@Independence1st

Your FIRST resource on disability and access in the Milwaukee region. We're advocates/provide services.

 Milwaukee, WI
independencefirst.org
Joined March 2009
  • Tweets14.3K
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  • Followers5.9K
868Media
Have you ever felt left behind because of your disability? You’re not alone. And you shouldn’t have to be. Tell us about a time accessibility made a difference… or when it was missing.
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💙 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.
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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 in our community.
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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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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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Click here to learn more about our Alternatives in Mobility program: independencefirst.org/Indepe…
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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. independencefirst.org/Indepe…
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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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At #NCIL2026, 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."
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Video Description (Accessibility): Dr. Victor Pineda, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, California, speaks directly to the camera from the main conference hall at the National Council on Independent Living Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.
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"We won't go back." ♿💙 Some highlights from this year's National Council on Independent Living march on Washington for disability rights #IndependentLiving #DisabilityCommunity #Accessibility #WashingtonDC
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Video Description (Accessibility): The video follows the Independence First delegation during the NCIL March in Washington, D.C. Amber Hammond and Maddie Koetting speak as footage shows disability advocates carrying signs, chanting, and traveling down Pennsylvania Avenue.
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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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Video Description (Accessibility): Former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin speaks directly to the camera in a hallway at the National Council on Independent Living Conference.
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36 years after the #ADA became law, former Senator Tom Harkin reminds us 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. #ADA36 #DisabilityRights
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Video Description (Accessibility): Former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin speaks directly to the camera while standing in a hallway at the National Council on Independent Living Conference in Washington, D.C. He's wearing a white shirt and holding a small microphone.
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We're in Washington, D.C. for the @NCILAdvocacy 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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Video Description (Accessibility): A video follows Independence First consumer and self-advocate Amber Hammond as she travels with staff to Washington, D.C., for the National Council on Independent Living Annual Conference.
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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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Help us match this grant! Make a tax-deductible gift that transforms lives. secure.everyaction.com/A5DPo…
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Thank you @PackersOutreach for this incredible opportunity!
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