Current Affairs

October 2019

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 13 - Tuesday, October 1st, 2019

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

September 2019

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of September 2019... more

Elections Canada Tele Town Hall - Report

We are pleased to share with you the final report for a tele town hall that was held coast to coast on June 06.... more

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 12 - Sunday, September 1st, 2019

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

August 2019

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of August 2019... more

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 11 - Thursday, August 1st, 2019

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

July 2019

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of July 2019... more

Elections Canada Tele Town Hall

On June 6th, 2019, in collaboration with the Canadian Council of the Blind and Elections Canada, Sterling Creations hosted and ran a country-wide tele town hall... more

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 10 - Monday, July 1st, 2019

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

June 2019

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of June 2019... more

Who is the Real Advocate?

Donna Jodhan's tribute to the late Chris Stark. more

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 9 - Saturday, June 1st, 2019

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

May 2019

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of May 2019... more

Canadian Accessible Election Tele Town Hall

The Canadian Council of the Blind and Sterling Creations, in collaboration with Elections Canada, are pleased to invite you to join our country-wide Tele Town Hall to be hosted on Thursday, June 6th, 2019... more

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 8 - Wednesday, May 1st, 2019

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

April 2019

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of April 2019... more

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 7 - Monday, April 1st, 2019

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

March 2019

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of March 2019... more

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 6 - Friday, March 1st, 2019

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

February 2019

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of February 2019... more

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 5 - Friday, February 1st, 2019

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

January 2019

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of January 2019... more

Looking Back

We at Barrier Free Canada - Canada Sans Barrières (and thanks to our good friend Richard Marion for reminding us!) are pleased to share this piece of memorabilia with you today... more

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 4 - Tuesday, January 1st, 2019

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

December 2018

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of December 2018... more

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 3 - Saturday, December 1st, 2018

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

November 2018

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of November 2018... more

Elections Canada presents Donna Jodhan with award

On November 20, Donna J. Jodhan was presented with an award from Elections Canada for her work with the Advisory Group for disability isues... more

Accessible Canada Act

Read about Barrier-Free Canada/Canada Sans Barrières’ presentation to the standing committee on Bill C-81 (the Accessible Canada Act), which took place on October 18, 2018. Donna Jodhan, president of BFC/CSB, was one of the witnesses at this session. The transcript is available here.

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 2 - Thursday, November 1st, 2018

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

October 2018

Let's Talk Tips, Volume 1 - Monday, October 1st, 2018

Let's Talk Tips is your monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy. more

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of October 2018... more

September 2018

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of September 2018... more

August 2018

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of August 2018... more

July 2018

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of July 2018... more

June 2018

Barrier Free Canada applauds the tabling of the Accessible Canada Act

Barrier Free Canada/Canada Sans Barrières (BFC/CSB) is celebrating the introduction on Wednesday of the long-awaited federal accessibility legislation, the Accessible Canada Act... more

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of June 2018... more

May 2018

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of May 2018... more

April 2018

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of April 2018... more

Councillor joins visually impaired Torontonians calling for improvements to WheelTrans

Jim Karygiannis, City Councillor for Ward 39, Scarborough-Agincourt, joined Ms. Donna Jodhan and Ramla Abukar from CNIB, as they flag concerns with the Wheel-Trans application process for visually impaired users. more

March 2018

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of March 2018... more

February 2018

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of February 2018... more

January 2018

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of January 2018... more

December 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of December 2017... more

November 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of November 2017... more

Donna Jodhan at the Beyond Labels Conference!

This past September, Donna Jodhan attended the Beyond Labels conference... more

October 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of October 2017... more

September 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of September 2017... more

August 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of August 2017... more

July 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of July 2017... more

June 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of June 2017... more

May 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of May 2017... more

Donna Jodhan is a guest of the AT Banter podcast!

On May 2, Donna Jodhan was the guest of the folks at AT Banter, a weekly podcast from Canadian Assistive Technology. During her chat with them she touched on a wide variety of topics... more

April 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of April 2017... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 43

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "Stephan's Sandbox" and here is a brief description... more

March 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of March 2017... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 42

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Real Bank Robber" and here is a brief description... more

February 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of February 2017... more

Canadian Council of the Blind Presents Donna Jodhan with the 2017 Person of the Year Award

I am extremely humbled and honoured to have been chosen as the CCB's 2017 person of the year! more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 41

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Board Room Brawl" and here is a brief description... more

January 2017

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of January 2017... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 40

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "Train Sets for Tristan" and here is a brief description... more

December 2016

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of December 2016... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 39

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Fireside Fillets" and here is a brief description... more

November 2016

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of November 2016... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 38

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "Crime in the Casino" and here is a brief description... more

October 2016

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of October 2016... more

Response to the CTA's regulatory modernization initiative

On behalf of Barrier Free Canada - Canada Sans Barrières... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 37

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "Horror in the Foothills" and here is a brief description... more

September 2016

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of September 2016... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 36

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Lawyers Lounge" and here is a brief description... more

August 2016

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 35

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Russian Romeo" and here is a brief description... more

