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.

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

Ready to sharpen your computer skills and build confidence with technology? đź’» 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.
đź“Ť 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
đź’Ľ 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.

đź“ž 414-226-8332
📧 [email protected]

05/26/2026

Looking for a fun and relaxing way to stay active this summer? Join Independence First’s Hiking Club and explore some of the Milwaukee area’s most beautiful parks and nature trails with us. 🌲🥾

Hiking Club meets Thursday evenings from 6:00–7:30 PM beginning June 4th. Independent Living Coordinator Lori Stankiewicz will guide the group through accessible outdoor spaces including Wehr Nature Center, Lion’s Den Gorge, Retzer Nature Center, and more.

Whether you want to enjoy fresh air, connect with others, practice mindfulness, or simply spend time in nature, this group is for you. All experience levels are welcome and participation is completely free.

Checm out the link in the comments to learn more and sign up with Lori today!

Video Description:
Independent Living Coordinator Lori Stankiewicz invites viewers to join Independence First’s Hiking Club, a free summer program exploring accessible parks and nature trails throughout the Milwaukee area. The video features Lori speaking outdoors alongside scenic footage of people hiking and enjoying nature while sharing information about the club’s Thursday evening meetups, accessible locations, and welcoming atmosphere for all experience levels.

We had a fun time out at Veterans Park testing adaptive cycling equipment ahead of this Saturday’s RampUp MKE event!Staf...
05/26/2026

We had a fun time out at Veterans Park testing adaptive cycling equipment ahead of this Saturday’s RampUp MKE event!

Staff from Independence First and The Ability Center spent an afternoon smiling, riding, and exploring adaptive recreation equipment including a hand cycle, mountain trike, and power-assisted recumbent bicycle along Milwaukee’s lakefront.

Adaptive cycling creates new opportunities for people with disabilities and mobility limitations to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and participate in recreation alongside others.

Join us this Saturday, May 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Veterans Park for RampUp MKE, a free adaptive bike ride and community resource event hosted by The Ability Center with community partner Independence First.

Come ride, connect, and explore adaptive recreation in Milwaukee!

05/25/2026

Board Game Night at Independence First is officially… game on. 🎲🔥

Join us on the second Wednesday of every month from 6:00–8:00 PM for a fun, welcoming evening of board games, laughter, and community connection.

Whether you’re competitive, casual, or just coming for the vibes, there’s a seat at the table for you.

Video Description:
Fast cuts, board games, and a few classic pop culture game references, because Board Game Night at Independence First is serious business.
Join us on the second Wednesday of every month from 6:00–8:00 PM for a welcoming evening of games, laughter, and community connection.

đź“Ť Independence First
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
đź“… Second Wednesday of every month

05/22/2026

Milwaukee’s lakefront is getting more inclusive this summer.

Join The Ability Center and community partner Independence First on Saturday, May 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Veterans Park for RampUp MKE. It's a free adaptive bike ride and community resource event.

Adaptive cycling creates new opportunities for people with disabilities and mobility limitations to stay active, explore the outdoors, and participate in recreation alongside others. At the event, attendees will be able to try adaptive hand cycles provided free of charge by The Ability Center and explore additional adaptive recreation equipment demonstrated by Independence First staff.

Come ride, connect, and learn more about inclusive recreation and disability resources available in the Milwaukee community.



Video Description:
Video opens with scenes of adaptive cycles moving along pathways at Veterans Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Throughout the video, Independence First staff and The Ability Center staff demonstrate different adaptive bikes and cycling equipment while upbeat music plays underneath a narrated voice over describing the upcoming RampUp MKE adaptive bike ride and community resource event. The video concludes with event information for Saturday, May 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Veterans Park.

A big thank you to the leaders of the Frederick Gaenslen School of Milwaukee Public Schools for welcoming Independence F...
05/22/2026

A big thank you to the leaders of the Frederick Gaenslen School of Milwaukee Public Schools for welcoming Independence First to Thursday’s open house and resource fair!

We connected with dozens of students, parents, and caregivers while sharing information about our summer programs, independent living services, and youth opportunities including SPARK Leadership Camp, Summer Vibes, Arts & Crafts workshops, and Hiking Club.

We were excited to see so many families interested in learning more about Independence First and grateful for the warm welcome from the Gaenslen School community. Special thanks to Parent Coordinator Tawana Austin for organizing such a thoughtful and inclusive event!

Thank you to Vision Forward Association for inviting Independence First to participate in yesterday’s community resource...
05/21/2026

Thank you to Vision Forward Association for inviting Independence First to participate in yesterday’s community resource fair in West Allis.

We appreciated the opportunity to connect with families, share information about Independence First programs and services, and talk about upcoming summer opportunities including Arts & Crafts Workshops, Adaptive Birding, and SPARK Leadership Camp. Events like these are a valuable way for organizations to come together and help families learn about resources available in the community.

We’re grateful to Vision Forward for hosting such a welcoming event and for the work they do to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

🎟️ We’re excited to invite our community to join Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for their annual Sensory-Friendly Concert...
05/21/2026

🎟️ We’re excited to invite our community to join Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for their annual Sensory-Friendly Concert experience!

Independence First has FREE ticket pairs available for this special performance on Sunday, May 31 at the Bradley Symphony Center. 🎶

Sensory-friendly concerts are designed to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for people with sensory sensitivities, autism, and their families. Features include:
• Relaxed house rules
• Dimmed lights
• Quiet areas
• Sensory supports and fidgets
• Flexible seating

🎻 To enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets:
Comment below or send us a direct message. Tag someone you’d bring with you!

05/20/2026

Join us this Saturday, May 23 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM for a free adaptive birding hike at Eisenbahn State Trail. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just curious about exploring Wisconsin’s natural spaces, this welcoming program is designed to make birding accessible for everyone.

The trail is accessible and adaptive equipment will be available to use during the hike. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of spring, connect with others, and discover local bird species in a relaxed and supportive environment.

To RSVP or request accommodations, contact Nina Gutmanis at 414-226-8106 or [email protected].

🎥 Video Description: A short nature-themed promotional reel featuring forest and bird sounds alongside footage of birds commonly seen in Wisconsin. On-screen text promotes Independence First’s upcoming Adaptive Birding hike at Eisenbahn State Trail, highlighting that the event is free, accessible, and offers adaptive equipment for participants.

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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