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Independence First

@independencefirst.bsky.social
19 followers 16 following 65 posts

Advocates for people with disabilities here in Milwaukee and everywhere. Milwaukee's Independent Living Center. www.independencefirst.org #disabilityrights #disabilityadvocate

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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
Click here to learn more about our Alternatives in Mobility program: www.independencefirst.org/Independence...
independencefirst.org
Alternatives in Mobility
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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 · 12/08/2026
Wisconsin needs your voice! 📣 Help shape the 2028–2030 State Plan for Independent Living by taking the statewide Needs Assessment Survey. It takes about 6 minutes and is open to all Wisconsin residents—with or without a disability. www.independencefirst.org/Independence...
independencefirst.org
Help Shape the Future of Independent Living in Wisconsin: Take the 2028–2030 Needs Assessment Survey
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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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Reposted by Independence First
National Council on Independent Living @ncil.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
A Message from Theo Braddy: Every Six Months, I Become Disabled Again Every six months, the system will ask me a question it already knows the answer to. Am I still disabled? I know that sounds ridiculous. It sounds ridiculous because it is. Read more: bit.ly/3RzW2lL
bit.ly
A Message from Theo Braddy: Every Six Months, I Become Disabled Again - National Council on Independent Living
Listen to the audio version of this message Hello again. This is Theo W. Braddy, Executive Director...
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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
Help us match this incredible grant! Make a tax-deductible gift that transforms lives. secure.everyaction.com/A5DPokkXMkeL...
secure.everyaction.com
Make a Tax-Deductible Gift That Transforms Lives
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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 · 09/07/2026
Reminder: Disability is the only minority group anyone can join at any time.
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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
No experience is necessary—just come as you are. 🗓 Thursdays: July 9, 16, 23 & 30 🕑 2:00–3:30 p.m. 📍 Independence First – Milwaukee
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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
Check out more about our Alternatives in Mobility program here: www.independencefirst.org/Independence...
independencefirst.org
Alternatives in Mobility
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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
Learn more about our Alternatives in Mobility program here: www.independencefirst.org/Independence...
independencefirst.org
Alternatives in Mobility
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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Browse our eBay store here: www.ebay.com/usr/indefirs...
ebay.com
Security Measure | eBay
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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 · 31/03/2026
Hey Bluesky, what's happening?
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Independence First @independencefirst.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Read the guide: www.independencefirst.org/Independence...
independencefirst.org
Blog
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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 · 12/02/2026
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...
wuwm.com
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.
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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
Also - please follow us on TikTok if you can. Thanks! www.tiktok.com/@independenc...
tiktok.com
Independence First's Creator Profile
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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 · 05/12/2025
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...
youtube.com
Honoring Family Caregivers: Connie and Bob Abing’s Story
YouTube video by Independence First
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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 · 03/12/2025
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
cbs58.com
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
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