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.

06/11/2026

Words matter. During our recent "IF Confidential" staff learning day, Gerald Hay, Director of Independent Living Services, spoke about disability language, inclusion, and the importance of seeing people with disabilities as people first.

Learning how to talk about disability respectfully takes practice, but those conversations help create a more inclusive community for everyone.

Video Description: Gerald Hay, Director of Independent Living Services at Independence First, speaks during the agency's "IF Confidential" staff learning day. As he talks about disability language and inclusion, the video cuts between Gerald speaking at a podium and footage of people with disabilities participating in Independent living. Gerald discusses the importance of thoughtful communication, recognizing that learning inclusive language takes practice, and remembering that people with disabilities are people first.

🌶️ Thank You, Penzey's Spices! 🧀📦We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to Penzeys Spices for their generous donation to...
06/11/2026

🌶️ Thank You, Penzey's Spices! 🧀📦

We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to Penzeys Spices for their generous donation to Independence First's Senior Food Distribution program.

Thanks to a donation valued at more than $1,500, every eligible senior attending tomorrow's food distribution will receive a packet of Penzeys Forward! seasoning and a jar of Penzeys Black Pepper in addition to their monthly food box.

Our monthly Senior Food Distribution, administered locally through our partnership with Hunger Task Force, Inc., helps eligible older adults access nutritious shelf-stable foods, including cereal, milk, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta or rice, protein, juice, and Wisconsin cheese.

📅 Senior Food Distribution is tomorrow from 10:00 - 11:00 AM! If you are currently enrolled in the program, we look forward to seeing you. If you know a low-income adult age 60 or older who may qualify, please encourage them to learn more about this valuable resource.

Thank you again to Penzeys for helping add a little extra flavor to our community's tables while supporting local seniors. ❤️

Independence First was proud to host the Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force (MMHTF) Behavioral Health Services Resource...
06/10/2026

Independence First was proud to host the Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force (MMHTF) Behavioral Health Services Resource Fair and Community Forum.

The event brought together more than 20 organizations dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of Milwaukee County residents. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with providers and advocates offering information on mental health services, crisis support, housing resources, peer support programs, recovery services, and other community-based resources.

A special thank you to the Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force for organizing this important event and for their ongoing work to improve access to behavioral health services throughout our community. We appreciate everyone who participated, shared their expertise, and helped connect people with the support they need.

Together, we can continue building a healthier, more connected Milwaukee.

06/09/2026

When a power wheelchair fits just right, replacing it isn't always an option.

For Milwaukee resident Joel, his Quickie P222SE power wheelchair has allowed him to maintain the setup that works best for his needs. The challenge? The chair was discontinued years ago, making repairs and replacement parts increasingly difficult to find.

As Joel explains, even small changes in equipment can have a major impact on independence and daily function. By helping refurbish, repair, and preserve equipment that still meets a person's needs, AIM helps consumers continue living independently and comfortably.

The Alternatives in Mobility (AIM) program is partially supported by WisTech Assistive Technology Advisory Council, Wisconsin's State Assistive Technology Program.

Video description: Joel and Independence First's Tim Kiley explain why keeping the same equipment matters and how the Alternatives in Mobility (AIM) program helps people maintain and repair mobility equipment that other providers may no longer service.

06/08/2026

What can you do with a blank journal, some stickers, old papers, photographs, and a little imagination?

At our first Arts & Crafts Workshop of the summer, participants created junk journals. They're personal works of art made from collages, keepsakes, drawings, stickers, and found materials. There are no rules and no right or wrong way to do it. Each journal becomes a unique reflection of the person creating it.

Missed this session? There's still time to join us! Our free Arts & Crafts Workshop Series continues throughout the summer with new projects every other Wednesday.

🎨 June 17 – Diorama-rama
🧵 July 8 – Just Bead It
🏺 July 22 – Clayful Creations
🖨️ August 5 – Carve It Up (Linocut)
♻️ August 19 – Waste to Wow

Check out the link in the comments or contact Independence First to learn more.

Video Description:
Independence First staff members Yer Thao and Lori Stankiewicz discuss the junk journals created during the first Arts & Crafts Workshop of the summer. They explain how junk journals use stickers, photographs, tickets, drawings, scrap paper, found objects, and other materials to create personalized works of art. As they speak, examples of completed journals and workshop projects are shown. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to join future Arts & Crafts Workshop sessions at Independence First.

