The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association is calling for more inclusive access to reading, as the world marks World Book and Copyright Day.
CEO Kenneth Suratt says millions of visually impaired persons still face barriers due to inaccessible book formats, describing it as a human rights issue.
“Books open windows to new worlds, connecting people, cultures, and ideas across generations,” said Kenneth Suratt, Executive Officer of the TTBWA.
“But we must ask ourselves — what good is this power if not everyone can access it?”
The Association is urging publishers to adopt “born accessible” practices, ensuring books are available in braille, audio and digital formats from the start.
“Accessibility must not be an afterthought,” Suratt emphasized. “Books should be created to serve every reader from day one — without the need for retrofitting or adaptation.”
It’s also backing global efforts to promote braille literacy and equal access to information.
“Access to reading is not a privilege — it is a fundamental right,” Suratt stated. “As a society, we must commit to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge and opportunity.”
