World-Renowned Advocate Donna J. Jodhan Shares Her News Round Up for July

The Monthly News Round Up For Award Winning Advocate, Sight Loss Coach and Author Donna J. Jodhan
For the month of July 2025

Read about Donna’s external engagements

Current Affairs

Now you can read about Donna’s press releases here
https://at-newswire.com/company_name/donna-jodhan/
And you can easily access her podcast interviews here
https://www.donnajodhan.com/rwc-interviews.html. Donna will keep this updated as new interviews take place.

Major news items can be found here
It’s all about Donna’s major initiatives for this month plus a lot more

Current Affairs

July 02
Donna had a virtual Zoom meeting with Stephanie Cadieu Chief Accessibility Officer where she discussed certain concerns and challenges facing Canadians with disabilities when engaging with the Canadian Government.
July 03
Donna had a phone call with Kathy Saliba of the Greater Toronto Airport where she highlighted some challenges that she faced when she traveled to the UK in June.
July 14
Donna had a very interesting Zoom session with Joan Work Senior Systems Engineer/Technical Training Specialist, HCS Technology Group
Donna was introduced to Joan by her associate Craig Cohen of the same company.
Donna is presently working on an initiative with Craig and Ben Levy to develop training to users of iPhones and iPads.
Donna was introduced to Craig by Drew Winkelman of Apple.
This initiative is in memory of the late John Panarese who opened up the world of Apple training of I devices and the Mac to blind and vision impaired users.
Donna looks forward to working with Joan as well.
July 15
Donna had a Zoom session with the Canadian Human Rights Commission where they sought her input on the draft of their Accessible Canada Act plans.
July 15
Donna interviewed Patrick Long, co-founder of Innosearch for her Remarkable World Commentary podcast.
July 16
Donna was interviewed by a team from the Canadian Border Security Agency where they sought her input on their plans for the Accessible Canada Act.
July 16
Donna interviewed Kerianne Wilson, Chair of the Air Canada Advisory Group on disability issues for her Remarkable World Commentary podcast.
July 17
Donna Interviewed Shannon Greene, a teacher at the Grove Community School in Toronto who along with her young students and fellow teachers participated in her Charter Challenge case against the Canadian Government in 2010.
Shannon and her kids wrote to then Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking him to drop their opposition to Donna’s Charter Challenge.
July 21 2025
Donna provided input to Via Rail re their proposed plans for submission for the Accessible Canada Act.
July 23, 2025
Donna interviewed Veronica Puente, a vision impaired teacher who teaches Math to blind and vision impaired students in North Carolina. Listeners will hear how Veronica is much more than a Braille teacher!
July 25
Donna interviewed her long time business associate and friend Aaron DiBlasi.
They talked about Aaron’s journey through the Disabilities landscape and the changes
that he continues to see.
July 28 – August 01
Donna participated for the second year at the Eye Retreat Camp.
She taught basics of entrepreneurship to a group of participants preparing to leave high school and those entering college.
She even developed a fun game for the students.
Donna thanks DR. Alan Chase and his team for giving her the opportunity to continue her participation.
July 29
Donna had a very productive call with Clare Kumar <clare@hdsunflower.com>
Regional Director – Canada, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Where they discussed how the sun flower tag could more helpful in clearly defining passengers with vision impairments.

July 30 2025
Donna was asked by the Canadian Transportation Agency to assist in reviewing a document that the Agency is preparing for presentation to its advisory committee on disability issues.
This document focuses on the rights of passengers traveling with a disability.

Donna continues to work feverishly to bring important voices to her RWC podcast and she is already booked up until the end of September.

You can start by taking a tour of Donna’s personal diary by visiting
www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Donna posts 3 times weekly and her posts gives you great insights into her daily life, challenges, and perspectives as a blind/vision impaired person.

Blogs posted for this month
To the www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog page

Where Is the Minister for Disabilities Issues?

The reality of getting rid of DEI

Facing Uncertainty: Navigating Our Fears for the Future

The Tim Horton tale – an almost perfect company with customer service weaknesses

You can also view previous selections here.

