Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired
For The Media
Describing the Council
The name of our organization is the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired. Note that we use an ampersand (&) rather than the word “and” in our name.
Our mission is to promote the dignity and empowerment of the people of Wisconsin who live with vision loss through advocacy, education and vision services.
Founded in 1952, the Council began by uniting several organizations that served people living with vision loss who realized we are stronger together than we are apart. The Council’s original mission centered around legislative advocacy and has since grown to include vision services and education. We also operate the Sharper Vision Store, a retail outlet offering a wide range of products tailored for people with vision loss, where customers can shop in person, online or by phone.
in the News
“Wisconsinites with disabilities demand a better way to vote at home, but security concerns may be a hurdle” Votebeat Wisconsin, April 17, 2024.
“Yes, Visually Impaired Persons CAN Do Birding!” WORT Radio, February 21, 2024.
“October 15 proclaimed as White Cane Safety Day in La Crosse” WXOW News 19, October 12, 2023.
“Senate elections committee pointedly excludes state elections commission from hearing.” Wisconsin Examiner Wisconsin State Journal, September 26, 2023.
“Meet The 2023 CSW “Change-Maker Award” Recipients” WORT Radio, September 2, 2023.
“Having trouble accessing city services? Madison wants to hear from you.” Wisconsin State Journal, July 26, 2023.
“Direct bus service to UW Hospital to return,” Isthmus, July 14, 2023.
“Birding By Ear” Class Makes Birding More Accessible To The Visually Impaired WORT Radio, March 24, 2023.
“Hardly any Madison taxi rides for those with disabilities,” The Cap Times, January 25, 2023.
“Wisconsin’s population is trending older. Where will non-drivers find transportation?,” Wisconsin Public Radio, January 5, 2023.
“Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired advocates and provides resources for people with vision loss,” Wisconsin Public Radio, December 20, 2022.
“Sittin’ in the morning sun: Birding sits help make the activity accessible for all,” Isthmus, November 8, 2022.
“Fall Gallery Night showcases Madison artists of all abilities,” Channel 3000, November 4, 2022.
“Visually impaired artists take part in MMoCA’s Gallery Night,” WKOW, November 4, 2022.
“Disability advocates lay out rule changes, accommodations ahead of November election,” Wisconsin Examiner, October 27, 2022.
“UW-Green Bay Student Spotlight: Kaylee Mueller,” University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, October 21, 2022.
“Let’s Get Local’ podcast, October 15, 2022.
“Madison leaders highlight resources for disabled voters ahead of Election Day,” Channel 3000, September 15, 2022.
“Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired to offer on-site vision rehab classes,” Channel 3000, August 29, 2022.
“In first election without drop boxes, advocates worry about voting accessibility,” WKOW, August 9, 2022.
“10 Hands-On Culinary Experiences,” Madison Magazine, July 6, 2022.
“Wisconsin Introduces Mapping Tool to Identify Where Non-Drivers Live,” National Center for Mobility Management, June 22, 2022.
“New voting regulations impact multiple groups. Here are some resources for Green Bay voters ahead of April 5 ballot,” Green Bay Press Gazette, March 31, 2022.
“‘A war on voting’: Madison, state leaders condemn barring ballot drop boxes,” Cap Times, February 16, 2022.
“Absentee Ballot Dropboxes Gone For Next Election,” WORT, February 15, 2022.
“40% of Oshkosh residents don’t drive, according to new state estimates,” Oshkosh Examiner, February 11, 2022.
“World Braille Day Promotes Literacy,” Deforest Times, December 30, 2021.
“New Voting Restrictions Would Disproportionately Affect Disabled Voters,” New York Times, updated October 21, 2021.
“Sun Prairie Among Communities Proclaiming White Cane Safety Day,” Sun Prairie Star, October 7, 2021.
“Advocacy Group Pushing for ADA Compliant Absentee Ballots,” WBAY-TV (Green Bay), September 27, 2021.