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Success Beyond the SEA: Six Blind and Visually Impaired Students Show What High Expectations Can Achieve

The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA) proudly congratulates six outstanding students who are blind and visually impaired on their success in the 2026 Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA), describing their achievement as a powerful demonstration of what is possible when children are afforded their right to quality, inclusive education and are expected to succeed.

The Association extends heartfelt congratulations to:

Asa Wallen – Bon Air Secondary School
Ethan Pandohie – (Not Disclosed)
Azaria Bissoondath – San Fernando West Secondary School
Aidan Sookram – Marabella North Secondary School
Jeremiah Penco – Siparia East Secondary School
Faith Graham – Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive School, Tobago

These young people have earned their places through determination, discipline, resilience and academic excellence. Their achievements stand as a reminder to the nation that blindness or visual impairment is never a measure of a child’s potential. Given equitable opportunities, accessible learning resources and the support to participate fully, children who are blind and visually impaired continue to demonstrate that excellence has no limits.

The TTBWA pays special tribute to the parents and families whose unwavering commitment, countless sacrifices and steadfast belief in their children helped make this moment possible. Long before examination day, these families were advocating, encouraging, reading, travelling, coordinating support and refusing to allow barriers to define their children’s futures. Their dedication deserves national recognition.

The Association also expresses sincere appreciation to the principals, teachers, itinerant teachers of students with visual impairments, classroom assistants, school leaders, support staff and all education professionals who believed in these students and worked alongside their families. Inclusive education is realised through collaboration, innovation, professionalism and high expectations. Every educator who invested time, expertise and encouragement in these students has played a meaningful role in this success story.

Commenting on the results, Executive Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association, Mr. Kenneth Suratt, said: “Today we celebrate much more than SEA results. We celebrate what happens when expectations are high, rights are respected and children are given every opportunity to learn. These six students have shown the entire country what can be achieved through hard work, determination and talent. Their success challenges us to move beyond assumptions and recognise that children who are blind and visually impaired belong in every classroom, every conversation and every opportunity that our education system has to offer.”

Mr. Suratt continued: “Our message to Trinidad and Tobago is simple: raise expectations. Children who are blind and visually impaired are not asking for sympathy; they are claiming their right to an education that is accessible, equitable and inclusive. When barriers are removed, children flourish. Their achievements today should inspire us to continue building schools where every learner can participate fully, contribute meaningfully and realise their aspirations.”

The achievements of these six students also serve as an important reminder that inclusive education is not merely an educational aspiration it is a human right. Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) affirms the right of persons with disabilities to an inclusive education system at all levels, without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity. It calls on States Parties to ensure that learners with disabilities have access to the support, accommodations and accessible educational materials necessary to participate effectively in education alongside their peers.

This commitment is echoed in Trinidad and Tobago’s National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, which recognises the right of persons with disabilities to participate fully and equally in society and calls for the removal of barriers that prevent equal access to education, employment and community life.

For the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association 1914, these commitments must continue to be reflected in every classroom across the country. Accessible textbooks and examination materials, assistive technology, trained educators, orientation and mobility support, and inclusive teaching practices are not special privileges. They are essential components of an education system that respects the dignity and rights of every child.

The Association believes that the success of Asa, Ethan, Azaria, Aidan, Jeremiah and Faith represents more than individual achievement. It reflects what becomes possible when families, educators and communities work together while maintaining high expectations for children who are blind and visually impaired. Their accomplishments should encourage policymakers, school leaders and the wider public to continue strengthening inclusive education so that every child can participate, learn, achieve and lead.

As Machel Montano reminds us in this year’s Road March anthem, “You are as great as your last performance.” This year’s performance by these six students deserves the applause of the nation. Their achievement is not only a source of pride for their families and schools it is a reminder that Trinidad and Tobago is strongest when every child is empowered to contribute their talents and fulfil their potential.

Today, the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association celebrates six exceptional young people. Tomorrow, we renew our commitment to every child who is blind or visually impaired across our nation. We will continue to advocate for an education system that recognises ability, respects human rights and creates opportunities for all learners to succeed.

To Asa, Ethan, Azaria, Aidan, Jeremiah and Faith congratulations. Your achievements have inspired a nation, strengthened our resolve and reminded us all that the future of Trinidad and Tobago is brighter when every child is given the opportunity to shine.

Mr. Kenneth Suratt
Executive Officer
Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association 1914 (TTBWA)