Access 2 Independence

04/23/2026

Check out this incredible Plain Language resource from New Disabled South!

04/23/2026

The President’s FY 2027 budget proposes cuts that would seriously harm people with disabilities and the systems that protect their rights.

The Protection & Advocacy Network exists to prevent abuse, ensure access, and support community living. Funding cuts to our network members would cause real harm to the disability community.

Read our full statement here:
https://www.ndrn.org/resource/fy27budgetcuts/

04/23/2026

Disabled people who can work are worthy. Disabled people who cannot work are worthy. Disabled people who are completely independent are worthy. Disabled people who rely on others for assistance are worthy. ALL disabled people are worthy.

All disabled people are worthy.

04/17/2026

04/16/2026

Disabled isn’t a bad word.
Credit: Disabled by Society

Image description: A dark-background infographic with colorful text and simple illustrations emphasizes that “Disabled isn’t a bad word.” At the top, the word “Disabled” appears in pink, followed by “isn’t a bad word” in white.

On the left, a blue figure faces a wall or barrier, representing inaccessibility. To the right, text reads: “Sometimes we are Disabled by the inaccessible barriers of society,” with “Disabled” highlighted in blue.

Below on the left, purple text reads: “Sometimes we are Disabled by the ableism of others,” accompanied by an illustration of a crowd of purple figures raising arms, with symbols suggesting shouting or hostility above them.

At the bottom left, a yellow illustration shows a person slumped asleep at a desk, suggesting fatigue or impairment. To the right, text reads: “And sometimes we are Disabled by our Disabilities,” with “Disabled” highlighted in yellow.

At the bottom, pink and white text states: “Disabled is a good word for many, so please stop telling us not to say it.” In the lower right corner is a small logo reading “Disabled by Society.”

04/15/2026

04/06/2026

Here is a short article about a returning popular series on Netflix following people on the Autism Spectrum on their journey to find love.

An Emmy-winning documentary series chronicling the lives of adults with autism who are looking for love is returning.

04/03/2026

For two weeks, I saw a blueprint for what it looks like when accessibility is the starting point.

04/03/2026

Thank you to Iowa State Senator Janice Weiner for taking the time to speak with A2I's Executive Director at the Capitol this week to learn more about Centers for Independent Living and the work A2I does every day to empower the disability community in Iowa City and beyond!

Image Description: Senator Weiner and Access 2 Independence Executive Director Kaydee Layne smiling for a selfie at the Iowa State Capitol Building on Disability Advocacy Day.

Access to Independence is right here in our community, lending people a hand in a multi county area - free of charge.

Here’s what you need to know: They are a trusted and dependable source for guidance and referrals, who will work with you to achieve your goals and increase your independence.

They help any person with any disability — regardless of race, gender, class, religion, or sexual orientation, and our services are always absolutely free of charge.

Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979.

Thanks for coming to the Capitol to highlight your work, Kaylee!

04/02/2026

Access 2 Independence staff, Kaydee Layne, Joel Wesselink and Ursula Ferrier attended Advocacy day on the hill yesterday to talk to people and state legislators. They spoke about A2I services and provided information about lived experience that the disability community face on a daily basis. We met with State Representatives Josh Turek and Chad Ingels. We also met with State Senator, Janice Weiner. It was a great experience to meet with our state legislator and talk to so many people at this event.

03/31/2026

During the March City Council meeting, Mayor Bruce Teague declared March 31, 2026, Transgender Day of Visibility in Iowa City. The City and the world observe Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces.