The Barbados Association for the Blind and Deaf, based in Beckles Road St Michael is one of the oldest charities in Barbados. It was established by Act of Parliament in 1957, to support the educational, social and economic needs of persons who are blind or visually impaired, but its outstanding work preceded this by decades.

The World Health Organization reminds us that there are over 200 million blind persons in the world and that every second a person becomes blind from a 'preventable disease'. Some children, particularly in Asia, lose their sight as a result of Vitamin A deficiency that can be corrected for a few cents a day.

Here in Barbados, quality maternal and child health care has resulted in a significant reduction in blindness from preventable disease among children. It is expected that early intervention by the proposed screening of the primary school population would further prevent sight loss. The main challenge however, is the impact of diabetes, glaucoma and cataract among middle aged and elderly persons.

On Thursday October 13, 2005 World Sight Day, focused on the importance of preserving sight for both personal and national development. Special emphasis is also placed on developing projects to help with the restoration of sight, employment creation and on extending public awareness.

The Association has, in collaboration with the Caribbean Council for the blind and local partners, established a networked IT laboratory. This on-going training is facilitated for over 25 students. Two regional training workshops have been conducted for 24 blind and visually impaired teachers from the Caribbean region. Information technology skills will further empower the blind and visually impaired to independence. Plans are in progress to provide IT training for the Deaf.

In its traditional roles the Association continues to provide:

• Employment through Mop-making and chair-caning for over 22 workers in its sheltered workshop;
• With the Irving Wilson School, the association has recently established a laundry project for the Deaf;
• Resources e.g. canes, talking watches, smoke alarms and other safety devices for use in the home;
• Educational training in Braille and Sign Language. The Braille, large print and audio library which will be significantly expanded during the coming months with the assistance of the Bridgetown Lions Club;
• Help with transportation, emergency loans and home insurance.

The Association will continue to advocate, in partnership with the Barbados Council for the Disabled for:

• A better accessible environment - with safe, uncluttered sidewalks, covered areas over deep drains, removal of overhanging bushes along roads. Use of the cane, the 'eye of the blind' is severely impeded by all the above and more on our streets;
• Specially trained and empathetic customer service personnel in banks and all commercial houses;
• A concerted policy in the public and private sector to provide meaningful employment especially for those persons who are seeking to improve their academic and vocational training.

We thank the very able Presidents and Committees of Management and dedicated Managers of the Centre for their service, and of course our membership and the general public for strong support of our products and much needed financial support.

A Voice of Our Own is a monthly article in the Nation Newspaper.