Independence First

Making clothing accessible sometimes takes a little creativity! 🧵♿

Wisconsin's homes should work for everyone, regardless of age or ability. 🏡 We're advocating for more accessible housing, improvements to existing homes, and affordable homeownership opportunities. Because independence starts at home! Check out il-wis.net for more

💙 Caregivers are the bridge to independence. Personal care workers help people with disabilities remain in their homes, participate in their communities and live life on their own terms. #IndependentLiving #DisabilityRights

“It wasn’t about normalcy. It was all about functionality.” Tyson Wenzel’s mother, Tracy, shares how Ty’s drive to do things his own way shaped how he grew up — and what independence means to him today. ♿

This Saturday would have been Justin Dart’s 96th birthday. Here's why his legacy still matters for our movement today.

Something new is taking shape at Independence First! 🎥🎙️ We’ve been hard at work transforming an empty room into the Voices of Independence Digital Media Studio, a dedicated space where we can share more stories, perspectives and experiences from people with disabilities in our community.

When a power wheelchair breaks, waiting weeks or months for a repair can mean losing mobility, independence and safety. Ty shares what that reality is like and why timely wheelchair repair matters. ♿

Wisconsin needs your voice! 📣 Help shape the 2028–2030 State Plan for Independent Living by taking the statewide Needs Assessment Survey. It takes about 6 minutes and is open to all Wisconsin residents—with or without a disability. www.independencefirst.org/Independence...

An important change from HUD could affect people with disabilities who rely on emotional support animals. 🐾 The Fair Housing Act hasn’t changed, but HUD’s approach to enforcing ESA-related complaints has.

A Message from Theo Braddy: Every Six Months, I Become Disabled Again Every six months, the system will ask me a question it already knows the answer to. Am I still disabled? I know that sounds ridiculous. It sounds ridiculous because it is. Read more: bit.ly/3RzW2lL

After a community outing, our consumer Adolfo was left stranded when his pre-scheduled accessible transportation ride was canceled without notice. He and his brother waited more than an hour for another vehicle. Reliable transportation is essential to independent living. It's never optional.

#TBT: These photos from October 2003 show Independence First staff advocating for an accessible Milwaukee RiverWalk. Their persistence helped drive improvements that transformed one of MKE's most iconic public spaces into one that more people can enjoy. Progress happens when people speak up. ♿💙

At @ncil.bsky.social, we spoke with Dr. Victor Pineda of Berkeley's Center for Independent Living—the original ILC that inspired a nationwide movement. "Together... we can accomplish anything." #IndependentLiving #DisabilityRights #Accessibility

"We won't go back." ♿💙 Some highlights from this year's @ncil.bsky.social march on Washington for disability rights #IndependentLiving #DisabilityCommunity #Accessibility #WashingtonDC

Part 3 of our conversation with former Senator Tom Harkin. He argues that people with disabilities should have every opportunity to live in their communities with the supports they need, not be steered toward institutions. #ADA36 #DisabilityRights #IndependentLiving

Part 2 of our conversation with former Senator Tom Harkin at @ncil.bsky.social annual conference. His message: many of the disability rights we have today were won through persistent, nonviolent advocacy. Progress doesn't happen by accident. It happens when people organize and take action.

36 years after the #ADA became law, former Senator Tom Harkin reminds us at the @ncil.bsky.social annual conference that the work isn't finished. "We've got this far... it's not okay yet." Independent living, integrated employment, and equal opportunity remain goals worth fighting for.

We're in Washington, D.C. for the @ncil.bsky.social Annual Conference! ♿ Joining us this week is Amber Hammond, who reminds us why advocacy matters: "Legislators aren't going to know what we want and need unless we tell them."

🌫️ Canadian wildfire smoke has reached Milwaukee. These photos were taken outside Independence First this morning. If you're sensitive to poor air quality, take extra care today. 💙 #Milwaukee #AirQuality

What do the colors of the Disability Pride Flag mean? ♿

Reminder: Disability is the only minority group anyone can join at any time.

Three donated power wheelchairs. One grateful family. ❤️

Creating a more inclusive world starts with how we talk about disability and each other. Watch Gerald Hay's thoughtful message on language, learning, and inclusion. #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #IndependentLiving

What can you create with stickers, photos, ticket stubs, and a little imagination? 🎨📖 Missed this session? More free Arts & Crafts workshops are coming all summer long! #JunkJournal #ArtsAndCrafts #DisabilityInclusion #CreativeExpression #Milwaukee #IndependenceFirst

🎮♿ "It gives me the ability to connect with people and adapt... and just have fun with adaptive equipment." Meet Adolfo, a 19-year-old student with cerebral palsy, as he demonstrates adaptive gaming technology at our Summertime Vibes program. #AdaptiveGaming #Accessibility #DisabilityInclusion

Hey Bluesky, what's happening?

On #NationalCaregiversDay, we’re honoring Sonia Ruiz, a Milwaukee mom who has cared for her daughter Jessica since she was born prematurely at six months. Caregiving is challenging. It’s often unseen. But as Sonia says: “Love above everything.” Today we recognize caregivers everywhere. 💙

Despite years of talk, the disability “marriage penalty” still exists. Some couples must choose between getting married and keeping the benefits that help them live independently. Love shouldn’t cost independence. #DisabilityRights #EndTheMarriagePenalty

Did you catch us on the radio this morning? Our Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support Group at Independence First is featured in a new story from @wuwmradio.bsky.social 89.7 FM, highlighting how peer connection helps people navigate life after injury. Read & listen: www.wuwm.com/milwaukee-su...

Art without barriers. 💙🎨 At Independence First, our walls showcase artists with disabilities and the beauty of inclusion in every brushstroke. #DisabilityArt #AccessibilityMatters #IndependenceFirst #Milwaukee #ArtForAll