Post Archive

A meeting of the Madison School Board with members seated around a U-shaped table

Local Boards and Commissions Need the Disability Perspective. You Can Provide It!

“If you don’t have a seat at the table, then you’re probably on the menu.” The coining of that phrase is attributed to many people, but the meaning never changes: Get involved, be an active participant in public decisions, or expect to live with decisions you may not like. Council Executive Director Denise Jess has… Continue Reading Local Boards and Commissions Need the Disability Perspective. You Can Provide It!

Portrait of Helen Keller

Reflections on Helen Keller’s Birthday: With Learned Skills and Effective Support, Persons With Deaf-Blindness are Participating in Their Communities

Lecturer, political activist and prolific author Helen Keller was born June 27, 1880. Among her many accomplishments: She was the first deaf-blind person in the United States to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. “I think the most significant part of her legacy is that Helen Keller was very eloquent and was a great role… Continue Reading Reflections on Helen Keller’s Birthday: With Learned Skills and Effective Support, Persons With Deaf-Blindness are Participating in Their Communities

Road sign with accommodation written on it

When and How to Request Employment Accommodations

Most public and private employers are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. These adaptive tools and strategies allow employees to perform the essential function of their jobs and fully participate in the workplace environment. Why might employees with disabilities not have these necessary ways to… Continue Reading When and How to Request Employment Accommodations

Patty Zaller with her service dog

Thank You to Board Member Patty Zallar

Patty Zallar and her service dog. Patty Zallar has been involved with the Council’s board in various capacities for about 10 years. She served on the legislative work group and looks forward to continuing to work on advocacy issues like transportation and employment. “Patty is a proud proponent of service dogs and a staunch advocate of disability rights, especially access to public… Continue Reading Thank You to Board Member Patty Zallar

Mia Zutter

Student Spotlight 2020: Mia Zutter

Mia Zutter in her ski team jacket. Mia Zutter is a recipient of a 2020 Council scholarship. The cross-country runner and former Paralympic Games skier is a senior studying psychology at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. Although classes resumed at the small campus this fall, they went virtual following Thanksgiving break. Mia… Continue Reading Student Spotlight 2020: Mia Zutter

Arnold Tucker

Remembering Arnold Tucker

It is with sadness that the Council board and staff share the passing of long-time board member and supporter Arnold Tucker. Arnold was a board member from 2002 to 2014 including serving as treasurer and on the finance committee, where he continued until 2018.In 2014 he was honored with the “Backyard Hero Award” by Community… Continue Reading Remembering Arnold Tucker

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