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 in 1952 by uniting several organizations that served people with vision loss as we realized we are stronger together than apart. The Council’s original mission centered around legislative advocacy, and that has remained one of our core functions throughout our history. But over time, our work has grown to include vision services and education. Along the way, we adopted our current, more inclusive name, began offering postsecondary scholarships, launched our White Cane Program, opened the Sharper Vision Store, and much more. Today, the Council is a strong, multifaceted organization that leads the way in empowering people in Wisconsin who are blind or have low vision to live with dignity and independence.
Vision Facts
• Every 7 minutes, someone in America becomes blind or visually impaired.
• There are currently over 7 million Americans with vision loss.
• Vision loss can occur at any age, but as the population ages, the number of people experiencing age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma will continue to increase.
• The Council is committed to empowering and supporting this growing population as they adapt to blindness or low vision so they can live productive, satisfying lives as independently as possible.
