On Monday, March 12, Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess declared that the new Voter ID Law requiring people to show a photo ID in order to be allowed to vote is unconstitutional. He issued a permanent injunction blocking the state from implementing this measure.

In his decision, Judge Niess wrote, “Without question, where it exists, voter fraud corrupts elections and undermines our form of government. The legislature and governor may certainly take aggressive action to prevent its occurrence. But voter fraud is no more poisonous to our democracy than voter suppression. Indeed, they are two heads on the monster.”  The decision comes less than a week after another judge temporarily halted the implementation of the Voter ID Law.

Please share this important information with others.

 The Blinded Veterans Association supports legislation championed by Massachusetts Congressman Edward J. Markey to improve prescription drug labeling for those who are blind or visually impaired.  HR 4087, the Accessible Prescription Drug Labeling Promotion Act of 2102, ensures that people who are blind or visually impaired have full access to the information included on their prescription drug labels.

According to Congressman Markey, “The Accessible Prescription Drug Labeling Promotion Act helps turn pharmacies into partners for empowering all Americans to take full control of their health. It is another step to ensure that individuals who are blind can fully participate in 21st century society.”

Examples of best practices that the working group convened by Rep. Markey’s legislation could consider include: enhanced visual aids such as large-print font, sans serif font, and high-contrast printing for prescription labels, non-visual aids such as Braille, and auditory aids such as digital voice recorders attached to pill bottles. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will review the degree to which pharmacies are in compliance, including determining whether individuals who are blind or visually impaired still lack safe and independent access to prescription drug labeling. The GAO will issue a report to Congress on the remaining gaps and the scope of the problem.

This legislation is also endorsed by the American Council of the Blind, the American Foundation for the Blind, the National Federation for the Blind, and the Perkins School for the Blind.

We will provide legislation updates as they unfold.

As we celebrate our past 60 years during this anniversary year, we’re also looking forward. This new logo reflects our vision of a bright future through the use of vibrant, contemporary colors, while incorporating our rich history and traditions as we maintain the Braille “W” next to our name.  Our tagline “Expanding visual horizons” conveys through words what the sunburst denotes through design.

In conjunction with the National Federation of the Blind of Wisconsin’s Annual Convention, The Wisconsin Parents of Blind Children will present its Annual Parent Seminar. “Opening Windows of Opportunity: for Families!” is slated for Friday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the JC Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Johnson Creek.

Designed for parents and their children, the program includes a hands-on workshop with the latest in “i-technology,” presentations on daily living skills and orientation and mobility as well as special guest speakers.

Early registration discount and scholarships available. Find out more by contacting Laurie Heesen: laurieheesen@rocketmail.com ; 414-727-2066.

March is national Save Your Vision Month

 Each year, the American Optometric Association (AOA) designates the month of March as “Save Your Vision Month” to raise awareness of the importance for Americans to have regular eye exams and be proactive about their vision health.  According to the World Health Organization, 80% of vision loss is preventable or correctable.  The key is in caring for your eyes and taking positive steps toward healthy vision.

A comprehensive eye exam provides doctors with information about the health of the eyes and offers indications about diseases that affect the whole body, like diabetes and hypertension.

No matter what your age, an annual eye examination should be part of your wellness routine.  As the
American population ages, age-related eye diseases are becoming increasingly more prevalent.  Early
detection can prevent or slow vision loss due to cataracts and other age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

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There’s someone on your side at the IRS!

If you need someone to guide you through the often-confusing process of resolving tax problems, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is here to help.  An independent organization within the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service’s job is to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and understands his or her rights. Its advocates are all experienced with the IRS, and they know how to work with it to get your problem resolved.  Their services are always free.

Wisconsin’s TAS office is in Milwaukee.  You can contact their staff at 414-231-2390 or visit www.irs.gov/advocate.

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is teaming up with the UW-Madison Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences to present “Macular Degeneration Symposium: Innovations 2012.”

9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Thursday, October 18, 2012 Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI

Learn more about the latest advances in, and treatments for, macular degeneration. An expert panel of speakers will discuss important issues, skills and solutions for those with macular degeneration and their caregivers. Exhibitors will display the latest in video magnifiers, computer aids and other resources.

Visit our web and Facebook pages for more details as they unfold. A full program and registration information will be available by summer.

Please help us by telling others about this event.

The 2012 Scholarship Application Kit is here!  Again this year, we are providing nine- $1,500 post secondary scholarships for full and part-time students enrolled or accepted in college and vocational/community school programs.   An event will be held to present these awards this summer at a time and place to be announced.   The deadline for applications is April 16, 2012.

All the information you need can be found at this link.

2012 Scholarship Application Kit

Wisconsin’s Voter Photo ID Law was signed into law on May 25, 2011 by Governor Walker. Beginning with the Spring Primary in February 2012, a photo ID will now be required at the polls.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin has launched a legal challenge to the constitutionality of the new law. Since this may take years to settle, we encourage voters to seek information now regarding the current law.

For information on how to obtain a free Wisconsin ID card for voting and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, go to www.gab.wi.gov or call 608-261-2028. Another source of information on voter eligibility and registration is www.vpa.wi.gov. For specific directions on voting in your community, call your Municipal Clerk. For general information on the Wisconsin Voter Photo ID Law and other election issues, go to www.lwvwi.org.

If you are blind or visually impaired, we suggest that you contact your local municipal clerk to explain your issues and ask how they can be resolved so that you can vote.

Thank you for sharing this information with others.

 Each year, the month of February is recognized by several national vision health organizations as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)/Low Vision Awareness Month.

 Marshall Flax, the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired’s Certified Low Vision Specialist, wrote the article below about AMD for our publication The Council Courier. We encourage you to share it with others.

If you or someone you know has AMD, please encourage them to contact the Council at 1-800-783-5213 to learn about the October 18, 2012 macular degeneration symposium we are co-presenting with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences.

What is age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older. It is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. We need central vision to see objects clearly and to perform common daily tasks such as reading and driving.

AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD occurs in two forms: wet and dry. It causes no pain. (more…)