Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired

Incorporated under laws of Wisconsin in November 1952, the Council is directed by 19 volunteer delegates: ten are appointed by four organizations representing people who are blind; nine delegates at large elected by blind people throughout the state.

The Council is a strong voice for blind citizens of Wisconsin. 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. The Council is funded through proceeds of endowments established through bequest grants, private gifts from individuals and corporations, and the White Cane Fund campaign.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

By the time you read this, I will have served as Executive Director of the Council for six months, almost the point where I can be introduced without the word “new” in front of my title! It’s been a rewarding and busy time and the next six months will afford many opportunities to provide our programs and services. I have heard it said, however, that our organization is one of Wisconsin’s best kept secrets—something I hope you will help us correct. Why is this important?

In Wisconsin, more than half of the estimated 200,000 residents who are blind or severely visually impaired are over the age of 55 and many are having difficulty with everyday activities. Without helpful information on our adaptive equipment and products, computer classes, rehabilitation teaching or low vision services, many of these older adults risk losing independence. With many underserved areas in our state and increasing needs related to age-related vision loss, our services and information will be in greater demand.

We need to use our resources wisely and work to implement realistic statewide services and programs. To do this, we are developing working relationships with other organizations in order to serve unmet needs in new ways.

How can you help? Reinforcing the message of our Council President: we need to hear from you! It would be of great help to know if you want to continue to receive the Courier or if you want to be removed from the mailing list. Please use the toll-free number,
1-800-783-5213 or e-mail your message to info@wcblind.org to reply, but please let us hear from you by September 1.

We are requesting that you send us your current e-mail address by September 1, for the purpose of mailing the Courier electronically which will help reduce our printing costs. We will also use the updated e-mail addresses to keep you informed about community programs being presented throughout the state and to send you updated news items related to vision loss, new treatments, or services.

Send us a brief letter of support, telling us how the Council has been of help to you. We will use these letters in our applications for funding.

Volunteer to share your expertise and talents. Call Karen to explore this.

Tell others about the services and programs offered by the Council. Look for updates on our website, www.wcblind.org

Call me directly at 1-608-237-8103 with your questions, concerns, comments or suggestions. Your input will help our planning process - don't delay!

FOURTH ANNUAL PHILANTHROPY DAY

Council members and staff visited Shawano, Wisconsin for the fourth annual Northern Wisconsin Philanthropy Day held on Friday, May 5. There were 55 consumers registered to attend the education and information program. This event was held at the Farm Inn, an important Shawano restaurant and meeting venue.

The day began with coffee and rolls at 8:30 AM. WCB&VI Executive Director Karen Majkrzak welcomed participants to the program at 9:00 AM. The keynote speaker was Certified Diabetic Educator Pam Myrhe, R.N., who drove all the way to Shawano from Prairie du Chien. Ms. Myrhe educated and entertained participants with her presentation. Highlighted were the causes of diabetes, genetic markers and risk factors, along with exercise and weight control. Ongoing research, education, and treatment were also discussed.

Ms. Myrhe was followed by a presentation from Betsy Gruba, WCB&VI’s Director of Technology. Betsy presented an overview regarding the use of computers and assistive technology. She explained the use of screen readers and screen magnification software designed to make computers accessible to people who are blind/visually impaired. In a short period of time, Betsy demystified the process of purchasing and owning a computer, and offered concrete examples of how this technology can benefit people with low vision. This enhances their ability to communicate with family and friends, by bringing a world of commerce and information to the desktop.

Betsy also highlighted the Council’s upcoming summer class schedule. These classes are offered over the telephone to all Wisconsin residents.

The final segment of the morning program was a panel discussion featuring Dot Coakley, Nona Graves, Arnold Tucker, and Rhonda Staats offering insights regarding how to live and cope with vision loss.

The philanthropy and recognition part of the day began with the luncheon and awards program, which was attended by approximately 65 individuals. Philanthropy Day is all about the Council’s recognition of local individuals and organizations that have made a difference in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Dot Coakley had the pleasure of presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Helen Knolinski, the 96 year old leader of the Visually Impaired Support Group from Antigo. Helen is a remarkable lady who has fearlessly led the Antigo group for the past ten years. She does not hesitate to call on local movers and shakers, including the mayor of Antigo, to visit the group to address concerns and disseminate important information. With this award, the Council recognizes her outstanding commitment. She is proud to say that she will be 97 years young on July 30.

