterparts enjoy. That is, except for those high tech toys.

When I was a kid, I played with dolls. I had doll houses, played ball games with my brothers, rode bicycles, and flew kites. I even had toy guns and played with my brother's toy soldiers and you know what? I had a whale of a time doing all of it. I developed ways to play football and cricket. I learned how to pitch marbles, and I even participated in hide and seek games. Boy did I ever play with all kinds of toys; from the regular girl's stuff to kicking tin cans in the road and playing ball hockey. True it is that my family and friends had to adapt things somewhat for me to play with them but despite this I had a world of fun.

If you are thinking of giving a toy to a blind child then please, please do not think twice about giving them something that they can certainly play with. Anything that does not include technology that is. Anything from dolls to doll houses, toy soldiers to toy cars, and so on. How do blind kids play with toys if they are unable to see? They use the touch and feel technique.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and spread my message to others that yes indeed! Blind kids can and do play with toys. Here is some contact info for you to check out.
Connie Leblond
Assistive Technology Center LLC
8880-723-5011 Ext. 1
www.atechcenter.net

The problem with patience

2011-06-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Well, June is just marching along and it's another gorgeous weekend shaping
up.
Today, our president Donna J. Jodhan has a really great editorial on the
problem with patience; something we can all do more with.
I wish you a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
The problem with patience
By Donna J. Jodhan

There seems to be a definite problem with patience these days. There used
to be a time when patience seemed to be a virtue, but not anymore. In days
gone by, many of us seemed to have more than enough patience to go around.
We had time to speak to each other, write to each other, and to socialize
with each other.

We had more than enough patience to help each other, explain things to each
other, listen to each other, empathize with each other, and stand up for
each other. In short, up until not too long ago, we had more than enough
patience to go around to cover each other's back. Not anymore! Patience
seems to be a thing of the past.

We seem to be woefully short on patience these days. We lose patience when
babies cry for more than a minute. We no longer seem to have the patience
to explain things to each other. We don't have enough patience to deal with
long lines and queues, heavy traffic, long or detailed emails, long or in
depth conversations, and frustrating phone calls. We no longer seem to have
the patience for tolerance, respect, or discipline.

Whatever happened to patience? Is it because maybe and just maybe, we have
gotten ahead of ourselves? We have become a bit too selfish for our own
good? We need to bring patience back and make it a priority. What the
world needs now is patience, sweet patience!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would
be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Touch screen technology not for me

2011-06-14T02:25:00.000-07:00

Touch screen technology is growing by leaps and bounds but sad to say, I am
unable to take advantage of it and as this technology continues on its merry
way I am going to be left behind. More and more hand-held devices are using
touch screen technology and as things stand, blind persons are already
behind when it comes to being able to use mainstream hand-held devices. So,
what does all of this mean for blind persons? Nothing more but more
challenges for us to face and more of being shut out of advancing
technology.

In order to use touch screen technology, one has to be able to see where
they need to touch on the screen and we as blind persons are unable to do
so. In addition to hand-held devices, there are other things that touch
screen technology is being deployed for. Such as, menus on microwaves,
VCRs, and appliances and gadgets that requires the user to use menus to set
up programs, clocks, and so on. Some video games are also using touch
screen technology and I would not be surprised if in the future banking
machines go the same way.

I hope and pray that manufacturers are listening and that they do something
to keep us in the loop. Not just blind persons, but those who are afflicted
with diseases that prevent them from using their hands to do things.
Persons who suffer from such disabling diseases as MS, Parkinson's, CP, and
so on. If you would like to know more about how blind persons are unable to
use touch screen technology then please visit www.acb.org or www.nfb.org.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a
terrific day and week ahead and urging you to go out there and help to
encourage manufacturers to make touch screen technology more available and
accessible to blind persons.

The next utopia

2011-06-11T03:46:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have a very thoughtful editorial to present to you from our
president Donna J. Jodhan. I hope you find it interesting reading and I
wish you a great June weekend.

++++++++++++++
The next utopia
By Donna J. Jodhan

So much has been and continues to be said about certain countries being the
choice of home for millions of North American retirees.
Mexico seems to be the front runner with Panama running a strong second
followed by others but what about the Caribbean?
Could the Caribbean be the next utopia for millions of North American
retirees?
With a chain of islands that sit like tiny emeralds in a blue sea, The
caribbean may very well be poised to become home for millions upon their
retirement.

True it is that the Caribbean may not be as well developed when it comes to
suchthings as classy and comfortable facilities, health care, and medical
services but there is no reason why this cannot change. With the advent of
the Internet, along with those who are eager to start and expand their
businesses, the Caribbean could be the ideal solution to finding homes
for millions of retirees who are in the market for homes outside of North
America ; especially homes that lie in the sunny south. The Caribbean is no
stranger to tourism so it will not be too big a step to offer alternatives
of sunny retirement spots to North American retirees.

There are some islands that are a bit more advanced than others when it
comes to the provision of modern facilities. Barbados, St. Martin, St.
Lucia, Grenada, and Antigua are just a few to be named.
The Caribbean is still very much untouched, and unexplored when it comes to
the development of retirement facilities. The Caribbean has one major
advantage in that it lies close to the United States and is quite accessible
by air.
However, before anyone decides to take a more serious look at the Caribbean
as the next utopia for North American retirees, there are certain facts that
need to be addressed.
Here is a short list that is by no means complete.

Modern medical facilities need to be developed.
Modern and comfortable retirement complexes need to be designed and built.
Appropriate infrastructures need to be put in place on those islands whose
governments choose to adopt this concept.
People of the Caribbean islands need to be trained with regard to how to
become good hosts to retirees.
Above all, the problems of drugs and crime need to be dealt with.

The people of the Caribbean are naturally very friendly so it should not be
too difficult to introduce this idea to them. This is not a new concept;
many experts have already been promoting this idea so we shall wait to see
how far it goes.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would
be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Should You Need A Translation Pamphlet To Shop For Food?

2011-06-09T02:18:00.000-07:00

Are you a person with a disability looking for a fast growing and exciting
career?
Have you been downsized because you believe that your disability played a
part in your downsizing?
Are you having difficulty finding a career where you can work from home
because it is more convenient for you given your disability?
If your response to any of these questions is a resounding yes, then
Sterling Creations would like to help you get started.
The fast growing field of foreign languages is in dire need of good
translators, interpreters, teachers, proof readers editors and writers, plus
more.
Each week, we will provide you with news from this arena and we hope that
you can use it to help you get started.
If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Should You Need A Translation Pamphlet To Shop For Food?
By Donna J. Jodhan

This is not meant to be a funny question; it is for real but there are many
who would agree that more and more, it is becoming difficult for us to
interpret the labels and brochures that advertise and describe the foods
that we interact with in our supermarkets. True it is that English is
normally the de facto or go to language but with all of the different types
of ethnic foods on our shelves today, we certainly could do with some help
in the translation area.

Now, here is a perfect idea for someone who is thinking of entering the
translation field. How is this for the naming of a new type of career; a
food label translator! This idea could easily be taken and developed into a
full fledged career and I'll tell you what: With more persons developing an
appetite for ethnic foods and foods outside of their own culture, there is
going to be the development of a natural demand by consumers to have labels
on these types of foods translated to and from various languages. The
translation of brochures would only naturally follow.
So how about it? Please see my reference below.

+++++++++++++++
Should You Need A Translation Pamphlet To Shop For Food?
Gothamist
into tons of languages (Chinese, Korean, Spanish, etc). ... English is the
'de facto' the language, not 'de jure' as we don't have any official
languages. ...
Read more at:
http://gothamist.com/2011/02/27/should_you_need_a_translation_pamph.php#

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility
for all)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues
concerning diversity)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link)
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm Weekly features on Hhow to
increase your success with your business ventures)
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (Weekly features on how to
increase your success with your business ventures)

Touch screen technology not for me

2011-06-07T02:35:00.000-07:00

Touch screen technology is growing by leaps and bounds but sad to say, I am unable to take advantage of it and as this technology continues on its merry way I am going to be left behind. More and more hand-held devices are using touch screen technology and as things stand, blind persons are already behind when it comes to being able to use mainstream hand-held devices. So, what does all of this mean for blind persons? Nothing more but more challenges for us to face and more of being shut out of advancing technology.

In order to use touch screen technology, one has to be able to see where they need to touch on the screen and we as blind persons are unable to do so. In addition to hand-held devices, there are other things that touch screen technology is being deployed for. Such as, menus on microwaves, VCRs, and appliances and gadgets that requires the user to use menus to set up programs, clocks, and so on. Some video games are also using touch screen technology and I would not be surprised if in the future banking machines go the same way.

I hope and pray that manufacturers are listening and that they do something to keep us in the loop. Not just blind persons, but those who are afflicted with diseases that prevent them from using their hands to do things. Persons who suffer from such disabling diseases as MS, Parkinson’s, CP, and so on. If you would like to know more about how blind persons are unable to use touch screen technology then please visit www.acb.org or www.nfb.org.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and week ahead and urging you to go out there and help to encourage manufacturers to make touch screen technology more available and accessible to blind persons.

Recreational sports; a benefit to the blind

2011-06-02T01:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca
This week, we are a bit early with our editorial of the week as we will be away this coming weekend.
Our editorial for this week is about recreational sports for blind persons as seen through the eyes of our president Donna J. Jodhan.
We hope you find it interesting and thought provoking.
Have a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Recreational sports; a benefit to the blind
By Donna J. Jodhan

As an avid ice skater and as someone who has recently become more interested in cross country skiing, I have decided to do my best to push the benefits of recreational sports for blind persons. Here in Toronto where I live, I have found it extremely difficult to find ways to engage in recreational sports and I am definitely not alone in my opinion.

Over the past year, I have spoken to several other blind persons who feel the same way. We have approached countless sporting organizations, volunteer groups, church groups, plus individuals and at the end of the day it is all the same message that we seem to be getting. It appears that the Federal government is more than willing to fund competitive sports for persons with disabilities, including blind and sight impaired persons but when it comes to recreational sports, there seems to be a huge hole; something like nothing beyond the deep blue sea or horizon.

Maybe it's time that we start to campaign for the benefits of recreational sports for blind and sight impaired persons. With a rapidly aging population, many of whom will probably lose varying degrees of vision along the way, it may be time for the various organizations and governmental bodies to start putting meaningful recreational sports programs into place. I hope that there are others out there who will hear my call and join the chorus.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

How I do my banking

2011-06-01T04:33:00.000-07:00

There is no set way for a blind person to do their banking but here is how I do it: First, it is my preference not to use a banking machine. There are several talking banking machines in my area but I prefer to stay away from these. I go to the bank to do what most sighted persons use banking machines for; withdrawals and deposits. In addition, I go to the bank when I need to carry out electronic transfers. I use telephone banking for everything else.

I really like using the phone to conduct most of my banking business because I can do it from the comfort of my home, at my convenience, and in total privacy. I can do it at any time of the day and from anywhere. I do not use Internet banking because it is my preference not to do so. I know of several blind persons who use online banking but often time I find that the online banking facilities of some of our financial institutions are not very user friendly to blind persons. I receive my statements in braille and so I am able to keep tabs on my accounts.

Whenever I need to communicate with my investment adviser, I do so via email and he is very good at providing me with a lot of details in his emails. Whenever I need to have cheques written, I have my mom or a trusted friend do it or I go to the bank. I then use a signature guide to sign my name. My banking institution has also provided me with cheques that contain raised lines so that I can write my own cheques. The thing with this is however that I may not always know if my pen has enough ink in it and as a result I may sometimes write cheques that are difficult to decipher because of the faded ink.

There are companies that provide services to financial institutions so that customers can receive their statements in any of the following formats; braille, large print, or diskette. Visit www.tbase.com to learn more.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and help educate the rest of the world about how blind persons do their banking.

A sighted guest

2011-05-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

In the normal scheme of things, much of society is used to greeting each other in the mainstream way of shaking hands, hugging and/or kissing each other, and waving and/or smiling to each other. However, it is a bit different when it comes to how blind and visually impaired persons greet each other at functions and this was brought home very clearly to me recently when my sister-in-law reminded me of a time when she attended a luncheon with me.

She told me that at first, she found the room to be so noisy because people were calling to each other in order to determine where their friends were sitting. She remembers how someone called out at the top of their voice: "Donna! Where are you?" Then when I responded my friend and I both got up and proceeded to find each other by sound and greet each other. It took my sister-in-law a few minutes to understand the whole thing but when she did so, she had to smile and nod in understanding.

This is one thing that much of the sighted world is not familiar with; the level of noise that prevails at functions for blind and sighted persons and if you stop and think for a minute you'll understand why. The sighted world greets each other after they have recognized each other visually. We as blind persons do it through sound. First, we use sound to identify if any of our friends are close by and when we do our next step is to identify where they are; and we do all of this through sound.

True it is that the noise level is extremely high but it is unavoidable and necessary. We also use sound to help each other find objects. Many times, we would bang an object on the table to help each other know where something is; like the salt and pepper shakers, and so on. If you would like to learn how blind persons communicate among themselves at functions, then visit www.nfb.org.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and spread the word about how blind persons communicate at functions.

Just like food and shelter

2011-05-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau and ah yes! It's the end of May and it has certainly crept up on us.
Today, I am delighted to present a very thought provoking editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan. I hope you find it interesting and urge you to read and respond to us at info@sterlingcreations.ca.
Enjoy your weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Just like food and shelter
By Donna J. Jodhan

Just like food and shelter; so too do the rights of the blind need to be protected. Just like food and shelter; so too do we need to protect the futures of our blind kids. Just like food and shelter; so too do we need to safeguard the golden years of our blind seniors.

Nothing should be taken for granted when it comes to the above. No compromise and no give and take. If we do not protect our rights as blind persons then we shall surely lose them. If we do not ensure that our access to information, and websites and all related web content is equal, then much sooner than later we will find ourselves in the dark for good.

Technology waits on no man and time does not stand still for anyone! Progress and evolution are here to stay and these are all very potent reasons why we as blind persons need to treat our rights just like food and shelter. If we do not preserve them then no one else will and if we do not claim and legitimize them then no one is going to hand them to us on a silver Platter.

