Who we are
The Council’s mission, values and history
Mission & Values
MISSION: To promote the dignity and empowerment of the people of Wisconsin who live with vision loss through advocacy, education, and vision services.
VALUES: Inclusivity, uncompromising respect, and integrity are the core values that guide the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired in fulfilling our mission. We foster long-term relationships with our partners, sister organizations, donors, policy-makers, and the public. Read below to learn how the Council defines and embraces inclusivity, practices uncompromising respect, and fosters integrity.
Inclusivity
As people who are blind or visually impaired, we understand the experiences of being part of a minority group that at times faces adversity or discrimination. Therefore, we are committed to actively seeking and welcoming diverse people, experiences and perspectives and to foster inclusivity. Practicing inclusivity creates opportunities for greater innovation, sustainability and mission-focused, responsive and person-centered programs and services.
uncompromising respect
We uphold the dignity and worth of all individuals and groups in how we treat each other, even in times of disagreement or conflict. We acknowledge and affirm all people traveling with us on this life journey of blindness or visual impairment, including those facing rapidly changing vision. We recognize that each individual and family must take their own path on this journey in an atmosphere of genuine support and compassion, allowing for constructive feedback, growth-centered risk-taking and creativity.
Integrity
We practice unfailing integrity in all individual and organizational actions to steward the Council’s precious human, financial and capital resources. Our goal is to say what we do and do what we say, both within the organization and outside of it, which we exemplify by the highest standards of ethics, honesty and trustworthiness as we live our mission.
history
The Council began by uniting several organizations that served people who realized we are stronger together than we are apart. The original mission centered around legislative advocacy, but over time grew to include vision services and education. Below is a timeline that highlights major dates from the Council’s founding in 1952 to today.
1952
1952
Founded as the Wisconsin Council of the Blind
Founded as the Wisconsin Council of the Blind
1960s
1960s
The Council’s Sharper Vision Store opens its doors
The Council’s Sharper Vision Store opens its doors
1980s
1980s
White canes first distributed by the Council
White canes first distributed by the Council
1984
1984
The Council donates a CCTV to the UW Low Vision Clinic
The Council donates a CCTV to the UW Low Vision Clinic
1989
1989
The Council's exhibit at the Wisconsin State Fair
The Council's exhibit at the Wisconsin State Fair
1990s
1990s
Orientation and mobility are added to Council’s services
Orientation and mobility are added to Council’s services
1990s
1990s
Vision rehabilitation becomes an in-home service
Vision rehabilitation becomes an in-home service
1992
1992
The Council adds Vision Services as a pillar program
The Council adds Vision Services as a pillar program
1994
1994
Assistive technology in 1994
Assistive technology in 1994
2001
2001
The Council moves to its current Williamson Street location
The Council moves to its current Williamson Street location
2002
2002
50th Anniversary
50th Anniversary
2003
2003
“Visually Impaired” is added to the Council’s name
“Visually Impaired” is added to the Council’s name
2006
2006
Council introduces and shepherds Casey’s Law
Council introduces and shepherds Casey’s Law
2006
2006
The store is renamed “The Sharper Vision Store”
The store is renamed “The Sharper Vision Store”
2012
2012
Accessible material becomes available at the post-secondary level
Accessible material becomes available at the post-secondary level
2015
2015
The Council's Low Vision Clinic opens
The Council's Low Vision Clinic opens
2017
2017
Assistive technology one-on-one appointments and classes available
Assistive technology one-on-one appointments and classes available
Vision Facts
Every 7 minutes, someone in America will become blind or visually impaired.
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The estimated number of visually impaired Americans will be 7 million by 2020
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Vision loss can occur at any age, but as the population ages, age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma will increase.
The Council is committed to empowering and assisting the growing number of people who must make lifestyle changes and adjustments due to vision impairment.
