Caption: Kenneth Suratt

Summary 

• The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association is calling for the new Online Arrival and Departure Card Platform to be fully accessible to blind and visually impaired users.
• The group says the system should support assistive technologies such as screen readers, braille displays and keyboard-only navigation.
• It also urged the Government to train immigration staff in disability awareness and accessibility support.

By Alicia Chamely

THE Government is being urged to ensure the new Online Arrival and Departure Card Platform is accessible to blind and visually impaired users.

The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA) made the call in a press release on Thursday, urging authorities to ensure equal access to the newly launched online immigration platform.

While welcoming the Government’s move to modernise the country’s immigration systems, the association said accessibility must be integrated into the platform from the outset.

“While the Association recognises the benefits of digitising public services, it emphasises that accessibility must be built into the system from the start,” the release stated.

TTBWA president Kenneth Suratt said digital transformation could greatly improve independence for persons who are blind or visually impaired, but warned that poorly designed systems could create new barriers.

“Digital transformation has the potential to significantly improve independence for persons who are blind or visually impaired. However, if accessibility is not properly integrated, digital systems can unintentionally create new barriers for those who rely on assistive technology,” Suratt said.

The association said the platform should be compatible with assistive technologies used by persons who are blind or visually impaired and should be designed in accordance with internationally recognised digital accessibility standards.

Among the features recommended by the TTBWA are screen reader compatibility, refreshable braille display access, properly labelled online forms and navigation, keyboard-only navigation, high colour contrast and scalable text for persons with low vision, accessible document upload features, and text-based confirmation codes in addition to QR codes.

The association also called on the Government to ensure immigration personnel receive training in disability awareness and accessibility support so they can properly assist users who may experience difficulties with the platform.

The TTBWA said it stands ready to work with the Government and other stakeholders to ensure the platform meets international accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

“Accessibility is not simply a technical matter. It is about ensuring that every citizen and traveller can participate fully and independently in society. As Trinidad and Tobago advances its digital government initiatives, accessibility must remain a national priority,” Suratt said.