All financial gifts to the Council are used to support our mission to promote the dignity and empowerment of the people in Wisconsin who are blind and visually impaired. We do this by providing services, advocating public policy and educating the public. Those financial gifts come to us in a variety of forms. One of… Continue Reading Employer Matches Can Make Gifts to the Council Go Farther
Public policy advocacy has been a cornerstone of the Council’s mission since its founding in 1952. For the Council, advocacy is a year-round endeavor. But you don’t have to be a professional advocate to be an effective voice for change! There are ordinary folks all over the state–and in your community–doing it successfully. For example,… Continue Reading Coming May 16: Advocacy Day—A Perfect Blend of Information and Motivation
One of the Council’s most popular events, Birding by Ear, returns for the sixth year on Saturday, May 4. Just as unique as their coloration and shape, bird sounds come in all tunes and pitches. Any experienced birder will tell you that identifying birds is at least as much about hearing them as seeing them.… Continue Reading Springtime Means the Return of Birding by Ear
The $91-billion, two-year Wisconsin state budget is still in the hands of the legislative Joint Finance Committee (JFC), more than four months after being proposed by Governor Tony Evers. This isn’t unusual, and the Council is monitoring the JFC as it continues to work through the budget, piece-by-piece. Lawmakers from both the Senate and Assembly… Continue Reading The Time is Now to Advocate for State Budget Priorities
If you attended a meeting online during the last year, you are in the majority. A recent survey by the National Bureau of Economic Research shows 89% of the people responding to its questionnaire about online meetings say they attended at least one meeting online in the last 13 months. Continue Reading Tips to Set Yourself Up for Success During Online Meetings
Congratulations to our 2021 Excellence Awards recipients! The Council recognizes them for making an important difference in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. Continue Reading Announcing our Excellence Awards Recipients
The Council welcomes two new team members to the communications department. Our recent additions to the staff have valuable experiences and share the Council’s commitment to the importance of telling your stories. Continue Reading Changes in the Council’s Communications Department
Appreciation for her own independence is why Connie Malak supports the Council’s annual White Cane Appeal.
“I remember watching a man using a white cane, and I was so taken with his ability to get around with it,” the Middleton woman says. “It’s great to know the Council can help people who are blind or visually impaired get tools like this to restore their feeling of independence.” Continue Reading The Council’s White Cane Appeal is Underway
The number of fully vaccinated residents across Wisconsin is now 30 percent. Yet, substantial COVID-19 vaccine accessibility hurdles remain for people who are blind or visually impaired. Registration accessibility remains a big issue. Also, non-drivers are facing problems securing transportation to vaccine appointments. Through its transportation, accessibility and health care advocacy… Continue Reading Advocating for Equal Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine
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No matter where you live in Wisconsin, a vision services provider is within reach. That said, available services vary from area to area and from agency to agency. “Each agency offers a certain type of assistance,” says Education and Vision Services Director Amy Wurf of the Council. “Depending on where you are, you may not… Continue Reading Wisconsin’s Vision Services Landscape
Things are always buzzing at the Council offices. But recently a different kind of buzz was heard when the Council hosted a visit by students from the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Janesville. The six students, members of a College and Career Readiness class, and four staff members came to the… Continue Reading Visiting Students Learn About the Council and More
The Big Share is an annual day of online giving that supports nearly 70 nonprofits that are members of Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW). The Council is one of those organizations. CSW members represent a wide range of causes including voting rights, healthy food systems, racial justice, criminal justice reform, housing advocacy and environmental protection.… Continue Reading Empowering People to Join or Stay in the Workforce is a Great Reason to Support the Council During The Big Share