About Us

Mission

To promote the self empowerment of people who are blind by providing services and opportunities that enhance personal growth and independence regardless of geographic boundaries.

Purpose

The Foundation is a multinational organization that seeks to enhance the quality of life for the blind by providing technology training and consulting services, career development services, reading services, education support, braille production services, and volunteer community support. Our headquarters is located in downtown Washington, DC but the Foundation provides services nationally and internationally.

Currently Torres Foundation International has a number of successful development projects in the West Indies. The Caribbean arm of the organization is called The W. R. Torres Foundation for the Blind based in Trinidad and Tobago. The Foundation’s team of service providers and board of directors include experienced professionals, many of whom are disabled individuals. We are guided by the principle that access to opportunities makes success. When a blind person has been provided the proper tools, education, equal access, and a chance to prove himself, only then will he truly have a fighting chance to make himself a productive successful member of society.

Founding

On December 13, 1998, Wilfred Robert Torres, a blind citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, died of cardiac complications. He was very popular and well respected both in and out of the blind community. Many came to him for guidance and counsel and he would always help whenever and wherever he could. As a blind individual and the father of a blind child, Mr. Torres was always concerned about the need for better services and opportunities for blind people in Trinidad and Tobago. He was an outspoken leader and an advocate for the advancement and social development of the blind. Thus, upon his death family and friends established the W. R. Torres Foundation for the Blind in his memory.

In 2004 the Torres Foundation opened its United States headquarters in the heart of Washington DC. We provide numerous services to federal, state, and local governments as well as to companies and individuals. Our first class office space provides a comfortable environment for both training and technology demonstrations. Visit the services page for an in-depth look at what we provide.