“The public needs to know that blind and visually impaired persons are still productive and employable”
First annual “Accessing Technology for the Blind and Visually Impaired” forum set for Tuesday
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Alliance for the Blind and Visually Impaired (BABVI) this week announced a full new slate of officers and the upcoming activities that will be the first order of business for the new officials.
Newly-elected BABVI President Robertha Johnson said she is excited to work with an excellent cadre of individuals making up the executive team. She said the team will work together to ensure that blind or visually impaired people have a voice in this country. She wants them to be able to come together and bring awareness to their plight.
Just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, BABVI lost its office and therefore, there is a new, asserted push to have a permanent home for BABVI to be able to continue its important work.
“It seems like just about every day in the Bahamas, more and more people are losing their sight,” Johnson said.
“We want them to know that life can go on and they can still be productive. We need our office to go on in our efforts to train, rehabilitate and counsel people and prepare them for their new normal life.
“The public needs to know that blind and visually impaired persons are still productive and employable. We have people in government jobs and in the private sector.”
BABVI has successfully trained numerous members to help them live normal lives: they are able to use their smartphones using the TalkBack app; they can use computers using the Jaws software; they learn how to maneuver in their homes, and they learn the skills they need to be able to prepare their own meals and take care of themselves. They also learn how to use the white cane independently, so that they can travel anywhere they desire.
The official installation of officers will take place on Sunday, July 25, at 10.30am at Heritage Missionary Baptist Church, Mount Royal Avenue and Kenwood Street.
The new executive members are President Robertha Johnson; 1st Vice President Desmond Brown; 2nd Vice President Jermaine Brown; Secretary Hannah McPhee; Assistant Secretary Tarmina Strachan; Treasurer Charlene Musgrove; Assistant Treasurer Charmaine Clarke; and Council Members Elliott Pratt, Keshla Johnson and Jarmaine Clarke.
The first annual “Accessing Technology for the Blind and Visually Impaired” forum will be held on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, via Zoom ID 86131648130 with the pass code 799954.
The forum will be hosted by US-based company Accessing Technology Experts. Anyone with a visual impairment or blindness needing assistance with using their smartphone is welcome to attend.
A cell phone drive will also be held at the end of August to provide phones for those who are in need. To make a cash donation, or to donate a new or used phone, email babvi.101@gmail.com ot call 242-80BABVI (242-802-2284).
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