Nalis signs MoU with Blind Welfare Association

BLIND and visually-impaired people will have new opportunities to access services from the National Library (Nalis) following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Friday between Nalis and the Blind Welfare Association.

The signing took place at the Nalis seminar room in Port of Spain.

Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox said the signing has been endorsed by her ministry.

“It is critical to the continued accessibility of resources for people who are blind or visually-impaired. The collaboration between both entities has already achieved great benefits and the doors of the ministry remain open as we continue to provide support and guidance to the vulnerable in our country, ensuring no one is left behind,” Cox said.

The MoU gives Nalis and the association more autonomy to provide accessible content and will facilitate greater access to personal and professional development opportunities.

“I am pleased that the TTBWA provides the expertise for training in the use of assistive technologies, as well as the resources to teach classes such as Braille, computer and music literacy, typing and crafts for the benefit of the blind, visually-impaired and print-disabled. This is indeed timely,” Cox said.

She commended the association’s directors for their efforts to help the blind and visually-impaired and their tireless advocacy to ensure the rights and dignity of members of this community.

“The multiplicity of services offered to this community demonstrates once again, the value of civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and faith-base organisations for national development.

“The mandate of the ministry talks about the inclusion and promotion of the dignity, rights and well-being of people with disabilities, so we are pleased this initiative is aligned not only with that mandate, but also more specifically, with the operationalisation of the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities,” Cox said.

Minister of Communication Symon de Nobriga said the signing could be the launch-pad for workplace access to service for people with other types of disabilities.

“The implementation of educational materials in accessible formats is essential to enable people with disabilities to be provided with educational opportunities. I want God to bless everything that must come out of this,” de Nobriga said.

Association president Felix Cazoe thanked Nalis for being a not only a willing partner, but for having a kindred spirit with the association.

“Today with the signing of this MoU, we see what is possible when people work together for a common cause,” Cazoe said.