PREVALENCE OF BLINDNESS AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AMONG ADULTS AND CHILDREN IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
• Estimated number of adults who are functionally blind (1% of the total population i.e. 1% of 86,295) = 863
• Estimated number of adults with low vision (3% of total population, i.e. 3% of 86,295) = 2,589
• Estimated number of children who are functionally blind (1 in every thousand children of school age) = 24
• Estimated number of children with low vision (3 in every thousand children of school age) = 72
History of Antigua and Barbuda Society of and for the Blind
The Antigua and Barbuda Society of and for the Blind was founded in March, 1952 with a view of giving better services to persons who are blind and visually impaired. It is an Organisational Member of the Caribbean Council for the Blind.
Mission and Vision
Providing quality services in Antigua and Barbuda, in the areas of Rehabilitation, Education and Employment to persons who are blind and visually impaired, thus empowering them to live independent and meaningful lives.
Programmes/Services offered
• Rehabilitation Services
• Education and Training
• Industrial Workshop Operation
Main Activities undertaken (on a monthly/yearly basis):
• Each year the Society celebrates Blindness Awareness Month in May, and uses the opportunity to sensitise the public about the causes and prevention of blindness.
• Free Vision Screening is conducted in Schools and lectures are delivered to Schools and Community Groups across the island. The observance is also used for fundraising.
Antigua and Barbuda Society of and for the Blind
President: Ms. Valrie Ferrance
Office Coordinator: Mrs. Jacqueline Tweed-Harris
Addresss: Lower All Saints Road,
St. John’s,
Antigua and Barbuda,
West Indies.
Telephone: 268-462-0663/268-462-3882
Fax: 268-462-3882
Email:societyforblind@hotmail.com / indushop@candw.ag
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