And I’m Christian Robicheau wishing all moms everywhere a very, very happy Mother’s Day!
Our president’s editorial for this week fits quite nicely into the Mother’s Day theme.
Please read this editorial and Donna J. Jodhan would love to hear from you.
Send your thoughts to her at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
Happy weekend everyone.

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When words hurt

And as my dad used to say when we were kids; it’s not what you say but how you say it!
So how can we ensure that our words do not hurt? That they are meant to be variables such as:
Exuding kindness and thoughtfulness?
Encouraging engagement and communication?
Fostering positivity and problem solving?
Building relationships?

So often, we may not mean what we say or say what we mean but it comes out the wrong way whenever we fail to think before we speak.

So how do we correct this?
In my humble opinion, by taking time to choose our words very carefully before delivering them and speaking them.
To say to ourselves that we would want someone else to be the same to us.

Image = A graphic of two stick figures. One is shouting at the other with a megaphone, and the one being shouted at is covering their head with their arms to protect themselves.

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

Greetings everyone and I’m Christian Robicheau at the Sterling Creations desk.
Happy to be here and to be sharing our president’s editorial with you.
Today, Donna J. Jodhan zooms in on the continuing discussions on the benefits and advantages versus the disadvantages of self checkouts.
Read her editorial and send along your thoughts to her at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
Wishing you a great weekend.

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The Dollarama Dilemma
By Donna J. Jodhan

Self-Checkouts vs. Cash Registers: A Dilemma for Vision-Impaired Shoppers at Dollarama

During a recent visit to the Dollarama store in Bridlewood Mall, I found myself facing an all-too-common dilemma that many shoppers, particularly those with disabilities, encounter when navigating modern retail environments: the growing presence of self-checkout kiosks. The store, which had several self-checkout stations, had only a few traditional cash registers with staff to assist customers. As a vision-impaired individual, I am unable to independently use the self-checkout kiosks, so I sought assistance.

I turned to a staff member standing nearby and explained my situation, requesting help with the checkout process. At first, she directed me to the self-checkout kiosk. However, when she realized that I could not use the machine on my own, she quickly moved to the traditional cash register to help me complete my purchase. As I waited, I noticed a few other customers who, despite being fully capable of using the self-checkout, were refusing to do so. They too were opting for the traditional cash registers.

This experience raised an important question: What should Dollarama do in such a situation? Should they cater to the reluctance of customers who avoid self-checkouts and stick with the traditional registers? Or should they push forward with their automated systems and force customers to adapt, even when some people—like myself—are unable to use them independently?

The Growing Popularity of Self-Checkout
In recent years, self-checkout kiosks have become a common feature in many retail stores. They are often seen as a way to speed up the checkout process, reduce labor costs, and provide customers with an efficient, streamlined shopping experience. Many customers appreciate the convenience of scanning their own items and quickly completing their transactions without waiting in line.
However, self-checkouts are not a one-size-fits-all solution. While they may be convenient for some, they present a significant challenge for others. Vision-impaired customers, like myself, rely on staff assistance to navigate these systems, but the level of support provided can vary.
In some cases, the presence of self-checkouts may even limit accessibility for people with other disabilities, such as those who have difficulty handling small objects or reading digital screens.

The Case for More Human Interaction
While self-checkouts may work well for some, they are not universally accessible. For individuals with visual impairments, cognitive disabilities, or other conditions, a human cashier is often the best option for a smooth and independent shopping experience.

Dollarama, like many other stores, has embraced self-checkouts as part of its broader strategy to modernize operations. However, this can unintentionally create an exclusionary environment for some customers. In my case, while a staff member was quick to recognize my need for assistance, the broader issue remains: for many vision-impaired customers, the reliance on self-checkout kiosks can feel like a barrier, not a convenience.

As I waited at the traditional cash register, I couldn’t help but notice a subtle shift in the dynamics of the store. Several mainstream customers, even those without any apparent disabilities, were opting for the traditional registers over the self-checkouts. Some appeared frustrated or confused by the kiosks, while others simply seemed uncomfortable with the technology. This raises the question: What is the right balance between self-checkout convenience and human assistance?

What Should Dollarama Do?
So, what should Dollarama do in this situation? It’s clear that there is no easy answer, but a few potential solutions could help create a more inclusive and efficient shopping experience:
1.
Maintain a Balance of Self-Checkouts and Traditional Registers: While self-checkouts are here to stay, Dollarama could consider ensuring that there are enough human-staffed registers available for customers who need assistance. This would allow people with disabilities, as well as those who prefer a more personal experience, to still have access to a cashier when needed.
2.
Staff Training and Accessibility: Staff members should be trained to recognize when customers need help with self-checkouts and should be readily available to offer assistance. Additionally, stores could explore ways to make self-checkout kiosks more accessible for individuals with various disabilities—whether through audio cues, larger text options, or other assistive technology.
3.
Customer Feedback: Dollarama and other stores could benefit from gathering more feedback from customers—especially those with disabilities—on their experiences with self-checkouts. This information could guide decisions on how to improve accessibility and customer service, ensuring that all shoppers feel welcomed and supported.
4.
Return to Human Registers for Special Needs: In some cases, it may be necessary to break with the trend of automation and provide more traditional, human-operated checkouts for individuals who cannot independently use self-checkout kiosks. This could also address the discomfort some customers feel when using self-checkouts, ensuring that every customer has a choice.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Inclusivity
Ultimately, the goal should be to create a retail environment that is inclusive for all customers, regardless of their abilities. As technology continues to evolve, stores like Dollarama must find ways to balance convenience with accessibility. Self-checkouts may offer many benefits for some, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of customers who need human assistance.
For vision-impaired customers like myself, and for many others who struggle with technology, the solution may lie in providing a mix of both self-checkout options and traditional cash registers staffed by helpful, attentive employees. That way, all customers—whether they are tech-savvy or not—can enjoy a more seamless and inclusive shopping experience.

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

Hey there and I’m Scott Savoy at the Sterling Creations desk.
Happy holiday weekend to everyone and a happy Easter to those who celebrate it.
For today, our president Donna J. Jodhan expresses her thoughts on the so-called third party trauma within the Canadian Government.
Give this a read and send your thoughts to donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.
Donna would love to hear from you.
Enjoy your weekend.

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The Third-Party Trauma How the Canadian Government’s Dependence on Outsourced developers Fails Its Citizens with Disabilities
By Donna J. Jodhan

In a modern, digital world, the accessibility of government services should be a given, especially when it comes to something as crucial as submitting an application. However, many departments within the Canadian Federal Government continue to rely on third-party developers for their website design and digital systems. This reliance is turning out to be a significant oversight, as the third-party developers are often unaware, or simply indifferent, to the importance of accessibility and usability for people with disabilities. The result? A digital experience that is frustrating, cumbersome, and, at times, entirely unusable for those who need it most.
It’s not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a barrier to opportunity. Applicants with disabilities are often unable to independently navigate or submit their applications. Whether it’s due to poorly designed forms, incompatible interfaces, or outright inaccessible features, these citizens are left to struggle in a system that should be facilitating their participation in Canadian society. The third-party companies involved, while profiting from these contracts, are frequently oblivious to the specific needs of users with disabilities, leaving them unable to answer concerns, address questions, or make necessary adjustments.
The consequences of this oversight are far-reaching. Citizens with disabilities who rely on assistive technology or accessibility features cannot even access the forms they need to apply for services, jobs, or benefits. These individuals are often forced to seek help from outside sources or wait for in-person assistance, something that delays and complicates processes that should be streamlined.
For these individuals, the “help” from the third-party companies is often nonexistent. When they encounter issues, they are left without direct avenues for resolving their problems, and many government departments, which contract these companies, fail to intervene. It is a situation where the system is not built with inclusivity in mind, leaving vulnerable individuals to bear the brunt of this digital divide. Just ask the Privy Council Office, which has yet to demonstrate how it is addressing the accessibility needs of Canadians with disabilities, despite these ongoing issues.
And it’s not just application forms that are problematic. Other departments have produced online videos that leave viewers in the dark—literally. Videos are rolled out with critical questions displayed on the screen without any audio description, making it impossible for people with visual impairments to engage with the content in any meaningful way. How is this acceptable in 2025?
Yet, we shouldn’t be quick to place the blame solely on the third-party developers. The real accountability lies with the departments that hire them. These departments are fully responsible for ensuring that the systems they implement are accessible, functional, and designed with inclusivity in mind. Time and again, we’ve seen the Canadian government outsource development without clear guidelines or meaningful oversight. It’s easy to point fingers at third-party companies, but the departments that contract them are equally at fault for not prioritizing accessibility and failing to ensure the systems they deploy are usable for all Canadians.
The time for inaction is over. The Canadian Federal Government must take immediate steps to ensure that third-party contracts come with strict accessibility requirements and that these requirements are enforced from the beginning. Government departments need to take responsibility for the digital experiences of all Canadians, especially those with disabilities. Those who are charged with providing services to citizens cannot continue to ignore the needs of marginalized communities.
It is time for a change. Not tomorrow, not next year, but now. The barriers to accessibility in Canada’s digital government services must be addressed, and it’s up to the departments, not the third-party companies, to ensure these barriers are eliminated. There is no excuse for a system that leaves its most vulnerable citizens behind.

Image = a photo of a pair of hands reaching out of a laptop screen, holding up a sign that says, “Help!”

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

Greetings everyone and I’m Christian Robicheau welcoming you to a typical April weekend.
Ah yes April showers brings May flowers and here’s hoping!
Today our president Donna J. Jodhan has a very thoughtful editorial to share with us.
It’s all about the duty to accommodate.
Donna is waiting to hear from you.
Send along your email to donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
Enjoy your weekend.

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The Duty to Accommodate: A Forgotten Commitment?
By Donna J. Jodhan

In years gone by, the Canadian Federal Government frequently invoked the term “the duty to accommodate” in discussions surrounding accessibility. This phrase, laden with promise, suggested a moral and legal obligation to ensure that all Canadians, regardless of their abilities, could participate fully in society. But what did it truly mean? Was it a duty to commit, or merely a duty of best effort? And who was really being asked to shoulder this responsibility?

The duty to accommodate emerged from a desire to create a more inclusive society, yet its interpretation often felt vague and inconsistent. On one hand, it implied a strong commitment from the government and institutions to remove barriers and provide support. On the other, it sometimes came across as a half-hearted effort, a mere checkbox in a policy agenda. For many individuals with disabilities, this duality raised questions:

How much effort would be deemed sufficient? What resources were being allocated to ensure these accommodations were not only promised but enacted?
The onus of this duty often fell on various entities—employers, schools, and public institutions—leaving many grappling with the complexities of what accommodating actually entailed. The lack of clear guidelines sometimes resulted in inadequate support and a frustrating experience for those who needed it most. With various stakeholders involved, it became easy for the government to pass the buck, leading to a patchwork of accessibility standards across the nation.

As time has passed, the phrase “the duty to accommodate” seems to have faded from our collective consciousness. Has it been buried somewhere in the depths of policy documents and bureaucratic jargon? Or has it simply lost its resonance in a world that often prioritizes efficiency over equity?
Today, the question looms: Is anyone truly listening? The ongoing dialogue around accessibility remains crucial, especially as we strive to create environments where everyone can thrive. Yet, it is evident that more needs to be done. Advocacy groups, individuals, and communities continue to push for stronger frameworks and accountability. But without the government’s proactive commitment to reinvigorate and clarify its duty to accommodate, these voices risk being drowned out in the noise of everyday governance.

As we reflect on the concept of accommodation, it is essential to revisit the promise that the term once held. We must demand not just a duty of best effort, but a genuine commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all Canadians. It is time for the government to reaffirm its responsibility and for society to hold it accountable. Only then can we ensure that the duty to accommodate becomes more than just a phrase; it should be a fundamental principle guiding our shared future.

Just my two cents for today
Image = canada-government-flag
For the barriers in Canadian government, I have a droopy Canadian flag in front of the Parliament buildings.

