Blindness Awareness Month

 October is Blindness Awareness Month. It is a chance to shed light, open eyes and minds, to show people what it really means to live with vision loss. It’s not just a chance to talk about statistics or eye conditions. It’s an opportunity to learn about the people that it affects — their independence, resilience. It is also a chance to learn about the impact that it has on their friends and families. It is also a great opportunity to talk about the creativity that goes into the daily navigation of a world that was built for those who are sighted.

it’s a reminder of how far the world has come, how much room there still is for improvement, and how powerful it is when people start to truly understand blindness.

More than just what meets the eye

When people hear the word “blind,” many imagine living in total darkness, but that is not the case for most, only 10 to 15% of people with vision loss see nothing at all. Blindness is a spectrum. Some people see light and shapes; others have blurry vision, tunnel vision or even blind spots. Everyone’s experience is different, it isn’t a one size fits all thing. 

On a more personal note, although my vision isn’t completely gone, it’s far from clear and varies day to day. I rely on tools, tech, and often times a long white cane to help me navigate through the world safely. But I also rely on patience, problem-solving, and a good sense of humour.

A chance to discuss the stereotypes 

Blindness doesn’t define someone’s ability to do something. Living with vision loss isn’t a tragedy. Is it a challenge? - Yes. But just because it’s a challenge, it doesn’t mean life stops. People that are blind or visually impaired can still study, work, create art, travel, and use technology, we just have to find different ways to do it. Assistive technology tools like screen readers, Braille displays, magnifiers, and voice assistants help break through the barriers. But awareness also plays a massive role in this.

Blindness is not something that someone needs to overcome. It’s more a fact that we need to adapt, find a way to do everything, just differently. One of the things that that would help massively is being able to live in a world where accessibility isn’t an afterthought. 

The biggest barrier isn’t our lack of sight; it’s the misunderstandings and inaccessible design. Assistive technology tools give us independence but awareness gives us acceptance and freedom. 

Designing a world for everyone

Accessibility benefits everyone. Clearer signs, high-contrast colours, better lighting, audio cues, and screen-reader-friendly websites make things easier for people with all kinds of abilities. That’s what is great about universal design — it’s not just for disabled people, it’s for everyone. When accessibility something that  is built in from the start, it doesn’t just remove barriers — it shows respect.

How you can help

• Learn about visual impairments — ask, don’t assume.
• Support accessibility initiatives and inclusive design.
• Support inclusion. Follow and amplify visually impaired creators, writers, innovators, and advocates.
• Try accessibility tools yourself — it might shock you to see just how empowering they are, and how much they help you.
• Be open-minded. Blindness isn’t the end of independence — it’s just a different way of experiencing the world.

So even though October is almost over, let’s continue to look past the idea of blindness as a limitation, to start seeing it as part of the rich diversity of human experience. Let’s also celebrate the unseen elements that come with sight loss. After all, awareness isn’t just about opening eyes — it’s about opening minds.

As a final note from me, Blindness Awareness Month isn’t just about seeing less — it’s about helping the world to see from a different perspective.