Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired
Council Courier
The Council Courier, our flagship newsletter, is a great place to learn about everything the Council has been up to. Published three times a year, the Courier is available in large print, braille and audio formats. You can access current and previous issues of the Courier below, as well as subscribe to receive future issues by mail.
Current Issue
Courier Fall 2024
Listen to the audio version of the Spring 2024 Council Courier
Contents
- Don’t Say “Over There”: How to be a Better Describer for Someone who is Blind or Low Vision
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess
- Big Data Working Age Adults Report Paints Sobering Picture, Highlights Need for Advocacy
- Support the Council Year-Round by Giving Monthly
- Change to IRA Distribution Rule Doesn’t Affect Your Ability to Support the Council
- Make Your Community Safer During Pedestrian Safety Month
- Upcoming Events
Subscribe to the Courier
You will receive this newsletter three times per year in the format selected below. Please contact us to update your preferences or unsubscribe by calling 608-255-1166 or emailing info@WCBlind.org.
Past Issues
Courier Spring 2024
Listen to the audio version of the Spring 2024 Council Courier
Contents
- Sharper Vision Store Offers a Supportive, Well-Informed Shopping Experience
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess
- Grants Are Putting Adaptive Products in the Hands of Clients Who Need Them
- Welcoming the Council’s Newest Board Member, Maggie Groshan
- Helping Prepare Young Visitors for Work, Life and Democracy
- Your Gift Will Change A Life
- Upcoming Events
Courier Winter 2024
Listen to the audio version of the Winter 2024 Council Courier
Contents
- Beyond Steve’s Law: Next Steps Toward ID Equity
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess: Fostering a Culture That Values Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
- Council Friends: Making an Enormous Difference with Their Generous Support
- Staying Active Safely When the Weather Outside is Frightful
- Spreading the Word about NLS Braille eReader Program
- Upcoming Events
Courier Fall 2023
Listen to the audio version of the Fall 2023 Council Courier
Contents
- From Instruction to Machine Repair, the Council is Big on Braille
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess – Anniversary Reflections on Trust-Based Relationships
- State Budget Disappointments Do Not Detract from Ongoing Momentum
- Sensory Gardens Add a Welcoming Touch to the Council Grounds
- Start Something New This Fall by Giving Monthly
- Denise Receives CSW Civil Rights Defender Award
Courier Spring 2023
Listen to the audio version of the Spring 2023 Council Courier
Contents
- O&M Provides the Foundation for a More Independent Life
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess
Compelling Data Boosts the Impact of Our Advocacy - Shining a Light on the Council’s Education Mission
- Focus on Transportation Equity Helped Make The Big Share a Big Success
- New Video Provides Overview of Vision Services Available at the Council
- Upcoming Events
Courier Winter 2023
Listen to the audio version of the Winter 2023 Council Courier
Contents
- What’s on the Menu? Council’s Vision Services Offerings Continue to Grow
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess: Raise Your Voice to Help Improve the State of Vision Services in Wisconsin
- State Budget Priorities Taking Center Stage in Council’s Advocacy
- Gallery Night was a Fall Highlight for Artists and Art Lovers Alike
- New Year Brings Changes to Board of Directors
- Support the Council in a Lasting Way Through Planned Giving
- Upcoming Events
Courier Fall 2022
Listen to the audio version of the Fall 2022 Council Courier
Contents
- Windows to More Than the Soul: The Importance of Routine Eye Exams
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess
- Building Awareness in Three Courses: Plus Dessert
- Building on the Momentum of White Cane Safety Day to Promote Safer Streets for All Pedestrians
- New Faces at the Council: Welcome to debbie rasmussen and Rachel Pavone
- Upcoming Events
Courier Spring 2022
Listen to the audio version of the Spring 2022 Council Courier
Contents
- 70th ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT: Sharper Vision Store’s Evolution is a Story of Growth and Adaptation
- Price Changes in the Sharper Vision Store
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess
- Non-Driver Advisory Committee is Already Making Inroads on Transportation Equity
- From White Cane to Wings
- Staff Changes Bring One Farewell and One Welcome
