2024 is in the rearview mirror, and the Council is ready to dive into the new year with a strong-as-ever commitment to empowering people who are blind or low vision to live the life they choose. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue the work we’ve already started and bring some new ideas to the table.
“Over the years, the Council has increased our statewide footprint through our educational events, advocacy efforts and collaborative partnerships, and by providing vision services in-person and virtually,” says Executive Director Denise Jess. “The needs of people who are blind and low vision are gaining attention in a variety of sectors, opening the door to greater access to services and impactful advocacy. We look forward to sustaining the progress in reducing barriers and opening the hearts and minds of our community members.”
In addition to the events that take place every year, such as Gallery Night, Birding by Ear, Pedestrian Safety Month, and our Council Scholarships, we are also excited to shake things up a little bit. In the spring the Council will host a new art class for people who are blind or low vision in collaboration with the Arts + Literature Lab in Madison. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new offering. Events like these not only show people with vision loss that they can live with independence and dignity but show the sighted public that with appropriate support and adaptation, people with vision loss can continue to do the things that matter most to them.
Advocacy Day will return to the State Capitol in 2025, as we meet with legislators to discuss our state budget and policy priorities. With a new slate of legislators beginning work on the 2025-27 biennial budget, the Council will be helping people connect with their legislators to advocate on the issues that matter to them. In addition to our in-person Advocacy Day event, we will also host a separate online Advocacy Day webinar focusing on how to work effectively with policymakers to bring change to your communities. Stay tuned for more details on Advocacy Day in the coming months.
But our advocacy won’t just take place on one day in 2025. The Council will work with key stakeholders throughout the year to discuss important issues that affect everyone who is blind or low vision, including accessible transportation options, pedestrian safety, and access and to health care and vision services.
The beginning of 2025 also marks the start of our new three-year Strategic Plan. This internal document helps to guide all of the Council’s work. A major theme of the new plan is collaboration. The Council has regularly partnered with other nonprofits, service providers, legislators and others to achieve shared goals. As in recent years, Council staff will keep busy giving presentations at senior living facilities, playing a leading role in a coalition that promotes accessible voting options, teaming with other vision service providers to expand access, and much more. In addition to our collaborative efforts, our new Strategic Plan calls for the Council to connect with and serve diverse communities across the state and to create a healthy work environment for staff, where they can grow professionally and personally.
2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for the Council. We are excited to continue our hard work, and to regularly share with you updates on our progress. To stay up to date on everything the Council does, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, and subscribe to our weekly On Sight e-newsletter at WCBlind.org/News/Newsletter-Signup/.
