Access to Independence

02/17/2026

Are you familiar with WisLoan and Telework?

These are alternative loan programs that assist Wisconsin residents with disabilities to acquire technologies to become self-employed or to work from home. These loan programs are different from traditional bank loans because a bank doesn’t make the final decision, the WisLoan and Telework Board does. That allows flexibility for people who have an item they need to maintain their independence, but have trouble coming up with the money all at once or finding other ways to pay for what they need.

Want to learn more? Simply contact Access to Independence for information at 608-242-8484 or email info@accesstoind.org

WisLoan and Telework are alternative loan programs that assist Wisconsin residents with disabilities to acquire technologies to become self-employed or to wo...

02/12/2026

Big goals. One powerful day.

The Big Share hosted by Community Shares of Wisconsin, is Tuesday, March 3!

Support Access to Independence during this one-day, community-powered giving event.

Donate now through March 3! When you give, you’re helping ensure that people with disabilities have a trusted place to turn, a voice at the table, and the tools they need to live full, self-directed lives.

Give today to build tomorrow: https://www.thebigshare.org/organizations/access-to-independence

For even more fun, tune in to “The Big Share Live,” a day-long telethon streaming live on TheBigShare.org on March 3.

02/12/2026

Action Alert: The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is up for a vote this week, likely on Wednesday, February 11. If voting rights are important to you, contact your members of Congress.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is up for a vote this week, likely on Wednesday, February 11. If voting rights are important to you, contact your members of Congress.

This act would add more barriers to voting, such as:

Requiring every American citizen to provide specific documents, such as a passport or an original birth certificate, in person when registering to vote and whenever they update their voter registration.

Eliminating mail-in and online registrations.

Requiring photo ID in every state (WI already requires photo ID to vote).

The SAVE Act would disproportionately impact people with disabilities, older adults, women who change their name when they get married, and other minorities.

Millions of Americans do not have access to their birth certificate and obtaining a copy can be costly.

Half of Americans, especially lower-income Americans, do not have a passport.

Eliminating mail-in voting options and online voting registration adds transportation barriers that are already problems for non-drivers.

Find your members of Congress here:
https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

Alt text: graphic reads Take Action Now

02/06/2026

📢Action Alert: This past week we learned that the House of Representatives Education and Workforce Committee is hosting a field hearing on the topic of “Work, Dignity, and Choice in Disability Employment.” This hearing will take place at Green Valley Enterprises in Beaver Dam WI, on February 13th at 11:15am.

Green Valley is a facility that employs people with disabilities to work for less than minimum wage. It is the stance of Access to Independence, our state coalition, and our national associations to oppose subminimum wage and segregated employment.

Access to Independence and the Wisconsin Independent Living Network believes that everyone deserves to make at least minimum wage and has been fighting to overturn section 14(c) at the federal level.

🟠We encourage those who can attend the hearing to show up and explain to the House Committee the value of the disability community, and why you deserve a living wage for work. The Hearing is being held at: Green Valley Enterprises, 1223 Madison St., Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

🟠If you are unable to attend, we urge you to contact your Representatives to let them know your stance on paying people with disabilities sub-minimum wage.

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!