So, let's take the leap forward. Let us take the bull by the horns, let us take our future into our own hands and reach for the stars!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

The hope still lives on

2011-05-17T02:52:00.000-07:00

Written in August 2009
By Donna J. Jodhan

Last week as I sat glued to my TV watching and following the funeral of the
late Senator Ted Kennedy, something in me was not just sad, but really sad.
When we were kids, my cousins used to cut out all of Senator Ted's pictures
from my mom's magazines and the newspapers and then paste them into scrap
books for me. As a matter of fact, they did this for all of the Kennedys.
At that time, I was not really able to see pictures but after I had my first
cornea transplant it was one of the first things that I did.

I remember so many years ago after I got my first cornea transplant, I raced
to my scrap books to look at all of my treasured photos and boy am I glad
that my cousins had so kindly done this for me. I spent so many hours
gazing at my favourite photos and I continued to follow the Kennedys as a
family along with so many others who were my favourites and heroes and ones
that I admired the most. I kept memories of all of their photos safely
tucked away in my mind and as I sat listening last Saturday to the Senator's
funeral, I managed to conjure up pictures of him in my mind. With precious
little sight left now, it was all that I could have done to keep me going
and remembering.

One could easily say that the Kennedy family has been burdened with a curse
but what impresses me most about this particular family is this; their
ability to keep on going despite the immense tragedies that have dogged them
over the years. Senator Ted in particular had to deal with so much; the
tragic loss of his brothers, having to deal with two of his children's
brushes with cancer, and his own errors in judgment which he has always
readily admitted. Yet for all of this, he never gave up smiling and his
quote "The hope lives on and the dream shall never die" will always live on
in my heart; and it's a quote that I would urge all blind and visually
impaired persons to keep close to theirs.

This Statesman managed to share his life not just with his family and the
rest of his country, but also with the rest of the world. He was a Father,
Seri Get father, step father, husband, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend.
A man of so many hats. Rest in peace Senator Ted. Thank you for sharing
your life with us.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a
terrific day and urging you, both sighted and blind, to go out there and
live your hopes and dreams.

Out of sight out of mind?

2011-05-14T03:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau and it's good to be back after a small break. I hope that everyone had a great Easter break and now we are into the month of merry May.
Today, I have a very thought provoking editorial to share with you; written by our president Donna J. Jodhan and in her editorial, Donna really gets down to the heart of the matter.
Enjoy and have a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Out of sight out of mind
By Donna J. Jodhan

Someone recently put forth the following argument to me. Out of sight, out of mind; could this be the reason why society often forgets about blind and sight impaired persons when it comes to ensuring that they receive such things as: equal access to job opportunities, education, health services, equal access to sporting and recreational facilities, and everything else that the mainstream person has access to?

I listened with bated interest to this person's opinions and arguments and after our encounter I decided to take a bit of time to contemplate. It did not take me too long to formulate my own opinion. There definitely seems to be a common thread when it comes to blind and sight impaired persons being either forgotten or left out of many every day matters.

When it comes to sporting activities, I have found that in my home city of Toronto Canada, there is a definite lack of accommodation when it comes to sporting activities. Over the last decade, I have tried so many times to catch the interest of the Parks and Recreation folks in Toronto to raise the issue of blind persons being left out of sporting events and they have sheepishly admitted that more needs to be done but to date not much has been done.

A few months ago I had a meeting with some officials of a financial institute to discuss making more financial planning services available to blind and sight impaired persons and at that time I raised the issue of making information available in alternate formats such as Braille, large print, and electronic text. To my chagrin but not to my surprise, the officials admitted that they had never thought of doing so. I also had a similar meeting with a major supermarket chain in Toronto to discuss making their weekly specials more available to their blind and sight impaired customers either online or through a phone service and again, I was told that this had not been thought of up until now.

So the question of the day would be this one: Why is it that so many companies, cities, and even governments seem to often forget about the blind and sight impaired? Out of sight out of mind? Because the blind and sight impaired community is just too small to be considered or could it be something else? This is not just a Toronto Canada problem; it is Canada wide, North American wide, and even global wide.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

The disability syndrome

2011-05-07T04:09:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Christian and I are back from our Easter Break and happy to be so. May is here and spring is well on the way. Soon summer will be dropping in for its annual visit.
Today, I am pleased to be presenting you with our weekly editorial; by Donna J. Jodhan our president and this week Donna tackles the challenging topic of the disability syndrome.
I wish you a great May weekend.

+++++++++++++++
The disability syndrome
By Donna J. Jodhan

Others may choose to use a different terminology but for better or for worse; this is my term for describing how disabled persons are treated by our society and by governments.

In 99.99% of the time whenever financial times are hard, governments forsake the welfare of the disabled when it comes to protecting their rights. Whenever economic times are hard or there is a need for cuts in spending, it is almost always the disabled that are affected first.

Whenever budget cuts are made by either government or companies, it is almost always done to the programs and products and services that are used by the disabled. There is a common theory that says that most of society still views the disabled as a group that are non contributors.

I think that the more sobering question that we should be asking ourselves is this one; how can we turn attitudes around so that governments and society start to change their views of the disabled? That they start to look upon disabled persons as untapped resources rather than as non contributors and as persons who are unable to take care of themselves and take their rightful places in society?

There may be several responses to these questions. The disabled persons community can Start to educate society in a more aggressive manner. They can start standing up for their rights. They can start to lobby governments through the media. It is not going to be easy but they need to start somewhere and why not? Let start by looking at ourselves as contributors and untapped resources. As persons who need to be treated equally under the law and as persons whose voices are just as important as the rest of society.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Why Easter is for me

2011-04-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

For as long as I shall live, I shall always cherish Easter. For this special season not only brings me joy and peace in the risen Christ, it is also the season that signified the birth of new vision for me. It is the time when I received vision after my first cornea transplant and as I sit here writing this, I can feel the goose bumps sliding down my back and the tears rolling down my cheeks. Ah yes! So many years ago and the memory is as fresh as a breeze in a bottle!

I did not build up my expectations before the surgery. I trusted in God and willed myself to accept whatever came and came it did. The vision did not come all at once and that was good for me as it gave me time to take it all in.

Whenever someone asks me to describe the experience in a few words, my response is: “It was like coming out of the dark and stepping into a world of bright lights. A whole new world and so much for me to explore and experience!” I don’t think that anyone could or would really understand what it meant to me but this is what it was.

A world of exploding colors; bright red roses, golden yellow sun, fresh green grass, skies so blue, snowflakes so white and pure, and most of all the faces of my parents and friends. There was so much for me to see and at times I felt so overwhelmed; just like a kid in a candy shop! I would walk along the sidewalks in Montreal and simply treat myself to looking at passersby. I would watch TV and simply adore my Montreal Canadiens hockey team playing their hearts out! They would eventually win the Stanley cup that year!

Dad would sit with me and watch patiently as I learned to read the headlines in the newspapers. Mom showed me pictures in magazines. Char, my best friend, taught me how to roller skate and play basketball. She and Jennifer taught me how to read and write and Char spent countless hours helping me to discover and explore downtown Montreal. I played ball and Frisbee in the park with my parents and friends and the most memorable?

Easter Sunday at Mass at Loyola’s Chapel and seeing myself in the mirror for the very first time. I realized then what I looked like and then I went to see what my parents really looked like. Everything and everyone was so beautiful.

This is why Easter is for me and shall forever be! The best time of my life! The time that my whole world changed forever!

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and a very happy Easter.

The world of mobile devices

2011-04-09T03:55:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Well, it's another gorgeous Saturday and today I have a really informative editorial for you as written by our esteemed president Donna J.Jodhan.
Scott and I are going to be off for the Easter break so we will take this opportunity to wish you a very happy Easter.
See you in early May.

+++++++++++++++
The world of mobile devices
By Donna J. Jodhan

So much has opened up for blind and sight impaired persons with the advent of more accessible mobile devices. Devices such as the accessible cell phone that is now able to accommodate access software, GPS devices, PDAs, and now the iPhone and the Ipad.

These are very exciting times and for me it often feels like being a kid in a candy shop not quite knowing what to do or which device to choose and as time marches on, it is only going to get more confusing and even more exciting.

Up until just a few years ago, the world of mobile devices seemed to be a mere blip on the radars of most blind and sight impaired persons but that has all changed and we as blind persons can only hope that with time mobile devices are going to become more accessible to us. It is only natural that some devices may be more accessible than others.

What we have today is a mish-mash of accessibility. Some devices come with software that enables blind persons to navigate menus fairly easily and the help facility is extremely navigable and accessible. Other devices come with manuals on CDs that are also quite informative and accessible while others come with some form of accessibility but they still need to affect improvements in order to make things more usable.

Many mobile devices are multi purpose and this helps to simplify things both for the sighted as well as for the blind. What we have today are devices that offer bundles of functions that includes anything from emailing and surfing to downloading and word processing and texting and picture taking to the playing of music plus so much more. It is only going to get better with time but here is my wish list for the future as it pertains to blind persons.

We need for manufacturers and developers to make their devices accessible all the way.
There needs to be a way for blind persons to be able to afford more of these devices.
More training needs to be made available to blind persons so that they will be able to take full advantage of them.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Accessible all the way

2011-04-02T03:49:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca
Ah yes! It is a brand new month and I hope that winter is gone for good.
Today, I am pleased to introduce our weekly editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan and today her editorial focuses on a topic that is very near and dear to her heart.
I wish you a great weekend.

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Accessible all the way
By Donna J. Jodhan

For the past few years, I have been witness to several technological evolutions when it comes to the development to accessible devices for blind and vision impaired persons. This includes such things as mobile devices, some hand held devices, and certain types of kitchen and utility types of devices. Accessible cell phones for blind and vision impaired persons have come a very long way. The same could be said for such things as GPS devices, PDAs, bar code readers, color detectors, plus more.

We have seen the evolution of talking microwaves and timers, other kitchen devices, some remote controls, MP3s, iPhones, and so on. This is all goodness but there still needs to be more work done in order to make devices more user friendly and accessible to blind and vision impaired persons.

I do not doubt that if appropriately sensitized, developers and manufacturers will continue to make their products more accessible but there needs to be a greater push towards this trend; accessibility all the way.

We need to convince developers and manufacturers that there are huge benefits to be derived if they make their products accessible all the way. For not only would it benefit those who are blind and vision impaired, it would also benefit such groups as: The print disabled, those who are deaf/blind, and those with learning and cognitive disabilities and with a rapidly aging population these groups are only going to multiply in numbers.

We need to use these factors to our advantage and start pushing now for accessibility all the way. It is not too late and while we're at it we can expand our efforts to pushing for accessible pin number devices. In this instance, we can include the lobbying of banks and other financial institutions, and manufacturers of pin number readers, point of sale devices, and banking machines.

Who are the ones that are in the best position to push for accessibility all the way? Governments, consumer groups and associated organizations and agencies, and those agencies that work directly with those listed above. Can it be accomplished? My answer is a definite yes and in order to start the ball rolling we as consumers need to make our voices heard by governments, developers and manufacturers, and yes! The media.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

5 translations pricing pitfalls to avoid « Language Marketplace ...

2011-03-29T02:47:00.000-07:00

By Donna J. Jodhan

When it comes to translation services, one of the major pitfalls that are often fallen into, is that of how to price services. There is no perfect way to do this but here are some tips for you to follow.

1. You could use the by word rate That is, cents per word. This is the most popular way.
2. You could base your rates on such things as complexity of document, length of document, and type of document. Be careful to remember that when translating from one language to another, the number of words in one language may not be equal to the number of words in another language.
3. Always do your best to avoid recalculating. That is, once you give a quote, do not go back and recalculate. Customers do not like this.

I have a really useful article for you to read. Please see below.

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5 translations pricing pitfalls to avoid « Language Marketplace ...
By Translation Services Advocate Admin
The reason is that 100 English words are equal to 170 Chinese words which in turn increase the amount of words in translating. The translation rate may differ in such cases. The translation process undergoes 3 steps before it is being ...
Language Marketplace translation... -
http://www.languagemarketplace.com/blog/

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link)
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants)

Let's be kinder to our seniors

2011-03-26T04:26:00.001-07:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I am pleased to introduce our weekly feature; an editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan.
Today, Donna puts out a plea for us to be kinder to our seniors.
I wish you a great weekend.

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Let's be kinder to our seniors
By Donna J. Jodhan

They are the ones who welcomed us into the world. The ones who were there for us every step of the way during our formative years; staying up to feed and comfort us night after night when we were babies and keeping us safe and warm during our school years. They provided for us, clothed and sheltered us, and smothered us with endless love and selfless sacrifices throughout it all.

This is what they did for us and now it is our time to return the favours plus much more. In short, it's payback time and we need to be reminded of this. It seems that most of the time, society seems to forget this. Instead of remembering, most of us deliberately choose to forget. We choose to repay with actions and deeds of unkindness, cruelty, and downright and reckless abuse.

With elderly abuse on the rise, we need to find concrete ways to reverse these trends and do it in a hurry. It is time for us to start showing more respect towards our seniors. We need to recognize what our seniors have done for us and start being kinder to them.

Let us show more patience and compassion towards our seniors. Treat them with more dignity and help to make their golden years more enriching and enjoyable. We need to provide them with services that meet their demands and health and retirement facilities that accommodate their needs.

The travel industry needs to become more pro-active when it comes to offering tours and cruises that are geared towards the comforts of seniors and the financial industry needs to become more in tune with the financial needs of seniors. In addition, the health care industry needs to re-double its efforts to provide health care services that would cover the needs and demands of the elderly.

It is time for us to become kinder to our seniors. Time for us to step up to the plate and walk the talk so to speak.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Your best American cities

2011-03-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hello there! I'm Donna J. Jodhan your virtual travel agent and as I mentioned in a previous post, this is probably going to be my last post for a while. Due to time constraints, it is becoming difficult for me to keep up with this particular weekly feature but whenever I have a brief moment, I shall return with my best American cities.
I thank all of you for your wonderful feedback and urge that you continue your virtual travels whenever you can. I have found it lots of fun and I know that many of you have told me the same.
So, enjoy this week's hot spots and hopefully we'll see you soon again.
Take care and stay well.