Last week, the Independence First team took a break from our daily work to celebrate one another at our annual Employee ...
06/08/2026

Last week, the Independence First team took a break from our daily work to celebrate one another at our annual Employee Appreciation Event. Staff gathered at ComedySportz Worldwide Milwaukee for lunch, laughter, and an afternoon of fun together.

Every day, our employees work to advance independence, accessibility, and inclusion for people with disabilities throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Events like this are an opportunity to recognize their dedication, strengthen connections across departments, and simply enjoy each other's company.

A big thank you to our incredible staff for everything you do to support our consumers and community. We appreciate you!

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🌱 This week, our Plant Pals group took a field trip to Kellner Greenhouse in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood!Nine par...
06/08/2026

🌱 This week, our Plant Pals group took a field trip to Kellner Greenhouse in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood!

Nine participants joined organizers Mary Wegner and Yer Thao to explore the greenhouse and gather ideas for the sensory garden they will be creating at Independence First. Along the way, participants learned about sensory gardens and took part in a scavenger hunt that encouraged them to identify plants and garden features that engage the senses of touch, smell, sight, taste, and hearing.

Thank you to Kellner Greenhouse for welcoming our group and helping Plant Pals grow! 🌼🌿

We were honored to welcome Assemblyman Angelito Tenorio to Independence First this week for a tour of our Milwaukee head...
06/05/2026

We were honored to welcome Assemblyman Angelito Tenorio to Independence First this week for a tour of our Milwaukee headquarters and a discussion about the issues that matter most to people with disabilities.

During his visit, Representative Tenorio learned more about our programs and services, including our assistive technology resources, adaptive kitchen, sensory space, and wheelchair repair and refurbishment workshop. He also met with staff to hear firsthand about the opportunities and challenges facing people with disabilities in our community.

We appreciated the opportunity to discuss shared priorities, including improving access to employment supports through DVR, expanding transportation options, and advancing accessibility across Wisconsin. We look forward to continuing the conversation and exploring ways we can work together to support greater independence and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Thank you, Angelito Tenorio for State Assembly, for taking the time to visit and learn more about the work we do every day.

06/05/2026

Adaptive gaming means more people can have fun.

That includes Adolfo. During our first Summertime Vibes session of the summer, Adolfo demonstrated an adaptive gaming controller designed for people with limited dexterity or high muscle tone. The controller makes it easier to access games on the Nintendo Switch and other gaming systems.

Adolfo is a 19-year-old student who will be attending University of Wisconsin Milwaukee this fall to study social work. He joined Summertime Vibes to meet new people, build connections, and enjoy accessible recreation alongside peers with disabilities.

At Independence First, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to participate, belong, and enjoy the activities they love.

Video Description:
Adolfo Espejo, a 19-year-old college student shares how adaptive gaming technology helps him connect with others, have fun, and build community. In this video, Adolfo demonstrates an adaptive controller during Independence First's Summertime Vibes program while playing Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games.

🎨✨ Creativity was on full display this week at Independence First's Arts & Crafts Workshop!Participants gathered for Jun...
06/04/2026

🎨✨ Creativity was on full display this week at Independence First's Arts & Crafts Workshop!

Participants gathered for Junk Journal Junction, the first session in our summer Arts & Crafts series. Unlike a traditional journal, a junk journal uses images, stickers, drawings, found objects, keepsakes, and other creative materials to tell a story or express ideas without relying on words. No two journals are alike, and each participant created something uniquely their own.

Missed this session? There's still time to join us! Our free Arts & Crafts Workshop Series continues throughout the summer with a variety of hands-on projects, including dioramas, beadwork, clay creations, linocut printmaking, and more.

Upcoming workshops:
🎨 June 17 – Diorama-rama
🧵 July 8 – Just Bead It
🏺 July 22 – Clayful Creations
🖨️ August 5 – Carve It Up (Linocut)
♻️ August 19 – Waste to Wow

Want to join? Check out the link in the comments. All supplies are provided free of charge. We hope to see you at a future session!

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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