It happens all the time. You’re going through your home for spring cleaning, and you find an adaptive product that you no longer need. Maybe it’s your first magnifier that you’ve since replaced with a stronger one. Or maybe it’s a CCTV that no longer fits your needs. Before you throw your used adaptive item… Continue Reading Have a Good Adaptive Product You No Longer Need? Donate It to the Council!
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, and even death, in Wisconsin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Wisconsin had the highest fall death rate among older adults in the United States in 2021. But many falls can be prevented. Fall reduction classes across the state can provide skills… Continue Reading Fall Reduction Training Keeps You Safe at Home and in the Community
State lawmakers are leaving Madison for the year as the 2023-24 legislative session comes to an end. The Council worked diligently over the past year to advocate for bills that would positively impact the lives of people with vision loss and other disabilities across the state, and against bills that could have caused harm. Through… Continue Reading Legislative Session Ends with Some Wins and a Strong Foundation for Future Progress
This month the Council says farewell to a long-serving and invaluable member of our Board of Directors. Chris Richmond first joined the Board in 2012. He served as Board Chair from 2015 to 2021. Along the way, Chris has served on all the Board’s committees as well as some work groups. His term ends December… Continue Reading Council Bids Farewell to Long-Time Board Member Chris Richmond
Lindsey Fritz is graduating from Madison College with an Associate Degree in Nursing this month, but she already speaks with the authority and confidence of a Fortune 500 CEO. One who has compassion. The two-time Council Scholarship recipient will barely catch her breath after commencement. In February she starts work at American Family Children’s Hospital… Continue Reading 2022 Student Spotlight: Lindsey Fritz
For seven decades, the financial support of donors from around the state—and the country—have made the Council’s work possible. December is a popular time to provide that support, and we invite you to include the Council on your year-end giving list. Maybe you know someone who has benefitted from the Council’s services and programs. A… Continue Reading Year-End Giving Provides the Fuel that Powers the Council’s Work
Suppose the County Board where you live is considering building a new roundabout that would replace a traditional four-corner crossing. You’re against it. You do some homework. Make some notes. The night before the County Board meeting where your item is on the agenda, you stay up late writing and polishing your comments. Your arguments,… Continue Reading Understanding the Process is Key to Avoiding Advocacy Frustration
“Winter is not a season. It’s an occupation.” -Sinclair Lewis One look at Sinclair Lewis’ quote and it makes sense that the American writer grew up in Minnesota. Winter weather causes ice and snow, school closings, power outages, car accidents, falls and broken bones. It also should cause planning and extra caution. For people with… Continue Reading With the Right Preparation, Winter Conditions Need Not Be Dangerous and Disorienting
“OH YEAH.” That’s Rachel Pavone’s enthusiastic, unhesitant response to the question “Are you a good cook?” That’s what happens, she adds, when you grow up with a father who cooked in an Italian restaurant. “He made pizza at home including crust from scratch.” Rachel said her mother was a whiz in the kitchen too. So… Continue Reading The Council’s Rachel Pavone Whips Up Safe Holiday Cooking Tips
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Earlier this month, Council Executive Director Denise Jess traveled to Kansas City to attend the VisionServe Alliance’s (VSA) 2024 Executive Leadership Conference. The Council has been a member of the VSA for around a decade, and they are an invaluable partner in our mission. VSA is a membership group formed over 30 years ago to… Continue Reading VisionServe Alliance: Working to De-Silo the Vision Services Field
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training helps people who are blind or who have low vision move around safely in all environments. Navigating busy street intersections is one of many important skills included in O&M training. Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Brent Perzentka of the Council is a member of the City of Madison’s Vision Zero… Continue Reading O&M Strategies Can Keep You Safer at Tricky Intersections
We’re pleased to welcome Nate Wegehaupt as the newest member of the Council staff. Nate came on board April 1 as our new Communications Coordinator. In that role, he will write newsletter articles, website content and social media posts; prepare email communications for distribution; help maintain the website; and perform various other communications tasks. Prior… Continue Reading Welcome Nate Wegehaupt to the Council Team!
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Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired
