Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities

07/23/2025

It was a hot and humid day on Friday, but that didn't stop our amazing volunteers from providing food and resources to seniors in need. Thank you to our neighbors at the Capital First Trust Company Milwaukee office for the volunteers! And thanks to Hunger Task Force, Inc., we were able to provide stock boxes including fresh peaches and lettuce. Our Assistive Technology department distributed 48 donated items!

07/23/2025

Next week Thursday, July 31st celebrate the 35th anniversary of the signing of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) with Independence First!

We will be joined by the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and Visit Milwaukee to commemorate this landmark event for disability rights with remarks from city leaders, light refreshments (including cake!), and a chance to connect with others who support disability rights.

Celebrate how far we’ve come, while looking towards the future of disability rights.

Where: Independence First, 540 S. 1st St. Milwaukee, WI
When: Thursday, July 31st 10:30AM - 1:00PM
RSVP for free: ADA35thCelebration.eventbrite.com

Join us as we commemorate 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act with advocacy and speakers.

07/17/2025

Today, we proudly hosted and collaborated with the Aging, Disability, and Independent Living Network (ADILN)! Together, we shared ideas, sparked new connections, and explored innovative ways to better serve our community. The energy was high, the passion was real—and we’re just getting started!

07/11/2025

Independence First staff and consumers were thrilled to watch a screening of Patrice: The Movie yesterday including a Q&A following the film with director Ted Passon over Zoom. Our Employee Engagement Committee made sure the event was a success with plenty of popcorn and snacks. Thanks to Ted for making this film and for the engaging conversation afterwards!

07/09/2025

Thank you to the Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services Adult Protective Services staff for coming to Independence First today to learn about the impact of our services and for touring our building showcasing universal design and inclusivity for all areas of life. We celebrate them moving into their new office building and look forward to future partnerships!

07/09/2025

Join our "Best Places to Work" award-winning team!

Got an eye for detail? Independence First is hiring for a part-time Payroll Exceptions Coordinator.
For more information and to apply, go to: http://atsod.com/j/s.cfm/18GN

07/08/2025

Do you use a wheelchair? Are you looking for ways to add more wellness to your life?
Join us every Tuesday this month to learn new skills and focus on your health.

07/08/2025 – Cooking

07/15/2025 – Fitness

07/22/2025 – Dressing

07/29/2025 – Transfers/Mobility

To RSVP and to request accommodations, contact Harvey Ross at 414-226-8127 or hross@independencefirst.org

More information:
https://www.independencefirst.org/Events/Personal-Wellness-Workshops---2025.htm?Occurrence=2025-07-08T14:00:00

07/07/2025

Independence First was interviewed by TMJ4 News as a disability expert to talk about the respite center available on the Summerfest grounds. This center offers a variety of amenities for festival goers with disabilities and is available at other festivals on the grounds, not just during Summerfest!

Watch the story here:

Summerfest's The Stephen J. Schwalbe Respite Pavilion, operated by the United Spinal Association, provides essential accessibility services for festival-goers with disabilities throughout the summer

07/03/2025

Beloved Advocate, Leader, and Friend

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Scott Luber, a beloved and irreplaceable part of the Independence First family for 32 years.

Scott dedicated over 14 years as an employee and 18 years on our Board of Directors, including two terms as Board Chair. He was not only a leader but a visionary, the architect behind our Independence First building, making it not only beautiful and functional, but fully accessible to all. His thoughtful design continues to reflect the values of independence, dignity, and inclusion that he championed every day.

Scott was a tireless advocate for disability rights, earning the “Relentless Badger” award from the Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living for his fierce determination. His service and commitment were also recognized by BizTimes Milwaukee, which named him a Notable Board Member.

Most recently, Scott played a key role in a landmark federal court case that helped secure voting rights for people with disabilities in Wisconsin. By sharing his story as a plaintiff, Scott helped ensure that individuals with disabilities have the right to receive assistance in casting their ballots, leaving a lasting impact on our democracy.

Scott’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the rights he helped secure, and the community he helped build. He was a mentor, a friend, and a passionate force for change. His absence will be deeply felt by all of us at Independence First, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family.

With deepest sympathy,
Marci Boucher President and CEO, the Board, Staff, and Friends at Independence First

You can leave a memory:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/scott-luber-memorial?id=58774584

Other articles about Scott:
https://biztimes.com/notable-nonprofit-board-leaders-scott-luber/
https://www.jsonline.com/obituaries/pwix1219141

07/02/2025

Our awesome Youth Leadership Summit participants wrote an performed another original song this year and performed for staff. Everyone enjoyed the show and the positive message. Our youth leaders and mentors had a blast spending the week doing workshops, learning about disability advocacy, and other confidence building activities. See you next year!

07/01/2025

Independence First is hiring! Join our award-winning team.
We are seeking a full-time, salaried Controller.

For application and more information, visit: http://atsod.com/j/s.cfm/18G5