Welcome

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is dedicated to making a visible difference in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Each year, we ask our community to contribute to the White Cane Fund so that we can continue serving the growing number of people who turn to us for help! Read more →

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCB&VI) is pleased to announce the selection of a new Executive Director.  Loretta A. Himmelsbach, of Oregon, WI, was invited to accept the top leadership position after a national search.  She succeeds Karen Majkrzak, who will retire in August.  Loretta is only the 6th Executive Director of the organization since it was founded in 1952.

“She has excellent credentials including organizational development and management expertise which she brings through her professional experiences to the leadership post of our Council,” said Chris Zenchenko, president of the WCB&VI.  “We are very confident she has the skills and determination to meet the challenges of the future,” he added.

Loretta Himmelsbach brings more than twenty-six years executive management experience in non-profit organizations to the Council. She served as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Black Hawk Council in Madison, WI, where she was recognized nationally with the Francis Hesselbein Award of Excellence, and is an active member of the Downtown Rotary Club in Madison. A graduate of Bradley University in Illinois, she has extensive graduate certificates from Harvard Business School, Yale University, and the Wharton School of Business in leadership development and nonprofit management. Loretta demonstrates successful community collaboration skills which will enhance the Council’s mission and vision.

Loretta has personal family experience related to the vision impairment of her brothers and her late father and is committed to working with the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired as it continues and expands its excellent service to Wisconsin residents who would benefit from the wide range of services the Council offers.

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired is a private, non-profit agency. Its 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. It is completely funded by an annual drive, private grants and bequests. The Council, founded in 1952, is celebrating its 58th year of providing programs and services to Wisconsin residents.

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired invites you to attend this informative and interactive half-day workshop.

 The focus is on your well-being!

There will be three 30-minute presentations that cover these topics:

• home safety
• falls prevention
• living well with chronic conditions

Our speakers are from the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired, the Sauk County Aging and Disability Resource Center, and St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo. Read more →