“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
Learn to identify the chirp of a chickadee from the song of the sparrow this spring at our fourth annual Birding by Ear class series. Co-organized with Madison Audubon this course will give you the tools to identify birds by the sounds they make. Just as unique as their colors and shapes, bird songs come in all tunes… Continue Reading Join us in May for Birding by Ear
Join us in April for the Council’s Advocacy Days to work together toward advancing equity for people who are blind and visually impaired through legislation. This event was previously called Legislative Day and will be offered this year as a virtual event over multiple days. Continue Reading Advocacy Days Set for April
Do you know an individual or organization who has made an important contribution in the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired in Wisconsin? Consider nominating them for a Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired Excellence Award. Continue Reading Excellence Award Nomination Kit
Getting where you need to go reliably on schedule is key to having a job, accessing healthcare and getting to a store for necessities. Reliable transportation can also link you to family and friends. Legislators may not know that nondrivers face many barriers to accessing transportation. About 65 percent of people who are blind or visually impaired are unemployed, and a comprehensive public transportation system is a critical to the ability to start and keep a job. Continue Reading Advocating for Action in the State Budget
Wisconsin’s winter months can test anyone, regardless of how much you enjoy the snow and cold. With the temperature drop comes increased time inside and fewer opportunities to participate in outdoor activities. It is important to have some strategies to keep you active and feeling positive during this time of year to stay healthy and… Continue Reading Staying Active in the Winter
Join the Council on Tuesday, March 2, for a day of online giving hosted by Community Shares of Wisconsin during The Big Share. This event is an opportunity for you to make a difference for people who are blind or visually impaired in Wisconsin. Below is a brief timeline of the day so you can… Continue Reading Make A Difference at The Big Share March 2
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Voters with disabilities are casting ballots in increasing numbers. According to researchers at Rutgers University, nearly 18 million voters with disabilities voted in 2020, up from 16 million in 2016. People with vision loss vote in higher numbers than do voters with other disabilities. That said, due to systemic barriers and recent changes in election… Continue Reading It’s Time to Make Your Voting Plan for Spring Elections
Someone once said, “The internet may give you what you want, but it won’t give you what you need.” Whether it’s surfing for accurate product reviews day or purchasing a pair of shoes that fit properly from Amazon, internet shopping can be a true “buyer beware” endeavor. There’s no substitute for an actual storefront staffed… Continue Reading Sharper Vision Store Offers a More Supportive, Better-Informed Shopping Experience
Sound public policy benefits from good public input. While local, state and federal agencies are required by law to include public comment for projects and proposals, the process can sometimes dilute the power of the public’s participation. For example, public hearings are often held very late in the process, making it less likely that input… Continue Reading Improving How Public Input is Gathered on Key Policy Issues