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ABLE Provides Vital Braille Services During Braille Literacy Month…and the Rest of the Year

Louis Braille, who revolutionized the world for people who are blind with the invention of his raised dot writing system, was born on January 4, 1809. Every January, we recognize Braille Literacy Month to affirm the importance of braille, which has given countless people with vision loss access to written information over the decades. As… Continue Reading ABLE Provides Vital Braille Services During Braille Literacy Month…and the Rest of the Year

A refreshable braille device.

Technology Changes, But the Value of Braille Does Not – A World Braille Day Message

Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809, and that date is celebrated internationally as World Braille Day each year in recognition of his revolutionary raised dot system. Before the development of braille, people who were blind had virtually no independent access to written information, cutting them off from a vital form of communication. Today,… Continue Reading Technology Changes, But the Value of Braille Does Not – A World Braille Day Message

Hands holding an iPhone showing the ChatGPT welcome screen.

You Can Use AI in Everyday Life

In November, Access Technology Specialist Jim Denham of the Council presented a webinar on how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify everyday tasks. AI can streamline and assist with some computer tasks that are particularly challenging for people who are blind or low vision. Whether you’re writing a paper for a class or figuring… Continue Reading You Can Use AI in Everyday Life

Members of the Wisconsin Assembly in the chamber listening to a speech.

New State Legislature Provides New Opportunities to Make Advocacy Connections

Following last year’s redrawing of the state’s legislative maps, a bevy of new members of both the State Senate and Assembly were sworn into office on January 6.  These new lawmakers are probably still learning the ropes of their new jobs, and while they certainly have their legislative priorities, they are still figuring out how… Continue Reading New State Legislature Provides New Opportunities to Make Advocacy Connections

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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

Symposium attendee visits vendor table.

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

Publications

Courier Fall 2024

Listen to the audio version of the Spring 2024 Council Courier

Infographic: 2023 by the Numbers

Listen to the audio version of the Council’s 2022 by the Numbers Infographic

2023 Annual Report

Listen to the audio version of the Council’s 2022 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

Covid 19 information

Here & Now: Vaccine Accessibility

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

Find the COuncil on YouTube

Featured Video: Vision Services at the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired

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.

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