Rhonda Staats presented the Outstanding Public Service Award to Wisconsin Representative John Ainsworth, Republican, of Shawano. Representative Ainsworth came to the Wisconsin Assembly from a background in agriculture, and has represented the 6th Assembly District for the past 16 years. He chaired the Assembly Transportation Committee, and was very influential in brokering a significant budget increase for Wisconsin’s transportation programs for the elderly and disabled. Representative Ainsworth is retiring from the Assembly in January. The Council and all those who currently depend on alternative transportation will be losing a valued friend and ally.

Arnold Tucker presented the Distinguished Public Service Award to road builders James Peterson and Sons, Inc. Peterson and Sons worked on the large East Washington Avenue improvement project in Madison in 2004-05. The Council’s Rehabilitation Teacher, David Ballmann, needed to walk through the construction zone each day as he made the round trip to and from work. Peterson and Sons earned recognition for outstanding service by always informing David about changes in the route, and making sure that he was able to travel safely. Ron Peterson accepted this award for the company.

The final award was presented by Nona Graves. She presented the Outstanding Educational Institution Award to the College of the Menominee Nation. The Council recognized the College for their success in integrating people with disabilities into their programs and for their virtual learning community. Nona also recognized the college’s outstanding work in the field of environmental studies and research.

This writer was able to speak with several participants at the completion of the program. Everyone agreed they spent an enjoyable and informative day with the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

As another issue of the Courier comes around, a recent experiment I had with another newsletter type publication stands out. It brought home to me the point that change is occasionally necessary. Change occurs for many reasons, not the least of these being changes in the technology that supports an activity. I mention this here in my column because it is clear to me and other at the Council that it will soon be time to address the format and method of delivery used to bring you this publication. Nothing is final, but consider this is your chance to provide us with input.

In short, cassette tape and the ability to duplicate them is coming to an end. Recently I tried to purchase cassette duplication services from a well known vendor in the Madison area and was surprised to learn that the company was out of that business. Even more so that the producer of the best known duplicators has completely dropped that product line.

What does that mean to you, our readers? For now, it means nothing other than the planting of an idea or two. Some possibilities include distribution of print versions on the web. Audio versions might also be available via podcast or mailed on audio CD. We don't want technology to drive us, but we do need to use it to help us make wise choices that allow all of our readers to continue receiving the Council Courier. Feel free to contact the office with your suggestions on this matter. We also want to hear from the people we serve. Pick up the phone, a pen and paper, slate and stylus, grab your braillewriter, or boot up your computer and talk to us!

Elsewhere in this issue, you will be reading about many exciting events and activities at the Council. The first half of 2006 has been every bit as busy as we expected and far, far more. Read about our new logo, a name for the store, our partnership with the UW for our low vision program, fantastic legislative successes and about how you can be considered for a seat on the Council as a delegate-at-large.

Our assistive devices store now has a new name. It will be known as the “Sharper Vision Store”. The Council also has a new logo which partially sighted users can see at the beginning of this Courier. This logo is a white outline of the state of Wisconsin on a black background. At the bottom left are four dots for the braille letter “W.” To the right of that is “Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired.” This logo appears on all our letterhead, envelopes and brochures. Look for a phone directory for office staff at the end of this Courier .

It never gets said enough, so again I must extend my personal thanks to the Council members and our great staff for their hard work. My thanks also go to the thousands of people who have supported the Council and our mission with time and financial contributions. Without this support and dedication there would be no Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired.

YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR FREE EYE CARE

The Seniors EyeCare Program offers a free comprehensive, medical eye exam and up to one year of free treatment for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam. If you are a US citizen or legal resident aged 65 or older, have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years and do not belong to an HMO or receive services from the Veteran's Administration, these services may be available to you.

Sponsored by the American Acadamy of Ophthalmology, the Knights Templar Eye Foundations, Inc. and Alcon, this program ensures that every senior has access to medical eye care and promotes annual, dilated eye exams. Volunteer ophthalmologists accept Medicare and/or other insurance reimbursement as payment in full; patients without insurance receive care at no charge.

Just call the toll-free helpline at 1-800-222-3937 anytime, for yourself, or for a friend or family member. Calllers will be screened to determine the program that provides the most appropriate eye care services.

Eyeglasses, prescription drugs, hospital services and fees of other medical professionals are not covered under this program.

PARTNERSHIP FOR LOW VISION SERVICES WITH UW EYE CLINIC

We are pleased to let you know that after many months of hard work, the Low Vision Rehabilitation Partnership with the UW-Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences has begun!

Marshall Flax, the Council’s Certified Low Vision Therapist began seeing patients at University Station Eye Clinic the week of May 15th. He provides low vision services there on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. On the remaining two days he is available to provide orientation and mobility, make presentations on behalf of the Council and promote the Partnership. With advance notice, Marshall will be able to adjust his schedule so that he can work on Council projects that might occur Tuesday through Thursday.

This arrangement provides us the ability to collaborate in a new and important way with UW-Madison Department of Ophthalmology. Marshall remains a full-time employee of our organization and has flexibility in his scheduling. We will be working through a few more details regarding the process for scheduling, so potential patients are asked to contact Marshall at the Council at this time. In the near future, it is expected patients will be able to schedule with the Eye Clinic directly.

If you have additional questions, please e-mail Marshall directly at Marshall@wcblind.org or call him at our toll free number 1-800-783-5213.

WCB&VI TO APPOINT 4 MEMBERS IN NOVEMBER

Have you ever thought that you would like to be a member of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired but felt that no one knew you so you would never get elected? Well, this year you just might have that opportunity. In November the Council will appoint four persons to serve a three-year term. This is being done in an attempt to broaden representation on the Council.

What are the requirements? You must have visual acuity of twenty over seventy or less in the better eye with best correction or your visual field must be no greater than twenty degrees. You must be a Wisconsin resident. The Council meets four times a year usually in Madison and on weekends. You must be able to get to most of these meetings and sometimes be prepared to stay overnight. If you have a computer and have access to the Internet, you may be able to participate by using the Council’s virtual conference room through Talking Communities. This conference room is used for many committee meetings as well. Each Council member is reimbursed for certain expenses such as transportation, and each member may bring a guest.

How do you apply for one of these appointments? If you call the Council office, you will receive information about the duties of Council members. You will also receive a questionnaire to be completed by September 30, 2006. Materials will be sent to you in accessible format (print, braille, Email or recording) and may be completed by you in whichever format you choose. A special committee has been appointed to review applications and will submit a list for the Council to approve at its November meeting. The successful candidates will be informed soon after that meeting and will begin serving their terms in January 2007.

The Council hopes that a number of you will take advantage of this opportunity to become one of its members. We are especially interested in appointing members who live in areas of the state not well represented at this time, but where you live need not be a primary consideration. Please give some thought to becoming a member of the Council. It is an excellent opportunity to serve others.

LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO PROTECT SERVICE DOGS
SIGNED BY GOVERNOR DOYLE

On Wednesday, April 19, 12 dog guides, 2 service dogs and a dog in training, plus 200 human spectators witnessed the signing of two bills into law by Governor Jim Doyle at WCB&VI’s Madison office. Together, SB157 and SB181 guarantee access to public places for service dogs, their owners and trainers, and allows for punishment of attacks by loose dogs. This commemorative ceremony was the result of a five-year cooperative effort of several concerned individuals and groups which included the WCB&VI, the Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Wisconsin Association of Sheriffs and their deputies. For some individual dog guide users, the journey was much longer and fraught with difficulty and heartache.

On Labor Day in 1998, Charlotte Gotz and her eight-year-old dog guide Casey were attacked three separate times by loose dogs in their neighborhood. Charlotte contacted the local police department but nothing was done about her complaint. She wrote to the state’s Attorney General with the same result. A professional trainer from The Seeing Eye came to work with Charlotte and Casey to try to lessen Casey’s stress as she accompanied Charlotte and tried to perform her normal dog guide duties. However, over the next year, Casey’s immune system collapsed due to stress which resulted in her early death. Charlotte vowed that she would work tirelessly to see that laws were enacted to protect other service dogs and their owners.

She told her story to local and national dog guide users groups and other organizations including the WCB&VI. Gary Goyke, the legislative consultant from our staff, worked with the local guide dog users group in Milwaukee to construct what finally became the two bills signed into law on April 19. Along with Charlotte, three other members of the Badger Association’s guide dog users group, Pat Beaumont, Rosy Goodrich and Elizabeth Wittmann, testified at hearings and contacted state legislators after the bills were drafted and introduced. During the signing ceremony, Representative Terese Berceau introduced Charlotte and proclaimed that SB181 would be known as Casey’s Law.

