Say you need to navigate an unsafe intersection regularly that would be vastly improved with an accessible pedestrian signal. How would you go about advocating for the upgrade? Who could you contact? While you might think that reaching out to your legislator is the best… Continue Reading Knowing Where to Advocate
What is the best way to affect positive change? There are several facets of advocacy: education, self-advocacy, litigation and lobbying. Knowing where to start can help you be most effective in your advocacy efforts. This piece will focus on self-advocacy, which is often the quickest and… Continue Reading How Self-Advocacy Can Educate and Affect Positive Change
Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired staff serve on statewide coalitions that empower people with disabilities to have accessible voting and transportation options. One of these coalitions is the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition (WDVC). Among other activities, the WDVC shares real voter experiences… Continue Reading Overcoming Barriers to Voting
This month, at least eight Wisconsin cities are proclaiming White Cane Safety Day at their City Council meetings: Eau Claire Janesville La Crosse Madison Mequon Oshkosh Stevens Point Sun Prairie If you live in one of these towns, attend the virtual City Council meeting. Consider… Continue Reading Multiple Cities Honor Pedestrian Safety: Do Your Part
Voting absentee is a safe option during the COVID-19 pandemic, but requires a witness. Someone who is blind or visually impaired may also need an assistant to ensure their ballot is marked correctly. According to a study by Rutgers University, voting among people with disabilities… Continue Reading Make Your Voting Plan
The Council is pleased to announce findings from the 2020 Advocacy survey. The survey asked questions about transportation, employment, education, voting and healthcare/vision services. Continue Reading Sharing Results From the Council’s Advocacy Survey
The speakers in this video, titled “WisDOT Working to Improve Transportation for Wisconsin’s Non-Drivers” are: Jennifer Jako, ADRC of Baron, Rusk and Washburn Counties; Denise Jess, WCBVI; and Carrie Diamond, Easterseals National Aging and Disabilities Transportation Center. The Wisconsin Council of the Blind &… Continue Reading An Advocacy Update: The New Wisconsin Non-Driver Interagency Advisory Council
2020 is a major election year, with the fall primary in August and the presidential and general election in November. Safety precautions due to COVID-19 posed unique challenges for many voters with vision loss, other voters with disabilities and older adults. Act now to be… Continue Reading Your Right to Vote During the Pandemic
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… Continue Reading Advocacy During COVID-19: Working Together, Even in Isolation
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… Continue Reading Unemployment and Social Security Disability Application Assistance Information
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Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired
