Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities

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.

We were honored to welcome Assemblyman Angelito Tenorio to Independence First this week for a tour of our Milwaukee head...
06/05/2026

We were honored to welcome Assemblyman Angelito Tenorio to Independence First this week for a tour of our Milwaukee headquarters and a discussion about the issues that matter most to people with disabilities.

During his visit, Representative Tenorio learned more about our programs and services, including our assistive technology resources, adaptive kitchen, sensory space, and wheelchair repair and refurbishment workshop. He also met with staff to hear firsthand about the opportunities and challenges facing people with disabilities in our community.

We appreciated the opportunity to discuss shared priorities, including improving access to employment supports through DVR, expanding transportation options, and advancing accessibility across Wisconsin. We look forward to continuing the conversation and exploring ways we can work together to support greater independence and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Thank you, Angelito Tenorio for State Assembly, for taking the time to visit and learn more about the work we do every day.

06/05/2026

Adaptive gaming means more people can have fun.

That includes Adolfo. During our first Summertime Vibes session of the summer, Adolfo demonstrated an adaptive gaming controller designed for people with limited dexterity or high muscle tone. The controller makes it easier to access games on the Nintendo Switch and other gaming systems.

Adolfo is a 19-year-old student who will be attending University of Wisconsin Milwaukee this fall to study social work. He joined Summertime Vibes to meet new people, build connections, and enjoy accessible recreation alongside peers with disabilities.

At Independence First, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to participate, belong, and enjoy the activities they love.

Video Description:
Adolfo Espejo, a 19-year-old college student shares how adaptive gaming technology helps him connect with others, have fun, and build community. In this video, Adolfo demonstrates an adaptive controller during Independence First's Summertime Vibes program while playing Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games.

🎨✨ Creativity was on full display this week at Independence First's Arts & Crafts Workshop!Participants gathered for Jun...
06/04/2026

🎨✨ Creativity was on full display this week at Independence First's Arts & Crafts Workshop!

Participants gathered for Junk Journal Junction, the first session in our summer Arts & Crafts series. Unlike a traditional journal, a junk journal uses images, stickers, drawings, found objects, keepsakes, and other creative materials to tell a story or express ideas without relying on words. No two journals are alike, and each participant created something uniquely their own.

Missed this session? There's still time to join us! Our free Arts & Crafts Workshop Series continues throughout the summer with a variety of hands-on projects, including dioramas, beadwork, clay creations, linocut printmaking, and more.

Upcoming workshops:
🎨 June 17 – Diorama-rama
🧵 July 8 – Just Bead It
🏺 July 22 – Clayful Creations
🖨️ August 5 – Carve It Up (Linocut)
♻️ August 19 – Waste to Wow

Want to join? Check out the link in the comments. All supplies are provided free of charge. We hope to see you at a future session!

06/03/2026

What does it feel like to ride an adaptive hand cycle?

At RampUp MKE, 11-year-old Eliot decided to find out for himself. After taking a hand cycle for a spin around Veterans Park, he shared his thoughts and even gave a quick demonstration of how the bike works.

The adaptive hand cycles featured here are available for rent through Wheel Fun Rentals at Veterans Park. The cycles were first introduced through the efforts of The Ability Center, whose mission is to create opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in recreation and community life.

Thank you to The Ability Center for organizing RampUp MKE and helping make adaptive recreation more accessible in Milwaukee.

Have you ever tried a hand cycle? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Video Description:

This video features 11-year-old Eliot demonstrating an adaptive hand cycle at Veterans Park in Milwaukee. The video includes footage of Eliot operating the hand cycle along Milwaukee’s lakefront during RampUp MKE, an adaptive recreation event organized by The Ability Center.

Keep an eye out for us on the news!A few weeks ago, Milwaukee peace activist Cookie Anderson donated 1,000 origami pape...
06/02/2026

Keep an eye out for us on the news!

A few weeks ago, Milwaukee peace activist Cookie Anderson donated 1,000 origami paper cranes to Independence First, representing the 120,000th cranes she has folded and given away over a lifetime dedicated to promoting peace and caring for others.

Today, her story drew the attention of CBS 58 news. Reporter Michael Schlesinger and photojournalist Mark Cherek visited Independence First to interview Cookie, Director of Independent Living Services Gerald Hay, and Youth Independent Living Coordinator Andi Minster about the meaning behind the cranes and the work we do every day to support people with disabilities.

