Options for Independent Living

09/27/2025

Farming with Disabilities? AgrAbility of Wisconsin is there for You! 🌾

Farming is more than work—it’s a way of life. That’s why AgrAbility of Wisconsin is dedicated to helping farmers and agricultural workers with disabilities stay safe, independent, and thriving in the fields.

From assistive technology and equipment modifications to education and one-on-one support, AgrAbility helps farmers adapt to challenges like:
✔️ Arthritis
✔️ Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
✔️ Back impairments
✔️ Amputations
✔️ Brain injuries
✔️ Vision or hearing loss
✔️ Chronic illnesses & more

Every farmer’s needs are unique, and AgrAbility provides customized solutions to keep passion and livelihood alive—because no one should have to leave farming behind due to a disability.

📞 Need assistance? Call (608) 262-9336
🌐 Learn more: https://agrability.bse.wisc.edu/

Together, we’re keeping Wisconsin’s agricultural community strong and inclusive! 🌱

09/26/2025

Independence starts with the right tools!

Assistive Technology (AT) is there for anyone and everyone when they need it. From adaptive utensils, portable magnifiers, and audio amplifiers to screen readers, speech-to-text apps, and mobility aids — AT empowers people of all ages and abilities to live, learn, work, and play more independently.

Options & WisTech Assistive Technology Advisory Council is here to help you explore, test, and even borrow the tools that can best meet your needs. Because everyone deserves access to the support that helps them thrive.

📞 Need help getting started? Contact Calvin at 920-393-1037 today!

09/24/2025

🎃We’re still looking for trunk hosts to join our first-ever Sensory-Friendly Accessible Trunk or Treat! ✨🦇

This free, inclusive Halloween celebration is for families that include people with disabilities—and we need your help to make it magical.

🧙‍♂️ Decorate a trunk (non-spooky themes encouraged!)
👻 Hand out candy or small trinkets
🕸️ Showcase your organization
🎃 Be part of something truly meaningful

When: October 31, 2025; 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Options upper parking lot – 555 Country Club Rd, Green Bay

To sign up as a trunk host or donate treats, contact Autumn:
📧 autumnn@optionsil.org
| 📞 920-393-1035

Help us make this Halloween unforgettable for every family in our community! 🌕

Families who want to attend: Scan the QR code on the flyer to register so we know how many people to plan for—and to find more event details!

09/24/2025

🏀🧑‍🦽 The wait is almost over!

This Saturday, September 27th Mad City Wheelchair Sports, Inc. is bringing the action to Waupaca High School with a Wheelchair Basketball Showcase!

🕟 Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
📍 Waupaca High School, School District of Waupaca E2325 King Road, Waupaca, WI 54981

Come out and cheer on these incredible athletes—including local students Adam Nehring and Jack Barbeau—as they hit the court with speed, skill, and determination. 💪✨

This is your chance to see wheelchair basketball up close, meet the team, and celebrate inclusive sports in our community. Let’s pack the stands and show our support! 🙌

This event is not hosted by Options, but we’re proud to help spread the word.

09/23/2025

📱🎧 Struggling to hear clearly on your cellphone?
The Hear All Cell Phone Amplifier could be the solution you’ve been looking for!

This device makes conversations louder and clearer—perfect for:
✔️ Individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss
✔️ Older adults experiencing age-related hearing decline
✔️ People with cognitive impairments who need extra clarity
✔️ Anyone in noisy environments who wants a clearer call

From daily check-ins to work calls to emergencies—Hear All helps you stay connected, safe, and confident on the go.

▶️ Watch the video with subtitles to see how it works!
📞 For more info, contact Calvin at 920-393-1037 or calvinr@optionsil.org

09/21/2025

Options staff will be out in the community this fall! 🍂
We’ll be attending several wellness and resource fairs across Northeast Wisconsin—stop by to learn more about independent living services, resources, and how we can support you or your loved ones.