SB 181 addresses harassment of/or injury to service dogs. The bill creates a new crime which can be punished by a Class H misdemeanor or a Class A felony. These crimes are defined as “recklessly interfering with a service dog after receiving a verbal warning which is a Class H misdemeanor to theft of a dog or causing its death which is a Class A felony.” It is punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to three years in prison. Other sections of the bill address pecuniary loss which may include the right to sue for the value of a replacement dog, cost of its training, or any medical expenses and re-training of an affected animal.

SB157 is no less important: it allows for access to any public place or area to a service dog and its owner. It requires that any public place must modify its policies, practices or procedures to permit the use of any service animal by a person with a disability. Service dog trainers must also be granted this access.

Governor Doyle used 27 pens to sign both bills and they were distributed to the service dog owners and others in the audience. A reception sponsored by the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Wisconsin concluded the afternoon’s activities.

Now that these bills have been enacted, the real work begins. A public awareness campaign will be undertaken to distribute and explain the law around the state and to groups who are working to draft similar legislation in other states. This comprehensive legislation puts Wisconsin at the top of the list of states with laws to address the needs of service dogs and their owners.

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE
BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Elsewhere in this newsletter you can read about the new programs and the need to plan wisely for the future. We have been extremely fortunate that the early leaders of the Council had the wisdom to lay a firm foundation built by the generosity of many individuals.

Invest in out future by becoming a member of the Legacy Circle, created to acknowledge and honor generous individuals who take steps to ensure the financial health of the Council with their gifts through bequests, retirement plans, life insurance policies or trusts. Please know that any gift will be wisely used to provide needed services and programs and will be greatly appreciated.

For additional information on planned giving, please call us at 1-608-255-1166 or toll-free 1-800-783-5213, and ask to speak to Karen. Thank you for your consideration.

FREE WHITE CANES

You are entitled to one free white cane a year from the Council. You may request a support cane, which you would lean on as you walk; an ID cane, a short one that you would hold out so others know you have a vision problem; or a mobility cane, one that you can tap as you walk along but its use requires some training. All canes are available rigid or folding, so they may be tucked away when you are not using them.

Call Ann at 1-800-783-5213 Ext. 211, if your vision is 20/70 or less and you have never had a white cane, or want to replace a cane that you have had for more than a year.

COUNCIL PLANS WORKSHOPS FOR PROFESSIONALS
IN SEVERAL COUNTIES

Thanks to a grant from the National Eye Institute's Healthy Vision program, the Council will be visiting Superior, Eau Claire, Rhinelander and Prairie du Chien to conduct a series of low vision seminars for professional caregivers. Seminar participants will learn about major causes of vision impairment among older adults, the functional implications of those eye diseases, rehabilitation services, and environmental modifications. These seminars will offer a practical, hands-on approach. They will be conducted by Marshall Flax, M.S., the Council's certified low vision therapist. Please pass the word to any older adult caregivers you may know. For more information or to register, call Kathy Lange-Novak at 1-608-237-8111 or send an email to kathyln@wcblind.org.

LEGISLATIVE DAY 2006

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired held its annual Legislative Day on Wednesday, April 12, 2006. Twenty-two participants, Council members and other interested persons, met for coffee, pastries, and a short planning session at 8:30 am. They then set off for the Capitol being led for the day by Chris Zenchenko, President of the Council, Rhonda Staats, Legislative Chair, and Karen Majkrzak, Executive Director.

The first meeting was held in the Governor’s Conference Room with Josh Dukelow, Policy Director of Human Service programs. Information was shared about the newly proposed disability centers being established in five different areas of Wisconsin. We are all very interested in what impact these centers will have on services offered to people who are blind or visually impaired.

A second meeting in this room was held with Chris Klein, Executive Assistant to the Director of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Issues in regard to public transportation, both intra-city and inter-city, were brought to the table. Another critical issue was the non-valid driver’s license. We told Mr. Klein that we would like to have parity with drivers and only have to renew these special licenses every 8 years. He promised to do his best to meet our request.

The group then divided into two sections and half adjourned to another room to visit with Tony Evers, Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Matters relating to the School for the Visually Handicapped in Janesville and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Milwaukee were discussed. Tony has always been a strong supporter for the needs of the blind and visually impaired in Wisconsin.

The group that remained in the conference room met with Charlene Dwyer, Director of the Department of Workforce Development. DWD also oversees the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Issues regarding employment and rehabilitation were brought to the table. It is always important to visit with the directors of agencies so that they are aware of how things look from our side of the table.

