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Volunteers from Anderson & Shapiro cleaning up the front flower bed at the Council office

Volunteering Can Be Gateway to Ongoing Connection

April is National Volunteer Appreciation month. It’s an opportunity to recognize and celebrate volunteerism and its positive community impacts. Americans have always stepped up when it comes to volunteering. According to Americorps, nearly a quarter of Americans age 16 and over donated time formally through an organization between September 2020 and 2021. “Volunteers share their… Continue Reading Volunteering Can Be Gateway to Ongoing Connection

A crowd of people in a large festival tent eating corn and brats

The Council and the Lions: A Lasting Relationship Rooted in Shared Goals

Lions Club International has been a leading advocate for and supporter of people with vision loss since 1925. That’s when Helen Keller challenged Lions Clubs around the world to be “knights for the blind.” Each spring, the Council nurtures our relationships with Wisconsin Lions Clubs by updating them on our current work and goals and… Continue Reading The Council and the Lions: A Lasting Relationship Rooted in Shared Goals

A group of people hiking, some of them using guide dogs

Spend Time in the Great Outdoors to Boost Physical, Mental and Social Well-Being

Finally, spring has come. Some outdoor enthusiasts, including those with vision loss, are storing away their snow skis and switching over to warm weather activities like tandem biking and hiking. These adaptive recreational opportunities—and more—are offered across Wisconsin, several of them by Blind Outdoor Leisure Development, Inc., or BOLD. BOLD’s purpose is to offer people… Continue Reading Spend Time in the Great Outdoors to Boost Physical, Mental and Social Well-Being

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A bus driving by the Wisconsin State Capitol

Advocacy Days Preview: Knowledge + Lived Experience is a Powerful Advocacy Combination

Transportation equity is a major focus of this year’s Advocacy Days. For an advocate, it’s a topic that takes a lot of focus and endurance. There are many reasons for that. Transportation policy varies from community to community and from county to county. One must approach both state and local agencies to advocate for positive… Continue Reading Advocacy Days Preview: Knowledge + Lived Experience is a Powerful Advocacy Combination

A Google Nest Audio smart speaker sitting on a table next to a folder and a plant

Smart Speakers Can Keep Families Connected, Bring Easy Access to Common Tasks and Information

Smart speakers, also known as voice assistants, are changing the way people interact with the internet. “Voice assistants have really enabled those with vision impairments to remain independent by utilizing their voice and hearing to assist with daily living tasks,” says Council Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Brent Perzentka. A smart speaker can even be programed by… Continue Reading Smart Speakers Can Keep Families Connected, Bring Easy Access to Common Tasks and Information

Publications

Courier Spring 2023

Listen to the audio version of the Spring 2023 Council Courier

2021 Annual Report

Listen to the audio version of the Council’s 2020 Annual Report

Toolkits

Accessibility Toolkit

Our toolkit provides helpful hints and best practice guidelines to make information more accessible and engaging.

Adapting to Low Vision

This booklet is a beginning guide for lifestyle adaptation to low vision.

A Welcoming Main Street

A guide for businesses and offices to provide quality customer service for those with vision impairments.

Making Digital Content Accessible and Inclusive

This resource offers tips to make social media content more accessible to people using screen readers.

in the news

COVID Challenges Facing Blind People: Vaccine, Voting Accessibility, Virtual Learning

Here & Now: Vaccine Accessibility

A graphic of handwashing, sneezing, resting, and a hospital.

AUDIO RECORDINGS

Eleven Amazing Accessible iPhone and Android Apps

Listen to eleven amazing accessible iphone and android apps

Find the COuncil on YouTube

Featured Video: Sharper Vision Store Staff Favorites

A Day in the Life with Denise Jess

Celebrating 70 Years of Advocacy, Empowerment and Service

Scholarship Ceremony 2022

Share Your Story

Share your experience with the Council and/or about living with vision loss. Stories we collect may be used in social media and publications. If you would like to remain anonymous, write “anonymous” on the name line below. Contact information is collected so we can reach out to you about your story. Contact information will not be shared.