📍 Upcoming Events:
Sept. 24 | 9:30–11:30 AM
3rd Annual Senior Wellness Fair
Marinette Rec Center, 2501 Pierce Ave, Marinette

Sept. 30 | 9 AM–12 PM
Kewaunee County Senior Fair
Kewaunee County Exhibition Hall, 625 3rd St, Luxemburg

Oct. 11 | 9 AM–3 PM
Community Stroke Day
Green Bay Botanical Gardens, 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay

Oct. 16 | 8 AM–12 PM
Two Rivers Senior Health & Information Fair
Two Rivers Senior Center, 1520 17th St, Two Rivers

❓ Questions? Call Stacie at 920-393-1050

Come say hi—we’d love to connect! 💙

09/21/2025

Did you know the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is equipped with assistive listening technology?

🎧 Assistive Listening Devices
• Amplify sound directly into the ear.
• Reduce background noise and make speech easier to understand.
• Improve the “speech to noise ratio,” so voices come through clearly.
👉 Ask a ticket agent about assistive listening devices when you purchase your ticket.

🔄 Hearing Loop System
• Connects directly with your hearing aid or cochlear implant’s T-coil, delivering crystal-clear sound.
• No T-coil? No problem—loop listening devices are available at the service desk.
• Nearly 70% of all hearing aids already have T-coils built in!
💡 Patrons can test their T-coil hearing aids in Thrivent Hall 30 minutes before performances—music will play as a test signal. If you have any issues, staff or volunteers are ready to help.

Accessibility is always growing at the PAC. Autumn, Advocacy Coordinator at Options, serves on the Center’s Accessibility Committee to stay up-to-date on offerings and to help ensure that all community members can fully enjoy the arts.

🌐 Learn more about accessibility at the PAC: https://foxcitiespac.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility-services/

Accessibility means everyone can enjoy the arts. 💙

09/19/2025

🌟 This week at the ADLIN (Aging, Disability, and Independent Living Network) Conference, Sandy Popp shared her powerful story of advocacy.

Sandy reflected on her experiences in 1990, when she joined countless advocates across the country in the fight for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Her journey reminds us how much has been achieved—and how important it is to keep moving forward for access, equity, and independence for all.

Thank you, Sandy, for inspiring us to continue leading with courage and purpose. 💙

09/18/2025

🎃📣 Calling All Local Organizations & Community Partners!! 📣🎃
Options is hosting our first-ever Sensory-Friendly Accessible Trunk or Treat—a free, fun, and inclusive Halloween celebration for a free, fun, and inclusive Halloween celebration for families that include people with disabilities.

✨ Want to get involved?
• Host a Trunk: Showcase your organization, decorate in a fun non-spooky way, and hand out treats or trinkets.
• Support the Event: Help us stock up on candy, non-food treats, or small giveaways to make sure every child goes home with goodies and memories.

📅 October 31, 2025
📍 Options Upper Parking lot
🕓 1pm - 4 pm

To host a trunk, donate, or find out more contact Autumn:
📧 autumnn@optionsil.org
📞 920-393-1035

💡 Families who want to attend: Scan the QR code on the flyer to register so we know how many people to plan for—and to find more event details!

Let’s come together to make this Halloween unforgettable and accessible for every family! 🎃✨

09/16/2025

🎳 Riviera Saturday Exceptional Ability Bowling League 🎳

Looking for a fun way to spend your Saturdays? Join the Riviera Lanes Saturday Exceptional Ability Bowling League!

📅 League Start: October 4, 2025 @ 11:30 AM
📍 Riviera Lanes 2450 University Ave Green Bay, WI
💲 $9.00 per person, per week
🕒 League runs for 19 weeks

✨ Organizational Meeting: September 27 @ 11:30 AM
Enjoy up to 3 FREE games of bowling after the meeting!

