October is World Blindness Month October is the spookiest month of the year, and it can be extra spooky if you are losing your vision. Every October, World Blindness Awareness Month brings a heightened focus to the blind and visually impaired community and the realities of living without sight. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “everyone, if they live long enough, will experience at least one eye disease or disorder in their lifetime.”   The proof is in the numbers. An estimated 2.2 billion people around the globe are challenged by some form of visual impairment or blindness – including those who simply wear corrective lenses. Check out the link below from the American Association of Ophthalmology to learn more about changes in the eyes that come with age that lead to worsening eyesight as individuals grow older.

WHITE CANE AWARENESS DAY-OCTOBER 15 White Cane Day, also known as White Cane Awareness Day, is celebrated annually on October 15th to recognize the importance of the white cane as a tool for the independence, safety, and mobility of people who are blind and visually impaired. The day serves to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals using the cane and to raise public awareness about their rights and challenges, including the use of the white cane as a symbol and a functional tool for navigating physical obstacles.    Purpose and Significance Symbol of Independence: The white cane is a symbol of the user’s ability to travel independently and participate fully in community life.  Mobility Tool: For people with visual impairments, the white cane provides essential physical information about the environment, such as curbs, steps, and uneven surfaces, allowing for safer navigation.  Public Awareness: White Cane Day educates the public to be mindful of people with visual impairments, encouraging them to be careful and provide assistance when needed. Congressional Approval: In 1964, Congress approved the request, and President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed October 15th as White Cane Safety Day, making him the first president to do so.

Celebrate White Cane Day with a special film screening event! Join us on October 15th at DGCKids for an exciting evening of festivities and a feature of Telephone, a one-of-a-kind audio description dance film, in honor of White Cane Day 2025! This event is FREE and open to the public. Please RSVP with the QR code or visit: bit.ly/WhiteCaneDayRSVP   PANEL DISCUSSION! INCLUSIVE DANCE! TACTILE ARTS AND MORE!   Who: Krishna Washburn, Heather Shaw, DGCKids, MindsEye, and Sight Collective partners. Open to all community friends.   What: Telephone, a FREE audio description dance film screening with festivities, including a discussion with the directors!   Where: DGCKids, 1750 S. Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63117   When: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 / 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.   Why: Celebrate White Cane Day and experience the power of accessibility in the arts! ________________________________________________________   Event Agenda Welcome & Mingling | 5:00 p.m.   First Telephone Film Screening | 5:30 p.m. (Child-friendly room available to encourage movement)   Post-Film Panel Discussion | 6:30 p.m. Live Q&A with film producers joining us via Zoom   Second Telephone Film Screening | 7:30 p.m. (Child-friendly room available to encourage movement)   Wrap-Up | 8:15 p.m. ________________________________________________________   Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy hands-on activities, including tactile art projects, inclusive dance demos, human guide training, low vision and blindness simulations, as well as other sensory-friendly activities.   The first of its kind, Telephone is a documentary screendance film bringing awareness to the important art form of audio description for dance. Audio description allows blind and visually impaired people to be included fully in the joy of artistic expression.   SPONSORED BY     The DGCKids and MindsEye logos side-by-side on a white background.   Additional support from: Light House for the Blind-St. Louis, St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Missouri School for the Blind Outreach, Missouri Council of the Blind, Ballet 314, Moonstone Theater Company, and Sight Collective member agencies.     Event sponsor logos arranged on two lines against a white background. From right to left, starting at the top: Ballet 314, Saint Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired, The Light House for the Blind Saint Louis, Missouri School for the Blind Outreach, Moonstone Theater Company, and Missouri Council of the Blind.   Please RSVP with the QR code or visit: bit.ly/WhiteCaneDayRSVP

SLAM Collection Tour: Architectural Wonders St. Louis Art Museum Friday, October 10, 4:00 p.m. On behalf of the Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) Society would like to share this upcoming event.   Join this guided tour and immerse yourself in the illusions of space. Explore artists’ portrayals of homes, palaces, and places of worship filled with grand and elaborate interiors.   This FREE live audio description tour strives to build a more inclusive community by translating vision into audio. Tours begin at the welcome desk in the Sculpture Hall on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservation is required.

Audio Description Walking Tour at the Missouri Botanical Garden Explore the Missouri Botanical Garden’s history, plants, and culture with a Garden docent-led tour with audio description.   These tours are for individuals who are blind or have low vision and their family and friends.   Saturday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. Free for members and nonmembers. Taylor Visitor Center Check-in   Reserve your spot today!

