Options for Independent Living

08/15/2026

Something pretty special was cooking at Options a few weeks ago. ‍🍕🍪

For four days, a pretty awesome group of young people came together in our accessible kitchen to cook, learn, laugh, try new things, and build skills for greater independence.

And while there was definitely plenty of cooking happening, there was a whole lot more on the menu!

We talked about self-advocacy, disability history and rights, accommodations, goals, strengths, support systems, speaking up for what you need, kitchen safety, meal prep, and everyday independence.

But some of our favorite parts were the conversations, connections, laughs, and watching everyone become a little more comfortable trying something new as the week went on. ❤️

That's what Independent Living is all about—not doing everything by yourself, but having the skills, supports, choices, and confidence to live life in the way that works for YOU.

A huge thank you to our participants for jumping into our very first Cooking Up Some Advocacy with us! We learned a few things along the way too 😉 and we're already excited about the possibilities for where this program could go next.

I'd say our first batch of advocacy turned out pretty darn good. 👩‍🍳❤️

08/14/2026

Have you ever toured the Showcase Model Home at Options? 🏠

It's one thing to hear about accessible home modifications and assistive technology—it's another to actually see, touch and try them!

Our Showcase Model Home is filled with ideas and solutions designed to make everyday tasks more accessible, from the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and beyond.

And you don't have to be planning a major remodel to visit! Sometimes one small change can make a big difference.

Want to come check it out? Give us a call at 920-490-0500 to learn more or schedule a tour!

08/10/2026

📣 Wisconsin—we need your voice!

Planning is already underway for Wisconsin’s 2028–2030 State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), and one of the most important first steps is hearing directly from people across our state—especially people with disabilities.

What do people with disabilities need to live independently in the communities of their choosing? What barriers are still getting in the way? What needs to change? And what can Wisconsin’s Independent Living Centers do to better support people across our state?

If we aren’t part of the conversation, decisions can be made about our lives, our services, and our communities without our input.

The Independent Living Movement has long said: Nothing About Us Without Us. This is one of those opportunities to put that into action.

The statewide needs assessment survey takes about 6 minutes and is open to anyone who lives in Wisconsin. You do not have to have a disability to participate, but it is especially important that we hear directly from people with disabilities and those with lived experience.

🔗 Take the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F2NQXGW

Your responses will help guide the development of the 2028–2030 SPIL and the future priorities of Independent Living in Wisconsin.

Take the survey. Share your experiences. Make sure your voice is part of the plan.

And please share this post so we can reach as many Wisconsin voices as possible!

If accessing or completing the survey is a barrier for you, please contact us or your local Independent Living Center.

indiGO Wisconsin
Independent Living Resources
Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities
Compass IL
Society's Assets
Access to Independence
Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Options for Independent Living

08/10/2026

Did you know Options has a Loan Closet?

Whether you're recovering from surgery, experiencing a temporary injury, caring for a loved one, or living with a disability, we may have equipment available to help.

Items can be borrowed for as long as they're needed, including:
✔ Wheelchairs
✔ Walkers
✔ Shower chairs
✔ Commodes
✔ Canes
✔ Knee scooters *
✔ And more!

In 2025 alone, our Loan Closet helped over 1,032 individuals and saved community members over $291,000 in out-of-pocket costs.

To learn more or check availability, contact Roxanne at 920-393-1054.

*due to the high demand for knee scooters we ask that you check back with us after 6 weeks of use.

08/07/2026

Today we celebrate an incredible advocate.

Congratulations to Carl Schulze on completing his journey totaling 11 days, by wheelchair to the Wisconsin State Capitol to raise awareness about protecting Medicaid-funded home and community-based services.

Carl’s message is simple but powerful: people with disabilities deserve the opportunity to live in their own homes, make their own choices, and be part of their communities. Home care isn’t a luxury—it’s what makes independence possible for thousands of Wisconsinites, including older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.

At Options, we see every day how these services help people live the lives they choose. Advocacy like Carl’s reminds us that protecting community living requires all of us to keep speaking up.

