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A group of people hiking, some of them using guide dogs

Spend Time in the Great Outdoors to Boost Physical, Mental and Social Well-Being

Finally, spring has come. Some outdoor enthusiasts, including those with vision loss, are storing away their snow skis and switching over to warm weather activities like tandem biking and hiking. These adaptive recreational opportunities—and more—are offered across Wisconsin, several of them by Blind Outdoor Leisure Development, Inc., or BOLD. BOLD’s purpose is to offer people… Continue Reading Spend Time in the Great Outdoors to Boost Physical, Mental and Social Well-Being

Jada Clark standing in a field

2022 Student Spotlight: Jada Clark

Jada Clark isn’t afraid to take matters into her own hands. The 2022 Council Scholarship recipient, who was born with significant vision impairment, made independence a goal once she got to middle school. “My vision has affected me throughout my life, both negatively and positively,” Jada says. As high school approached, she believed she was… Continue Reading 2022 Student Spotlight: Jada Clark

A bus driving by the Wisconsin State Capitol

Advocacy Days Preview: Knowledge + Lived Experience is a Powerful Advocacy Combination

Transportation equity is a major focus of this year’s Advocacy Days. For an advocate, it’s a topic that takes a lot of focus and endurance. There are many reasons for that. Transportation policy varies from community to community and from county to county. One must approach both state and local agencies to advocate for positive… Continue Reading Advocacy Days Preview: Knowledge + Lived Experience is a Powerful Advocacy Combination

A Google Nest Audio smart speaker sitting on a table next to a folder and a plant

Smart Speakers Can Keep Families Connected, Bring Easy Access to Common Tasks and Information

Smart speakers, also known as voice assistants, are changing the way people interact with the internet. “Voice assistants have really enabled those with vision impairments to remain independent by utilizing their voice and hearing to assist with daily living tasks,” says Council Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Brent Perzentka. A smart speaker can even be programed by… Continue Reading Smart Speakers Can Keep Families Connected, Bring Easy Access to Common Tasks and Information

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A sketch of someone with a cane near hands communicating in sign language along with the words DeafBlind Awareness Month.

DeafBlind Awareness Month Recognizes an Often “Invisible Population”

June is DeafBlind Awareness Month, a time to recognize people within our community living with both visual and hearing impairment. June was chosen as DeafBlind Awareness Month because June 27 is the birthday of political activist and prolific author Helen Keller. The Center for Deaf-Blind Persons (CDBP) in West Allis has been an important resource… Continue Reading DeafBlind Awareness Month Recognizes an Often “Invisible Population”