Lunch was eaten in the Capitol cafeteria which is operated by Tom Jeray. During lunch we recognized Senator Gregg Underheim, a long-time supporter of Council needs, who is going to retire at the end of his current term.

In the afternoon the entire group gathered to listen to two speakers. The first to speak was Attorney General of the State of Wisconsin, Peg Lautenschlager. She informed us about the State’s concern with Medicare part D and steps that her office is taking to insure that citizens of Wisconsin are aware of their rights and that their rights are not abused. The second speaker was Representative Donna Seidel who informed us about new legislation appertaining to provide accessible materials for blind and visually impaired students, especially those who are attending Wisconsin’s technical colleges.

The program in the Capitol ended with visits to our own representatives to carry informational packets to them. Included in the packets were thank you notes for supporting the dog guide legislation that you’ve read about in another article in the issue. With the help of members of Delta Gamma Sorority packets were delivered to all legislators.

The day concluded with an informal reception held at the Inn on the Park to honor Senator Judy Robson who has always worked hard on behalf of the school in Janesville, which is in her district.

The consensus of those who participated was that the day was a great success and that we had done a lot for the welfare of the blind and visually impaired of Wisconsin.

CHICAGO LIGHTHOUSE SETS UP ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTER HELP DESK

In an effort to accommodate people with visual impairments in need of technical support, The Chicago Lighthouse has established a telephone assistive technology support line. The toll free number for the new service is 1-888-TCL(825)-0080.

“We’re excited to have an opportunity to make it easier for people with visual impairments to take advantage of the many technological advancements that are now more readily available,” said William Bielawski, program manager for adaptive technology and office skills training at The Lighthouse.

Bielawski noted that any blind or visually impaired person could call the support line regardless of what product they’re using. “It can be any hardware or software relating to assistive technology as long as the customer is visually impaired,” he said. “We also encourage calls from teachers and other individuals who work with people who are visually impaired as well as other interested parties.”

Servicing the calls is Ray Campbell, a former engineer with Lucent Technologies who now works in The Lighthouse’s Adaptive Technology program. “Our intent is to offer a one stop place where people who are blind or visually impaired can get the assistance that they need,” he said.

“I can listen to what JAWS or WindowEyes is saying and walk him or her right through their problem.” Campbell added that if he can’t resolve the issue over the phone, he will schedule an on-site visit as long as the customer resides in the Chicago metropolitan area.

The program was made possible when The Lighthouse successfully matched a $41,000 grant from The Boeing Company. “We’re tremendously grateful to Boeing for their support and we intend to use the support line in strengthening our level of customer service and showcasing The Lighthouse as a national leader in adaptive technology,” Bielawski said.

Celebrating its centennial this year, The Lighthouse is one of the oldest social service agencies in Chicago. It is regarded as the most comprehensive agency of its kind in the Midwest and a model agency nationally.

DAHMER CHARITY GOLF OUTING

The 5th Annual "Friends of Fliff" Dahmer Charity Golf Outing, to benefit the WCB&VI, will be held on Saturday 9th at Quit Qui Oc Golf Course in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

If you would like to join us on that day or support the event with financial donations or auction items, please contact Bob Hueller at 1-920-458-1711.

CALLING ALL GOLFERS

The Council will be hosting our first Madison golf outing, “Golf in the Fall,” on Monday, September 18th, at Bishop’s Bay Country Club. Sponsors include Associated Bank, Velcor Leasing Corporation and the Business Enterprise Program. The fee is $150 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, lunch, an after-golf reception and prizes. We will be displaying a variety of assistive devices and technology during the reception. Please call Kathy Lange-Novak at 608-237-8111 or send her an email at kathyln@wcblind.org to sign up or for more information.

This event would not be possible without the help and support of the O’Connor family. Pat and John O’Connor have taken a lead role in sponsoring and planning this golf outing. Golf as well as support for the Council seems to run in the O’Connor family! The JB O’Connor Memorial Golf Outing was held at Autumn Ridge Golf Course in Valders to benefit the Council. Some of you may have seen the beautiful Jim Hansel wildlife print that was displayed at the Council offices. “The Challenge” was donated by the O’Connors and auctioned as part of the Autumn Ridge event. Jeanne Tregoning of Madison was the high bidder. Thank you, O’Connor Family!!

SUPPORT GROUP NEWS

A new support group has been established to service the Black Earth/Cross Plains area. The Northwest Dane Low Vision Support Group has been meeting for six months and has 10 members. Led by Lindy Peckham, this group meets the first Thursday of the month at 12:30 pm in the Black Earth Senior Center.

