A local organization is recognizing the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Members of the Westchester Council of the Blind gathered in White Plains today to walk together and spread awareness about Blind Americans Equality Day, also known as White Cane Safety Day, on Oct. 15.

The sidewalk stroll commemorates and celebrate blindness, visual impairments and the achievements of individuals – despite the challenges.

It also highlights the importance of the White Cane as a vital tool to achieve independence when it comes to getting around on their own.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vision disability is more common than we think – in fact it is one of the top 10 disabilities among adults.  

It's also one of the most prevalent disabling conditions among children.

"The biggest goal is to just that we're out here and we are independent just like anybody else. I mean, we have people that take the MTA and the subway to the city on jobs, and you know it's just an awareness thing to get people to ask questions," says Jim Kiernan, Westchester Council of the Blind board member.