Access to Independence

02/03/2026

Disability Advocacy Day is back in-person this year and registration is open! Join us in Madison on Thursday March 19th with other advocates from around the state and meet with your elected officials. This is a great opportunity to share your story and educate your legislators on disability rights!

Registration is free but required to attend. Register by March 2nd.

Register here: https://bit.ly/DAD2026

Spanish registration: https://bit.ly/DAD2026Span

02/02/2026

Check out the Clean Lakes Alliance fundraiser for an accessible ramp!

This ramp will provide equitable access for people using wheelchairs, mobility aids, strollers, and adaptive equipment, ensuring that everyone can fully experience this year's Frozen Assets Festival.

https://cleanlakesalliance.org/frozen-assets/

01/23/2026

Due to the extreme cold, our office will be closed today, Friday January 23rd. We are still available by phone or email at 608-716-7160 / info@accesstoind.org. Our regular business hours will resume on Monday, January 26th. Thank you and stay safe and warm!

Winter weather and extreme cold resources: https://www.cityofmadison.com/live-work/winter/safety-tips/winter-storms-and-extreme-cold

01/23/2026

Access to Independence is excited to announce our new membership with Community Shares of Wisconsin, a collaborative network of local nonprofit organizations working to address social, economic, and environmental challenges through grassroots action, advocacy, research, and public education.

🧡Save the date for The Big Share on Tuesday, March 3.🧡
This online day of giving hosted by Community Shares of Wisconsin is a fun and easy way to donate to Access to Independence and the other member nonprofits of Community Shares of Wisconsin.

We’re so excited to be a part of this day of impact for the first time!
Mark your calendar for March 3rd and get ready for The Big Share.

01/22/2026

Snow and extreme cold is in the forecast this week. Staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Learn how to protect yourself and prepare for extreme Winter weather through the City of Madison, Wisconsin Government webpage on Winter Safety.

https://www.cityofmadison.com/live-work/winter/safety-tips/winter-storms-and-extreme-cold

https://www.cityofmadison.com/council/district17/blog/2024-01-09/resources-for-extreme-cold-weather-conditions

01/21/2026

Through our partnership with WisTech Assistive Technology Advisory Council, we have over 1,000 assistive technology devices available for loan and demonstration! Learn more by calling us at 608-242-8484 or email info@accesstoind.org

WisTech Assistive Technology Advisory Council helps make assistive technology accessible to people across Wisconsin.

This statewide program partners with every one of Wisconsin’s Independent Living Centers — including Options — to make assistive technology easier to explore, try, and understand.

Through WisTech, people across all 72 counties can access assistive technology in ways that are accessible, affordable, and hands-on.

Here’s what that partnership makes possible:
🔹 Short-term device loans
Try equipment at home, work, or school before making a purchase.

🔹 Device demonstrations
Side-by-side comparisons of features, accessibility, and real-life use.

🔹 Support choosing the right equipment
Guidance on options, funding sources, and vendors.

🔹 Independence through technology
Communication devices, smart home tools, adaptive switches, apps, mobility aids, and more.

We’re grateful for WisTech’s dedication to ensuring every Wisconsin resident — regardless of income, disability, or location — can explore tools that support independence.

If you or someone you love wants to learn more about assistive technology, try devices, or get guidance, we’re here to help you get started.

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

01/19/2026

Our office will be closed today, Monday January 19th. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, January 20th at 8am. Thank you!

01/09/2026

Our Accessibility Services team was proud to partner with the City of Madison, Wisconsin Government to deliver an ADA Checklist Training: From Compliance to Usability—Understanding the “Why” Behind the ADA Checklist.

This training helped deepen understanding of core ADA design principles and equipped city staff with the tools to identify and prevent barriers before they occur. Ensuring access is more than checking a box, it’s about creating spaces that are welcoming, usable, and inclusive for everyone.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the City in strengthening accessibility across our community!

01/07/2026

We are honored to share that Access to Independence has received a grant from the Evjue Foundation! This grant will support housing services provided by Access to Independence. Such services include housing-related information, resources, and referrals; completing housing applications and appeals; housing advocacy for needs like accessibility and service animals; and supporting individuals with locating housing options, including those that are affordable and accessible.

The Evjue Foundation, The Capital Times charitable arm, has granted nearly $73 million in grants since it was established in 1958.

Thank you to the Evjue Foundation for investing in our community and helping us continue to make a difference!

Learn more:

Recipients of major grants in this funding cycle include Access Community Health Centers and the United Way of Dane County.

01/05/2026

🧡 Starting 2026 In Gratitude

2025 brought its share of challenges, including a temporary funding pause during the government shutdown. But thanks to your generosity—whether through donations, sharing our message, or simply believing in our mission—we kept moving forward

Despite the challenges in 2025, we made incredible strides!

✨ Highlights from 2025:

-The Artists Beyond Boundaries showcased accessibility in art
-Our Adaptive Gaming Expo opened doors for inclusive gaming
-We launched the Bilingual Transition Specialist role to make language access a core part of our services
-The Accessibility Services team completed major projects
-We welcomed a new Assistant Director to lead growth of our work and impact

💙 Thank you for supporting us, for believing in independence for all people with disabilities, and for helping us create a community where everyone belongs.

12/24/2025

Holiday Hours of Operation ⛄

❄ On Friday, December 26th, and Friday, January 2nd, our office doors will remain locked, and we will offer services by appointment only.

❄ We’ll still be responding to voicemails, emails, and web inquiries on those days.

❄ If you need to visit the office on those days, please schedule an appointment in advance. Call us at 608-242-8484 or email info@accesstoind.org

🧡 From all of us at Access to Independence, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful New Year! Thank you for being part of our community—we look forward to serving you in 2026.

12/18/2025

Our kitchen came alive during last night’s Youth Cooking Class! Youth Services Specialist Tara and Assistant Director Chelsey worked side by side with students, teaching them essential cooking skills that build independence and confidence. Together, they explored fresh ingredients, navigated different kitchen appliances to cook rice, and created colorful nacho platters and hearty burrito bowls. Our stomachs are still rumbling thinking about it!

Youth cooking classes and many other skills training classes are available to CLTS participants. Build confidence, social connection, and independence in a fun environment! To learn more, contact our office at 608-242-8484 or email info@accesstoind.org