April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, designated by Prevent Blindness to raise awareness of the fact that women are at higher risk than men of blindness and low vision. There are several physical and social reasons this is the case. But by staying on top of their changing vision, women can take steps… Continue Reading Women’s Eye Health Month Highlights Gender Disparities in Vision Loss
Executive Director Denise Jess testifying on a bill at a legislative hearing. Since our founding in 1952, public policy advocacy has been a core component of the Council’s mission. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are bound by strict rules about how we go about lobbying and advocacy. Abiding by these rules keeps the Council… Continue Reading Advocacy Rules for 501(c)(3) Nonprofits Align with Council’s Mission
Birding by Ear returns to Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Monona on Saturday, May 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.! The Council is teaming up once again with the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (SWBA) and Aldo Leopold Nature Center to offer this unique opportunity to learn to identify birds through close listening rather than… Continue Reading Birding by Ear: Knowledge for a Lifetime of Enjoyment
When someone who is blind or low vision feels comfortable using the specialized transportation options available to them, such as paratransit, taxis and volunteer drivers, they will be more likely to leave their homes and participate in their communities. A new video produced by the Council will help drivers who transport people who are blind… Continue Reading New Video Supports Specialized Transportation Drivers in Providing Safe, Comfortable Rides for Blind and Low Vision Riders
We are pleased to welcome Jodi Nachtwey as the newest member of the Council staff. Jodi joined the team on November 10 as Development Specialist. Continue Reading Welcome Jodi Nachtwey to the Council Team
The Council launched its first online low vision support group in 2020 to help connect people with vision loss across the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. While that group, now known as the Trailblazers, was open to anyone who was blind or low vision across Wisconsin, some participants expressed a desire to have a group focused more on younger adults. So a couple years later, the Council started a second low vision support group for college and working-age adults, now known as the Supernovas. Continue Reading Supernovas College and Working Age Low Vision Support Group Creates Statewide Community of Young Adults
The Council relies on gifts of all kinds and sizes to enable us to empower people across Wisconsin who are blind or low vision. But some supporters go above and beyond in their generosity, giving $20,000 or more over their lifetimes. We call this group of committed donors Council Visionaries. Visionaries are some of our… Continue Reading Council Visionaries Go Above and Beyond to Support Our Work
Graduating high school and starting postsecondary education can be both exciting and challenging. That’s especially true for students with vision loss who are leaving behind their teachers of the visually impaired and navigating school on their own for the first time. Continue Reading Postsecondary Students with Vision Loss Must Assert Their Rights on Campus
Jaxon Baker addressing the Madison Common Council October was Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to promote safer and more welcoming communities for everyone. The month also included White Cane Safety Day on October 15, recognized every year as opportunity to raise awareness of White Cane Laws. In Wisconsin, drivers must stop at least 10 feet… Continue Reading Pedestrian Safety Month and White Cane Safety Day Reaffirmed Commitment to Safe Streets for All
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Xinyue Hippe Former Council Scholarship recipient Xinyue Hippe’s schooling took her all over the globe. The Milwaukee native started college at Calvin University in Michigan, where she studied Chinese, Spanish and German. She had the opportunity to spend a semester in Spain before returning to her home town to finish her degree in Spanish Language… Continue Reading Former Scholarship Recipient Xinyue Hippe’s Wide Skill Set Creates Future Possibilities
Tax season is underway, and workers who are legally blind have some ways to reduce their tax burden. In 2024, the Wisconsin Legislature enacted a new tax credit for workers who are, or have a spouse who is, legally blind. If you (or your spouse if you’re filing jointly) are blind, employed and paid for… Continue Reading Take Advantage of the Tax Breaks You Qualify For
It can be easy to feel as if you are alone after losing your vision. According to a study from the National Institutes of Health, people with disabilities experience loneliness and social isolation at significantly higher rates than people without a disability. But it’s important to remember that you are not alone. You can still… Continue Reading Take Steps to Reduce Social Isolation After Losing Your Vision