Thank you, Carl, for every mile you rolled and every conversation you started. Your determination is helping move our state forward.

We roll with you, Carl. ♿❤️

08/05/2026

👀👂 Did you know changes in hearing and vision can make dementia symptoms seem worse?

When someone has trouble hearing conversations or seeing clearly, it can increase confusion, frustration, isolation, and even safety concerns. The good news? Small changes, assistive technology, and practical strategies can make a big difference.

Join us for the final session of our FREE Dementia Learning Series:

🧠 Seeing, Hearing, Understanding: Navigating Dementia with Vision & Hearing Changes

Together, we'll explore:
✅ How hearing and vision changes impact dementia
✅ Simple communication strategies
✅ Assistive technology and adaptive tools
✅ Ways to support safety, independence, and quality of life

📱 We'll also have information available about Wisconsin's Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP), which helps eligible individuals with hearing, vision, mobility, or speech disabilities access specialized communication equipment.

📅 Thursday, August 20
🕙 10:00–11:30 a.m.

📍 Green Lake: Caestecker Public Library
📍 Montello: ADRC of Marquette County

This session is free and open to caregivers, family members, friends, professionals, and anyone supporting a loved one living with dementia.

Questions or ready to register?
📞 920-393-1050
📧 [email protected]

We hope you'll join us as we wrap up our Dementia Learning Series with practical tools, resources, and technology that can make everyday life a little easier. 💙

Thank you to Green Lake County Aging and Disability Resource Center and ADRC of Marquette County (https://adrcmarquette.org/) for partnering on these community resource sessions.

08/04/2026

There’s still time! We’d love to meet you at the ballpark ⚾️
Contact Jen for tickets!

⚾ Take me out to the ballgame... and support Options for Independent Living!

Looking for something fun to do this week? Join us for a night with the Green Bay Rockers Baseball Club while helping support Options!

🎟️ Your $15 ticket includes a hat, and $7 from every ticket comes right back to Options to help us continue serving people with disabilities throughout Northeast Wisconsin.

📅 Wednesday, August 5
🕠 Gates open: 5:35 p.m. - Capital Credit Union Park
⚾ First pitch: 6:35 p.m.

Bring your family, invite a friend, and enjoy a summer evening at the ballpark—all while making a difference.

To reserve your tickets, contact Jen at 920-490-0500 or [email protected]. We'd love to see you there! 💙

08/03/2026

⚾ Take me out to the ballgame... and support Options for Independent Living!

Looking for something fun to do this week? Join us for a night with the Green Bay Rockers Baseball Club while helping support Options!

🎟️ Your $15 ticket includes a hat, and $7 from every ticket comes right back to Options to help us continue serving people with disabilities throughout Northeast Wisconsin.

📅 Wednesday, August 5
🕠 Gates open: 5:35 p.m. - Capital Credit Union Park
⚾ First pitch: 6:35 p.m.

Bring your family, invite a friend, and enjoy a summer evening at the ballpark—all while making a difference.

To reserve your tickets, contact Jen at 920-490-0500 or [email protected]. We'd love to see you there! 💙

08/01/2026

🎄 We're thinking about Christmas... in July.
Too soon? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. ❤️

Good news! We just heard from the North Pole... Santa has officially announced his return to Options for Sensory Santa on Thursday, December 10, 2026! 🎅✨

Designed for individuals with disabilities and their families, Sensory Santa offers a calm, welcoming, and personalized holiday experience with scheduled time slots allowing everyone to enjoy the magic of the season at their own pace.

📅 Save the date!
Registration and additional details will be shared this fall.

We can't wait to create more holiday memories with our community. ❤️🎄

07/30/2026

Did You Know?

Even though the ADA has been around for 36 years, automatic door openers are NOT required by law.

While automatic door openers improve accessibility for many people, they aren't a standard ADA requirement for most buildings.

However, once installed, they become part of the accessible route and must be maintained in working order or removed.