October is Blindness Awareness Month

Raising Awareness, Breaking Barriers: Blindness Awareness Month 2025

October is recognised as Blindness Awareness Month – a time dedicated to raising understanding and support for people living with sight loss.

Its purpose is not only to highlight the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted people but also to celebrate the organisations and individuals working to create a more inclusive society.

It’s about encouraging us all to think about accessibility, show empathy, and learn how we can support those living without the gift of full vision.

The importance of Blindness Awareness Month

Across the UK, thousands of people live with visual impairments that affect their everyday lives, from education and employment to mobility and independence.

Blindness Awareness Month shines a spotlight on these daily realities while also tackling misconceptions.

It reminds us that sight loss doesn’t define ability, and with the right support, opportunities and adaptations, people can thrive and achieve just as much as anyone else.

VICTA’s work with children and young people

Our evening presenter Adam James recently welcomed Emily McMillan and Catherine Brabin from the charity VICTA into the studio to talk about their vital work.

VICTA supports children and young people who are blind or partially sighted, along with their families, by providing resources, experiences, and opportunities to help them grow in confidence and independence.

From activity days and family weekends to educational workshops and networking opportunities, the charity plays a key role in breaking down barriers.

Emily and Catherine explained how VICTA not only champions young people by giving them experiences many take for granted, but also helps spread awareness in communities so that schools, workplaces and leisure venues become more inclusive and accessible.

How to get involved

VICTA’s team shared with Adam that raising awareness this October can be as simple as starting a conversation about sight loss, making small changes in workplaces and local services to improve accessibility, or supporting the charity directly.

Whether it’s volunteering your time, fundraising for family events, or simply spreading the word about what VICTA does, every action makes a difference.

By marking Blindness Awareness Month, we can all take a moment to learn, reflect and play a part in making everyday life fairer and more inclusive for blind and partially sighted children and young people.

You can listen again to Adam in conversationversation with Emily and Catherine right here.

To find out more about VICTA please visit the official website.