Jamaica started issuing birth certificates in Braille on May 1, 2024 in what Charlton McFarlane, the then CEO of the Registrar General’s Department (RGD), described as a “significant milestone in our journey toward inclusion and accessibility”.

In a ceremony to launch the new service, McFarlane delivered the first copies of the document to Jamaica Society for the Blind officials, Executive Director Conrad Harris and Chairman Daemon McClean, declaring his pleasure at the accomplishment in his final act as RGD boss.

“It is with great pride that I share the news of the introduction of birth certificates in Braille, a pioneering initiative that marks a crucial step forward in our commitment to serving all members of our society,” McFarlane said.

“For too long, individuals with visual impairments have faced barriers in accessing essential documents and services. By introducing birth certificates in Braille we are breaking down these barriers and ensuring that every citizen, regardless of ability, has equal access to vital documentation,” he added.

“This initiative is not just about providing a service, it is about sending a powerful message of inclusion and empowerment. It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Jamaican has the opportunity to fully participate in society and exercise their rights as citizens,” McFarlane said.

Pointing out that the initiative “aligns perfectly with the Government’s broader policy of improving inclusion for all in its service delivery” McFarlane said it was “a tangible expression of our belief that diversity is our strength, and that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect”.

After the ceremony, when asked by the Jamaica Observer how the initiative started, McFarlane said the idea came to him while attending a civil registration conference in the Dominican Republic in 2022.

“One session focused on inclusion policies and the idea came to me to print certificates in Braille,” he said.

He added that years ago when he was working at the Ministry of Health he was part of a team that did health education material in Braille.

“Several consultations were held with members of the relevant communities, including Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, Combined Disabilities Association, and, of course, Jamaica Society for the Blind. We simply pitched the idea and asked if this would be a product they would want. They responded ‘yes’, and together we worked on the how, the look, and feel, etc,” McFarlane related.

Now, the RGD is accepting applications for Braille birth certificates which cost the same as other certificates.

Additionally, the RGD said that marriage and death certificates in Braille are scheduled for roll-out in July.

“Thanks to this important achievement, people who are visually impaired will now be able to access, read, interpret, and have first-hand knowledge of the information included in their vital record as a result of this significant accomplishment,” McFarlane said during the ceremony.

“I am confident that the introduction of birth certificates in Braille will have a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals across Jamaica and the Caribbean. It is a testament to our collective commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society — one where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive,” he added.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly to make this initiative a reality. Your dedication and passion have made it possible for us to take this important step forward, and I am truly grateful for your efforts,” said McFarlane who, during his tenure modernised the services offered by the RGD.

That thrust included shifting the RGD’s products and services to an online platform that has seen the agency now providing efficient and convenient access to civil registration services for all Jamaicans.

As such, Jamaicans can now apply for birth and marriage certificates, or conduct searches from their homes or offices.

“The online platform allows stakeholders to access services 24/7, eliminating the constraints of traditional working hours. This means that individuals can complete transactions at their convenience, making the process more efficient and adaptable to their schedules,” McFarlane had explained in a column published in the Observer last October.

He said the RGD’s shift toward online services was a testament to its commitment to provide the best possible service to the Jamaican people.

“It is a journey of empowerment, transparency, and efficiency that reflects a forward-looking approach to civil registration,” McFarlane said, adding, “as technology continues to evolve, the RGD’s vision for the future includes further enhancements, which is inextricably linked to the roll-out of the national identification system, which will revolutionise identity management in Jamaica”.