It hasn’t been around as long as Thanksgiving, but it’s been around for decades. “Giving Tuesday,” which falls on November 29 this year, happens last in a sprint of Thanksgiving-time consumer-centered designations. You know the schedule: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and then Giving Tuesday. According to Council Fund Development Director Lori Werbeckes,… Continue Reading Make Giving Tuesday a Family Conversation
“Every machine has its own story,” says braille machine technician Joe Hodgson. He should know. He’s worked on hundreds of them over his 35 years of servicing the devices for such entities as the Council, Milwaukee Public Schools and the State of Wisconsin. Joe fixes the machines at no cost to the owners in keeping… Continue Reading Ace Technician Joe Hodgson Has Been Fixing Braille Machines for the Council for Over 30 Years
UW-Whitewater junior Grace Caine is majoring in music education, but she says music itself is what prepared her for the challenge and hard work of college. “It taught me a lot about myself,” she says. “It taught me about my work ethic, about what I’m strong in–and what I’m not. It’s taught me about school… Continue Reading 2022 Student Spotlight: Grace Caine
Christina Alger is a 2019 Council Scholarship recipient. She is in her first year of graduate school at the University of Minnesota, studying curriculum and instruction. She sat down with Council Writer Katherine Corbett to talk about her love of teaching, how contemplating identity has changed her life. Katherine Corbett: Tell me about the… Continue Reading Student Spotlight: Christina Alger
What is a family foundation? A family foundation is a grant-making organization whose funds come from a single family. The founding family makes financial contributions to qualified non-profits whose mission aligns with that of the family. Giving through a family foundation may offer tax incentives not available as an individual. Family foundations can be a… Continue Reading Make a Difference by Establishing a Family Foundation
“I show people that just because you are blind does not mean you have to be nervous or afraid when you are out travelling,” says Jim. “You can still travel in public confidently and independently.” Jim tailors his lessons to the abilities of each student. In addition to students with visual impairments, he has taught… Continue Reading Self-Defense Instructor Jim Turk Receives 2019 Council Excellence Award
The Council strives for a collaborative approach in advocacy. One way it collaborates with other groups and individuals is through coalition work. In 2018, the Council joined the Dignity at Work Coalition. The Dignity at Work Coalition was formed to advocate with a unified voice around issues affecting employment. Multiple factors impact whether a person… Continue Reading Collaborating to Better the Lives of Workers: The Council and the Dignity at Work Coalition
Photo by Royal National Institute of Blind People Dining with others is a way to build community and share an intimate experience. As a person experiencing vision loss, you may have many questions about how to go about eating a meal with dignity and poise. In this article, we provide a variety of tips or… Continue Reading Dine Confidently: Tips for Eating with a Visual Impairment
Do you or someone you know express creativity through photography, woodworking, painting, fiber arts or other art forms? The Council is seeking artists who are blind or visually impaired to participate in MMOCA’s annual Gallery Night. The event takes place Friday, October 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wisconsin Council of the Blind… Continue Reading Seeking Art Submissions for Fall Gallery Night
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There are many paths to take on the way to becoming a grassroots advocate. Danita Jackson’s path led to the polls on election day. Danita lost her vision when she was 16 and she remembers the first time she went to the polls to cast a vote. She walked into the polling place in her… Continue Reading Courage, Patience and Persistence are Stepping Stones on the Various Paths to Becoming a Grassroots Advocate
Garry Lone struggled with depression most of his life. As he experienced vision loss, his depression worsened. “My vision loss impacted my depression because I used to be able to do things that require clear vision,” Garry says. “I cannot ride my bike independently or watch Westerns on TV anymore.” The mental health impact of… Continue Reading Your Mental Health: How Vision Loss Impacts Depression
Talking shop with Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Brent Perzentka, one gets the impression he’d work for free. His devotion to his work seems to come naturally, but his experience is the result of hard work. Lots of it. The Council staff veteran just completed 600 hours of training toward certification in Orientation and Mobility (O&M)… Continue Reading A Summer of Learning for Brent, a New Service for the Council
754 Williamson St.
Madison, WI 53703
Toll Free: 800-783-5213
608-255-1166
Fax: 608-255-3301
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Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired
