Wisconsin Counsil of the Blind and Visually Impaired

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is a private, nonprofit agency. Its mission is to promote the dignity and empowerment of the people in Wisconsin who are blind and visually impaired by providing services, advocating legislation and educating the general public. WCBVI is funded through an annual drive, private grants and bequests.
Incorporated under laws of the State of Wisconsin in October 1952, the Wisconsin Council of the Blind (now known as The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired) is comprised of 17 delegates who are appointed by the Board of Directors. All Directors are either blind or visually impaired or someone who has direct and real life connection with people who are blind or visually impaired. The Council is a strong voice for people who are blind or visually impaired in Wisconsin, representing their interests to the legislature. Many laws benefiting blind persons exist because the Council promoted their passage.
Values StatementInclusivity, uncompromising respect and integrity are the core values that guide the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired in fulfilling our mission and vision in serving the greater blind and visually impaired community state-wide, while fostering long-term relationships with our partners, sister organizations, donors, policy-makers and the general public.  Our values also guide the development of our goals, policies and procedures as well as influence our relationships between and among our Board of Directors and Staff.
Inclusivity – As people who are blind or visually impaired, we understand the experiences of being in a minority group and at times facing adversity or discrimination.  Therefore, the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired affirms our commitment to actively seek and welcome diverse people, experiences and perspectives and to foster inclusivity.  We affirm that practicing inclusivity creates opportunities for greater innovation, sustainability and mission-focused, responsive and person-centered programs and services.
Uncompromising Respect – We affirm the dignity and worth of all individuals and groups in how we treat each other, even in times of disagreement and conflict.  We acknowledge and affirm all people traveling with us on this life journey of blindness or visual impairment, including those facing rapidly changing vision.  We further recognize that each individual and family must take their own path on this journey in an atmosphere of genuine support and compassion, allowing for constructive feedback, growth-centered risk-taking and creativity.
Integrity – We affirm our unfailing integrity in all individual and organizational actions in stewardship of the Council’s precious human, financial and capital resources. Our goal is to say what we do and do what we say, both within the organization and outside of it, which we exemplify by the highest standards of ethics, honesty and trustworthiness as we live our mission.
Our latest Annual Report is available at this link.