The timing couldn't have been better. During the visit, staff installed Cookie's cranes in their permanent home in our front lobby, where they will welcome visitors to Independence First for years to come.

Thank you to Michael, Mark, and the CBS 58 team for helping share this inspiring story. We look forward to seeing the finished piece on an upcoming edition of CBS 58 Sunday Morning!

💙🕊️

06/02/2026

Looking for a fun and meaningful summer experience for a teen with a disability in Milwaukee?

SPARK Leadership Camp is a FREE week-long summer camp for youth transitioning into high school through age 22. Participants build confidence, make friends, learn self-advocacy skills, and enjoy activities like arts and crafts, yard games, music production, and a trip to ComedySportz Worldwide!

📅 June 22–26, 2026
📍 Independence First, Milwaukee

Spaces are still available!

To apply or learn more:
📞 414-226-8332
📧 [email protected]

Video Description:
Andi Minster shares what makes SPARK Leadership Camp such a special experience for young people with disabilities. From arts and crafts and yard games to music production and a trip to ComedySportz, SPARK combines leadership development, friendship, and fun in an inclusive environment.

06/01/2026

Summer on the Milwaukee lakefront means adaptive recreation!

We were at RampUp MKE at Veterans Park this past weekend where Jordan Scheidecker of The Ability Center talked to us about creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate, build confidence and connect with others.

We're grateful to The Ability Center for including us in this fantastic event and for their ongoing work to make recreation more accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.

Thank you to everyone who came out to ride, connect, and explore what's possible.

Video description: Interview with Jordan Scheidecker interspersed with footage of participants riding adaptive cycles, hand cycles, and other adaptive recreation equipment along Milwaukee's lakefront during the RampUp MKE event.

Thank you to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for hosting another wonderful Sensory-Friendly Concert at the Bradley Sym...
06/01/2026

Thank you to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for hosting another wonderful Sensory-Friendly Concert at the Bradley Symphony Center this weekend!

Independence First was excited to be part of the pre-concert resource fair, where we shared information about our programs and services and handed out sensory-friendly items including pop-it fidgets, Bendeez, and sunglasses that can help make events like concerts more comfortable and accessible.

The concert itself was a fantastic experience. Audience members enjoyed selections ranging from Beethoven and John Williams' Jaws theme to music from Wicked, all presented in a welcoming environment designed for people with sensory sensitivities and their families. We are grateful to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Pink Umbrella Theater Company , the event staff, interpreters, volunteers, and sponsors who continue to make the arts more accessible to our community.

Thank you for creating a space where everyone can experience the joy of live music. 🎶💙

Ready to sharpen your computer skills and build confidence with technology? 💻 Today is the third session in our free Com...
05/28/2026

Ready to sharpen your computer skills and build confidence with technology? 💻 Today is the third session in our free Computer Basics Workshop series at Independence First!

Join us this afternoon for Microsoft Word Basics as participants learn how to create, edit, format, and save documents through hands-on, beginner-friendly instruction led by Jacob Riberdy.

🗓️ Today
🕛 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
📍 Independence First, 540 S. 1st St., Milwaukee

This free four-part series is designed to help people build confidence with technology in a supportive and accessible environment. To RSVP or request accommodations, contact Jacob Riberdy at (414) 840-6596 or [email protected].

There’s still time to apply for SPARK Leadership Camp 2026 at Independence First! 🌟SPARK is a FREE week-long leadership ...
05/27/2026

There’s still time to apply for SPARK Leadership Camp 2026 at Independence First! 🌟

SPARK is a FREE week-long leadership camp for high school students with disabilities in the Milwaukee area focused on confidence building, advocacy, friendship, and self-expression.

Throughout the week, participants will take part in activities and workshops including:
🎵 Songwriting & music production
🎨 Art workshops and tie-dye
🗣️ Advocacy and disability rights discussions
💼 Employment and college panels
🎮 Outdoor games and eGaming
🖨️ 3D printing
🎭 A ComedySportz improv show and more!

📅 June 22–26, 2026
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Independence First — Milwaukee

Seats are limited and applications are still open.

📞 414-226-8332
📧 [email protected]

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

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