Give Us A Chance To Show You
by Donna J. Jodhan

It is always a pleasure for me to explain to those who have very limited interaction with those who are blind, that as blind persons we can still enjoy life. Yes, we may not have vision; many of us do not have any, and several of us have limited or partial vision. However, it does not stop us from being able to enjoy life in many ways.

No, we can’t see the bright flowers, the blue skies, the rising or setting sun, the ocean, and much more! However, we can surely appreciate being able to smell and touch a flower, run our toes through the cool damp grass, appreciate the warmth of the sun, enjoy the singing birds, and so much more. We may not be able to appreciate the graphics and artwork of websites but you know what? We can still enjoy all that others can but we do it differently. By using our other senses. For as long as we can access websites, we will be able to appreciate and navigate like anyone else. For as long as others allow and enable us to access vital information on the Internet, then we too can have fun like anyone else.

Believe it or not, blind persons do enjoy life. We go to the movies, the theater, ball games, we ice skate, ski, play chess, and so much more. We can speak for ourselves, pay our bills, and most important of all, we can work! Yes, that’s right! We have the skills and capacity to work. We are Human Beings with the same desires and aspirations as the mainstream person. No, do not think of us as wanting to just sit at home and do nothing. Do not think of us as standing on street corners with a tin cup in hand begging for handouts. Do not think of us as only being able to be good at playing music. There is much more to a blind person beyond what the eye can see. Give us a chance to show you.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day. If you’d like to learn more about me, then you can visit some of my blog spots at:

Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com/

Weekly Saturday postings on issues of accessibility: http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html

blogs on various issues and answers to consumers concerns: http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm

Hello Everyone,

Need grammar? Need to know how to pronounce the year of our Lord, 2010?

Click Here to learn the correct way to say this year. 

And, if that’s not enough to convince you, visit the National Association for Good Grammar for the final word on the subject.

Mark

Hello Everyone, 

Got Vinux?

Vinux is Linux for the visually impaired, based on Ubuntu 10.04 – Lucid Lynx. It includes a screen reader, screen magnifiers and support for USB braille displays.

FROM THE WEBSITE:
On behalf of the whole Vinux community I am happy to announce the 3rd release of Vinux – Linux for the Visually Impaired, based on Ubuntu 10.04 – Lucid Lynx. This version of Vinux provides three screen-readers, two full-screen magnifiers, dynamic font-size/colour-theme changing as well as support for USB Braille displays. Vinux is now available both as an installable live CD and as a .deb package which will automatically convert an existing installation of Ubuntu Lucid into an accessible Vinux system! In addition, we now have our own Vinux package repository (from which you can install our customised packages with apt-get/synaptic) and a dedicated Vinux IRC channel. In the very near future we will also be launching a Vinux Wiki and releasing special DVD, USB and Virtual Editions of Vinux
Click Here To Get Started.

Hello Everyone, 

I recommend that you take a look at the following information if you want to gain a much better understanding of how to become an internet audio content provider. 

THE INTERNET BROADCASTING AUDIO TUTORIAL
If you think you have what it takes to join our team, but you’re not sure how all this Internet broadcasting malarkey works, we can help you out. Jonathan Mosen and Brian Hartgen have developed The Mushroom FM Fun guys Guide to Internet Broadcasting. This is an audio tutorial that will help get you up and running. The tutorial runs for 3 hours 20 minutes, and covers things like:  Click Here to Continue

Hello Everyone, 

I am a very satisfied user of Office 2010 and so I decided to pass on this very useful list of 10 tips and tricks recently published by PC Magazine.

Enjoy,

Mark

ARTICLE: Microsoft Office 2010: 10 Tips and Tricks  Read the rest of this entry »

Hello All,

In this approximately 7 minute episode of the Candle Shore Podcast, I offer a thought for you to consider when determining your own personal conduct. 

Listen; and if necessary, let it change you so that you may begin to change the world.

Most Sincerely,

Mark
Episode:  Not Running The Red Light

Hello Everyone, 

It’s me, Mark.

Believe it or not, the Candle Shore BLOG is going on hiatus, yet again, due to some very unforeseen circumstances. 

It’s looks like I’m going to be having to move, yet again; this will be either the forth or fifth time this year; it’s very stressful and very sudden.  As you can imagine, certain things just have to take “backseat”.

It’s been a pretty rough year; I think it’s fair to say it’s been a pretty bad year.  Hopefully, this will be the last move I have to make for a while; but I have to get this done. 

I am not trying to sound melodramatic; to say that I am not depressed would be an understatement or overstatement, call it what you want; but whatever the situation, I am handling it. 

This is just another setback but it’s not one that will stop the proverbial train from moving forward. 

So, for those of you who are dedicated Candle Shore BLOG subscribers, I hope you will be patient with me.  All things being equal, I hope to be posting regularly as of October 1st; if not, then soon after. 

To those of you who believe in prayer, please say one for me because I certainly could use one.  I appreciate it.

I will be back. 

Remember to make a joyful noise.  Make one for me until I can make one on my own, OK? 

Thank you all very much and I’ll see you again soon.    

Most Sincerely,

Mark
Episode 61:  Mark’s On The Move Again, The Candle Shore BLOG Goes On Hiatus

Hello All,

In this approximately 14 minute episode of the CANDLE SHORE PODCAST, I discuss and demonstrate iPod Nano 6th Generation when used with VoiceOver, Apple’s software screen reading solution for iOS.

Enjoy,

Mark
Episode 60:  Mark And VoiceOver On The iPod Nano Sixth Generation

Hello All,

If you’re like me, you can’t stand the idea of hanging a picture or putting up a shelf because you just can’t get it level, right? 

Well, the following free iOS App that works just fine with VoiceOver, Apple’s software screen reading solution for the blind and low vision, is just what you’re looking for.

Mark

“A FREE LEVEL” Read the rest of this entry »

Hello All, 

The following is written from an American perspective but I think this is short-sighted to the extent that it can apply to anyone in any country.  So, if you’re living in Australia, support Australian made products, if you’re living in Japan, support Japanese made products, etc.

Regardless of your nation or your nationality, support your fellow countrymen, one light bulb at a time.

Mark

ONE LIGHT BULB AT A TIME Read the rest of this entry »