The Winter 2026 issue of the Council Courier newsletter is now available on our website. In this issue: 2025 Was Another Year of Hard Work and Growing Relationships Message from Executive Director Denise Jess Retiring Development Director Lori Werbeckes Reflects on Evolution of Council’s Approach to Fundraising Board Member Kole Torres Speaks Up on Pedestrian… Continue Reading Winter Issue of the Council Courier is Now Available
The 2026 Spring General Election is on April 7. There will be one statewide election for state Supreme Court and likely a slew of local seats on the ballot. It is vital that you make your voting plan now to ensure that you are ready to vote on Election Day. Making sure you are registered… Continue Reading Be Sure You’re Registered for Statewide April Elections
Attention students, families and teachers: We are now accepting applications for 2026 Council Scholarships! Every year, the Council provides scholarships for blind or low vision students who are Wisconsin residents and are enrolled in postsecondary education in the fall. Past recipients have used scholarship funds in a variety of ways to further their education. In… Continue Reading Applications for 2026 Council Scholarship Now Open
The Council is seeking a qualified development specialist for a full-time position based in Madison. Reporting to the development director, the person in this position plays a vital role in maintaining donor records, securing grants, and assisting with various other fund development activities. Continue Reading Now Hiring: Development Specialist
Former Council Scholarship Recipient Meghan Whalen has a motto: You can own life or you can let it own you. Meghan has Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) and has little to no usable vision. “I always say I can see just enough to get into trouble!” she says. Meghan graduated from UW-Madison in 2010 with a degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing. She lives in Madison. Continue Reading Former Scholarship Recipient Meghan Whalen Takes Life, Terriers and Cricket by the Horns
In order to fully address the needs of the blind and low vision community, it is important we know as much as possible about all aspects of their lives. Across the country, there are many organizations conducting research aimed at growing that understanding. There are two main categories of research organizations in the blind and… Continue Reading Research Organizations Work to Understand Both the Medical and Social Sides of Vision Loss
Later this fall, the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) will begin rolling out a new talking book machine. The Digital Advanced Player 2 (DA2), will still play the classic talking book cartridges, but they will also connect to the internet so you can download books directly from BARD to your device. The National… Continue Reading Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library to Roll Out New Talking Book Players
When modern vision services began in America, this vital work was done for little-to-no pay. Performed mostly by women who themselves were blind or low vision, it was seen more as mutual aid than as a true “profession.” These workers were often paid just $1 per day (or around $38 per day in today’s money). Continue Reading The Illusion of Free Services
Have you thought about making a will only to realize you don’t know how to begin? If making a will has been on your mind but you’ve never managed to take the steps to get it done, this is a great time to do it. August is Make-A-Will month! Having a will benefits your loved… Continue Reading Consider the Council During Make-a-Will Month
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If you’re still working on your New Year’s resolution of getting rid of things you no longer use, the Council may be able to help. Before throwing unused adaptive equipment in the trash or sending it to a second-hand store, consider donating it to the Council instead. The Council accepts used adaptive equipment that is… Continue Reading Give Your Used Adaptive Equipment a Second Life by Donating it to the Council
2027 marks the Council’s 75th anniversary. As we gear up to celebrate, we reflect on our rich history, our present environment, the opportunities and challenges in front of us, and the future we want as an organization. These reflections have led us to an exciting project. We will be updating the Council’s “brand,” including a… Continue Reading Honoring Our Legacy While Embracing Our Future
The work of the Council, from education to advocacy to vision services, would not be possible without the generous support of the hundreds of donors who give to us every year. Whether you’re rounding up at the register for just a few cents or naming the Council in your will or life insurance policy, your… Continue Reading Thank You to All Our 2025 Donors!