July 2016

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of July 2016... more

The website accessibility divide

There is the digital divide and then there is the technology divide and now I'd like to add the website accessibility divide to this list. more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 34

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Riverfront Reunion" and here is a brief description... more

June 2016

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of June 2016... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 33

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "Breakfast in the Bahamas" and here is a brief description... more

May 2016

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of May 2016... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 32

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Ice Skater's Last Invitation" and here is a brief description... more

April 2016

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of April 2016... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 31

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "Six Candles for Summer" and here is a brief description... more

March 2016

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of March 2016... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 30

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "Mistaken Identity" and here is a brief description... more

February 2016

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of February 2016... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 29

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "Diary of a Parisian Priest" and here is a brief description... more

January 2016

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of January 2016... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 28

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "Supper at the Seaside" and here is a brief description... more

December 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of December 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 27

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "Santa's Super Secret" and here is a brief description... more

November 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of November 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 26

October 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of October 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 25

September 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of September 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 24

August 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of August 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 23

July 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of July 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 22

June 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of June 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 21

May 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of May 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 20

April 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of April 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 19

March 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of March 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 18

February 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of February 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 17

January 2015

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of January 2015... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 16

December 2014

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of December 2014... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 15

November 2014

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of November 2014... more

Accessible Elections in Canada

In late 2013 the Canadian national elections agency Elections Canada formed an Advisory Group on Disability Issues, and I was invited to be a member.

... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 14

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Kidnappers Kid" and here is a brief description... more

October 2014

CNIB Braille conference

A summary of Donna Jodhan's presentation to the CNIB's Braille conference that took place on Oct 30/31. .... more

It is also available in Word format.

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of October 2014... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 13

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Fisherman's Feast " and here is a brief description... more

September 2014

Recognition

In keeping with her commitment to recognize those who have joined her campaign against bullying (CAB), Author Donna Jodhan recognizes the following persons for the month of September 2014... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 12

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Million Dollar Mansion" and here is a brief description... more

August 2014

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 11

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The President's Partner" and here is a brief description:... more

July 2014

Election Glitches

Our regular correspondent and leading accessibility campaigner from Canada, Donna Jodhan, writes in to describe a recent voting experience following our "access to elections" special issue last month.

... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 10

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Emerald Egg" and here is a brief description... more

June 2014

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 9

This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Canadian Clown" and here is a brief description... more

May 2014

Election access at heart of Canadian disability law campaign

The removal of barriers to voting and elections is among key principles of a new Canadians With Disabilities Act which a group of Canadian disability rights advocates is urging all the country’s main political parties to pledge to pass, E-Access Bulletin has learned.

... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 8

This month's audio mystery episode is called "Bad Luck in Leafy Lane" and here is a brief description... more

April 2014

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 7

This month's audio mystery episode is called "The Chocolate Chip Cookie" and here is a brief description... more

March 2014

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 6

This month's audio mystery episode is called "The Senator's Secrets" and here is a brief description... more

February 2014

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 5

This month's audio mystery episode is called "The Norwegian Nutcracker" and here is a brief description... more

December 2013

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 4

This month's audio mystery episode is called "Rally in the Rose Garden" and here is a brief description... more

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 3

This month's audio mystery episode is called "Birthday Party at the Beach" and here is a brief description... more

November 2013

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 2

This month I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of an audio mystery episodes that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Cell Phone Call" and here is a brief description:

... more

October 2013

Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Issue 1

My name is Donna Jill Jodhan and I am the author of the Crime Crusher Audio Series with Detective DJ.

... more

February 2013

MAB-Mackay celebrates White Cane Week

The MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre kicked off White Cane Week on February 4 by highlighting the importance of having all public documents and information fully accessible to blind and visually impaired citizens.

... more

June 2012

Conservatives Must Act Immediately to Make Government Accessible to Persons with Disabilities

In the Donna Jodhan case, the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal stated unequivocally that the rights of persons with vision disabilities were being violated by denying them equal access to government information and services.

... more

Canadian Council of the Blind encouraged by new accessibility ruling.

The Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) applauds the Federal Court of Appeal for their decision last week, that ruled the federal government has a constitutional obligation to ensure its websites are fully accessible for Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

... more

Court of Appeal upholds decision for blind and partially-sighted Canadians

"I am relieved, humbled, and delighted at this decision," Donna Jodhan, the woman behind the initial legal challenge told the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "This is a victory for all Blind Canadians and this moment belongs to all of us.

... more

Blind woman wins second round in battle with government over websites

A blind businesswoman has won a second round in a fight to force the federal government to make its websites accessible to people with visual impairments.

... more

May 2012

CNIB urges government to act quickly and diligently on court ruling to make its websites accessible

Yesterday, the Federal Court of Appeal ruled that the federal government has a constitutional obligation to ensure its websites are fully accessible for Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

... more

Crusading for 24/7 Access

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) applauds the efforts of Donna Jodhan, who has waged a long, and often frustrating, legal battle against the Federal Government to convince it to make its web sites accessible to Canadians with vision impairments.

