Post Archive

A computer screen with a lot of different program windows open.

Tech Tip: Access Technology Users Can Change Programs Quickly in Windows

These days, most computer users usually have more than one program running at a time. For example, we might be writing something in a word processor while our email program is open in another tab. But for users of JAWS, Fusion and other screen reader and magnification programs, switching between programs can be cumbersome. Fortunately,… Continue Reading Tech Tip: Access Technology Users Can Change Programs Quickly in Windows

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

Line drawings of a cyclist, a wheelchair user and an adult and a child walking in a crosswalk superimposed on a silouette of the state of Wisconsin

Improving How Public Input is Gathered on Key Policy Issues

Sound public policy benefits from good public input. While local, state and federal agencies are required by law to include public comment for projects and proposals, the process can sometimes dilute the power of the public’s participation. For example, public hearings are often held very late in the process, making it less likely that input… Continue Reading Improving How Public Input is Gathered on Key Policy Issues

Five sets of hands holding a cardboard sign with the words Thank You written on it

Taking Stock of Our 2023 Donor Support

Gifts to the Council are the fuel our organization runs on. They make everything we do possible, from vision services to education to advocacy. As we ease into 2024, it’s a good time to take stock of some of the donor support we were fortunate to receive in 2023. We are grateful for every dollar… Continue Reading Taking Stock of Our 2023 Donor Support

Hands using a PalmPeeler to peel a carrot

Make 2024 the Year You Start Eating Healthier

The New Year is a good time to start eating healthier—and never stop! It’s also a great time to get busy in the kitchen to the extent you want to. That emphasis comes from Amy Wurf, the Council’s Education and Vision Services Director. “No matter what level of vision that you have, there are ways… Continue Reading Make 2024 the Year You Start Eating Healthier

Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired and Vision Forward Association

You’re Not Alone: Help is Available for Older Adults with Vision Loss

Until recently, we didn’t have much concrete data on the impact vision loss is having on aging adults across Wisconsin. We could estimate how many people in the state are blind and visually impaired, and we had plenty of anecdotal information about how vision loss is affecting their well-being. But the numbers to back up… Continue Reading You’re Not Alone: Help is Available for Older Adults with Vision Loss

2023 Student Spotlight: Lewa Diarra

2023 was a year of positive change for Lewa Diarra. The two-time Council Scholarship recipient transferred from the University of Minnesota to UW-Madison for her junior year. “I’m really enjoying being back in Madison and being closer to family,” the Madison West High School graduate says. The switch to Madison included a change in majors… Continue Reading 2023 Student Spotlight: Lewa Diarra

Take Note: More Tools for Tackling Your Notetaking Needs

Last month, we shared with you a workaround to help deal with a recent change to the Windows Notepad application. The workaround allows the user to land in a new blank document upon launching Notepad rather than in the last document that was worked on. We like Notepad. But it’s far from the only option… Continue Reading Take Note: More Tools for Tackling Your Notetaking Needs

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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