Sterling Creations

On September 19th, Donna was a guest on Ryan Fleury’s AT Banter podcast. She’s featured in Episode 397: “Donna Jodhan Returns.”

In this episode, Donna reflected on her successful charter challenge journey and talked about her newest initiative titled transitioning to a new world. Ryan and his team were most interested to reflect on the charter challenge journey.

You can read about and listen to Donna’s podcast appearance at www.atbanter.com.

Donna participated in a phone survey sponsored by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada, whereby she provided feedback to some of the most challenging barriers being presently faced by these two agencies.

Donna attended a reflect and feedback session with the team of the Eye Retreat camp.

She was an instructor at their July 2024 camp and has been invited back for July 2025. Exciting times for Donna as she barrels along with her transitioning to a new world initiative.

Read more about EYE Retreat below!

History:

The Envisioning Youth Empowerment Retreat was born after passage of the North Carolina Disability History and Awareness Month Act. This legislation mandated that public schools teach disability history, famous people with disabilities, and disability characteristics. Specifically, the legislation suggested that individuals with disabilities be utilized to provide some of the instruction. Our founder, Dr. Alan Chase, was involved in advocating for passage of the legislation and supported curriculum development for implementation in the public schools. Thus, the EYE Retreat was born in 2008.

Why us?

First and foremost, 100% of our leaders and mentors have visual impairments. Our leaders and mentors are successful adults who are either gainfully employed or attending post secondary institutions. Second, our philosophy focuses on the power of peer mentoring. Our mentors help students to develop a toolbox of skills and resources by leading courses on a variety of topics, such as self-advocacy, transitioning to college life, career exploration, and soft skills for employment, that will support them in their future pathways Finally, our mentors guide students in bridging theory into practice by facilitating real world application of skills in the community, such as riding public transportation, navigating a college campus, and visiting local businesses.

Mission:

Our mission is to provide an opportunity for youth with visual impairments to experience a glimpse of post secondary outcomes (employment, college, etc) through development of mentoring relationships, real world applications, and identification of available resources.

Vision:

Our vision is to empower and create a community of lifelong learners who will have the tools necessary to be successful in their education, careers, and lives.

Moto:

“I retreat from no challenge!”

Ask the Scam Watcher

Donna has launched her latest podcast, “Ask the Scam Watcher,” where she is now highlighting most popular scams of the month. Her mission here is to help protect the most vulnerable from scammers and scams!

Check out the inaugural episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIbBpwKePOE

Blindly Brilliant

Welcome to the Blindly Brilliant monthly podcast, hosted by Donna J. Jodhan—a visionary blind potter, advocate, and entrepreneur. Each month, Donna invites you into her world of creativity, resilience, and inspiration through her Etsy store, Blindly Brilliant.

In these captivating audio messages, Donna shares more than just updates on her latest pottery creations. She offers a unique blend of product showcases, personal insights, and motivational messages that transcend the typical shopping experience. As a blind potter since 2015, Donna’s journey is a testament to the power of imagination and determination.

Listen in as Donna:

1. Introduces her latest handcrafted ceramic pieces, from vibrant blue and white plates to expertly crafted bowls.
2. Shares her mission to prove that anything is “better than possible” when you put your mind to it.
3. Offers inspiration on breaking through barriers and thinking outside the box.
4. Encourages listeners to tap into their own creativity and potential.
5. Provides affordable, beautiful options to enrich your home and dining experiences.
6. Demonstrates how blindness can be a source of unique perspective and innovation in art and business.

Whether you’re a pottery enthusiast, someone seeking inspiration, or just curious about the intersection of art and accessibility, Donna’s monthly podcasts offer something special. Her warm, engaging style invites listeners to not just shop, but to become part of a community that celebrates creativity without limits.

Tune in monthly to explore the Blindly Brilliant collection, gain insights into the creative process of a blind artist, and be inspired to see the world through a different lens. Let Donna show you how to turn dreams into reality and how to use your own talents to motivate and encourage others.

Visit the Blindly Brilliant shop on artisan marketplace Etsy to browse Donna’s creations, and don’t forget to listen to her latest podcast for exclusive insights and inspiration. Join Donna on this remarkable journey where creativity knows no bounds, and every piece tells a story of resilience and imagination.

Donna’s blog posts give you great insights into her daily life, challenges, and perspectives as a blind/vision impaired person. Here’s a handy roundup of her latest blog posts:

• Ensuring Inclusion for All Canadians During Emergencies
• The Volunteer Dilemma: Fairness and Compensation in Advisory Roles
• The Fine Line Between Humility and Humiliation
• The Art of Commitment: Finding Balance Between Complaining and Acting
• See how Donna J. Jodhan is using her pottery to create and think
• A Review of the Royal Hotel in Liverpool
• News round-up for August 2024
• Ask the Scam Watcher
• Hottest tips from the Sterling Creations Business Desk
• A Bit of This and a Bit of That From Donna’s “Did You Know, Diary?”

For more like the above, visit Donna’s blog at https://sterlingcreations.ca/blog!

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

• The Canada Disability Benefit: An Unjust Reality That Needs Addressing
• Building an Inclusive Canada: The Case for Greater Accessibility
• In Canada, a Broken System: Disability Discrimination and Human Rights Commissions
• Breaking Down Barriers: A Call for True Inclusivity

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

Donna’s “Mental Stretch” feature is a must-listen!

Donna continues to show you how to use her mental stretch to help you better manage your mental health. She shows you how to clear your mind and imagination of cobwebs and clutter and to spark and stimulate your creative juices. Donna presents you with mental stretchers, massagers, and activators. These techniques are nothing but natural, practical, and so very easy to implement. Anywhere, at any time, and for any length of time. It’s all up to you to overcome trauma, drama, stress, and distress.

Check out the latest episode here.

For more, please visit her “Mental Stretch” playlist: https://donnajodhan.com/mentalstretch

The latest episode of Donna’s “Ask the Business Reviewer” podcast is a must-listen!

Check it out here!

A playlist of all past episodes is also available for you to enjoy.