Contributions From Founder and Advocate Donna Jodhan

Donna has also posted other articles of interest on her
www.sterlingcreations.com/blog page
for this month.
News round up for June

Read world renown advocate Donna J. Jodhan’s sizzling news round up for June


Hottest tips from the Sterling Creations Business Desk

Read the July edition of the Sterling Creations tips – a must read


Highlight interview

World-Renowned Advocate Donna J. Jodhan’s Review of the Queen’s Pasta Cafe


A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s latest did you know diary

A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna Jodhan’s monthly diary – world renown accessibility consultant

Catch up with Donna’s expert page at

Ask An Expert


and for this month

Ask expert Donna J. Jodhan – 10 tips for learning about google drive

Read Donna’s author’s tip for this month

Ask Author Donna J. Jodhan – Inspiring You For July


And catch up with previous author’s tips

Ask An Author

Read Donna J. Jodhan’s articles on ask the coach for this month

Ask sight loss coach Donna J. Jodhan – About the French fry cutter, the wedge cutter, and a cutter to cut in quarters

Read Donna J. Jodhan’s tips and hints for catching up with the coach for this month

Catch up with world renown sight loss coach Donna J. Jodhan – Cheap Drapery Hem Weights Before Washing Windows Easy Moving Curtain Rods

Articles posted to Donna’s contribution page from founder Donna J. Jodhan

Contributions From Founder and Advocate Donna Jodhan

Ask world renown expert Donna J. Jodhan – 10 tips for learning about google drive

ask business reviewer Donna J. Jodhan – 10 tips for promoting a seaside resort july 2025

ask scam watcher Donna J. Jodhan, World renown – scams to watch for for July

World renowwn Advocate Donna J. Jodhan shares her podcasts to over 141000 listeners worldwide

See an archive of all of her product reviews at
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/news.html

Listen and catch up with Donna’s shows
Ask Donna advocacy in action

“ask Donna advocacy in action”( )
Ask Donna YouTube Playlist: https://donnajodhan.com/askdonna

“dining with donna”
( )
Dining With Donna YouTube Playlist: https://www.donnajodhan.com/dwd

Your mental stretch with donna

YouTube Playlist: Mental Stretch
https://donnajodhan.com/mentalstretch

Ask the business reviewer:
YouTube Playlist: Ask the Business Reviewer –

Ask an expert:

YouTube Playlist: Ask an Expert –

And now for Donna’s latest podcasts – her Blindly brilliant page on ETSE where Donna’s pottery creations are now available.

YouTube playlist: Blindly Brilliant – Etsy:

Libsyn:
https://sites.libsyn.com/521708/site
The Libsyn RSS feed link is here:
https://feeds.libsyn.com/521708/rss
For Spotify:
https://feeds.libsyn.com/521708/spotify

Finally!
Donna has resumed posting to the Access to Information News weekly online newsletter
Sponsored by Mindvault Solutions!

Which Canadian Federal Government Department Is Ready To Lead

The QR code quandary – more than this!

World renown advocate – How Committed Are Agencies and Organizations to Persons with Disabilities?

To learn more about Donna as an award winning sight loss coach and advocate plus more visit www.donnajodhan.com

That’s it for this month.
Don’t forget to drop me an email at donnajodhan@gmail.com
Don’t be shy! Share your thoughts and feedback!

 

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Jump aboard and read the August helpful tips from the Sterling Creations team

The new look for 2025

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

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

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:
Here are 10 practical tips to help you master Excel:
1.
Start with the Basics: Familiarize yourself with Excel’s interface, including the ribbon, cells, columns, and rows. Understanding the layout is key to navigating the program confidently.

2.
Learn Essential Formulas and Functions: Begin with simple arithmetic formulas, then progress to functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, and COUNT. This foundational knowledge will streamline your data analysis.

3.
Master Keyboard Shortcuts: Using shortcuts (like Ctrl+C for copy, Ctrl+V for paste, and F2 to edit a cell) can significantly boost your efficiency.

4.
Practice Cell Referencing: Understand the difference between relative, absolute, and mixed references. This knowledge is critical for building dynamic formulas that update correctly when copied to other cells.
5.

Explore Data Formatting: Learn to format cells, rows, and columns to improve readability. Experiment with number formats, conditional formatting, and cell styles to enhance your spreadsheets.

6.
Dive into Data Analysis Tools: Get comfortable with features such as sorting, filtering, and using PivotTables. These tools can transform raw data into insightful summaries.

7.
Use Online Tutorials and Courses: Supplement your learning with free online resources, video tutorials, and Excel courses. Websites like Microsoft’s support pages and other e-learning platforms offer guided lessons.

8.
Practice with Real-World Projects: Apply what you learn by working on personal projects, such as budgeting, tracking expenses, or analyzing data sets. Practical application reinforces your skills.

9.
Learn Advanced Functions: As you progress, explore more advanced functions like VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and logical functions such as IF, AND, and OR to tackle more complex problems.

10.
Stay Consistent and Experiment: Regular practice is crucial. Challenge yourself with new tasks, experiment with different features, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re a great way to learn.
Using these tips will help you build a strong foundation in Excel and develop skills that can be applied to a variety of tasks and industries. Happy learning!
Good response

To contact me please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca

I’m Donna J. Jodhan (sight loss coach and accessibility advisor)

_________________________

Important tips from the travel table
From the pages of Donna’s diary
A hot air balloon ride

And as I reflect on this once in a lifetime experience, I can only thank God for this privilege and to my dear friend Jilla for having helped to make my dream come true.

