Post Archive

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

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

Luke Robel wearing glasses outdoors smiling for the camera

2023 Student Spotlight: Luke Robel

“I believe I’ve always been an overachiever.” So begins the essay Luke Robel wrote for his 2023 Council Scholarship application. And talking with the Colgate, Wisconsin native, you get a glimpse into the truth of that statement. Luke put his scholarship to good use. Last October he graduated from Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) with… Continue Reading 2023 Student Spotlight: Luke Robel

The words Black History Month on a multi-colored background

Recognizing Inequities in Access to Health Services

Black History Month, celebrated throughout February each year, is a time to honor Black Americans’ achievements and their central role in U.S. history. It’s also a time to acknowledge the systemic barriers Black people in this country have faced throughout that history and consider the work we must all engage in to eliminate the resulting… Continue Reading Recognizing Inequities in Access to Health Services

Graphic of a person walking on the side of a road carrying empty shopping bags looking at a sign reading Next Grocery Store 15 km

Eating Right Requires Access to Healthy Food

Last month in On Sight, we provided strategies for healthy eating, including tips for navigating the grocery store, shopping online, and phone apps and services for shoppers with vision loss. We also shared suggestions for safe food prep and kitchen work. Eating healthy is an important part of staying well. However, many people with disabilities… Continue Reading Eating Right Requires Access to Healthy Food

A woman using an accessible voting machine

It’s Time to Make Your Voting Plan for Spring Elections

Voters with disabilities are casting ballots in increasing numbers. According to researchers at Rutgers University, nearly 18 million voters with disabilities voted in 2020, up from 16 million in 2016. People with vision loss vote in higher numbers than do voters with other disabilities. That said, due to systemic barriers and recent changes in election… Continue Reading It’s Time to Make Your Voting Plan for Spring Elections

A woman sitting at a table using a handheld magnifier while a man stands behind her watching

Sharper Vision Store Offers a More Supportive, Better-Informed Shopping Experience

Someone once said, “The internet may give you what you want, but it won’t give you what you need.” Whether it’s surfing for accurate product reviews day or purchasing a pair of shoes that fit properly from Amazon, internet shopping can be a true “buyer beware” endeavor. There’s no substitute for an actual storefront staffed… Continue Reading Sharper Vision Store Offers a More Supportive, Better-Informed Shopping Experience

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

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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

Former Scholarship Recipient Annika Konrad Continues the Cycle of Learning

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