ABLE - Audio Braille Literacy Enhancement

10/09/2026

Less than two weeks are left to sign up for the ABLE Annual Awards Luncheon & Benefit! Please do not delay!

We have a fabulous program in store for you. Get your registration in ASAP.

It is also not too late to sponsor ABLE’s annual event.

Warmly,
Cheryl Orgas, Executive Director

Find below the list of sponsors thus far:

Audio and Braille Advocates, $3,000
Beyond Vision
Industries for the Blind

Book Builder, $2,000
Ann Johnston, ABLE Board Director
Christopher Meeker
Diana & Rich Pine

Literacy Leader, $1,000
Anonymous
Monika Bachhuber, Kristina Paris & Margit Schatzman - in memory of Erna Schatzman
Joanne Gerszewski
William Meeker & Cheryl Orgas
Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library

Education Enhancer, $500
Gary & Helen Brashear – in honor of Cheryl Orgas & Bill Meeker
Beverly Doherty & Thomas Hamilton
Goyke & Associates
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Independence First
Neil Jaehnert, ABLE Audio Volunteer
Erica Reib, ABLE Board Director
RitzHolman, CPAs
Town Bank, N.A.

Page Turner, $250
Ben and Chelsea Dallin – National Federation of the Blind of Wisconsin
Doc Fletcher & Maggie Meeker
Kathy Jeans Glaser
Elliott King, ABLE Board Director
Tom Littelmann, ABLE Audio Volunteer
Orange Hat Publishing
Dan Wenzel & Jennifer Wenzel, ABLE Board President
Dr. Donald Yoder

Celebrating 61 Years of Service to the Community!

ABLE Annual Awards Luncheon & Benefit

Thursday, November 5, 2026
11:30a.m. to 1:00p.m. (registration at 11:15a.m.)
The Italian Community Center – Festa Ballroom
631 East Chicago Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

$60 per person
Complimentary for ABLE volunteers and the students and teachers ABLE serves

Menu:

CITRUS CHICKEN BREAST (GF)
Boneless chicken breast, Spinach, Yukon Gold Potato Puree, Citrus-Butter Sauce

-or-

GRILLED POLENTA CAKE (VG, GF)
Wild Mushroom and Leek Fricassée, Spinach, Charred Tomato Sauce

Register Here:

Our annual luncheon brings our staff, board members, volunteers, and recipients together to celebrate ABLE’s successes! We hope you'll join us!

10/02/2026

As we work diligently this school year to get braille and tactiles into the hands of blind children, we would like to offer our deepest appreciation to the Catholic Community Foundation for their grant this year.

CCF, we so appreciate you.

With much gratitude,
Cheryl Orgas

10/01/2026

The ABLE team, including Braille Assistant Cheryl E, and I, were so excited to be a part of "Doors Open Milwaukee" last Saturday, 9-26-26. Over 40 people came to visit us to see what the braille and tactile team are doing to create accessible material for blind and low vision individuals. You will see me at the braille table looking at the amazing tactile map of the trails at the Wehr Nature Center. Make sure when you visit Wehr you check out the braille materials.

Our guests also checked out our state-of-the-art ABLE Sound Center with two sound booths where Tim - ABLE’s Audio Specialist - showed them around. Nearly 15,000 books were downloaded or given out on cartridge to patrons of the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library and National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.

Hopefully you will visit us next year at Doors Open if you haven’t already scheduled a tour with us before then.

Cheryl Orgas

09/30/2026

What a great opportunity for the community of blind and low vision individuals. Please share.

Cheryl Orgas

Hello all,

I am pleased to inform you that NASA is hosting an accessible webinar tailored specifically for the blind and low-vision community — and you are invited!

The title of the webinar is: The RS-25 Engine and the Future of Artemis Missions: An Accessible Webinar for the Blind and Low-Vision Community. The webinar will take place on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at 2 p.m. Eastern time. The webinar will last about two hours and include: an audio-described video of an RS-25 engine test, a Q&A session with an RS-25 engineer, and a panel about accessibility in space and science. The event will be hosted on the Zoom platform. You can find more information about the event on the NASA website linked in the comments below.

If you are interested in attending this event, please fill out the Google form linked in the comments below.

The details of the webinar will be emailed to registrants in the days leading up to the event. A recording will also be available to anyone who registers with the form.

Feel free to pass this on to others who may be interested in attending. This event is open for all members of the public, but it is tailored specifically for members of the blind and low-vision community.

Thank you and I hope you will join us!

Thalia Patrinos
Communication Strategist
NASA Communication Services Contract
[email protected]

09/28/2026

Dear community of TBVI’s, O&M’s, other blindness professionals, families and parents:

Great news: Stella’s Magic Equation is now available through the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library in audio (read in ABLE’s Sound Center) DBC34232.

