In November, Access Technology Specialist Jim Denham of the Council presented a webinar on how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify everyday tasks. AI can streamline and assist with some computer tasks that are particularly challenging for people who are blind or low vision. Whether you’re writing a paper for a class or figuring… Continue Reading You Can Use AI in Everyday Life
Following last year’s redrawing of the state’s legislative maps, a bevy of new members of both the State Senate and Assembly were sworn into office on January 6. These new lawmakers are probably still learning the ropes of their new jobs, and while they certainly have their legislative priorities, they are still figuring out how… Continue Reading New State Legislature Provides New Opportunities to Make Advocacy Connections
As we enter the new year, we are pleased to welcome four new members to the Council’s Board of Directors. Each of our new board members brings unique experiences and backgrounds that will help the Council reach people who are blind or low vision from across all of Wisconsin. “The Board is pleased to welcome… Continue Reading A New Year Means a Warm Welcome to Our Four New Board Members
In the May issue of On Sight, we introduced you to our ten 2023 Council Scholarship recipients. Now we invite you to get to know them a little better. In this video, they describe in their own words their plans for the future and what this scholarship means to them. We’re grateful for the opportunity… Continue Reading 2023 Council Scholarship Recipients Have Big Plans and Bright Futures
2023 Council Scholarship recipient Jayquan Jaeger was 13 when he read Stephen Hawking’s breakthrough book on theoretical physics, “The Universe in a Nutshell.” That’s also when he watched documentaries like “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” and “How the Universe Works.” On long family car rides, Jayquan soaked up podcasts on astrophysics. It’s no wonder that once… Continue Reading 2023 Student Spotlight: Jayquan Jaeger
We’re currently accepting submissions for 2023 Gallery Night, scheduled for Friday, November 3 at the Council’s building in Madison. Do you express creativity through photography, woodworking, painting, fiber arts or other art forms, or know somebody else who does? We invite all artists with vision loss to submit their work for consideration. Last year’s Gallery… Continue Reading Got Art? We’re Looking for Artists to Feature at 2023 Gallery Night This Fall
Our White Cane Appeal fundraising campaign is still rolling along. Each year, the Council’s White Cane Fund pays for hundreds of white canes to be given away free to users all over Wisconsin. For the Council, the white cane has become a symbol for the many tools that support the dignity and empowerment of people… Continue Reading Honor a Loved One with a Gift to the White Cane Fund
Summer travel season is in full swing. The U.S. Travel Association reports that just over half of all Americans have travel planned in the coming months. With all this coming and going, we decided to ask our Vision Services staff if they had any tips for travelers with vision loss. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Rachel… Continue Reading Travel Season Need Not Cause the Summertime Blues
“If you don’t have a seat at the table, then you’re probably on the menu.” The coining of that phrase is attributed to many people, but the meaning never changes: Get involved, be an active participant in public decisions, or expect to live with decisions you may not like. Council Executive Director Denise Jess has… Continue Reading Local Boards and Commissions Need the Disability Perspective. You Can Provide It!
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Louis Braille, who revolutionized the world for people who are blind with the invention of his raised dot writing system, was born on January 4, 1809. Every January, we recognize Braille Literacy Month to affirm the importance of braille, which has given countless people with vision loss access to written information over the decades. As… Continue Reading ABLE Provides Vital Braille Services During Braille Literacy Month…and the Rest of the Year
Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809, and that date is celebrated internationally as World Braille Day each year in recognition of his revolutionary raised dot system. Before the development of braille, people who were blind had virtually no independent access to written information, cutting them off from a vital form of communication. Today,… Continue Reading Technology Changes, But the Value of Braille Does Not – A World Braille Day Message
2024 is in the rearview mirror, and the Council is ready to dive into the new year with a strong-as-ever commitment to empowering people who are blind or low vision to live the life they choose. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue the work we’ve already started and bring some… Continue Reading The Year Ahead: 2025 Will Bring Renewed Focus on Collaboration, Learning, and Events Old and New