Week of March 26 2011

Your best American cities

1. Irvin California
Looking for a city that can help to secure the future of you and your kids?
One with excellent educational facilities, housing, and job opportunities?
One that has been named one of America's most livable cities and one of the best places to start a business?
A city that is one of America's fastest growing job markets?
This city does indeed exist and it is good old Irvine California.
Employment opportunities abound in the high tech industry as well as in other areas.
Come and see for yourself.

2. Little Rock Arkansas
Looking for the perfect getaway city where you can spend some down time?
A place to relax, recharge, and restore?
Then welcome to Little Rock Arkansas!
A city with natural beauty; forests and rivers, lots of greenery and green spaces.
Museums to stroll through, the Clinton Library, and parks to enjoy wild life and wilderness.
There is all kinds of shopping for you to discover and explore that ranges from the upscale to the window shopping and a great Farmer's market.

3. Plano Texas
Now, if you are seeking a city where everyone has an equal chance, then look no further than good old Plano Texas.
With great job opportunities, excellent educational facilities, and shopping malls to satisfy all; this great city can offer you much more than this.
Come and check out the fine dining.
Plano continues to be tagged as one of America's most livable cities and is one of the richest in the Dallas/Fortworth area.

4. Virginia Beach Virginia
Looking to enjoy some great surfing and Para sailing?
Want to interact with the dolphins or view the migration of the humpback whales during the winter?
Well, you can only do this in the city of Virginia Beach.
Ah yes! Virginia Beach! Where the weather is almost always fine, and there is so much for you to do.
Golfing, relaxing on the beach, fishing, and an abundance of water sports.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

Week of March 26 2011

Your best American cities

1. Irvin California
Looking for a city that can help to secure the future of you and your kids?
One with excellent educational facilities, housing, and job opportunities?
One that has been named one of America's most livable cities and one of the best places to start a business?
A city that is one of America's fastest growing job markets?
This city does indeed exist and it is good old Irvine California.
Employment opportunities abound in the high tech industry as well as in other areas.
Come and see for yourself.
2. Little Rock Arkansas
Looking for the perfect getaway city where you can spend some down time?
A place to relax, recharge, and restore?
Then welcome to Little Rock Arkansas!
A city with natural beauty; forests and rivers, lots of greenery and green spaces.
Museums to stroll through, the Clinton Library, and parks to enjoy wild life and wilderness.
There is all kinds of shopping for you to discover and explore that ranges from the upscale to the window shopping and a great Farmer's market.

3. Plano Texas
Now, if you are seeking a city where everyone has an equal chance, then look no further than good old Plano Texas.
With great job opportunities, excellent educational facilities, and shopping malls to satisfy all; this great city can offer you much more than this.
Come and check out the fine dining.
Plano continues to be tagged as one of America's most livable cities and is one of the richest in the Dallas/Fortworth area.

4. Virginia Beach Virginia
Looking to enjoy some great surfing and Para sailing?
Want to interact with the dolphins or view the migration of the humpback whales during the winter?
Well, you can only do this in the city of Virginia Beach.
Ah yes! Virginia Beach! Where the weather is almost always fine, and there is so much for you to do.
Golfing, relaxing on the beach, fishing, and an abundance of water sports.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

Translation of corporate information « Language Marketplace ...

2011-03-22T03:11:00.000-07:00

By Donna J. Jodhan

When it comes to deciding which type of corporate information you need to have translated, may I make the following suggestion. It may not be a bad idea for you to make your decision based on the popularity of the language. So for example, take a long hard look at some of the top 10 languages being used on the Internet and go from there.

We all know that English is the top language and that it is one used most of the time for business purposes but one never knows when this may change. Especially so with more of the world being non-English speaking persons. Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, and French are all popular languages and there are others as well.

The landscape is constantly changing and companies need to keep up with these changes in order to be able to maintain an effective marketing plan. Please see below.

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Translation of corporate information « Language Marketplace ...
By Translation Services Advocate Admin
The top ten internet languages are English, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, French, German, Portuguese, Korean, Italian and Arabic. The languages you chose for your website will depend on the target audience you want to reach so do ask for ...
Language Marketplace translation... -
http://www.languagemarketplace.com/blog/

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link)
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants)

The benefits of Braille

2011-03-19T03:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Well, March is speeding along and Spring is almost, just almost here!
Today, I am pleased to introduce an editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan. In her editorial, Donna discusses the benefits of learning Braille.
I wish you a great weekend.

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The benefits of Braille
By Donna J. Jodhan

Some may argue that the need for learning Braille may be on the way out given the evolution of access technology and its ability to efficiently interact with the more popular electronic formats. This may be true but as someone who grew up in the world of Braille so to speak, it is my humble opinion that we need to keep Braille in our focus for the time being.

Braille has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember and even when I had enough vision to read large print I still kept on using it and boy am I lucky that I did so. Because when I lost most of my vision a few years ago, it was Braille that helped me to cope.

I use Braille to label my CDs, jars and cans, and file folders. Some may argue that I could use the more modern and progressive labelling devices such as the pen friend to do this and this is true but here is my retort to this. You do not need batteries to use Braille; you need batteries to use the pen friend and other similar labelling devices. Whenever I want to make sure that I have written down an important phone number, email address, or something similar correctly, I use Braille. I can use Braille whenever I want to and I do not have to depend on electricity to write down my information.

Whenever I need to give a speech, I use Braille notes to help me along. If I need to access something in a hurry, I use Braille. So there are my arguments for the benefits of Braille.

I strongly believe that Braille needs to be a part of the curriculum of Blind and partially sighted kids who do not have enough vision to use large print. True it is that it may be difficult for older persons to learn Braille if they lose their sight at an older age but at the end of the day, there is a definite place for the continuing use of Braille.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Your best American cities- your virtual travel agent

2011-03-18T15:00:00.001-07:00

Hello there! I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your virtual travel agent and today, I bring you some very interesting cities for you to think about.
Whether for vacation or relocation, these cities are great.
So, clime aboard and let's have some fun! This is one of my final postings so we need to enjoy each other's company.
Enjoy!

Week of March 19 2011

Your best American cities

1. Amarillo Texas
Looking for a nice quiet spot to retire to?
One that is wrapped in southern charm and one with lots of green space and natural beauty?
Then why not beautiful Amarillo Texas!
A city where housing is extremely affordable. Homes are spacious and not stacked up on each other.
Cattle ranching drives the economy and persons from all walks of life have chosen to make Amarillo their home.
Amarillo is surrounded by acres of yellow flowers.
No clutter, no confusion.

2. Boston Massachusetts
If you are seeking a city that offers your kids some of the best opportunities to grow and prosper, then that city is Boston.
Or, if you are seeking a city that makes a perfect vacation spot, then that too is Boston.
With some of the best educational institutions in the country and indeed the world, your kids will have chances to experiences memorable field trips and summer camps.
Boston offers you and your family the chance to visit some of the best museums in the country.
You can also experience top class shopping and be a spectator at some of the most exciting sporting events.
There is also fantastic cuisine, and great simphony and ballet concerts.

3. Grand Rapids Michigan
You don't have to go too far to find a city with enormous potential.
A city with an extremely low cost of living and one that offers you great job opportunities and excellent real estate possibilities.
That city is Grand Rapids Michigan; located on the Grand River.
A city that is home to several well known insurance and aviation companies.
Rich in agriculture; blueberries and peaches.
Grand Rapids presents you with the perfect spot to live and grow.

4. Huntington Beach California
Looking for your next vacation spot?
One that offers endless opportunities for you and the kids to go surfing, swimming, and sailing?
One where both Seaworld and Disney are within calling distance?
Where nightlife is rich, food is great, entertainment is at its best, and the sun never stops shining?
Where shopping is top class, you can play tennis and/or go golfing, and do so much more?
Then come on down to beautiful Huntington Beach California.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

Tips for Translators: English to Spanish Translation rates

2011-03-16T03:01:00.000-07:00

By Donna J. Jodhan

One of the biggest challenges facing translators today is; what rates to charge clients. Should the rates differ based on language being worked with? That is, language being translated from and language being translated into? Should the rate be based on demand in the marketplace? Should the rate be based on number of words, type of document, and complexity of document?

Should there be an hourly rate, per day, or by project? There odes not seem to be any clear cut answer to these questions but there are websites out there that can help to guide your rate setting. Maybe it should be set on some or all of these criteria mentioned above or maybe someone can come up with a hard and fast solution. One should take a look at the language itself; some languages are a bit more complex to work with than others.
Please read the reference below.

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Tips for Translators: English to Spanish Translation rates
By Admin
There are many websites who offer their services for translation from English into Spanish. Here is a typical rate of a Spanish native freelance translator based in USA. Here is how the translator explains his rates. ... I did a quick search in Internet and found a typical rate list for Chinese language. It seems to be an agency but how big it is I dont know.... Top ten languages in demand for translation. This is an interesting post taken from Internet(Source given ...
Tips for Translators -
http://getdirectclient.blogspot.com/

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link)
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants)

Don't write off workers who lose their vision

2011-03-12T03:52:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Another gorgeous March weekend shaping up and today, I am pleased to present you with an editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan.
I wish you a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Don't write off workers who lose their vision
By Donna J. Jodhan

Over the years, I have run into several persons who have had the misfortune to have lost their vision while on the job. Ranging from anything to an injury on the job to being afflicted with a disabling disease that has lead to blindness, it continues to be a challenge when it comes to companies being able to deal with an employee who has lost their vision while on the job.

There is no doubt that when such an occurrence takes place, it is extremely traumatic for everyone; for the employer who now has to adjust to someone who has lost their vision, the employee who now has to learn how to cope both on the job and at home and otherwise, and let us not forget the coworkers. In short, a huge change for everyone involved; a world come crashing down. However, all should never be considered as lost! That is, if things are handled in an orderly manner.

It may come down to this: Employers, employees, and management undergoing a period of training that includes such things as: A change or adjustment in attitude, an orientation to the world of blindness to include everyone involved, and a willingness on everyone's part to work together to accomplish common objectives.

It is not going to be easy but it can all be accomplished given lots of patience along with innovation and imagination. The evolution of technology has made it possible for workers who have lost their vision on the job to be retrained. In certain circumstances they may not be able to assume jobs that they held prior to their loss of vision, and the options and choices opened to them may not be as wide as when they were fully sighted but in today's world it is becoming easier to make adjustments.

More patience, more creativity, and more compassion and objectivity are what we need. True it is that it may be easier for companies to just place their newly blinded employees on long term disability but a compelling argument to this may be that in doing so, companies may just be depriving themselves of workers who are more than determined to perform and do it over and above the call of duty.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Your best American cities - your virtual travel agent

2011-03-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

Hello there! I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your virtual travel agent and today, I have some very interesting cities for you to think about.
I have enjoyed bringing these to you and I hope that you have enjoyed reading them. However, because of time constraints this may be one of my final postings.
I thank you all for all of your feedback and comments and hopefully in the future, I'll be back when time is a bit less crammed.
In the meantime, enjoy!

Week of March 12 2011

Your best American cities

1. Augusta Georgia
If you are looking for a city that offers you life in a small community and at the same time you can enjoy all of the amenities of a large city, then look no further than good old Augusta Georgia.
Very well known for being the first stop on the annual Masters Golf Tournament, this city is rich in cultural diversity.
It offers a very low cost of living.
Helth care facilities remain second to none, and the city's economy runs on robust technology, manufacturing, and food sectors.
Come and enjoy what Augusta has to offer.

2. Fortworth Texas
If you are seeking a city that offers you the following, then you must take the time to visit Fortworth Texas and stay for a while.
Great financial opportunities, excellent employment possibilities in healthy transportation and technology sectors, and the ability to live in comfort and style.
Fortworth offers a cost of living that is way below the national average.
It has been pegged as one of America's most livable cities and neighborhoods range from the urban and ethnic to the multi cultural.
Home styles fall in the Spanish Colonial, the historic, and the modern.
Homes are of the urban, condo, and apartment variety.
The weather is warm and there is always nearby Dallas to visit.

3. Kansas City Kansas
If you are looking to live a nice quiet life in the midst of a large city, then look no further than good old Kansas City.
Located across the river from its name's sake; Kansas City Missouri, this lovely city offers you a very low cost of living with extremely affordable home prices.
Home styles range from the spacious suburban to modern townhouses and condos.
The city is thriving and there is much for you to see and do.
Much for the history buff to admire and lots of greenery.

4. Montgomery Alabama
If you are seeking to relocate to a city that offers much of the old and a great deal of the new, then welcome to Montgomery Alabama.
A city where the cost of living enables you to afford great housing.
A city with excellent educational and health care facilities.
A city that is rich in sporting activities, arts museums, and one that has a flare for music; Montgomery is deep in the musical roots.
Montgomery is great for students as well and there are very lucrative job opportunities to be had.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

Language Buster» Blog Archive » The Value Of Professional Website ...

2011-03-08T03:16:00.000-08:00

By Donna J. Jodhan

As I see it, there is a growing wealth of job opportunities for translators that have all come about because of the evolution of the Internet. What do I mean by this? Well, here goes.

The Internet marketing field is in great need of translators to work in the following areas: Internet online chat support, search engine optimization, E blasts, blogs, pod casts, plus much more. The list is growing and it is a great time for translators to come in and get in on the ground floor so to speak.

This is one of the fastest growing areas but before you start, please use the reference below to learn what the top languages are. Then go from there.

