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Recognizing October 11 and 12, 2025, as Blindness Awareness Weekend in the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Blindness and vision impairment affects many people all around the world. The World Health Organization estimates that there are over 285 million visually impaired people, 245 million with low vision and 39 million totally blind people. More than 53,000 adults in Philadelphia are visually impaired; and
WHEREAS, There are many causes of vision impairment and blindness, including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, retinal diseases, and surgical complications. By age 65, over 90 percent of people will develop cataracts, and in the United States more than ten million people live with retinal disease. Many cases of vision loss go undocumented due to fear, stigma, or lack of education about eye conditions and available resources; and
WHEREAS, Children and college students with low vision are often overlooked in receiving proper services and resources. While braille is a powerful tool for literacy, it is not consistently taught across the United States, creating barriers to equal access in education and employment. Access technology such as audio devices, screen readers, and email communication is essential for participation in education, employment, and community life, yet many individuals lack the training and support to use these tools; and
WHEREAS, Black people are five times more likely to develop glaucoma, which tends to occur earlier and progress faster in Black patients compared to their white peers; and
WHEREAS, Blindness Awareness Weekend, hosted by Love Zion Baptist Church, is an important event magnifying the voices of visually impaired people and providing opportunities for supportive services, education, and dialogue. The event was founded by Esther Gillyard, Ms. Blind Diva of Pennsylvania, and Stacie Leap, Board Leader of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania and President of its Parent Division, with support from Dr. Clare...
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