In January, the Council kicked off the year by launching a new Advocacy Discussion Group. This group serves as a space for advocates and changemakers across the state to connect, share information and experiences, and gain the skills to be effective advocates at both the… Continue Reading Advocacy Discussion Group Connects Changemakers Across the State
This week, we’re rerunning an article we first published in 2022 about the importance of getting regular eye exams, both to monitor your vision and eye health and for their value in detecting other health problems. Please note that Dr. Harrier is now with UW… Continue Reading Windows to More Than the Soul: The Importance of Routine Eye Exams
The Council is seeking a qualified development specialist for a full-time position based in Madison. Reporting to the development director, the person in this position plays a vital role in maintaining donor records, securing grants, and assisting with various other fund development activities. Continue Reading Now Hiring: Development Specialist
Former Council Scholarship Recipient Meghan Whalen has a motto: You can own life or you can let it own you. Meghan has Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) and has little to no usable vision. “I always say I can see just enough to get into trouble!” she says. Meghan graduated from UW-Madison in 2010 with a degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing. She lives in Madison. Continue Reading Former Scholarship Recipient Meghan Whalen Takes Life, Terriers and Cricket by the Horns
In order to fully address the needs of the blind and low vision community, it is important we know as much as possible about all aspects of their lives. Across the country, there are many organizations conducting research aimed at growing that understanding. There are… Continue Reading Research Organizations Work to Understand Both the Medical and Social Sides of Vision Loss
Later this fall, the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) will begin rolling out a new talking book machine. The Digital Advanced Player 2 (DA2), will still play the classic talking book cartridges, but they will also connect to the internet so you can… Continue Reading Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library to Roll Out New Talking Book Players
When modern vision services began in America, this vital work was done for little-to-no pay. Performed mostly by women who themselves were blind or low vision, it was seen more as mutual aid than as a true “profession.” These workers were often paid just $1 per day (or around $38 per day in today’s money). Continue Reading The Illusion of Free Services
Have you thought about making a will only to realize you don’t know how to begin? If making a will has been on your mind but you’ve never managed to take the steps to get it done, this is a great time to do it.… Continue Reading Consider the Council During Make-a-Will Month
Judith Rasmussen Judith Rasmussen first learned how to knit as a teen in Home Economics class at school. But after losing her vision, she put down her needles, thinking knitting would be out of her reach. A few years ago, however, she learned of a… Continue Reading Judith Rasmussen Returns to Knitting and Pays It Forward
Jasmine Bertschy With her first year under her belt, 2025 Council Scholarship recipient Jasmine Bertschy says she’s ready for just about anything college has to throw at her. Jasmine is attending UW – Whitewater at Rock County, where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology… Continue Reading 2025 Student Spotlight: Jasmine Bertschy