Options for Independent Living

06/05/2026

? Most independent living specialists live with disabilities themselves and understand the independent living journey. They provide essential skills training, peer support, and advocacy.
As we celebrate Aging, Disability, and Independent Living Network Professionals Appreciation Month, help us recognize and thank peers helping peers.
Learn more: dhs.wisconsin.gov/disabilities/physical/ilcs.htm

06/03/2026

Advocacy matters.

This week, Wisconsin’s Joint Finance Committee approved additional funding for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), a program that helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.

Currently, more than 7,600 Wisconsinites with disabilities are on a DVR waitlist, with an estimated 1,000 more added each month.

While the approved funding does not fully eliminate the waitlist, advocacy from people with disabilities, allies, families, Independent Living Centers, and disability organizations helped move this issue forward and bring critical attention to the growing need.

Employment services create opportunity, independence, and community connection — and advocacy helps create change.

There is still more work ahead, but this week was a reminder that advocacy truly makes a difference.

06/02/2026

You care for others — let us help care for you. 💙

Join us Wednesday, June 24, from 4–6 p.m. at Green Bay Botanical Garden for an evening of rejuvenation.

Take time to:
-Gather helpful resources
-Connect with others
-Enjoy the beauty of the gardens

Call to register by June 22 at 920-448-4300.

A special thank you to Respite Care Association of Wisconsin for their support in helping us provide respite for families during this event.

A big shout out to the community partners who make this happen:
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Celestial Sound - Curative Connections - Jay's Legacy Home Care - Home Instead - Green Bay VA Health Care Center - Oasis Senior Advisors Green Bay - Options for Independent Living - The Long Term Care Guy - Oneida Aging & Disability Services - TMG Wisconsin - Unity Hospice - Proko-Wall Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. - Senior Life Care Advisors - CarePatrol - Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County WI

06/02/2026

ACTION ALERT! The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) is meeting on Tuesday, June 2, to decide whether the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services should get the extra money it needs to begin helping people with disabilities who are on the DVR waitlist, want to work, and need help getting a job.

The state budget did not set aside enough money to cover the costs of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). There are more than 7,000 people on the DVR waitlist, and it’s estimated that the list will grow to 15,000 by the end of the year without enough state funding.

ACTION STEP BEFORE 9 AM TUESDAY, JUNE 2: Contact the members of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance and your State Senator and State Assembly Representatives and tell them what it means when people with disabilities and families have to wait for help when they want to work.

LINKS FOR LEGISLATIVE CONTACT INFO:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/committees/joint/2920
https://legis.wisconsin.gov/

06/01/2026

ACTION ALERT!
Please pause and take a few moments to reach out to the members of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance and your State Senator and State Assembly Representatives -- tell them what it means when people with disabilities and families have to wait for help when they want to work! Remember, you can email and they accept voicemails off hours. Take a moment and reach out now!

ACTION ALERT! The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) is meeting on Tuesday, June 2, to decide whether the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services should get the extra money it needs to begin helping people with disabilities who are on the DVR waitlist, want to work, and need help getting a job.

The state budget did not set aside enough money to cover the costs of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). There are more than 7,000 people on the DVR waitlist, and it’s estimated that the list will grow to 15,000 by the end of the year without enough state funding.

ACTION STEP BEFORE 9 AM TUESDAY, JUNE 2: Contact the members of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance and your State Senator and State Assembly Representatives and tell them what it means when people with disabilities and families have to wait for help when they want to work.

LINKS FOR LEGISLATIVE CONTACT INFO:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/committees/joint/2920
https://legis.wisconsin.gov/

05/31/2026

"Independent Living isn’t doing things by yourself. It’s being in control of how things are done." – Judy Heumann

At Options, we believe in the power of choice, voice, and control. Independent living doesn’t mean doing it all alone—it means having the right support to live the life you choose.

Judy Heumann was a fearless leader in the disability rights movement, and her words continue to inspire the work we do every day.

05/30/2026

Back at IL Days in February, Options honored Calvin Richtig as our 2026 Relentless Badger Award recipient — and this week we finally had the opportunity to celebrate him in person and present his award.

Calvin truly embodies the spirit of Independent Living through and through.

For years, he has gone above and beyond to support individuals of all abilities, always making sure the people he serves know they are not alone and understand the supports and resources available within their communities.

Because for Calvin, it has never just been about services.
It’s about dignity.
It’s about independence.
It’s about making sure people feel empowered.

Calvin is deeply respected by his peers and continually sought out for his knowledge, compassion, and dedication. The work he does every day helps increase quality of life for the people he serves and strengthens the Independent Living Movement as a whole.

The Relentless Badger Award is presented annually by Wisconsin’s eight Independent Living Centers to individuals who go above and beyond in assisting and advocating for people with disabilities, recognizing the lasting impact they make in the lives of others.

Congratulations, Calvin — and thank you for the difference you continue to make every single day.

We are grateful to know you and celebrate the impact you continue to make.

05/29/2026

Did you know Wisconsin has eight Independent Living Centers — each serving different counties, but all working toward the same mission?

Together, we ensure that every person in Wisconsin has access to:
▪ disability resources
▪ independent living skills
▪ advocacy
▪ transition assistance
▪ peer support
▪ and more!

Every center plays a critical role in supporting people with disabilities in their region, and we’re grateful for their partnership.

If you’re not sure which ILC serves your county, reach out — we’ll help you connect to the right place.

Compass IL
Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
Access to Independence
Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities
Society's Assets
Independent Living Resources
indiGO Wisconsin
Options for Independent Living

05/27/2026

Be Weather-Ready — For Everyone! 🌪️🌞

Every day, extreme weather events impact people across the country. While severe weather affects everyone, it can create unique challenges for individuals with disabilities.

To help build a Weather-Ready Nation for all, the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) provides inclusive safety resources tailored to meet the needs of different communities.

🔶 For individuals with intellectual disabilities, they offer symbol-supported weather safety materials that make complex concepts easier to understand. Learn more at the link here: weather.gov/wrn/intellectualdisabilities

🔶 For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, they provide sign language safety videos and accessible alerts. Explore resources at the link here: weather.gov/wrn/dhh-safety

Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to critical weather safety information.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

05/26/2026

Temperatures are rising today!! Stay safe!

☀️ Make sure you are checking on your family, friends and neighbors!
☀️ Find a place with air conditioning to cool down.
☀️ Make a point to drink water, even if you don't feel thirsty!
☀️ NEVER leave pets or children in a vehicle alone

Call 211 or visit the website here to find a local cooling center:
https://nchh.org/.../extreme-heat/cooling-centers-by-state/ to find a local cooling center!