Access 2 Independence

03/31/2026

During the March City Council meeting, Mayor Bruce Teague declared March 31, 2026, Transgender Day of Visibility in Iowa City. The City and the world observe Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces.

03/31/2026

Our Ink 4 Independence flyers are here! Let us know if you would like one to hang at your business to help us generate exposure for this amazing event :)

03/31/2026

Join the Iowa Disability Policy Alliance April 1 at the Capitol—raise your voice so Iowans can live, work, play, flourish.

03/26/2026

03/26/2026

Access 2 Independence will be partnering with the Iowa DD Council, ASK Resource Center, Disability Rights Iowa, and the UCEDD again for this summer's Youth Leadership Academy (YLA)! YLA is for youth and young adults with disabilities ages 14–21 and is a way to connect with peers with disabilities and learn leadership skills.

To learn more and apply: https://www.iowaddcouncil.org/yla

Apply for Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) 2026! ✨

Do you want to learn about being a leader? If so, YLA is for you!

YLA is a way to connect with peers with disabilities and learn leadership skills. Spend two hours per day for five days this summer and gain skills for a lifetime. All sessions are virtual and FREE!

Learn more and apply: https://vist.ly/4uqcc

03/25/2026

The Iowa Disability Film Festival opens this Thursday!

In addition to the five films in the lineup, the festival offers multiple opportunities for community connection:

3/26-4/2 – This Body of Work photography exhibit at the Chauncey
3/26, 4-6pm – Disability Community Social with The Englert Theatre at fix Coffee
3/27, 8:45pm-10pm – Friday night dessert reception at the Chauncey
3/28, 1:30pm – Coffee Convo on DIY Media at fix Coffee
3/29, 1:30pm – Coffee Convo on Caretaker Community at fix Coffee

Details: icfilmscene.org/series/iowa-disability-film-festival/

03/16/2026

Access 2 Independence will be CLOSED today, 3/16/26 due to inclement weather. We will be open on Tuesday 3/17/26 for our normal business hours. Be safe & stay warm!

03/15/2026

03/12/2026

Our tattoo artists are interested in what designs you’d like to see available for our upcoming Ink 4 Independence Event with Velvet Lotus Tattoo on Saturday, May 16th from 11am-7pm. No guarantees ideas will be chosen for tattoo flash, but shoot us some inspiring ideas whether disability related or just for fun for those that still want to support this meaningful cause!

ID: An off white background with artwork of Ratfink, a goofy, green mouse guy who is using a wheelchair to go fast with flames and flies. Created by Michelle Balhan from a previous Ink 4 Independence Event. Next to Ratfink is a fierce looking purple leopard with heart spots created by Kat Keller from a previous Ink 4 Independence Event. Incorporated on the graphic is Velvet Lotus' logo with a panther and lotus flower and the standard Access 2 Independence Logo with the State of Iowa and a wheelchair. In the corner of the graphic are pink and green squiggles and half circles. Graphic Reads, "Ink 4 Independence. Tattoo ideas welcomed. Not guaranteed. Save the Date: May 16th 11am-7pm."