Tickets are still available for the Chuck Berry Birthday Bash at the newly renovated Powell Hall!   Thanks to a generous grant from the St. Louis Regional Arts Commission, 25 clients and their plus one will enjoy an afternoon of Chuck Berry classics!   Saturday, October 18 – 2:00 p.m.   AS OF THIS EMAIL, THERE ARE STILL ENOUGH TICKETS FOR 12 CLIENTS AND THEIR PLUS ONE!   RSVP to Carlos: 314-968-9000   Celebrate the legendary Chuck Berry’s birthday with this unforgettable performance of the star’s hits by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) and special guest artists from the world of rock ‘n’ roll.   Berry’s songs, like “Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybellene,” and “Roll Over Beethoven,” are anthems that transcend generations and continue to influence performers today.   This exciting tribute to the Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll blends the grand sounds of the SLSO with Berry’s signature guitar style and raucous expressions of rock, soul, and R&B. Exclusive video footage, photos, and rare memorabilia accompany the performance, showcasing Berry’s connection to his hometown of St. Louis and his profound and lasting impact on American music.   Featuring band members from The Rolling Stones, Living Colour, and The Pretenders!   Clients are responsible for their own transportation. Please use the third party transportation reimbursement program by coordinating a cab or ride-share service and submitting receipts to accounting@slsbvi.org. Society will reimburse each client up to $100 per month.   If you would like to attend the birthday bash of St. Louis’s most famous son, please call Carlos at 314-968-9000 to reserve your two tickets today!   Chuck Berry’s Birthday Bash Powell Symphony Hall 718 N Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63103   Saturday, October 18 – 2:00 p.m.

