Post Archive

SAVE Act Would Create Major Barriers for Voters with Disabilities

A bill called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act may sound like something positive, but in reality, this piece of federal legislation would create major barriers to voting for many people, including those with vision loss and other disabilities. The SAVE Act would require all Americans registering to vote or updating their registration information… Continue Reading SAVE Act Would Create Major Barriers for Voters with Disabilities

Laptop with a virtual meeting on the screen

Laptop Loan Program Helps Those Unable to Afford a Computer Practice Their AT Skills

Being comfortable using a computer is helpful for countless daily activities, including finding a job and staying in touch with friends and family. While the Council offers access technology (AT) training to help people learn how to use adaptive software like screen magnifiers and screen reader programs like JAWS, some clients are unable to afford… Continue Reading Laptop Loan Program Helps Those Unable to Afford a Computer Practice Their AT Skills

Two women standing behind a table on which a woven scarf is displayed.

Learning a New Craft Can Be an Enriching Experience for Everyone Involved

By Denise Jess This winter I chose to learn a new craft, to challenge my brain and nurture my creativity. At the Council, we often hear clients and visitors say that while they miss doing things like knitting, woodworking or sewing, they assume they cannot do these things as their vision changes, or they hesitate… Continue Reading Learning a New Craft Can Be an Enriching Experience for Everyone Involved

A fist on an orange background along with the words Be an Advocate

May 16 Advocacy Day Panel to Focus on Local Impact

Advocacy can take place at many different levels, from local councils all the way up to the U.S. Senate. The first step in any advocacy effort is to identify who makes the decisions on the issue you’re trying to address. For example, calling your representative in Congress probably won’t help you get a new streetlamp… Continue Reading May 16 Advocacy Day Panel to Focus on Local Impact

Young woman with headphones on a computer and the words JAWS Picture Smart AI

New AI Feature in JAWS and Fusion is Worth a Thousand Words

Screen reader users will be interested in learning about this exciting innovation. The new Picture Smart with AI allows users of JAWS and Fusion to hear detailed descriptions of not only photos but also graphs in spreadsheets and even online meetings. “If a picture is worth a thousand words, now you can have JAWS or… Continue Reading New AI Feature in JAWS and Fusion is Worth a Thousand Words

A group of blindfolded people sitting at a table eating a meal

Explore a New Way of Thinking About Dinner

Deb Annen didn’t know what to expect when she attended her first Dining in the Dark event in Fitchburg two years ago. Dining in the Dark is a popular Council happening that invites participants to enjoy a multicourse restaurant meal while blindfolded. It encourages diners to focus on senses other than sight during the meal… Continue Reading Explore a New Way of Thinking About Dinner

Vision Screenings are One of Many Ways Horicon Lions Club Gives Back to the Community

Lions Clubs across Wisconsin have been wonderful friends, allies and supporters of the Council for many years. This spotlight on the Horicon Lions Club is just one example of the outstanding work being done by Lions around the state to improve the lives of people with vision loss and others in their communities. Renee Peterson… Continue Reading Vision Screenings are One of Many Ways Horicon Lions Club Gives Back to the Community

Spring Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Home Tidy

While many cleaning tasks are done year-round, spring offers the opportunity to tackle projects that come once a year. Certain chores are best done in spring to keep your home fresh and organized and this can be a great time to open your windows, roll up your sleeves, clean up grime and clear out clutter.… Continue Reading Spring Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Home Tidy

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE BIG SHARE!

We’re extremely grateful to everyone who gave to the Council during the recent Big Share! Thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our $8,000 goal by a huge margin. A total of 123 donors contributed $11,343 to the Council! Needless to say, we are moved by your ongoing support for our work. Your Big Share gifts… Continue Reading THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE BIG SHARE!

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Infographic on Emergency Preparedness saying Make a plan, build a kit, be informed.

Be Ready to Act When an Emergency Arises

Disasters can come at any time, whether it be a fire, extreme weather, or anything else that threatens our safety. While we don’t know when these disasters will strike, we can plan how to react when they do. Being prepared is the best way to protect yourself in an emergency. Often, people with disabilities face… Continue Reading Be Ready to Act When an Emergency Arises

A hand pushing a button on a microwave oven marked with a bump dot

An Accessible Kitchen Makes Cooking Safe and Enjoyable

Cooking at home is a great way to eat healthily and save money. It can even be a fun way to connect with family and friends. But many kitchens are not set up in a way that makes it easy for people who are blind or low vision to cook. Poorly lit counters and hard-to-reach… Continue Reading An Accessible Kitchen Makes Cooking Safe and Enjoyable

Graphic of a hand holding a dollar sign plant growing out of some dirt and the words Donor Advised Funds.

It’s Time to Let Your Dollars Work for a Better World

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have become a popular tool for philanthropic giving. The Council receives many gifts from donors who have a DAF and who see the value in making gifts every year. But despite how easy it is to make gifts from a donor advised fund, some people choose to leave a significant portion… Continue Reading It’s Time to Let Your Dollars Work for a Better World