Awards & Commendations

Author Donna Jodhan Named 2017 Person of the Year at CCB 2017 Banquet

The White Cane Week Person is someone who has demonstrated unique leadership and vision in their ability to encourage others to succeed and is an inspiration for all persons, including people living with vision loss.

This person is chosen in recognition of their passion and dedication to changing stereotypes of people living with vision loss, innovative leadership, program initiatives and advocacy.

Therefore, the Canadian Council of the Blind is extremely pleased to present the 2017 Person of the Year Award to Donna Jodhan.

Ms. Jodhan has showed strength and determination throughout her life.

In 2012, after a six year long legal battle, she and her supporters scored a landmark victory against the Canadian Government over their inaccessible websites.

Donna has been an entrepreneur since 2000 and the president of her company, Sterling Creations, since its inception.

Ms. Jodhan is a graduate of McGill University with a master's degree in Business Administration and a Diploma in Management. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Concordia University of Montreal.

In addition, she is a certified French to English translator with said certification from the University of Toronto, as well as holding a number of other certificates.

She is an author and has written 3 books, and other book series.

Some of her Awards include:

• The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) National Award 2010.
• Backbone Magazines 2010 Top 15 Canadian Digital Media Professionals.
• City of Toronto 2008 Unsung Hero Award.

She is a Past President and Second Vice President of the alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) and a Past Communications Director of Canadian blind Sports Association Ms. Jodhan believes in strong social and advocacy organizations such as the CCB and AEBC.

When she is not working or writing, she spends her time with her family and she takes time to pursue some of her favorite pastimes; ice skating, playing chess and blind tennis, composing on her electronic keyboard, cooking and enjoying nature.

To know more of Donna's awards and accomplishments, which are too numerous to mention, please read her biography in your program.

Therefore Donna I am pleased to present the White Cane Week Person of the Year 2017 Award to You.