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
Mindy Coulman navigates her Dodgeville subdivision by using skills gained through Orientation and Mobility training on using her white cane. When Mindy Coulman began to lose her vision, she knew that learning new ways to navigate her surroundings would be necessary. “I needed to walk my child down to the bus safely and walk to… Continue Reading Using your Senses for Safe and Independent Navigation
The Council’s services reached people in a broad area of Wisconsin, as shown on this map. The past year presented many challenges, but a snapshot of programs and services the Council provided, and how the community supported those services gives a picture of how together we persevered. Our 2020 Infographic, now available in audio, MS… Continue Reading Council Snapshot in 2020
Just as unique as their color and shape, bird songs come in all tunes and pitches. Identifying birds by their song is an exciting activity and skill, and experienced bird watchers will tell you that most birding is done without actually seeing the bird, but by hearing it.
Birding By Ear, held in partnership with Madison Audubon, teaches techniques for identifying birds by close listening. Continue Reading Learn to Identify Birds at Birding By Ear
Two miles west of Waunakee, tucked into a pocket of homes off Highway 19 is a pay-what-you-can par-3 golf course that has benefited people who are blind and visually impaired. Sil Maly, who owns Harvest Hill Golf on Poelma Drive, established the course about 25 years ago. Last summer, the realtor and developer decided to donate weekend fees collected from golfers to go to three charitable organizations. Continue Reading Waunakee Golf Course Gives Back
Accessible Pedestrian Signals like this one make streets safe for everyone in your community. The Council’s advocacy priorities get reviewed each year to develop strategies that will achieve policy goals that benefit people with blindness and visual impairment. Making progress toward equitable transportation, accessibility, voting, health care, education and employment depends on ongoing work of… Continue Reading Advocacy Priorities Work to Build Equity
On Tuesday, March 2, the Council participated in The Big Share, an online day of giving presented by Community Shares of Wisconsin. The Council’s theme for The Big Share was A Day in the Life. CEO/Executive Director Denise Jess shared how she incorporates adaptions into her workday and relaxation time. Council client Melinda Dresen walked… Continue Reading Big Share Recap A Day in the Life: The Council and The Big Share
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“I believe I’ve always been an overachiever.” So begins the essay Luke Robel wrote for his 2023 Council Scholarship application. And talking with the Colgate, Wisconsin native, you get a glimpse into the truth of that statement. Luke put his scholarship to good use. Last October he graduated from Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) with… Continue Reading 2023 Student Spotlight: Luke Robel
Black History Month, celebrated throughout February each year, is a time to honor Black Americans’ achievements and their central role in U.S. history. It’s also a time to acknowledge the systemic barriers Black people in this country have faced throughout that history and consider the work we must all engage in to eliminate the resulting… Continue Reading Recognizing Inequities in Access to Health Services
Last month in On Sight, we provided strategies for healthy eating, including tips for navigating the grocery store, shopping online, and phone apps and services for shoppers with vision loss. We also shared suggestions for safe food prep and kitchen work. Eating healthy is an important part of staying well. However, many people with disabilities… Continue Reading Eating Right Requires Access to Healthy Food