+++++++++++++++
Language Buster» Blog Archive » The Value Of Professional Website ...
By Lisa Baxter
The Internet World Stats reports the 10 most used languages in the internet starting with English, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, German, Arabic, French Russian and Korean. If you have a commercialize for your ... Do check out for other services from professional translators, which may also take on online chat support, email blasts, search engine optimisation in the native language, and other online marketing strategies. The value of a good translation cannot be ...
Language Buster -
http://languagebuster.com/

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link)
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants)

Inaccessible surveys

2011-03-05T03:49:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
March is here and Spring is waiting. I hope that everyone is enjoying their weekend thus far.
Today, I am pleased to introduce an editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan. It is a very thought provoking one and one that I am sure that many would not even think of in the normal scheme of things.
I wish you a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Inaccessible surveys
By Donna J. Jodhan

For the past few months, I have been receiving a lot of feedback from both readers and clients on the subject of inaccessible surveys. Here is the problem:
Many survey companies invite participants to complete surveys online but according to what I am hearing, many of these surveys have not been designed with the accessibility factor in mind. Accordingly, the feedback and comments of blind, deaf/blind, vision impaired, and print disabled participants are being left out.

I would like to think that this is not a purposeful admission; rather a grave and inadvertent admission. I have been told that when the survey companies are asked about the accessibility factor the majority of them admit to not having thought about it. With a rapidly aging population and an increase in the number of persons being afflicted with vision, hearing, and physical challenges, it may not be a bad idea for research and survey companies to start looking into the accessibility factor. In other words, how to make their surveys and research such that persons with disabilities are included. For after all, their voices and opinions should count as well should it not?

It seems to be an unfortunate and common occurrence for surveyors and researchers to exclude the voices and opinions of persons with disabilities. I am not sure why; I do have my own opinions but I'll leave it up to you to be the judge.

What do I mean when I talk about the accessibility factor? In short; designing research studies and surveys so that persons with disabilities can participate. That they could have the ability to complete forms without having to depend on sighted assistance and that they do not need to ask for help when reading the related information. Time for researchers and surveyors to start changing their methods of information gathering.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Your best American cities

2011-03-05T03:48:00.000-08:00

Hello there! I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your virtual travel agent and I hope that everyone is getting ready for that big March break.
Today, I have some great suggestions for you to look at and hopefully something will catch your attention.
Time to buckle up and have some fun!
Enjoy!

Week of March 05 2011

Your best American cities

1. Des Moines Iowa
If you are looking to lay down roots in a city that has it all, then look no further than Des Moines Iowa.
A city that has been tagged as one of the best in which to do business in America, Des Moines is home to several Fortune 500 companies.
Its economy is nicely diversified; manufacturing, health care, communications, and finance.
The cost of living is extremely attractive; well below the national average and this makes for very reasonable home prices.
Job opportunities abound, friendly neighborhoods await your attention, and Des Moines's cultural ambiance is one to be experienced.

2. Westminster Colorado
Looking for a city where you can live the idyllic life while at the same time you can enjoy all the trappings of a large city?
Not possible you may be saying? Think again!
Nicely tucked away in one of the corners of Colorado lies the bedroom city of Westminster.
With sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, and close enough to Denver, Westminster makes for the perfect place to be.
The cost of living is below the national average.
Westminster has been tagged as one of the best cities in America to live.
With open spaces, oodles of ponds and lakes, and a plethora of home styles, this thriving city makes for a perfect location to either live or vacation.

3. Washington DC
If you enjoy history, culture, the arts, and a flare for the dramatics, then welcome to Washington DC.
A city that never sleeps and one where you can learn so much about our country's affairs.
From congressmen to senators and from students to high powered executives, Washington DC is the place to be.
This city is blessed with some of the beautiful landscape; lush green parks and broad avenues that closemirror the city of Paris.
Washington DC is most beautiful in the spring; the blooming flowers.
Come and enjoy a recital at the famous Kennedy Center or take a tour of the White House.

4. Amarillo Texas
Welcome to the charming city of Amarillo Texas!
A city that is litterally drowned in acres of beautiful yellow flowers! Simply natural beauty.
A city where homes stand on lots of land; a lot of space for you to breathe and grow.
Homes are extremely affordable; the one storey spanish style dominates.
The weather is warm, lots of greenery, and cattle ranches abound.
Amarillo is one of the largest cattle ranching centers in the world.
For you steak lovers, Amarillo offers the best that America has to offer.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

Jobs that require bilingual skills

2011-03-01T03:11:00.000-08:00

By Donna J. Jodhan

Believe it or not, in America we are living in a multi lingual society. There used to be a time when English was almost exclusively spoken in America but that seemed to be such a long time ago. Now we have become a melting pot of languages so to speak with the additions of Spanish and Chinese and others. Hence the need these days for persons to become bilingual if they hope to land some of the more plum jobs.

It is not easy to determine which kinds of jobs would require bilingual skills; jobs in the finance, insurance, travel, medical, and services sectors and of course the list could easily be expanded. It is a well known fact that some companies are enticing bilingual workers with bonuses and it seems to be working.

There is a growing need for bilingual workers because the demand for bilingualism in the workplace is also growing. This trend is not going to change for the foreseeable future so anyone hoping to carve out a niche for themselves may as well start here. Please see my reference below.

+++++++++++++++
Jobs that require bilingual skills
By Matt Moore
In a multilingual society like the U.S. for example employees knowing Spanish or Chinese in addition to English are preferred. They are so much in demand that some insurance companies offer additional incentives like $500 for new hires who are bilingual. Even the U.S. Department of ... Accurate translation of court proceedings as well as interpretation in court rooms when one or both the parties do not know the local language is important to deliver proper justice. ...
One Hour Translation Blog -
http://blog.onehourtranslation.com/

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link)
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants)

Financial planning for retirees with disabilities

2011-02-26T03:21:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
I hope that everyone is enjoying this last weekend of February and getting ready for Spring.
Today, I am pleased to present you with a thought provoking editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan.
I wish you a great rest of the weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Financial planning for retirees with disabilities
By Donna J. Jodhan

The financial planning sector needs to start paying more attention to the needs and demands of this particular group as it continues to grow both in size as well as in financial power. Retirees with disabilities have some very unique demands and I don't think that the financial planning sector will take too long to catch on.

What am I referring to? This particular group of clients are looking for such things as: Statements and information to be provided to them in formats that is easier for them to read. Formats such as large print, and electronic text. As more retirees gravitate towards computers, we are going to find that they and in particular those disabled retirees who are either print disabled or blind, will need to have their information and investment statements presented in formats that are easier for them to read.

Large print is naturally one of the formats, but electronic text or E text as it is more popularly known, is the other. The financial planning sector should not be afraid to meet this unique challenge head on; there are companies out there that are willing and ready to fulfill these demands. Companies that specialize in the production of all kinds of documents in alternate formats. Just Google them using keywords such as : Production of alternate formats, documents in alternate formats, and so on.

This demand is only going to grow as time marches on so the financial planning sector would be wise to grab the bull by the horns as soon as they can and go with it. There may even be a silver lining so to speak; for those who are quick off the mark to start providing these types of services.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Living in a big city

2011-02-12T04:50:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Well, we are very much into the month of February and today, I am pleased to introduce the weekly editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan.
This week, Donna talks about what it is like to live in a big city as a blind person.
I wish you a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Living in a big city
By Donna J. Jodhan

In a city that never sleeps! Where everyone is focused on getting to their destination at any given time and where the main objective is to stay ahead of the game; we need to remember the needs of our disabled community. So many of us are taken up with doing our best to keep our heads above water so just imagine what it is like for the disabled.

Many of them have to struggle to stay as independent as they can but in so doing they need a bit of help and support. They need to be able to shop at supermarkets that provide shopping assistance. They need to have access to social amenities and sporting activities. They need to be able to get around independently on public transit and if there are challenges, then there needs to be some sort of volunteer service that they can access in order to help them cope.

More often than not, disabled residents of a big city have difficulty getting to medical appointments. Their social lives are greatly impeded because of distance and an inability to obtain adequate transportation. Above all, they do not have the financial ability to pay for what is needed. Then there is the difficulty of being able to negotiate busy streets that are not outfitted with audible pedestrian crossing signals. Malls and restaurants that do not have accessible ramps and washrooms. The same for cinemas and theatres. Sidewalks that are often cluttered with not just persons, but with objects lying around.

I think that you have the picture by now. Not easy living in a big city as a disabled person.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

The courage to stand up

2011-01-29T03:50:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
It is the end of January and I would like to end this month with a very inspiring editorial from our president Donna j. Jodhan.
I hope you can take strength from her editorial.
I wish you a great day.

+++++++++++++++
The courage to stand up
By Donna J. Jodhan

The courage to stand up for one's rights and beliefs should not be taken too lightly. Some of us can do it more easily than others. There are those who do it because of their strong belief and resolve. Those who do it because they believe that following the leader is the right thing to do and those who do it because they feel that there is nothing else to do.

There are those who do not stand up because they are afraid of the ramifications. Those who would rather have others do it for them and those who are simply too lazy to do it. Whatever the reasons, the courage to stand up is often a very difficult thing to do. You want to stand up but you are afraid even though you know that you need to stand up. You are often afraid of what your friends and family would say if they knew that you were standing up. You want to do it but you are afraid of being identified with it. You want to do it but your courage fails you.

Standing up is something that is a personal preference and no one should be admonished if they fail to do it. The only thing that I ask is that if you believe then you should not be afraid to say so. Stand up because you believe and do it because you feel that you have no choice.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

The right to recreation

2011-01-26T02:26:00.000-08:00

The right to recreation
By Donna J. Jodhan

As a resident of the city of Toronto Canada, I feel that I am compelled to write an open letter to our new Mayor; Rob Ford. First Mr. Mayor, congratulations on your recent elections. I know that for the next while, you will be busy putting your Mayoral house in order but before you get down to the business at hand, I thought that I would sneak in on the ground floor so to speak and make you aware of something which would probably become more important to Torontonians as time marches on.

For the last 15 years, I have been valiantly trying to get some answers from the City of Toronto with regard to whether or not they are ready and prepared to accommodate the needs of blind and sight impaired persons when it comes to recreational activities and programs. I have spent hundreds of hours talking to all levels of administration within the structure of this city but sad to say, I have not been able to obtain any satisfactory response.

I started my tedious journey in the mid 90s when I decided to take up ice skating as a leisure sport. I went to the then Scarborough Parks and Recs department and after many conversations, I managed to find an attentive official who decided to help me. I was fortunate enough to have received some great lessons through the kind auspices of the North York division and Mike LaFlamme and for three wonderful years, I enjoyed my ice skating. I also managed to engage the assistance of the good folks at the Ice Palace arena in Scarborough and Jan Haney, head of the Skating Adventures School in Scarborough.

My ice skating fun lasted until 2003 and after that things somehow went off track as I was unable to find anyone within the city's structure who was able to help me. For the next seven years, I ran into insurmountable road blocks from various administrative personnel and the common theme seemed to be as follows: The city did not have any money to initiate programs for those who are blind and sight impaired. Yes, there was some funding, but it would not cover the needs of blind and sight impaired persons.

It is so heartbreaking when you are given reasons like this; especially when it comes to a city such as Toronto, Canada's largest city. It makes one feel as if they are being treated like a second class citizen and I can assure you that several other blind and sight impaired persons have expressed similar types of sentiments to me. To be told that there is no funding for I and other blind and sight impaired persons to be able to take advantage of recreational activities within the city is an absolutely devastating blow to the body.

Mr. Mayor: You must be aware that with a rapidly aging population, your city and indeed Canada and the rest of the world is going to have to find ways to accommodate the needs of a population that will undoubtedly be afflicted with a plethora of afflictions that will definitely include persons with loss of vision. Maybe it is just a matter of you taking some time to ensure that your staff is properly trained and sensitized to the growing needs of a changing clientele or it may be that you may need to take a serious look at initiating programs that will include all persons of your city.

A few weeks ago I hit pay dirt after I went to my counselor's office for assistance to find someone to go ice skating with me. To my utter surprise, Counselor Michael Del Grande's office found me a North York staff member; Matt Hiltz and he has since informed me that he has the resources to help me. Furthermore, he has informed me that these resources have been in place for some time now.

So you may be asking why am I still complaining? I am doing so because of the fact that I have had to spend so much time discovering Matt Hiltz and it took a concerted effort on my part through the office of my counselor Michael Del Grande. Why did I have to pursue such a route in order to obtain positive results? Others have told me that they have had to deploy similar methods in order to obtain positive results. Some of the questions being asked include:
Are city of Toronto staff members fully aware of what the city really offers?
Could it be that most of our city's staff are just too overworked to really care about providing adequate services?
Or is it that they are just a wee bit too lazy to do their homework?

Whatever the reasons, I do believe that something needs to be done in order to ensure that blind and sight impaired persons are included in the city's recreational activities and programs. More funding? A definite yes! Better training for staff? A definite yes! Recreational activities and programs for blind and sight impaired persons should not be considered as a nice to have; it is a right. For as long as it is opened to the mainstream person, it should also be made available and accessible to the blind and sight impaired as well.

It is not mine alone to win but ours not to lose

2011-01-26T02:24:00.000-08:00

It is not mine alone to win but ours not to lose
By Donna J. Jodhan

It is not very often that one gets an opportunity to go head to head with the government of their country and it is not something that is for the faint of heart. I have always known this and as I sit here contemplating the latest developments in my charter challenge, I can only tell you that the one thing that keeps me going is this: Belief! I believe in what I have been doing since 2006 and if I had to do it all over again then I surely would. I have never sought any monetary compensation or any personal gain for myself; it is all for our blind, sight impaired, deaf/blind, and print disabled kids of the future and for our community as a whole.

On November 29 2010, Judge Michael Kelyn handed down a landmark decision when he ordered the Federal Government to make all of their websites accessible within 15 months and he retained jurisdiction over the auditing process of his decision. It was a landmark victory for me and my supporters. I was humbled, delighted, and excited and at the same time I did not view this as a defeat for the Canadian Government. Rather, I viewed it as a wake-up call for them to work with blind, sight impaired, deaf/blind, and print disabled Canadians to make their websites equally accessible to all.

On January 10 2011, the Canadian Government filed an appeal in response to Judge Kelyn’s landmark decision. The Canadian Government has decided to appeal the Judge's entire decision. This is probably one of the saddest days for blind, sight impaired, deaf/blind, and print disabled Canadians. For not only has the government gone against the very laws that it coined in its charter of rights, it has also contradicted the spirit of its signing of the United Nations treaty on the rights of disabled persons which it ratified in March of 2010.
This seems to indicate a complete lack of respect for the law by our esteemed government and in addition; it may also be perceived to be that the government probably views us as nothing more than second class citizens.

