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The capital building in Madison Wisconsin at dusk

How to Impact the Wisconsin State Budget

State agencies, such as the Department of Workforce Development, the Department of Public Instruction, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health Services-which houses the Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired (OBVI)-use tax dollars to create and manage programs that help Wisconsinites live happy, empowered lives. The Wisconsin Biennial Budget provides the breakdown… Continue Reading How to Impact the Wisconsin State Budget

Macular Degeneration Symposium

Age-related macular degeneration affects more than 10 million Americans. It is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. The condition affects the central part of the retina – causing distortion or loss of central vision. When faced with a diagnosis of macular degeneration, you… Continue Reading Macular Degeneration Symposium

Two smiling women. One with microphone at presentation

On Sight September 2018

Student Spotlight: Shannon Columb Shannon accepting her award shown with Council board member Kelsey Tiradani. Staying positive and enjoying the little things in life helps UW-Stevens Point senior, Shannon Columb, focus on her goals. From teaching about the environment at Lions Camp to traveling to Europe for a summer field study, Shannon has discovered that… Continue Reading On Sight September 2018

Action Alert: Urge Your U.S. Senators to Say “No” to the SAVE Act

A bill called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act may sound like something positive, but in reality, this piece of federal legislation would create major barriers to voting for many people, including those with vision loss and other disabilities. The SAVE Act would require all Americans registering to vote or updating their registration information… Continue Reading Action Alert: Urge Your U.S. Senators to Say “No” to the SAVE Act

Graphic of a hand holding a dollar sign plant growing out of some dirt and the words Donor Advised Funds.

It’s Time to Let Your Dollars Work for a Better World

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have become a popular tool for philanthropic giving. The Council receives many gifts from donors who have a DAF and who see the value in making gifts every year. But despite how easy it is to make gifts from a donor advised fund, some people choose to leave a significant portion… Continue Reading It’s Time to Let Your Dollars Work for a Better World

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A boy learns math with a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. Photo courtesy of Perkins School for the Blind eLearning.

Dreams to Foster Equity and Empower People in Wisconsin: Education and Employment

This is Part 2 of the Council’s legislative dreams series. The series focuses on the Council’s vision for 2027, when the organization will celebrate its seventy-fifth anniversary of promoting the dignity and empowerment of the people in Wisconsin who are blind or visually impaired. Last month, transportation and civil rights/ADA were discussed, which require public… Continue Reading Dreams to Foster Equity and Empower People in Wisconsin: Education and Employment

An LG smart TV displaying text about the Louvre Museum

Smart TVs: Are They Accessible?

What is a Smart TV? The term smart TV refers to a television, or an external box connected to a television, which can run apps, or software, much like a computer or smartphone. These apps allow users to stream content from the internet, such as movies, music and TV shows. Because content is streaming, it… Continue Reading Smart TVs: Are They Accessible?