- Upcoming Events: Birding by Ear
Courier Winter 2022
Listen to the audio version of the Winter 2022 Council Courier
Contents
- Advocacy Year in Review: Laying a Strong Foundation for Steady Progress
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess
- Changing Lives One Visit at a Time
- Arrivals and Departures on the Council Board and Staff
- Upcoming Events
Courier Fall 2021
Listen to the audio version of the Fall 2021 Council Courier
Contents
- Everyday Advocacy: Make Your Voice Heard on Issues That Matter to You
- Excellence Awards Recipients are Making a Difference
- Scholarship Recipients Share Lofty Goals
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess
- John Foulks Retires from the Council Board of Directors
- New Customer Care Specialist at the Sharper Vision Store
- New Team in the Communications Department
- Grants Provide Personalized Low Vision Products
- Join The Council for These Free, Virtual Events
Courier Spring 2021
Listen to the audio version of the Spring 2021 Council Courier
Contents
- Birding By Ear
- Providing Vision Services during a Pandemic
- Letter from Denise Jess
- Assistive Technology Now Access Technology
- Gallery Night 2021 Call for Artists
- Big Share Recap
- Contribute to the White Cane Fund
- Virtual Low Vision Support Group Created
- Events
Courier Winter 2021
Listen to the audio version of the Winter 2021 Council Courier
Contents
- How Self-Advocacy Can Educate and Affect Positive Change
- Monthly Donors Mike and Susan Archer Share Why They Give
- Board Update
- Thank You to Council Donors and Volunteers
- Staff Updates
- Awards & Scholarships
- 2021 Events
Courier Fall 2020
Listen to the audio version of the Fall 2020 Council Courier
Contents
- Everything You Need to Know About Accessible Cell Phones
- Gallery Night Goes Virtual
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess
- The Council Prepares for a Safe Reopening
- Fall & Winter 2020 Gift Guide
- Announcing the 2020 Council Scholarship Winners
- Advocacy Update: The Council Releases State Budget Priorities
- Remembering Kathy Brockman
- The Council is celebrating 68 years!
- Upcoming Events
Courier Spring 2020
Listen to the audio version of the Spring 2020 Council Courier
Contents
- Birding by Ear: To be Enjoyed by All
- Submit Artwork to the Council’s Fall Gallery Night
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess
- Give Wisely
- Thank You and Farewell, Kathy Brockman
- Volunteer Spotlight: Peter Kaufman
- Spreading Messages of Inclusivity & Respect Beyond the BVI Community: The Council and The Big Share
- Who Lives with Vision Loss?
- Upcoming Events
Courier Winter 2020
Listen to the audio version of the Winter 2020 Council Courier
Contents
- Your 2020 Advocacy Checklist
- Thank You to Council Donors and Volunteers
- What is Planned Giving?
- Announcing 2020 Council Board Updates
- Upcoming 2020 Events
- Awards and Scholarship Applications
- Everything You Want to Know About the In-Home Vision Rehabilitation Visit
Courier Fall 2019
Listen to the audio version of the Fall 2019 Council Courier
Contents
- Staying Balanced with Vision Loss: The Importance of Preventing Falls
- Congratulations to the 2019 Council Excellence Awards and Scholarship Recipients
- Council Events
- A Note from Denise
- Stop by the Council’s Art Exhibit
- Vision for Tomorrow Online Auction: Your Bid Helps the Council Create Welcoming Spaces
- Monthly Giving: Join the White Cane Circle to Ensure the Council’s Future
- Thank You to Grantors
Courier Spring 2019
Listen to the audio version of the Spring 2019 Council Courier
Contents
- Expanding Vision Services to Serve Aging Population, Veterans and Rural Areas
- Council Visionaries: Generously Laying the Foundation for the Future
- Get to Know Mitch Brey and Kris Johannsen
- Get to know the volunteers who bring audio versions of our newsletters to you
- Customize Your New Sunglasses at the Sharper Vision Store
- Farewell to Steve Johnson
- 2019 Council Events
Courier Winter 2019
Listen to the audio version of the Winter 2019 Council Courier
Contents
- New Year’s Resolutions: An Eye Care Checklist
- Meet Two Council Excellence Award Winners: “BJ” Blahnik and Lois Miller
- Living Our Value of Inclusivity in Advocacy through Coalition Work
- A Note from Denise
- Board Updates: Meet our New Members
- 2019 Council Events
Courier Fall 2018
Listen to the audio version of the Fall 2018 Council Courier
Contents
- When is it Time to Get a White Cane?
- Letter from Executive Director Denise Jess
- Low Vision Groups Foster Community
- 2018 Holiday Gift Guide
- Giving in Memory: A Way to Show You Care
- Speaking about Changing Vision
- Get to Know New and Old Staff