In an economy where the government continues to preach restraint, it continues to waste precious financial resources on court cases that should never have come to court in the first place. What is most confusing is that this government does not seem to mind spending your money and my money when it comes to preventing a specific group of Canadians from claiming and protecting their legitimate rights.

I am shocked to see that this is happening! I am saddened that this government would seemingly go out of their way to continue to defy their very own laws and I am deeply troubled that they continue to do this despite the fact that the court has ruled that my rights as a Canadian were violated under the charter of rights.
Words cannot really express my feelings as I sit writing this article with snowflakes silently racing down my window panes. Feelings of great sadness, disappointment, surprise, and a deep sentiment of shock and shame for a government that continues to blatantly ignore the rights of blind, sight impaired, deaf/blind, and print disabled Canadians.

As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, and as sure as the snow will always fall in January, I and my supporters will never give up! We are here to stay and we are here to ensure that the future for our community will be protected no matter what. We must not give up! We must fight to ensure that all print disabled kids can look forward to an Internet where accessibility is a reality and not just a nice to have.
From the bottom of my heart; I thank all of you for your support! To the AEBC, the CWDO, and the rest! Thank you!

Explaining it to the sighted world

2011-01-22T04:15:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca. Guess what! January is sort of over or
almost so and February is almost here. Just one more week to go!
It's a gorgeous winter's weekend shaping up and today, I am delighted to
present you with a weekly editorial by our president Donna Jodhan.
I wish you a great day.

+++++++++++++++
Explaining it to the sighted world
By Donna J. Jodhan

It is never a wise assumption when it comes to assuming that the sighted
world will understand when we tell them that we are unable to access
websites because they are inaccessible. We need to be more explicit in
order to get them to understand and that's just fine with me. I'd like to
take a few moments to paint the picture for a sighted person.

When a sighted person visits a website, they can use their eyes to choose
which link they wish to click on in order to get where they are going. In
most instances, these links are represented by images, icons, and pictures.
They use a mouse to click on their desired choice.

When a blind person visits a website, they use a screen reader that enables
them to find the links and content that they are looking for but when the
links and/or content is depicted in the form of images, icons, or pictures,
the screen reader is unable to decipher what it is. A screen reader is
software that speaks what is on a screen; it is unable to speak or describe
something that does not have text to describe it.

In other words, think of it like this:
If you place a picture in front of a blind person, they will not know what
it is unless you tell them what it is. In like manner, if there is no text
to describe what the picture, image, or icon is on a website, then the
screen reader will not be able to tell the blind person what it is and what
it means.

The technology does not exist whereby there is software that can accurately
describe the meaning of images, icons, or pictures. A screen reader will
only speak what it is able to decipher and this does not include images,
icons, and pictures.

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words; but no two
persons can ever describe a picture in the same way. If textual
descriptions are used to describe icons, images, and pictures, it would make
life so much easier for a magnitude of
persons that include: The Blind and vision impaired, those who are unable
to read print, those with learning disabilities, and those whose first
language is not English.

It is relatively easy and cost effective to provide textual descriptions to
icons, images, and pictures. Blind persons cannot use a mouse to click on
images, icons, and pictures, because they are unable to see where to point
and click. It is a lot cheaper to provide textual descriptions than it is
to carry out time consuming research to find ways to make it possible for a
screen reader to read pictures, images, and icons.

In like manner, it is relatively easy to design a form that can be accessed
by a blind person online. If however the form needs to be downloaded and
printed in order to be completed, then a blind person will have to ask for
sighted assistance to do so. They will not be able to complete and sign a
printed form because they are unable to see to read and sign.

These are just a few explanations that are most common to help the sighted
world understand more clearly.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would
be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

It is not mine alone to win but ours not to lose

2011-01-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

It is not mine alone to win but ours not to lose

It is not very often that one gets an opportunity to go head to head with the government of their country and it is not something that is for the faint of heart. I have always known this and as I sit here contemplating the latest developments in my charter challenge, I can only tell you that the one thing that keeps me going is this: Belief! I believe in what I have been doing since 2006 and if I had to do it all over again then I surely would. I have never sought any monetary compensation or any personal gain for myself; it is all for our blind, sight impaired, deaf/blind, and print disabled kids of the future and for our community as a whole.

On November 29 2010, Judge Michael Kelyn handed down a landmark decision when he ordered the Federal Government to make all of their websites accessible within 15 months and he retained jurisdiction over the auditing process of his decision. It was a landmark victory for me and my supporters. I was humbled, delighted, and excited and at the same time I did not view this as a defeat for the Canadian Government. Rather, I viewed it as a wake-up call for them to work with blind, sight impaired, deaf/blind, and print disabled Canadians to make their websites equally accessible to all.

On January 10 2011, the Canadian Government filed an appeal in response to Judge Kelyn's landmark decision. The Canadian Government has decided to appeal the Judge's entire decision. This is probably one of the saddest days for blind, sight impaired, deaf/blind, and print disabled Canadians. For not only has the government gone against the very laws that it coined in its charter of rights, it has also contradicted the spirit of its signing of the United Nations treaty on the rights of disabled persons which it ratified in March of 2010.
This seems to indicate a complete lack of respect for the law by our esteemed government and in addition; it may also be perceived to be that the government probably views us as nothing more than second class citizens.

In an economy where the government continues to preach restraint, it continues to waste precious financial resources on court cases that should never have come to court in the first place. What is most confusing is that this government does not seem to mind spending your money and my money when it comes to preventing a specific group of Canadians from claiming and protecting their legitimate rights.

I am shocked to see that this is happening! I am saddened that this government would seemingly go out of their way to continue to defy their very own laws and I am deeply troubled that they continue to do this despite the fact that the court has ruled that my rights as a Canadian were violated under the charter of rights.
Words cannot really express my feelings as I sit writing this article with snowflakes silently racing down my window panes. Feelings of great sadness, disappointment, surprise, and a deep sentiment of shock and shame for a government that continues to blatantly ignore the rights of blind, sight impaired, deaf/blind, and print disabled Canadians.

As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, and as sure as the snow will always fall in January, I and my supporters will never give up! We are here to stay and we are here to ensure that the future for our community will be protected no matter what. We must not give up! We must fight to ensure that all print disabled kids can look forward to an Internet where accessibility is a reality and not just a nice to have.
From the bottom of my heart; I thank all of you for your support! To the AEBC, the CNIB, ARCH, Balance, the CCD, the CWDO, and the rest! Thank you!

Christmas is for sharing

2010-12-18T04:45:00.000-08:00

Season's greetings everyone! We the Sterling Creations team would like to
extend very best wishes to you for this Christmas holiday season and for
2011.
We hope that wherever you are, you are enjoying this most wonderful time of
the year.
Be good, be safe, and may the birth of the baby Jesus be with you always!

+++++++++++++++

Christmas is for sharing
By Donna J. Jodhan

At this time of the year, I like many others take time to do such things as
reflect, share, and celebrate. This year, I have much to reflect upon and
even more to share and celebrate.

This has been a very good year for my company and an even better year for me
personally. Our team of dedicated associates has managed to maintain and
even expand our business despite difficult economic times. So there is much
for us to be thankful for and to celebrate. As for me, I have a very
special gift to share and one which I never thought I would ever receive. I
call it a gift but many of my friends and supporters call it a landmark
victory.

On November 29, after four long years of battle, I and my team of lawyers,
accessibility experts, and friends and supporters, obtained a landmark
victory against the Canadian Federal Government. What was it all about? A
Federal judge ruled in our favor; he mandated the Canadian Government to get
their house in order. He gave them 15 months to make all of their websites
accessible to all Canadians; especially so to blind and sight impaired
Canadians.

This was not simply my victory and as Richard Quan, president of the AEBC's
Toronto chapter so eloquently put it: "A victory for us all." This was not
mine to win but ours not to lose and yes! We did it and we did it in fine
style! I am very humbled, delighted, still a bit overwhelmed, and extremely
grateful to all those who took the time and effort to join the cause.

This is a victory for all blind, sight impaired, deaf/blind, and print
disabled Canadians and I am just happy to share it with everyone. Most
important of all, it is a victory for blind and sight impaired kids of the
future. There are no losers here. The Canadian government can now look
forward to a new era where the spirit of cooperation will only grow and it
is an opportunity for them to take the lead. So, it's time for us to raise
our glasses to each other! Time for us to give ourselves a pat on the back
and say "Well done!"

Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noèl! Feliz Navidad!

Government wants to update ADA for cyberspace

2010-12-17T02:03:00.000-08:00

Ho, Ho, Ho! I'm Nico Trimoff, manager of transcription and accessibility services at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
It's my last post for the year and I want to wish you all the very best for Christmas and 2011.
Today, I have chosen an upbeat article to share with you; sent in by Ryan Mede. Great article Ryan and I thank you for it.
See you all in January.

+++++++++++++++
A reader's contribution

Government wants to update ADA for cyberspace

By CARLA K. JOHNSON Associated Press

CHICAGO . Emergency call centers could be equipped to communicate by text message. Websites might need to be programmed to speak to blind users. Movie theaters might have to install technology to allow the deaf to read captions on small screens mounted at their seats.

These and other proposals will be on the agenda this week as federal officials begin seeking ideas for expanding the Americans with Disabilities Act. Twenty years after the law was adopted, the government wants to move the regulations beyond wheelchair ramps and accessible elevators into cyberspace and personal technology.

The updated regulations could mean sweeping changes across many industries and cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

An estimated 40 million blind and deaf Americans stand to reap the biggest benefits, including 43-year-old Peter Berg, who lost his vision to diabetes in his 20s. Using software that reads content to him, he can surf websites for work, check Facebook and pay his bills online.

But he hit a wall while trying to set up an account on a popular website that allows electronic money transfers.

You needed to click on something, and it wasn't identifiable to the screen reader," said Berg, who provides technical assistance about the ADA.

The effort to update the law begins Thursday with a Justice Department hearing in Chicago. Additional hearings are scheduled for Dec. 16 in Washington and Jan. 10 in San Francisco.

The meetings are designed to gather input from the disabled and from industries that may be affected.

We think it's important as a way to generate interest," said John Wodatch, chief of the department's disability rights section.

New rules could take effect as soon as 2012.

For more than a decade, the Justice Department has interpreted the ADA to apply to websites that offer goods and services. But now that idea could be clarified, and timetables for compliance could be set.

Judy Brewer, director of the Web Accessibility Initiative at the World Wide Web Consortium, said the government is mainly addressing "parts of the Web in the U.S. that are involved in accommodating the public, which includes people with disabilities.

The cost for each site depends on its size, the type of content it offers and whether it's already designed using Web standards, said Brewer, whose agency is the Internet's international standards organization.

Website operators should be asking themselves what they could be losing in market share because they are "unwittingly putting up barriers," Brewer said.

A 2003 study commissioned by Microsoft found that 1 in 4 working-age adults has eyesight trouble, 1 in 4 has a dexterity impairment and 1 in 5 has difficulty hearing.

Websites are becoming increasingly accessible, in part because of lawsuits. In 2008, Target Corp. agreed in a California class-action settlement to pay $6 million to blind plaintiffs who were unable to use its site.

But what about personal photos on Facebook? Does Facebook have to make sure the photo content can be read aloud to a blind user?

Perhaps not. The Justice Department is considering making it clear that some personal, noncommercial content would not be affected.

Will some website operators resist the changes?

Disability attorney Lainey Feingold hopes not.

Web accessibility should not be a new concept to any company with a website," said Feingold, who is based in Berkeley, Calif. And the ADA has an "undue burden" defense, which means that no company will have to make changes if doing so would require significant difficulty or expense.

Fortunately for the millions of Americans with disabilities, making accessibility improvements does not cost a lot of money," she said.

The Justice Department also is considering rules requiring more accessible medical equipment in hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. That might include mammography equipment for women who cannot stand up, adjustable exam tables and mechanical lifts.

We've got the ramps to get into the facilities now, but you can't get the exams," said Judy Panko Reis, a health care access policy analyst at the advocacy group Access Living in Chicago.

Some of the changes are likely to trigger a detailed cost-benefit analysis, which is required when the impact on the economy is likely to surpass $100 million. That figure is likely to be reached for the movie industry if theaters have to install accessible devices for the blind and deaf.

About 1 percent of U.S. theater screens already have that type of equipment. But expanding the technology to others could cost nearly $160 million.

Outfitting one movie theater with both captioning for the deaf and descriptive video devices for the blind costs $4,000 to $6,000, said Larry Goldberg, director of media access at WGBH, Boston's public television station, which holds a patent on a movie-captioning system called Rear Window. (The station pioneered captioning on television. Julia Child's "The French Chef" was the first program to be captioned.)

Many movie studios already are paying for captioning and descriptions for their top movies, Goldberg said.

Theaters will argue that not every screen should be required to install systems," Goldberg said, but theater owners know changes are on the horizon.

John Fithian of the National Association of Theatre Owners said the organization plans to make comments at Thursday's hearing.

Some 911 systems are updating their systems to accept text messages, but cell phone carriers also must cooperate to make the system work.

James Soukup, emergency communications director for Durham, N.C., said those upgrades will cost $750,000 in Durham alone.

Marca Bristo, president and CEO of Access Living, said bringing the ADA up to date simply means applying it to "the basic activities of life.

If you were to take these things away from the general population things like watching a movie, surfing the internet, making a 911 call there would be an outcry," Bristo said. All we are asking for is what other people take for granted.

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreationsdesk.blogspot.com. There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers. Security tips for home computer users. Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia. You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

How To Download Your Information From Facebook

2010-12-17T02:01:00.000-08:00

Greetings all! I'm Mark Micheau, manager of research and translation services at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have a great article to share with you; all about how to download your info from Facebook.
I'd like to wish you all great stuff for the Christmas season and a very happy New Year to you for 2011.
Be good now and seee you in January.

