Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities

Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities THE resource for people with disabilities serving the Greater Milwaukee area. 20+ programs serving youth and adults with disabilities of all kinds.

03/24/2026

♿ Free Power Chair

“This chair is free—you just need batteries.”

This Jazzy Elite ES is in good working condition and ready for a new home.

Details:
• Free
• Needs U1 batteries ($100–$200)
• We’ll install them
• Pickup in Milwaukee (weekdays, by appointment)

Call (414) 226-8385 to reserve.

Please share 💙

Video description:
A staff member demonstrates a blue power wheelchair in a workshop, showing how it moves forward, backward, and turns using a joystick. He explains that the chair is free, requires new batteries, and is available for pickup by appointment.

♿ FREE Power Chair Available – Jazzy Elite ESWe have a blue Jazzy Elite ES power wheelchair available through our reuse ...
03/24/2026

♿ FREE Power Chair Available – Jazzy Elite ES

We have a blue Jazzy Elite ES power wheelchair available through our reuse program and it’s ready for a new home.

These chairs typically sell online for $3,800–$4,000, but we are offering this one completely free to someone who needs it.

What to know:
• You must be able to pick it up in Milwaukee
• The chair requires U1 batteries (typically $100–$200)
• Charger is included

If you or someone you know could benefit from this chair, please contact our Assistive Technology team at (414) 226-8385.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post 💙

03/23/2026

Archery you can’t see... but can absolutely feel. 🏹

Our blind archery group meets each week at Independence First, using assistive tech and teamwork to hit the target, and prepare for the Wisconsin Highland Games this Labor Day.

Shoutout to Janelle, who tried it for the first time and loved every second. Proof that “impossible” often just means “not accessible yet.”

Video description: A group of blind and visually impaired participants practice archery indoors using a mounted bow and assistive device. A volunteer provides guidance while participants take turns aiming and shooting arrows at a target. The video includes narration explaining the program and clips of Janelle, a participant, sharing her experience and enjoying her first time shooting.

03/21/2026

💚 Celebrating Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month 💚

At our recent resource fair, Independent Living Coordinator Andi Minster and former staff member Emily Cadman share what living with cerebral palsy means to them and why awareness, support, and adaptation matter.

Video description: Andi Minster and Emily Cadman speak about cerebral palsy, describing it as a neurological movement disorder that affects each person differently. They share personal experiences about independence, the need for support and adaptations, and encourage others by emphasizing that people with CP can do anything with the right tools and support.

We had a great time celebrating Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month at Independence First 💚We’re grateful to our partners fro...
03/20/2026

We had a great time celebrating Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month at Independence First 💚

We’re grateful to our partners from Aging and Disability Resource Center - ADRC of Waukesha County, Ability Adventures, Marquette University, Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, and the WASA - Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association for helping share valuable resources with our community.

Also a big thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Moberg-Wolff for coming by and meeting the team.

Thank you to everyone who came out to learn more!

03/18/2026

Bracket season looks a little different at Independence First 😄

Our Assistive Technology team is hosting Fidget Madness, a 32-fidget tournament where staff and visitors can test them out and vote for their favorites! Fidgets are way more than just fun. They’re powerful tools for focus, self-regulation, and everyday accessibility.

Want to make your own? Join us for a Make Your Own Fidgets Workshop on Monday, April 6 from 5–7 PM at Independence First. Come try them out, fill out a bracket, and let us know your favorite!

Video Description:
Independent Living Coordinator Nina Gutmanis stands in the Assistive Technology Resource Center at Independence First, introducing a “Fidget Madness” tournament display. A table is set up with 32 different fidgets arranged in a bracket-style layout, while Nina demonstrates several options, including magnetic sliders, rollers, and 3D-printed designs, explaining how fidgets can support focus, self-regulation, and daily tasks. The video highlights the interactive bracket voting process and invites viewers to visit, try the fidgets, and participate, with mention of an upcoming “Make Your Own Fidgets” workshop.