O yes! And on a cool spring day in June 2024 Jilla and I rose gently into the Lucerne Switzerland skies.
The sun blessed us with its golden rays. The air was fresh and cool and our 2 escorts confidently guided us over the landscape of Lucerne.

Jilla and I chatted quietly and she described so many things to me.
Cattle grazing in the fields, people looking up and waving at us, and those beautiful mountains, Churches, and o so much more

We traveled for about 12 miles at about 5000 feet and at a speed of 1200 kilometers.
Our escorts sat behind us and chatted between them occasionally engaging with us.
For me? I felt as if I had died and gone to Heaven!
Or rather, that I was actually in Heaven!

Talk about an accessible hot air balloon ride and this was one that was truly accessible for me.
The crew was friendly, welcoming, and so very helpful from start to finish.
They took care of every need and requirement.
Their assistance was flawless.

O what a dream come true for me!
Thank you everyone!

I’m Donna J. Jodhan enjoying my travels.

To learn more about me as a sight loss coach and author visit
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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

_________________________

A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
August 2025 monthly tips
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 cottage cheese
Cottage cheese contains loads of protein.

2) About covering your fingers when slicing cheese
Did you know that if you do not cover your fingers when slicing cheese,
Your fingers can spread bacteria to your cheese?

3) About coke, seven up, and ginger ale
Coke contains the most sugar.
Seven up is next
And ginger ale contains the least amount of sugar.

4) How to preserve avocadoes after you have cut them
Squeeze a bit of lemon juice on them.

5) About bananas, rice, apple sauce
Any of these 3 can be used to help stop a Diarrhea

6) A tip about using scented body wash or soap:
Scented body wash or soap is harsher on the skin than unscented body wash or soap.

7) When storing grapes in your fridge:
Make sure that they remain on the vein.
For if they don’t and drop off, they will wilt and soften.

8) And what are some of the more difficult odors to get rid of when you do your laundry?
Smells of sweat, urine, and musty smells.

9) All about the benefits of smiling!
Each time you smile you improve your own mental health by driving stress away.
You also improve the mental health of those around you.

10) Some helpful tips on water
1. By some estimates, about 75 percent of people in the U.S. are “chronically dehydrated.”
2. Perhaps one-third of people in the U.S. have a sensation of thirst so weak that it’s often mistaken for hunger.
Maybe this is why one study revealed that a glass of water will shut down nighttime hunger pangs for most people.
3. Even a small amount of dehydration can slow a person’s metabolism down.
For this reason, lack of water is the primary cause of fatigue during the day.
4. A 2 percent drop in body water can cause fuzzy short-term memory,
difficulty with basic math,
and trouble focusing on a computer screen
or on a printed page
(by the time a person feels thirsty, the body has already lost about 1 percent of its water volume).

 

5. Drinking sufficient water every day decreases the risk of colon cancer, bladder cancer,
and very possibly other cancers.
The American Cancer Society recommends drinking at least 8 cups of liquid a day.
It’s obvious that proper water intake can eliminate or ease a whole host of common health problems.
This shouldn’t be surprising, since our bodies are up to 75 percent water.
Water plays a role in almost every body function,
carrying nutrients and oxygen to every cell,
helping us to breathe,
cushioning and protecting our vital organs and joints,
converting food into energy, and removing waste.

_________________________

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.

Below is an overview of three scam types that tend to emerge or intensify during the summer month of August. This information is meant for consumer awareness and protection:
1. Travel & Vacation Rental Scams
Overview:
As many people plan vacations during the summer, scammers may post fraudulent listings or travel deals on social media and less-regulated websites. These scams lure potential travelers with attractive prices or “exclusive” offers for hotels, rental homes, or vacation packages that don’t actually exist.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Always book through reputable platforms or directly with trusted providers.
• Verify the legitimacy of listings by checking reviews and contacting the property owner or service directly.
• Be wary of deals that require immediate payment or ask for payment via untraceable methods.

2. Back-to-School Financial Aid or Scholarship Scams
Overview:
August marks the start of a new academic year, and scammers often target students and families by posing as legitimate scholarship organizations or financial aid offices. They may claim to offer guaranteed grants, scholarships, or low-interest student loans, but only in exchange for an upfront fee or sensitive personal information.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Verify offers by checking directly with official school or government websites.
• Never pay a fee to secure a scholarship or financial aid package.
• Consult with your school’s financial aid office if you’re unsure about an offer’s authenticity.

