Bio
Wendi Dwyer is the founder of Literacy at the Well, aka LATW. This program provides reading instruction at wells in South Sudan where women and girls gather to retrieve safe water for their families.
Data collected by USAID showed that in the areas where literacy rates rose, trafficking rates fell. LATW received an award from the Library of Congress, and was recognized by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for helping to end modern day slavery.
While developing LATW, Dwyer was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. In order to travel independently with diminishing sight, she learned how to use a white cane and partner with a guide dog.
Dwyer identified inaccessibility issues while using the Wisc.Jobs website. She shared her findings with her state prepresentative, Chris Taylor. Together, they worked with the responsible parties to improve the accessibility of Wisc.Jobs and other state government websites.
On October 19, 2023 a driver ran a stop sign hitting Dwyer and her guide dog. She was severely injured. Dwyer now works to improve pedestrian safety. Her efforts have resulted in more crosswalk lines being painted, and improved intersection visibility.
Articles about Dwyer
Article by Best-Selling Author Suzy Farbman
Wisconsin State Journal article by Barry Adams
Madison Magazine article by Doug Moe
Dwyer-Combined-VerticalDwyer Featured in Chicago Tribune Remarkable Woman Series
Wendi_Dwyer_Chicago_Tribune_Remarkable_Women_Article
