Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.

01/30/2026

Check out our Winter Newsletter!

As we wrapped up 2025 and stepped into the new year, Midstate Independent Living Choices (MILC) was proud to continue building community, celebrating inclusion, and creating meaningful, accessible experiences. December and January were full of connection, learning, and joy- and we’re excited to sh...

01/28/2026

Community Update: Disability & Rural Health Funding

Important national funding initiatives are shaping the future of disability services, independent living, and rural healthcare access.

The NCIL Advocacy & Action Center is highlighting current federal funding discussions connected to the Labor, HHS, and Education Budget Appropriations, which impact:

•Disability services
•Independent living supports
•Medicaid programs
•Rural healthcare access
•Community-based services

Learn more about these issues and national advocacy efforts here:
https://ncil.org/advocacy-action/

Wisconsin is projected to receive $204 million in Medicaid-related funding, and CMS has announced a historic $50 billion national investment in rural health- averaging about $200 million per state- to strengthen access, infrastructure, and care in rural communities.

These funding initiatives have the potential to shape access, equity, and opportunity for people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and rural communities across Wisconsin.

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01/27/2026

January is National Braille Literacy Month

Braille is a tactile reading and writing system developed in the early 1800s by Louis Braille, a blind educator who believed literacy was key to independence. Nearly 200 years later, braille remains an essential tool for education, employment, and daily living for people who are blind or have low vision.

Today, braille literacy is supported by a wide range of assistive technology (AT), including:
• Braille writers, like the Perkins Brailler, used to write braille mechanically
• Braille labelers to mark household items, files, and medications
• Refreshable braille displays that connect to computers and smartphones to read digital text
• Slates and styluses for portable, low-tech braille writing

At Midstate Independent Living Choices, we believe access to tools and information empowers independence. If you’re interested in learning more about braille or exploring assistive technology options, we’re here to help.

01/24/2026

Today is , commemorating the “Father of Independent Living” on his birthday.

Ed was a close friend and collaborator of Judy’s. On this day in 2023, Judy wrote:

“Ed is known by many as the ‘Father of the Independent Living Movement’ and I’m often called the ‘Mother of the Independent Living Movement.’ Together, we were instrumental in advancing Centers for Independent Living across the United States. We were able to influence and develop policy at federal, state, and local levels with a mission to achieve the full inclusion of people with disabilities throughout all facets of our society.“
Image Description: Judy Heumann and Ed Roberts looking at each other as Judy holds a microphone up to Ed.

01/23/2026

ADAPTED ICE SKATING EVENT POSTPONED

It is with a heavy heart to inform you that, due to circumstances beyond our control, we need to postpone the adapted ice-skating event scheduled for January 24, 2026. This is not a decision that we make lightly, but to ensure equal access, safety, and dignity of all those attending.

We are actively working internally and with our amazing partners at the KB Willett Ice Arena to identify a new date for this event and will share that information as soon as it is confirmed.

We realize this news is disappointing and inconvenient for everyone involved. We appreciate your patience so we can continue to provide the best event possible. If you have pre-registered, you do not need to register again for the rescheduled date. If, once the new date is announced, you are unable to attend, please contact us and we will remove your name from the registration list.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Alex Lena at 715-957-0232 or alena@milc-inc.org.

Updates will be shared on our page and website.

Thank you and stay warm this weekend!

01/21/2026

Pro tip: it’ll be warmer inside the rink than outside this weekend 😄 Come skate with us at our Adapted Ice Skating Event this Saturday from 1pm- 3pm at K.B. Willett Ice Arena!

Things to do this weekend in the Stevens Point area include a soup-tasting competition, adapted ice skating and yoga at a brewery. See link below ⬇️
bit.ly/4r2K2Fh

01/20/2026

Lace up the skates and join us for our Adapted Ice Skating Event THIS SATURDAY!

When? Saturday, January 24, from 1:00-3:00 PM
Where? KB Willett Ice Arena, Stevens Point

Huge thanks to our sponsors for making this inclusive community event possible:
Kwik Trip, Len Dudas Motors, K.B. Willett Ice Arena, Stevens Point Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department, Kpr Brokers LLC, Wellston Properties, and WoodTrust Bank.

See you on the ice!

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required: https://milc-inc.org/event/skate/

Please help us spread the word to families and individuals who may be interested!
Questions? Contact Alex Lena at alena@milc-inc.org
or 715-957-0232.

01/19/2026

Remember the “why.”

During times of stress or uncertainty, it’s easy to overlook the impact of disability advocacy and independent living support- especially when daily tasks feel routine or happen behind the scenes.

What may seem small or ordinary can mean independence, dignity, and peace of mind for someone else. Helping someone access the right tools, technology, or equipment can reduce daily stress, support communication on difficult days, and make everyday tasks more manageable.

Not every success is loud or immediately visible, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. When the focus stays on the purpose behind the work, those successes are everywhere.

Thank you to everyone who shows up in support of independence and inclusion. The impact matters- every single day. 💙

01/16/2026

MILC will be closed on Monday, January 19th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We'll return to normal hours on Tuesday!
Have a great weekend!

01/14/2026

Our Adapted Ice Skating Event is happening next weekend, and we’re ready to hit the ice!

This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of Kwik Trip, Len Dudas Motors, K.B. Willett Ice Arena , Stevens Point Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department, Kpr Brokers LLC, Wellston Properties, and WoodTrust Bank!

Thank you for supporting accessibility, inclusion, and community connection!

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required: https://milc-inc.org/event/skate/

Please help us spread the word to families and individuals who may be interested!
Questions? Contact Alex Lena at alena@milc-inc.org
or 715-957-0232.

01/07/2026

Adapted Ice Skating Event- January 24th!

MILC and the K.B. Willett Ice Arena will once again host the 5th Annual Adapted Ice Skating Event on Saturday, January 24th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in Stevens Point.

This FREE, inclusive event is open to individuals with disabilities of all ages, along with their families and caregivers. Free skate rentals, adaptive equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, sled hockey sleds), and on-ice volunteer support will be available.

💙 Thank you to our generous sponsors for making this event possible:

Len Dudas Motors
Kwik Trip
K.B. Willett Ice Arena
Stevens Point Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department
WoodTrust Bank
Wellston Properties
Kpr Brokers LLC

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required: https://milc-inc.org/event/skate/

Please help us spread the word to families and individuals who may be interested!
Questions? Contact Alex Lena at alena@milc-inc.org
or 715-957-0232.

01/06/2026

The MILC office will be closed today, January 6th due to weather. Our staff will be working remotely and can be reached by phone or email!

Stay safe out there and we will be back in the office tomorrow!