+++++++++++++++
A Dan Thompson contribution

How To Download Your Information From Facebook

Article Source:

Lifehacker

http://lifehacker.com/5657317/

One feature strangely absent from Facebook has always been the ability to download your pictures, videos, messages, and other information to your hard drive. Now, with a few clicks, your updates can be easily saved.

All you need to do is head to Account, Account Settings, then to Download Your Information.

From there, you can download a zip file containing all your profile information, including your photos, wall posts, messages, videos, friend lists, and other content.

If you unzip the file, you can actually view a simple HTML page of your profile, with simple links to all of these things. It doesn't look like there's currently any way to re-import that information back to Facebook.

If you have any questions about the tips posted in Dan's Tech tips, please contact Dan at the following email address:

dthompson5@mchsi.com

_________________________

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreationsdesk.blogspot.com. There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers. Security tips for home computer users. Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia. You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

What is a Language Dialect

2010-12-17T02:00:00.000-08:00

What is a Language Dialect and When Do I Need to Use One?
By Donna J. Jodhan

A very important question indeed and it would be good for you to keep the following in mind:
French spoken in Europe is different to that spoken in Canada.
Spanish spoken in Spain is different to that spoken in South America.
Portuguese spoken in Portugal is different to that spoken in Brazil.

Why is it different? Because each country or part of the world mentioned above has its own particular dialect. Parisian French has words that are pronounced differently in Canada and the same could be said for Spain versus South America. So, when you are making decisions on how to attract French speaking Canadian consumers, you will need to hire translators that are familiar with the French dialect spoken in Canada.

So many times, French people from Paris have some difficulty understanding their counterparts in Canada and those of Spain have much difficulty understanding their fellow Spaniards living in South America. No different to those English speaking persons living in England having difficulty with those English speaking persons of the Caribbean. Please see my reference below.

+++++++++++++++
What is a Language Dialect and When Do I Need to Use One?
Terminology: European French has incorporated many English words into the language, while in Canada, the pure French words are used: e.g., Weekend in English is translated as “le Weekend” in France and “Fin de semaine” in Canada. ... own language and terminology. Other materials, such as legal documents, also require translation into French Canadian because the legal systems in France and Canada are quite different. Chinese Variants The three main variants of Chinese are: ...
Lionbridge Translation and Localization -
http://blog.lionbridge.com/translation-and-localization/

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link)
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.sterlingcreationsca.blogspot.com (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants)

Jobs and careers identified Retirement is a Beginning, Not an End

2010-12-16T02:57:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Jill Christiansen, manager of writing services at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have very informative headlines for you; all about how you could be viewing retirement.
As this is my last post before the holidays, may I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and the very best for 2011.

Week of December 11 2010
Jobs and careers identified

Should we be viewing retirement as a new beginning?
or could it be the end for many?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
Retirement is a Beginning, Not an End
Balita
Between aging baby boomers and struggling businesses, many seniors find ... Many retirees will end up pursuing second jobs in order to meet expenses. ...
Read more at:
http://balita.com/?p=299

Could the public sector be viewed as a plethora of opportunities for aging boomers and maybe even retirees?
Could this sector hold the key for many thinking of retiring?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
The public sector: a world of opportunity
Career FAQs
The ageing of the workforce and upcoming retirement of baby boomers means that many new ... such as www.jobs.nsw.gov.au or https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/. ...
Read more at:
http://www.careerfaqs.com.au/employment-news/1665/public-sector-world-of-opportunity

Is there such a thing as a talent crunch?
If so, why would this situation be developing?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
Career FAQs
The End of a Recession, the Beginning of a Talent Crunch
Xconomy
Between July and August of this year, our state lost more than 9000 jobs, ... baby boomers in the US workforce — citizens born between 1946 and 1965, ...
Read more at:
http://www.xconomy.com/seattle/2010/10/25/the-end-of-a-recession-the-beginning-of-a-talent-crunch/

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreationsdesk.blogspot.com. There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers. Security tips for home computer users. Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia. You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

The kids get it

2010-12-16T02:56:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Ah yes! our final post of the year and on behalf of Scott and me and the entire Sterling Creations team, I wish you a very merry Christmas. I have chosen a special editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan in keeping with her recent landmark victory in her court case where she sued the Canadian government over their inaccessible websites.
Hats off to Donna! We are all proud to have you as our president.
Have a great day everyone and see you next year.

+++++++++++++++
The kids get it
By Donna J. Jodhan

A few weeks ago, I was invited by a teacher of a group of grade one students to visit their class. She wanted me to visit them because of my ongoing court case against the Canadian Government where I am suing them over their inaccessible websites. The kids have been following my case in the newspapers and were eager to ask me questions and to tell me about the letter that they had written to our Prime Minister.

Without any hesitation, I agreed and on a cool early November morning I stood beside their teacher in their Welcome Circle and listened with great admiration as they sang “O Canada”.
Their tiny voices were strong and true and their attention to detail extremely fervent. Shannon Greene their teacher introduced me and told them that I had come for a visit. We then trooped upstairs to their classroom and for the next half hour, I sat among them and fielded their questions, shared a snack with them and felt their artwork.

What a most moving and humbling experience for me! The kids absolutely got it! Their questions were right on and I was amazed at their grasp of the subject matter. They were most concerned that Blind Canadians were not able to access Governmental websites and they even asked me about the access technology software that I used. They were concerned about social justice and their little minds understood it all!

Out of the mouths of babes! These kids are our future! Our messengers! Our promises of hope! Our future legislators and politicians and as I continue to say “we need to protect the future of our kids”!

I will never forget this experience and I thank Shannon and Velvet for having afforded me this experience. I thank the grade one kids of Grove Community School for having stepped up to the plate.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreationsca.blogspot.com
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Your best American cities - your virtual travel agent

2010-12-16T02:51:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays everyone! I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your virtual travel agent and today I am delighted to bring you my best American cities tips for this week. It's my final post for this year so I hope you have enjoyed reading my weekly feature.
Today, I have great places for you to travel to and maybe someone may find time to visit one of these.
So, enjoy your Christmas holidays. Be safe, be well, and see you in 2011.
Enjoy!

Week of December 11 2010

Your best American cities

1. Kansas City Kansas
Looking to lay down roots in a city where the cost of living is way below the national average?
A city where you can find very affordable housing in very safe neighborhoods?
A city that offers a plethora of home styles that range from modern condos, cozy townhouses, spacious suburban homes, and comfortable family homes?
A city with a great university, a modern medical center, and one that offers prairie life in a large city?
If all of this interests you, then come on down to Kansas City Kansas.

2. New Haven Connecticut
If you are seeking that all American city where you and your family can settle down to a great comfortable life, then welcome to New Haven Connecticut.
A city with lots of greenery, one of the best and oldest universities (Yale), and a city where shopping reigns supreme.
You can shop until you drop!
From jewelry to fancy clothes and from hard to find keepsakes to modern furniture, New Haven's stores and shops are crammed to the rafters with everything for you.
If you enjoy cuisine of all kinds and you want to do it economically, then New Haven is also for you.

3. St Louis Missouri
Looking for a city where you can be yourself?
Find the job of your dreams, live in a nice modern home, and do it all in style?
A city that is refreshing, is of just the right size, and one that is strategically located?
Then you need to come and have a long hard look at St Louis Missouri.
This city is heavily influenced by both the French and Spanish cultures. It is steeped in history and its sporting teams are well known.
In addition, it offers great outdoor attractions; its park surely rivals good old Central Park.

4. Wichita Kansas
If you're seeking a city where you can start fresh, find a nice suburban home in a friendly neighborhood, and live in a city with lots of possibilities and opportunities, than that city exists and its name is Wichita.
Wichita is ideally located in close proximity to Kansas City and Topeka.
It offers you the chance to start over. To be yourself, and to live in safety and security.
Wichita is known as the aircraft capital of the world because of the abundance of jobs that it offers in the aircraft industry.
Wichita has a very thriving economy and because of this, it is a place where you can work, play, and live in great comfort.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

Come on feel the noise!

2010-12-09T01:58:00.001-08:00

Greetings everyone! I'm Nico Trimoff, manager of accessibility and transcription services at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have a great article to share with you thanks to Christian Haig. This one talks about the development of an electronic humming device. It's attention grabbing and we thank Christian for his contribution!
You can make your contributions by sending us your favorite article to info@sterlingcreations.ca.
I wish you a great day.

+++++++++++++++
A reader's contribution

Come on feel the noise!

electronic humming device that is the automaker's answer to complaints that
pedestrians can't hear the top-selling car approaching. The 12,600 yen ($148) speaker
system that goes under the hood of the third-generation Prius sets off a whirring sound designed to be about the same noise level as a regular car engine so that
it isn't annoying, Toyota said Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010.
the Prius will no longer be silent but deadly

Andrew Clark
Globe and Mail, Aug. 27, 2010

Toyota is out to make some noise. Big T announced last week that it was now possible
for Japanese drivers to install a speaker system under the hood of its third-generation
Prius hybrids. The device, according to Toyota spokespeople, will make an electronic
humming sound similar to the noises flying cars made on the cartoon show The Jetsons. Rumour has it that all new Prius hybrids will now also come with bumper stickers that read "My Other Car is a Car."

But hold on!

People hate traffic noise. Why would Toyota neutralize one of the Prius's great selling
points its silence a quality so renowned that was immortalized in an episode of
The Office ("The Prius is silent if he keeps it under 5 mph. He deserves the win.").

Ever see a shiny new car and wonder what the stick price is? Use Globe Drive's New Car Search to find out
How much does that new car cost?

Use Globe Drive's New Car Search to find car prices, features, specs and more.
View Well, it seems there's a reason cars come equipped with horns and chopper motorcycles
make all that chopping noise. Sound helps alert us humans. Annoying sounds keep us
safe.

The Prius, it turns out, was too quiet, especially at low speeds (a Prius can travel
at high speeds?) and pedestrians had trouble hearing the eco-friendly ride approaching.

This was causing Prius-person encounters. In fact, a study by the U.S. National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration found that, compared to conventional cars, hybrids travelling at low speeds were twice as likely to be involved in pedestrian
crashes.

The blind and aged were particularly at risk. Toyota hopes the new noise maker will
cut down the incidence of Prius/pedestrian collisions.

It's a noble effort by Toyota, though it does not take into account the possibility
that Prius drivers who hit pedestrians at low speeds might simply be trying to help
the environment by eliminating a few humans (who by their very natures pollute).

The big question is: Why a humming noise? Why not get creative? Why not alert pedestrians
and other travellers with a nice sound? Imagine, you're walking along and suddenly
from behind you hear Glenn Gould playing Bach's Goldberg Variations? Instantly, you'd know that you have only three or four minutes to get out of the way before that Prius comes within three or four minutes of hitting you.

We have personalized telephone rings; why not have personalized Prius speaker systems?

Say you're pissed off about the environment and you want to let everyone know about
it, slap on World Party's Ship of Fools and take your eco-wheels for an indignant rocking ride. Are you a Luddite Prius driver? Have Maxine Nightingale's 1970s classic Right Back Where We Started From playing as you cruise.

Look for other companies such as General Motors and Nissan to introduce similar devices
in their hybrid cars. No specifics have been announced. But in an effort to speed
things along, Road Sage presents a few other noise-making automobiles manufacturers
should consider.

Ford Fusion Facebook BFF: When a pedestrian approaches the Ford Fusion's front end,
the car's BFF system pipes up telling her, "I'm friending you. I'm so glad we finally
caught up with each other." Once the pedestrian has passed by and is near the car's
rear end, the Fusion "posts" in a stage whisper, "You have fat ankles and I'm having
an affair with your husband."

The Talking Zip Zero: While it's true that Zip cars already come equipped with warning
systems telling other motorists and pedestrians that they are being operated by dangerous
dilettantes I'm referring to the word "Zip" on the side the Zip Zero will clear
up any debate. When a Zip Zero automobile exceeds 30 km/h, the speaker system will
begin shrieking "Danger! Danger! Anxious yet energetic sometime driver coming your
way! Take shelter!"

Chevy Malibu Hybrid Console: America automobile manufacturers have never been big
on heeding warnings. The Chevy Malibu Console Hybrid follows this noble tradition.
While it won't prevent accidents (or financial crisis) it will instantly go into damage control. Once the Malibu Hybrid has struck another car, for instance, its
speaker system will announce, "You have been hit by a Chevy Malibu Hybrid. We extend
our apologies. However, please take some solace in the fact that less fossil fuel
was consumed in the process of your being struck."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreationsdesk.blogspot.com. There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers. Security tips for home computer users. Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia. You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

Should Gmail Be Worried About Facebook?

2010-12-08T01:56:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I'm Mark Micheau, manager of research and translation services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
I hope that everyone is enjoying December thus far and today, I have a thought provoking article to share with you. All about whether or not Gmail should be worried about Facebook.
I wish you a great day.

+++++++++++++++
Should Gmail Be Worried About Facebook?
November 20, 2010
http://www.WebProNews.com

Do you think Facebook e-mail will affect other major email providers?
Tell us what you think

Should Gmail Be Worried About Facebook?
Chris Crum | Staff Writer

Rackspace Thinks Business Email Fine, Consumer Email Not

You've no doubt heard or read about Facebook's new messaging announcement this week. If not, the company announced a new messaging system to combine email, SMS, IM, Chat, and other forms of online communication, bringing them into one inbox. Along with this comes @facebook.com email addresses. CEO Mark Zuckerberg described the system as "starting from scratch" as opposed to being a Facebook email product.

Pat Matthews, SVP of RackSpace's cloud computing business, which includes business email, shared some thoughts with us about the impact Facebook's new offering will have on the email industry. RackSpace itself powers business email for over 2 million users.
"I don't think Facebook will encroach on business mail, at least not anytime soon, mostly because of the security and privacy implications," Matthews tells WebProNews. "Facebook is very consumer oriented and I don't see this crossing into business anytime soon. Mark Zuckerberg has specifically stated the company is all about consumers. His focus is leading them to greatness."