Download it today and or call WTBBL to get it.
414-286-3045 | 1-800-242-8822

Also at ABLE, we still have four copies of Stella’s Magic Equation by Mary Tellefson, print and braille books, free of charge, to give out.

Email ABLE at [email protected] with:

Your name
Your Email
School district if applicable
Address for mailing
How many copies you want.

First come, first serve.

See book description:

Stella’s Magic Equation - featuring main characters who are blind and hearing impaired - is a heartwarming early chapter book (ages 7–11) about friendship, empathy, and inclusion.

Stella lives on a farm, carries a baby animal with her wherever she goes (except to school), and loves math—especially equations—almost as much as she loves her furry friends. But staying happy is a struggle. To keep track of her feelings, Stella writes equations in her notebook throughout the day. At night, she analyzes her happy and sad equations, hoping to find the one magic formula that always equals happiness.

When Beau, a bunny friend from the warren behind her barn, loses his eyesight in a farming accident, Stella is determined to help him stay safe from hungry raptors as he frolics in the clover.

Full of fun and quirky characters this first of three stories in the collection is a heart-filled, whimsical, and magical story about mistakes, friendship, making amends, and the equations that connect us all. Perfect for classroom discussions, family reading, and social-emotional learning.

Cheryl Orgas

09/24/2026

Join ABLE and other organizations as we celebrate the new braille trail at Havenwoods State Forest on October 17, 2026. The ABLE Team is so honored to be helping make braille for the signage on the Braille Trail. Hope to see you there.

Cheryl Orgas

Braille Trail Ribbon Cutting
Saturday, Oct. 17th, 2026
10 a.m. - noon
Havenwoods State Forest
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/havenwoods

Join us to celebrate the opening of the Braille Trail at Havenwoods State Forest! The Braille Trail will include audio and tactile elements along the trail with text in Unified English Braille. The tactile elements focus on Havenwoods history, habitat, flora and fauna. The Braille Trail is a looped 1/3-mile trail. A limited number of white canes will be available to borrow for use on the trail.

10 a.m. – noon: Engage with interactive activities and community organizations providing services and opportunities to people who are blind or visually impaired.

11 a.m.: Acknowledgement, ribbon cutting and cake. In the case of inclement weather, interactive activities and resource tables will be moved inside the nature center.

09/22/2026

I am delighted to share with you ABLE’s autumn newsletter. Check it out on our website at: https://www.ablenow.org/about-us/newsletter-archives/

You will see it’s not too late to register for the luncheon, registration closes in one month.

Also, it is not too late to sponsor the luncheon.

Come join us in helping ABLE put braille tactiles and audio books into the hands of blind and low vision individuals, creating equal access to the printed word.

Audio & Braille Advocate Sponsors $3,000
Beyond Vision
Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Book Builder Sponsors $2,000
Ann Johnston, ABLE Board Director
Diana & Richard Pine

Literacy Leader Sponsors $1,000
Anonymous
Monika Bachhuber, Kristina Paris & Margit Schatzman – in memory of Erna Schatzman
Joanne Gerszewski
William Meeker & Cheryl Orgas
Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library

Education Enhancer Sponsors $500
Goyke & Associates
Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities
Neil Jaehnert, ABLE Audio Volunteer
RitzHolman CPAs
Town Bank

Page Turner Sponsors $250
Kathy Jeans Glaser
Jennifer Wenzel, ABLE Board President
Tom Littelmann, ABLE Audio Volunteer

Cheryl Orgas

2026 Fall Newsletter 2025 Fall Newsletter 2025 Fall Newsletter – Audio Version 2025 Summer Newsletter 2025 Summer Newsletter – Audio Version 2024 Fall Newsletter...

09/16/2026

The ABLE Team is so honored to have been invited to share our perspective for making this beautiful playground a space for children who are blind or low vision.

The planning team for Stella’s Playground did an amazing job of including many community members and organizations in gathering feedback for the design of this playground.

The ground breaking ceremonies are on Thursday, October 1, 3:30P.M. to 5:30P.M. ABLE will be there to celebrate.

Stella’s Playground is the very first universally accessible and inclusive playground in Milwaukee!

Please join me at the celebration at:
KILBOURN RESERVOIR PARK
2230 N Bremen St, Milwaukee, WI 53212

Cheryl Orgas

Break out the shovels! We're breaking ground on Stella's Playground!

Join us Thursday, October 1 at 3:30 pm at Kilbourn Reservoir Park as we officially kick off construction on a space built for play, laughter, and community. This is the moment we've all been waiting for, and we'd love for you to be there to celebrate with us. 🚧✨ We hope to see you there!

📍 Kilbourn Reservoir Park
🗓️ Oct. 1 | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

09/03/2026

Join ExFabula this autumn, in attending one of their story slams. It’s a great organization with a great mission. Don’t miss this opportunity to tell your story.

