Options for Independent Living

10/11/2026

🍽️ Mealtime Made Easier with Assistive Technology!

Did you know there are tools and devices designed to make eating and drinking easier for people with disabilities, limited hand strength, tremors, or difficulty using traditional utensils?

From built-up handles, adaptive utensils, scoop plates, and specialized cups to assistive feeding devices that help bring food from the plate to the mouth, there are so many options worth exploring!

At Options, we love helping people discover assistive technology that works for them. What works for one person might not work for another, and that's why having the opportunity to try different devices matters!

💚 Curious about what's available? Reach out to Options to learn more or schedule an assistive technology demonstration! We're proud to be part of WisTech Assistive Technology Advisory Council, helping connect people with tools that can make everyday life easier.

📞 920-490-0500

Sometimes the right tool can make a big difference in everyday life!

10/10/2026

📱 FREE Smartphone Basics Classes in Waushara County!

Want to feel more confident using your smartphone? Join Options for Independent Living, in partnership with the ADRC of Waushara County, for a FREE 3-week Smartphone Basics Class Series!

We’ll cover everyday skills like texting, email, photos and camera, FaceTime/video calling, voice activation, Wi-Fi vs. cellular data vs. Bluetooth, accessibility features, helpful settings, and more. Bring your phone and your questions—we’ll learn together!

📅 November 2, 9 & 16
🤖 Android: 10:00–11:30 AM
🍎 iPhone: 1:00–2:30 PM
📍 Waushara County Government Center – Winter Room
380 S. Townline Rd., Wautoma

Classes are FREE, but space is limited!

☎️ Please RSVP by October 24 at 920-393-1050.
Come learn some new skills, ask questions, and get more comfortable with the technology you use every day! 📱😊

10/09/2026

🎃👻 HALLOWEEN FUN FOR EVERYONE! 🧡💜

We're getting SO excited for our 🎃 Sensory-Friendly Accessible Trunk or Treat & Wheelchair Wash!

We've got some wonderful businesses and organizations joining us to help fill our parking lot with trunks, treats and Halloween fun — and we can't wait to welcome families!

🎃 Trunk or Treat | 3–6 PM
Decorated trunks, candy, non-food treats and plenty of Halloween fun!

♿ Wheelchair & Mobility Device Wash | 2–6 PM
Bring your mobility device for a wash and safety inspection by certified Numotion technicians!

📅 Thursday, October 29
📍 Options for Independent Living, 555 Country Club Rd., Green Bay

💜 FREE to attend! Registration encouraged: bit.ly/TrunkswithTreats

🧡 A HUGE thank you to our amazing trunk hosts! We're so grateful to have you joining us and helping make this event possible!

ServiceMaster Recovery by Restoration Holdings - Green Bay - GRIT 920 - Access Elevator, Inc. of Neenah - UW-Oshkosh Softball - Evergreen Theater - Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin - Green Bay Connection - National Railroad Museum - Oneida Aging & Disability Services - Brown County Foster Care - League of Women Voters of Greater Green Bay - HME Home Medical - Brown County Library - A Brighter Christmas Day

Help us spread the word - Share this post, invite a friend and come enjoy some Halloween fun with us! 🎃

10/07/2026

Independence First caught up with Autumn, our Director of Advocacy & Outreach at the ADILN Conference to talk about something that connects us all—we’re all aging! 💚

Thanks for the fun conversation!

10/06/2026

Our next Options for Vision Loss meeting is coming up!

Options for Vision Loss is a welcoming group for people experiencing vision loss to connect with others, share experiences, learn about helpful resources, and discover tools for everyday life.

Our next meeting is coming up!

📅 Thursday, October 8
⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 Options for Independent Living

📱 This month’s topic: iPhones for Vision Loss

We’ll explore accessibility features and helpful ways an iPhone can support greater independence for people with vision loss.

Come learn, connect, ask questions, and meet others. New faces are always welcome! 💚

10/03/2026

We love being able to add our Trackchair and TerrainHopper USA to the fleet for this amazing event! There are still spots available Saturday and Sunday - To Register, visit www.ExploreMarinetteCounty.com

Wheel Hike Together is an adaptive hiking event where individuals with limited mobility can use an all-terrain tracked wheelchair to explore up to 3 miles of trails & scenic views at Thunder Mountain Overlook Park.

There is no cost to reserve a chair, however reservations must be made in advance. Regular park entry fees apply.

