Assistive Technology to Transform the Lives of Low Vision & Blind People Islandwide

Denmore Roberts, Pnrincipal, TN Kirnon Unit for the Blind & Visually Impaired accepting donation from Andrew Doumith, Business Development Manager, Antigua Computer Technology, Co. Ltd.
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    In a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability. The estimated number of visually impaired people in the world is 285 million, 39 million blind, and 246 million with low vision; 65 % of visually impaired people and 82% of all those who are blind are 50 years and older.

    Authentic Inclusion says that every individual, regardless of their ability, disability, or health care needs, should be valued as an important member of our community. Authentic Inclusion shifts our society’s perspective from the belief that inclusion is a basic human right, to the belief that inclusion is, in fact, a value for all. Everyone in society benefits from inclusion – whether it be yourself as one with a disability, the parents of the disabled, employers, co-workers, peers in school, members of government – everyone in society. At Antigua Computer Technology (ACT), we believe that authentic inclusion is an important part of societal improvement. Our three pillars of community support are “Education, Professional Development, and Authentic Inclusion.” It is in these three key areas where we channel most of our social impact resources when striving towards our mission of “bringing our community into the future.”

    As Blindness Awareness is recognized during the month of October and based on the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #4,  ACT too wants to ensure inclusion and equitable quality education for all. In collaboration with The Carroll Centre for the Blind and the New England Low Vision & Blindness, ACT joins in donating 15 different types of life-changing assistive technology devices to the TN Kirnon Unit for the Blind & Visually Impaired. These devices will improve the lives of the visually impaired students of Antigua and also benefit professionals, the elderly and others as one or two of the devices will be featured at the public library. In a study by WHO, about 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of a disability. The estimated number of visually impaired people in the world is 285 million, 39 million blind and 246 million with low vision; 65 % of visually impaired people and 82% of all those who are blind are 50 years and older.

    To read the rest of this article, you can visit this link – https://www.actantigua.com/insight/authentic-inclusion-assistive-technology-donation-for-low-vision/  You can also read the original post about this donation by going to this link https://nelowvision.com/2019/10/11/13713/.

    Thank you note

    Below is a very much appreciated letter from Andrew Doumith, Business Development Manager, Antigua Computer Technology Co. Ltd. to Scott Krug and the team at NELVB. Andrew was the instrumental force to make this donation happen.

    Dear Scott and NELV&B,

    I hope all is going well. I don’t know where to begin. Words can not begin to describe how grateful I am for your heartfelt generosity for this huge donation of assistive technologies that will serve to transform the lives of students and even professionals and the elderly with low vision & blindness island-wide. Little may you know, but New England Low Vision and ACT has been in the spotlight as a hero during the donation the other week. The donation was received with such appreciation not just from TN Kirnon but the entire island. The story has received tremendous media attention, much more than anticipated. It was featured on the local TV news on more than two occasions, several times on the radio, and went viral on social media. The low vision & blindness community got so much awareness from the wider community and the government that it desperately needed.

    None of this would have been possible if it were not for you. Funny enough, I think back at how this all spiraled into this impactful day, and it really all just started with the spark of a question when we first met as I was leaving your demo center. Without any hesitation, you agreed and you took the hands-on approach from start to finish and ensured that it all went smoothly. This, in itself, goes to show your genuine passion for seeing the impact technology can bring to lives. We were not best friends by any means prior to our meeting, nor did I have any close relationship with you, yet I guess you were able to clearly and immediately see my passion for making such an impact. This is something I truly admire and appreciate.

    My visit to NELVB was one I will never in my life forget simply for how personal and hands-on you during the entire process. Making my way there from Carroll was one of the best decisions of my life, and is surely a highlight of my 14-week Boston visit. Your passion for what you do and creating the impact you make every day is truly inspirational to me.

    Below I am attaching just a few items as a recap of the amazing handover ceremony, which may be of interest to you and the team. I do also have some photos I can share if you’d like.

    ACT Blog Article Publication:

    http://bit.ly/ACTAssistiveTechDonation

    Observer Radio Segment:

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/l9lglf6fq24d0p6/Observer%20Radio%20UNIT%20FOR%20THE%20BLIND%20DONATION%20-%2010%3A25.mp3?dl=0

    ZDK Radio Segment:

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/06m6ko8cvwh34jb/Interview%20with%20Alison%20Bramble%20ZDK%20Radio%20-%2010%3A25.mp3?dl=0

    This has been my first major social impact initiative in the field of low vision & blindness, and being so inspired by the outcome, I plan for many more similarly impactful initiatives in the future. From this, I’ve established “Authentic Inclusion” as one of ACT’s 3 pillars of support, along with Education and Professional Development.

    We will keep in touch.

    Thank you,

    Andrew Doumith
    Business Development Manager
    Antigua Computer Technology Co. Ltd.
    Website: https://www.actantigua.com

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