Braille teacher Dinalva Tavares celebrates developments: ‘Let us not stop exercising our citizenship because when we go to the polls we are showing that we exist’.
In this year's elections, people with visual impairments will be able to vote more accessibly. That is because the electronic voting machines will feature a tool that converts text into sound. In addition to this technology, special polling stations offer greater accessibility and security. Braille teacher Dinalva Tavares celebrates these developments: ‘Let us not fail to exercise our citizenship because when we go to the polls we are showing that we exist.’.
The resident of the capital likes to enter the voting booth alone. She believes that the Electoral Justice system has evolved regarding accessibility and was glad to know that she will be able to hear, through the headphones, the names of the candidates after typing the corresponding number.
“When we typed in the numbers, despite the advancement of the electronic ballot box, unlike a sighted person, we couldn't see the name and be sure of who we were choosing. And with this feature, it's a confirmation of our choice,” said Dinalva.
All electronic voting machines are prepared to accommodate people with visual impairments. In addition to the Braille system and the identification of the number 5 key on the keypads, the courts will provide headphones at special polling stations and at those where there is a specific request so that a blind person or person with a visual impairment can receive audio cues indicating the chosen number.
The deadline for voters to request a transfer of their polling place to a special section has already passed. “Anyone who did not make this request and is a person with disabilities will still be able to exercise their right to voting priority at their original section. They must identify themselves as a person with disabilities by presenting their voter ID, and the poll workers will then grant them this right to vote with priority,” explained Arlindo Nobre, a member of the OAB’s Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
However, if the voter with a disability has not made any request in advance, they must inform the poll workers of their limitations, and the Electoral Justice will seek a suitable solution for that moment.
Clairton Thomazi, a member of the TRE's Accessibility and Inclusion Commission, explains that an inspection of the polling places was carried out. “By identifying the polling stations that are most accessible and better equipped to accommodate both physically impaired and visually impaired individuals, we have pinpointed these locations, and the electoral office heads will position the polling stations in a way that maximizes this accessibility.”.
Dinalva emphasizes that people with disabilities should not fail to vote. Participating in the electoral process is part of the fight for more public policies. “Let us not fail to exercise our citizenship because when we go to the polls to choose our representatives, we are showing that we exist and that we need actions to improve our lives in society.”.
Anyone with questions can contact the TRE's ombudsman's office. “Through 0800 6486 800 or 63 3229-9600. The Electoral Justice counts on your presence on November 15,” explained Clairton.
source:
G1
