Post Archive

A light-skinned man using human guiding technique to assist a dark-skinned woman holding a white cane as they walk away from a paratransit vehicle.

New Video Supports Specialized Transportation Drivers in Providing Safe, Comfortable Rides for Blind and Low Vision Riders

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

A light-skinned woman wearing a green sweater smiling for the camera

Welcome Jodi Nachtwey to the Council Team

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

Supernovas College and Working Age Low Vision Support Group Creates Statewide Community of Young Adults

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

A group of blindfolded diners enjoying a meal.

Dining in the Dark Offers a New Perspective on How to Enjoy a Meal

On Wednesday, April 16, the Council will be at Crossroads Coffeehouse in Cross Plains for our first Dining in the Dark event of 2025! Dining in the Dark is a unique educational experience where participants enjoy their meal while blindfolded. Diners use senses other than sight to enjoy their meal, with each course revealed after… Continue Reading Dining in the Dark Offers a New Perspective on How to Enjoy a Meal

Be Proactive About Vision Changes During Save Your Vision Month

When a patient was referred to optometrist Dr. Kallie Harrier’s office at UW Health, they were expecting a fairly basic procedure. They had been experiencing headaches for some time, and after several tests came back inconclusive, their primary care doctor recommended seeing Dr. Harrier to see if their headaches were related to their eyes. An… Continue Reading Be Proactive About Vision Changes During Save Your Vision Month

Gov. Tony Evers delivering his Budget Address in the Assembly Chamber.

Governor’s Proposed Budget Shows Impact of Advocacy

In February, Governor Tony Evers released his proposed 2025-27 biennial budget. While the budget still has a long way to go before becoming law, it shows progress for the blind and low vision community. “The Governor put forward a very thoughtful budget, and we can see the impact of our advocacy throughout,” says Executive Director… Continue Reading Governor’s Proposed Budget Shows Impact of Advocacy

The Big Share Was a Big Success Thanks to Your Help

We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported the Council during The Big Share on March 4. Thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our $8,000 goal, raising a total of $10,688! Every gift made during The Big Share helps the Council raise awareness of the importance of accessibility. Whether we’re training people on using screen… Continue Reading The Big Share Was a Big Success Thanks to Your Help

Shannon Columb and her guide dog standing in a playground.

Former Scholarship Recipient Shannon Columb Continues Mission of Accessibility

Growing up on a dairy farm in Door County, Shannon Columb always felt more comfortable in nature. After she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at a young age, she says sitting in a classroom could be difficult at times. But when she was done with school for the day, she felt at home exploring the… Continue Reading Former Scholarship Recipient Shannon Columb Continues Mission of Accessibility

A song sparrow with white and reddish-brown feathers sings while sitting on a branch with thorns.

Birding By Ear Returns May 10

One of our favorite springtime events, Birding by Ear, returns on Saturday, May 10! Continue Reading Birding By Ear Returns May 10

Click toggle for topics

A person teaching another person to use a digital magnifier to read a magazine

Council Visionaries Go Above and Beyond to Support Our Work

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

Postsecondary Students with Vision Loss Must Assert Their Rights on Campus

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

A light-skinned man speaking at a podium with an American flag behind him

Pedestrian Safety Month and White Cane Safety Day Reaffirmed Commitment to Safe Streets for All

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