"I do think consumer mail is at risk," he adds. "Consumers live in Facebook, not on Google. I think that Gmail and AOL should be worried."

Still, Google has Google Apps going for it, which it has now expanded to encompass most of the company's offerings. That could play a significant role in keeping businesses using Google, though Gmail has always been a part of Google Apps. I have to wonder if Google's news wasn't somehow spurred by Facebook's.

Google Turning into a Local Search Engine?

"Facebook users will use Facebook mail as an extension of their already popular messaging services," says Matthews. "I have no doubt this will be extremely popular."

"Facebook is one of the most innovative companies on the planet," he adds. "I think that they will influence all types of applications, business and consumer."

It's no secret that businesses are already placing a great deal of emphasis on reaching Facebook users, and it will be very interesting to see the impact the new messaging system has on their strategies. I've already speculated that we'll start seeing more businesses utilizing personal profiles to try and get into Facebook users' primary inboxes (as the system filters messages that aren't from "friends" into a secondary inbox).

Social media and email have been getting closer and closer with one another for some time already. "In the past, organizations supported collaboration through e-mail and highly structured applications only," said Monica Basso, research vice president at Gartner, who predicts 20% of employees will use social networks as a main business communication tool by 2014.
"Today, social paradigms are converging with e-mail, instant messaging (IM) and presence, creating new collaboration styles," she said. "However, a truly collaborative, effective and efficient workplace will not arise until organizations make these capabilities widely available and users become more comfortable with them. Technology is only an enabler; culture is a must for success.""

When asked what Facebook's new system means for the larger trend of social networking and email converging, Matthews told WebProNews, "Consumers want one view for many things but they also want very different views for their personal and business lives. This is why I really think Gmail should be worried."

It is worth noting that our conversation with Matthews took place before Google's announcement, so I'll have to find out if this changes his opinion on that.

Translation Services Important for International Business | the ...

2010-12-07T02:10:00.001-08:00

Translation Services Important for International Business | the ...
By Donna J. Jodhan

If you are planning to become an international company or if you are planning to create an international presence, you would be wise to find yourself some very solid translation services. It would be absolutely fool hardy to go out there and expect to attract foreign consumers just through an English website. Or by providing services only in English.
It does not matter if you are doing it on the Internet or not. Here are a few basic tips for you to consider.

Acquire translation services that would enable you to communicate freely and efficiently in the spoken language of your targeted consumer market.
Make sure that your translators can translate to and from the spoken language of your target audience.
Make sure that your translators can translate from their second language into their mother tongue and not the other way around.
Make sure that your translators are fully familiar with the local expressions of your targeted consumers.

These are all very important points and I invite you to see my reference below.

+++++++++++++++
Translation Services Important for International Business | the ...
By successrobot
Accurate language translation is not only necessary between two entirely different languages, but sometimes between two dialects of the same language. This is especially apparent in languages as different as English and Chinese or Japanese. ... Native speakers of any language, such as Spanish, French and Chinese obviously posses an advantage in conducting translation work. However, many translation services fall down in the area of all-round experience, relying instead on ...
the best ideas and opinions -
http://www.the-best-ideas.net/

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link)
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.sterlingcreationsca.blogspot.com (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants)

Jobs and careers identified - Baby boomers must ensure they are ready for retirement

2010-12-06T01:59:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I'm Jill Christiansen, manager of writing services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have great headlines to share with you; all about whether or not baby boomers are ready for retirement plus more.

Week of December 04
Jobs and careers identified

Are baby boomers ready for retirement?
Will they be able to retire in comfort or not?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
Baby boomers must ensure they are ready for retirement
Bermuda Sun
As the gap to retirement closes, the baby boomers continue to be presented with ... If you are quitting a job that requires you to spend money on clothes, ...
Read more at:
http://bermudasun.bm/main.asp?SectionID=72&SubSectionID=205&ArticleID=48566

Are the kids of baby boomers able to hold down their jobs while dealing with concerns about their parents' finances?
What can they do to help themselves?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
Uneasy transition from me' to we'
Bellingham Herald
How can we meet our job responsibilities while making sure Mom and Dad are ... It may seem like prying, but it's important that baby boomers understand ...
Read more at:
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/10/15/1670151/uneasy-transition-from-me-to-we.html

What are some of the present conflicts between generations X and Y?
Are they real or are they not?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
How best to deal with our 'Generation Y'
Martinsburg Journal
However, there has been and will be friction between Ys and Baby Boomers. With the economy like it is, Boomers will work longer and hold on to jobs that Ys ...
Read more at:
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/549980/How-best-to-deal-with-our--Generation-Y-.html?nav=5006

When pin numbers are compromised

2010-12-04T04:07:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca and I thought that our readers would be interested to read this week's editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan. Especially so because of our holiday season.
This editorial makes for very interesting rading and questioning and I hope you find it of interest.
I wish you a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
When pin numbers are compromised
By Donna J. Jodhan

We are living in an age where touch screen technology has now become a reality and for many it is a blessing; but for others like me, it is a great concern. As a blind person, I feel very much at sea whenever I am asked to depend on sighted assistance to get things done.

Touch screen technology means that I now have to depend on sighted assistance to carry out my transactions and in many cases this will mean that I will have to divulge my pin number to the one who is helping me. On the surface, some people may not think that this should be such a problem but here is the real concern. The minute one's pin number is given to a second party; one's contract with the financial institution that issued the pin number has been broken.

In short: If I as a blind person find myself in a situation whereby I need assistance to use a touch screen in order to complete a transaction, it means that I will need to divulge my pin number to a sighted person and the minute I do so I would be breaking my contract with the financial institution that issued the pin number to me.

I do not believe that financial institutions have really given much thought to this and as for the sighted world; they probably have not either but I am sure that they would do so if they were directly affected. So as I see it, there are two major concerns for blind and sight impaired persons when it comes to touch screen technology.

First, the divulgence of one's pin number leads to the breaking of a contract between customer and financial institution and second; the blind or sight impaired person has no control when it comes to being able to independently complete transactions on their own. All that they can do is to trust the one that is assisting them.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreationsca.blogspot.com
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca

Your best American cities

2010-12-03T02:00:00.001-08:00

Hello there! I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your virtual travel agent and we welcome the great month of December to our homes. Ah yes! It is that time of year when many of us find places to go and things to do and in this busy holiday season, I hope that my suggestions of cities for you to visit and spent time in are welcomed ones.
So, time to slip off your shoes and gloves and find a comfortable chair in which to sit.
Relax and enjoy!

Week of December 04 2010

Your best American cities

1. Amarillo Texas
If you are tired of the bright lights of a larger city and are seeking one where you can star gaze in quietude, look up at the blue skies without having to worry about inhailing pollution, and breathe pure fresh aire in lush green spaces, then you need to hurry down to Amarillo Texas.
A city where you can live in spacious homes without having to worry about being too close to your neighbors.
A city where neighbors always have time to meet and greet and a city whose natural beauty is punctuated by an abundance of yellow flowers growing everywhere.
Beautiful Amarillo offers you houses that are Spanish influenced as well as ones that are modern and roomy.
With warm and pleasant weather all year round, what more can you ask for?

2. Aurora Colorado
If your dream is to live as close as you can to the Rockies and do it in style, then Aurora is for you.
A suburban city in the truest of sense; with well laid out subdivisions.
A city that is steeped in military history that includes the ColdWar and one that still continues to play a major role in U.S military instillations.
Aurora is within shouting distance of Denver. It offers great health care facilities, hospitals, schools, and excellent sporting and athletic programs and facilities.
If you are seeking a city where residents are very much into fitness and sports, then Aurora is for you.

3. Boise Idaho
It is not very often that you can find a city that offers you so many things and do it in style!
Welcome to beautiful Boise! A city that seems to have it all!
From fun and adventure to a vivacious vacation spot and a city where you and your family can live in relative comfort and quietude.
Boise is one of the most beautiful cities in America. Why?
Because of its location; in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and along the Payette River.
Boise offers you the luxury of skiing on mountain slopes, white water rafting on sparkling river water, hiking and biking on wondrous trails, and golfing on some of the best courses in America.
Top this off with some of the best fine dining in the country!
What more would you like to know?

4. Colorado Springs Colorado
If you are seeking something new, a fresh start or a job in the high tech industry, then you need to take a long hard look at the beautiful city of Colorado Springs.
Located on the eastern edge of the Rockies, and within shouting distance of Denver, Colorado Springs makes a perfect city to raise a family and stay for more than a while.
Colorado Springs offers excellent educational facilities, is home to some of the U.S olympic association's major sports such as figure skating and basketball, and the city has been tagged as one of the most livable in America.
Neighborhoods are friendly and contain a wide variety of home styles.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

Big money never sleeps, but it doesn't entice, either

2010-12-02T01:57:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I'm Nico Trimoff, manager of accessibility and transcription services at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Well, as the song says, "Happy days are here again!" And today, I have a really informative article for you to read and if you don't have time now then maybe during the holiday season you can find a free moment to do so.
We thank Denise haricot for sending this one into us. To send your contribution into us, please email us at info@sterlingcreations.ca.
Enjoy your day!

+++++++++++++++
A reader's contribution

Big money never sleeps, but it doesn't entice, either
They've got lucrative technological tools at their fingertips, but today's
youth appear to crave a more modest existence, according to results of a new
Canadian survey.

Laura Stone
Edmonton Journal , July 28, 2010

Rather than leading or starting their own businesses in the next decade,
Canadian students want the hallmarks of a traditional life, such as a home,
a decent job, and a loving family, the study found.

The national survey of 2,500 high school and post-secondary students says,
perhaps counter-intuitively, that today's young adults are risk-averse and
aren't exactly banking on becoming millionaires.

"This generation really is looking for happiness and personal fulfilment, as
opposed to conquering the world and lots of financial and material wealth,"
said Suzanne Tyson, president of Studentawards Inc., a Toronto-based
marketing and scholarship firm that conducted the survey, entitled Canada
2020.

"That incredible drive to be the Gordon Gekko of the world isn't there in
this generation."

(Neither, perhaps, is that reference, but after Wall Street: Money Never
Sleeps opens this fall, perhaps it will be.)

The top three priorities of students today are spending time with family and
friends, acquiring more education, and leading a healthy lifestyle, the
survey said. Those priorities will remain unchanged over the next 10 years,
according to the students.

While 70 per cent of respondents said they are optimistic about the future
and will "create their own destiny," only 30 per cent of respondents said
they plan on starting their own business in six to 10 years from now, and at
approximately 25 per cent, few students said they consider themselves
entrepreneurs.

The majority, at 60 per cent, believe they will never start a business at
any point in their careers, and about 70 per cent of youth don't think
they'll be millionaires -- a sharp contrast to the "me" generation of the
1980s, said Tyson.

One reason, she said, is that today's youth have come of age in an era of
financial insecurity.

Other findings suggest the surveyed youth, ages 17 to 29, see the "lowest
set of priorities" in their lives as taking care of the environment, having
money and material belongings, and trying as many new things as possible.

Tyson said that while the finding about the environment is surprising, it
may suggest that the "Blue Box" recycling generation has grown up worrying
about the environment and so the concerns are implicit.

Free Download: 70 Of The Best Free and Open Source Games

2010-12-01T01:54:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I'm Mark Micheau, manager of research and translation services at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Ah yes! December is here! My favourite month and the beginning of the holiday season! And, in keeping with the holiday season, I have a great article to share with you. A Dan Thompson contribution and I hope that you can use it to find some very great games for the holidays.
Have fun!

+++++++++++++++
Free Download: 70 Of The Best Free and Open Source Games

From 3D Scrabble to Command and Conquer, this list should help you find something fun to play.

Red Ferret has put together a three part series showcasing 70 downloadable free and open source games. They've added great descriptions to all the games. A few games are free while in pre-release, have a free demo, or have a java script version. There aren't many of them and all are noted in the descriptions. All the games run on Windows.

Some are cross platform, so if you are running Linux or OSX check the game site to see what platforms are supported.

70 of the Best Free and Open Source Games for Download (Part 1 of 3)

http://www.redferret.net/?p=19113

70 of the Best Free and Open Source Games for Download (Part 2 of 3)

http://www.redferret.net/?p=19209

70 of the Best Free and Open Source Games for Download (Part 3 of 3)

http://www.redferret.net/?p=19316

At the time of this writing, all the links were working and went where they said they would.

If you have any questions about the tips posted in Dan's Tech tips, please contact Dan at the following email address:

dthompson5@mchsi.com

_________________________

75-80% does not speak English as a native, nor even as a second language to any extent

2010-11-30T02:02:00.001-08:00

75-80% does not speak English as a native, nor even as a second language to any extent
By Donna J. Jodhan extent.

When it comes to really understanding the landscape of our foreign markets, it would be really wise for us to keep a few things in mind if we want to attract foreign consumers.

Firstly, there is over 75% of the world's population whose first language is not English let alone speaking it as their second language. We should not really be surprised by this; despite the fact that English is the language of business both on and off the Internet. English has been the language of business for as long as we can remember but is this poised to change? Is it possible that some other language in the not too distant future will overtake English as the one of business? If so, which one?

Could it be Chinese; China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world today. Could it be Spanish? Or could it be one of the dark horses so to speak? Whichever language it is, it would be prudent for us to keep an eye on this picture.
Please see my reference below.

+++++++++++++++
Shambhala Times Community News Magazine » Speaking all of ...
By Hamish Maclaren
75-80% do not speak English as a native, nor even as a second language to any extent. This suggest that perhaps over 4 out of 5 people in the world have no real understanding of the English language. One report showed languages other than English account for 72.3 % of ... Translators for Chinese, Czech, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Greek, Persian Farsi and German have joined the group and begun captioning into those languages. Thank you very much to all of them! ...
Shambhala Times Community News Magazine -
http://shambhalatimes.org/

Jobs and careers identified - Follow tips to cope with involuntary change

2010-11-29T02:08:00.001-08:00

Greetings everyone! I'm Jill Christiansen, manager of writing services at www.sterlingcreations.ca and today I have great headlines to share with you. How to cope with involuntary change plus lots more.

