Independence First

Your FIRST resource on disability and access in the Milwaukee region. We're advocates/provide services.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

Have you ever felt left behind because of your disability?

You’re not alone. And you shouldn’t have to be.

Tell us about a time accessibility made a difference… or when it was missing.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

Video description: Interview with Jordan Scheidecker interspersed with footage of participants riding adaptive cycles, hand cycles, and other adaptive recreation equipment along Milwaukee's lakefront during the RampUp MKE event.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

"Anything that I've done that's hard, I've done because my friends were doing it too."

Jordan Scheidecker of The Ability Center shares why adaptive recreation matters at RampUp MKE.

#RampUpMKE #AdaptiveRecreation #DisabilityInclusion

[Independence First @Independence1st]

More details and how to take part here:

https://t.co/IPULhHb1oH

[Independence First @Independence1st]

Take a hike with Independence First this summer. 🥾🌲

Our free Hiking Club begins June 4th and explores accessible parks and trails across the Milwaukee area every Thursday evening from 6:00–7:30 PM.

Fresh air, mindfulness, movement, and community — everybody is welcome.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

More about the event at this link:

https://t.co/qiIp6mU5r6

[Independence First @Independence1st]

Adaptive cycling creates new opportunities for people with disabilities to stay active and explore Milwaukee’s lakefront.

Join The Ability Center & Independence First at RampUp MKE on May 30 from 1–4 PM at Veterans Park for a free adaptive bike ride and community resource event.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

Browse our @eBay store here:

https://t.co/jBuSS92IQh

[Independence First @Independence1st]

Refurbished power wheelchairs can still have years of life left in them. Through our AIM Program, Independence First repairs and redistributes complex mobility equipment at reduced costs.

Partner of WisTech, Wisconsin’s AT Act program from @DHSWI

[Independence First @Independence1st]

For more than 50 years, Milwaukee peace activist Cookie Anderson has folded origami paper cranes by hand as symbols of peace and hope.

During a recent visit to Independence First, she donated her 120th set of 1,000 cranes representing 120,000 cranes folded over her lifetime.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

Video Description: Independence First Assistive Technology Specialist Tim Kiley stands in his workshop beside a complex power wheelchair while discussing the cost of advanced mobility equipment.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

“How can a wheelchair cost $110,000?”

Tim Kiley from Independence First’s Alternatives in Mobility (AIM) program explains the staggering costs behind complex power wheelchairs, and how refurbished equipment can help people regain independence at a fraction of the price.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

The AIM program is partially supported by WisTech, Wisconsin’s State Assistive Technology Program from @DHSWI

[Independence First @Independence1st]

A special night at the @mkefilm Film Festival 🎬

We had the chance to meet Amber Galloway, the subject of The Way We Move, ahead of the final screening at the Oriental Theatre. Grateful for the conversations, connections, and continued push for accessibility.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

Big step for accessibility in Milwaukee ✈️💙

At Milwaukee @MitchellAirport Airport, travelers can now use @airaio ASL for free to connect instantly with a live ASL interpreter.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

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

[Independence First @Independence1st]

🎬 We had a great time at the @mkefilm Milwaukee Film Festival!

We attended The Way We Move, a powerful film about music, Deaf culture, and finding your purpose.

Catch it again:
📅 Apr 21 • 2 PM
📅 Apr 30 • 4:45 PM
📍 Oriental Theatre
#MKEFilm #DeafCulture #Accessibility

[Independence First @Independence1st]

Video description:
Janelle Joiner, an intern at Independence First who is blind walks through an office hallway using her cane. As she moves through the space, she explains the importance of accessibility.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

Accessibility isn’t extra, it’s essential.
Today, Janelle shares why accessibility looks different for everyone but it matters to all of us.
#AccessibilityMatters

[Independence First @Independence1st]

🎥 Video Description:
Tim Kiley demonstrates a refurbished Group 1 power wheelchair inside the Independence First office, driving it through an open workspace while explaining how donated equipment is repaired and reused.

[Independence First @Independence1st]

Do you have medical equipment you’re no longer using? It could make a meaningful difference for someone in our community.