Post Archive

Scientific photo of an eye with retinitis pigmentosa

Research Organizations Work to Understand Both the Medical and Social Sides of Vision Loss

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

DA2 player with charging cord and all buttons displayed

Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library to Roll Out New Talking Book Players

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

Amy Wurf demonstrating tactile labelling techniques using a television remote

The Illusion of Free Services

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

2024 Student Spotlight: Marin Gundlach

When 2024 Council Scholarship recipient Marin Gundlach first got her hands on an iPod Shuffle at age 5, she says she immediately became interested in technology. That was when the Belleville native, who has been blind since birth, first encountered VoiceOver technology that allowed her to fully utilize the music device. “Finding that really opened… Continue Reading 2024 Student Spotlight: Marin Gundlach

Thank You, Judith, For 16 Wonderful Years With the Council!

After 16 years at the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired, Program Assistant Judith Rasmussen is leaving her position to begin her next stage in life. Judith has been an invaluable member of the Council team, often serving as the first face or voice people encounter when they reach out to the Council… Continue Reading Thank You, Judith, For 16 Wonderful Years With the Council!

New Video Shows You How to Change the Time on a Talking Watch

How to change the time on a talking watch is one of the most frequent questions we get at our Sharper Vision Store. So we made a video starring Customer Care Specialist Greg Schmidt to show you how to do it step by step. In case you need to change the date as well, Greg… Continue Reading New Video Shows You How to Change the Time on a Talking Watch

Brent Perzentka at the front of a room giving a presentation.

On Sight Event Brought the Council to Southwest Wisconsin

Earlier this month, members of the Council staff took the hour drive from Madison to Dodgeville for our On Sight: Vision Loss Resources in Southwest Wisconsin event. At this free educational event, Council staff gave presentations on a variety of topics important for people in Southwest Wisconsin who are blind or low vision, from accessing… Continue Reading On Sight Event Brought the Council to Southwest Wisconsin

Jim Denham accepting a White Cane Safety Day proclamation from the Fitchburg City Council.

More than 30 Wisconsin Communities Proclaimed October 15 White Cane Safety Day

Another White Cane Safety Day has come and gone, with over three dozen municipalities across the entire state (along with the State of Wisconsin and Milwaukee County) issuing proclamations celebrating the day on October 15. 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of White Cane Safety Day, which was first proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson and… Continue Reading More than 30 Wisconsin Communities Proclaimed October 15 White Cane Safety Day

Liz Fryseth kneeling on a paved path with her guide dog.

Disability Employment Month Celebrates All Workers

When Liz Fryseth started her new job as a housing navigator at the YWCA in La Crosse, she ran into an issue almost right away: Nearly all their documents were printed on paper and not available digitally. For someone who is low vision or blind like Liz, those documents were inaccessible. After bringing up this… Continue Reading Disability Employment Month Celebrates All Workers

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A post-it reading Make a Will placed on a calendar page

Consider the Council During Make-a-Will Month

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

Judith Rasmussen sitting in a chair knitting

Judith Rasmussen Returns to Knitting and Pays It Forward

Judith Rasmussen Judith Rasmussen first learned how to knit as a teen in Home Economics class at school. But after losing her vision, she put down her needles, thinking knitting would be out of her reach. A few years ago, however, she learned of a knitting group that gathered weekly at the library near her… Continue Reading Judith Rasmussen Returns to Knitting and Pays It Forward

2025 Student Spotlight: Jasmine Bertschy

Jasmine Bertschy With her first year under her belt, 2025 Council Scholarship recipient Jasmine Bertschy says she’s ready for just about anything college has to throw at her. Jasmine is attending UW – Whitewater at Rock County, where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology with the hope of one day becoming a mental health… Continue Reading 2025 Student Spotlight: Jasmine Bertschy