Patty Slaby of Arcadia has found many benefits to living and working with her guide dog, Carter. “Walking in and out of medical facilities, church, stores, businesses and just taking walks,” Patty says. But the partnership demands that both participants stay focused and play by the rules. “You must be aware of what your dog… Continue Reading Guide Dogs: A Relationship Built on Love, Trust and Discipline
The Older Americans Act (OAA) was first passed in 1965 as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” initiative, with the goal of supporting older Americans to continue living at home and in their community with dignity and independence for as long as possible. It authorized a wide range of services, including home-delivered meals, support… Continue Reading New Rules Provide Opportunity to Improve the Older Americans Act
Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW) is honoring Council Executive Director Denise Jess for her years of work promoting the rights and dignity of people living with vision loss. At CSW’s September 28 Community Change-Maker Awards event, Denise will be presented with the Linda Sundberg Civil Rights Defender Award. The Linda Sundberg Award is given each… Continue Reading Executive Director Denise Jess Receives Civil Rights Award
2020 Scholarship Recipients The Council is pleased to award eight students who are blind or visually impaired each with a $2,000 scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year. The winners are as follows: Brandon Klas: Brandon is from Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and will be a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater studying business. Elena Santin: Elena is… Continue Reading Announcing the 2020 Council Scholarship Recipients
Council Education and Vision Services Director Amy Wurf at her home office. Council staff understand the need for information, connection and support during COVID-19. Even though the Council building is closed to the public and all in-person appointments and classes are postponed, staff are committed to providing essential services to clients and customers. The five staff in Vision Services are doing remote trainings, Calling clients to do wellness checks, giving educational… Continue Reading How the Council Provides Essential Services During the Safer at Home Order
Staying home has many of us searching for a good book to read. Below is a list of reading resources, compiled by staff at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired (OBVI): Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) (dpi.wi.gov/talkingbooks) – cartridges, BARD A Vision Rehabilitation Specialist or… Continue Reading Accessible Reading Options During COVID-19
During this time of social distancing and isolation, people with differing perspectives and life experiences are coming together for positive change. Greater awareness of the barriers to access brought to light through the COVID-19 quarantine provide an opportunity for a more inclusive tomorrow. How could attention drawn to inequitable practices and situations create a better future for everyone? The… Continue Reading Advocacy During COVID-19: Working Together, Even in Isolation
For any of us, uncertainty and change can be stressful. Given the need for social distancing, some of us may feel isolated or lonely. Even with coping strategies, it can be helpful to reach out for additional support. Here are a variety of resources that you or a loved one may find useful. COVID-19: Resilient… Continue Reading Emotional Well-Being During a Pandemic
If you would like assistance in applying for unemployment or Social Security benefits (SSI or SSDI), or need information about local emergency food resources, reach out to the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) in your county. The ADRCs are well-equipped with benefits specialists, who can assist with completing your application over the phone. Find… Continue Reading Unemployment and Social Security Disability Application Assistance Information
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The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is among the 70 nonprofits that benefit from Community Shares of Wisconsin workplace giving campaigns. Workplace giving is a simple and effective way for employees to support area nonprofits by having a specified amount deducted from each paycheck. In most cases, employees can choose to make… Continue Reading Workplace Giving Makes It Easy to Support the Organizations You Value
Don’t worry, this is not a rerun. But we understand why you might suspect that at first glance. After all, this is the fourth consecutive year UW-Whitewater Senior Grace Caine has been a Council Scholarship recipient. We recently caught up with Grace by phone on a break during marching band practice. The Music Education major… Continue Reading 2023 Student Spotlight: Grace Caine
For many, the words “artificial intelligence” conjure up science fiction fears of computers taking over the world. Jim Denham, Access Technology Specialist at the Council, says there’s no need to be afraid. In fact, as new and controversial as it seems, Jim says forms of artificial intelligence (AI) have been put to good use for… Continue Reading Don’t Fear the Chatbot: The Potential Benefits of Artificial Intelligence