The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA) proudly joins hands with author and advocate Ms. Debbie Jacob to promote A Touch of Hart, a creative and inspiring audio series now available on YouTube. The series features Hart, a retired police dog who lost his sight while bravely serving the nation, and who has since become an honorary member of the TTBWA.
Hart, a Belgian Malinois born in Slovakia and brought to Trinidad and Tobago by the United States Embassy, served with distinction in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) as a detection dog for illegal drugs, guns, and ammunition. Even after going blind at age seven, Hart continued to demonstrate courage and purpose — qualities that embody the spirit of blind and visually impaired persons everywhere.
Following his retirement, Ms. Jacob, President of the Wishing for Wings Foundation and columnist with the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, adopted Hart and created A Touch of Hart to teach children empathy, resilience, and the value of inclusion.
The current three-part folklore series — Episodes 7, 8, and 9 — tells Hart’s imaginative story of being taken into the forest by Douens, exploring lessons about bullying, confidence, kindness, standing up for what’s right, and never losing one’s sense of purpose. Narrated by Khafra Rudder, recorded and mixed by Makela Saphire Rose, and featuring a theme song sung by Naomi “AMI” Phill, the series combines storytelling with education and fun.
“A Touch of Hart” is more than entertainment — it’s a tool for inclusion. The TTBWA encourages parents, teachers, and community leaders to use this series to help children build listening and academic skills while developing a better understanding of blindness and visual impairment.
As the world observes World Sight Day and White Cane Day this October, the Association celebrates Hart’s story as a joyful reminder that blindness does not define one’s worth or limit one’s contribution to society.
TTBWA invites the public to like, share, and subscribe to Hart’s adventures on YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/@ATouchofHartPodcast
Through “A Touch of Hart,” the Association continues its mission to promote awareness, empowerment, and inclusion for all blind and visually impaired persons in Trinidad and Tobago.
For further information, please contact:
The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA)
116–118 Duke Street, Port of Spain
Tel: 1-868-624-4675
Email: ttbwa1914@gmail.com
WhatsApp 1-868-395-3086
