Touch of Paradise

07/25/2025

Tips for serving customers who are blind or have low vision. Paer 2

When serving someone who is blind or has low vision, remember that we are all unique. We each have different levels of confidence, abilities, and preferences.

Here are some tips to help make the dining experience more comfortable:

Start by introducing yourself.
For example: “Hi, I’m Lea, your server this evening.”
Let us know about any specials, since we can’t see boards or signs often posted at the entrance.

Always speak directly to us when asking for our order — not to others at the table.

If you’re refilling a drink, let us know:
“I’ll be right back with your drink.”
When you return, try to place it where it was before. Coasters can help with this. Let us know verbally that the drink is back, since many of us may not notice a silent gesture.

Describe food placement using the clock method:
Many of us use a clock-face system to locate items. For example:
“Your coffee is at 2 o’clock, and the cream and sugar are at 11 o’clock.”
“Your steak is at 6, vegetables at 3, and potatoes at 10.”

Communicate while serving:
When handing us a plate, say something like:
“Here’s your plate. The steak knife is on the right, and the plate is hot.”

If you need us to pass something to another guest, just ask — don’t reach over us.

When presenting the bill, let us know the total out loud. Also, be mindful that flat touchscreen payment machines aren’t accessible. We may need one with physical buttons.

By following these simple tips, you help create a more welcoming and inclusive dining experience for guests who are blind or have low vision.

And remember, if you’re ever unsure, just ask. We’ll tell you what works best for us.
I promise you we won’t bite unless it is into our sandwich.

What others tips would you suggest?

If you know a restaurant who could use some disability awareness training, Tell them about Diverse Abilities Programs and we can help. Visit DiverseAbilities.ca to learn more.

Gina Martin

Photo description:
A waitress is serving hot beverages to two ladies sitting at a table in a restaurant.

07/20/2025

There’s a moment in the trailer when Billy Joel says, “I don’t know who that is... this guy, Billy Joel.” And just like that, you’re reminded that even legends sometimes feel like strangers to themselves. In HBO’s two-part documentary *Billy Joel: And So It Goes*, the man who gave the world “Piano Man” and “Vienna” opens up like never before—not just about the hits, but about the haunting silence between them. From rare family tapes and backstage glimpses to deeply personal reflections, Joel pulls back the curtain on decades of fame, heartache, marriages, crashes—literal and emotional—and brushes with death. But through it all, he found salvation in music. Featuring voices like Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, and Pink, the film isn’t just a celebration of his genius—it’s a raw, reflective dive into what it really cost to become Billy Joel. And yes, Bruce actually says, “Billy's melodies are better than mine.” You’ll hear the classics, but you’ll also hear the pain, the doubt, the fight for life. Because for Billy Joel, every note has a past. And every lyric is a lifeline.

07/20/2025

In May Billy Joel was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that causes fluid to accumulate in the brain’s ventricles.

Susan Lacy — director of the upcoming HBO documentary 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' — gave an update to 'Good Morning America' on the legendary singer-songwriter's health.

"He's doing physical therapy, he's healing, he's working on getting better," she said.

Joel was forced to cancel tour dates due to the condition, sharing a statement that read: "This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance. Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period."

The update comes after Joel's friend Howard Stern revealed that the Piano Man gave him permission to inform fans that he's "not dying."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH is a condition that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain. It tends to affect people 65 and older and is "often treatable and sometimes even reversible."

The 76-year-old musician's original statement continued to say that Joel is "thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage."

07/11/2025

Carmel, Indiana has taken a bold and forward-thinking approach to urban planning by replacing almost all of its traffic lights with roundabouts—over 120 since 1996. This move has had a dramatic impact on road safety, leading to an estimated 40% drop in overall accidents and an astounding 90% reduction in fatal crashes. By removing stop-and-go signals and encouraging continuous movement, roundabouts have proven to be not only safer but more efficient.

Beyond improving safety, the benefits extend into cost savings and environmental impact. Each roundabout saves the city an average of $180,000 in long-term maintenance compared to traditional intersections. They also cut down on fuel consumption—saving around 24,000 gallons per roundabout annually—thanks to reduced idling and smoother traffic flow. Fewer stops mean fewer emissions, making Carmel’s streets cleaner and more sustainable.

This real-world success story shows how smart infrastructure can make a lasting difference—saving lives, lowering costs, and reducing our environmental footprint. Sometimes the simplest solutions, like going in circles, can move us all forward.

07/11/2025

04/29/2025

"When you notice that HEART and EARTH share the same letters,

you realize... it's not just a coincidence.

It's a reminder:

What we love, we must also protect."

04/29/2025

Time To Be Bold is a national public service awareness campaign through the Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center.

04/29/2025

🌼💛 “Hello, I'm a dandelion.
A lot of people call me a w**d but I'm a friend and come to help you!
My flowers are the first food for insects after hibernation and unlike most other plants, I have pollen AND nectar, not merely one OR the other! And I am generous with them! 🤪😉
When you see me, remember that I'm the ONLY one who wants and can grow in that particular spot. Because:
Either the soil is too compact / hard / stomped and I want to loosen it for you with my roots.
Or there is too little calcium in the soil - don't worry, I will replenish that for you with the dying of my leaves.
Or the soil is too acidic. But I will also improve that for you if you give me the chance.
Or a mixture of the above reasons, of course. 😊
I'm here because your soil needs my help so best you let me grow without disturbing me! When everything is fixed, I will disappear again, I promise!
Are you trying to remove me prematurely with my root? However meticulous you are, I will return 2x as strong! Just until your soil is improved.
You can even tell by my growth at which stage my help is at. If my leaves are flat on the ground then I'm far from ready but if they all reach up then I'm already a long way on my way.
Something completely different is that I am 1 of the first bloomers in spring so I will announce spring / summer for you.
During the day when it's hot, I open my flowers but in the evening when it cools off I close them again quickly. In fact, if it's not hot enough during the day I won't open them at all!
My flowers are even delicious for you people by the way, did you know? I used to be called ′′honey (or gold) of the poor′′ because my flowers are so sweet in e.g. jam, sauce or salad! The internet is full of recipes - check them out.
But wait until the end of May or later before you start picking and even then, don't pick everything yet! The biodiversity and bees will be very grateful!” Unknown
I have tons of healing properties too.😊

04/29/2025

04/28/2025

AMTA: Your CE Source