Access to Independence

04/17/2026

☎️ Connection is everything ☎️

TEPP helps Wisconsin residents with disabilities get the tools they need to stay connected through technology like amplified phones, captioned devices, upgraded cell phones, or other adaptive telecommunications technology.

Through the program, eligible participants receive a voucher that covers most of the cost of specialized communication equipment, making independence and connection more accessible.

🧡 Contact the Access to Independence Team today to learn more about the program's eligibility requirements and get started on a TEPP application.

Our Independent Living staff are ready to help make independence and connection more accessible!

608-242-8484 or email info@accesstoind.org

TEPP and TAP are two pieces of the same puzzle. Learn how both programs work to provide telecommunications equipment to people with disabilities. To get star...

04/16/2026

Find us at this event tomorrow!

04/14/2026

We're closing our office early today to allow our staff the opportunity to beat today's storm. Our office will be closed at 3pm, but we will still be available by phone or email until 5pm tonight. 608-242-8484 or info@accesstoind.org

Emergency Preparedness Toolkit
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/cpd/cpd-emergency-preparedness-tookit-manual.pdf

Severe storm updates:
https://www.channel3000.com/weather/forecast/morning-fog-possible-thursday-severe-storms-possible-friday/article_a1211afa-86c8-5443-b891-835dd6b621fd.html

04/08/2026

Free webinar today!

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

04/06/2026

We're excited to join Limbitless Wisconsin for the F.O.R.W.A.R.D. celebration of Limb Loss and Limb Difference.

Connect with individuals and build community to celebrate Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month!

Fun activities for the whole family! April 18th 10-4p

🔓 INDEPENDENCE STARTS WITH ACCESS. 🔓

We’re proud to welcome Access to Independence to the
F.O.R.W.A.R.D. Celebration of Limb Loss & Limb Difference

This isn’t just about awareness…
It’s about real resources, real support, and real opportunities.

✔️ Disability resources & advocacy
✔️ Tools to help you navigate life with confidence
✔️ Support systems that meet you where you are

Because independence isn’t given…
It’s built—with the right people and the right support.

🗓 Saturday, April 18th
⏰ 10am–4pm
📍 Central Heights Middle School – Sun Prairie, WI

💥 Free Event | Open to the Public

Take a step forward.
Find what you need.
Build what’s next.

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.