Post Archive

Workplace Giving Makes It Easy to Support the Organizations You Value

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is among the 70 nonprofits that benefit from Community Shares of Wisconsin workplace giving campaigns. Workplace giving is a simple and effective way for employees to support area nonprofits by having a specified amount deducted from each paycheck. In most cases, employees can choose to make… Continue Reading Workplace Giving Makes It Easy to Support the Organizations You Value

Grace Cain holding a saxophone and standing in front of flowering foliage

2023 Student Spotlight: Grace Caine

Don’t worry, this is not a rerun. But we understand why you might suspect that at first glance. After all, this is the fourth consecutive year UW-Whitewater Senior Grace Caine has been a Council Scholarship recipient. We recently caught up with Grace by phone on a break during marching band practice. The Music Education major… Continue Reading 2023 Student Spotlight: Grace Caine

A person’s hands using the Be My Eyes app on a cell phone

Don’t Fear the Chatbot: The Potential Benefits of Artificial Intelligence

For many, the words “artificial intelligence” conjure up science fiction fears of computers taking over the world. Jim Denham, Access Technology Specialist at the Council, says there’s no need to be afraid. In fact, as new and controversial as it seems, Jim says forms of artificial intelligence (AI) have been put to good use for… Continue Reading Don’t Fear the Chatbot: The Potential Benefits of Artificial Intelligence

Student Spotlight 2021: Ellie Thompson

Congratulations to Ellie Thompson! She is one of the Council’s outstanding scholarship recipients for 2021 and is receiving $2,000 to support her continuing education.

The Madison 18-year-old plans to attend Madison College this fall. She started taking college classes after recently graduating from the iForward Wisconsin Online Charter School. She attended Madison East during the first three years of high school. Ellie is currently working as a counselor at the Wisconsin Lions Summer Camp in Rosholt. Continue Reading Student Spotlight 2021: Ellie Thompson

An Accessible Pedestrian Signal with large button and sign directing users to push to turn on warning lights.

Advocating Within Your Own Community

A safe, walkable community. A well-placed bus stop for access to transportation. An equal opportunity to cast your ballot.

Each of these issues has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts by people who are visually impaired or blind throughout Wisconsin. Continue Reading Advocating Within Your Own Community

Members of the board pose for a photo inside the Council

Make a Difference by Applying to Become a Board Member

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is seeking applicants for our board of directors. Three-year terms begin in January 2022. Our board provides vital strategic, governance and fiduciary leadership in carrying out our mission to promote the dignity and empowerment of people living with vision loss throughout the state. Board responsibilities include: Attending… Continue Reading Make a Difference by Applying to Become a Board Member

An example of a smart television featuring streaming services.

Tips for Accessible Television Viewing

Until just a few years ago, people with vision loss had distinct disadvantages when trying to watch television.

Some shows conveyed intent and descriptions through dialog or other audio queues, but most did not offer an accessible option. Instead, the norm meant switching channels until hearing familiar dialog and voices to identify a program. Continue Reading Tips for Accessible Television Viewing

Ten students at a scholarship reception held on Zoom.

Introducing The Council’s 2021 Scholarship Recipients

Ten outstanding scholarship recipients were honored during a virtual celebration on Thursday, June 3. Each student will receive a $2,000 scholarship to support their continuing education. Continue Reading Introducing The Council’s 2021 Scholarship Recipients

A woman with binoculars sits in a meadow as she listens to birds.

Birding by Ear Takes Off as a Hobby

The flashes of color and melodious songs mixed with interesting plants and landscapes may be just a few of the reasons birdwatching is taking off as a hobby. Some birdwatchers also enjoy the competition of discovering a variety of bird species. But there’s a different approach to birding that is equally exciting. It’s Birding by Ear. Continue Reading Birding by Ear Takes Off as a Hobby

Click toggle for topics

Let Your Lived Experience Power Your Pedestrian Safety Advocacy

Whether on foot, on a bicycle or in a car, anyone who’s been to the corner of Cottage Grove Road and Monona Drive in Madison during the past five months knows it’s a challenging intersection to navigate these days. Extensive construction, including the laying of new underground piping, while necessary, has turned the intersection into… Continue Reading Let Your Lived Experience Power Your Pedestrian Safety Advocacy

Illustration of an eye with a normal lens and an eye with a cataract

Understanding Your Options is Key to Dealing with Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States. They are extremely common among older adults— About one in six Americans aged 40 and older will get a cataract, and more than half will get them by the time they are 80 years old. But younger people, even babies, can… Continue Reading Understanding Your Options is Key to Dealing with Cataracts

Zulikha Gondal leaning against a railing

2023 Student Spotlight: Zulikha Gondal

Zulikha Gondal has determination. In fact, you could say the 2023 Council Scholarship recipient went to the mat during her last two years at Bradford High School in Kenosha. That’s when she not only wrestled for the Red Devils’ girls’ team but was also the school’s first girls’ wrestling captain to make it to the… Continue Reading 2023 Student Spotlight: Zulikha Gondal

Contact Us

754 Williamson St.
Madison, WI 53703
Toll Free: 800-783-5213
608-255-1166
Fax: 608-255-3301

info@WCBlind.org

Hours

Monday by Appointment
Tuesday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Closed Holidays

Visit Store Website

Photography by Big Dreamers United & DesignCraft Advertising.

Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired