Our mission is to promote the dignity and independence of people in Wisconsin who are blind and visually impaired by providing services, advocating legislation, and educating the general public. The Council helps individuals with vision loss lead happy, productive, engaged and independent lives. We offer vision services, including one-on-one low vision evaluations, vision rehabilitation training, orientation and mobility training, assistive technology training, white canes, information and referral, and low vision support groups. The Council’s Sharper Vision Store features more than 400 adaptive products that make everyday tasks easier and safer. Legislative advocacy has led to laws that protect service dogs and their owners and provide educational materials in accessible formats for post-secondary students.

Eye Diseases, Blindness & Vision Impairments , Health

The wisconsin council of the blind and visually impaired sells specialized assistive products at low cost to people who are blind or have low vision. During 2014, these assistive products helped keep about 2,150 blind and visually impaired individuals independent. The organization also distributed 489 white canes at no cost to blind and visually impaired individuals. In-home rehabilitation teaching was provided in 352 visits to teach individuals with changing vision how to do familiar tasks in new ways. Additional presentations were made to groups of professionals who work with older adults with vision loss. Low vision assessments were administered to 104 individuals, helping them learn how to use their remaining vision with the best results. In addition, 20 clients were provided mobility instruction. the wisconsin council of the blind and visually impaired provides various education and community and social services that support the blind and visually impaired by providing scholarships and other forms of support. Community education and awareness programs provided information to 6,563 attendees.

The Council serves people of ages throughout Wisconsin who live with vision loss.