3. Social Media Giveaway & Contest Scams
Overview:
During August, there’s often an uptick in online promotions, contests, and giveaways—especially on social media. Scammers may impersonate well-known brands or celebrities, advertising fake contests that require participants to provide personal data or even a small “processing fee” to claim a prize.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Double-check the source by visiting the brand’s official website or verified social media profiles.
• Avoid sharing excessive personal information, particularly if an offer seems too good to be true.
• Report any suspicious activity to the platform or appropriate consumer protection authorities.
Final Note:
Scammers continuously update their tactics, so staying informed and cautious is your best defense. For the most up-to-date information and further guidance, refer to trusted sources such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.

_________________________

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

 

 

 

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A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna Jodhan’s monthly diary – world renown accessibility consultant

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.

1) What is the major cause for bags or crow’s feet under one’s eyes?
The experts point to stress.
2) About treating fungus nails?
You need to know that fungus nails is contagious.
Visit your doctor to obtain a prescription to deal with this.

3) A useful travel tip.
Place all of your medications in one pouch and take it on board with you if traveling by aircraft.
Place all of your digital adapters in another pouch and best to pack this in our suitcase.
However, you may want to take the charger to your I device on board with you.

4) A tip for when you wash your sneakers:
The safest way is to put them in a mesh bag.
If you choose not to do this then remove the laces to your sneakers before you place them in your washer.

5) About flushable wipes?
The safest thing to do is not to flush these wipes even if they are advertised as flushable.
Rince them after using them and place them in the garbage.

6) Reducing an acid like tase?
Add a pinch of salt.

7) Tales of aging?
These unwanted spots show up just under our eyes.

8) Where not to leave your pets during the hot days of summer?
On the porch,
In a green house,
In your conservatory!

9) What is the best drink to have to avoid dehydration?
Water of course!

10) Another tip on how best to utilize sun tan lotions and sprays?
Apply about 15 minutes before venturing into the sun.

 

 

 

 

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Catch up with world renown sight loss coach Donna J. Jodhan – Cheap Drapery Hem Weights Before Washing Windows Easy Moving Curtain Rods

Catching up with the coach!

July 2025

 

To contact me with your idea send your emails to me at donnajodhan@gmail.com

1) Best Of Helpful Hints: The Best Of Hints For Draperies

Cheap Drapery Hem Weights

* Use old door keys

_____

 

2) Best Of Helpful Hints: The Best Of Hints For Draperies

Before Washing Windows

*To avoid taking down drapes when washing windows, painting or laying carpet, drape them through a clothes hanger and hang from the curtain rod. The drapes will be safely out of the way.

_____

 

3) Best Of Helpful Hints: The Best Of Hints For Draperies

Easy Moving Curtain Rods

* After washing traverse or curtain rods, wax them. They will move much better. This applies to new rods as well.

_____

 

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World-Renowned Advocate Donna J. Jodhan’s Review of the Queen’s Pasta Cafe

A Review of the Queen’s Pasta Cafe
By Donna Jodhan
Award Winning Advocate and Sight Loss Coach

Introduction:

Now talk about welcoming and friendly and let’s put this restaurant at the top of the class!

So how would I rate their services? With 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest, here are my ratings.

Service desk assistance – 5
Assistance for diners with special needs – 5
Assistance at restaurant – 5

Remarks :

Access to the restaurant was extremely user friendly for a vision impaired person and navigating among the tables was not very difficult.

About staff:

They really knew how to accommodate and serve me as a vision impaired person.

My meal:

Excellent and perfect!

Any suggestions?

Just you go out there and show others how to do it!

Contact info:

Address: 2263 Bloor St. West, Toronto, ON M6S 1N8
Phone: (416) 766-0993
Website: Queen’s Pasta Cafe

To learn more about me as an award winning sight loss coach and advocate visit https://donnajodhan.com.

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Ask sight loss coach Donna J. Jodhan – About the French fry cutter, the wedge cutter, and a cutter to cut in quarters

Ask the Coach!

July 2025

My name is Donna Jodhan and I am using my extensive experience as a sight loss coach as well as my lived experience to share and respond to questions that are submitted to me and I also invite you to share your thoughts on questions asked.

 

For this month:  a question from Kerby in Washington DC.

Kerby wants to know if there is such a thing as a French fry cutter?

 

My response:

Yes Kerby and I’d like to recommend the TOWER FRY CUTTER.

Easy to use, easy to clean, and has a place in one’s kitchen.

It is perfect for the summer’s activities.

Use this nifty gadget to cut fries to go along with your hotdogs and burgers.

 

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Tell us what you think!  Share your feedback and let’s get more ideas cracking!

It’s important for us to share how we do things!

 

A question from Helga in Brussels Belgium.

Helga is looking for a wedge slicer that can cut perfect wedges.

 

My response:

Helga I have a fantastic suggestion for you

Try this gadget which is available at several kitchen stores.

