Options for Independent Living

04/23/2026

The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge just dropped 144 short films—all created in 5 days by teams that include disabled creators! 🎥

This is what inclusion looks like.
Real stories. Real perspectives. Real talent.

Because disability isn’t something to edit out—it belongs in the story.

And honestly? We need more of this.

Have you ever created something...... or wanted to?

Check out more here: https://disabilityfilmchallenge.com/

04/22/2026

Assistive technology is about far more than basic needs; it is the foundation for participation, independence, safety, and dignity.

It is the difference between simply surviving and truly thriving.

WisTech Assistive Technology Advisory Council--Wisconsin’s AT Act Program and Independent Living Centers, like Options support access to assistive technology across our state.

As we work toward a more inclusive future, consider these three questions:
• Personal Tech: Have you explored the built-in accessibility features on your everyday devices?
• The Workplace: Does your organization actively prioritize inclusive technology for all employees?
• Community: Are your public events and digital spaces fully accessible to every participant?

Remember: Assistive Technology. Everywhere. Everyone!

04/22/2026

Accessibility Highlight: NEW Zoo & Adventure Park 🌟
Looking for a fun, inclusive family outing? Check out the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park!

Options Director of Advocacy and Outreach, Autumn Nordall visited using Options Adaptive Rec manual wheelchair attachment and captured these photos showcasing the zoo’s sensory-friendly supports!

Sensory Bags: Available at Guest Services, these KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Bags include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and more — designed to support a calm, comfortable visit for guests with sensory sensitivities.

Care Cabins: Cozy cabins throughout the zoo offer quiet space for sensory breaks and privacy for things like nursing, pumping, or diaper changes — a helpful resource for many families.

Thank you to the NEW Zoo for taking steps to ensure more people can comfortably enjoy time with animals, nature, and each other! 💚

04/20/2026

🦽✨ The countdown is on — the Fox Valley Wheelchair Wash is right around the corner! We’re just a couple weeks away from one of our favorite community events of the year, and we’d love to see you there.

We’re getting excited for a day full of connection, community, and FUN on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Whether you’re coming for a free wash and safety check, the food, the fun, or just to connect — there’s something here for everyone.

✨ Here’s what you can look forward to:
• Free wheelchair & mobility device washes + safety inspections by certified Numotion technicians
• Free lunch for participants by the wandering table
• Adaptive recreation demos from Options
•Valley Transit Bus Experience with a travel trainer
🎯 11:30 AM – Scam Bingo with Appleton Police Department
🎶 12:30 PM – SINGO BINGO with Senior Solutions

This event is all about community, accessibility, and showing up for one another — and it truly gets better every year because of YOU.

📍 John Fischer Manor, Appleton
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📞 Register with Lutheran Social Services Make The Ride Happen (recommended): 920-225-1719
Walk-ins welcome!

Bring a friend, spread the word, and come be part of something really special. ❤

04/20/2026

Lost food due to evacuation? You may be able to replace your FoodShare or Summer EBT benefits.

If you were forced to leave your home and lost food because of the flooding, you can request replacement benefits.

⏰ Important: You only have 10 days from when the food was lost to submit your request.

To help process your request faster, you may be asked to provide documentation of the emergency, such as:
-evacuation notices from your city, village, or county
-information shared by first responders

How to apply:
Fill out a form online at access.wi.gov
Print and submit a form from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Call or visit your local agency: dhs.wi.gov/im-agency

Please consider sharing this—many people may not realize they qualify or that the timeline is so short.

And as always, if you need support or equipment during this time, Options is here for you. 💙

04/18/2026

If your were affected by recent storms or flooding, help is available.

👉 Use 211 Wisconsin to connect with storm or flooding cleanup services or referrals to find other services.
👉 If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, the Disaster Distress Helpline offers free, 24/7, confidential, multilingual emotional support.➡ Call or text 800-985-5990.

04/18/2026

🎉 Come join us for this fun community event and 1K/5K! We’re excited to be part of the day and would love for you to stop by the Options booth.

We’ll be showcasing some amazing adaptive recreation equipment, including our Trackchair, handcycles-including our Bowhead Corp, and the Cascade Cart from Huckleberry Hiking—come check them out and learn how accessibility helps open the outdoors for everyone.

We can’t wait to see you there and cheer everyone on! 🏃‍♀️🦽💙

We’re almost to the starting line for our 1st Limitless 5K/1K!🎉

There are just a few spots left to register, and prices increase tomorrow, so now’s the time to sign up! Current pricing is $25 for youth and $35 for adults, increasing to $30 and $40.

We’re also looking for a few more volunteers to help make race day truly amazing. Come be part of something special!💚

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Set Up (4) | 6:30–8am
Set up course, arches & tables

Registration/Info (2) | 8:15–9:30am
Check-in & packet pickup

Course Marshals (10) | 9–10:45am
Cheer + keep participants safe

Water Station (6) | 9–10:30am
Cheer & hand out water

Medals & Snacks (4) | 8:45–10:45am
Celebrate finishers 🎉

Clean Up (2) | 10–11am
Take down & clean up

Bike Support (2) | 9–10:45am
Ride the course for safety

Sign up to volunteer or register: https://buff.ly/qOLMsPm \

04/16/2026

Accessible showers are available at the YMCA of the Fox Cities for community members impacted by flooding.

They are offering shower access, including accessible spaces, for anyone who needs a safe place to clean up.

Sometimes it’s the simple things—like a safe place to shower—that make a big difference.

Thank you to the YMCA for stepping up to support our community during this time. 💙

And as always, if you need equipment or support, Options is here for you.

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the recent flooding in Weyauwega-Fremont, Shiocton and New London. We know this is an incredibly difficult time, and we want to help where we can.

Those displaced by the flooding are welcome to stop by the Fox West YMCA to use showers and phone charging during business hours, until further notice.

A valid ID will be requested at the front desk so we can safely welcome guests into the building. This support is available to individuals from the impacted communities.

04/15/2026

Flooding in your community? Please know you are not alone.

If you or someone you know had to leave equipment behind due to flooding or evacuation, Options may be able to help through our LEND closet.

We currently have items available such as:
-canes
-crutches
-bedside rails
-commodes
-bath benches / shower chairs
-walkers
-manual wheelchairs
-patient lifts

If you need temporary equipment support, please give us a call at 920-490-0500.

If you had to leave your home and need a place to charge your power wheelchair, scooter, or other power mobility equipment, our office is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM and we welcome you to stop in.

This is also a good time to check on your neighbors, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and anyone who may need extra support during this flooding.

Sometimes a quick phone call, text, or knock on the door can make all the difference.

Please stay safe and reach out if we can help.
Options is here for you.

04/15/2026

It's okay to ask for help!

In Wisconsin, help is just three numbers away! Whether you need community resources, crisis support, or emergency assistance, you can call:
🔵 211 for essential services like food, housing, and healthcare
🟠 988 for crisis and mental health support
🔴 911 for emergencies

It's okay to ask for help—know the right number for the right situation and get connected to the support you need.

04/13/2026

Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets — it’s a great time to refresh your home for safety, accessibility, and peace of mind. 🌷🏡

At Options, we offer home safety assessments and accessibility assessments to help identify ways to prevent falls, improve access, and make everyday living safer and easier at home.

Whether it’s for you or someone you love, sometimes a few small changes can make a big difference.

📞 Call us at 920-490-0500 to learn more.

04/12/2026

🦽✨ The countdown is on — the Fox Valley Wheelchair Wash is almost here!

We’re getting excited for a day full of connection, community, and FUN on Friday, May 8, 2026 at John Fischer Manor in Appleton.

Along with free wheelchair and mobility device washes, safety inspections by certified Numotion technicians, lunch from the wandering table, adaptive recreation demos by Options, and a Valley Transit experience, we’ve added even more fun with Bingo:

🎯 11:30 AM – Scam Bingo with APD
Learn how to spot common scams while having a little fun with Appleton Police Department.

🎶 12:30 PM – SINGO BINGO with Senior Solutions
Music, laughs, and prizes — always a crowd favorite!

Whether you use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, or other mobility device, this day is all about support, accessibility, and bringing our community together.

📍 John Fischer Manor, 330 E. 1st Ave., Appleton
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📞 Registration encouraged through LSS Make The Ride Happen: 920-225-1719
Roll-ins are always welcome!

Come for the wash, stay for the community. ❤️