by Stephen Theberge | From BayLines Express, October, 2025
To all agencies that serve the blind, schools for the blind, vision rehabilitation centers, and professionals who work with the blind population—this message is also for the blind community itself:
Each October, the world recognizes International Blindness Awareness Month. Yet time and again, we collectively fail to give this occasion the attention it deserves. Opportunities to raise awareness, celebrate accomplishments, and highlight the work being done in our communities are too often missed.
This is not just a missed chance for publicity. It is a missed chance for progress, for connection, for changing public perception, and for inspiring the next generation of blind individuals. Our silence or limited action during this month sends a message of underrepresentation, when instead it should be a time to amplify our voices.
We, as a united community—blind individuals and those who work with us—must do more. It is not enough to acknowledge October quietly. We must actively promote, share, and advocate. We must double our efforts, if not more, to ensure that International Blindness Awareness Month is not overlooked but becomes a vibrant and visible movement across schools, agencies, rehabilitation centers, workplaces, and media platforms.
The blind population deserves recognition not only for our challenges but also for our resilience, creativity, and contributions to society. By working together, we can ensure that this month becomes a true celebration of awareness and progress, rather than a forgotten mark on the calendar.
Let us take this moment seriously. Let us commit—this year and every year—to making International Blindness Awareness Month a time when the world cannot help but take notice.
Sincerely,
Stephen A. Theberge