News - Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired

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Action Alert: Joint Finance Committee’s Budget Listening Sessions Taking Place Statewide

The Joint Finance Committee, which writes Wisconsin’s biennial budget bill, is holding listening sessions around the state to gather input from Wisconsin residents on the State Budget. These sessions provide an opportunity to make your voice heard in the budget process. There are four sessions scheduled around the state: Wednesday, April 2, at Kaukauna High… Continue Reading Action Alert: Joint Finance Committee’s Budget Listening Sessions Taking Place Statewide

Be Proactive About Vision Changes During Save Your Vision Month

When a patient was referred to optometrist Dr. Kallie Harrier’s office at UW Health, they were expecting a fairly basic procedure. They had been experiencing headaches for some time, and after several tests came back inconclusive, their primary care doctor recommended seeing Dr. Harrier to see if their headaches were related to their eyes. An… Continue Reading Be Proactive About Vision Changes During Save Your Vision Month

Gov. Tony Evers delivering his Budget Address in the Assembly Chamber.

Governor’s Proposed Budget Shows Impact of Advocacy

In February, Governor Tony Evers released his proposed 2025-27 biennial budget. While the budget still has a long way to go before becoming law, it shows progress for the blind and low vision community. “The Governor put forward a very thoughtful budget, and we can see the impact of our advocacy throughout,” says Executive Director… Continue Reading Governor’s Proposed Budget Shows Impact of Advocacy

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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Diners enjoy food that was prepared and served by students in the culinary program at Madison College.

Students Create an Inclusive Culinary Experience: Dining in the Dark at Madison College

Delicious food and a multi-sensory eating experience without sight are par for the course when it comes to the Council’s Dining in the Dark events. Diners enjoy a meal while blindfolded, and are not told what they will be eating until the plate is set before them. This enables them to enjoy the food with… Continue Reading Students Create an Inclusive Culinary Experience: Dining in the Dark at Madison College

Denise examines a bird's feathers using a magnifying glass.

Build New Skills at Birding by Ear

Just as unique as birds’ coloration and shape, their sounds come in all tunes and pitches. Identifying birds by song is an exciting activity and skill, and any experienced bird watcher will tell you that most birding is done without actually seeing the bird, but by hearing it. Learning the whistles, warbles and tweets birds… Continue Reading Build New Skills at Birding by Ear

Two board members and a legislator stand inside the Wisconsin state capitol building.

A Guide for Effectively Communicating with a Legislator

Every constituent has an important story to tell that could help open the mind and heart of a legislator. Your voice matters, so we encourage you to let your story be heard. Continue Reading A Guide for Effectively Communicating with a Legislator