For former Council Scholarship recipient Luka Santin, music has always been at the forefront. Diagnosed with glaucoma from birth, Luka has been interested in music since they were just 3 years old Continue Reading Former Scholarship Recipient Wants to Help Others Through Music
Winter is here, and with it comes snow- and ice-covered sidewalks that become a hazard for all pedestrians. That hazard is especially true for older adults, people who are blind or low vision and people with other disabilities who do not drive and need the sidewalks they use to be clear and safe. But too… Continue Reading Well-Maintained Sidewalks Vital for Pedestrians in Winter Months
When Henrietta de la Cruz lost her vision a few years ago, she says the Council came to visit her and gave her a white cane to help her get around and high contrast measuring cups to help her to continue cooking. As a way of saying thank you, Henrietta decided to support the Council… Continue Reading Monthly Giving Supports the Council Year-Round
Denise Jess, Amy Wurf, Kathleen Callen and Nate Wegehaupt were among the Council staffers on hand at last year’s Disability Pride Festival in Madison. Throughout July, communities across Wisconsin are celebrating Disability Pride Month. Last year, we published this article about what Disability Pride means and why we celebrate it. We hope you are able… Continue Reading Disability Pride Month Celebrates the Diverse Disabilities Community
Christina Wilson working her way up the wall at Boulders Climbing Gym. Before losing her vision, Christina Wilson loved being active in the outdoors. After her vision deteriorated from a macular pucker, however, she struggled to be able to maintain her independence while doing the outdoor activities she loved. That’s when Christina heard about adaptive… Continue Reading Blind and Low Vision Rock Climbers Reach New Heights in Outdoor Recreation
Alyson Dahl When 2025 Council Scholarship recipient Alyson Dahl was 15, she received news that no teen wants to hear: Alyson would be unable to get a driver’s license due to her vision loss. Alyson was diagnosed with coloboma just a few weeks after she was born and has had low vision her entire life.… Continue Reading 2025 Student Spotlight: Alyson Dahl
An ad for a braille typewriter designed by AFB to expand employment opportunities. The Council’s highly trained vision rehabilitation professionals empower people who are blind or low vision to live life on their own terms in a variety of ways. They help clients gain the skills to navigate safely through their community, use access technology… Continue Reading The History of Vision Rehabilitation: Undervalued, Overlooked, Urgently Needed
Members of the VisionServe Alliance Board of Directors at their board meeting last fall. Across the country, there are a number of organizations dedicated to empowering people who are blind or low vision. While each of these organizations specializes in different areas of the vision loss field and all have their own unique identity, they… Continue Reading National Blindness and Low Vision Networks Work Together Toward Common Mission
Executive Director Denise Jess receiving a check from David Anderman of the Madison South Rotary Foundation. The Council relies on a variety of funding sources to help us meet the needs of Wisconsinites who are blind or low vision. We receive gifts from individuals almost every day. Store customers round up their purchases to the… Continue Reading Local Grants Support the Council’s Efforts to Change Lives
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We are pleased to welcome Jim Unger as the newest member of the Council’s Board of Directors. Jim, a Rhinelander resident, has over 40 years of experience in the blind and low vision rehabilitation field. Most recently, he worked for the Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired (OBVI) as a vision rehabilitation therapist until his retirement in 2019. Continue Reading Welcome Jim Unger to Council Board of Directors
The Council is excited to announce that Debbie Rasmussen has been named development director at the Council, succeeding Lori Werbeckes, who retired in December. Debbie first joined the Council staff as development coordinator in 2022. Continue Reading Debbie Rasmussen Named Development Director
It’s easy to let your home get cluttered and disorganized, especially after the holidays. Having a messy home can cause severe anxiety for anyone, and that is especially true for people who are blind or low vision. Being unable to find something you’re looking for leads to frustration with yourself and with your vision loss.… Continue Reading Organizing Your Home Can Reduce Stress and Frustration