News - Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired

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Safe winter walking

Read on to learn about the tools and techniques that can help you stay active, go holiday shopping with friends and enjoy our winter wonderland. Continue Reading Safe winter walking

Updating the Law Regarding Service Animals

Julie decides to stop in to Bob’s Market on her way home from work. She has her service dog, Jasper, accompanying her. When Bob sees Julie and her dog entering the store, he is confused. He wonders why that lady has a dog with her. Is it a service animal or an emotional support animal,… Continue Reading Updating the Law Regarding Service Animals

The Windows Magnifier will show up on any screen you are working on.

Built-in Screen Magnifiers: A Free Way to Get the Accessibility You Need, Right on Your Computer

Assistive technologies, such as magnifiers and screen-readers, have increased accessibility to information now more than ever before. As someone new to magnification, consider utilizing the built-in accessibility options before purchasing equipment or installing software. “I use these settings every day,” says Kathy Brockman, Council board treasurer. “I can customize my computer to display text in… Continue Reading Built-in Screen Magnifiers: A Free Way to Get the Accessibility You Need, Right on Your Computer

Shannon Columb and her guide dog standing in a playground.

Former Scholarship Recipient Shannon Columb Continues Mission of Accessibility

Growing up on a dairy farm in Door County, Shannon Columb always felt more comfortable in nature. After she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at a young age, she says sitting in a classroom could be difficult at times. But when she was done with school for the day, she felt at home exploring the… Continue Reading Former Scholarship Recipient Shannon Columb Continues Mission of Accessibility

A song sparrow with white and reddish-brown feathers sings while sitting on a branch with thorns.

Birding By Ear Returns May 10

One of our favorite springtime events, Birding by Ear, returns on Saturday, May 10! Just like color and shape, bird songs are unique. Experienced birders know that you identify birds as much by hearing them as by seeing them. The Council is once again partnering with the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance and the Aldo Leopold… Continue Reading Birding By Ear Returns May 10

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Support Accessibility for All During The Big Share on Tuesday, March 4

The Big Share is tomorrow, March 4, and we invite you to make a difference in the lives of people who are blind or low vision in Wisconsin by making a gift to the Council. Help us reach our goal of raising $8,000! This annual one-day giving event is organized by Community Shares of Wisconsin… Continue Reading Support Accessibility for All During The Big Share on Tuesday, March 4

From left to right, photos of Kathleen Callen, Jim Denham, and Denise Jess

Council Staffers Advocate for Change in Their Own Neighborhoods and Communities

Legislative advocacy has been a cornerstone of the Council’s mission since our founding over 70 years ago. Every day, Council staff members work with state and local policymakers to advocate for Wisconsin residents who are blind or low vision on everything from transportation, health care, employment, voting access and more. But public advocacy is not… Continue Reading Council Staffers Advocate for Change in Their Own Neighborhoods and Communities

A red white and blue button that says your vote matters

Make Your Voting Plan For the 2025 Spring Elections

The 2025 Spring General Election will take place on April 1, and this year there will be at least three contested statewide races. This ballot will include the race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and one ballot referendum question to change the state constitution to mandate that… Continue Reading Make Your Voting Plan For the 2025 Spring Elections