At @ncil.bsky.social, we spoke with Dr. Victor Pineda of Berkeley's Center for Independent Living—the original ILC that inspired a nationwide movement. "Together... we can accomplish anything." #IndependentLiving #DisabilityRights #Accessibility

"We won't go back." ♿💙 Some highlights from this year's @ncil.bsky.social march on Washington for disability rights #IndependentLiving #DisabilityCommunity #Accessibility #WashingtonDC

Part 3 of our conversation with former Senator Tom Harkin. He argues that people with disabilities should have every opportunity to live in their communities with the supports they need, not be steered toward institutions. #ADA36 #DisabilityRights #IndependentLiving

Part 2 of our conversation with former Senator Tom Harkin at @ncil.bsky.social annual conference. His message: many of the disability rights we have today were won through persistent, nonviolent advocacy. Progress doesn't happen by accident. It happens when people organize and take action.

36 years after the #ADA became law, former Senator Tom Harkin reminds us at the @ncil.bsky.social annual conference that the work isn't finished. "We've got this far... it's not okay yet." Independent living, integrated employment, and equal opportunity remain goals worth fighting for.

We're in Washington, D.C. for the @ncil.bsky.social Annual Conference! ♿ Joining us this week is Amber Hammond, who reminds us why advocacy matters: "Legislators aren't going to know what we want and need unless we tell them."

We are honored to announce that Independence First has been awarded a $200,000 matching grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation to expand our Alternatives in Mobility (AIM) Program.

🌫️ Canadian wildfire smoke has reached Milwaukee. These photos were taken outside Independence First this morning. If you're sensitive to poor air quality, take extra care today. 💙 #Milwaukee #AirQuality

What do the colors of the Disability Pride Flag mean? ♿

Reminder: Disability is the only minority group anyone can join at any time.

Three donated power wheelchairs. One grateful family. ❤️

Finding a little peace in a busy world can make a big difference. 💙 Join us for Calm Your Mind, a four-week workshop where you'll learn simple mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress, stay present, and build healthy coping skills you can use every day.

We visited the Abilities Expo in the Chicago area over the weekend. This thread will update all that we saw and documented!

Creating a more inclusive world starts with how we talk about disability and each other. Watch Gerald Hay's thoughtful message on language, learning, and inclusion. #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #IndependentLiving

Joel's power wheelchair was discontinued years ago, but it's still the chair that works best for him. When other repair providers won't service older equipment, Independence First's AIM program helps keep mobility devices running. Watch Joel and Tim Kiley explain why the right fit matters.♿

What can you create with stickers, photos, ticket stubs, and a little imagination? 🎨📖 Missed this session? More free Arts & Crafts workshops are coming all summer long! #JunkJournal #ArtsAndCrafts #DisabilityInclusion #CreativeExpression #Milwaukee #IndependenceFirst

🎮♿ "It gives me the ability to connect with people and adapt... and just have fun with adaptive equipment." Meet Adolfo, a 19-year-old student with cerebral palsy, as he demonstrates adaptive gaming technology at our Summertime Vibes program. #AdaptiveGaming #Accessibility #DisabilityInclusion

Refurbished power wheelchairs can still have years of life left in them. Through our AIM Program, Independence First repairs and redistributes complex mobility equipment at reduced costs to help more people access independence. Partner of WisTech, Wisconsin’s AT Act program.

Hey Bluesky, what's happening?

🗳️ The Wisconsin Spring Election is April 7, 2026. Independence First created a simple guide for voters with disabilities explaining what’s on the ballot and how to vote, including how to check your registration and find your polling place. #DisabilityRights #VoteWisconsin

On #NationalCaregiversDay, we’re honoring Sonia Ruiz, a Milwaukee mom who has cared for her daughter Jessica since she was born prematurely at six months. Caregiving is challenging. It’s often unseen. But as Sonia says: “Love above everything.” Today we recognize caregivers everywhere. 💙

Despite years of talk, the disability “marriage penalty” still exists. Some couples must choose between getting married and keeping the benefits that help them live independently. Love shouldn’t cost independence. #DisabilityRights #EndTheMarriagePenalty

Did you catch us on the radio this morning? Our Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support Group at Independence First is featured in a new story from @wuwmradio.bsky.social 89.7 FM, highlighting how peer connection helps people navigate life after injury. Read & listen: www.wuwm.com/milwaukee-su...

In Milwaukee support group, wheelchair users talk navigating life after injury

A local support group for wheelchair users brings together people to discuss the challenges of living with mobility issues.

wuwm.com

Art without barriers. 💙🎨 At Independence First, our walls showcase artists with disabilities and the beauty of inclusion in every brushstroke. #DisabilityArt #AccessibilityMatters #IndependenceFirst #Milwaukee #ArtForAll

Fiver the Labubu’s rolling through the Independence First office to show off our five core services! 💙♿️ Because independence, inclusion, and choice belong to everyone. #DisabilityInclusion #IndependentLiving #Milwaukee #Accessibility #IndependenceFirst

Meet Connie & Bob Abing, parents and lifelong caregivers to their son Jacob, who lives with Down Syndrome, Autism, and the lasting effects of childhood cancer. Their love and resilience is something special. 🎥 Watch their story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TaP...

Honoring Family Caregivers: Connie and Bob Abing’s Story

YouTube video by Independence First

youtube.com

Disability is part of the human experience and accessibility benefits everyone. 💙 At Independence First, we have countless examples of assistive technology to help people with disabilities live more independently and confidently. Learn more: independencefirst.org

Big thanks to @cbs58.bsky.social for visiting Independence First today and spotlighting accessibility in action! 💙 Watch the story here: cbs58.com/news/interna... #IDPD #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibilityForAll

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: How Independence First is helping people in the Milwaukee community

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Independence First in Milwaukee's Walker's Point neighborhood, helps people with technology, education, and resources-- like, loans and grants. They not only advocate for persons

cbs58.com

Allow us to be the First to wish a Happy December First from all of us at Independence First! ❄️ Wishing you a joyful start to the month.

Today we honor Transgender Day of Remembrance and the lives lost to anti-trans violence. Our Youth Services Coordinator Logan Edmonds (they/them) led staff education this week and created a public showcase on trans rights 🏳️‍⚧️💙#TransDayOfRemembrance #TransRightsAreHumanRights