Access to Independence

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

12/17/2025

Do you want to learn more about the power of collective action to impact issues important to the disability community? Whether it’s cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, the lack of caregivers, quality education, or other issues important to the disability community, this training will give you the connections and skills to have a greater impact on public policy.

The Survival Coalition is a group of disability organizations in WI, and is offering a free, virtual, 3-part community organizing training

If you have questions about the training, you can contact Jeremy Gundlach at jeremy.gundlach@wisconsin.gov. Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

Register here:
bit.ly/CommunityOrganizing2026

If you are interested in connecting with others in our area to tackle advocacy issues, please reach out to us at 608-242-8484 or email info@accesstoind.org

12/04/2025

Friend of the agency, and author Cheryl Schiltz will be doing a book reading at JavaAbilities this Saturday! This would make a great weekend plan.

We have a very exciting event coming up this upcoming weekend and I hope that you'll be able to join us. Please join Cheryl Schlitz as she shares her story of being introduced to disability and her journey. I've known Cheryl for many years and been impressed with her work and her advocacy.

This book reading, discussion and signing will happen at JavaAbilities this upcoming Saturday December 6th at 1:00 pm.

Please plan to grab any goodies or coffee before we close by 2pm and settle in for an edifying time and discussion. Books available for signing as well as Cheryl's photography art (which is amazing) will be on display.

We hope JavaAbilities can continue to host events like these and ask that even if you can't attend that you would share.
❤️

https://cherylschiltz.com/about-cheryl-schiltz/

12/03/2025

We are excited to share that Chelsey Myhre Foster (she/her/they/them) has joined Access to Independence as our new Assistant Director!

Chelsey brings a wealth of experience, fresh energy, and a strong commitment to supporting our mission and the communities we serve. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team and look forward to more of the leadership, insight, and passion she has already brought to our work.

Please join us in giving Chelsey a warm welcome as they step into this new role!

11/27/2025

Our office will be closed November 27th and 28th. We will re-open at 8am on Monday, December 1st. Thank you!

11/27/2025

Thank you for believing in our work, and for helping us continue empowering people with disabilities in our community.

While we are relieved that the federal government shutdown has come to an end, the impact on our organization will not disappear overnight. Access to Independence is now entering a transition period as we wait for our funding to resume — a process that is taking time to materialize.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has already stepped forward with donations, encouragement, and shared messages. Your generosity has made an immediate difference and helped us stay grounded during a challenging time.

As we move through this recovery period, support is still much needed. If you are in a position to give, please visit https://givebutter.com/helpaccess

11/20/2025

We are so excited to be in partnership with Community Shares of Wisconsin, and thrilled to be involved with these other amazing organizations that are making real differences in Wisconsin!! 🧡

11/05/2025

🚨 We could still use your help!

Because of the government shutdown, over $500,000 in critical grant funding has been frozen — funding that supports people, programs and activities that empower people with disabilities.

Help us reach our goal of $25,000. Your gift — of any size — will directly fund wages, benefits, and operating costs that are at risk right now. Every dollar helps protect staff and keep vital services uninterrupted for our community.

👉 https://givebutter.com/HelpAccess

11/03/2025

🍔 Days Away From A Yummy Fundraiser! 🌭

Join us on Thursday, November 6th from 5–8 PM at Portillo’s (7230 W Towne Way, Madison) and help support Access to Independence!

When you show this flyer (printed or on your phone) or use our special pickup code for online orders, 20% of your order will help fund programs and services for people with disabilities in our community. 💙(online order code:Portillos69)

📲 Prefer to support from home? You can also give directly through our online campaign here: https://givebutter.com/helpaccess

Every meal and every gift helps us keep accessibility and inclusion moving forward. Thank you for being part of our mission! 🙌

10/29/2025

🍔🌭 Haven’t made dinner plans yet? We’ve got you covered!

Join us November 6th from 5–8 PM at Portillo’s (7230 W Towne Way, Madison) and help support Access to Independence!

When you show this flyer (printed or on your phone) or use our special pickup code for online orders, 20% of your order will help fund programs and services for people with disabilities in our community. 💙(online order code:Portillos69)

📲 Prefer to support from home? You can also give directly through our online campaign here: https://givebutter.com/helpaccess

Every meal and every gift helps us keep accessibility and inclusion moving forward. Thank you for being part of our mission! 🙌