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.

We had a truly special moment at the Milwaukee Film Festival 2026 last night.Before the final screening of The Way We Mo...
05/01/2026

We had a truly special moment at the Milwaukee Film Festival 2026 last night.

Before the final screening of The Way We Move at the Oriental Theatre, our team had the chance to meet someone we’ve been talking about for weeks, Amber Galloway herself. Check out her page at Amber G Productions

Amber traveled from Texas to be here for the screening and panel discussion, and it was an honor to connect with her in person. Her work as an ASL interpreter, especially in music spaces, is breaking barriers and opening doors for accessibility in ways that are powerful, visible, and long overdue.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table, and to Amber for the inspiration. 💙

We had a great time at GE HealthCare's Giving Back Fair at their Waukesha campus!The event was a wonderful opportunity t...
04/30/2026

We had a great time at GE HealthCare's Giving Back Fair at their Waukesha campus!

The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with GE HealthCare employees and share how Independence First supports people with disabilities across our community.

It was also great to attend alongside our new Fund Development Director, Troy Moldenhauer, and to connect with Independence First board member Mark Ciesko and incoming board member Dan Milbeck, both leaders in the GE HealthCare community.

Thank you to GE HealthCare for hosting such a thoughtful event. We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of it!

We’re giving away 5 pairs of tickets to a sensory-friendly concert with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra 🎶Want to go?👉 T...
04/28/2026

We’re giving away 5 pairs of tickets to a sensory-friendly concert with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra 🎶

Want to go?
👉 Tag someone you’d bring with you!

This special performance is designed for people with sensory sensitivities, autism, and anyone who benefits from a more relaxed concert environment.

🗓️ May 31 | 📍 Bradley Symphony Center

We’ll randomly select 5 winners!

04/27/2026

Travel just got more accessible in Milwaukee. ✈️💙

At MKE - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, a new service is helping remove communication barriers for travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Today, Tajma Hall from MKE Airport explains how Aira ASL works and why it’s such an important step forward.

With Aira ASL, anyone at the airport can connect instantly to a live, professional ASL interpreter, making it easier to navigate travel, get important updates, and move through the airport with confidence.

This is accessibility in action!

Video Description:
Clips from a press event at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport show speakers at a podium, an ASL interpreter signing, and media coverage. The video also includes an interview with Tajma Hall, who speaks on camera about how Aira ASL connects users to live interpreters, making airport travel more accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Big news for accessibility in Milwaukee! ✈️Today, Independence First joined County Executive David Crowley and Brian Dra...
04/27/2026

Big news for accessibility in Milwaukee! ✈️

Today, Independence First joined County Executive David Crowley and Brian Dranzik at MKE - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport for the announcement of a new service supporting travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Starting today, the airport is offering free access to Aira ASL, a tool that connects users to live, professional ASL interpreters right from their phone. With just a tap, travelers can communicate more easily with airport staff, making travel more inclusive, independent, and accessible for all.

We’re especially proud that Independence First’s Advocacy and Accessibility Services Specialist, Brian Peters, was invited to demonstrate the app for local media. Brian, who is deaf and communicates primarily through ASL, practiced in advance and shared his firsthand experience using Aira ASL, helping show just how impactful this technology can be.

We’re happy to be part of this important step forward in accessibility. 💙

04/24/2026

Why do Independent Living Centers Matter?

Meet Janelle, an intern here at Independence First, sharing what independent living really means.

Independent Living Centers like ours exist so people with disabilities have the tools, resources, and support to live in their own homes and be part of their communities. And importantly, more than half of ILC staff are people with disabilities themselves, bringing lived experience into everything we do.

Today, Janelle shares why independent living matters to her:
💬 Having control over her daily life
💬 Dignity and privacy at home
💬 Confidence to cook and care for herself
💬 The freedom to be active in her community
💬 And yes—saving money compared to institutional care

Without Independent Living Centers, far more people would be forced into institutions instead of living life on their own terms.

Video description: Janelle, a blind intern at Independence First, walks through the office using a white cane while speaking to the camera. As she navigates hallways and doorways, she explains what Independent Living Centers are and shares why independent living is important to her, highlighting independence, dignity, community access, and cost savings.

04/22/2026

Kevin can’t wait… and he shouldn’t have to.

After months of waiting on a vendor to fix a simple wheelchair issue, Kevin from Kenosha County connected with Independence First’s AIM program and got back on track in under 20 minutes.

Half a year of delays for a $12 bearing is ridiculous and the very issue Independence First is working to close.

No one should be stuck, literally or figuratively, waiting for basic repairs that impact their safety, independence, and daily life.

