Access to Independence

04/02/2026

During IL (Independent Living) Days this year, we were joined by two authors Jim Wahner (front left) and Jean Logan (Front right).

They attended IL Days to highlight their year's long effort to complete their book, "Wheelchair Commandos and Legislative Lions: How Wisconsin Led the Fight for Disability Rights in 20th-Century America"

This memoir uncovers the largely unwritten 20th-century history of Wisconsin’s organized movement to secure the rights of people with physical disabilities.

As a result, Wisconsin emerged as a national leader in advancing community-based, independence-promoting, rights-based systemic and sustainable reform.

We wanted to extend a big thank you for coming out to this event!

You can learn more about the history of IL in Wisconsin and about the pioneers of disabilities rights in our state by purchasing a copy of their book: https://henschelhausbooks.com/product/wheelchair-commandos-and-legislative-lions/

HenschelHAUS Publishing Inc.

04/01/2026

The City of Madison Civil Rights is hosting a FREE class!

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Employment.
Know your rights, know your responsibilities.

Virtual: April 8, 2026, 12:00-1:30 pm
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ada-employment-tickets-1985287323828?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawQ6Pu1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqa1gzTzRBZjBXUUxudWlhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHgHqX4tfG44lVjpsG0rKLfDWAp9Rcj6kFAbZ9RTmFN31u1GB7HWRwEMfPT_aem_p2K_5YMHt8fDV5Sz15qKTg

For more information or accommodations, email: RHoyt@CityofMadison.com

FREE CLASS!!!

Americans with Disabilities Act �(ADA) and�Employment know your rights know your responsibilities.

Virtual: April 8, 2026, 12:00-1:30 pm
Eventbrite link:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ada-employment-tickets-1985287323828?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information or accommodations, email: RHoyt@CityofMadison.com

03/31/2026

Our office will be open by appointment only this Friday, April 3rd. Call or email us ahead of time if you're planning on stopping by on Friday.

No appointment, no worries! We'll still be available to answer questions by email or phone!

608-242-8484 | info@accesstoind.org

03/31/2026

We’re excited to award Downtown Madison, Inc. this year’s Relentless Badger Award! 🏆

Each year, all eight of Wisconsin’s Independent Living Centers nominate organizations and individuals who go above and beyond to advance independent living and build more accessible communities.

Downtown Madison Inc (DMI), led by their president Jason Ilstrup, is being recognized for their year's long commitment to building a more accessible and inclusive downtown Madison. Through collaboration, innovation, and real investment in accessibility initiatives, they’ve helped move beyond compliance to create meaningful change.

From accessibility guides and inclusive design trainings to the development of a taskforce that shapes more accessible and equitable housing and public spaces, their impact is making a difference. We’re grateful for their continued leadership and dedication to a community where everyone belongs.

Thank you to Brenda Gonzalez, Board member for DMI, and Chair of the DMI Inclusiveness Committee for accepting the award on DMI’s behalf!

03/30/2026

This year's IL (Independent Living) Days was incredible!

We spent time alongside members from all eight of Wisconsin’s Independent Living Centers to train on important disability and community related topics as well as share more about the work each center does to empower people with disabilities.

We also spent time at the Capitol educating our Representatives about our services and advocating for disability rights and inclusive solutions for our communities.

03/24/2026

Our office will be closed Wednesday, March 25th and Thursday, March 26th to allow our staff the opportunity to attend a statewide training and disability advocacy day. We'll be open again on Friday at 8am. Thank you!

03/19/2026

We had an incredible time at the Milwaukee Esports Alliance Summit at the UWM Panther Arena!

We were excited to be a part of the conversation around accessibility and inclusion in the growing world of esports. A huge thank you to Cassandra Potter from Access Elevator, Inc.!

Stay tuned for more information around this year's Adaptive Gaming Expo returning to Madison in Summer of 2026.

03/16/2026

We had a great time at the Better Together Health Fair sponsored by Madison! We love sharing about our disability resources and services any chance we get. Where are some other resource fairs you'd like to see us at?

03/16/2026

Due to the weather, our office will be closed today, Monday March 16th.

We are still available by phone or email at 608-242-8484 info@accesstoind.org.

Thank you and stay safe and warm!

03/04/2026

We had such a great time at our very Big Share fundraiser!

A heartfelt thank you to Community Shares of Wisconsin for hosting such a meaningful and energizing event. We are so grateful for your partnership and leadership!

To everyone who donated, shared, and showed up in support, thank you! Because of you, our first Big Share fundraiser was a true success. Your generosity helps power independence, remove barriers, and ensure people with disabilities have access to the resources and support they deserve.

03/04/2026

Your Support Makes Independence Possible!

At our core, we believe people with disabilities deserve the freedom, resources, and support to live independently and on their own terms.

As a community-based Independent Living Center led by and for people with disabilities, we don’t fix people — we remove barriers. Every day, we empower individuals to access housing and transportation, build independent living skills, find peer support, and advocate for equal access across our community.

No one is ever turned away because they can’t afford services. That’s why community support is essential.

When you give, you invest in independence, dignity, and inclusion. Your support ensures people with disabilities have the tools, voice, and opportunity to live full, self-directed lives — and helps us build a community where everyone belongs.

Donate today! https://www.thebigshare.org/organizations/access-to-independence

Community Shares of Wisconsin

03/03/2026

Thanks to a generous matching gift, every dollar you give will be matched 1:1 — until the match is fully used. Your $50 becomes $100 in impact — but only while matching funds last. Your gift goes twice as far in supporting independence and accessibility in our community. Thank you Madison Gas and Electric

Donate anytime today, Tuesday March 3rd, to make a huge impact on our services!
https://www.thebigshare.org/organizations/access-to-independence

Community Shares of Wisconsin