NTRC donates Assistive Technology to entities serving persons with disability

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) donated EC$12,408.00 worth of assistive technology and ICT equipment to the Voice of the Disabled (VOD) during a ceremony held on August 5, 2026, at the organisation’s headquarters in Sans Souci. The equipment comprise one printer/scanner, three tablets,and one Perkins Braille Machine, which were formally received by VOD President Cheryl Adams.

The donated equipment will enhance the VOD’s capacity to provide accessible learning, communication, and digital services for persons who are blind or visually impaired, NTRC said in a release. It will also support braille literacy, digital skills development, and greater access to information and technology.

The donation reflects the NTRC’s ongoing commitment to promoting digital inclusion by ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to the technological tools they need to learn, communicate, and participate fully in today’s digital society, the telecoms body said.

The initiative forms part of the NTRC’s Digital Resilience, Inclusion, Virtual Access and Empowerment (DRIVE) Project,which is funded through the Universal Service Fund (USF).

In expressing her appreciation, Adams thanked the NTRC for its continued support of the organisation since the opening of its headquarters in Sans Souci in 2018.

She described the donation as both timely and essential, noting that the equipment would significantly benefit the organisation’s members, particularly as Voice of the Disabled celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. She highlighted the importance of the Perkins Braille Machine, explaining that it will enable persons who are blind or visually impaired to further develop their braille literacy skills.

The handing over ceremony was attended by Karen Nero, who represented the Ministry of the Family and Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Labour; Vice President of Voice of the Disabled Micron Cupid; NTRC USF Administrator Sjadeja Gordon; NTRC Consumer and Public Relations Manager; Rhea Lewis; and members of the organisation.

Following the ceremony, the NTRC also donated one laptop and two noise-cancelling headphones to the School for Children with Special Needs in Georgetown. The equipment was received by the school’s Principal, Kathleen Butler, and will support students by enhancing access to digital learning resources, creating a more inclusive learning environment.

That donation was also made under the NTRC’s DRIVE Project.