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It was not an easy journey . Kenneth went through a period of depression as he attempted to adjust to the new life and navigate his way through the emotional and physical darkness . At that time , music was his only solace . Playing his guitar and writing songs through which he vocalized the raw emotional turmoil he was enduring , gave him short-lived comfort . Many sad songs were written during that period , but Kenneth was resilient . Time progressed and he finished high school , then enrolled at Trinidad ’ s College of Science , Technology and Applied Arts . He completed an Associate ’ s Degree in Business Administration and today is the Executive Officer of the Trinidad & Tobago Blind Welfare Association ( TTBWA ). He is currently pursuing a Human Resources degree .
Kenneth credits his love for music as the lifeline that helped him to reintegrate himself into society . In 1991 with five other blind persons , he formed a band and travelled around the island performing at weddings and other events . Visionary Sound was the first all-blind band in Trinidad & Tobago and their popularity quickly grew , with them becoming the musthaves at many social functions . The band has since broken up as the members got married and moved on but its positive impact remains .
Kenneth has and continues to be a vocal advocate . In 1994 , he was awarded the National Youth Award for Special Education . He was an integral part of the team which in 2006 , won the case at the Privy Council for the establishment of an Equal Opportunity Commission in Trinidad & Tobago . In 2020 , his advocacy led to the amendment of the Copyright Act to make printed material accessible for the printdisabled . He also advocated for the Trinidad & Tobago currency to be changed from cotton to polymer notes so that tactile features can be added allowing persons who are blind to independently identify their money .
Kenneth believes that life for the blind in Trinidad and Tobago today is much easier than it was for him as a child – this he attributes to modern technology . He is heartened to see blind children are integrated into the regular school system and doing well , although improvements are needed in the way Math and Science are taught , especially now during Covid where online teaching / learning is used . The use of Braille is not widespread throughout Trinidad & Tobago , but now that it is in digital format and no longer bulky , Kenneth and the organization he leads are encouraging its use . They undertake the conversion of restaurant menus into braille , go to people ’ s homes to put tactile buttons on their appliances , teach them to use technology , how to navigate websites and also provide advice , as needed .
To date , Kenneth says , the Government of Trinidad & Tobago is the main employer of the blind . The private sector has not yet embraced the inclusive employment concept resulting in some blind persons turning to self-employment . Kenneth believes there is a lot to be done on the island including the built environment which needs to be made accessible as it is not easy for the blind to get around safely in their communities . Many obstacles exist and navigating the outdoors for a blind person presents numerous challenges . Stray dogs , uneven pavements , hanging branches etc ., are all hazards for a cane user . There are no legislations in place to enforce compliance to building standards which poses a serious threat to the independence of the aging population and people with disabilities . TTBWA , in their four branches , is therefore committed to continued advocacy , training the blind to advocate for themselves and working with government to implement the United Nations Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ( UNCRPD ) to build an all-inclusive Trinidad & Tobago .
Kenneth ' s Music " Die in your arms " | " Push your flag "