Post Archive

Stick drawings of individuals walking, cycling, running, using a wheelchair and using a scooter

Active Transportation: The Missing Link Between Pedestrian, Bicycle and Motor Transportation Planning

The road to an inclusive Wisconsin transportation plan is a long one. But thanks to work underway by a steering committee serving the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), positive change is in motion. The committee is steering toward what’s called an active transportation plan for the state. What is it? Think about the different modes… Continue Reading Active Transportation: The Missing Link Between Pedestrian, Bicycle and Motor Transportation Planning

A woman wearing safety glasses and rubber gloves while scrubbing a tile wall

Protect Your Eyes Indoors and Out This Spring

Warmer months bring on the need to fix things up around the home, both indoors and out. Whether it’s keeping your lawn under control, cleaning out the attic or working on a home repair project, your to-do list is screaming for attention. Since these are chores that often present a risk of eye injury, it’s… Continue Reading Protect Your Eyes Indoors and Out This Spring

A bus driving by the Wisconsin State Capitol

Council Setting its Advocacy Focus on Biennial State Budget

Governor Tony Evers’ proposed biennial budget for fiscal years 2023-25 weighs in at just under $104 billion of proposed state spending. The state budget impacts everyone in Wisconsin, but certain parts of it are of particular interest to the Council. Those include provisions related to mass transit, specialized transportation, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services,… Continue Reading Council Setting its Advocacy Focus on Biennial State Budget

Student Spotlight: Christina Alger

Christina Alger is a 2019 Council Scholarship recipient. She is in her first year of graduate school at the University of Minnesota, studying curriculum and instruction. She sat down with Council Writer Katherine Corbett to talk about her love of teaching, how contemplating identity has changed her life. Katherine Corbett: Tell me about the… Continue Reading Student Spotlight: Christina Alger

A multi-generational family walks outside.

Make a Difference by Establishing a Family Foundation

What is a family foundation? A family foundation is a grant-making organization whose funds come from a single family. The founding family makes financial contributions to qualified non-profits whose mission aligns with that of the family. Giving through a family foundation may offer tax incentives not available as an individual. Family foundations can be a… Continue Reading Make a Difference by Establishing a Family Foundation

Self-Defense Instructor Jim Turk Receives 2019 Council Excellence Award

“I show people that just because you are blind does not mean you have to be nervous or afraid when you are out travelling,” says Jim. “You can still travel in public confidently and independently.” Jim tailors his lessons to the abilities of each student. In addition to students with visual impairments, he has taught… Continue Reading Self-Defense Instructor Jim Turk Receives 2019 Council Excellence Award

Collaborating to Better the Lives of Workers: The Council and the Dignity at Work Coalition

The Council strives for a collaborative approach in advocacy. One way it collaborates with other groups and individuals is through coalition work. In 2018, the Council joined the Dignity at Work Coalition. The Dignity at Work Coalition was formed to advocate with a unified voice around issues affecting employment. Multiple factors impact whether a person… Continue Reading Collaborating to Better the Lives of Workers: The Council and the Dignity at Work Coalition

Dine Confidently: Tips for Eating with a Visual Impairment

Photo by Royal National Institute of Blind People Dining with others is a way to build community and share an intimate experience. As a person experiencing vision loss, you may have many questions about how to go about eating a meal with dignity and poise. In this article, we provide a variety of tips or… Continue Reading Dine Confidently: Tips for Eating with a Visual Impairment

Seeking Art Submissions for Fall Gallery Night

Do you or someone you know express creativity through photography, woodworking, painting, fiber arts or other art forms? The Council is seeking artists who are blind or visually impaired to participate in MMOCA’s annual Gallery Night. The event takes place Friday, October 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wisconsin Council of the Blind… Continue Reading Seeking Art Submissions for Fall Gallery Night

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A clear piggy bank full of coins wearing a mortarboard

Introducing Our 2023 Council Scholarship Recipients

We’re pleased to announce this year’s Council Scholarship recipients! Executive Director Denise Jess says the decisions were especially difficult this year due to the excellent pool of applicants. Each year, $2,000.00 scholarships are awarded to students around the state who are blind or visually impaired and are enrolled in post-secondary education in the fall. Past… Continue Reading Introducing Our 2023 Council Scholarship Recipients

A Gift is Making It Easier to Produce Braille Instruction Materials

The Council was pleased to add braille instruction to our Vision Services menu last year. Like all our vision services, braille instruction at the Council is tailored to the goals of each individual client. “We see clients who use braille in a variety of ways,” says Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Rachel Pavone, who teaches braille… Continue Reading A Gift is Making It Easier to Produce Braille Instruction Materials

Denise Jess and Jacci Borchardt presenting on health care during Advocacy Days

Building Data into Your Advocacy on Health Care Issues

The Council’s Advocacy Days, which kicked off in April with a series of online discussions, provides an annual crash course on how to make a difference by communicating with local and state officials. This year, one of the key messages of Advocacy Days was that a conversation that combines data with stories of lived experience… Continue Reading Building Data into Your Advocacy on Health Care Issues