A collage features nine of the Outlook from Here blog contributors, including Annika Konrad, Steve Johnson, Ericka Short, Chad Nelson, Tammie Hefty, Katherine Corbett, Katherine Schneider, Dan Sullivan, Janell Groskreutz, and Theresa Sweeney Smith. At the top of the collage is a brightly colored banner in colors of yellow, orange, blue, purple and red, along with coordinator confetti. In the bottom right corner is a red circle and inside reads “100 Posts!”

A Short Hiatus: Planning the Future of The Outlook From Here

Are you enjoying these warm, vacation days of summer? Outlook From Here stories are taking some time off, too. Read on to learn more.

The BLIND Inc. Experience!

Attending a structured discovery independence training center can boost confidence, help you acquire new skills and build on the tools you already have in your toolbox. Chad Nelson, a recent Blind, Inc., graduate, describes what his experience at the center did to empower him.

Janell, wearing a dark-toned coat stands to the left of her mother, who is wearing a lighter-toned winter coat. Janell holds Sully’s harness. Sully, a black lab, stands in front of the women and is looking toward the camera. All are standing on a snowy wooden front porch.

Uncategorized

THE UNEXPECTED ABILITIES OF A GUIDE DOG IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION

Guide dogs go through rigorous and thorough training, but there are times when unexpected situations arise for which the dog might have had no prior experience. Janell Groskreutz tells the story of how her guide dog, Sully, remained calm and obedient during an emergency.

Image Description: Gary Traynor and his guide dog Reuben are on a boat. As they float on the pristine lake water, Gary sits facing Reuben. Gary leans forward to become nose level with Reuben and embraces his left paw in his right hand.

Uncategorized

Adventures of Fishing in The Blind

Many people say they find fishing to be a fun, relaxing hobby. For Gary Traynor and his guide dog, Reuben, a day spent fishing took an unexpected and exciting turn. Read on to find out what they caught!

Annika Konrad stands tall, looking over her right shoulder as she prepares to embark on a hike. I'm her right hand is a hiking pole and on her back is a large backpack. Mountainous green hills line the gravel path she is set to embark down.

Uncategorized

What Disability Has Taught Me About The Limits of Independence

The meanings of words are important. Words shape how we think about people, life circumstances and the events in our lives. They shape our attitudes and our responses to situations. The Council and its Board of Directors took a closer look at its mission, and has made a change that will broaden the attitudes and perceptions of and for people with disabilities in Wisconsin. Annika Konrad explains why she proposed this change and what being truly empowered means to her.

Book Clubs and You: Accessible and Fun

Curling up with a book is a great way to pass a snowy winter afternoon. Discussing what you have read with others can be a fun way to gain new perspectives and make new friends, so why not join a book club! Katherine Schneider shows you how to find a club you’ll like, make sure books are accessible and even how to start your own club. Read on for more details.

One Hundred Stories About Living with Blindness and Visual Impairment in Wisconsin

We have reached story 101 on The Outlook From Here! For the 101st story, various writers share what the blog has meant to them.

Meghan Whalen crouches down to wrap her arms around her guide dog, Amiera. She rests her right elbow on her right knee while she embraces Amiera with her left. Meghan smiles forward as Amiera’s face points towards the floor.

The Four Building Blocks for a Successful Guide Dog

Have you ever wondered what goes into determining if a guide dog is eligible for the job? Meghan Whalen lives in Madison and is training her own guide dog. She outlines the four factors required to make a quality service dog.

Sully, a black lab, stands on a patch of green grass that is littered with fallen leaves. He wears a brown leather harness that features a neon yellow sign that reads “DO NOT PET ME – I AM WORKING.” His head is slightly cocked to the left, and he looks forward with big, brown eyes. Sully’s owner, Janell, is standing next to him and is pictured from the waist down. She wears dark blue jeans and a pair of black clogs.

Strolling with Sully: Transition from White Cane to Guide Dog, Part II

Have you ever taken into consideration all the responsibilities that go into becoming a guide dog handler? Janell Groskreutz discusses the commands, upkeep of training and work that went into forming the strong bond with her guide dog, Sully.

Katherine Corbett stands at a kitchen countertop. To her left is a blue plastic bowl. In her right hand, she holds a pick measuring cup, which is filled halfway. With her left hand, her fingers grace the braille pages of one of her favorite cookbooks.

Baking with Braille

Katherine Corbett describes her use of braille throughout her life as she cooks. Read on to find the sugar cookie recipe she enjoys making for holiday gift boxes!

Strolling with Sully: Transition from White Cane to Guide Dog, Part I

A defining moment in your life is both exhilarating and terrifying. In the first part of her guide dog adventure, Janell Groskreutz describes the application process, and the moment she knew a guide dog was for her!

An Old Dog Learns New Tricks: Sometimes Technology Empowers

Katherine Schneider thought her age would preclude her from having to learn technology; it wasn’t to be so. Through giving a PowerPoint presentation, obtaining a beeping ball and learning how to use some new apps for her iPhone, she points out that learning and using technology can be empowering, no matter your age.