Post Archive

A young light-skinned woman using a braille typewriter and the words The New American Foundation for the Blind Braille Typewriter.

The History of Vision Rehabilitation: Undervalued, Overlooked, Urgently Needed

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

Group shot of the VisionServe Alliance Board of Directors

National Blindness and Low Vision Networks Work Together Toward Common Mission

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

Two people holding a check in the waiting area of the Council offices

Local Grants Support the Council’s Efforts to Change Lives

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

Former Council Scholarship Recipient Judy Kilian’s Resilience Inspires Next Generation

After Judy Kilian graduated from Madison Memorial High School at the age of 18, she says her first attempt at college did not go as planned. While she got straight A’s throughout high school, Judy says being a student with vision loss made it difficult to adjust to college. “I didn’t have the self-advocacy skills… Continue Reading Former Council Scholarship Recipient Judy Kilian’s Resilience Inspires Next Generation

The hands of several people placed on top of each other in the middle.

Start a New Tradition by Giving as a Family

Every year around Christmas time, Darwin Kaufman chooses a charity or organization to donate to in his children’s names. “Last year, we gave to the Council for our son who has vision loss,” Darwin says. “Some time ago, we decided that instead of trying to give them gifts that they may or may not care… Continue Reading Start a New Tradition by Giving as a Family

A group of people watching a fireworks display.

Protect Your Vision When Setting Off Fireworks

The 4th of July is just around the corner, which means people across the country are preparing their grills for burgers and brats and buying fireworks to celebrate our nation’s independence. While fireworks can be fun, they can also be extremely dangerous, and every year thousands of people are hospitalized due to firework-related injuries. July… Continue Reading Protect Your Vision When Setting Off Fireworks

Council staff members standing behind the Council’s information table

Disability Pride Celebrates Diversity in Our Communities

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diverse community of people with disabilities, reflect on progress that has been made in empowering folks to live with dignity, and re-energize ourselves for the work that lies ahead in building genuinely inclusive communities. Disability Pride has been celebrated for over 30 years, commemorating the… Continue Reading Disability Pride Celebrates Diversity in Our Communities

A light-skinned woman using an accessible voting machine

What to Know About Your Voting Rights as Fall Elections Approach

In just a few months, we will be heading back to the polls to cast our votes in a number of important elections. There are two elections left this year: the August Primary and the General Election in November. Wisconsin residents will have the opportunity to not only help decide who will be President for… Continue Reading What to Know About Your Voting Rights as Fall Elections Approach

Three Scholarship Graduates - George Tuttle wearing a Purdue University hoodie, Grace Caine holding her saxophone, Joseph Tuttle smiling for the camera

Graduating Scholarship Recipients Have Big Post-College Plans

The school year has come to a close and graduating students have walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. This year, several past Council Scholarship recipients were among those graduates, receiving sheepskins from colleges across the country. We could not be prouder of all our scholarship recipients as they prepare for the next chapter… Continue Reading Graduating Scholarship Recipients Have Big Post-College Plans

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A group of people congregated in the Council office looking at art hanging on walls.

Showcase Your Talent at Gallery Night This Fall

Are you an artist who is blind or low vision? We are currently accepting submissions for Gallery Night 2025, which will take place on Friday, November 7. We welcome artwork in a wide range of formats. Past exhibits have included paintings, photographs, digital drawings, fiber arts, wood carvings, ceramics and more. You can check out… Continue Reading Showcase Your Talent at Gallery Night This Fall

The sunglasses display in the Sharper Vision Store

Protect Your Eyes Outdoors This Summer with Sunglasses!

Wisconsin summer is in full swing, and we at the Council hope you are able to spend some time outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. While you’re outside, it’s important to protect your eyes from the sun. Sunglasses don’t just make you look cool; they are vital in protecting your eyes from UV rays and… Continue Reading Protect Your Eyes Outdoors This Summer with Sunglasses!

A group of people sitting around a large meeting room table.

Advocacy Days Brought Council Priorities to Lawmakers

Advocates and Council staff met in a State Capitol hearing room to strategize about their legislator meetings. Public policy advocacy has been a cornerstone of the Council’s mission since our founding over 70 years ago. In May we continued that mission with our annual Advocacy Days event, both virtually and in-person at the State Capitol… Continue Reading Advocacy Days Brought Council Priorities to Lawmakers