Post Archive

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

Denise Jess standing with a man in front of artwork

Calling All Artists Who are Blind or Visually Impaired: Display Your Art at the Council’s Virtual Gallery Night Event

Each year, the Council is honored to display artwork by people who are blind or visually impaired. As part of its mission to empower people and the value of inclusivity, we actively seek and welcome art created by people from people experiencing vision loss. Do you know someone who is blind or visually impaired who expresses creativity through photography, woodworking, painting, fiber arts or other art forms? Continue Reading Calling All Artists Who are Blind or Visually Impaired: Display Your Art at the Council’s Virtual Gallery Night Event

Man kissing fish

Fishing Has No Boundaries: Adapting the Sport for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Photo courtesy of Fishing Has No Boundaries Fishing provides an opportunity to relax and be surrounded by nature. With a few tools and adaptive techniques, fishing can be enjoyed by people who are blind or visually impaired. Fishing Has No Boundaries is a nonprofit which began in 1986. Bobby Cammack, a Vietnam veteran and local… Continue Reading Fishing Has No Boundaries: Adapting the Sport for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

A slide showing 353,000 car deficient households in Wisconsin.

An Advocacy Update: The New Wisconsin Non-Driver Interagency Advisory Council

  The speakers in this video, titled “WisDOT Working to Improve Transportation for Wisconsin’s Non-Drivers” are: Jennifer Jako, ADRC of Baron, Rusk and Washburn Counties; Denise Jess, WCBVI; and Carrie Diamond, Easterseals National Aging and Disabilities Transportation Center. The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired advocated for an advisory council to bridge the… Continue Reading An Advocacy Update: The New Wisconsin Non-Driver Interagency Advisory Council

Graphic: A younger person helps an older person.

Dementia and Vision Loss

A friend has told you they have dementia. Sometimes, they mistake a coat on a hook to be a person, or think a blue-colored floor is water. Is the dementia solely responsible for these errors? There may be more going on, as researchers have discovered a link between some forms of dementia and vision loss.… Continue Reading Dementia and Vision Loss

smiling faces in Zoom meeting

The Council Celebrates 2020 Scholarship Recipients in a Virtual Ceremony

Eight scholarship recipients talk about what the scholarships mean to them with Council CEO/Executive Director and scholarship work group co-chair Rebecca Arrowood. A virtual celebration was held to honor the Council’s 2020 scholarship recipients on Thursday, June 4. Council board, staff, members of the Scholarships work group, scholarship recipients and their family members attended. “The… Continue Reading The Council Celebrates 2020 Scholarship Recipients in a Virtual Ceremony

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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