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

Welcome to April everyone and I’m Scott Savoy at the Sterling Creations desk.
Today, very pleased to share our president’s weekly editorial with you and for this week Donna J. Jodhan zooms in on barriers still abounding within the Canadian Government when it comes to the
Overcoming Barriers in the Canadian Government Procurement Process for People with disabilities.
Donna wants to hear from you so just stop by and send an email to her at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.
Enjoy your weekend.

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Overcoming Barriers in the Canadian Government Procurement Process for People with Disabilities
By Donna J. Jodhan

Over the years, a growing chorus of complaints has echoed through the corridors of Canadian government services, with both mainstream citizens and individuals with disabilities highlighting the complexities and obstacles within the procurement process. Canadians with disabilities, in particular, face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to effectively engage with government services, access crucial programs, and secure opportunities. These concerns revolve around the accessibility of forms, the availability of documents in alternate formats, and the often frustrating challenge of securing phone support.

One of the most significant complaints is the difficulty of navigating the procurement forms themselves. The forms are often dense, complicated, and challenging to understand, with little support to guide applicants through the process. This problem is amplified for Canadians with disabilities who may already face challenges such as vision impairments, cognitive disabilities, or mobility restrictions.

The lack of accessible formats – including screen reader-friendly documents or options for Braille – creates an additional layer of difficulty. Many applicants with disabilities, therefore, find themselves relying on sighted assistance from family, friends, or colleagues to complete the process.
Furthermore, phone support, which could serve as a lifeline for individuals struggling with the process, is often difficult to access. Long wait times, inconsistent assistance, and limited staff training on specific needs related to disability further exacerbate the issue.

When Canadians with disabilities do manage to reach out for help, the support they receive is sometimes insufficient or not tailored to their specific needs, leaving them stuck and discouraged from continuing their application.
The question then arises: how can these barriers be rectified?

There is no question that the procurement process for Canadians with disabilities presents a real and significant challenge. Is it an artificial barrier, though? That depends on how we define artificial. The process is not intentionally designed to exclude individuals with disabilities, but the lack of foresight and inclusion during its design has undoubtedly created unnecessary barriers. These barriers are not insurmountable, but they are real, and they require immediate attention from policymakers and government agencies to eliminate.

Is the procurement process a true hindrance to the participation of Canadians with disabilities in government programs? In short, yes. Beyond just the online applications, there are formalities, required documents, and procedures that require in-person visits or detailed written interactions. These practices, when not accessible or accommodating, represent a true barrier that prevents full participation.
To rectify this, the government must take deliberate steps to overhaul the procurement process with accessibility and inclusivity at its core. First and foremost, all forms and documents should be universally accessible. This means offering documents in multiple formats, including accessible PDFs, large print, screen-reader compatible files, and Braille. The government should also invest in assistive technologies that automatically convert online forms into accessible formats, ensuring that no Canadian is left behind.

In addition, an emphasis should be placed on improving phone and in-person support services. Government employees should receive regular training on assisting people with disabilities, ensuring they can offer tailored help when needed. A more robust, dedicated team of accessibility experts should be put in place to guide applicants through every step of the process, ensuring that assistance is available not only for the application but also for subsequent steps if required.

Finally, Canada must look toward a more inclusive design for its procurement system – one that works to anticipate the needs of people with disabilities rather than reacting to them after the fact. This means embedding accessibility into the process from the very beginning, rather than adding it as an afterthought.

The procurement system should never be a gatekeeper that disproportionately disadvantages any group of Canadians. For Canadians with disabilities, this is not just a technical issue; it is a human issue. Their ability to engage fully with society, to apply for and participate in government programs, should not be hindered by poorly designed forms or inaccessible support systems. Only by addressing these barriers can the government ensure that all Canadians, regardless of ability, can take full advantage of the opportunities the Canadian government offers.

Image = an internet banner ad from the Canadian government advertising government jobs. It has the government of Canada logo at the top, and it says: “Canadian Government Jobs! Permanent, Temporary! Apply now!”

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