Post Archive

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

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

Welcome Program Associate Dan Torres to the Council Staff

We’re pleased to welcome Dan Torres as the newest member of the Council staff. Dan joined the Council as a Program Associate in February. That role comes with a lot of hats to wear. Dan helps update the Council website, helps put together our e-newsletters, assists callers and Sharper Vision Store visitors, and pitches in… Continue Reading Welcome Program Associate Dan Torres to the Council Staff

Make Life Easier with Smart Speakers While Protecting Your Privacy

Smart speakers have been around for a while now, but to a lot of folks, they remain a mystery. You might be wondering what a smart speaker can do for you or whether there are reasons to be concerned about them. So what is a smart speaker? A smart speaker looks like a regular small,… Continue Reading Make Life Easier with Smart Speakers While Protecting Your Privacy

Student Spotlight 2021: George Tuttle

Like many students, George Tuttle of Drummond, Wisconsin is having a very different experience at college compared to last year now that in-person classes have returned. For much of his freshman year, everything was remote. Now the Carroll University sophomore is finding it easier to communicate his needs to his professors, and if he ever… Continue Reading Student Spotlight 2021: George Tuttle

Zoom screenshot of 2021 Council Scholarship recipients.

We’re Accepting 2022 Scholarship Applications

We presented our 2021 scholarships in a virtual ceremony. For much of our history, the Council has provided scholarships to support learners who are blind or visually impaired in continuing their education. Since its inception, our scholarship program has supported the education goals of hundreds of students, helping them to overcome barriers faced by people… Continue Reading We’re Accepting 2022 Scholarship Applications

Head shot of Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson

Excellence Award Recognizes WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson’s Commitment to Transportation Equity

We’re a couple of months into 2022, but we’re not finished highlighting the contributions of our 2021 Excellence Award recipients. The Council’s Excellence Award for public policy recognizes a legislator or member of a state agency who champions our legislative priorities in transportation, employment, education, healthcare/long term care and civil rights. In 2021, we honored… Continue Reading Excellence Award Recognizes WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson’s Commitment to Transportation Equity

An adult’s hands passing a small plant into a child’s hands.

Support for the Council Can Be Part of Your Legacy Through Planned Giving

As the Council celebrates 70 years of service and advocacy, board and staff are thankful for the foresight of our early founders. Beginning in 1952 and looking well into the future, they understood the necessity of planning ahead by encouraging gifts through bequests. There are gift planning ideas for all ages. It can be a… Continue Reading Support for the Council Can Be Part of Your Legacy Through Planned Giving

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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

Three Scholarship Graduates - George Tuttle wearing a Purdue University hoodie, Grace Caine holding her saxophone, Joseph Tuttle smiling for the camera

Graduating Scholarship Recipients Have Big Post-College Plans

The school year has come to a close and graduating students have walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. This year, several past Council Scholarship recipients were among those graduates, receiving sheepskins from colleges across the country. We could not be prouder of all our scholarship recipients as they prepare for the next chapter… Continue Reading Graduating Scholarship Recipients Have Big Post-College Plans