iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 22h

💙 Caregivers are the bridge to independence. Personal care workers help people with disabilities remain in their homes, participate in their communities and live life on their own terms. #IndependentLiving #DisabilityRights

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

“It wasn’t about normalcy. It was all about functionality.” Tyson Wenzel’s mother, Tracy, shares how Ty’s drive to do things his own way shaped how he grew up — and what independence means to him today. ♿

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

This Saturday would have been Justin Dart’s 96th birthday. Here's why his legacy still matters for our movement today.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Something new is taking shape at Independence First! 🎥🎙️ We’ve been hard at work transforming an empty room into the Voices of Independence Digital Media Studio, a dedicated space where we can share more stories, perspectives and experiences from people with disabilities in our community.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

When a power wheelchair breaks, waiting weeks or months for a repair can mean losing mobility, independence and safety. Ty shares what that reality is like and why timely wheelchair repair matters. ♿

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Just 6 days after an accident left Ty without access to his power wheelchair, Independence First’s AIM program delivered a newly refurbished chair, free of charge. ♿ Now Ty can get back outside and enjoy the rest of his summer.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

An important change from HUD could affect people with disabilities who rely on emotional support animals. 🐾 The Fair Housing Act hasn’t changed, but HUD’s approach to enforcing ESA-related complaints has.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

After a community outing, our consumer Adolfo was left stranded when his pre-scheduled accessible transportation ride was canceled without notice. He and his brother waited more than an hour for another vehicle. Reliable transportation is essential to independent living. It's never optional.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

#TBT: These photos from October 2003 show Independence First staff advocating for an accessible Milwaukee RiverWalk. Their persistence helped drive improvements that transformed one of MKE's most iconic public spaces into one that more people can enjoy. Progress happens when people speak up. ♿💙

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

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.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

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.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

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."

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

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.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

🌫️ 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

The Independence First building is seen from the parking lot beneath a smoke-filled sky. The sun appears as a dim orange circle shining through the thick haze caused by Canadian wildfire smoke. The parking lot is mostly empty, and the unusually smoky conditions give the entire scene a muted, gray-orange appearance.

The Independence First monument sign stands in the foreground along South 1st Street in Milwaukee. A thick layer of smoky haze from Canadian wildfires blankets the skyline, making distant buildings appear faded. The Allen-Bradley Clock Tower, normally prominent from this location, is barely visible through the smoke. Several cars travel along the street under a gray, hazy sky.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Three donated power wheelchairs. One grateful family. ❤️

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

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.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Not every wheelchair-accessible vehicle is a minivan. At the Abilities Expo, we got a look at a GMC Silverado conversion that lets wheelchair users access a full-size pickup truck with the push of a button. Watch the demo. 🚙 #Accessibility #WheelchairAccess #AbilitiesExpo

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

What if clipping your own nails was no longer a struggle? At the Abilities Expo, Melanie McMullen of Clip Different showed how adaptive electric nail clippers can help people with disabilities maintain independence.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

"Everybody climbs. Everybody." At the Abilities Expo, climbers of all abilities, including wheelchair users took on an adaptive climbing wall. 🧗 #AdaptiveClimbing #AbilitiesExpo #Accessibility

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Three years after becoming paralyzed, Caroline walked through a kitchen and reached an upper cabinet for the first time using the Eve personal exoskeleton at from Wandercraft

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

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.♿

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

🎮♿ "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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

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.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

🗳️ 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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

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. 💙

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

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

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

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

A photo of a young trans woman who was shot to death in August of 2025. She had brown hair and wore pearls. She's smiling in the photograph.

Post cards arranged on a table ready to be filled out. One side reads "support and protect trans lives." the other side features a heart graphic overlayed with the transgender rights flag and the text "protect trans lives"

A person gives a presentation to a room of about one dozen listeners. They are standing beside a projection screen with text about trans rights on display.

A person gives a presentation behind a podium to a room of listeners. Behind them is a projection screen with information about transphobia.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Cooking up independence! 👩‍🍳💙 Since October, our Youth Leadership Coordinator Yer has been meeting 1:1 with Emmalee, who set a goal to build her cooking skills. Today she made gluten-free chicken enchiladas and did almost all the cooking herself! Proud of her progress and confidence. 🙌

Two young women smile and pose for a photo in the kitchen at Independence First. The woman on the left has a purple sweater and glasses. The woman on the right has a denim jacket and dark brown hair.

A young woman in a purple sweater smiles as she unwraps a head of fresh lettuce in the kitchen at Independence First.

A young woman with a purple sweater slices onions on a cutting board. Another young woman is standing beside her watching.

A young woman unwraps a head of lettuce. Another young woman arranges ingredients on a table beside her.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Today we served 69 seniors at our monthly Food Distribution with Hunger Task Force ! ❤️ Huge thanks to the volunteers from Capital First Trust Company for helping deliver food boxes right to each car. Grateful for strong community partnerships during the holiday season.💙

A group of 8 people pose for a picture smiling.

A line of cars await volunteers with food boxes from Hunger Task Force.

Fresh red apples in a box ready for distribution.

A woman in a blue coat approaches a white car with a bag of food items.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

🏡 November is National Care at Home Month! We’re celebrating the caregivers, personal care workers, and consumers who make independent living at home possible. Everyone deserves the choice to live where they feel safe and supported. 💙 Learn more: IndependenceFirst.org

Text: November is National Care at Home Month. House with heart illustration.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

Independence First is hiring! Join our award-winning team. We are seeking a full-time, salaried Controller. For application and more information, visit: atsod.com/j/s.cfm/18G5

Graphic says, we are hiring! Controller full-time Independence First

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

It's almost Youth Leadership Summit time! If someone you know is a high-school student with a disability, join us for a week of fun & advocacy! The program runs 6/23- 6/27 from 10AM-4PM at the Independence First main office. Lunch provided! To register: www.independencefirst.org/Events/Youth...

Two youth leaders smile for a photo wearing Independence First youth leadership summit t-shirts

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

This week we are happy to be hosting five Governor-appointed disability councils and committees. Thank you to Lieutenant Governor @lgsararodriguez.bsky.social for supporting people with disabilities!

Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez speaks to committees and councils on disability at Independence First with an ASL interpreter at her side.

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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Take action against cuts to #Medicaid! Share your story on March 27th from 1-3PM. Let lawmakers, officials & the public know how you feel! This event will be held at Independence First, 540 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee. #SAVEMEDICAID! For details and to RSVP to speak visit: bit.ly/3Fn13r4

Road sign that says cuts ahead. Background is a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

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