Thanks for the great coverage!

https://fox11online.com/news/local/wheel-hike-together-adaptive-event-kicks-off-in-marinette-county-autumn-timblin-martin-keyport-thunder-mountain-overlook-park-wheelchair-all-terrain-outdoors

MARINETTE COUNTY (WLUK) -- Taking to the trails on all-terrain wheelchairs and giving people the chance to experience the outdoors.The Marinette County event is

09/29/2026

🎃 LAST CALL FOR TRUNKS! 🚗

Our parking lot is starting to fill up, but we have room for a few more trunks to join the fun!

We’re looking for businesses, organizations, groups, and some fun people who want to help make our Sensory-Friendly Accessible Trunk or Treat a great afternoon for families that include people with disabilities.

Hosting is easy:
🚗 Decorate a trunk or table
🍬 Bring candy, non-food treats, trinkets or giveaways
👻 Keep it fun and nothing too spooky-scary
💜 There’s no cost to participate!

And please don’t let decorating stop you — simple is absolutely okay! We have easy ideas if you need a little inspiration.

📅 Thursday, October 29 | 3–6 p.m.
📍 Options for Independent Living, Green Bay

Want to grab one of our remaining spots? Contact Autumn at [email protected] or 920-393-1035.

Already joining us? Tag someone below who should park a trunk next to you! 🎃🚗🧡

09/29/2026

Are you planning to vote absentee for the November Election?

Request your absent ballot at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Vote-Absentee-By-Mail.

To learn more about absentee voting, check out our Absentee Voting Fact Sheet:https://disabilityvote.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DVC-Absentee-Voting-Fact-Sheet-2021-Elections-rev-1-21-acc.pdf

09/27/2026

Sometimes the best way to explain what adaptive recreation can mean is to let the person who experienced it tell the story. 💚

In 2022, one of our consumers spent some time outdoors using our Trackchair. Afterwards, she shared this poem with us—and we think her words are worth sharing again.

Track Chair Independence Days…
July 1st & 2nd 2022 will forever be days to recall,
though sitting I felt very independent, as if free from all!

Riding the track chair - into the woods I burst,
for the freedom to explore I did thirst!

No way could I go in and easily walk,
snapping twigs and hearing the bird’s squawk!

I laughed a lot and sat still a time or two,
just to make sure it was real and enjoy the view!

Going where I would never dare,
there were rows of evergreens tall and debonair!

A homemade ladder leads up to an aged tree stand,
at one time I’m sure looked proud and grand!

There were grassy areas and some tiny pine trees,
kind of growing wherever they’d please!

To the beach where the sand could not stop my exploring,
the water’s edge was mystifyingly imploring!

At the very border of the beach waves were moving and clear,
turning the track chair around, soon my tracks did disappear!

Sorry – I just ran over the remains of a sandcastle with many cracks,
curiously turning in circles and admiring my awesome tracks!

My amazing friends and I took pictures to help mark these fun filled days,
I thank everyone as I am blessed in so many ways…

7/10/2022 Never stop having fun – life is an adventure to be lived!! Kate P. 😉

This is why adaptive recreation matters. It’s not just about the equipment—it’s about access, experiences, and being able to go on adventures that may not otherwise be accessible.

Options has adaptive recreation equipment available for individuals to borrow and use in the community. Want to learn more? Give us a call at 920-490-0500.

09/26/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to the best boss around! 🎉

What makes a great Executive Director?

We’re pretty sure it includes…

🙌 Always being willing to lend a helping hand—even if it involves hopping on Sandy's scooter to do it. 😂

🧹 Never being too important to grab the vacuum.

🍳 Making breakfast for your staff.

🎂 Knowing that no one can really be mad while eating cake.

🏃 Going the extra mile…literally.

💇 Actually noticing when someone gets a haircut. (Seriously. What boss does that? )

💚 Celebrating the wins—big and small.

And most importantly, showing up for your staff, the people we serve, and the work we do every day.

Josh leads Options with humor, heart, and a willingness to jump in right alongside all of us. Whether he’s advocating at the Capitol, giving a tour, helping with an event, making breakfast, or grabbing the vacuum—he’s never above jumping in.

We’re pretty lucky to have him.

Happy Birthday, Josh! Thanks for being the kind of boss who makes coming to work a little more fun. 💚🎉

And yes, we hope there’s cake. Because, again…who can be mad when there’s cake? 🎂