Feel Good Entertainment: Ex Fabula’s Community Storytelling events

It’s Ex Fabula’s 18th season of connecting Milwaukee through real stories! Please join us and experience the power of true, personal stories - at a workshop or a StorySlam. Come to a Slam to listen - or, if you want, throw your name in the hat for a chance to share a story on the night’s theme! Reserve your spot at exfabula.org/tickets.

We offer a wide variety of accommodations upon request including Braille, large-print, and digital materials, sighted guides, free tickets if cost is a barrier, and even transportation reimbursement. More details and a text-only schedule are at exfabula.org/accessibility/. You can also text or call Megan at 414-530-3503 or email [email protected].

Season 18 of Ex Fabula: Connecting Milwaukee Through Real Stories

StorySlam: Coming of Age, 7 pm at Sugar Maple on Thursday, September 17, 2026

StoryStarter Workshop, 5:45 pm and StorySlam: Signs, 7 pm at Dandy on Tuesday, October 13, 2026

StoryStretch Workshop, 6:30 pm at Fruition Café on Tuesday, November 10, 2026

StoryStarter Workshop, 5:45 pm and AfterDark: For the Culture, 7 pm at Radio Milwaukee on Thursday, November 19, 2026

StorySlam: Apologies, 7 pm at Falcon Bowl on Friday, December 18, 2026

StorySlam: Gut Feelings, 7 pm at The Cooperage on Wednesday, January 6, 2027

Reserve your spot: WWW.EXFABULA.ORG/TICKETS

Become a member. For $60, you get free tickets and support our work! www.exfabula.org/membership
Listen to the podcast. Stream and share your favorite episodes! www.exfabula.org/listen
Volunteer. Support Ex Fabula events. www.exfabula.org/volunteer

Thank you Season 18 sponsors & partners! Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Ex Fabula members, Christine Symchych and Jim McNulty, Radio Milwaukee, HYFIN, Wisconsin Public Radio, WUWM 89.7, Herzfeld Foundation, Transfer Pizzeria Café, UWM Center for 21st Century Studies, Red Oak Writing, Athena Communications, Gagne McChrystal De Lorenzo & Burghardt, Outpost Co-op, and Lulu Café and Bar

(414) 530-3503 | www.exfabula.org

Cheryl Orgas

Connecting Milwaukee Through Real Stories Get Tickets Ex Fabula is Latin for "from stories" Since 2009, our organization has been building community through the art of true, personal storytelling. Throughout the year, we produce storytelling workshops, StorySlams and Community Collaborations where p...

09/01/2026

We are so excited to invite you to this year’s 61st anniversary ABLE annual fundraising and volunteer recognition luncheon. Celebrate with us our 61st year of giving braille, tactile and audio access to people who are blind, low vision or print disabled. We have an exciting program planned for you. Please honor us with your presence. Come celebrate with us.

Please join us at the Italian Community Center, Thursday, November 5, 2026 11:30A.M.

Also we would love to have you join our fabulous sponsor team.

You would be joining:

Audio and Braille Advocates, $3,000
Beyond Vision
Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Book Builder, $2,000
Ann Johnston, ABLE Board Director
Diana & Rich Pine

Literacy Leader, $1,000
Anonymous
Monika Bachhuber, Kristina Paris & Margit Schatzman - in memory of Erna Schatzman
William Meeker & Cheryl Orgas
Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library

Education Enhancer, $500
Goyke & Associates
Neil Jaehnert, ABLE Audio Volunteer
RitzHolman, CPAs
Town Bank, N.A.

Page Turner, $250
Jennifer Wenzel, ABLE Board President
Tom Littelmann, ABLE Audio Volunteer

ABLE Annual Awards Luncheon & Benefit
Thursday, November 5, 2026
11:30a.m. to 1:00p.m. (registration at 11:15a.m.)
The Italian Community Center – Festa Ballroom
631 East Chicago Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

You won’t want to miss the 2026 ABLE Annual Awards Luncheon & Benefit! Together we will celebrate 61 years of serving the audio, braille, and tactile needs of blind and print disabled people in our community and beyond. Join us in honoring and acknowledging our dedicated and loyal volunteers.

$60 per person.
Complimentary for ABLE volunteers and the students and teachers ABLE serves.

Menu:

CITRUS CHICKEN BREAST (GF)
Boneless chicken breast, Spinach, Yukon Gold Potato Puree, Citrus-Butter Sauce

-or-

GRILLED POLENTA CAKE (VG, GF)
Wild Mushroom and Leek Fricassée, Spinach, Charred Tomato Sauce

Sponsor a student
Event Sponsorships Available
Register before October 21st!
Come celebrate with us, come enjoy a great meal, come help us fundraise for this worthy cause: getting braille, audio and tactiles into the hands of blind and print disabled individuals.

Our annual luncheon brings our staff, board members, volunteers, and recipients together to celebrate ABLE’s successes! We hope you'll join us!