... more

Toronto woman wins second victory ordering government websites accessible

Donna Jodhan, a Toronto special-needs business consultant, won court of appeal ruling that orders Canadian government websites to be accessible to the blind.

... more

Blind advocate wins again in fight over accessibility of federal websites

A blind businesswoman has won a second round in a fight to force the federal government to make its websites accessible to people with visual impairments. Ironically, though, the file containing the Federal Court of Appeal judgment which supported her was itself not in an accessible format when she received it from her lawyer.

... more

2011

Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians Elects First Woman as its New National President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011 (download PDF)

The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), a national organization of Canadians who are blind, deaf-blind, and partially-sighted has elected Donna Jodhan as its new National President in this, its nineteenth year as an advocacy organization.

"This is humbling and a great honor for me," says Jodhan, who brings to this new office a wealth of experience as a fighter for human rights and recently the Right Holder who has taken the Government down and won her case on government website accessibility.

"We are in good hands", says Robin East, Past President, "and I have full confidence in Jodhan's abilities to lead our organization."

Some of the priorities Jodhan sees for the organization over the next two years are:

Work to increase advocacy and make the voice of blind, deaf blind and visually impaired Canadians heard;
Increase communication between our National board, local chapters, and AEBC members;
Work to establish new local chapters across Canada;
Cooperate and collaborate with other advocacy organizations to guarantee equal opportunities for all Canadians;
Ensure Point of Sale devices are accessible to all Canadians;
Increase web site accessibility both Federally and Provincially;
Continue to work with the Provinces and Elections Canada to improve election access for blind, deaf blind and visually impaired Canadians; and
Encourage young blind, deaf blind and visually impaired Canadians to participate in the advocacy work of AEBC

"As Rights Holders, we seek participation in the development and delivery of all programs and services that affect our lives," said Jodhan.

- 20 -

For further information contact:
Donna Jodhan, AEBC President
Phone: 1800 561-4774.
Email: Jodhan@blindcanadians.ca
Or visit the website at www.blindcanadians.ca

Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians

In May the Alliance for Equalify of Blind Canadians (www.blindcanadians.ca) voted Donna Jodhan their president.

Hear Donna's speech - [here]

The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians is a national charitable organization, founded in 1992, that is dedicated to promoting the increased inclusion of blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted Canadians in all aspects of social life, from employment to participation in elections. Our members, comprised of blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted consumers and supporters from across the country, participate in working groups and committees, engage with local, city-based chapters, and engage in public awareness and education activities on a daily basis.

Insight Radio Interview with Donna Jodhan

Listen as Donna Jodhan explains to Europe's first radio station for blind and partially sighted people the charter challenge and other issues facing access to the internet.

... more

CNIB Apalled at Government Plans To Appeal Court Ruling Mandating Website Accessibiilty

"Unbelievable. Ridiculous. There are no other words to describe this turn of events," said John Rafferty, president and CEO, CNIB. "The fact that it took a court case to plead for full web accessibility in the first place is bad enough, but to learn that the government plans to spend more time and taxpayer money fighting the court's ruling is just appalling."

... more

Canadian Government Appeals Landmark Accessibility Ruling

The Canadian Federal Government is appealing against the recent court ruling which branded its websites not fully accessible to disabled citizens and ordered it to remedy the problem.

... more

Ottawa appeals court ruling on accessible websites

Visually-impaired activist Donna Jodhan asks, 'Should we be interpreting this to mean that the government does not consider us as equal?'

Ottawa (24 Jan. 2011) – The federal government is appealing a December 2010 ruling of the Federal Court of Canada ordering it to make its websites accessible to visually impaired users.

... more

Donna Jodhan Succeeds in Accessibility Challenge to Federal Websites

Today Justice Michael Kelen of the Federal Court handed down a significant decision in DONNA JODHAN v. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CANADA. Ms Jodhan sought a declaration under section 18.1 of the Federal Courts Act that the standards implemented by the federal government for providing visually impaired Canadians with access to government information and services on the Internet, and the way in which those standards are implemented, denied her equal access to government information and services, and thereby violated her rights under section 15(1) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

... more

Click on the following links to view Justice Kelen's full decision. The first several pages of the document provide a detailed overview of the matter: Plain text | PDF.

For more information check out

Canadian Court Orders Government Web Accessibility Overhaul by Tristan Parker
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010
International Law – Jodhan vs Canadian Government By Tristan Parker
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

Blindness No Barrier to Ice Skating for Toronto Writer

Donna Jodhan's vocation is accessibility. Her company, Sterling Creations, provides writing, research, and translation services on business, lifestyle, and accessibility topics to numerous organizations. Her passion is recreational sports, which Jodhan pursues despite losing most of her sight to congenital glaucoma.

... more

Why I launched my Charter challenge – a right to information

Just imagine not being able to obtain information in a readable format. Just imagine having to wait for months to receive important information that you have requested through a Federal Government phone line. Just imagine not being able to access Federal Government websites to apply for jobs or request certain confidential information because you are unable to read them.

... more