Week of November 27
Jobs and careers identified

Are you prepared and ready to deal with involuntary change?
Would you like to learn how?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
Follow tips to cope with involuntary change
The Augusta Chronicle
... the length of years spent in their jobs/careers. They were baby boomers. ... and job performance, age discrimination, health concerns and retirement. ...
Read more at:
http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/business/your-business/2010-10-03/follow-tips-cope-involuntary-change

How lucrative is the business of retirement communities?
How much is the demand being driven by retiring boomers?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
CAMEN Worldwide | Blog | Continuing Care Retirement Communities
By admin
The increasing number of senior citizens from the baby boomer generation has made the business of retirement communities a very lucrative one. As a result, retirees must scrutinize the retirement community they intend to join and find out ... As such, joining a retirement community must not only take into consideration the services that will be among the immediate services availed, but also the other available services in the facility that they may require as aging begins ...
CAMEN Worldwide -
http://www.camenworldwide.com/en-us/

What exactly is the generational gap?
Are there benefits to trying to bridge it?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
Benefits of bridging the generational gap
Jacksonville Daily Record
"Generation Y will be competing with Baby Boomers for the same jobs," said Jackson. ... When they begin these second careers they will be competing for jobs ...
Read more at:
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=532009

Women for women

2010-11-27T04:18:00.001-08:00

Hello there! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
It's the end of November and December is just waiting to come running in.
I hope that everyone is ready to welcome the holiday season.
Today I have an editorial to share with you by our president Donna J. Jodhan. All about women standing up for women.
I wish you a great weekend.

+++++++++++++++
Women for women
By Donna J. Jodhan

I've been in business for myself now for over 16 years and I must say that it has been for the most part extremely gratifying. Previous to this I worked at two major Canadian banks and IBM Canada. Those experiences were also very gratifying but in all honesty, having and running my own little company has been the best for me.

Life is a blind business woman is very challenging at times. Some times I am treated equally, some times not. Often times I am given a rough ride because of my blindness and many times I am given a rougher time because I'm a woman.

One of the most frequently asked questions is this: Do you feel that women are harder on women or that women are easier on women? I've been giving this a lot of thought and this is a difficult question to answer. My opinion is that in the normal scheme of things, women try to be easy on women, but every now and then and maybe a bit too often, women are harder on women and some times even dare to admit that they'd rather deal with men rather than their fellow women.

Whenever I've had the chance to ask various women why is it that they choose to be harder on women than on men, their most common answers are:
Women don't make good managers.
Women don't have the time to commit fully to anything because their family comes first.
Women cannot commit fully to anything because they are the main care givers of the family.
Women are unable to commit to full time jobs because when they become pregnant they need to go off on maternity leave and this results in them being away from the office for extended periods of time each time they become pregnant.
Women managers are much more moody and temperamental than their male counterparts.

I've had both male and female managers throughout my corporate career and I've also had to deal with both sexes in various capacities as a small business owner. I've seen lots but at the end of the day I truly believe that the only way for us women to survive both as business professionals and as persons, is for us to stick together. No, I'm not a feminist by any means and I'm not a card carrying member of any women's groups but I believe that in order to survive us women need to stick together more closely.

For who to understand us better than our very own woman folk? Who to understand the trials and tribulations that we face on a daily basis than ourselves? Who better to stand up for us than we ourselves?

Just my humble opinion.

Your best American cities

2010-11-26T02:02:00.001-08:00

Hello there! I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your virtual travel agent and we are up to our final week of November. Boy o boy! The holiday season is fast upon us and soon some of us will be zooming away to warmer climates.
For those of you who are unable to do this, why not climb aboard with the rest of us and have some virtual fun? Time to relax a bit, kick off your shoes, and let your imagination do the rest.
Enjoy!

Week of November 27

Your best American cities

1. St Petersburg Florida
If you are seeking a city where you can either retire to or vacation at, then welcome to beautiful St Petersburg Florida.
A city where the sun never stops shining, pristine beaches abound, and lovely waters for sailing and swimming are waiting for you.
St Petersburg is the choice for millions of European vacationers as well as for millions of North American retirees.
It is one of the fastest job growth spots in America with oodles of opportunities from everyone; the young professional to the retiree.
Not to worry! The cost of living is below the national average! So come on down!

2. Huntsville Alabama
If you are looking for a city to launch your career, then why not Huntsville?
A city that caters to the science student and one that is loving called the rocket city and for good reason.
Huntsville's economy is firmly based on the rocket industry.
Nicely tucked away in the North of Alabama, Huntsville offers a cost of living that is way below the national average.
With lots of sports, entertainment, fine dining, excellent shopping, and great educational facilities, Huntsville enables you to live in fresh green spaces.
Lush trails, parks, and lots of recreational activities for you to choose from.

3. Fayetteville Arkansas
Are you that young person who is looking for opportunities to work and study in a dynamic city?
One where you can study at a top notch American university that offers some of the best education along with excellent sports and athletic programs?
A city that offers you your pick of jobs in any one of the following sectors: Health care, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, education, plus much more?
Are you in search of that city that enables you to play, work, and live in style?
Yes indeed! That city certainly exists and it is Fayetteville Arkansas!

4. Allentown Pennsylvania
If you are in search of that city where you can live in style and peace and at the same time be close enough to reach out and touch the Big Apple; New York City, then I have the perfect city for you!
Allentown Pennsylvania, where the cost of living sits below the national average and where you can live in a home that ranges from the old to the modern and something in between.
Allentown has so much to offer. From affluent neighborhoods to historic districts, and from modest homes to an up and coming waterfront district that will offer you classy shopping, fine dining, wonderful views of the city, plus so much more.
You can lkive in a medium sized city that enables you to stay in touch with the rest of the world.
Why not come and see what Allentown has to offer.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

When in doubt, pick up the phone

2010-11-25T02:00:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I'm Nico Trimoff, manager of accessibility and transcription services at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Have you ever wondered if phone communication will ever fail to be important? For me, I feel strongly that communication by phone will always be very important; especially when it comes to ensuring that we get the right message.
I have a great article to share with you today. One that was sent to us by Scott Chippersac and I thank Scott for his contribution.
I hope that you find it as interesting as I did.
Have a great day.

+++++++++++++++
A reader's contribution

When in doubt, pick up the phone
Digital tools do a terrible job of conveying context, personality and

Mark Evans
Globe and Mail, May. 28, 2010

We live and work in an age when digital tools are becoming a bigger part of
how we communicate and do business.

With services such as e-mail, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, people
communicate and build relationships with colleagues, partners, suppliers and
customers without ever talking to or meeting them. In many ways, it has made
communications and business more efficient and productive because things can
be done quickly while delivering a huge amount of information and content.

While digital tools are wonderful, they have their weaknesses and
limitations.

Digital tools do a terrible job of conveying context, personality and
nuance. What may come across as constructive criticism in person can be
interpreted as critical within an e-mail. The same goes for sarcasm, which
in person can be funny but can have
A negative connotation if done digitally.

For communications where the spirit of the message can be difficult to
interpret digitally, there is a simple solution: the phone.

It may seem like a strange concept to call someone when you could send an
e-mail or a direct message on Twitter, but talking to someone - even for a
few minutes - can be just as effective and efficient. At the same time, a
phone call can help overcome any issues simply based on the tone of the
conversation.

The rule of thumb is "when in doubt, pick up the telephone." If there is a
chance that what you want to convey could get lost in the digital shuffle,
resist the urge to send a message.

The telephone isn't sexy, and talking to someone means you have to have a
conversation as opposed to sending a message into the digital ether. But
even one phone conversation can change the dynamics of a relationship
because it gives both parties a way to get sense of personalities and
attitudes - something that is difficult to get
>From the Internet.

Mark Evans is a principal with ME Consulting
, a content and social media strategic and tactical consultancy that creates
and delivers 'stories' for companies looking to capture the attention of
customers, bloggers, the media, business partners, employees and investors.

What if Facebook Added a "Blog" Tab?

2010-11-24T01:54:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I'm Mark Micheau, manager of research and translation services at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
It's the middle of the week and today I have a great article to share with you. One that centers the focus on a very important question; what if Facebook were to add a blog tab?
Please read on and I wish you a terrific day.

+++++++++++++++
A WebProNews article
What if Facebook Added a "Blog" Tab?
Chris Crum | Staff Writer

How Facebook Could Help Itself and the Blogosphere

You may have gotten some good links in the past, but don't count on them helping you forever. Old links go stale in the eyes of Google. Facebook wants to keep users on Facebook. So far, they are doing a pretty good job of that. More and more people are spending more of their online time on Facebook, not to mention, spending more time connected to the web in general (at least partially due to rising use of smartphones).

--
How much time do you spend on Facebook in a month? A week?
Let us know.

Facebook recently made it a point to show users how to use the social network to keep up with the news. Users can simply become fans of their favorite news organizations' pages (feel free to include ours in your mix), and group them in a "news" list just as they would create a group for friends or co-workers. The bottom line is; spending more time on Facebook getting news headlines is spending more time on Facebook period. There is also talk of Facebook working on its own web email service. Again, more time spent on Facebook.
One way Facebook could capture even more of its users' time, is if it introduced a "blog" tab. Facebook currently has a "notes" tab, and quite a few people do use this. It's a similar concept, but what if it was given more prominence and renamed "blog?" A blog tab might keep Facebook users even longer. First of all, the users blogging with it would obviously be sticking around to write their posts. In addition, their friends and fans would be sticking around longer to read those posts, which would generally be much longer and require more time than the average status update.

Would more people become bloggers?

I suspect that the word "notes" doesn't quite resonate the same as the word blog in the minds of many Facebook users, although for all intents and purposes, the feature operates like a blog. You can post longer-form content for your friends and fans to see, and they can comment on it, while it all remains in tact in one spot for future reference. Not only could the addition of a "blog" tab keep Facebook users around longer, but it could have a significant impact on the Blogosphere. Simply calling it a blog and having it available right from any user's profile page might just inspire.

Connect Laptops to HDTVs with Intel's WiDi - Click Here Now!

Is social media killing blogs?

No, but it's hard to say that use of sites like Facebook and Twitter (and now Google Buzz) don't lend to less blog posts being created. If nothing else, it's simply a time issue. It is easy to push out a quick status update if you have something to say. It's easier than blogging. For longer-form content, blogs are generally the better option, which is one reason they are still alive and well. But if Facebook had a blog tab, the social network could cut into the Blogosphere even more, given its huge userbase, while establishing itself as a go-to place for blogging (another area in which Facebook could compete with Google, I might add. Don't forget that Google owns Blogger).

If Facebook did this, it is very unlikely that all current bloggers would immediately go running there to do their blogging, but Facebook users who may not already be blogging may find the urge to do so when that tab is right in front of their faces. And frankly, I'm confident many current bloggers would go running there. Facebook is a powerful tool for building an audience or expanding upon one.

It works on MySpace. Look at director Eli Roth's blog, for example. He gets a lot of engagement there (although he hasn't updated in several months). Facebook is another animal altogether, and its growth is unprecedented. Just look at Facebook's latest round of stats.

Facebook is frequently adding and changing features, as any user can certainly attest (for better or for worse). It is not hard to imagine them doing something like this. For the record, the company has made no mention of going such a route, to my knowledge. There are currently ways to blog within and around Facebook if you look hard enough, but if Facebook made blogging a focal point, I think it could take off, and perhaps lend to the concept of Facebook as a news source, and even add greatly to the Blogosphere by encouraging more blogging.

3 Creative Ways to Learn a Foreign Language Using the Internet

2010-11-23T02:02:00.001-08:00

3 Creative Ways to Learn a Foreign Language Using the Internet
By Donna J. Jodhan

There used to be a time when learning a foreign language meant that you had to physically attend classes. No more! Now you can do it all over the Internet. This is not to say that physically attending classes has gone out of style. Some are using a combination of both methods.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages but as time marches on, you will find that more students will choose to use the Internet because of convenience and this method is a more effective way to reach students in remote areas. Distance learning at its best.

For those who prefer the face to face contact by attending physical classes, I don't think that you should have anything to be too anxious about. It is not going to go away any time soon.

What we will probably see is a combination of both methods being used. I have a great reference for you to check out. Please see below.

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3 Creative Ways to Learn a Foreign Language Using the Internet ...
By Translation Services Advocate Admin
It doesn't matter if you're learning Spanish, Chinese or Swahili. Once you begin changing your routine and thinking "outside-the-lines" you'll be on your way to fluency. Here are three creative ways to learn a foreign language that you can ... Once you're in the group and you're comfortable adding comments, ask if anyone in the group is learning English. (Don't be surprised by the large number of responses). Once you find someone that seems responsible and motivated, ...
Language Marketplace translation... -
http://www.languagemarketplace.com/blog/

Jobs and careers identified - For jobs, hold on eight years

2010-11-22T02:01:00.001-08:00

Greetings everyone! I'm Jill Christiansen, manager of writing services at www.sterlingcreations.ca and today I have great news to share with you. Insightful and interesting news. Please read on.

Week of November 20 2010
Jobs and careers identified

How long should one hold on to a job?
Just a while, for a long time, or what?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
For jobs, hold on eight years
Pensacola News Journal
Good news/bad news for all those baby boomers filled with fear about an old ... careers will be for nurses, teachers, child-care workers, all tough jobs. ...
Read more at:
http://www.pnj.com/article/20101010/NEWS01/10100325/1037

What are some of the hot jobs around?
In the teaching profession, the health care sector, where?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
What jobs are hot? Nursing tops state's list
Jackson Clarion Ledger
... need for nurses will continue to rise as the first of the baby boomers hit 65 ... to find jobs in their chosen careers to have a new career," she said. ...
Read more at:
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20101010/BIZ/10100344/What-jobs-are-hot-Nursing-tops-state-s-list

Is it a good thing to engage in job jumping?
If so, then why?
Please read on.
+++++++++++++++
'Job jumping' Gen Yers keep goals in mind
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
The baby boomers are known for rejecting traditional values to bring about ... 10 employed Millennials say they've already switched careers at least once, ...
Read more at:
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20101010/BUSINESS/10100320/1001