The Wisconsin Spring Election is just three weeks away on April 7th!If you're a voter with a disability, we created a si...
03/16/2026

The Wisconsin Spring Election is just three weeks away on April 7th!

If you're a voter with a disability, we created a simple guide that explains what’s on the ballot and how to vote. This information comes our friends at the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition.

Learn how to check your registration, find your polling place, and make a plan to vote.

Read the guide linked in the comments.

This morning we welcomed our Blind Archery group back to Independence First! 🏹The group meets once a week in partnership...
03/14/2026

This morning we welcomed our Blind Archery group back to Independence First! 🏹

The group meets once a week in partnership with our friends at Vision Forward in Milwaukee to spend some time having fun, trying something new, and letting loose together. With guidance from sighted volunteers and some clever assistive technology, participants are able to experience archery, an activity many people might assume isn’t possible for someone who is blind or visually impaired.

A special shout-out to Janelle, an intern here at Independence First and member of the archery group, who excelled at the activity today, even though it was her very first time shooting an arrow. Way to go, Janelle! 🎯

It was a very windy Friday morning, so we’re especially grateful for the volunteers from iCare and the staff members at ...
03/13/2026

It was a very windy Friday morning, so we’re especially grateful for the volunteers from iCare and the staff members at Independence First who helped make today’s Senior Food Distribution another success in partnership with our friends at Task Force, Inc.

With their help, we served 52 seniors at today’s distribution. This event is part of the Senior Stockbox Program, also known as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides free monthly boxes of healthy food to low-income seniors aged 60 and older.

Each 35-pound box contains nutritious staples like rice, cereal, juice, canned meats, vegetables, and Wisconsin cheese—helping ensure seniors in our community have reliable access to healthy food each month.

Thank you to everyone who braved the wind to help make it happen! 🌬️📦

Thank you to the Waukesha County Transition Advisory Council for hosting last night’s Transition Fair at Waukesha County...
03/12/2026

Thank you to the Waukesha County Transition Advisory Council for hosting last night’s Transition Fair at Waukesha County Technical College!

Our Independent Living Services Branch Office Supervisor Calli Niemi represented Independence First at the event, connecting with students, families, and educators preparing for life after high school.

Thank you for including Independence First in this valuable community event!

03/12/2026

Thirty-six years ago today, disability rights activists gathered at the steps of the U.S. Capitol and did something the world could not ignore.

Video description:
Andrew from Independence First stands on the Grand Staircase of Lake Park, a historic stone staircase overlooking Lake Michigan, to tell the story of the Capitol Crawl. He explains how, on March 12, 1990, disability rights activists gathered at the steps of the U.S. Capitol, left their wheelchairs and mobility devices behind, and crawled up the staircase to demand equal rights and accessibility.

The video highlights the story of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, an eight-year-old with cerebral palsy who participated in the protest and became a powerful symbol of the movement. The demonstration drew national attention and helped build momentum for passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which was signed into law later that year by George H. W. Bush

Want to help make our community more accessible and inclusive?Independence First’s Advocacy Teams bring together people ...
03/11/2026

Want to help make our community more accessible and inclusive?

Independence First’s Advocacy Teams bring together people with disabilities, advocates, and community members who want to work toward equal access in Milwaukee and beyond.

We now have three advocacy teams, each focused on a different area:

♿ Community Access Advocacy Team
Help identify and remove barriers in buildings, programs, and services.

🚌 Transportation Advocacy Team
Advocate for accessible and reliable transit and paratransit.

🏠 Community Living Advocacy Team
Support housing, long-term care programs, and services that help people live independently.

All teams meet once a month in a hybrid format, so you can join in person at Independence First or on Zoom.

Interested in getting involved?
Contact Brian Peters, Advocacy Program Manager:
EMAIL: bpeters@independencefirst.org

Together, we can work toward equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities in our community.

Address

540 S 1st Street
Milwaukee, WI
53204

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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