In support of Blind Awareness Month, Digicel Foundation and Dr Terri-Karelle Reid, author and award-winning media practitioner, have come together to launch the ‘Follow the Trail, Invest in Braille’ campaign, an initiative that seeks to address the shortage of braille machines at the Salvation Army School for the Blind.

The Salvation Army School for the Blind is the only institution of its kind in Jamaica and serves over 130 students.

Reid, known for her commitment to inclusivity, said: “It isn’t that we don’t discuss the importance of literacy and numeracy; it’s that we often overlook communities with special needs. Every child, regardless of their abilities, must have equitable access to education. We are dedicated to ensuring that ‘no one gets left behind.'”

Together, Reid and the Digicel Foundation aspire to secure funding from corporate Jamaica to procure 50 additional braille machines for the School for the Blind. Daniels added: “Every donation, regardless of size, brings us closer to our goal. Together, we can profoundly impact the lives of these extraordinary young individuals.”

Numerous companies and individual donors have already pledged their support to the initiative. Prominent contributors include NCB Foundation, Sandals Foundation, GraceKennedy Group, CSG Systems International, Jamaica Public Service Company, Hospiten, INAMI Management Services Limited, and Pia Baker.

Corporate Jamaica is encouraged to participate by either purchasing braille machines directly or contributing to its purchase. These invaluable devices are set to be handed over to the school on February 14, commemorating the second anniversary of the Disabilities Act’s implementation in Jamaica.

For those interested in becoming a part of this transformative initiative, please contact the Digicel Foundation at [email protected].