ORANJESTAD, Aruba — FAVI Aruba Learning Equipment needs are at the center of the foundation’s 2026 donation campaign as it seeks funding for modern assistive technology and adapted educational materials for children who are blind or visually impaired.
Meredith Faarup-Lacle, an educational support specialist with Fundacion Arubano pa esnan Visualmente Incapacita, said modern technology can make an important difference in the way visually impaired children participate in school.
Braille remains an essential learning system for children who are blind, while students with remaining vision may require enlarged text, specialized devices or other adaptations depending on their individual needs.
However, many of the modern tools now available are expensive and can be difficult for families or schools to purchase independently.
FAVI Aruba Learning Equipment Requires Investment
The FAVI Aruba Learning Equipment campaign aims to raise funds that can be used to purchase specialized devices for students and for FAVI itself.
Faarup-Lacle said donations received through December can help the foundation acquire equipment that can be brought into schools when children need additional support.
FAVI also needs equipment at its own facilities so staff can continue adapting books, worksheets and other educational materials into accessible formats.
Depending on the child, those adaptations may include Braille, enlarged print, audio materials or digital learning tools.
The goal is to ensure visual impairment does not prevent students from participating in education alongside their peers.
Modern Assistive Technology Can Be Expensive
Technology for visually impaired students has become increasingly sophisticated.
Specialized Braille equipment can connect with computers and allow students to access digital information in a tactile format.
Other tools can enlarge text and images or help students use digital educational platforms more independently.
These devices can be costly, creating challenges for families and schools that may not have budgets specifically designed for specialized equipment.
FAVI therefore acts as a support organization, providing expertise and helping schools access the adaptations required for individual students.
Inclusion Remains Main Goal
Faarup-Lacle emphasized that inclusion is central to FAVI’s educational work.
Children with visual impairments are entitled to education, and she said that means schools and support organizations must work toward providing the tools required for them to participate.
FAVI works directly with students but also guides teachers and families.
The foundation can assess what a child needs and help identify suitable learning materials, technology and classroom adjustments.
According to Faarup-Lacle, Aruba’s education authorities are aware of FAVI’s needs and are kept informed about developments affecting visually impaired students.
Parents Encouraged to Seek Help Early
Faarup-Lacle also encouraged parents to act quickly when a professional identifies developmental concerns or a disability affecting their child.
She said early support can give children more time to develop skills that will help them become increasingly independent.
Rather than avoiding assistance because a diagnosis or limitation may be difficult for a family to accept, parents are encouraged to contact organizations that can provide professional guidance.
FAVI’s approach is based on cooperation between families, schools and specialized services.
Donations Support Accessible Education
The FAVI Aruba Learning Equipment drive forms part of the foundation’s wider annual donation campaign.
Funds can help FAVI purchase specialized technology, prepare adapted learning resources and continue offering support to children throughout Aruba.
For Faarup-Lacle, the long-term objective is independence.
Children receiving the right support early can develop skills that allow them to participate more fully in education and, eventually, wider community and working life.
FAVI is therefore calling on residents and organizations to support its 2026 fundraising campaign so the foundation can continue investing in the modern tools visually impaired children need to learn alongside their peers.