➡️ To sign up, call Riviera at 920-468-1815

⭐ Please note: This is independent bowling. Individuals who need assistance should be accompanied by staff or a family member.

09/15/2025

⏰ It’s almost here!
Don’t miss this chance to connect with 70+ exhibitors, learn about local resources, and celebrate life after 50 — all while supporting great charities. 💙
Join Options at the Appleton Noon Lions Club 26th Annual Senior Living EXPO® 🎉

📅 This Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025
🕗 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 Air (formerly Players Choice)
County Rd JJ (Edgewood Drive), Appleton

✨ FREE Admission
☕ Free coffee & rolls (while supplies last)
🎉 70+ exhibitors with resources for seniors & families
💉 Health screenings, flu shots (if available), massages & more
🍦 Free Culver’s custard (9:00–Noon)
🎤 Guest speakers on medical equipment & Social Security updates
🏆 Prize drawings throughout the morning

➡️ Grab a friend and come see us Wednesday morning!

09/15/2025

Artists, there's still time to submit your artwork! The call for art ends September 30th! :)
⭐
Artists Beyond Boundaries Returns October 16th, 2025

You're invited to Artists Beyond Boundaries — Artful Sip: A special evening celebrating the incredible talent of local artists with disabilities. This isn't just another art show—it's a chance to connect with the creators, discover powerful new work, and directly support a more inclusive community.

📅 Thursday, October 16, 2025
🕠 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Goodman Community Center – Brassworks Building
214 Waubesa Street, Madison, WI

Your Evening Includes:
🧡Discovering Original Art: Be the first to see a stunning collection of works from talented local artists. Best of all, many pieces will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting both the artists and Access to Independence.

🧡Connecting with the Creators: Meet the artists behind the work, hear their stories, and forge a personal connection to the artists and their art you love.

🧡Casting Your Vote: Your vote will help decide the winners of two People's Choice Awards, celebrating the night's most compelling pieces.

🧡 All while raising funds to support disability rights, resources, and representation.✨

🎫🎫Tickets
-Visit: bit.ly/3HV32od to purchase tickets
-Early Bird pricing available through October 1st
-Low-cost tickets are available so everyone can join in!
-(Artists who submit artwork receive complimentary tickets. Email or call Amber for more information: 608-242-8484 or amberb@accesstoind.org)

⭐Save the Date!
Artists Beyond Boundaries Returns October 16th, 2025

You're invited to Artists Beyond Boundaries — Artful Sip: A special evening celebrating the incredible talent of local artists with disabilities. This isn't just another art show—it's a chance to connect with the creators, discover powerful new work, and directly support a more inclusive community.

📅 Thursday, October 16, 2025
🕠 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Goodman Community Center – Brassworks Building
214 Waubesa Street, Madison, WI

Your Evening Includes:
🧡Discovering Original Art: Be the first to see a stunning collection of works from talented local artists. Best of all, many pieces will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting both the artists and Access to Independence.

🧡Connecting with the Creators: Meet the artists behind the work, hear their stories, and forge a personal connection to the artists and their art you love.

🧡Casting Your Vote: Your vote will help decide the winners of two People's Choice Awards, celebrating the night's most compelling pieces.

🧡 All while raising funds to support disability rights, resources, and representation.✨

🎫🎫Tickets
-Visit: bit.ly/3HV32od to purchase tickets
-Early Bird pricing available through October 1st
-Low-cost tickets are available so everyone can join in!
-(Artists who submit artwork receive complimentary tickets. Email or call Amber for more information: 608-242-8484 or amberb@accesstoind.org)

⭐Other Ways to Support ⭐
-Can’t attend? You can still support the event and our programs and services by making a donation https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=9764282f-b45c-4560-9fb5-7733f5851ac9

✨We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate the amazing creativity in our community! Register or Donate Today

- A huge thank you to this year's main event sponsor, !
-----

Artists, there's still time to submit your artwork! The call for art ends September 30th! :)