This spring, Council Executive Director Denise Jess was honored for her outstanding work with awards from two organizations serving the blind and low vision community. VisionServe Alliance (VSA) recognized Denise with their Excellence in Leadership Award in April, and in early May, the Wisconsin chapter of the Association of Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WAER) presented her with their Special Recognition Award.
Denise was presented with the Excellence in Leadership award from VSA at their annual conference in Arizona. The award is in recognition of her tireless dedication to improving the lives of people of all ages living with blindness and low vision. “Denise is a persistent and passionate champion of people with blindness and low vision,” says Lee Nasehi, President and CEO of VSA. “She has made it her life’s work to ensure that this often-overlooked community has all they need to succeed. We are grateful for all she has done, and hopeful for all she will do in the future.”
Denise was honored by WAER at their annual Collaborative Vision Conference in Stevens Point. WAER is made up of vision services professionals across the state, including Orientation and Mobility Specialists, Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Access Technology Specialists and Low Vision Therapists. The Special Recognition Award is given every year to someone who is not a WAER member but has made a significant difference in the lives of people who are blind or low vision.
“I am deeply honored to accept both of these wonderful awards,” Denise says. “The Council works closely with both of these organizations, and I hold the Council and our many partners in my heart, as this work is collaborative and fueled by our shared passion to promote the dignity and empowerment of Wisconsinites who are blind and low vision. I’m very touched to have professionals in our field offer their support for me to receive these awards.”
Congratulations Denise!