The perfect wedge 6 blade slicer.

Perfect for someone with low vision or who is blind.

 

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Tell us what you think!  Share your feedback and let’s get more ideas cracking!

It’s important for us to share how we do things!

 

A question from Shirley in Brunswick N.J.

Shirley wants to find a cutter that can cut in quarters.

 

My response:

Shirley such a gadget surely exists.

It is called the Quarter Cutter

Visit your nearest kitchen store to learn more.

 

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Tell us what you think!  Share your feedback and let’s get more ideas cracking!

It’s important for us to share how we do things!

 

To contact me with a question or a thought; please send an email to me at donnajodhan@gmail.com and I’ll be sure to respond in 5 business days at the most.

If you wish me to respond earlier then put the word important in your subject line and I’ll do my best to respond more quickly.

Until the next time then!

I’m Donna wishing you a pleasant day and thanking everyone for their insightful feedback and suggestions!

 

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Read world renown advocate Donna J. Jodhan’s sizzling news round up for June

The Monthly News Round Up For Award Winning Advocate, Sight Loss Coach and Author Donna J. Jodhan
For the month of June 2025

Read about Donna’s external engagements

Current Affairs

Now you can read about Donna’s press releases here
https://at-newswire.com/company_name/donna-jodhan/
And you can easily access her podcast interviews here
https://www.donnajodhan.com/rwc-interviews.html. Donna will keep this updated as new interviews take place.

Major news items can be found here

Current Affairs

It’s all about Donna’s major initiatives for this month plus a lot more

For the month of June, Donna took some time off to refresh, recharge, renew, and to refocus her business initiatives.
Her time off took her to the UK where she visited with family and friends and the highlight was a visit to the Lourdes Shrine in France where she filled her heart and mind with Faith, hope, peace, strength, and an undying determination to do her part to make a better and brighter future for kids with disabilities.
But before leaving, Donna made giant steps towards her Transitioning to a New world initiative.
She continued her discussions with the Quebec Foundation of the Blind and with the folks at Camp Massawippi.
She interviewed DR. Alan Chase of the Eye retreat org and you can listen here
Remarkable World Commentary Episode 27:
RWC Dr. Alan Chase Interview
https://sites.libsyn.com/538282/remarkable-world-commentary-episode-27-interview-with-dr-alan-chase-director-eyeretreatorg-donna-j-jodhan-llb-acsp-mba-june-9-2025

She also continued her efforts to promote her pottery pieces on Instagram
You can start by taking a tour of Donna’s personal diary by visiting
www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Donna posts 3 times weekly and her posts gives you great insights into her daily life, challenges, and perspectives as a blind/vision impaired person.

Blogs posted for this month
To the www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog page

More committed advocates needed

You can also view previous selections here.

Contributions From Founder and Advocate Donna Jodhan

Donna has also posted other articles of interest on her
www.sterlingcreations.com/blog page
for this month.

Read world renowned advocate Donna J. Jodhan’s exciting news round up for May 2025

Read the Sterling Creations tips for June 2025 – practical, logical, and extremely informative

A review of the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort Casino and Spa

A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary – see what I learned for this month

Catch up with Donna’s expert page at

Ask An Expert


and for this month

Ask expert Donna J. Jodhan – 10 tips for learning Chat GPT

Read Donna’s author’s tip for this month

See The Inspirational Message For June From Author Donna J. Jodhan


And catch up with previous author’s tips

Ask An Author

Read Donna J. Jodhan’s articles on ask the coach for this month

Ask sight loss coach Donna J. Jodhan – a useful gift for his wife who just lost her vision, if there is a gadget to help dice onions, some sort of versatile slicer on the market

Read Donna J. Jodhan’s tips and hints for catching up with the coach for this month

Catch up with sight loss coach Donna J. Jodhan – Cleaning records, venetian blinds, draperies

ask the scam watcher –

See an archive of all of her product reviews at
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/news.html

Listen and catch up with Donna’s shows
Ask Donna advocacy in action
https://sites.libsyn.com/538282/ask-donna-advocacy-in-action-june-2025

“ask Donna advocacy in action”( )
Ask Donna YouTube Playlist: https://donnajodhan.com/askdonna

“dining with donna”
Week 1 –
Dining With Donna: Bacon Florentine Fettuccine

https://sites.libsyn.com/538282/dining-with-donna-bacon-florentine-fettuccine

Week 2 –
Dining With Donna: Chicken And Wild Rice

https://sites.libsyn.com/538282/dining-with-donna-chicken-and-wild-rice

Week 3 –
Dining With Donna: French Bread Sausage Pizza

https://sites.libsyn.com/538282/dining-with-donna-french-bread-sausage-pizza

Week 4 –
Dining With Donna: Glazed Corned Beef

https://sites.libsyn.com/538282/dining-with-donna-glazed-corned-beef

( )
Dining With Donna YouTube Playlist: https://www.donnajodhan.com/dwd

Your mental stretch with donna
https://sites.libsyn.com/538282/the-mental-stretch-june-2025

YouTube Playlist: Mental Stretch
https://donnajodhan.com/mentalstretch

Ask the business reviewer:
https://sites.libsyn.com/538282/ask-the-business-reviewer-june-2025

YouTube Playlist: Ask the Business Reviewer –

Ask an expert:
https://sites.libsyn.com/538282/ask-the-expert-june-2025

YouTube Playlist: Ask an Expert –

And now for Donna’s latest podcasts – her Blindly brilliant page on ETSE where Donna’s pottery creations are now available.
https://sites.libsyn.com/538282/blindly-brilliant-podcast-june-2025

YouTube playlist: Blindly Brilliant – Etsy:

Libsyn:
https://sites.libsyn.com/521708/site
The Libsyn RSS feed link is here:
https://feeds.libsyn.com/521708/rss
For Spotify:
https://feeds.libsyn.com/521708/spotify

Finally!
Donna has resumed posting to the Access to Information News weekly online newsletter
Sponsored by Mindvault Solutions!

More Accessible Appliances Needed In Canada – A Great Way To Foster Greater Independence

To learn more about Donna as an award winning sight loss coach and advocate plus more visit www.donnajodhan.com

That’s it for this month.
Don’t forget to drop me an email at donnajodhan@gmail.com
Don’t be shy! Share your thoughts and feedback!

 

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Read the July edition of the Sterling Creations tips – a must read

The new look for 2025
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
5. Tips from Melanie Mama Peach
+++++++++++++++
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 for learning about google drive
Here are 10 tips for learning about Google Drive and getting the most out of it:
1. Understand the Basics
• Google Drive is a cloud storage service that lets you save and access files from any device.
• You get 15GB of free storage (shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos).
2. Organize with Folders & Labels
• Create folders to categorize your files.
• Use colors & stars to mark important folders.
• Use the “Priority” section to quickly find frequently used files.
3. Learn Sharing & Permissions
• Share files with others via email or a link.
• Choose between Viewer, Commenter, or Editor permissions.
• Use “Restricted” mode to keep files private.
4. Use Google Docs, Sheets, & Slides
• Google Drive integrates with Docs (word processing), Sheets (spreadsheets), and Slides (presentations).
• Files auto-save in Drive, and you can access them offline if enabled.
5. Utilize Drive Search & Filters
• Use keywords in the search bar to find files quickly.
• Filter by file type, owner, and modification date.
• Use “has:attachment” in Gmail search to find Drive files attached to emails.
6. Sync with Google Drive for Desktop
• Install Google Drive for Desktop to sync files between your PC and the cloud.
• Choose between “Mirror” (full sync) and “Stream” (cloud-only) options.
7. Backup Important Files
• Upload critical files to Drive as a backup.
• Use Google Photos for backing up pictures and videos.
• Enable “Offline mode” for access without an internet connection.
8. Use Google Forms & Apps Integration
• Create surveys and quizzes with Google Forms, and responses go directly into Sheets.
• Integrate with third-party apps like Adobe Acrobat, Trello, and Slack.
9. Recover Deleted Files
• Files in the Trash stay for 30 days before permanent deletion.
• Use “Manage Versions” to restore older file versions.
• If you delete something permanently, try contacting Google Support.
10. Enhance Security
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for extra protection.
• Review who has access to your shared files.
• Use Drive encryption when storing sensitive data.
To contact me please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca
I’m Donna J. Jodhan (sight loss coach and accessibility advisor)
_________________________
Important tips from the travel table
From the pages of Donna’s diary
A horse drawn carriage ride
I am still hoping to be able to enjoy one of these and I did have my opportunity when I visited Austria in 2023 but not sure what held me back.
So my comments would just be hoping for the following.
* That steps up to the carriage are easy to negotiate and not too steep.
* That seats are comfortable and evenly spaced.
* That it is negotiate between seats.
* that comfort is top of the list.
* That carriage drivers are friendly and welcoming.
* that the carriage trip is just the right length of time.
This should be a good wish list to begin.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan enjoying my travels.
To learn more about me as a sight loss coach and author visit
http://www.donnajodhan.com
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
_________________________
A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
July 2025 monthly tips
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) Interesting reading about elephants!
1) The most obvious characteristic of elephants, besides their massive size, is their trunk.
An elephant’s trunk is nothing more than an elongation of their nose and upper lip,
but it is the most versatile of all mammalian creations.
The trunk is composed of an estimated 150,000 muscles
and is employed as a nose, arm, hand,
and multipurpose tool to pull branches off trees,
uproot grass, pluck fruit, and to place food in their mouths.
The trunk is also used for smelling, trumpeting, drinking, greeting, or throwing dust for dust baths.
Elephant tusks are elongated upper incisors and are the largest and heaviest teeth of any living animal.
The tusks are used for digging for roots and water, stripping the bark off trees for food,
defense from predators,
and fighting each other during mating season.
Elephant tusks grow continuously throughout the elephant’s life.
They can grow as long as 10 feet and weigh as much as 150 pounds each.
2) A tip on saving water when doing your laundry
It is always best to turn off the taps after you have done your laundry.
Not doing so will only serve to waste water.
3) Some tips about weight
If you find that your shoes are fitting you slacker then you may have lost some weight.
4) About having airplane mode on
Best to have airplane mode on while staying at a hotel.
This way you ensure that you do not incur unnecessary wi-fi connection charges.
5) About  Aspirin
You can take Aspirin to help you settle an upset or Nauseous tummy
6) About egg shells
Grind up egg shells to make fertilizer.
Feed them to your hens to help them produce healthy eggs and chicks.
7) About coffee grinds
Use coffee grinds to help you fertilize your garden beds.
8) about deer
The white tail deer use their tails to warn their fellow deer of pending danger.
They swish them in the air.
9) About best before dates
They are particularly important when checking meat and deary products.
10) About shrink flation
This term applies to shrinking packages of food and rising prices.
_________________________
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.
Predicting specific scams for a future date like July 2025 can be tricky, as scams tend to evolve with technology, trends, and global events. However, there are some patterns and emerging trends that we can look at, based on current advancements and societal shifts. Here are three notable scams that could potentially emerge around that time:
1. AI-Powered Identity Theft Scams
With AI technologies rapidly advancing, especially in the fields of deep learning and synthetic media (like deepfakes), scammers may leverage these tools to impersonate individuals more convincingly. In July 2025, we could see scams where criminals use AI to mimic voices, faces, and writing styles of loved ones or business associates, convincing victims to transfer money or share personal information. These scams might include:
• Deepfake video or audio calls pretending to be a family member in distress.
• Fake emails or messages from “official” organizations, made to look more convincing due to AI-generated elements.
2. Cryptocurrency Investment Scams with a “DeFi” Twist
Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms are growing in popularity, and by 2025, they may be more widely integrated into mainstream finance. However, this could lead to an increase in DeFi-related investment scams. These scams could involve:
• Fake DeFi platforms promising high returns on investments or staking opportunities.
• Ponzi schemes disguised as “liquidity pools” or “yield farming.”
• Fraudulent tokens or coins being promoted with celebrity endorsements or fabricated success stories. Victims may be lured in by promises of “easy profits” in a market that continues to lack strong regulations.
3. Smart Home Device Exploitation Scams
As the “Internet of Things” (IoT) grows, with more homes adopting smart devices like security cameras, voice assistants, and thermostats, there could be a rise in smart home-related scams. Scammers may take advantage of vulnerabilities in smart devices to trick victims into compromising their security or personal information. Possible scams include:
• Fake “smart device updates” or “security patches” sent through phishing emails that, when clicked, infect the device with malware.
• Scammers hacking into smart home systems to create fake tech support scenarios, convincing the owner to grant access or send payments for “urgent repairs.”
• Fraudulent smart home product offers, where the victim buys devices or services that are either non-existent or used to compromise their privacy.
By July 2025, these scams could become more sophisticated as technology continues to advance. Staying vigilant about new security practices and educating oneself on the latest fraud tactics will be key to avoiding these potential threats.
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 Tips from Melanie Mama Peach
Guide To Using Herbs
Which herb goes with what food?
If you grow herbs as houseplants or in the garden, you’ll, want to harvest and use them, so here’s a handy list of foods they’ll complement.
BEEF:
About 15 herbs go well with beef; recommended are basil, bay, caraway, coriander, cumin, dill, marigold, marjoram, mint, sage, savories, tarragon and thyme (no rosemary).
PORK:
Anise, basil, bergamot, chervil, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, lemon balm, mint, marjoram, rosemary, sage, savories, tarragon and thyme.
LAMB:
Other than mint, there’s basil, bay, caraway,, coriander, cumin, dills good, lemon balm, hyssop, marjoram, rosemary, sage, savories or thyme.
POULTRY:
For chicken only:  basil or bay is always good; also caraway, coriander, cumin, dill, lemon balm, marigold, marjoram, mint, rosemary and tarragon; for both sage and savories; for turkey, thyme.
FISH AND SHELLFISH:
For fish, anise, basil, caraway, chives, coriander, dill, fennel, hyssop, lemon balm (excellent), marigold, marjoram, mint, parsley, rosemary, sage, savories, tarragon; shellfish and fish, rosemary and thyme.
BREADS AND CAKES:
Coriander, cumin, caraway, dill, marigold and marjoram.  Also anise, fennel, lovage and rosemary.
GOOSE:
Sage.
DUCK:
Dill is good, so is mint. But you might try hyssop, rosemary, sage, savories, tarragon.
EGGS:
Scramble them with chives or dill.  Or, with any of the following:  anise, basil, chervil, coriander, cumin, lemon balm, lovage, marjoram, mint, parsley, rosemary, sage, savories, tarragon or thyme.
LIVER:
Coriander, sage or tarragon.
SALADS:
Anise, basil, bergamot, borage, caraway, catmint, chervil, chickweed, chives, comfrey, coriander, cumin, dandelion, dill, elder, hyssop, lemon balm, marigold, mint, parsley, salad burnet, roses, sweet cicely, tarragon and thyme.
SOUPS:
Try anise, borage, chickweed, caraway, chives, cumin, dill, fennel, hyssop, lemon balm, lovage, marigold, marjoram, mint, salad burnet, stinging nettles, savories, tarragon, thyme.
_________________________
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
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Catch up with sight loss coach Donna J. Jodhan – Cleaning records, venetian blinds, draperies

Catching up with the coach!

June 2025

 

To contact me with your idea send your emails to me at donnajodhan@gmail.com

 

12) Best Of Helpful Hints: The Best Of Hints For Cleaning The Miscellaneous

Records

* Warm water and a mild detergent applied with a soft sponge will remove the dust that becomes impacted in the grooves. Rinse under tap water. Dry with a lint free cloth.

_____

 

13) Best Of Helpful Hints: The Best Of Hints For Cleaning The Miscellaneous

Venetian Blinds

* You can quickly clean metal venetian blinds by saturating a cloth with rubbing alcohol and wrapping around a rubber spatula. It will easily reach into the tiny slats.

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14) Best Of Helpful Hints: The Best Of Hints For Draperies

Before Sending The Drapes To The Cleaners:

* As you remove the hooks, mark the places where the hooks were inserted with pink nail polish. These dots will remain through the cleaning process.

* For draperies that hang on particular windows, number the panels, starting from left to right. Use colored thread and mark on the wrong side on the bottom hem. No. 1 panel, 1 long stitch; No.2 panel, 2 long stitches, etc. Be sure to knot the stitches well so that they will remain through the cleaning.

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Ask sight loss coach Donna J. Jodhan – a useful gift for his wife who just lost her vision, if there is a gadget to help dice onions, some sort of versatile slicer on the market

Ask the Coach!

June 2025

My name is Donna Jodhan and I am using my extensive experience as a sight loss coach as well as my lived experience to share and respond to questions that are submitted to me and I also invite you to share your thoughts on questions asked.

 

For this month:  a question from Darius of New Castle New Hampshire.

Darius is looking for a useful gift for his wife who just lost her vision.

 

My response:

Darius, this is a very wide question to ask in that I would need to know more about what your wife likes or what she may need to help her be it in the kitchen, or home in general.

 

I can suggest a useful gadget that one of my associates recently bought for his wife who is vision impaired.

How does a Professional Manual Food Processor  sound to you?

It is very affordable at the present time; under $50.

It can certainly help to make tasks much easier in the kitchen and it is very easy to use and clean.

Give this a try.

 

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Tell us what you think!  Share your feedback and let’s get more ideas cracking!

It’s important for us to share how we do things!

 

A question from Redford in Billings Montana.

Redford would like to know if there is a gadget to help dice onions?

 

My response:

Redford, absolutely!

There are several versions on the market and any friendly kitchen store would sell it.

Give it a try.

I hope this helps.

 

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Tell us what you think!  Share your feedback and let’s get more ideas cracking!

It’s important for us to share how we do things!

 

A question from Lewis in London England.

Lewis is wondering if there is some sort of versatile slicer on the market?

 

My response:

Lewis, the first thing that comes to mind is a versatile seven slicer and store set.

I don’t own one but I saw this one on the Internet.

You can have seven slicing blades and this little unit stores really nicely.

Just go to your kitchen store and tell the folks exactly what you are looking for.

 

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Tell us what you think!  Share your feedback and let’s get more ideas cracking!

It’s important for us to share how we do things!

 

To contact me with a question or a thought; please send an email to me at donnajodhan@gmail.com and I’ll be sure to respond in 5 business days at the most.

If you wish me to respond earlier then put the word important in your subject line and I’ll do my best to respond more quickly.

Until the next time then!

I’m Donna wishing you a pleasant day and thanking everyone for their insightful feedback and suggestions!

 

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