Visitors will notice fewer floor lamps in the Sharper Vision Store than in the past. For over 50 years, the Council has operated a store stocked with adaptive products to help empower people who are blind or low vision to live with dignity and independence. As a nonprofit, we keep our profit margins significantly lower… Continue Reading Global Supply Chain Issues Putting Strain on Sharper Vision Store
In early May, we teamed up once again with Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance and Aldo Leopold Nature Center for Birding by Ear. A full group joined us as we explored the trails of the nature center and reaffirmed that with the right adaptations, nearly anyone can enjoy most hobbies, regardless of a disability. Blind, low… Continue Reading Birding by Ear Showcased the Importance of Inclusive Learning
Before getting her first white cane, stairs were terrifying for Bridgette. “I couldn’t tell where one step ended and another began,” she says. “They all looked flat, like a runway.” But everything changed after Bridgette received her first white cane. With just one orientation & mobility (O&M) session, Bridgette began to feel more confident navigating… Continue Reading Giving to the White Cane Fund Promotes Safety and Confidence
Volunteer driver programs are vital lifelines for older adults, people who are blind or low vision, and those with other disabilities living in rural parts of Wisconsin. Drivers donate their time to transport riders in their own vehicles to and from wherever they need to go. Volunteer drivers also support vital social programs, such as… Continue Reading Insurance Quandary for Volunteer Drivers Leaves Nondrivers Without Access to Community
Former Council Scholarship Recipient Katie Corbett was one of the last people to graduate from UW-Whitewater with a degree in print journalism. Shortly after she graduated in 2012, the program changed its scope to reflect the shift from print newspapers to digital journalism. Continue Reading Former Council Scholarship Recipient Katie Corbett Finds Nourishment in Writing
Last month, we participated in The Big Share, an annual online day of giving hosted by Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW) to benefit the Council and other nonprofits across the state making a difference in our communities. Thanks to your support, we exceeded our fundraising goal, providing critical resources to continue our work helping the… Continue Reading Big Share a Big Success Thanks to Your Support
April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, designated by Prevent Blindness to raise awareness of the fact that women are at higher risk than men of blindness and low vision. There are several physical and social reasons this is the case. But by staying on top of their changing vision, women can take steps… Continue Reading Women’s Eye Health Month Highlights Gender Disparities in Vision Loss
Executive Director Denise Jess testifying on a bill at a legislative hearing. Since our founding in 1952, public policy advocacy has been a core component of the Council’s mission. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are bound by strict rules about how we go about lobbying and advocacy. Abiding by these rules keeps the Council… Continue Reading Advocacy Rules for 501(c)(3) Nonprofits Align with Council’s Mission
Birding by Ear returns to Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Monona on Saturday, May 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.! The Council is teaming up once again with the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (SWBA) and Aldo Leopold Nature Center to offer this unique opportunity to learn to identify birds through close listening rather than… Continue Reading Birding by Ear: Knowledge for a Lifetime of Enjoyment
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Earlier this month, the Wisconsin chapter of the Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired (WAER) honored Access Technology Specialist Jim Denham of the Council with the Omar L. Miron Award from. Continue Reading WAER Honors the Council’s Jim Denham with Omar L. Miron Award
A federal rule mandating that all government websites and apps be made fully accessible to all people with disabilities was supposed to go into effect last month. The rule was finalized in 2024 under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, just days before April 24 compliance deadline, the U.S. Department of… Continue Reading A Disappointing Delay for Federal Accessibility Rule
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is seeking an executive assistant to provide high–level administrative and organizational support to the executive director, ensuring efficiency, effective communication and smooth operations across all executive functions. This is a 20–hour–per–week non-exempt position based in Madison, Wisconsin. This is an on-site position. Some remote work may be considered after an initial period. Regular work hours are between 8:30… Continue Reading Now Hiring: Executive Assistant