October Events at SLSBVI   NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND (Lewis and Clark Chapter)    The Lewis and Clark Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) will have their annual picnic on Saturday, October 4, 2025 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Location: 7951 Aldershot Drive, St. Louis, MO 63123   RSVP to Jenny Carmack by phone, text, or email: 314-239-9776 / jcarmack@nfbmo.org   The NFB will still meet on their regular day:  Saturday, October 11 / 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. SLSBVI Multipurpose Room President, Jenny Carmack at 314-239-9776. NFB meets the second Saturday of each month.   UNITED WORKERS FOR THE BLIND Friday, October, 10 / 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. SLSBVI Multipurpose Room Doors open at 5:30 p.m.  Contact: Kay Malmquist 608-436-2610 United Workers meet the second Friday of each month.    As a reminder, GAB is meeting two times a month now. GAB2 meets on the second Tuesday.   GAMES ACCESSIBLE FOR BLINDNESS (GAB2) Tuesday, October 14 / 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. SLSBVI Multipurpose Room  The game for GAB 2 will be either a simple card or dice game. The cards will have Braille and large print for those with low vision. The dice will be tactile in two different sizes. The group will decide on which game after arriving. Contact: Mary Hale 314-662-5777 text or voice  You can also email her: mehale331@gmail.com.   I CAN TECH Wednesday, October 15 / 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Multipurpose Room  The October meeting falls on White Cane Day!   Special guest Tasha Doan will talk about and demonstrate the new Glide Smart Cane (Glidance). Tasha is a visually impaired individual and will show how the Glidance mobility aid works for her.   Brett and Anne will have a survey for you to complete–either verbally or via email–about future topics you would like to cover in 2026.   As always, the group will discuss any new technology issues. Lunch will be served. Please donate $5.00 to Brett if you wish to eat.   Looking ahead to November:   3rd annual I Can Tech Christmas Party! November 19, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   They will begin accepting payment for the party at this meeting. Cost is $20.00 per person. Please plan on paying for your guest or SSP as well.   Elaine from Missouri Assistive Technology will attend! Music! Door prizes! Great food!   Although not required, anyone is welcome to bring a wrapped $10 technical gift, which will be included with the door prizes.  For questions or information on ways to pay, please email or call Anne Murphy: anneradetic@gmail.com / 314-708-1619   For information about I Can Tech or to participate via ZOOM, contact Brett Wilhelm. Phone: 636-544-5358 Email: bwilhelm2586@gmail.com I Can Tech meets the third Wednesday of each month.    ENRICHING OUR LIVES TOGETHER (Formerly the Peer Support Group) Thursday, October 16 / 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Multipurpose Room   Topic for October: This month we will talk about how to be your own advocate when going to a doctor’s appointment or having a stay in the hospital. We will talk about tips for scheduling your appointment and if there is value in having someone else come with you. We hope you bring your own tips on this topic.    Questions? Email Judy or leave her a message.   Judy Redlich / jredlich@slsbvi.org / 314-301-7331 Enriching Our Lives Together meets the third Thursday of each month.   SIGHT AND SOUND IMPAIRED (SASI) Saturday, October 18 / 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m   For a little extra fun, SASI will be playing the game, “Name That Tune.”   Contact: Brett Wilhelm 636-544-5358  SASI meets the third Saturday of each month.    Glidance Demo at SLSBVI     Two white Glide Smart Canes. One is in the sitting upright position and the other is in the ready to walk position. They have black handles and wheels and are shown against a pink gradient background. The devices have pink footrests and telescoping upright handles.   Don’t forget!   If you have registered for the Glidance Demo, it is happening on October 22 in the Multipurpose Room at St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired.   Wednesday, October 22, 2025   For those who registered for Session #1: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.   For those who registered for Session #2: 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.    Unfortunately, all registrations slots are filled, but you can still come in and watch, or come to the I Can Tech meeting on October 15. Society will also share photos and video of the demonstration.   GAMES ACCESSIBLE FOR BLINDNESS (GAB4) Tuesday, October 28 / 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. SLSBVI Multipurpose Room   The game for GAB 4 will be a fun new verbal game! Curious? Come find out what it is all about. Feel free to bring a family member or a friend to enjoy these games with you.   Contact: Mary Hale 314-662-5777 text or voice  You can also email her: mehale331@gmail.com. GAB2 meets on the second Tuesday and GAB4 meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.    CLIENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT     MARK BUSKE (A man standing in front of a colorful quilt. He is holding two books and smiling.)   LAKISHA GUEST (Professional headshot of a woman with long, curly black hair and wearing a glamorous yellow dress.)   Mark Buske: Children’s Author and client since 2019   Society client, Mark Buske is the author of three children’s books about a Mole named Marcy. Mr. Buske said it was his own eye issues that became the inspiration to write a children’s book called “Marcy the Mole Sees Something New.”   Marcy has low vision (as most moles do) and wants desperately to see things she has always wanted to see. Her journey to see the world around her starts with a “wascally wabbit” and ends with a wise owl. The book is superbly illustrated by Mr. Buske’s former student, Brandon Michaud. Buske taught music and choir for 30 years in elementary and secondary education before his vision prevented him from continuing to teach.   Mr. Buske did not stop with one book, however. He has written two more: “Marcy the Mole Explores Her World” and “Marcy the Mole Goes Underground.” Book three, will join the first two titles on Amazon in November of this year.    Book One is also now available for free through Spotify, iHeart Radio, and YouTube. One new book will be released in these formats each month through December. Book One will also be included in the Lighthouse for the Blind’s Christmas Braille Boxes this season.    Mark and Marcy are averaging one school presentation every month–typically Abilities Days or Read-a-longs and have also represented the Society at several presentations. ____________________________________________   Society Client Lakisha Guest Makes History as Missouri’s First Contestant in Miss Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant   A client since 2022, Lakisha Guest of Sikeston, Missouri is taking her empowerment of living with vision loss to a new level! This story is courtesy of South East Missouri University’s (SEMO) Urban Voices Newspaper.   History is being made in Southeast Missouri. Sikeston native Lakisha Guest has been named a nominee in the 2025 Miss Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant, becoming the first-ever contestant from Missouri to compete in the national competition designed exclusively for blind and visually impaired women.   For Guest, this moment is about more than crowns or titles—it’s about representation, resilience, and the power of purpose.   “My blindness does not define me, and it will never stop me from chasing my dreams or walking boldly in my purpose,” Guest told Urban Voices.   The Miss Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant is organized by Eyes Like Mine Inc., a nonprofit founded in Newark, New Jersey, by Krystle Allen. Nine years ago, Allen envisioned a platform specifically for blind women to highlight their strength, talents, and resilience. Today, that vision has grown into a national movement, providing representation and empowerment for women across the country.   The annual event, held in Newark, New Jersey, is the only known pageant of its kind in the United States. Contestants showcase their talents before a panel of judges while advocating for equality, inclusivity, and the recognition of blind and visually impaired women.   “This is bigger than me,” Guest said. “I want to empower young girls and women, and if I win the crown, I plan to launch local initiatives for accessibility and support—because real change starts at home.”   You can read the entire article at this link: SEMO Urban Voices: Lakisha Guest   The Miss Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant includes a public voting component that could help secure Guest’s place as Miss Blind Diva 2025.   But hurry, because voting ends on October 4 at noon!   Vote for Lakisha Guest at eyeslikemine.org! (Scroll down to contestant #344 at the voting site.)   GO GET ‘EM, LAKISHA GUEST – MISS BLIND DIVA 2025!     HAVE A SPOOKTACULAR OCTOBER!