The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA) with support from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services launched its first ever Client Registration Card today.
Line Minister Donna Cox said the launch coincides with the commemoration of World Sight Day on October 14th and World White Cane Day on October 15th.
The card will store the necessary data of the holder.
See full statement below from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services:
To commemorate World Sight Day, the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA) with support from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services launched its first ever Client Registration Card earlier today, Wednesday 13th October, 2021 at the Ministry’s Head Office in Port of Spain.
The Client Registration Card (CRC) is a means of identifying persons who are registered with the TTBWA and contains a quick response (QR) code, which may be used by their respective welfare offices to digitally access their file. The CRC would also be used to obtain discounts at various business establishments.
Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox delivered the feature address of the function. Also in attendance were the President of TTBWA, Felix Cazoe, Welfare Rehabilitation Services Manager, Mr. Lakhan Seepersad, Chair Person Eye Health and Welfare Committee, Dr. Desiree Murray and Executive Officer, Kenneth Suratt of TTBWA.
Minister Cox, during the feature address said, “We must applaud the Government’s plans to remove VAT and Custom Duties on specified therapy equipment, hearing impaired, visually impaired, physical mobility disabilities, disability safety peripherals and communication devices, thus assisting persons with disabilities to purchase much needed peripherals and equipment at significantly reduced costs. Approximately Fifty-two Thousand (52,000) persons are expected to benefit from this initiative. The Ministry has prioritized the enhancement of the lives of persons with disabilities as part of our mandate to ensure that there is full inclusion and participation by this segment in all aspects of society inclusive of access to decent work.”
The Client Registration Card was launched at an opportune time as it precedes the commemoration of World Sight Day, which will be celebrated tomorrow, October 14th 2021, with the theme “Love Your Eyes”. The Minister further stated that the theme places global attention on the need for persons to regularly check on the well-being of their eyes. “Several eye diseases such as glaucoma can be successfully treated if detected in the early stages. The Ministry of Health’s public health services are easily accessible and affordable to facilitate basic eye care. I urge you not to wait to check on your eyes today” she said.
The Minister further commended the TTBWA for its continued efforts in enhancing the lives of the blind and visually impaired. President of TTBWA, Mr Cazoe, in his address, indicated that the Association looks forward to building an inclusive and accessible society. He also expressed that support from the private sector is essential to the blind and visually impaired community. Both recipients, Asha Alexander-Lall and Vishad Paryag, were grateful to be the first beneficiaries of the Client Registration Card.
The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services remains committed to providing continued support and guidance to the Blind Welfare Association, as well as the entire blind and visually impaired community.
– Ministry of Social Development and Family Services
