News - Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired

Latest updates

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

Adam Grassnickle in Sharper Vision Store

On Sight October 2018

Today is White Cane Safety Day! Alt text: Save the Date graphic for White Cane Safety Day Image: Did you know? October 15 is White Cane Safety Day. Share upcoming posts to educate people you know. #WhiteCaneLaw (logo for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired) Spread the word about White Cane Safety… Continue Reading On Sight October 2018

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

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

Click toggle for topics

Action Alert: Reach Out to Congress THIS WEEK to Protect Medicaid

With members of Congress back home in their own districts this week, this is a great opportunity to connect with your Congressional representatives and urge them to reject cuts to Medicaid. About one out of every five Wisconsinites receives health care coverage and/or long-term care services through one of the state’s 19 Medicaid funded programs,… Continue Reading Action Alert: Reach Out to Congress THIS WEEK to Protect Medicaid

The Big Share Was a Big Success Thanks to Your Help

We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported the Council during The Big Share on March 4. Thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our $8,000 goal, raising a total of $10,688! Every gift made during The Big Share helps the Council raise awareness of the importance of accessibility. Whether we’re training people on using screen… Continue Reading The Big Share Was a Big Success Thanks to Your Help