Because when it comes to mobility, Kevin can’t wait. And neither should you.

💡 Need help with assistive technology or equipment repairs?
📩 Reach out to Independence First to learn more about the AIM program.

🎥 Video description: Tim Kiley demonstrates a wheelchair wheel that won’t pivot properly due to a broken bearing. Close-up shots show the damaged part, followed by footage and images of Tim repairing the wheel. Kevin is shown testing the chair afterward, smiling and spinning the wheel smoothly.

Kevin couldn’t wait anymore.For months, a broken bearing in his wheelchair caused one of his wheels to lock unpredictabl...
04/22/2026

Kevin couldn’t wait anymore.

For months, a broken bearing in his wheelchair caused one of his wheels to lock unpredictably, putting his safety at risk every time he moved. The issue was diagnosed back in November… but the repair? Still not scheduled.

That’s where Independence First’s AIM program stepped in.

In less than 20 minutes, our Assistive Technology Specialist Tim Kiley replaced the faulty bearing and got Kevin back to moving safely and smoothly.

A simple fix shouldn’t take half a year.
Where you live shouldn’t determine how quickly you get the repairs you need.

This is exactly the gap AIM is here to close. Because access to safe, working equipment is essential to independence.

Kevin couldn’t wait. And he shouldn’t have to.

💡 Need help with assistive technology or have equipment to donate? Reach out to learn more about the AIM program.

04/22/2026

Today is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day.

Assistive technology (AT) is any tool that helps people live more independently but it’s also about dignity, safety, and the ability to fully participate in everyday life.

At Independence First, we see the impact of AT every day. That's why we work so closely with WisTech Assistive Technology Advisory Council. From power wheelchairs to adaptive kitchens to simple tools that help people stay focused and connected. It's the support that make independence possible.

🎥 Video Description:
Video shows assistive technology tools and spaces at Independence First, including power wheelchairs, adaptive kitchen features, and everyday devices that support independence. Clips highlight how assistive technology helps people live, work, and stay connected in their communities.

Milwaukee is taking a big step forward in accessibility and inclusion.Today, the City of Milwaukee Common Council-City C...
04/21/2026

Milwaukee is taking a big step forward in accessibility and inclusion.

Today, the City of Milwaukee Common Council-City Clerk approved, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson signed, a resolution that will make Milwaukee a "Certified Sensory Inclusive City".

This initiative, introduced by Common Council President José G. Pérez, will bring KultureCity’s nationally recognized training and tools to our community. That means city staff and partners will be better equipped to support individuals with sensory needs, including those who may experience sensory overload.

Through this effort, Milwaukee will expand access to:
🔹 Staff training on sensory awareness and response
🔹 Sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, cue cards, and more
🔹 A more welcoming, inclusive experience across public spaces and community venues

Independence First was proud to be in the room as this resolution was signed into action. This is the kind of progress we strive for, building a community where everyone can participate fully, safely, and with dignity.

We’re excited to see this work take shape across Milwaukee. 💙

🎬 Last night, we had the opportunity to attend a screening of The Way We Move at the Milwaukee Film Festival.Independenc...
04/20/2026

🎬 Last night, we had the opportunity to attend a screening of The Way We Move at the Milwaukee Film Festival.

Independence First‘s Regional Deaf Advocacy Services Coordinator Leah Simmons and ASL Interpreter Tera Cater Vorpahl were proud to be on hand, connecting with attendees in the lobby and sharing information about our programs.

The film is a moving documentary centered on music, Deaf culture, and the importance of finding your purpose. It was a powerful experience, and we’re grateful to Milwaukee Film for their continued community partnership and for hosting us.

If you missed it, there are still two more chances to see The Way We Move:
📅 Tuesday, April 21 • 2:00 PM
📅 Thursday, April 30 • 4:45 PM
📍 Oriental Theatre, Milwaukee

We highly recommend checking it out!

🚌 Have thoughts about public transportation in Milwaukee County? We want to hear from you.The Milwaukee County Transit S...
04/17/2026

🚌 Have thoughts about public transportation in Milwaukee County? We want to hear from you.
The Milwaukee County Transit System is hosting a community meeting right here at Independence First tomorrow, and it’s a great opportunity to share your feedback on transit services in our community.
📅 Saturday, April 18
🕤 Registration opens at 9:30 AM
🕙 Meeting runs from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Independence First
Whether you use public para transit regularly or just have ideas for improving accessibility, reliability, or service your voice matters.
Let’s work together to build a more accessible and reliable transit system for everyone. 💬

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540 S 1st Street
Milwaukee, WI
53204

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

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