What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities

Home
United States
Milwaukee, WI
Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities

THE resource for people with disabilities serving the Greater Milwaukee area. 20+ programs serving youth and adults with disabilities of all kinds.

04/24/2026

Why do Independent Living Centers Matter?

Meet Janelle, an intern here at Independence First, sharing what independent living really means.

Independent Living Centers like ours exist so people with disabilities have the tools, resources, and support to live in their own homes and be part of their communities. And importantly, more than half of ILC staff are people with disabilities themselves, bringing lived experience into everything we do.

Today, Janelle shares why independent living matters to her:
💬 Having control over her daily life
💬 Dignity and privacy at home
💬 Confidence to cook and care for herself
💬 The freedom to be active in her community
💬 And yes—saving money compared to institutional care

Without Independent Living Centers, far more people would be forced into institutions instead of living life on their own terms.

Video description: Janelle, a blind intern at Independence First, walks through the office using a white cane while speaking to the camera. As she navigates hallways and doorways, she explains what Independent Living Centers are and shares why independent living is important to her, highlighting independence, dignity, community access, and cost savings.

04/22/2026

Kevin can’t wait… and he shouldn’t have to.

After months of waiting on a vendor to fix a simple wheelchair issue, Kevin from Kenosha County connected with Independence First’s AIM program and got back on track in under 20 minutes.

Half a year of delays for a $12 bearing is ridiculous and the very issue Independence First is working to close.

No one should be stuck, literally or figuratively, waiting for basic repairs that impact their safety, independence, and daily life.

Because when it comes to mobility, Kevin can’t wait. And neither should you.

💡 Need help with assistive technology or equipment repairs?
📩 Reach out to Independence First to learn more about the AIM program.

🎥 Video description: Tim Kiley demonstrates a wheelchair wheel that won’t pivot properly due to a broken bearing. Close-up shots show the damaged part, followed by footage and images of Tim repairing the wheel. Kevin is shown testing the chair afterward, smiling and spinning the wheel smoothly.

04/22/2026

Kevin couldn’t wait anymore.

For months, a broken bearing in his wheelchair caused one of his wheels to lock unpredictably, putting his safety at risk every time he moved. The issue was diagnosed back in November… but the repair? Still not scheduled.

That’s where Independence First’s AIM program stepped in.

In less than 20 minutes, our Assistive Technology Specialist Tim Kiley replaced the faulty bearing and got Kevin back to moving safely and smoothly.

A simple fix shouldn’t take half a year.
Where you live shouldn’t determine how quickly you get the repairs you need.

This is exactly the gap AIM is here to close. Because access to safe, working equipment is essential to independence.

Kevin couldn’t wait. And he shouldn’t have to.

💡 Need help with assistive technology or have equipment to donate? Reach out to learn more about the AIM program.

04/22/2026

Today is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day.

Assistive technology (AT) is any tool that helps people live more independently but it’s also about dignity, safety, and the ability to fully participate in everyday life.

At Independence First, we see the impact of AT every day. That's why we work so closely with WisTech Assistive Technology Advisory Council. From power wheelchairs to adaptive kitchens to simple tools that help people stay focused and connected. It's the support that make independence possible.

🎥 Video Description:
Video shows assistive technology tools and spaces at Independence First, including power wheelchairs, adaptive kitchen features, and everyday devices that support independence. Clips highlight how assistive technology helps people live, work, and stay connected in their communities.

04/21/2026

Milwaukee is taking a big step forward in accessibility and inclusion.

Today, the City of Milwaukee Common Council-City Clerk approved, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson signed, a resolution that will make Milwaukee a "Certified Sensory Inclusive City".

This initiative, introduced by Common Council President José G. Pérez, will bring KultureCity’s nationally recognized training and tools to our community. That means city staff and partners will be better equipped to support individuals with sensory needs, including those who may experience sensory overload.

Through this effort, Milwaukee will expand access to:
🔹 Staff training on sensory awareness and response
🔹 Sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, cue cards, and more
🔹 A more welcoming, inclusive experience across public spaces and community venues

Independence First was proud to be in the room as this resolution was signed into action. This is the kind of progress we strive for, building a community where everyone can participate fully, safely, and with dignity.

We’re excited to see this work take shape across Milwaukee. 💙

04/20/2026

🎬 Last night, we had the opportunity to attend a screening of The Way We Move at the Milwaukee Film Festival.

Independence First‘s Regional Deaf Advocacy Services Coordinator Leah Simmons and ASL Interpreter Tera Cater Vorpahl were proud to be on hand, connecting with attendees in the lobby and sharing information about our programs.

The film is a moving documentary centered on music, Deaf culture, and the importance of finding your purpose. It was a powerful experience, and we’re grateful to Milwaukee Film for their continued community partnership and for hosting us.

If you missed it, there are still two more chances to see The Way We Move:
📅 Tuesday, April 21 • 2:00 PM
📅 Thursday, April 30 • 4:45 PM
📍 Oriental Theatre, Milwaukee

We highly recommend checking it out!

04/17/2026

🚌 Have thoughts about public transportation in Milwaukee County? We want to hear from you.
The Milwaukee County Transit System is hosting a community meeting right here at Independence First tomorrow, and it’s a great opportunity to share your feedback on transit services in our community.
📅 Saturday, April 18
🕤 Registration opens at 9:30 AM
🕙 Meeting runs from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Independence First
Whether you use public para transit regularly or just have ideas for improving accessibility, reliability, or service your voice matters.
Let’s work together to build a more accessible and reliable transit system for everyone. 💬

04/17/2026

Today we welcomed 46 seniors to Independence First for our monthly Senior Food Distribution in partnership with Hunger Task Force ❤️

Through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) known locally as Stockbox, participants received nutritious food boxes along with extra items generously provided by Hunger Task Force, Inc.

Our Assistive Technology team was also on site, distributing about $700 worth of disposable supplies, helping meet everyday needs that often go overlooked.

Despite the rainy weather, so many people shared how grateful they were that the distribution continued this month. We’re always glad to be here.

A big thank you to Hunger Task Force for their continued partnership, and to the volunteers from Structura Financial Partners who helped load cars and keep everything running smoothly!

04/17/2026

This chair moves with your eyes 👀

Thanks to a generous donation from a family in Menomonie, we’re giving new life to an eye-gaze power wheelchair and a new level of independence to someone in Green Bay.

Today, Tim walks us through how the system works as he refurbishes and calibrates it for its next user. Eye-gaze technology allows someone to drive their chair just by looking where they want to go. It takes practice, but for people who can’t use traditional controls, it can be life-changing.

Have equipment sitting unused? Donate it. We’ll help it find its next purpose.

Video Description:
Tim Kiley demonstrates a power wheelchair equipped with an eye-gaze control system inside the Independence First offices. Seated in the chair, he explains how the system tracks eye movement to steer and control direction, while slowly navigating forward, turning, and stopping.

04/16/2026

What does accessibility really mean?

For Janelle, it’s the ability to move through the world independently. Today, she shares about the accessibility features she finds most helpful.

Video description:
Janelle Joiner, an intern at Independence First, walks through an office hallway using her cane. As she moves through the space, she explains why accessibility is important.

04/15/2026

💡 Happening TOMORROW!

Join us for our Women’s Financial Education Series — a free, one-day workshop designed to build confidence with money and connect you to helpful resources. RSVP Required!

💵 Bonus: Attend and you can earn $50 toward a Summit Credit Union savings account!

📅 Thursday, April 16
⏰ 4:00–5:30 PM
📍 Independence First (540 S 1st St., Milwaukee)

You’ll learn:
• Budgeting and money management
• Credit basics and how to build it
• Banking tools and fraud protection
• Setting financial goals

⚠️ Spots are limited — RSVP required!
Call 414-226-8138 or email tvillwock@independencefirst.org

Let’s build financial confidence together. Share this with someone who should be there 💙

04/15/2026

🚶‍♀️♿ Help Make Milwaukee Streets Safer and Get Paid to Share Your Experience!

Independence First is partnering with University of Wisconsin Milwaukee on a research project about pedestrian safety and we’re looking for participants.

If you are:
• A person with a disability OR
• An adult age 75 or older

You’re invited to take part in this study.

📅 Saturday, May 9
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Independence First (Milwaukee)

Participants will:
• Take part in a short guided walk/roll (about 0.5–0.75 miles)
• Share feedback about pedestrian safety
• Join a group discussion inside our building

💳 All participants will receive a $50 gift card

Spots are limited, so don’t wait!

We've shared a link to sign up in the comments. Help shape safer, more accessible streets in our community 💙

Address

540 S 1st Street
Milwaukee, WI
53204

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Website

http://www.independencefirst.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Milwaukee?