President of the Blind Welfare Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Kenneth Suratt, is calling for greater accessibility in the Ministry of Education’s new AI-powered SEA Past Paper Solutions Platform, warning that technology must be inclusive to truly benefit all students.
Suratt said while the platform represents a major step forward in digital education, blind and visually-impaired children risk being left behind if accessibility is not built into its design.
He noted that blind students often face delays accessing basic learning materials, affecting their confidence and academic performance.
He explained that AI tools paired with text-to-speech software, Braille displays, screen magnification and voice commands could be life-changing, allowing blind students to learn independently and at the same pace as their sighted peers.
Suratt stressed the importance of adhering to international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, particularly in an exam-driven system like SEA.
He said inclusive technology benefits both students and teachers and urged policymakers to ensure every child has equal access to digital learning.
