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Our Member in Trinidad and Tobago Persons Associated with Visual Impairment (PAVI)

PREVALENCE OF BLINDNESS AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AMONG ADULTS AND CHILDREN IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

• Estimated number of adults who are functionally blind (1% of the total population i.e. 1% of 1,227,505) = 12,275

• Estimated number of adults with low vision (3% of the total population, i.e. 3% of 1,277,595) = 36,825

• Estimated number of children who are functionally blind (1 in every thousand children of school age) = 239

• Estimated number of children with low vision (3 in every thousand children of school age) = 717

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[Population – http://indexmundi/trinidad_and tobago/demographics_profile.html

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HISTORY OF PAVIPersons Associated with Visual Impairment (PAVI) was established on October 26,1995 and is an Organisational Member of the Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB). 

Mission and VisionPAVI’s mission is to intervene and advocate for equal opportunities for persons with visual impairment, as well as provide education for the prevention of blindness.

Throughout its existence, PAVI has been driven by the value of helping people to prevent blindness and visual impairment and ensuring that those who are blind or visually impaired achieve their full potential through skills training and access to equal opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago.

The organisation upholds the individual’s

•! Right to sight•! Right to equal and inclusive services•! Right to a livelihood•! Right to a safe and secure environment

A critical aspect of PAVI’s work is that of advocacy through lobbying for the rights of persons with visual impairment.

On June 6th 1998 the organisation was successful in gaining Cabinet’s approval of amendments to the Voting Regulations. As a result of these amendments, persons with visual impairment can now exercise any of three options to cast their votes.

At the the local elections of 1999, for the first time, the visually impaired were allowed to vote secretly and independently.

Another significant milestone in the history of the Organization’s development was the collaboration with the Caribbean Council for the Blind from 1997-1999 to host three training programmes for Rehabilitation Field Officers (now referred to as Adjustment to Blindness Officers).

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President : % % Raphael Maule

Executive Director : % Bhawani Persad

PAVI#54 Sixth AvenueBaratariaTrinidad and Tobago

TELEPHONE NUMBER:     (868)-674-0336/ (868)-221-7979

FAX:                    % (868)-674-0336

EMAIL:   % %      paviltt@gmail.com!

PROGRAMMES/SERVICES OFFERED

Rehabilitation Services in the form of training in orientation and mobility, communication skills, social adjustment, recreational and daily living skills along with vocational guidance are provided by Adjustment to Blindness Officers.

“Nipping it in the Bud” Project trains Lay Educators from PAVI and the Diabetes Association of Trinidad. Once completed the trainers educate citizens on making the right choices for a healthier lifestyle to avoid the onset of diabetes and possible blindness.

In 2002 PAVI introduced an Early Intervention Programme which targeted children with visual impairment between birth and seven years as well as parents and teachers. It was intended to provide support to assist in the development of the child. There are plans to reintroduce this programme in 2013.

PAVI has four Support Groups which seek to provide an outlet for members to socialise and develop leadership skills.

Main Activities

Calypso Competition

Fund-Raising Luncheon/

Dinner -November/December

Monthly Meetings of Support

Groups

International Day of Persons

with Disabilities-December

Yearly Outings and Social

Gatherings

Annual Anniversary

Celebrations

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rU8DOe_XVg