The new look for 2026
Welcome to our new look monthly tips where we are pleased to share a plethora of tricks and tips that are relevant to such things as technology, travel, managing your daily life, and much more.
So just come aboard, sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy!
If you wish to contact us then please do not hesitate to write to us at info@sterlingcreations.ca and we promise to respond within 2 business days as long as technology allows us to do so.
Give us your feedback, comments, suggestions, and thoughts!
For it is only through you and with you that we are able to do this!
Table of contents –
1. From our 10 tips on technology series
2. From the pages of Donna’s travel diary
3. A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
4. From the scam watchers
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From our 10 tips on technology series
Hello everyone:
Welcome to my 10 tip series where each month I’ll be sharing 10 tips on various pieces of technology.
This would include tips on popular screen readers, office software, and browsers.
If you have any suggestions on what you would like me to share then by all means! Write to me at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.
For this month:
10 tips on how to use blue tooth
Here are 10 simple, practical tips for using Bluetooth effectively:
1.
Keep devices close
Bluetooth works best within 10 meters (about 30 ft). Walls or furniture can weaken the signal.
2.
Turn on pairing mode properly
Many devices require holding a button for several seconds to enter pairing mode—usually indicated by a blinking light.
3.
Name your devices
Rename your phone, earbuds, or speakers so you can easily identify them in the Bluetooth list.
4.
Disconnect unused devices
Too many paired devices can cause confusion. Remove or disconnect devices you no longer use.
5.
Update firmware
Headphones, speakers, and even car infotainment systems often get firmware updates that improve Bluetooth performance.
6.
Avoid interference
Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, and other wireless devices can interfere. Moving away from them may improve connection quality.
7.
Reset Bluetooth when things glitch
Turning Bluetooth off and on, or restarting the device, often solves pairing issues.
8.
Use multipoint only when needed
If your device supports connecting to two devices at once, remember it can sometimes cause audio switching issues.
9.
Check device compatibility
Different Bluetooth versions (like 4.2, 5.0, 5.3) offer different range and speed. Older devices might not support newer features.
10.
Secure your connections
Avoid pairing in public places when possible, and remove old devices to minimize security risks.
To contact me please send an email to donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
I’m Donna J. Jodhan (sight loss coach and accessibility advisor)
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Important tips from the travel table
From the pages of Donna’s diary
An accessible conference room
Nothing makes my business trip more enjoyable and pleasant than to be able to walk into an accessible conference room.
And what makes a conference room accessible for me as a person with a vision impairment?
It is easy to find my seat.
Tables are evenly spaced so that it easy to find them.
It is easy to navigate among chairs.
Chords are placed out of the way.
It is easy to see what is on the screen.
It is easy to hear what is being said.
The layout of the room is explained to me before I take my seat.
There is enough leg room.
There is enough room between each person so that I don’t bump into them while being seated.
Hopefully the conference room is located not too far from washrooms and the elevators.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan enjoying my travels.
To learn more about me as a sight loss coach and author visit
On your next trip you could enrich your down time with some of my audio mysteries. Take them with you wherever you go!
In the car, on the plane, on the bus or train, at the beach, anywhere!
And now you can listen to Donna’s weekly podcasts!
Ask donna – a plethora of tips from a sight loss coach along with book and product reviews!
Dining with donna – recipes and time saving tips for the kitchen!
Your mental stretch with Donna – how to recharge, renew, and get going! Save yourself from those dramas, traumas, and stress!
Visit www.donnajodhan.com/youtube
and subscribe for free
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
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A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
Award winning sight loss coach, author and advocate
You can contact me via email at donnajodhan@gmail.com
Practical and natural!
Welcome to my Donna’s did you know diary for this month and pleased to share the following with you.
Here’s what I learned for this month.
1) About plants?
They appear to thrive very well in an air condition room.
2) When you take your blood pressure?
Make sure to rest your arm with the blood pressure cuff around it on a flat surface.
This way you can get an accurate reading.
3) A tip when using an injection pen!
Injection pens must be stored in a refrigerator before they are used
Before using the pen, take it out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before using.
This helps to dull the impact of any potential pain when the injection enters the body and why?
Because if the injection is cold it is more difficult to pierce the skin.
So make sure that it is warm as per the above.
4) About rust stains!
If the stains are not too severe, use a solution of baking soda and vinegar on them.
If they are severe then you need to use heavy sand paper.
5) A safe way to pack injection pens when traveling!
Wrap them separately in a thick paper towel
Place them in a zip lock bag
And you should only have no more than 2 in a bag
Place in a thermos bag and use ice packs to keep cool
The ice packs should be kept frozen and placed in the thermos bag just before you depart.
Remember to keep your pens in the fridge at all times.
6) About reducing your bill when doing your laundry?
All you need to do is to turn off your taps after your washing is done.
7) How to detect freezer burn?
Very easy!
If your meat does not have a red colour then it is freezer burn.
8) A practical tip when trying to open stubborn bottles in your fridge?
First take them out of the fridge.
Next let stand for a few minutes.
Then voila! The cover comes very easy when you turn it.
9) A drink for soothing an upset stomach?
Try drinking a cup of hot water with a splash of lemon juice.
10) What 3 important questions that you need to answer satisfactorily when you first call 911?
• What is your name?
• Where are you calling from?
• What day of the week is it?
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From the scam watchers
Donna J. Jodhan is a world renowned advocate, author, blogger, sight loss coach, dinner mystery writer and producer, entrepreneur, law graduate, and podcast commentator.
Donna has been in the business since 2000 and her many roles have allowed her to recognize that there is a growing need for consumers and clients to be made aware of some of the most dangerous and popular scams.
Donna herself has been unwittingly scammed over the years a few times and now she is using her skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise to help others avoid pitfalls and heartache.
And as a vision impaired professional and person she is ready to help you stay ahead!
Donna knows only too well how much we all need to work overtime to protect the most vulnerable from those unscrupulous scammers!
Please read her latest suite of scams and she would love to hear from you with your own feedback.
Here are three common scams that tend to spike specifically in April, based on recurring seasonal patterns:
✅ 1. Tax-Related Scams (Most Common in April)
Because many countries have tax deadlines in April, scammers take advantage with:
•
Phishing emails or texts pretending to be from tax authorities (IRS, HMRC, etc.).
•
Fake “urgent” notices claiming you owe taxes or are due a refund.
•
Phone calls threatening arrest if payment isn’t made immediately.
Red flags:
Urgent language, requests for gift cards or wire transfers, links to fake “tax authority” websites.
✅ 2. April Fools’ Day Clickbait Scams
Around April 1st, scammers disguise malicious links as:
•
Fake promotional deals (“Free iPhones today only!”)
•
Joke-style viral posts leading to malware
•
Fake sweepstakes or giveaways shared on social media
Red flags:
Too-good-to-be-true offers, gag-style headlines, unfamiliar URLs.
✅ 3. Spring Vacation & Travel Scams
April is a popular month for spring break and early summer planning, leading to:
•
Fake travel agency websites
•
Nonexistent vacation rentals (especially on short-term rental platforms)
•
Unrealistic travel deals (“5-star resort for $99!”)
Red flags:
No verifiable reviews, asking for upfront payments via crypto or wire transfer, prices far below market.
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Contact info:
Visit our websites at www.sterlingcreations.ca
www.donnajodhan.com
www.sterlingcreations.com
Email us at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
Or call us at 416 491-7711
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Contact info:
Visit our websites at www.sterlingcreations.ca
www.donnajodhan.com
www.sterlingcreations.com
Email us at info@sterlingcreations.ca
Or call us at 416 491-7711