Blindness Awareness Month

WHEREAS, blindness and low vision affect millions of Americans, including an estimated 35,000 Maine people; and

WHEREAS, the white cane and guide dog serve as essential tools that promote independence, mobility, and safety for people who are blind or have low vision, and Maine law recognizes their use and provides protections for people who use them; and

WHEREAS, people who are blind and or low vision contribute significantly to the social, cultural, and economic vitality of our state as they pursue meaningful careers in diverse professions, strengthen Maine's workforce, raise families, and enrich our communities through their participation in all aspects of life; and

WHEREAS, we honor the resilience, wisdom, and lifelong contributions of older adults who are blind or have low vision, and their efforts to maintain independence while navigating the unique challenges of aging with vision loss; and

WHEREAS, people with vision loss continue to encounter stigma, discrimination, and accessibility barriers, including misconceptions about their capabilities and needs; and

WHEREAS, we recognize the efforts of vision rehabilitation professionals, educators, self-advocates, and allies across Maine who work to advance equality, accessibility and opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision; and

WHEREAS, Blindness Awareness Month calls attention to the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and respect, and reminds us of the progress achieved through advocacy, education, and civil rights protections, as well as the work still to be done;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as

in Maine, and I call upon all residents to join in recognizing the contributions of Maine people who are blind or have low vision and to work together to promote accessibility, inclusion, independence, and full participation in all aspects of community life.

In testimony whereof, I have caused

the Great Seal of the State to be

hereunto affixed GIVEN under my

hand at Augusta this eighth day of

October Two Thousand Twenty-Six