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
Annika Konrad Since 2015, Annika Konrad has been a force for positive change on the Council’s board. She served as First Vice President, and on the Executive and Nominating committees. She completed her PhD in Composition and Rhetoric at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is leaving the state to teach at Dartmouth College in New… Continue Reading The Council says Goodbye to Board First Vice President, Annika Konrad
Birding by Ear (Indoor Sessions) Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired office – 754 Williamson Street, Madison Thursday, May 30, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. OR Saturday, June 1, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Birding by Ear (Outdoor Sessions) Location: UW-Madison’s Picnic Point area Thursday, June 6, 6-8 p.m. OR Saturday, June 8,… Continue Reading Only a Few Spots Left in the Birding by Ear Class—Reserve Yours Today
The Council is delighted to recognize the 2019 Excellence Awards winners, and to announce the recipients of our scholarship program. Scholarships and Excellence Awards were presented at a luncheon on Saturday, May 18, in Madison. Excellence Awards: Each year, the Council awards individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions promote the dignity and empowerment of those… Continue Reading Congratulations to the 2019 Council Excellence Awards and Scholarship Recipients
What do the words public transportation, accessible pedestrian signals, and the White Cane Law mean to you? To people with vision loss, those terms mean the world. Without them, getting and holding a job is only a dream. A trip to the doctor requires a costly cab fare. The crosswalk becomes a danger zone. The… Continue Reading Provide the Gift of Empowerment When You Give to the White Cane Fund
Since February 2018, the Council sends legislative updates that inspire, inform and initiate action in the blind and visually impaired community throughout Wisconsin. We would like your feedback as we move forward to ensure monthly content is meaningful and impactful. Please take five to ten minutes of your time to fill out our short survey.… Continue Reading Weigh in on the Issues that Matter to You
A mother and her son talk to former Store Manager and current Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Brent Perzentka. The Madison residents Joyce Russell and her son Jay came to the Council seeking answers to the question: What could I find to help me live a fuller life? Joyce is a person living with changing vision and Jay… Continue Reading A Mother’s Journey: Finding Products that Help Us Lead Full Lives
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Smart speakers, also known as voice assistants, are changing the way people interact with the internet. “Voice assistants have really enabled those with vision impairments to remain independent by utilizing their voice and hearing to assist with daily living tasks,” says Council Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Brent Perzentka. A smart speaker can even be programed by… Continue Reading Smart Speakers Can Keep Families Connected, Bring Easy Access to Common Tasks and Information
Registration is now open for the Council’s 2023 Advocacy Days. This year’s Advocacy Days combines online and in-person components. An online Advocacy 101 Zoom session will be offered on April 18 at two different times: 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. On April 19 and April 20, there will be online “Lunch… Continue Reading Reminder: Advocacy Days Provides the Tools to Make Your Voice Heard
We’re accepting applications for 2023 Council Scholarships until March 31. More information and application materials are available on our website. Scholarships of $2,000 are available to up to ten Wisconsin residents living with vision loss and who are planning to attend a two-year college, four-year university or graduate program in the fall. Over the years… Continue Reading Reminder: Scholarship Application Deadline is March 31