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.

06/19/2026

Substance misuse doesn't always look the way people expect. Often, it begins gradually as someone copes with stress, pain, trauma, anxiety, or other challenges in life.

In this video, Independence First Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Coordinator Denise Johnson discusses some of the early warning signs that may indicate a person is struggling, including changes in mood, withdrawal from family and friends, missed responsibilities, sleep changes, difficulty concentrating, or increased use of alcohol, medications, or other substances.

A single sign may not mean there is a problem, but noticing several changes over time can be a signal that someone needs support. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference, and recovery is possible.

If you notice changes in yourself or someone you care about, don't ignore them. Reach out, start a conversation, and connect with available supports. No one has to face these challenges alone.

🎥 Video Description: Denise Johnson stands in front of a plain off-white background and shares information in American Sign Language about recognizing the early signs of substance misuse. Voice-over narration and open captions are provided throughout the video.

📺 Tune in this Sunday to see Independence First featured on CBS 58 Sunday Morning!A few weeks ago, Milwaukee peace activ...
06/18/2026

📺 Tune in this Sunday to see Independence First featured on CBS 58 Sunday Morning!

A few weeks ago, Milwaukee peace activist Cookie Anderson donated 1,000 origami paper cranes to Independence First. The gift represented the 120th set of 1,000 cranes she has folded and shared over her lifetime, a remarkable act of peace, kindness, and community connection that began with a trip to Japan in 1974.

CBS 58's Michael Schlesinger recently visited our office to learn more about Cookie's story, speak with our staff, and capture the installation of the cranes in their new permanent home in our front lobby.

The story will air this Sunday, June 21, on:
📺 CBS 58 at 7:00 a.m.
📺 WMLW at 10:00 a.m.

We're grateful to Cookie for her incredible gift and to the CBS 58 Sunday Morning team for helping share her story with our community.

06/18/2026

🌿 Things are growing at Independence First!

This week, our Plant Pals gardening group rolled up their sleeves and got planting. Participants worked together to fill accessible raised garden beds, plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables, and begin creating a sensory garden behind our building.

Assistive Technology Training Specialist Mary Wegner shared how Plant Pals helps consumers learn gardening skills they can use at home while exploring adaptive gardening tools and techniques.

From colorful petunias and begonias to herbs and peppers, the garden is already taking shape and we're excited to watch it grow throughout the summer. 🌱🌼

Video Description:
Members of Independence First's Plant Pals gardening group work together to fill accessible raised garden beds, plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables, and prepare a new sensory garden space behind the agency. Assistive Technology Training Specialist Mary Wegner explains how accessible gardening tools and elevated garden beds help participants learn gardening skills and garden independently.

🌱 The garden is growing!This week, Plant Pals participants continued building the sensory garden behind Independence Fir...
06/17/2026

🌱 The garden is growing!

This week, Plant Pals participants continued building the sensory garden behind Independence First. Working together, the group filled accessible raised garden beds, prepared soil, planted flowers and herbs, and transformed a small outdoor space into a place where people can connect with nature.

The garden is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring elevated planting beds that can be used by wheelchair users and a variety of plants selected to engage the senses through color, texture, fragrance, and taste.

Every garden starts with a few seeds and a little hard work. We can't wait to see what this space looks like later this summer! 🌼🌿

06/17/2026

When seeking mental health or substance use services, communication access is not optional. Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals have the right to receive services in a way that allows them to communicate effectively and fully participate in their own care.

In this video, Independence First Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Coordinator Denise Johnson discusses some of the barriers people may encounter when seeking services, including the lack of qualified interpreters, reliance on written notes, or being asked to bring a family member or friend to interpret.

Mental health and substance use service providers are responsible for providing appropriate communication access, whether that means a qualified mental health interpreter, real-time captioning, tactile interpreting, or another accommodation that meets a person's needs. The responsibility for providing these services belongs to the provider—not the consumer.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to communicate freely, privately, and in the language and format that works best for them.

🎥 Video Description: Denise Johnson stands in front of a plain off-white background and delivers information in American Sign Language about communication access rights in mental health and substance use treatment settings. Voice-over narration and open captions are provided throughout the video.

06/16/2026

For more than a decade, Independence First's Andi Minster has been attending the Abilities Expo.

Held each year in Schaumburg, Illinois, the Abilities Expo brings together thousands of people with disabilities, family members, caregivers, advocates, and exhibitors to explore the latest in assistive technology, adaptive recreation, and independent living solutions.

Video Description: Andi Minster speaks from the exhibit floor of the Abilities Expo. As she describes the event and its importance to the disability community, the video shows crowds exploring exhibit booths, assistive technology demonstrations, adaptive recreation activities, and accessibility products throughout the convention hall.

06/16/2026

"Everybody climbs. Everybody."

At the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois, we spoke with Michael DeCavalcante, who has spent more than 30 years making climbing accessible to people of all abilities. Through adaptive equipment, specialized techniques, and a commitment to inclusion, his team helps people experience the challenge and excitement of climbing, many for the very first time.

Video Description:
At the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois, people of all abilities take turns climbing a portable rock wall. The video shows climbers ascending with the help of adaptive harnesses, pulley systems, and support staff, including wheelchair users who pull themselves upward using their arms. Michael DeCavalcante, an adaptive climbing advocate and gym owner, explains how adaptive climbing makes the sport accessible to everyone.

📦 Thank You to Our Volunteers and Partners! 💙Last Friday, Independence First hosted our monthly Senior Food Distribution...
06/15/2026

📦 Thank You to Our Volunteers and Partners! 💙

Last Friday, Independence First hosted our monthly Senior Food Distribution in partnership with the Hunger Task Force, Inc. , helping 47 local seniors take home nutritious food and essential supplies.

Participants received a Stockbox, frozen strawberry puree, tomatoes, and generous donations from Penzeys Spices, including black pepper and a spice blend. At the same time, our Assistive Technology team served 34 consumers and distributed 62 items with more than $700.

A special thank you goes to the volunteers from Capital First Trust who spent the morning assisting with our drive-through distribution. Your time, energy, and willingness to serve helped make the day run smoothly for everyone who attended.

Thank you to our volunteers, donors, staff, and partners for helping us support older adults and people with disabilities throughout our community.

📅 Our next Senior Food Distribution will take place on Friday, July 17.

06/15/2026

🧠 Mental Health Matters: A Message for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Community

Mental health is part of everyone's life. We all experience stress, loneliness, anxiety, and other challenges from time to time. But for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing, communication barriers can make it even harder to access support and services.

Independence First Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Coordinator Denise Johnson shares an important reminder: there is no shame in asking for help. Whether it's talking with someone you trust, connecting with the Deaf community, or seeking professional counseling, support is available.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

If you're struggling, know that you're not alone. ❤️

🎥 Video Description: Denise Johnson stands in front of a plain off-white background and delivers a message in American Sign Language about mental health awareness and the importance of seeking support. Voice-over narration and open captions are provided throughout the video.

06/14/2026

What if a person with paralysis could stand, walk, reach, and move through their home independently?

At the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois, we met Caroline, a test pilot for Wandercraft's Eve personal exoskeleton. Eve is a wearable robotic device designed to help people with severe mobility disabilities stand and walk using fully autonomous technology controlled by the user.

Assistive technology continues to evolve in remarkable ways, and innovations like this are expanding what's possible for people with disabilities.

Video Description:
Caroline demonstrates the Eve personal exoskeleton at the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois. Wearing the robotic mobility device, she stands and walks independently around the exhibition floor while explaining how the exoskeleton helps her navigate daily activities, reach objects, and regain mobility after paralysis.

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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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