April is National Volunteer Appreciation month. It’s an opportunity to recognize and celebrate volunteerism and its positive community impacts. Americans have always stepped up when it comes to volunteering. According to Americorps, nearly a quarter of Americans age 16 and over donated time formally through an organization between September 2020 and 2021. “Volunteers share their… Continue Reading Volunteering Can Be Gateway to Ongoing Connection
Lions Club International has been a leading advocate for and supporter of people with vision loss since 1925. That’s when Helen Keller challenged Lions Clubs around the world to be “knights for the blind.” Each spring, the Council nurtures our relationships with Wisconsin Lions Clubs by updating them on our current work and goals and… Continue Reading The Council and the Lions: A Lasting Relationship Rooted in Shared Goals
Finally, spring has come. Some outdoor enthusiasts, including those with vision loss, are storing away their snow skis and switching over to warm weather activities like tandem biking and hiking. These adaptive recreational opportunities—and more—are offered across Wisconsin, several of them by Blind Outdoor Leisure Development, Inc., or BOLD. BOLD’s purpose is to offer people… Continue Reading Spend Time in the Great Outdoors to Boost Physical, Mental and Social Well-Being
Date: Friday, August 9, 2019 Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire Clairemont Campus 620 W Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired invites Eau Claire area residents to our Low Vision Fair. The Low Vision Fair will feature 15 vendors… Continue Reading The Council’s Low Vision Fair Comes to Eau Claire
Donor advised funds (DAFs) are quickly growing in popularity in the world of philanthropy. Gifts from a donor advised fund are easy to make and the DAF provides tax incentives for many donors. A donor advised fund could be described as a charitable investment account. The sole purpose of the DAF is to support charitable… Continue Reading Donor Advised Funds
Jim Denham, Assistive Technology Specialist, completed the Assistive Technology Applications Certification Program through California State University, Northridge (CSUN), in May 2019. The course is intended for those who teach assistive technology to people with disabilities. It included information about products for people with a wide variety of disabilities, and presented a national assessment framework for… Continue Reading Certification Brings Collaboration, Assessment and Greater Assistive Technology Knowledge to the Council
Nona Graves has dedicated her life to setting an example for people who are blind or visually impaired. For her service and achievements, the Council honors Nona with the Louis Seidita Lifetime Achievement Excellence Award. Nona is 86 years old and has lived in the Madison/Milwaukee area since the 1950s. She was born in Antigo,… Continue Reading Nona Graves Recognized with a Louis Seidita Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council
Laws govern our society and provide rules by which to live. Ever wonder how a law is created in Wisconsin? This article outlines the legislative process and how you can get involved each step along the way. We encourage you to be aware of and participate in the legislative process to make the most of… Continue Reading How an Opportunity Becomes a Law in Wisconsin
New on our 2018 Infographic card, we are including etiquette information about what to do and say when interacting with people who are blind or visually impaired. We created this information to ensure greater education among the general public. This information is distributed to Lions Clubs, donors and individuals at outreach events. You can request… Continue Reading How to Act & Talk When You Encounter Someone with Vision Loss
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Jada Clark isn’t afraid to take matters into her own hands. The 2022 Council Scholarship recipient, who was born with significant vision impairment, made independence a goal once she got to middle school. “My vision has affected me throughout my life, both negatively and positively,” Jada says. As high school approached, she believed she was… Continue Reading 2022 Student Spotlight: Jada Clark
The Sharper Vision Store website now has a sharper look. While the site has always prioritized accessibility, the Sharper Vision Store team decided it was time to update and reorganize the site to make shopping even easier. “The online store is now more welcoming, with featured products on the homepage to help customers find popular… Continue Reading Sharper Vision Store Website Gets a Makeover
Transportation equity is a major focus of this year’s Advocacy Days. For an advocate, it’s a topic that takes a lot of focus and endurance. There are many reasons for that. Transportation policy varies from community to community and from county to county. One must approach both state and local agencies to advocate for positive… Continue Reading Advocacy Days Preview: Knowledge + Lived Experience is a Powerful Advocacy Combination