Post Archive

Front cover of the Big Data report on working-age adults

Big Data Working Age Adults Report Paints Sobering Picture, Highlights Need for Advocacy

Last year, the VisionServe Alliance (VSA) released their Big Data Project report on older adults in Wisconsin with vision loss. That report confirmed what the Council has long known: Vision loss in Wisconsin is more prevalent than most people realize, and vision services are not meeting the level of need. VSA has now released a… Continue Reading Big Data Working Age Adults Report Paints Sobering Picture, Highlights Need for Advocacy

Former Council Scholarship Recipient Judy Kilian’s Resilience Inspires Next Generation

After Judy Kilian graduated from Madison Memorial High School at the age of 18, she says her first attempt at college did not go as planned. While she got straight A’s throughout high school, Judy says being a student with vision loss made it difficult to adjust to college. “I didn’t have the self-advocacy skills… Continue Reading Former Council Scholarship Recipient Judy Kilian’s Resilience Inspires Next Generation

The hands of several people placed on top of each other in the middle.

Start a New Tradition by Giving as a Family

Every year around Christmas time, Darwin Kaufman chooses a charity or organization to donate to in his children’s names. “Last year, we gave to the Council for our son who has vision loss,” Darwin says. “Some time ago, we decided that instead of trying to give them gifts that they may or may not care… Continue Reading Start a New Tradition by Giving as a Family

Using a magnifier to help read the markings on a syringe

Stay on Track of Your Diabetes

TRACK is a way to remember the factors that can contribute to eye health while living with diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 37 million Americans, more than 11% of the U.S. population, had diabetes in 2019, and at least 96 million adults were pre-diabetic. Elevated glucose levels in the… Continue Reading Stay on Track of Your Diabetes

Sara Werbeckes snuggling with her dog Murphy on a sofa

Saying ‘Thank You’ During National Volunteer Month

Over the years, the Council has benefited greatly from the efforts of our many volunteers. Every April, we honor their contributions by recognizing National Volunteer Month. In 2021, volunteers clocked in over 760 hours for the Council. Here’s a sampling of what they did: Created audio recordings of publications, including the Council Courier, On Sight… Continue Reading Saying ‘Thank You’ During National Volunteer Month

Honor a Loved One’s Memory by Helping Us Serve Others

Losing someone we’ve cherished is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Even long afterward, our emotions can be triggered by events or dates—a birthday, a holiday, a reminder of a particularly pleasant activity enjoyed together. One way to honor the memory of a departed loved one is by making a gift to an organization that… Continue Reading Honor a Loved One’s Memory by Helping Us Serve Others

A guide dog in harness standing on a bridge with his human partner

Caution: Dog at Work

Katherine Corbett just wants people to leave her guide dog alone. “I would prefer for people to pretend that my dog is invisible,” Katherine says. “Honestly, the best compliment you can give a guide dog user is, ‘Oh, wow, I didn’t even notice you have a dog!’” Katherine has been blind since shortly after birth.… Continue Reading Caution: Dog at Work

Making the Most of Your Advocacy Meetings

Meeting with policymakers matters! Public officials make hundreds of important decisions during their terms and there is no way they can be experts on all topics brought before them. For policy decisions to be grounded in the needs of the people, it is imperative that we both educate policymakers and advocate for change. How do… Continue Reading Making the Most of Your Advocacy Meetings

A woman leaning on a railing with her chin on her hands

Student Spotlight 2021: Saree Behm

The difference between freshman and sophomore years of college can be dramatic for a lot of students. Saree Behm, a 2021 Council Scholarship recipient, spent her first year at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater mostly taking general education classes. Now a sophomore, the early childhood and special education major is taking classes more aligned with her interests.… Continue Reading Student Spotlight 2021: Saree Behm

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A group of people watching a fireworks display.

Protect Your Vision When Setting Off Fireworks

The 4th of July is just around the corner, which means people across the country are preparing their grills for burgers and brats and buying fireworks to celebrate our nation’s independence. While fireworks can be fun, they can also be extremely dangerous, and every year thousands of people are hospitalized due to firework-related injuries. July… Continue Reading Protect Your Vision When Setting Off Fireworks

Council staff members standing behind the Council’s information table

Disability Pride Celebrates Diversity in Our Communities

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diverse community of people with disabilities, reflect on progress that has been made in empowering folks to live with dignity, and re-energize ourselves for the work that lies ahead in building genuinely inclusive communities. Disability Pride has been celebrated for over 30 years, commemorating the… Continue Reading Disability Pride Celebrates Diversity in Our Communities

A light-skinned woman using an accessible voting machine

What to Know About Your Voting Rights as Fall Elections Approach

In just a few months, we will be heading back to the polls to cast our votes in a number of important elections. There are two elections left this year: the August Primary and the General Election in November. Wisconsin residents will have the opportunity to not only help decide who will be President for… Continue Reading What to Know About Your Voting Rights as Fall Elections Approach