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
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
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
Advocating for pedestrian safety with local officials can sometimes be as intimidating as navigating a dangerous intersection. Just ask Kathi Zoern. “It’s scary,” says the Wausau resident. “But it’s important to advocate. If you don’t do something, nothing’s going to change.” Some years back, Kathi, who has been visually impaired since birth, began to attend… Continue Reading The Power of Local Advocacy in Making Our Streets Safer
All financial gifts to the Council are used to support our mission to promote the dignity and empowerment of the people in Wisconsin who are blind and visually impaired. We do this by providing services, advocating public policy and educating the public. Those financial gifts come to us in a variety of forms. One of… Continue Reading Employer Matches Can Make Gifts to the Council Go Farther
Public policy advocacy has been a cornerstone of the Council’s mission since its founding in 1952. For the Council, advocacy is a year-round endeavor. But you don’t have to be a professional advocate to be an effective voice for change! There are ordinary folks all over the state–and in your community–doing it successfully. For example,… Continue Reading Coming May 16: Advocacy Day—A Perfect Blend of Information and Motivation
One of the Council’s most popular events, Birding by Ear, returns for the sixth year on Saturday, May 4. Just as unique as their coloration and shape, bird sounds come in all tunes and pitches. Any experienced birder will tell you that identifying birds is at least as much about hearing them as seeing them.… Continue Reading Springtime Means the Return of Birding by Ear
No matter where you live in Wisconsin, a vision services provider is within reach. That said, available services vary from area to area and from agency to agency. “Each agency offers a certain type of assistance,” says Education and Vision Services Director Amy Wurf of the Council. “Depending on where you are, you may not… Continue Reading Wisconsin’s Vision Services Landscape
Things are always buzzing at the Council offices. But recently a different kind of buzz was heard when the Council hosted a visit by students from the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Janesville. The six students, members of a College and Career Readiness class, and four staff members came to the… Continue Reading Visiting Students Learn About the Council and More
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It didn’t take long for former Council Scholarship Recipient Annika Konrad to discover her love of writing. While in middle school, Annika found that writing helped her express her thoughts. The once-shy kid then spent all four of her high school years working for the school newspaper. When she started college and began taking classes… Continue Reading Former Scholarship Recipient Annika Konrad Continues the Cycle of Learning
The Council is pleased to welcome Jenn Zutter as the newest member of our Board of Directors. A Sun Prairie resident for over 20 years, Jenn works with an interior design studio as a “professional treasure hunter,” finding vintage furniture and décor for client homes. Jenn first connected with the Council nearly 14 years ago… Continue Reading Welcome Jenn Zutter to the Council Board of Directors
Public policy advocacy has been a cornerstone of the Council’s mission since its founding in 1952. But you don’t have to be a professional advocate to be an effective voice for change! Our organization works tirelessly to lay the groundwork for progress, but to be effective, we need the help of on-the-ground advocates across the… Continue Reading Advocacy Days Returns in May, Both Virtually and at the State Capitol