Blind Welfare Association
of Trinidad & Tobago

<-- Other Charitable Organizations

Official Name: Trinidad & Tobago Blind Welfare Association Address: Cor. Duke & Edward Sts., Port of Spain, Trinidad Phone: (868) 624-4675 Contact: D. Borneo Dedication: Assisting Blind and Visually impaired people

About the Blind Welfare Association The Trinidad & Tobago Blind Welfare Association has a commitment to assist blind and visually impaired in coping with the problems that result from limited vision, failing vision and total blindness. We are a nonprofit, voluntary rehabilitation organization that receives funding from private contributions, bouquets, deeds of covenant, annual financial campaigns and from government. The work for the blind started on the 18th May, 1914 by the late Mr. James A. Alves under the name of 'Institute for the Blind' in Trinidad & Tobago. On 13th June, 1947 the name was changed to its present by an act of Parliament. The objectives of the T&TBWA are: To Prevent Blindness To Promote public awareness in the community To promote independence and integration To act as a Resource Centre [Top]

The T&TWBA services are available to all persons whose vision is impaired to the extent that it interferes or restricts normal activities. The T&TWBA receives referrals from hospitals, professionals in the field of sight and from relatives or friends of people with visual difficulties. Some of these services are; Counseling Referrals to Medical Doctors Rehabilitation Leisure Activities Blindness prevention Socialization programme Library services School for Blind Children Daily Living skills, Mobility & Orientation Social and Communication skills Vocational Counseling Social Welfare Assistance There are three Workshops which are attached to the Association's Branches. Various crafts in basketry, chair caning, and seagrassing are manufactured. Many crafts are taught to Blind students including that of furniture building. Those of the Blind who are unemployed have a chance to display their works of art at each of the Association's showrooms. [Top]

What We Need... Manpower is always needed on a continuous basis to assist with the implementation of programmes. We are always in need of volunteers to assist clients with reading, library research, medical appointments, etc. If anyone wishes to become a volunteer of member of the Association, do not hesitate to contact the Welfare-Rehab Department for further information. Below is a list of needed items;

Digital Calculators, refrigerators, fireproof cabinet (for accounting), office desks & chairs, air condition units, computers, drilling machine, wood planer, wood sanding machine, spray gun and compressor, cut off saw, electrical welding equipment, sander and grinder, scale and gas welding equipment. [Top]

News: Promoting Tourism For Tobago Abroad

I'm looking for ways to get tourism based business owners in Tobago to join together & help promote Tobago & its attractions abroad. Tobago itself is quite well represented with websites. I'm talking about getting American & European people to look at and start thinking of Tobago as a holiday destination again. As Tobago is already represented online Id like to get private business owners to band together to cover the cost of advertising abroad in publications such as in - flight magazines & American & UK / European travel publications. As yet I have no idea of costs. We should start out small & work our way up. Travel review sites such as Trip Adviser & Travel Pod already exist where travellers post their own reviews but only people already searching for Tobago online find these. The TT government doesn't seem to be doing this very well. Ultimately it is in the best interest of all Tobago's business's that rely on tourism for their income to help get more money brought into the island. At present I get the sense that there is just a 'everyone for themself' mentality. Tobago's tourist trade is declining & many business are already feeling the pinch. All constructive comments & ideas are welcome. This topic will hopefully be a 'work in progress' to ultimately help Tobago's slowing tourist trade. [See Similar Topics]