SCOB: Join the Council

Let's work together to create a world where all individuals who are blind or have significant vision loss have access to the same life choices and opportunities as any other Wisconsin citizen.

The Statutory Council on Blindness invites you to work with us on improving the lives of individuals who are blind or have significant vision loss. We are seeking individuals who are blind or have significant vision loss

As a council member, you can provide valuable information and engage in advocacy activities that promote equal access for individuals who are blind or have significant vision loss. You will receive updates on important policies and legislation as well as other information and resources impacting the blind community.

The Council on Blindness member application

Introduction

The Council on Blindness is a nine-member body that is appointed by the Secretary of Department of Health Services (DHS). The council may initiate the consultations with the department and make recommendations to DHS and any other state agencies concerning procedures, policies, services, activities, programs, investigations, and research that affect Wisconsin citizens who are blind or have vision loss.

At least seven of the nine persons appointed to the council must be individuals who are blind or have vision loss, as defined in § 47.01 (1) or (5), Wis. Stats., and reflect a broad representation of individuals whoa re blind. All council members must have a recognized interest in and demonstrated knowledge of the priority issues impacting individuals who are blind or have vision loss. Council members may be persons receiving services from the department.

Members serve staggered three-year terms and meet four times a year in Madison or by Zoom. If travel is involved, the Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired pays for lodging and meal expenses and reimburses members for additional expenses associated with travel and meeting participation.

Applicant instructions

To apply, please send a resume (if you have one) and a letter of interest that includes answers to the following questions:

1. Why are you interested in joining the Council on Blindness?
2. What skills and/or life experience do you bring to the council and how do you think you can contribute?
3. What groups/activities are you currently involved in? What is your role?
4. What issues that impact individuals whoa re blind or have vision loss do you think are important for the council to address?

The Statutory Council on Blindness by-laws stipulate that seven of the nine council members need to blind or have significant vision loss, please indicate this in your letter of interest. 

References and submission

Provide the names of two people who can be contacted as your references. They can be people you have worked with, or other individuals who know you well. Please give the person's name, title, address (work or home), email address, and phone number. 

The application materials should be submitted to the address below or to the email address:

Ann Sievert, Director
Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired
PO Box 2659
1 W. Wilson Street, Room 558
Madison, WI 53707-7851

If you have any question about the application process, you may send an email to AnnL.Sievert@dhs.wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-3147.

Note: Due to the nature of the Statutory Council on Blindness as an appointed legislative body, candidates are subject to a background check prior to acceptance to the Council.