During the month of October, a number of commemorations focus attention on vision, blindness, and the importance of heightening awareness and fostering independence among those who are blind or have low vision. The following descriptions highlight these observances and their significance:
World Sight Day: October 10, 2024: “A Megaphone for Child Eye Health”
This year’s commemoration of World Sight Day, on October 10, 2024, “focuses the world’s attention on the importance of eye care in young people and inspiring children everywhere to love their eyes.” The International Association for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has announced this theme as part of a goal to make eye health accessible, available, and affordable for every child. Specifically, the initiative seeks to provide young people with the information they need to protect their eyes, by such actions as reducing screen time, spending time outside, and seeking help for any eye problems or discomfort. IAPB notes that governments and other influencers are recognizing that early intervention and regular eye care are crucial to “unlocking education opportunities and future economic potential.” To increase awareness and involvement of these messages, IAPB sponsors a number of activities before and during World Sight Day. These include a Glasses of the Future Competition, where children design glasses; a Pledge to Love Your (Child’s) Eyes to boost efforts to increase access to eye care; a Photo Competition, for photographers to capture “what it means to LoveYourEyes;” and more. For additional details and resources, visit the IAPB webpage on World Sight Day 2024.
World Sight Day Toolkit
IAPB is also partnering with Prevent Blindness and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) to promote 2024 World Sight Day. As part of this collaboration, a new toolkit is being introduced for use by school nurses, school staff, parents, and caregivers. This resource features online eye health and safety information, financial aid information, practical tips, and activity ideas for World Sight Day. Learn more on the Prevent Blindness webpage covering World Sight Day 2024 and NASN
White Cane Safety Day/Blind Americans Equity Day: October 15, 2024
Each year, on October 15th, White Cane Safety Day, also known as Blind Americans Equity Day, is observed to raise awareness of “the importance of the white cane as a symbol of independence and mobility for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.” Even with the advancements that have occurred in technology, the white cane continues to be integral to independence. It also serves as a reminder of the need for pedestrian safety and respect for the rights of people with vision loss as well as an opportunity to educate the public and to advance inclusion and accessibility for all. The first observance of White Cane Safety Day occurred in 1964, when President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation on October 15th recognizing the role of the cane as a symbol of independence for those with vision impairment. Since that time, the date has served to reinforce awareness and recognition of its value. Beginning in 2011, October 15th has also been recognized as Blind Americans Equity Day, to “celebrate the achievements of people who are blind and visually impaired” and to address the need for greater awareness of the laws protecting the rights of people who are blind or have low vision. First featured in a proclamation issued by President Barack Obama, Blind Americans Equity Day has been recognized by subsequent Presidents. A few ideas to observe the occasion in 2024 include:
– Find out more about the white cane and its significance as a tool for independent travel;
– Be aware of individuals using white canes and guide dogs when walking or driving and yield the right-of-way;
– Organize or participate in events, such as white cane walks, film screenings, and social events;
– Encourage local government officials to issue a White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation; and
– Become an advocate for accessibility in public spaces, such as accessible sidewalks, tactile pavement, and audible pedestrian traffic signals.
Events in communities across the nation are marking the occasion. Check with your local vision rehabilitation organization, schools, and other community resources to find out how to participate.
For more details about the commemoration and the significance of the white cane, visit the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) webpage on White Cane Awareness Day and the feature from BrailleWorks on Celebrating White Cane Safety Day and Blind Americans Equality Day. Additional information is also available on the observance on the websites covering Awareness Days and the National Day Calendar.
Blindness Awareness Month: “Share Your Vision” Campaign Launched
Given the focus on sight issues during October, a monthlong initiative underscores the importance of increasing public awareness about visual impairment and the experiences of those affected by vision loss. As part of this commemoration, the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) is asking individuals to share their personal experiences in writing or via audio or video, seeking to “inspire and educate others.” Participants can share their story with a select group of people or on social media, with the hashtag #ShareYourVision and tagging FFB. Throughout the month, FFB will also be sharing content on social media related to individual experiences of vision loss. As explained by Jason Menzo, chief executive officer of the Foundation, “’This month is all about educating the public that blindness is a spectrum and everyone’s experiences with vision loss are unique.’” Read more in the announcement that the Foundation Fighting Blindness Launches #ShareYourVision Campaign for October’s Blindness Month. For additional information about the commemoration, visit the National Today webpage on Blindness Awareness Month.