Lindy has tried to bring in speakers, with their most interesting presentation being a blind person coming with his dog guide. A Lions member generously furnished transportation for this meeting. In May the group visited the Council Office to tour the building and shop in our “Sharper Vision Store”.

Belleville has had a support group for about 1 year. Juanita Harbort is facilitator of the Visually Impaired Person’s Support Group there. This group of 10 members meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 10:30 – 11:30 am at the EMS Building and is looking for ideas for speakers.

During their first year they have had a Lions Club member speak on Adult Lions Camp in Rosholt and a presentation on a study on age related macular degeneration. A member of their group who is totally blind also gave a presentation on how he remains independent.

If you are in the Belleville area contact Juanita at 1-608-424-3198 for information.

Support groups often take trips to the Council offices to tour our building and spend time in the Sharper Vision Store. In this way they get to see and try the items we carry that they have just heard about, and can purchase anything they want. We enjoy having these groups visit and they always love coming. If your group is interested please call Sue at
1-608-255-1166. You are always welcome!

SEMINAR SET FOR OCTOBER IN OSHKOSH

Do you live in the Oshkosh area? Join us at the Senior Center on Thursday, October 5th, for a half-day seminar on "Living Independently with Vision Loss". This seminar will be presented by the Council with support from the Ladies Benevolent Society. We will cover topics such as how to cope with vision loss, how to handle activities of daily living, low vision support groups and area resources. We will also have on display a selection of popular assistive devices from our store. Please call Kathy at 1-608-237-8111 or send an email to kathyln@wcblind.org for more information or to register.

WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED
PHONE DIRECTORY

Some of you may not know who to ask for when you call the Council office. Office hours are 8 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, and to 6 pm on Thursdays. Below is a listing of staff with their extensions after you call 1-608-255-1166 or 1-800-783-5213. Also listed is their direct phone line.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 9 – 28
     Adult Summer School, Janesville

July 29
     Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired Council Meeting,
     Council Office, Madison

Badger Association meets the first Saturdat of the month except for July. In September the monthly meeting is on the 9th (second Saturday).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

FOURTH ANNUAL PHILANTHROPY DAY

FROM THE PRESIDENT

YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR FREE EYE CARE

PARTNERSHIP FOR LOW VISION SERVICES WITH UW EYE CLINIC

WCB&VI TO APPOINT 4 MEMBERS IN NOVEMBER

LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO PROTECT SERVICE DOGS
SIGNED BY GOVERNOR DOYLE

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE
BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED

FREE WHITE CANES

COUNCIL PLANS WORKSHOPS FOR PROFESSIONALS
IN SEVERAL COUNTIES

LEGISLATIVE DAY 2006

CHICAGO LIGHTHOUSE SETS UP ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTER HELP DESK

DAHMER CHARITY GOLF OUTING

CALLING ALL GOLFERS

SUPPORT GROUP NEWS

SEMINAR SET FOR OCTOBER IN OSHKOSH

WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED
PHONE DIRECTORY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

EMAIL EDITION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

FOURTH ANNUAL PHILANTHROPY DAY

FROM THE PRESIDENT

YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR FREE EYE CARE

PARTNERSHIP FOR LOW VISION SERVICES WITH UW EYE CLINIC

WCB&VI TO APPOINT 4 MEMBERS IN NOVEMBER

LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO PROTECT SERVICE DOGS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR DOYLE

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED

FREE WHITE CANES

COUNCIL PLANS WORKSHOPS FOR PROFESSIONALS IN SEVERAL COUNTIES

LEGISLATIVE DAY 2006

CHICAGO LIGHTHOUSE SETS UP ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY COMPUTER HELP DESK

DAHMER CHARITY GOLF OUTING

CALLING ALL GOLFERS

SUPPORT GROUP NEWS

SEMINAR SET FOR OCTOBER IN OSHKOSH

WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED PHONE DIRECTORY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

EMAIL EDITION

LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO PROTECT SERVICE DOGS
SIGNED BY GOVERNOR DOYLE

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE
BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED

COUNCIL PLANS WORKSHOPS FOR PROFESSIONALS
IN SEVERAL COUNTIES

CHICAGO LIGHTHOUSE SETS UP ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTER HELP DESK

WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED
PHONE DIRECTORY