00:00With the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association celebrating its 111th anniversary this Sunday,
00:07Executive Officer Kenneth Surat shared this goal of the association with us.
00:12We at the Blind Welfare Association, we want to break down barriers.
00:17And the way to do that is starting with people's mindset.
00:21People must have high expectations for persons who are blind.
00:25The association, founded on May 18, 1914 by James Alves,
00:30has plans to celebrate the upcoming anniversary in style.
00:33During this month, we tend to promote blindness awareness.
00:37So we will be having domino tournament, bingo.
00:41We'll be having Blind People Got Talent, a sports and family day.
00:47And our two webinars, one on braille, the importance of braille.
00:52And the second one is on the importance of technology in the workplace.
00:56Over the years, the association has been responsible for teaching braille.
01:01But in keeping with the times, they are pushing the use of technology
01:04and are urging developers to keep their software and technology more user-friendly
01:09for the blind and visually impaired.
01:11But those aren't the only services they provide.
01:14The discipline of another core value is adjustment to blindness.
01:18So, say for instance, someone has a baby and after all efforts are made,
01:28that child cannot see.
01:31We at the Blind Welfare Association moves in quickly
01:34because our services are voluntary.
01:37You don't have to take it to assist that parent to treat with a child who is blind.
01:42How do we stimulate that child?
01:45Mr Surat even took the time to teach us how to read braille in just a matter of minutes.
01:50But here, until you match the puzzle.
01:52And take a hold on there.
01:55Which one is four dots up there?
01:56This one is four, right?
01:58G, O.
02:02Right.
02:02Where's the next one?
02:05And next O?
02:06Xamanao.
02:07Yeah?
02:08Yeah.
02:08Yes.
02:08Right.
02:09And the next three dots.
02:11And for those who may be interested in volunteering or making donations,
02:20here's how you can help.
02:21Sometimes we need that physical, that in-person assistance.
02:25You can register with the Blind Welfare Association.
02:28We will give you the necessary training how to interact with someone who is blind
02:32so that maybe they want to go shopping.
02:36Maybe they want to go on a tourist site
02:39to enjoy something finer in life.
02:41So, you could be a volunteer in that aspect.
02:43Join the Blind Welfare Association.
02:45If you want to do a cash donation to the Blind Welfare Association,
02:49you can hit us up on our Facebook page.
02:52WhatsApp us at 395-3086.
02:54We will send you all banking information if you want to make direct deposit.
02:59If you want to come into the association also and make a cash donation.
03:03So, it is easy to volunteer to give donation either in person,
03:09using the technology, and you could be a part of this change,
03:14making Trinidad and Tobago inclusive, diverse, and equitable for all.
03:18Dominic Ramroop, TV6 News.
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